Chapter 21 – The Knife That Stopped a God
Sataro struck Kizen again.
One punch.
Kizen's body shattered, his life fading to the edge of death.
But before death could claim him—
Sataro healed him.
Again.
And again.
Every time Kizen reached the brink of death, Sataro restored him completely, only to beat him once more.
The violence escalated beyond reason.
The planet Mars could no longer endure it.
With a final, catastrophic shockwave, Mars exploded, reduced to fragments drifting into space.
Sataro grabbed Kizen by the neck.
Without warning, he hurled him toward the Moon.
The impact cracked the lunar surface.
Sataro appeared above him.
Another beating.
Then—he healed Kizen again.
One final punch.
This time, Sataro drove his hand straight through Kizen's chest and ripped out his heart.
Kizen's body collapsed, lifeless.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
Sataro revived him.
Kizen gasped back to life, coughing violently.
Sataro grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close.
"If you hadn't touched my students," Sataro said coldly,
"none of this would have happened."
Then he punched Kizen square in the face.
Kizen fell to his knees.
"Please… stop," Kizen whispered.
"I'm sorry. Let me go. Just this once… forgive me, my friend."
Sataro froze.
Slowly, he pulled Kizen into an embrace.
For a brief second—
It looked like mercy had won.
But Kizen smiled.
From his soul energy, he formed a knife—dark, thin, and unnatural.
He stabbed it straight into Sataro's spine.
A sickening crack echoed through space.
Sataro's backbone shattered.
Blood poured from his mouth.
Kizen struck again.
And again.
He flung Sataro downward, then followed, stabbing him repeatedly—into his back, his side, his body.
Sataro was bleeding heavily.
Desperately, he tried to heal himself.
But—
Nothing happened.
Kizen appeared above him.
With one final motion, he cut off Sataro's head.
Sataro's vision faded.
Kizen looked down at him.
"Healing takes time," Kizen said calmly.
"And I don't plan on waiting."
He turned away.
"I'm leaving."
With that, Kizen teleported back to Earth.
Sataro's body lay broken.
His consciousness flickered.
"Why…?" he thought.
"Why can't I heal myself…?"
Darkness swallowed him.
Scene Shift
Deep underground, Kizen entered the hidden laboratory.
The ancient knight stood there—over a hundred years old, white hair flowing, orange eyes gleaming, leaning on his staff.
Kizen approached him.
"The knife you gave me," Kizen said.
"The final-term weapon… I used it."
The old knight smiled.
"Good."
Kizen frowned.
"What was in it?"
"Why couldn't Sataro heal himself?"
The old knight's smile widened.
"That knife," he said softly,
"was forged to sever the connection between soul energy and regeneration."
He tapped his staff on the floor.
"Even a god cannot heal…
if his soul is cut at the source."
Kizen exhaled slowly.
"So even Sataro Gozzaki…"
The old knight nodded.
"…can bleed."
And somewhere in the void,
the strongest knight lay silent.
Chapter 22 – The Absence of the Strongest
Magaro, Riko, Niru, and Sako stood before the Principal, the air in the room heavy with fear and urgency.
Sako broke the silence.
"I healed Magaro and Riko," he said quietly,
"but we still don't know where Sataro-sensei is."
His fists tightened.
"He fought his own best friend… just for us.
We can't leave him like this. We have to find him."
Niru stepped forward, closing his eyes.
"I can't feel his soul energy anywhere on Earth," he said.
"If he's alive… then he has to be in space."
The Principal shook his head.
"No. I'll go."
Everyone looked at him.
"You four," the Principal continued,
"go to the Second Knight School. Bring their strongest teacher—the one who is equal to Sataro—and his students with you."
His voice hardened.
"If the world finds out that Sataro is gone, we're finished.
Every curse will attack us at once."
He turned toward the window.
"They don't attack in full force only because Sataro exists.
He is the most powerful knight alive."
The students nodded.
Niru spoke firmly.
"There are only two Knight Schools in total."
Sako clenched his jaw.
"Then let's go."
The four of them left immediately.
Scene Shift – Space
The Principal traveled alone, moving beyond Earth, beyond silence.
When he reached the Moon, he felt it.
A faint presence.
He rushed forward—and froze.
There lay Sataro's body, motionless, soaked in dried blood.
