in the previous chapter of In the Middle of Two Sides…
Haruto: Not much, they're not just technology, they're more like aura materialized on top of them to power them, hence why they don't need electricity, by letting them rest they recharge from the environment itself, I suppose I can get you all one to keep our conversations more secure.
Kōta: Well, I suppose that would be pretty good. I guess it's time we go rest, boys. Be careful on the road everyone, soldiers, let's get the tents ready, okay?
(All): Sir, yes sir!
And while all this was happening...
(Begins)
And while all this was happening, Hōzuki had to get to the infernal care area, the damage done to him not going unnoticed.
(Elite-Rank Demon): What happened, Hōzuki? Did a Demonic Giant crush you? HAHAHAHAHAHA
(High-Rank Commander): Hm, now even the Guardians defeat you? Isn't that "Gares's hand is invincible"? How pathetic.
Hōzuki: Hmm, whatever you say, Enjin? How's your mission going? Hmm? I don't see your soldiers at the bar. Did they die? Hehehe.
(Alto Commander): Scoundrel, I'm going to finish you off.
Hōzuki: Calm your cravings, stupid. You don't want Gares to find out you caused a riot at one of his sanatoriums.
(Demon Nurse): Ready, Mr. Hōzuki. His wounds have already healed. I just need to use his power and they'll heal completely.
Hōzuki: Thank you very much, Doc. Excuse me.
And as he walked home, murmurs followed him. Some demons looked at him with disdain, others with amazement. Not everyone survived a fight against a Phantom Ascension wielder. Much less someone who then stood up on their own two feet. (Hōzuki – in thought): "That brat... not only did he reach that state again, but he almost killed me without hesitation. If it weren't for that last burst of energy, he would have split me in two. He's progressing too quickly..."
Reaching his abode, a shadowy structure forged from rock and blackened metal, Hōzuki removed his stained cloak and slumped onto a bone chair. In front of him, a sinister altar with several burnt photographs and pieces of relics stolen from the angelic world.
He turned on one of the underworld's communication channels, accessible only by high-ranking demons. A face appeared, shrouded in shadow.
(???): Have you faced him yet?
Hōzuki: Yes. The brat has already mastered Ascension. And he's learning to use it with more control. Don't underestimate him.
(???): And you still plan to continue contacting him?
Hōzuki: Yes. He's not ready for Gares, but if he survives a few more months… he could shift the balance of power. That makes him a useful variable.
(???): And you? Have you gone soft, perhaps?
Hōzuki: No. Just cautious. Gares no longer trusts even his own shadow. And you know it. The day he sees me as a threat… he won't hesitate to kill me like the others.
(???): Then let the work continue. But remember, if you betray the underworld, we ourselves will destroy you.
The communication cut out.
Hōzuki stood up, opening one of the windows overlooking the abyss of eternal fire. There, a group of demonic soldiers were training amid shouts and blows, led by Enjin himself, the commander who had insulted him earlier.
(Hōzuki – whispering): Keep training, idiots… you have no idea what's coming.
________________________________________
A few hours later, in the main hall of his house, Hōzuki received an unexpected visitor. A thin, hooded figure with a white mask and a prominent scar on his neck appeared from the shadows.
(Hooded Man): Lord Gares has summoned you. He says he needs to speak with you personally.
Hōzuki: Tch... and I thought I'd sleep in peace tonight. Tell him I'll see him, but this time, if he tries to order me around as his servant... he won't walk away.
(Hooded Man): Just come. He has news that even you won't want to ignore.
The figure disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Hōzuki, somewhat annoyed, turned his gaze to an antique portrait hanging at the back of the hall. In it, a full team of elite demonic soldiers... all dead, except for him.
Hōzuki: Kōta... if you're going to change this world, you'd better not let me down.
With that, she left her house once again, walking into the darkness. About to meet Gares.
Back with Kouta…
To be continued…