The rain poured down violently, like needles piercing flesh. Lightning split the night sky, and the city below looked like a dark painting, soaked in fog and chaos.
Some parts of the city had been destroyed by the clash between the two protagonists, but no one seemed to notice what was happening.
Hakihito had just been utterly defeated by the mysterious figure, who was still reveling in his freshly claimed victory.
Mysterious Figure:
"HAHAHAHAHA, HOW WONDERFUL! I FINALLY ELIMINATED THIS LITTLE BASTARD...
I don't know why, but I had a strong feeling it would end just like this. HAHAHAHA!
Let's be honest—you were never on my level, my dear. I was stronger than you in every possible way.
Even if there were a hundred of you, you'd still never have beaten me. HAHAHAHA!
Although... I must admit, I had a lot of fun.
You even managed a little offense, but there was never a real fight.
I'm only sorry I have to erase you for good now.
What a shame... or maybe not. HAHAHAHA!"
Hakihito, still clinging to life, unable to move and completely broken—still managed to speak.
Hakihito:
"Dude... I don't know why you came after me.
I don't want to hear the crap you've been spewing.
I don't even care about this Nexus nonsense or whatever it is.
But one thing I'm sure of…"
Mysterious Figure:
"Oh? What's that, exactly?"
Hakihito:
"Now more than ever... I have this uncontrollable urge to kill someone.
And that someone is YOU. Ahahah, HAHAHAHAHAH!"
Mysterious Figure:
"HAHAHAHAHA, DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH!
Have you looked at yourself?
I turned you into a sieve—it's a miracle you're even talking.
Honestly, I almost pity you.
I could finish you right now, but... I won't."
Hakihito:
"Oh really? Why's that?
Suddenly struck by a wave of compassion?"
Mysterious Figure:
"You wish... no.
It's just that someone like you deserves to suffer as long as possible.
You don't deserve a peaceful end.
You deserve to rot in hell, you filthy worm."
Mysterious Figure:
"Finally... I've fulfilled my mission.
I've put an end to your parasitic chaos.
You won't cause any more harm.
Today might just be the happiest day of my life. HAHAHAHA!
Come on, let's face it—out of all of us, you were the expendable one, right?
You didn't need to live long.
So why waste good air on a being like you?
In a way, I've done you a favor, don't you think?"
Hakihito:
"So my life is worthless…"
Hakihito slowly tried to rise from the ground—struggling, but full of determination.
Hakihito:
"Tell me—who gave you the right to decide who gets to live and who doesn't?"
Mysterious Figure:
"Simple: because I can.
I'm on par with a divine being.
That gives me the right to do whatever I please—including choosing who lives and who dies.
And you're clearly one of those who shouldn't."
Hakihito:
"So, from your point of view, my life is nothing.
I'm just garbage—something to be wiped out?"
Mysterious Figure:
"Exactly."
Hakihito:
"Good... very good.
I'm actually happy to hear that."
Hakihito began to slowly regenerate.
Mysterious Figure (thinking):
"What's going on...?
I thought he was finished.
How is he regenerating so fast?!"
Hakihito:
"You know why I'm happy?
Because now you've given me one more reason…
to take you out once and for all.
And for that... I sincerely thank you."
Mysterious Figure:
"Really? Hahahaha—excellent.
At least now this fight will be more..."
Hakihito:
"Shut that sewer of a mouth, asshole."
Hakihito:
"You really think I'll let you decide if I live or die?
The only one who decides that is me.
And right now, I want to live a long, peaceful life—without worrying about anyone or anything.
But with you in the way... I don't know if that'll ever be possible.
Which means I have to destroy you.
Right now, you're just an obstacle in my path.
A damn mosquito I need to crush with my own hands."
Mysterious Figure:
"Really now?
You seriously think you can beat me?
Don't make me laugh.
You saw the gap in our power.
You're still not on my level, kid.
So stay in your place... and let yourself be killed."
Hakihito:
"Maybe...
You're probably right.
I'm not at your level yet.
But honestly? I don't care.
Even just tiring you out a bit would be enough to make me proud.
At least I'll have tried."
Mysterious Figure:
"You don't seriously think regeneration alone will let you beat me, do you?
You must've figured it out by now—there's no hope for you.
Even if, by some miracle, you manage to defeat me,
others will come.
Far more dangerous than I am.
So your little rebellion... is meaningless."
Hakihito:
"Dude, you talk way too much.
No one ever told you to shut that sewer of yours?"
Mysterious Figure:
"HOW DARE YOU INSULT ME, YOU INFERIOR BEING?!
YOU THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME JUST BECAUSE YOU GOT BACK UP?!
NOW I'LL SHOW YOU THE TRUE POWER OF A SUPERIOR ENTITY!"
Hakihito:
"I wasn't waiting for anything else.
But enough with the talking—we've said more than enough, friend.
I'm honestly sick of you and your delusions of grandeur...
and especially all these pointless monologues.
So now get ready to die, you bastard."
Mysterious Figure (thinking):
"He regenerated completely...
Interesting... truly interesting."
Mysterious Figure:
"Really? That's what you think?
You're getting cocky—but fine.
Then get ready—
because I'll show you just how wrong you are.
I'm going to end your life once and for all."
Hakihito:
"You think so?
Then I'll show you just how wrong you are, you piece of trash."
Hakihito suddenly vanished from the mysterious figure's view.
Mysterious Figure:
"What?! He's gone?!"
Then—he reappeared behind him, striking with tremendous force that shook the ground.
It was a brutal blow—but the mysterious figure managed to block it.
Mysterious Figure:
"Not bad...
Really, not bad at all.
But you'll need a lot more than that to intimidate someone like me."
Hakihito:
"Then get ready—because this is only the beginning.
Prepare to die, you bastard."