"I gotta say," Ryuto spoke softly as he twirled his sword with one hand, its crimson edge catching the light, "you two have a lot of patience. You waited while I called for evacuation and even let the kids walk away safely. So tell me… are you just being nice, or is that overconfidence?"
Ren smirked, licking the edge of his long green dagger like a deranged predator. "We figured we'd let you have your little hero moment before you die. Call it mercy."
Ryuto didn't flinch. His eyes remained fixed on them, sharp as blades. "One question before we do this. Who are you two really? From your aura, I can tell—you're both at least SSS-rankers. And I know every one of them in this world. Even if you don't work for a government or an organization, it's not easy to stay hidden with that kind of power."
Rei cracked his knuckles and gave a slow grin. "You're just as sharp as they say. I can't tell you everything, but… I do have an offer."
He stepped forward slightly, the ground seeming to tense beneath his feet. "Work for our lord, Ryuto. Join us. You'll witness the world as it should be—flawless, powerful, perfect."
Ryuto's grip on the sword tightened, but his voice stayed calm. "I don't work for anyone. Keep your offer."
Rei's expression darkened, and his voice dropped into a cold whisper.
"Is that so… then die."
Ren vanished from his spot. In an instant, he was right in front of Ryuto. His hands moved fast, aiming to slice Ryuto's neck with his sharp daggers.
But before the blades could reach him, Ryuto slammed the back of his sword's handle into Ren's chin.
Boom!
The impact was so strong, the ground shook. Ren flew several hundred meters away, crashing through the air like a ragdoll.
Ryuto stood still, lowering his weapon slightly.
"Being an SSS ranker doesn't mean you're strong," he muttered. "You need to use your head too."
Before he could finish the thought, he sensed something. Rei was still in place, calm and deadly.
Rei slowly raised both arms and crossed them. His fingers curled like claws. Then, with a sharp motion, he swung them down in an X-shape.
A massive slash of energy tore through the air toward Ryuto.
Reacting instantly, Ryuto ducked low and leapt into the sky, his feet cracking the ground as he pushed off.
As Ryuto looked down from the sky, he couldn't find Rei on the ground.
That's when he saw him—right in front of him, mid-air.
Before Ryuto could react, Rei slashed with his claws. Ryuto raised his sword just in time to block, but the force of the hit sent him crashing toward the ground. The sudden burst of air pressure made him fall even faster.
Just before hitting the ground, Ren appeared below him, smiling creepily with his daggers ready.
Ren swung his weapons across Ryuto's stomach.
Slash!
Blood sprayed as a deep cut opened across his body, sending him flying again.
Ryuto slammed his sword into the ground to stop himself. The blade dug in, slowing him down just enough. He landed hard, barely able to stay on his feet, breathing heavily.
Then Rei appeared again, right in front of him, claws raised for the final blow.
Ryuto didn't have time to dodge or block.
He opened his mouth and whispered, "Charge."
A white light sparked to life, forming a glowing circle around him.
As soon as Rei's claw touched the light—Boom!—a powerful shockwave blasted him back, throwing him across the field.
Ryuto stood there, blood dripping from the wound on his stomach. He looked around—people were still evacuating in the distance. Then he turned back and saw Ren and Rei standing in front of him, just watching.
He tightened his grip on his sword, muscles tensed to move—but then, his vision blurred.
"What the…" Ryuto whispered, confused.
"They say you're smart and strong," Ren said with a grin, licking his green dagger. "But if you were really smart, you wouldn't have taken that hit."
"Don't talk nonsense, Ren," Rei said in a calm voice. "Getting injured is normal in battle. Being smart doesn't mean you can dodge everything."
"Whatever," Ren muttered.
Ryuto's eyes were heavy. He was losing consciousness. He looked at his bleeding stomach, then suddenly grabbed his sword and held it in his mouth. A bright white light sparked around his body like electricity. His eyes rolled back, like he was in pain. But then—
The bleeding stopped.
He stood still for a few seconds, frozen.
Then he grabbed his sword again, holding it in his right hand. His eyes sharpened. His vision was clear again—and he looked strong, like nothing had even happened.
Ren stared in shock. "What the hell just happened? What did he just do?" he asked, turning to Rei.
Rei also looked surprised—but then he smiled. "You really are as smart as they say," he said, watching Ryuto carefully.
"I'm asking you something! Tell me what happened!" Ren shouted.
Rei finally answered, eyes still fixed on Ryuto. "He redirected his power inside his body. Boosted his own energy. His body reacted fast—his white blood cells adapted and fought back against your poison."
"…What the hell are you saying? Speak normally."
Rei sighed. "He used his ability to help his body fight the poison. That's how he recovered."
Ren looked at Ryuto for a moment, then simply nodded.
"He figured it out in just a minute…" Rei muttered, watching Ryuto with calm but curious eyes. "That man really is worth having on our side… too bad we have to kill him."
As he spoke, the air around them shifted. It wasn't just wind—it was pressure. The breeze began to pick up speed unnaturally, swirling like a storm was beginning to form above the calm park. Leaves and dust spiraled upward, rustling the trees. A low hum echoed in the background, like the earth itself was holding its breath.
"You won't be lucky this time," Ren said with a crooked grin. His voice held that same creepy tone, but now, there was venom behind it. As he stepped forward, a green mist started seeping out of his body—thin at first, then slowly spreading out like smoke across the ground, curling around his arms and feet. The grass beneath him started to darken.
Ryuto's eyes narrowed. He wasn't shaken. "We'll see who's lucky."
Then the sky cracked.
Out of nowhere, the clouds turned a deep gray, almost black. Thunder roared like a beast overhead. The brightness of the day vanished in seconds as if someone dimmed the world. A gust of wind swept through the park with such force that benches tipped and trees creaked loudly. Bolts of lightning flickered high above, dancing in the clouds.
It wasn't natural. The weather was answering to someone.
Ryuto stood there, gripping his sword tightly. His expression calm. Focused. Unmoved.
[Chapter 18 end]