The night sky burned.
Far beyond the city walls, a column of fire pierced the heavens, painting the clouds in molten gold. The heat rolled through the capital like a living thing, setting rooftops smoldering just from its presence.
Aya's breath hitched as she peered out the safehouse window. "So… he's here."
Akari leaned lazily against the wall, arms crossed. "Shiba Reiji. The Empire's mad dog. He doesn't fight—he annihilates."
Riku slammed the trapdoor shut, cursing. "If you're smart, you'll run. That lunatic leveled an entire fortress just because someone insulted the Emperor."
But Ren didn't flinch. His mismatched eyes glimmered faintly in the dim light.
"Let him come."
Moments later, the ground shook.
A tall figure walked through the deserted streets, each step trailing waves of heat. His armor glowed faintly like molten rock, and in his hand he carried a massive crimson spear, flames licking its blade.
Shiba Reiji.
His voice rumbled like distant thunder. "So you're the rat who awakened Mukuro no Tsurugi."
Ren stepped out into the open street. "And you're the dog they sent to fetch me."
Reiji grinned, sharp teeth glinting. "Hah! I like your guts. Shame I'll have to roast you."
With a single motion, the spear spun. The air ignited.
A wall of fire erupted, consuming entire buildings in an instant.
Aya gasped. "He didn't even aim—he just erased half the block!"
Ren stood still, the flames roaring toward him like a tidal wave of hellfire.
He didn't raise his blade. Didn't move.
He simply thought.
The fire vanished.
Reiji blinked, momentarily stunned. "…What?"
Ren tilted his head slightly. "Is that all?"
Reiji's grin widened into something feral. "No. That was just a greeting."
The spear spun again—this time summoning a firestorm that split the ground itself, molten cracks tearing through the street.
Aya shielded her face from the heat. "This is insane! That relic's power is beyond anything I've seen!"
Akari watched silently, her violet eyes narrowing. And yet… he's not even trying.
Ren stepped forward through the inferno, calm as if strolling through a summer breeze.
With a whisper, Mukuro no Tsurugi pulsed.
Reality folded.
The flames turned to harmless embers. The molten cracks sealed themselves.
Ren raised the blade, eyes meeting Reiji's. "Your power is loud… but shallow."
Reiji snarled. "Don't mock me, boy!"
The Flame Emperor's Spear ignited with its full wrath. Reiji lunged, a living comet of fire, the spearhead screaming through the air—
—and stopped.
Frozen mid-swing.
Ren's voice was quiet. "No."
And with that single word, the spear shattered.
Silence.
The burning aura vanished. The molten glow faded from Reiji's armor. He stared down at his empty hands, disbelief etched into his face.
"You… you can't…" he muttered.
Ren stepped closer. "You were wrong."
Reiji stumbled back. "W-wait—!"
Ren's blade whispered through the air.
And the so-called mad dog of the Empire ceased to exist.
The safehouse door creaked open. Aya, Akari, and Riku stepped out, faces pale as they took in the scene.
Aya's voice trembled slightly. "…You erased him. Just like that."
Ren sheathed the blade, expression unreadable. "He was in the way."
Akari tilted her head, a faint smirk on her lips. "Interesting. I've never seen someone make Reiji beg before."
Aya frowned. "You shouldn't underestimate the Empire's next move. Killing him will make them desperate. They'll send stronger relic wielders next."
Ren glanced at her. "Then I'll erase them too."
Aya's lips parted, but no words came. She hated it, but part of her felt drawn to that quiet, absolute confidence.
As they returned to the safehouse, Aya studied Ren carefully.
He's dangerous. Too dangerous. But if he really can destroy the Empire…
Meanwhile, Akari walked silently beside him, her usual detachment shifting into curiosity.
"You intrigue me," she said softly. "Most men fear me. But you didn't even flinch. I like that."
Ren didn't respond.
Akari smirked faintly. "Hmph. Silent type, huh? Makes you more interesting."
Aya's eyes flicked toward the assassin. "Don't get ideas. He's not someone you can toy with."
Akari chuckled. "Oh, I'm not toying. I'm… curious. There's something about him."
Aya glared, but didn't argue. She didn't want to admit it, but she felt it too—an unshakable pull toward the boy who held the power to bend reality.
Inside the safehouse, Riku flopped into a chair with a heavy sigh. "Alright. You won round one. But the Empire won't stop. They'll send someone worse next time."
Aya sat quietly, lost in thought.
Akari leaned against the wall, watching Ren like a cat eyeing prey.
Ren looked at them all, then at the blade resting in his lap.
"…Then let them come," he said simply.
Aya felt her chest tighten. Akari's smile deepened.
And without realizing it, the seeds of something strange had begun to bloom.
That night, Aya couldn't sleep. Her mind kept replaying the moment Ren erased Reiji like he was nothing. How can someone be this strong? Is he even human?
Akari, on the other hand, lay awake for an entirely different reason. She hadn't expected to feel anything—but now she was curious. Drawn.
And for Ren, their gazes lingered just a little too long.