He wasn't dead.
He was sleeping… barely alive, drained from massive blood loss.
The Principal's hands trembled.
"No… this can't be."
He could feel it clearly—
Sataro still had immense soul energy.
And yet… his body had not healed itself.
The Principal lifted him gently and returned to Earth at once.
Knight Headquarters
Knights gathered as the Principal laid Sataro down.
He poured his power into him.
Light surged.
Moments later, Sataro's eyes slowly opened.
"…What is this?" Sataro muttered.
"I thought… I died."
The Principal exhaled deeply.
"I tried to heal you," he said,
"but I couldn't repair your injuries completely."
Sataro closed his eyes, focusing inward.
Slowly—very slowly—his wounds began to regenerate.
He sat up.
"My students," he said immediately.
"Where are they? Are they safe?"
"They're alive," the Principal replied.
"I sent Sako to the Second Knight School on a mission."
Sataro nodded.
"I knew it," he said calmly.
"You couldn't heal me… but now I understand."
He stood up fully healed.
"I'm fine now."
Scene Shift – Underground Laboratory
Kizen stood before the ancient knight once more.
The old knight's expression shifted in surprise.
"This is impossible," he said slowly.
"I can feel Sataro's soul energy again."
He gripped his staff.
"The knife I gave you was meant to stop even a god from surviving."
Kizen smiled faintly.
"And yet… he lives."
He looked up, eyes burning.
"But now," Kizen continued,
"do what you promised me."
The old knight narrowed his eyes.
"You mean Lucifer."
"Yes," Kizen said.
"Seal Lucifer's power under my control."
The knight's voice dropped.
"You do realize what you're asking," he warned.
"If Lucifer's soul grows stronger than yours…"
He leaned closer.
"He will control you instead."
Kizen smiled wider.
"That's fine," he said calmly.
"As long as I become strong enough to kill Sataro Gozzaki."
Far away, the strongest knight had returned.
And somewhere beneath the world,
something far worse was beginning to awaken.
Chapter 23 – The Devil Awakens
The ancient knight completed the ritual.
Dark symbols burned into the ground as a presence far beyond human comprehension awakened.
Lucifer was revived inside Kizen.
Kizen's eyes turned deep crimson, glowing with malice.
Black markings spread across his face like claws carved into flesh.
He laughed.
A slow laugh… then a wild one.
The knight stepped back in fear.
"No… no… Lucifer—!"
Kizen's body moved on its own.
His nails extended like blades as he tore his shirt apart, muscles swelling with overwhelming power.
"So this is the world…"
Lucifer spoke through Kizen's mouth, smiling.
"After such a long time… I'm finally back. Hahaha!"
The knight fell to his knees.
"Please… kneel before me—"
Lucifer tilted his head.
"Pathetic."
In a flash, he grabbed the knight by the collar.
"You dare command me?"
Before the knight could scream, Lucifer bit into his head—
crushing it, devouring it completely.
Blood splashed across the laboratory walls.
Lucifer laughed again.
The ground above shattered as he blasted upward, breaking through layers of earth.
He emerged into the open sky and began to fly, spreading his arms wide.
"Now," he said joyfully,
"this will finally be fun."
Scene Shift – Sataro and the Principal
The Principal suddenly froze.
"…Did you feel that?"
Sataro's expression darkened.
"Yes," he replied.
"This soul energy… it's far too massive."
He clenched his fist.
"No… it can't be."
The Principal looked at him in shock.
"What are you saying?"
Sataro whispered the name.
"…Lucifer."
The moment the word left his mouth, Sataro vanished.
Scene Shift – The City
Sataro reappeared in midair.
Below him—
The city was completely destroyed.
Buildings crushed. Streets torn apart. Smoke and fire everywhere.
Sataro's eyes widened.
"…I was right."
Suddenly, he sensed the direction of the energy.
"That's… my home."
Without hesitation, Sataro rushed forward at full speed.
Sataro vs Lucifer
Lucifer was flying lazily through the sky when—
BANG!
Sataro slammed into him with a devastating flying kick.
Lucifer crashed straight through multiple buildings before stopping.
Sataro instantly teleported to his house.
"Maki!" he shouted.
"Leave now!"
She froze.
Sataro grabbed her shoulder.
