Jazel's divine flame shielded every building and civilian from her divine meteor shower's impact. The road damage extended 220 meters from the blast site, yet miraculously, no building was scratched, and no civilian was injured.
July 10, 2023, Monday, 4:20 AM
After unleashing her power, Jazel collapsed. She awoke in her room, clothed in fresh garments. Her only memory was the meteor shower and her desperate attempt to protect everyone.
"I went too far," she murmured.
A woman in a maid's uniform entered. Jazel recognized her without surprise.
"Jazel, you seem alright," the woman said.
Jazel thought of Zelaive. Is he safe? she wondered.
"Why am I here, Ninno? And where's Zelaive?" Jazel asked.
Ninno's reply chilled Jazel to the bone. "That man who fought with you against the Layer Monster… he's dead. He was so persistent in trying to protect you. It was hilarious! Even after I severed both his legs, he still tried to save you! Hahaha!"
Jazel's heart stopped. Her grief was evident; profound sorrow etched her face. Her negligence crushed her.
"I knew someone was watching us before the Layer Monster fight, but I was careless. I didn't consider the consequences," she whispered.
Rage flared, directed at Ninno. But revenge was futile. Her reckless use of the incomplete zone, without fulfilling its conditions, had rendered her zeal unusable.
(Zeal Explained)
Zeal is an inherent power within the body, inaccessible to ordinary humans. Awakening is required to harness it. There are three types:
- Morb: Zeal released from the body, usable for offense and defense. Morbs possess 2x or 3x more zeal than Durdianeas and Closises.
- Closis: The manifestation of one's unique ability. A Closis's ability is determined at birth and is unchangeable, though it can be awakened.
- Durdianeas: Access to three pet abilities: Zone, Host, and Change. A normal Durdianeas can access only one; accessing two is special.
Three Pet Abilities:
1. (Zone): Alters the environment, granting buffs or abilities. Activation requires specific conditions. Failure results in consequences, from a week-long to a lifetime ban.
2. (Host): Strengthens the owner by merging with the pet.
3. (Change): Transforms the pet's attributes into weapons or armor.
Morb > Enhance
Closis > Abilities
Durdianeas > Pet
July 9, 2023, Monday
After Jazel fainted, people in red coats arrived, Ninno among them.
Jazel had sensed observers since leaving the convenience store, even during the Layer Monster battle. She couldn't pinpoint them, so she used a wide-area attack. The meteor shower rendered her unconscious, giving her enemies their opportunity.
A door materialized, revealing three figures: two men in red coats and Ninno in a maid's uniform. A pierced man approached the unconscious Jazel.
"Don't stand in my way, kid, or you'll die," he threatened.
Zelaive stepped forward, gaze unwavering. "I'll let you be… if you don't harm Jazel."
"I don't need your permission, kid."
Kasumo's zeal intensified, felt even by Zelaive, but it wasn't enough to deter him.
"Get out of my sight, or die!" Kasumo threatened.
Zelaive stared silently.
Kasumo patted Zelaive's shoulder.
"I'm Kasumo. We won't hurt Jazel, so step aside."
Relieved, Zelaive stepped aside.
"Thank goodness. You know Jazel."
"Thanks for worrying. What's your name?"
"Henzu Zelaive."
"Thanks, Zelaive."
Kasumo picked up Jazel. Their eyes met, and Kasumo smirked.
"Thanks, Zelaive. Jazel and I… well, just me, will have fun."
Zelaive punched Kasumo, drawing blood.
"Hahaha, kid, I feel that!"
Kasumo punched Zelaive, sending him into a coffee shop.
"Sleep it off. I don't have time for weaklings."
Zelaive got up. Kasumo was surprised; he knew no normal person could withstand that punch. The cement that formed into a rope encircled Zelaive's leg, pulling him down. "Aghhh!" he screamed.
Ninno said, "Let's go, Kasumo. We haven't got time for this."
Name: Ninno
Zeal types: Closis
Ability Name: Elemental Manipulation
Description:
Ninno can transform and control inanimate objects and elements (cement, fire, air, water, clouds, earth, sand). She can reshape objects, control elements, and transform materials.
Limitations:
Ninno can only manipulate what she can see.
Awakened: two times awakened
Gender: Female
Age: Unknown
Kasumo, furious about Zelaive's leg, grabbed Ninno's shirt. "Why did you do that?!"
A companion said, "Please stop! We're a team."
Kasumo released Ninno.
Ninno took Jazel, and another man created a door.
Zelaive shouted, "Don't leave! I won't let you!" He stabbed his leg with glass to break free from the cement of Zeal around his leg.
Ninno laughed, "You're crazy! You're doing this for a girl you don't even know!"
Ninno saw Zelaive's determination and severed his leg. The man urged them to leave. As they were leaving, they were surprised by Kasumo's surge of zeal—a black orb formed from his tears. Zelaive crawled towards him. "Finish me first, if you want to leave." Ninno sensed the danger and urged them to leave.
He yelled, "Close the door!"
"But Kasumo?"
"Close it or you'll die!"
Kasumo, seeing his companions leave, decided to finish Zelaive. With tears in his eyes, Kasumo said,
"Farewell, brother."
A powerful explosion, like a bomb, caused an earthquake. After that ninno came back they found Kasumo unconscious but still standing. "Are you stupid? What were you thinking?" said by Ninno while Kasumo was unconscious.
Name: Kasumo
Zeal types: Morb
Ability: Zeal Amplification
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
July 10, 2023, Monday, 5:00 AM
Jazel blamed herself about what happened to zelaive. She heard noises outside.
"It's so early. Why is it so noisy?"
Looking out the window, Jazel saw the enormous hole Kasumo had created.
"What happened while I was asleep?"
Ninno entered, saw the destruction, and said, "Isn't it beautiful?"
Jazel was about to attack when ropes restrained her. Ninno and Kasumo entered.
and kasumo talked
"I'm sorry, Jazel. I'm responsible."
Ninno released Jazel, who slapped Kasumo while crying.
"Why? Why did you involve innocent people? It's only me you need, right?"
Kasumo smiled. "Because killing is fun."
Jazel tried to punch him; he blocked her with a finger. He flicked his hand, sending her flying. As Kasumo was leaving, he turned to Jazel. A cruel smile stretched across his face. "If you want revenge," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "you'll have to get stronger, insignificant creature."
Jazel's face twisted with a fury so intense it seemed to burn. Her eyes blazed, and her voice, low and dangerously quiet, sent a chill down anyone's spine. "I will kill you," she vowed, each word dripping with venom. "Mark my words, the day will come when I bury you."
After jazel word kasumo leave while saying nothing.
Hours passed. Jazel remained lying down, still unable to forgive herself for what had happened. Then, someone entered the room where she lay and spoke.
Ninno said "We're leaving at 7:00 PM. Don't try to escape."
"You took everything from me, including my family. I don't have enough to reason to escape, with the extent of the damage, I doubt my father is still alive."
6:30 PM
Jazel stared at the clock.
"In a few minutes, I'll lose my freedom."
She heard knocking—at the window. Zelaive appeared, looking worn.
"Shh! Let's escape."
Jazel sensed this might not be the same Zelaive, but she didn't care. Tears welled up.
"Be quiet! Why are you crying? Idiot."
"Who are you calling an idiot? I'm not crying… not really."