Chapter 109
The battlefield was quiet now. The rain had lightened to a drizzle, leaving the earth soaked and the scent of wet soil mixed with iron lingering in the air. Broken trees and shattered branches littered the ground, marking the trail of devastation left behind by the rampage of the demon. The remnants of the battle were a testament to the overwhelming power that had clashed here power that had been unleashed and controlled by one man: Renji Kurogane.
Renji stood in the center of the battlefield, his body still trembling slightly, not from fear, but from the lingering currents of energy that surged through him during the fight. The daggers in his hands gleamed faintly in the fading light, as though echoing the cold precision with which he had ended the battle. Around him, the hunters who had participated in the raid were slowly gathering themselves, some kneeling to catch their breath, others staring in awe and disbelief at what they had just witnessed.
Hiroto approached him carefully. The SS-ranked hunter and guild leader's expression was calm but carried the weight of concern and understanding. His boots squelched in the mud as he stepped closer. "Renji…" His voice was gentle, almost fatherly. "You felt pain today, didn't you?"
Renji's gaze was fixed on the ground, silent. The echoes of the fight, the cries, and the roar of the demon still haunted him internally, though no one could see it.
Hiroto knelt slightly, coming down to Renji's level, and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Pain… is something everyone carries," he said softly. "It teaches us. It molds us. Sometimes it pushes us to strength we didn't know we had."
Renji's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. His hands twitched as if resisting some invisible force.
Hiroto continued, his tone calm yet deep. "But rage, Renji… rage is different. Rage can push you forward, yes. It can make you stronger than you think. But if you let it take control, it can consume you. Today, you let it drive you, and yes… you were unstoppable. But don't let it become your master. Learn to understand your anger, not be swallowed by it. That is how you survive not just battles, but yourself."
Renji's lips pressed together tightly. The words settled over him like a heavy cloak, weighing down the storm inside him. He wanted to argue, to push back, but deep down, he knew Hiroto's words were true. Rage was a tool, not a path.
Other hunters began to gather around, murmuring quietly. Some placed hands on Renji's shoulders or patted his back, offering silent comfort. Their presence reminded him he was not alone, that the fight had not only been his burden to bear.
Arisa stepped forward from the group, hesitating slightly, her voice soft but full of care. "Renji… it's okay," she said. "You fought… and you protected all of us. You're not alone. You have us."
Renji's shoulders twitched, and for a brief moment, the storm inside him paused. He met her gaze, and in it, he found warmth and understanding—a reprieve from the relentless fury that had driven him moments ago.
The shimmering portal of the gate appeared in the distance, the familiar swirl signaling their return to Japan. The rain-soaked landscape seemed almost peaceful now, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just been.
One by one, the hunters began walking toward the gate, the weight of exhaustion evident in their steps but balanced by the relief of victory. Some laughed, others clapped each other on the back.
"We did it! We cleared the gate!" one shouted, a wide grin plastered across his face.
Renji stayed a few steps behind, his thoughts refusing to settle. The adrenaline had faded, but the echoes of the fight lingered. The images of blood, shattered bodies, and the demon's roar played in his mind repeatedly.
In that moment… I felt as if my entire body was flowing with energy and power. I was ready to kill everything. And… I enjoyed it. I enjoyed killing that boss. Why would I enjoy killing? It's not me… something inside me… it's not right…
He pressed a hand to his forehead, trying to push the thoughts away, but they clung like shadows, persistent and unsettling.
Arisa noticed his hesitation and moved closer, her expression softening. "Renji… are you sure you're okay?"
Renji blinked, forced a smile, and nodded. "Uhh… yes," he replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
She took a deep breath, summoning courage.
"Ehh… Renji… I've been meaning to tell you… I wanted to… I was hoping I'd get the chance." Her voice wavered slightly, but she pressed on. "Are you free tomorrow? Maybe… we could go shopping together?"
Renji's lips curved into a knowing, faint smile. He looked at her carefully, amusement and warmth in his eyes. "I knew you liked me," he said softly.
Arisa's face immediately turned crimson, the heat in her cheeks threatening to overwhelm her. "Wh-who… what… Noo! It's just Byeeee!" she screamed, spinning on her heel and sprinting away through the gate before embarrassment could claim her entirely.
Hiroto, watching the exchange, chuckled softly. "Looks like you've found yourself a girlfriend, huh?"
Renji let out a soft, quiet laugh, a rare moment of ease. "Maybe," he said, the faintest smile lingering.
Anya stepped forward, her eyes warm yet serious, clearly impressed with the display of strength but also relieved that the battle had ended. "Oooii, Renji-san," she called, a smile appearing on her face.
"Ehh… Anya-san?" Renji replied, tilting his head in curiosity.
"I'm glad we have you in our raid party," she said sincerely. "With you here… I truly believe our guild is the strongest guild in Japan."
Renji smiled softly, touched by her words. "Thank you. I'm flattered," he replied.
Hiroto then stepped forward, placing a steady hand on Renji's shoulder. "Walk with me, Renji," he said simply, his tone carrying the quiet weight of camaraderie and trust.
Renji nodded, tucking his sadness away, the subtle hum of his power still present but under control now. "Of course," he said.
They began walking toward the gate. As they approached the portal, the shimmering light enveloped them, and the world shifted. Moments later, they emerged back in Japan. The familiar streets, buildings, and soft city noise greeted them, grounding them in reality after the chaos of the dungeon.
The hunters exhaled collectively, the joy and relief evident on their faces. Smiles, laughter, and small celebrations erupted among the group. Clearing an SS-ranked gate was no small feat, and Renji's power had been the cornerstone of their success.
Even with the relief around him, Renji still felt conflicted. Memories of the battle played relentlessly in his mind the overwhelming rage, the deadly precision, the exhilaration of power.
Why why in that moment… I felt alive. Stronger than ever. Ready to kill everything. And I enjoyed it. Why would I enjoy killing? This… isn't me.… Januza's power is consuming me…
The thoughts weighed on him, but he didn't voice them.
Hiroto , sensing his inner turmoil,
Hiroto stepped beside Renji, placing a hand on his shoulder. "its okay Renji," he said, a gentle yet firm command.
Renji nodded. "Of course," he replied.
The streets of Japan spread out before them, wet from the earlier rain, glistening under the setting sun. The city felt alive and safe a sharp contrast to the chaos of the dungeon. Hunters chatted, laughed, and recounted the highlights of the battle, their voices mixing with the city noise.
Renji walked silently for a moment, reflecting. The rage that had overtaken him in the fight, the thrill of power, and the darkness that had tempted him… all lingered. But now, with comrades around him, a hint of warmth from Arisa, and the quiet encouragement of Hiroto and Anya, he felt the first flickers of balance returning to his soul. Or so he thought??
But for Renji, the battle had ended but the journey of understanding his own power, rage, and the boundaries of himself was only beginning.