Ray followed them from a distance, hidden among rocks and trees, always watching.
The group suddenly stopped.
The dark-skinned boy whispered:
— Did you notice?
The boy with the axe already had the weapon in hand:
— Someone's following us.
The three turned, staring at a tree. The axe boy shouted:
— Whoever's following us, come out now!
A figure emerged. Human-shaped, but radiating tension and fear into the air.
The group instinctively stepped back, taking combat positions.
— So… which one of you is Sebastian? — Ray's voice carried superiority.
The brown-haired boy with fair skin and well-built arms stepped forward with leadership in his voice:
— I am Sebastian. And who would you be?
Ray smirked, walking closer.
The axe boy and the dark-skinned one charged at him. Ray only raised his hand while walking.
— Neo Jutsu: Mugen no Enkou.
A blast of demonic aura, crimson like a spear, pierced through them.
Blood splattered onto Sebastian's face. His eyes widened in shock as he watched his teammates fall lifeless. His voice trembled:
— I knew they were weak… but I never imagined it would end like this.
Clutching his sword, Sebastian stood ready once more.
Ray, walking amidst the corpses, still smiled as he unsheathed his flaming blade.
— You don't stand a chance against me, boy.
Sebastian steadied his sword with his right hand, his voice firm and commanding:
— You've been following us for a while, haven't you?
Ray nodded silently, confirming.
— That explains why you only attacked after we defeated that monster. You waited until we were exhausted. I can feel the intensity of your aura from here… That's why I say farewell.
His voice rose:
— Kū-Hō!
Sebastian's body grew translucent, fading as if disappearing.
Ray growled in fury, charging with flames consuming his sword. He hurled it at Sebastian — the blade pierced his chest, just beside the heart.
— Damn… — Sebastian coughed blood, pulling Ray's sword out of himself.
In the blink of an eye, Ray appeared behind him, striking with such force that Sebastian was thrown across the air, his own sword slipping from his grasp.
Gritting his teeth, Sebastian rose, wounded but determined.
— You leave me no choice…
Still holding Ray's sword, he raised it with all his strength.
Ray smiled, dashing forward.
— Neo Jutsu: Sanretsu Kūkai! — Sebastian cried out.
His essence flared, flowing into the blade. As Ray closed in, Sebastian unleashed three rapid slashes. A heartbeat later, they detonated, tearing through Ray and severing his right arm.
Ray stared at the ground, fascinated by his own severed limb.
— He's faster… Looks like I'll need another strategy.
Sebastian murmured, panting:
— I… I actually cut off his arm…
Ray's voice echoed, unshaken:
— Neo Jutsu: Kokoro no Honō.
He advanced calmly.
Sebastian struggled to move. Panic filled his thoughts.
— My body… I can't move. It's like I'm trapped!
Visions flooded his mind — Ray slaughtering people in endless ways, heads rolling, bodies turning to ash.
In reality, Ray saw Sebastian trembling, paralyzed, blood dripping as flames crept from beneath his feet.
— You managed to wound me. — Ray paused. A new arm burst forth from his shoulder. — But I am… superior to you. Now, let my friend out.
In Sebastian's mind, he wasn't even facing Ray anymore — he was chained by a mysterious figure, helpless, unable to speak, only forced to watch endless massacres.
To Ray's eyes, Sebastian simply collapsed unconscious.
— That's it? Honestly, you surprised me. I didn't expect you to even get this far. — Ray said with cruel irony.
He moved closer to Sebastian.
But a voice rang from behind.
— Neo Jutsu: Seiryu no Yumi!
Ray turned.
A tall young woman stood — long curly brown hair, fair skin, sharp curves, eyes cold as steel. Her worn clothes did little to hide her striking presence.
Blue fire arrows pierced Ray's body before he could react, riddling him with glowing wounds.
He ignored the pain, smiling instead.
— And who might you be, beautiful lady?
She stared at him coldly.
— Me? I am Ryane Dinark.
Ray slowly pulled out the arrows, their sparks bursting in his hands, unfazed.
— Look… I don't want to fight such a gorgeous woman. How about we grab a bite instead?
Ryane's fury burned in her eyes.
— After what you did to that boy? Never! I'd never be with a monster like you!
Ray chuckled, amused.
— A pity. But no matter… one way or another, I'll make you queen of my kingdom.
Her aura flared blue and bright, and she lunged. Her punch shook the ground, opening a crater and raising crystal shards of essence.
Ray had already leapt back, chanting:
— Neo Jutsu: Kage no Kyōmei!