"I'm teleporting you to the High Knight School."
In an instant, Maki vanished.
At that exact moment, Lucifer fired a massive energy blast at the house.
Sataro barely escaped as the home was erased in an explosion.
He reappeared behind Lucifer and grabbed him by the neck.
"You're not staying on Earth."
Sataro launched both of them into the sky—
past the atmosphere—
into outer space.
They traveled at impossible speed until—
BOOM!
Sataro smashed Lucifer into Mercury.
The impact shattered half the planet.
Chunks of Mercury broke apart, dragged toward the Sun's gravity.
For a moment, it seemed like it was over.
Then—
Lucifer smiled.
In a blur of motion, he flew forward and landed a super-speed punch directly into Sataro's face.
Sataro was sent flying.
Mercury continued its fall—
And vanished into the Sun.
The battle between the strongest knight
and the devil who ruled hell
had truly begun.
Chapter 24 – The Devil's Form
Lucifer floated calmly in space, staring at Sataro with a twisted smile.
"Hm…" Lucifer muttered.
"It seems I'll have to use body manipulation."
Dark energy surged through his form.
With a sickening sound, two additional arms grew from his back, ripping through flesh as if it were nothing. At the same time, a grotesque mouth opened on his abdomen, right over his six-pack—its teeth sharp, its tongue moving like it was alive.
Just like a nightmare given shape.
Lucifer laughed softly.
"Now… let's see how long you last."
In an instant, he grabbed both of Sataro's arms with his upper hands.
Before Sataro could react—
BAM!
Lucifer's lower arm slammed into Sataro's face.
Again.
And again.
Each punch landed harder than the last. Blood burst from Sataro's mouth, scattering into space like crimson mist.
But Sataro's eyes sharpened.
"Teleport."
He vanished.
Lucifer's eyes widened for a fraction of a second.
Sataro reappeared behind him and drove an energy-infused punch straight into Lucifer's back.
Lucifer spun and countered with a punch of his own—but Sataro blocked it midair.
Their fists collided.
The shockwave tore through space.
Sataro followed up with another punch and unleashed a massive energy blast at point-blank range.
A blinding explosion erupted.
Smoke and energy swallowed everything.
Sataro breathed heavily.
"…This time, you won't survive."
The smoke slowly parted.
Lucifer stepped out unharmed, smiling.
Before Sataro could move—
Lucifer appeared behind him and wrapped a hand around his neck.
Sataro's eyes widened.
In his mind, panic flashed.
"…I can't teleport. Cooldown."
Lucifer's lower hand pierced forward, slamming into Sataro's chest with brutal force.
BOOM.
Sataro was sent flying—but midair, his wounds began to close.
Bones realigned. Flesh regenerated.
He healed himself and steadied his breathing.
He looked at Lucifer, calm but furious.
"…Alright then."
Sataro raised his hand, soul energy erupting around him like a storm.
"Domain of Power."
The space around them began to distort.
The real battle was about to begin.
Chapter 25 – Clash of Domains
The air around them twisted violently as Sataro unleashed his Domain of Power. A black-and-white storm of energy swirled in all directions, consuming everything in its radius.
Lucifer stood calmly, his red eyes gleaming with malice.
"Domain of Power, huh?" he sneered.
Sataro's domain exploded outward, sending shockwaves crashing across the battlefield. But Lucifer didn't flinch—he opened his own domain immediately. The ground beneath them shattered as an oppressive black aura expanded, enveloping everything.
Lucifer struck first. Slash after slash, one after another, raining down on Sataro with terrifying speed.
Sataro's body was cut from head to toe; blood flowed freely, coating him in a crimson sheen. Every strike made him stagger, but he gritted his teeth and fired a massive energy blast at Lucifer.
Lucifer barely dodged and laughed, his domain now amplifying his attacks.
"Is that all you've got, Sataro? Your domain isn't enough."
A powerful blast from Lucifer struck Sataro's upper body. His legs buckled, and part of his body slammed onto the jagged terrain. Pain shot through him, but Sataro healed himself instantly, bones mending, blood stopping, and stance stabilizing.
He surged forward, punching Lucifer squarely in the face, sending him spinning back. The fight became a relentless flurry of hand-to-hand combat, each strike shaking the ground. Lucifer dominated for a moment, landing brutal hits; blood poured from Sataro's nose and mouth.
