The cold wind swept across the damaged alleyways of the Tokyo Area, carrying with it the faint scent of rust and smoke. Yet amid the gray and oppressive world, Takumi walked calmly, Xiao Meihui holding onto his sleeve as if he were the only source of warmth left in existence.
Behind them, the last sparks of flame consumed the corpses of the two police officers. Not even ash remained.
No trace, no evidence—only consequences.
Takumi exhaled softly. "Well then… time for Dimensional City to make its first move inside this rotten world."
Xiao Meihui looked up, her eyes still red from crying. "Brother Takumi… what do we do now?"
Takumi smiled as he gently tapped her forehead. "We start building a future. Starting with saving your sisters."
When he said sisters, Xiao Meihui's eyes widened with a mix of fear, hope, and longing.
Takumi continued walking forward, his voice lowering. "The civilization system just issued a task for me… looks like this world is about to change."
A familiar blue screen appeared before his eyes.
[Civilization Mission: Establish Forward Operating Base – Tokyo Area]
Objective: Secure a base of operations, initiate humanitarian extraction of Cursed Children, stabilize territory influence.
Reward: Dimensional City Expansion Permit (Lv.2), Autonomous Energy Core.
Takumi chuckled. "Perfect timing."
Tokyo Area — Tendo Clan Mansion
Inside the luxurious estate, Saint Tendo Kisara and the infamous Tendo Kikunojo were seated across from each other, the atmosphere thick and tense.
Kikunojo placed the satellite photos on the table.
"Tens of thousands of tents outside the Monolith," he said calmly. "And not a single Gastrea corpse remaining. All swept clean."
Kisara narrowed her eyes. "Gastrea don't simply disappear. Someone killed them."
"And then built a military base the size of a small nation," Kikunojo added with a chilling smile. "This is either an invasion…"
"…or a declaration."
The room fell silent.
Kisara tapped her fingers on the table. "Have you sent scouts?"
"They will report back soon. But I have a more interesting idea."
Kisara frowned. "I don't like that look on your face."
Kikunojo leaned back, his voice dripping with malicious intent.
"Let the Civil Police deal with them first."
Kisara stiffened. "You intend to send our Initiators to their deaths?"
"That's what they're for." Kikunojo's expression did not change. "Disposable tools. Besides… if these outsiders can slaughter stage-one and stage-two Gastrea like insects…"
His smile sharpened.
"…then I'd love to see what kind of beings can kill Gastrea without losing a single life."
Kisara looked at her grandfather with a mixture of disgust and cold calculation.
Outside Tokyo Area — Dimensional Forces Forward Camp
Benimaru stood at the forefront, the Black Flames on his palms flickering like eager beasts seeking prey.
Behind him, thirty-five thousand fully armed troops waited in disciplined silence.
Orcs in reinforced tactical armor.
Breathing Technique–enhanced soldiers wielding energy-forged weapons.
Magic casters and spirit archers standing by.
Everyone was prepared.
"Squads One through Ten," Benimaru commanded, "begin approach into the city. Priority: rescue and extraction of Cursed Children."
"Yes, Commander!"
Benimaru looked toward the city walls. "This world… is too cruel toward its own young. Lord Takumi was right. We'll change everything."
Tokyo Area — Streets
Takumi and Xiao Meihui emerged from the alley. For the first time in her life, Meihui walked beside someone whom she could trust completely.
But she still clung to his sleeve.
Turning toward him, she whispered, "Brother Takumi… what is Dimensional City?"
Takumi smiled faintly.
"A place where no one will hurt you."
"A place where children can eat as much as they want."
"A place where no one must hide their eyes."
Xiao Meihui froze.
Her voice trembled. "That… sounds like a dream."
Takumi knelt and gently pinched her cheek. "Then let's build that dream."
The moment his words left his lips, the Herrscher of Finality's aura expanded faintly—a pressure that rippled like a silent storm.
Civilians on the street stiffened without understanding why their instincts screamed danger.
Takumi stood up, eyes narrowing as he sensed multiple life signatures approaching.
"A welcoming party, huh."
Xiao Meihui tightened her grip on his sleeve. "Brother… are they bad guys?"
Takumi's grin turned shark-like.
"Depends on whether they point a weapon at me."
A rooftops away
Rentaro stood breathlessly, having been running nonstop since his confrontation with Takumi.
Should I report him? Should I call the police? No… no, that man… he isn't normal.
But before he could decide—
His communicator crackled.
"Rentaro! Report to HQ immediately!"
It was Kisara.
"We have a situation outside the Monolith. Tens of thousands of abnormal forces have appeared. You're being deployed."
Rentaro paled. "Tens of thousands!?"
"And Rentaro," Kisara added, her voice strangely heavy.
"…a foreign militant killed two officers today. If you cross paths with him—avoid him."
Rentaro froze.
He didn't know how to answer.
Back with Takumi
A squad of Civil Police turned the corner and saw Takumi.
Their eyes widened.
The commander spoke sharply. "That man matches the suspect description!"
Takumi sighed. "So Rentaro really did report me. What a troublesome brat."
Xiao Meihui trembled. "Brother… should we run?"
"Run? Why?" Takumi said, patting her head. "We're not the guilty ones."
The Civil Police raised their guns.
Takumi raised a single hand.
Herrscher Authority: Suppression.
The air itself bent.
Every Civil Police officer collapsed as if gravity had increased tenfold.
"Guh—!"
"My legs—!"
"Our bodies… can't move!"
Takumi's voice remained casual.
"You all can crawl around the ground for a bit. I'm busy."
He took Xiao Meihui into his arms.
"Let's go find your friends."
Xiao Meihui nodded, cheeks flushed from being carried.
"Yes!"
Civilization System Notification
[Tokyo Area Influence +5%]
[New Passive Unlocked: Fear Projection]
Takumi chuckled. "Nice."
Dimensional City was expanding its reach.
And the Tokyo Area…
Would soon face the Finality of its sins.