Dozens of shadow clones emerged, each wearing his same sinister grin.
Ryane did not falter.
— Neo Jutsu: Sei-Enken!
Her fist ignited in condensed celestial flame. She struck the true Ray square in the chest, unleashing a shockwave that cracked the ground, spitting molten fire.
Ray was hurled through trees, the thunderous crash echoing for miles.
Far away, Luis froze mid-step.
— That sound… from over there. It's far… but I must go now.
He sprinted.
---
Parallel Scene
In a cold, sterile white room, with steel tables and surgical instruments scattered, Kevin spoke with Natasha.
— Thanks for everything, Natasha. That was… a new experience for me. — he smiled sheepishly.
She chuckled.
— At first, I thought you wouldn't handle it… but you surprised me. Are you sure it was your first time?
Kevin laughed awkwardly.
— You said you reported my case to the king… but what about now? What happens to me?
Before she answered, a voice called from outside:
— Natasha, are you there?
She opened the door. A tall, dark-haired young woman with piercing eyes stood serious.
— Who is he? — she asked, staring at Kevin.
— This is Kevin Dinark, Ryane's younger brother. An old friend of mine. — Natasha explained.
Luna froze, her gaze heavy on Kevin. He smiled nervously.
— Nice to meet you, Luna. — he extended his hand.
She hesitated, then shook it delicately, her eyes full of unspoken sorrow.
— Natasha… any word about my master's body?
Natasha's face fell.
— Ryane? Not yet. Perhaps… some monster carried her away.
Kevin and Luna lowered their heads, tears welling.
Luna's voice shook.
— I'll see you later, Natasha. I have a mission far away…
But Natasha stopped her with a hand on the shoulder.
— Don't lose hope. I believe Ryane is still alive. And… why not take Kevin with you? He could be useful.
Luna looked at him deeply.
— Will you come with me, Kevin Dinark?
He wiped his eyes, managing a smile.
— I guess I can… But uh, I'm still dressed like a doctor.
Natasha laughed.
— Relax. I have some of my ex's clothes. They'll fit.
— Your ex?! — Kevin and Luna blurted at the same time.
Moments later, Kevin stepped out wearing black clothes with subtle blue glints, a hood half-hiding his face.
— Looks good on him, don't you think, Luna? — Natasha teased.
— I agree… — Luna muttered, looking away quickly.
Kevin sighed.
— I don't like wearing your ex's stuff… but I admit, it fits.
— Better on you than him. Now go. I've got work to do. — Natasha dismissed them.
On the street, Luna said:
— We're heading to Kalmos. Ready?
— Ready. By train?
— No… no train there. We'll ride a dragon.
Kevin's eyes lit up.
— Seriously? Let's go!
She stopped him with a serious look.
— Tell me something… If you don't work here, and you're not dead… what were you doing in the morgue?
Kevin looked away, uncomfortable.
— It's… a long story.
---
Back to the Battle
Ray staggered from the dust, bleeding yet grinning.
What was that technique? And why didn't she fall into my illusions?
Ryane advanced, unwavering.
— I've fought someone from your family before, princess. And I won. — Ray sneered.
— I don't believe a word you say. — Ryane answered, calm but firm.
Her words cut deeper than any strike. Ray shut his eyes, dodging her next kick at the last second. When he reopened them, his irises gleamed silver, a red vertical slit splitting each pupil.
— Look closely. Recognize these eyes?
Ryane's gaze sharpened.
— You killed someone from my family… now I have another reason to end you.
Their clash grew brutal. Ryane's celestial aura strengthened every blow, while Ray retreated, analyzing.
Hand-to-hand… I can't win. She's stronger physically. And immune to illusions. That leaves me no choice but… that.
They broke apart.
— Neo Jutsu: Seikaijin: Tenchū! — Ryane cried.
Dozens of azure fire arrows appeared, raining down with blazing speed.
Ray raised his hand.
— Neo Jutsu: Mugen no Enkou!
A crimson blast collided, the explosion lighting the forest in fire and smoke.
From the haze, Ryane darted, striking — but black lines erupted from Ray, piercing her skin and binding her.
She collapsed, exhausted. Her eyes glowed a pale yellow.
Ray smiled.
— I told you, princess. You'll be my puppet.
Suddenly, clapping echoed.
— Well done, Ray. It's been a long time, my old friend.
Ray turned. Sebastian's body was gone. In its place, a dark presence loomed.
— Welcome back… Azazel.