Sataro's left eye was severely damaged, vision impaired on that side, but he refused to fall. He gathered his remaining strength, focusing his mind.
A familiar figure appeared—the Principal, stepping from behind as a hidden support. With a sudden backstep and gesture from the Principal, Sataro teleported, swapping places instantly.
Before Lucifer could react, Sataro appeared behind him and punched with concentrated energy into his back. The force slammed Lucifer against the ground, staggering him.
The punch sliced off Lucifer's left lower arm completely. Now, instead of four arms, he was left with only three, his power slightly diminished but still formidable.
Sataro's eyes, though partially damaged, burned with resolve.
"Your turn," he whispered, readying his next move.
The battle of domains, fists, and pure willpower was only intensifying. The battlefield trembled beneath them, as if the world itself feared the clash of these titans.
Chapter 26 – The Shattered Domains
At the same instant, Sataro and Lucifer spoke the same words.
"Domain of Power."
Their domains erupted together, two overwhelming realities crashing into one another. The collision sent a violent shockwave through space itself. Sataro's domain cracked first, splintering like shattered glass. Lucifer smiled—but in the very next heartbeat, his own domain also broke apart, collapsing into nothingness.
The Principal, watching from behind, whispered in disbelief,
"Is this… even possible…?"
Before anyone could recover, again, both warriors roared:
"Domain of Power!"
Once more, their domains clashed head-on—
and both exploded simultaneously, erasing each other.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Each time they invoked their ultimate power together, their domains met, shattered, and vanished, as if the universe itself refused to allow either one to dominate.
At last, the strain became too much.
Both Sataro and Lucifer fell to their knees.
Blood dripped from Lucifer's mouth, staining the broken ground. Sataro's condition was worse—his left eye was now completely destroyed, vision gone forever. His breathing was heavy, uneven, but his will had not broken.
Sataro forced himself to stand first.
"Domain of Power."
Lucifer smiled calmly.
The moment Sataro's domain tried to form, it detonated instantly, backlash ripping through his body. Sataro crashed to the ground, blood pouring from his eyes, nose, and mouth. His body refused to respond—he couldn't stand, couldn't even lift his head.
Lucifer rose to his feet, unshaken.
"Domain of Power."
His domain also shattered—but unlike Sataro, Lucifer felt nothing. No recoil. No damage.
He looked down at Sataro with cold satisfaction.
"It's over. Your turn is finished."
Then his gaze shifted.
"Now… your turn, Principal."
Lucifer moved in a flash and landed a solid punch at the Principal. The Principal blocked it just in time and countered with a powerful energy blast. Lucifer dodged effortlessly.
Suddenly, from the second mouth in Lucifer's torso, a long, black tongue shot out and wrapped tightly around the Principal's arm, restraining him.
Lucifer's hand morphed—bones twisting, energy condensing—into a dagger-like blade.
Without hesitation, he swung.
The Principal's head was severed cleanly.
It hit the ground with a dull, final sound.
Silence followed.
Sataro lay helpless on the shattered land, blood pooling beneath him, staring in horror at the fallen figure who had protected the world for so long.
Lucifer stood tall among the ruins, blood dripping from his hands, his red eyes burning with triumph.
The balance of power had finally tipped—and the world was now standing on the edge of absolute darkness.
Chapter 27 – The Final Clash and Imprisonment
Sataro rose, his bloodied body trembling with rage, eyes fixed on the Principal's fallen form. The loss ignited a storm inside him. Without hesitation, he landed a massive energy blast straight at Lucifer. The force of it sliced off Lucifer's lower right arm, leaving him with only two arms.
Lucifer staggered but quickly retaliated, swinging his dagger-like arm at Sataro. Sataro dodged with lightning reflexes, creating a cross-shaped fight sign in the air. From it, he released a massive purple orb, exploding into a super energy blast so intense that it cut off Lucifer's right arm and severely damaged his left, reducing him to a mere 124 soul energy, while Sataro's surged to 1526 soul energy.
Sataro flew toward Lucifer, his eye glowing as he began to heal himself mid-flight, aiming to land a devastating energy punch. But before he could strike, a backstep interrupted him—it was Maki. Using a sword infused with her soul energy, she struck Sataro's chest from behind, piercing through his armor. Blood gushed from his mouth and chest, but he steadied himself.
