Jazel's divine flame had acted as an impenetrable shield, deflecting the destructive force of her meteor shower. The road was ravaged for 220 meters, yet not a single building was harmed, not a single civilian injured. The sheer power of her attack, however, had come at a terrible cost.
July 10th, 2023, 4:20 AM. Jazel awoke in her room, clothed in fresh garments, the memory of the meteor shower, and her desperate struggle to protect the innocent, a searing brand on her mind.
"I went too far," she whispered, a profound sense of guilt washing over her.
Ninno, a woman in a maid's uniform, entered, her presence unsurprising to Jazel.
"Jazel, you seem alright," Ninno said, her tone devoid of any real concern.
Jazel's thoughts immediately turned to Zelaive. Is he safe? she wondered.
"Why am I here, Ninno? And where's Zelaive?" she asked, her voice betraying her anxiety.
Ninno's reply was a cruel blow, a chilling revelation that sent a wave of icy dread through Jazel. "That man who fought with you… 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 lurched. Grief, raw and agonizing, consumed her. Her negligence, her reckless disregard for the consequences of her actions, crushed her.
"I knew someone was watching us before the fight, but I was careless. I didn't consider the consequences," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
A surge of rage, directed at Ninno, threatened to consume her. But revenge was a futile pursuit. Her reckless use of the incomplete Zone, without fulfilling its activation conditions, had rendered her Zeal unusable.
(Zeal Explained)
Zeal, an inherent power residing within the body, is 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 considered exceptional.
Three Pet Abilities:
1. Zone: Alters the environment, granting buffs or abilities. Activation requires specific conditions. Failure results in severe consequences, ranging from a week-long ban 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.
Hierarchy: Morb > Enhance; Closis > Abilities; Durdianeas > Pet
July 9th, 2023, Monday.
After Jazel fainted, figures in red coats arrived, Ninno among them. Jazel had sensed observers since leaving the convenience store, even during the battle with the Layer Monster. Unable to pinpoint them, she'd opted for a wide-area attack, the meteor shower rendering her unconscious, giving her enemies their opportunity.
A door materialized, revealing three figures: two men in red coats and Ninno. A man with multiple piercings approached the unconscious Jazel.
"Don't stand in my way, kid, or you'll die," he threatened.
Zelaive stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "I'll let you be… if you don't harm Jazel."
"I don't need your permission, kid," the man sneered.
The man's, 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 remained silent, his resolve unshaken.
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," he said.
"Thanks for worrying. What's your name?" Kasumo asked.
"Henzu Zelaive," he replied.
"Thanks, Zelaive," Kasumo said, his tone deceptively friendly. He picked up Jazel. Their eyes met, and Kasumo smirked. "Thanks, Zelaive. Jazel and I… well, just me, will have fun."
Zelaive's fist connected with Kasumo's face, drawing blood.
"Hahaha, kid, I feel that!" Kasumo laughed, unfazed. He retaliated with a punch that sent Zelaive crashing into a nearby coffee shop. "Sleep it off. I don't have time for weaklings."
Zelaive rose, defying Kasumo's expectations. Cement ropes materialized, binding his leg. "Aghhh!" he screamed.
Ninno said, "Let's go, Kasumo. We haven't got time for this."
(Ninno's Profile)
- Name: Ninno
- Zeal Type: 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: Twice
- Gender: Female
- Age: Unknown
Kasumo, enraged by Zelaive's defiance, grabbed Ninno's shirt. "Why did you do that?!"
A companion intervened, "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.
Ninno laughed, "You're crazy! You're doing this for a girl you don't even know!" She severed his leg. The man urged them to leave. As they were leaving, Kasumo's surge of Zeal—a black orb formed from his tears—surprised them. Zelaive crawled towards him. "Finish me first, if you want to leave." Ninno sensed the danger and urged them to leave.
"Close the door!" he yelled.
"But Kasumo?"
"Close it or you'll die!"
Kasumo, seeing his companions flee, decided to finish Zelaive. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Farewell, brother."
A powerful explosion, like a bomb, caused an earthquake. Ninno returned to find Kasumo unconscious but still standing. "Are you stupid? What were you thinking?" Ninno yelled.
(Kasumo's Profile)
- Name: Kasumo
- Zeal Type: Morb
- Ability: Zeal Amplification
- Gender: Male
- Age: Unknown
July 10th, 2023, 5:00 AM.
Jazel blamed herself for Zelaive's fate. She heard noises outside.
"It's so early. Why is it so noisy?"
Looking out the window, she saw the enormous crater 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.
Kasumo spoke, "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, sending her flying. As Kasumo was leaving, he turned to Jazel. "If you want revenge," he said, "you'll have to get stronger, insignificant creature."
Jazel's fury was palpable. "I will kill you," she vowed. "Mark my words."
Hours passed. Jazel remained despondent. Then, someone entered her room.
"We're leaving at 7:00 PM. Don't try to escape," Ninno said.
"You took everything from me, including my family," Jazel replied, her voice hollow.
6:30 PM.
Jazel stared at the clock. "In a few minutes, I'll lose my freedom."
A knock at the window. Zelaive appeared, looking battered but determined.
"Shh! Let's escape," he whispered.
Jazel sensed something was different about him, but she didn't care. Tears welled up.
"Be quiet! Why are you crying? Idiot," he said, his voice rough.
"Who are you calling an idiot? I'm not crying… not really," she retorted, her voice choked with emotion. The novel ends on this cliffhanger, leaving the reader to wonder about the nature of the "new" Zelaive and the uncertain future that awaits Jazel.