Kael and Reiro walked for nearly fifteen minutes before Reiko's base came into view. It was an old yet permanent structure, castle-like in form, standing alone in silence. The place felt abandoned. No movement. No presence.
"Lord Kael, once we enter the castle, I will take down both generals," Reiro said quietly. "But Reiko is far stronger than me. One of the strongest souls. You can only win by making him fear the Soul Prince's power. Use that fear. It's the only way. I also can't sense Reiko here, so we must first obtain information about his location."
"Are you certain you can handle them alone?" Kael asked.
"Yes, my lord," Reiro replied without hesitation.
"Then I'll handle Reiko. Let's go. And be safe."
They entered the castle together.
Isamu and Kaede were already waiting in the main hall.
"Lord Kael," Reiro said, lowering his voice slightly, "the one on the left is Isamu. The one on the right is Kaede."
"Reiro," Kaede asked, tilting his head, "what brings you here?"
"Where is Reiko?" Reiro replied.
"What business do you have here?" Kaede demanded.
"Kaede, don't waste time," Isamu said calmly. "They're not here to talk. So the Soul Prince has decided to act himself. Very well. Come, Reiro. I'll be your opponent."
Soul Prince… that child does carry his presence. But it's distorted, Kaede thought.
Reiro moved first, steel colliding with steel as he clashed with Isamu. At the same time, Kael stepped toward Kaede.
Kael drew his sword and struck. Kaede blocked the blade with his bare hand and grabbed it, yanking forward and pulling Kael off balance. As he fell, Kael poured aura into his leg and kicked Kaede away, breaking free. He landed, then leapt back to create distance.
"Aran Style: Sword of Balance."
Kael bent his knees, holding the sword at waist height. As Kaede approached, the blade flashed, moving in rapid, controlled arcs.
Kaede halted mid-step.
Blood spread across his chest.
The technique drained Kael slightly. He sheathed his sword, clenched his fist, and stepped forward, striking directly at the wound.
Kaede staggered, confusion flashing across his face. He growled, steadied himself, and straightened, eyes burning with fury.
"Lord Kael," Reiro called out while pressing Isamu back, "he used Spirit Howl. Soul Eaters nearby will reach this place within minutes."
Kael didn't hesitate. Aura surged into his hand.
"Perfect Impact."
The blow smashed Kaede into the ground.
He lay still.
…Or so Kael thought.
Kaede emerged from behind a pillar, completely unharmed, a calm smile on his face.
"So you're after Reiko," he said softly. "He's in the west. Underground prison."
He stepped back, still smiling.
Kael froze.
"Lord Kael, don't waste your energy here," Reiro said. "Let me force the information out of them."
"I know where he is," Kael replied.
The two regrouped. Across the hall, Isamu and Kaede stood together.
"If you're certain, go," Reiro said. "I'll handle them."
"You can manage both?" Kael asked.
"I can."
"Be safe."
"You too, Lord Kael."
Kael turned and left through the gate.
Reiro faced them alone.
"Shall we begin?" he asked, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
Isamu focused on healing. Kaede watched, amused.
I'll finish Kaede first, Reiro thought.
"Sword Form: Soul Piercer."
The strike sent Kaede crashing into the castle wall. Isamu barely remained standing.
"Soul Magic: Chaotic Eyes," Isamu said.
The effect took hold—only briefly.
"Not again," Reiro snapped, lifting his head. "That trick won't work twice."
"Reiron Toketsu," he said coldly.
"I created this technique after I lost to you once… to ensure I never would again."
His blade pierced Isamu. The general froze, his fighting spirit rapidly draining away.
"Flowing Soul Wave," Kaede shouted.
Kaede attacked from above and below at once.
Reiro turned, blocked the blade, seized Kaede by the neck, and slammed him into the ground.
The moment his grip closed, he knew.
"This isn't your real body," Reiro said calmly. "How long do you plan to hide, Kaede? I already know your technique."
Silence followed.
"Then don't blame me for this," Reiro said. "Soul Crush."
A massive surge of soul power erupted outward.
Because Kaede ranked lower than Reiko, the pressure forced him into the open.
"You cheater!" Kaede screamed as he collapsed, crushed under the weight of it.
Reiro didn't hesitate. His blade flashed.
Kaede's head fell.
(Breathing heavily) "That technique consumes too much soul power…" Reiro muttered.
Behind him, Isamu broke free from Reiron Toketsu.
The two stood facing each other.
Outside the Castle
Kael stepped out—and froze.
A massive swarm of Soul Eaters was rushing toward the castle.
Reiro is doing so much for me, Kael thought. The least I can do is finish them all. Then I'll go for Reiko.
Human World – Ivan Palace
Medical Room 1006
Victor slowly regained consciousness.