"Maki…" Sataro gasped.
"I'm here," she said firmly, gripping the sword with both hands. She struck again and again, Sataro's body twisting, neck and legs struggling under the force. A small energy blast bounced off her face, throwing her backward slightly—but she stood firm.
At that moment, Magaro and Riko arrived. Riko unleashed a blinding energy blast, striking Lucifer directly. The attack obliterated him, leaving his body lifeless.
Riko turned to Maki, landing multiple punches, releasing all her frustration and ensuring Maki would be fully restrained. Meanwhile, Magaro checked on Sataro, who was slowly recovering.
From the second Knight High School, a powerful teacher, Hayato, arrived with Sako by his side, rushing to Sataro. Using their combined power, they healed Sataro completely, restoring his strength. Sataro stood tall, looking at the exhausted fighters.
"Riko," Sataro commanded, "stop hurting Maki. She is our ally now."
Riko froze, confusion and guilt flashing in her eyes. "But… why? She tried to kill you…"
Sataro's gaze softened. "She is my sister. No matter what, she is part of my family."
Maki, still restrained but breathing heavily, whispered, "Sataro… I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
As the dust settled, Lucifer attempted to rise, but Hayato and Sako immediately restrained him. With a single, precise strike, Hayato punched Lucifer's head, knocking him unconscious.
Hayato then spoke firmly,
"It's time. We will take both Lucifer and Maki to the prison."
Sataro hesitated. "Maki… why?"
Hayato replied calmly,
"Whatever happened, she must face justice. Her powers are too dangerous to be left unchecked."
Sataro looked at his sister, pain and determination mixing in his gaze. He knew that for the world's safety, even family had to face the consequences of their actions.
The battlefield fell silent. Sataro, Riko, Magaro, Hayato, and Sako stood together, victorious—but the cost had been heavy. Earth was safe, but at the edge of their hearts, they knew the struggle was far from over.
Lucifer and Maki were now imprisoned, their immense powers contained, while Sataro's team prepared for the next chapter in a world where strength, soul energy, and family ties were all that mattered.
Chapter 28 – A Family and a Party in Chaos
Eight years had passed. Sataro now lived in a spacious, modern home with his family. His son, Raizen Gozzaki, age 7, had sharp black hair and piercing black eyes, while his daughter, Kaelina Gozzaki, age 5, had delicate white hair and sparkling blue eyes. The atmosphere in the house was cheerful, though calm—until a new day brought excitement.
One room door opened, and Yuhima, Sataro's wife, entered with a bright smile.
"I'm ready! Party time!" she said cheerfully.
Sataro chuckled, his usual calm tone full of warmth.
"Alright, let's go. Kaelina, come on."
Kaelina skipped forward happily, while Raizen stood still, pouting.
"Raizen, why aren't you coming?" Sataro asked.
"I… I'll just watch for now," Raizen muttered, though his eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Yuhima, Kaelina, and Sataro all climbed into the car. The driver started the engine, and they drove through the quiet streets.
"Papa, where are we going?" Kaelina asked, leaning against Sataro.
Yuhima smiled, "I haven't told them yet, Kaelina. Can you guess whose party it is?"
Sataro answered with a hint of pride, "It's Lucifer. He escaped from prison five days ago, but today, the Second Knight School has recaptured him—and this… is the celebration."
Kaelina grabbed her mother's hand tightly. "Okay, papa. Let's go!"
The car pulled up, and they exited smoothly. Hayato stood at the entrance, greeting them. Sataro gave him a firm handshake, and for a brief moment, they exchanged a meaningful glance.
"Wait… Raizen isn't here?" Hayato asked, noticing the empty spot.
"He's at home. He didn't want to come," Sataro replied, his tone calm but alert.
Hayato nodded thoughtfully. "I have a feeling… he's grown strong as well."
Sataro's eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of pride and concern. "Yes… I can feel it too."
Before they could step fully inside, a massive blast shook the area. The shockwave rippled across the party venue, shattering decorations, sending tables flying, and startling every guest. Panic erupted instantly.
People screamed and scrambled to escape, tripping over one another in chaos. The once-celebratory atmosphere transformed into a scene of fear and urgency. Sataro's instincts kicked in immediately—his eyes glowed faintly as he scanned the surroundings, ready to protect his family and confront whatever threat had arrived so suddenly.
Even amidst the laughter and celebration, it was clear: danger had arrived, and the Gozzaki family, along with their allies, would need to face it head-on.
Chapter 29 – Chaos at the Blast Site
Sataro moved quickly, his senses sharp. He picked up Kaelina, holding her protectively in his arms, while Yuhima grabbed his hand tightly, refusing to let go. Together, they ran toward the car.
Reaching the vehicle, Sataro opened the door, placing Kaelina safely inside.
"Go, Yuhima! Take her to safety!" he commanded, urgency clear in his voice.
Yuhima hesitated, looking at him with concern.
"But… you're coming too!"
"No. I'll be there shortly. Go now," Sataro said firmly, closing the car door.
He turned to the driver. "Take them home. Go. Fast."
The car sped away, leaving Sataro standing alone at the chaotic scene. He immediately scanned the area, his instincts razor-sharp.
"Hayato… what happened here? That blast—what was it?" Sataro asked, voice low but tense.
Hayato, equally focused, shook his head. "We don't know the exact cause yet. Follow me—we need to assess the damage and check our people."
Sataro's eyes narrowed. "Hayato, who was in that area when the blast happened?"
"I sent two of my students to investigate that site," Hayato replied. "But now… I'm heading there myself. You should come too."
"I'll go with you," Sataro said immediately, determination in his voice.
"No," Hayato said firmly. "You need to stay with the others. Make sure they are safe. I'll handle this. But I could use your help on the way if needed."
Sataro nodded reluctantly, allowing Hayato to take the lead. They approached the blast site together.
The devastation was staggering. Entire buildings, shops, and streets had been destroyed. Smoke and dust clouded the air, and the remains of civilians and victims lay scattered across the ruins. The once-bustling area was now a graveyard.
Hayato called out to his students over the comms. "Respond! Are you alright?"
No answer came. The silence was broken only by the distant groans of injured survivors and the creaking of unstable structures.
Suddenly, a cursed human emerged from the debris, its twisted form resembling the cursed entities Sataro had fought before. Its presence alone radiated danger and malice.
Hayato instinctively readied himself. "Sataro… be careful. These beings—there's more than one. We need to eliminate them before anyone else gets hurt."
Sataro's eyes glowed faintly, his aura radiating power. "Then let's finish this quickly. I won't let anyone else die here."
As they stepped forward, the cursed human hissed, its twisted features distorting as it prepared to attack, signaling the beginning of a new, deadly confrontation.
Chapter 30 – Ambush and Terror
Sataro landed gracefully on the scorched battlefield. His aura flared as he spotted three cursed humans attacking Hayato from different directions. Without hesitation, Sataro sprang into action.
He kicked the first cursed human, sending it flying into the air, before unleashing a concentrated energy blast, obliterating it instantly. The second cursed human charged, but Sataro's fist met its chest with blinding speed, and it crumpled lifelessly to the ground.
The remaining two cursed humans teleported away, vanishing in an instant. Sataro's eyes narrowed. "Those two… something about them doesn't feel right," he muttered, sensing a dangerous aura he couldn't ignore.
Meanwhile, Yuhima's car was on the road, heading toward safety with Kaelina in the back seat. Suddenly, two cursed humans appeared directly in the center of the road.
One of them was named Joko, the other Naki. The driver slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. The door swung open, and the cursed beings approached.
Before anyone could react, Joko leapt forward and severed the driver's head, killing him instantly. Yuhima screamed in terror as she held Kaelina tightly, trying to shield her.
The cursed human Naki lunged next, and with terrifying speed, dragged Yuhima out of the car, replacing her form with a corrupted version. Her skin turned slightly purple, twisted by the cursed energy. Yuhima struggled, but the cursed Naki was too strong.
Joko then grabbed Kaelina, the little girl crying and terrified, pulling her away from Yuhima. Kaelina's tiny hands clawed at her mother, but the cursed human showed no mercy. With a single horrifying motion, Joko killed Kaelina, tossing her lifeless body into the air.
Yuhima's scream echoed across the devastated road. Her heart pounded, tears streaming down her face, as she realized the horrific power and cruelty of these cursed humans.
Back on the battlefield, Sataro's intuition flared. Something was very wrong—he could feel Yuhima and Kaelina's danger from miles away. His blood boiled with rage as he prepared to teleport directly to their location.
"Sataro…" Hayato called out, sensing his friend's growing fury, "be careful—this feels different. Their power… it's unnatural."
Sataro's eyes blazed. "I don't care. I'm getting them back… alive or dead."
And with that, Sataro vanished in a streak of energy, heading straight for the cursed humans who had dared to attack his family.
Chapter 31 – The Call of Hope
Night had swallowed the road.
Rain poured relentlessly from the sky, washing away nothing—only spreading the blood thinner across the asphalt. The sound of rain mixed with silence so heavy it felt unbearable.
Sataro stood in the middle of the road, motionless.
In his trembling arms lay Kaelina's lifeless body. Her white hair was soaked with rain and blood, her small form cold and unmoving. His hands shook as he held her closer, as if warmth might somehow return.
Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the rain.
"No… no… please…" he whispered, his voice breaking.
Nearby, Yuhima's car stood abandoned, its doors open, windows shattered. Blood stained the road—but Yuhima was nowhere to be found.
Sataro looked around desperately, his eyes searching the darkness.
"Yuhima…!" he shouted into the storm.
Only thunder answered.
He fell to his knees, screaming in agony, clutching Kaelina to his chest as the rain continued to fall.
Two Days Later
The house was silent.
Sataro sat on the edge of his bed, hunched over, holding a photograph of Yuhima and Kaelina. His fingers pressed the picture tightly against his chest as silent sobs shook his body.
He hadn't slept.
He hadn't eaten.
The door creaked open.
Raizen stood there, small and confused, his black eyes filled with worry.
"Papa…?" he asked softly.
"Why are you crying?"
Sataro tried to speak, but his throat tightened.
Raizen stepped closer.
"Where is Mama…?"
"And Kaelina…? She promised to play with me…"
Sataro's hands trembled harder. He turned his face away, unable to meet his son's eyes.
No answer came.
Raizen stood there in silence, sensing something terrible—but not yet understanding it.
Second Knight School
Far away, inside the Second Knight School, Hayato stood in a dim corridor.
Behind him was a small reinforced jail cell sealed with cursed barriers.
Inside the cell stood Yuhima.
She looked exactly the same—but her skin had taken on a faint purple hue, and cursed energy pulsed quietly around her body. Her eyes were empty, unfocused.
She was alive.
But no longer human.
Standing with Hayato were Sako, Niru, and Riko. The atmosphere was tense.
Hayato clenched his fists.
"How do we tell Sataro…?" he said quietly.
"That his wife has become a cursed human…"
Sako crossed his arms, serious.
"Call him," he said.
"Tell him his wife has been found. Nothing more."
Niru nodded.
"You should stand at the school entrance. When he arrives… then tell him the truth."
Hayato took a deep breath and pulled out his phone.
The Call
At home, Sataro's phone began to ring.
He stared at it for a long moment before answering.
"…Hello," he said, his voice broken by tears.
Hayato's voice came through the phone.
"Sataro… are you crying?"
Sataro swallowed hard.
"Yeah… just tell me. Why did you call?"
Hayato paused.
Then he said, carefully,
"I have good news."
Sataro's heart skipped.
"…What is it?"
Hayato spoke slowly.
"Your wife has been found."
The world seemed to stop.
"…What?" Sataro whispered.
"Come to the school," Hayato said.
"We'll talk there."
The call ended.
Sataro stared at the phone in his hand, his tears freezing in place.
For the first time since that night—
A small, fragile hope ignited inside his shattered heart.
Chapter 32 – The Line That Was Crossed
The entrance of the Second Knight School stood silent beneath a darkened sky.
Sataro and Hayato faced each other, the cold wind moving between them like an unseen warning. The massive gates behind Hayato felt less like a school entrance and more like the doors of a prison.
Sataro broke the silence.
"Move aside," he said calmly.
"I'm here to meet Yuhima."
Hayato's expression hardened.
"I'm sorry," he replied.
"But your wife… is a cursed human now."
For a moment, Sataro didn't react.
Then—he smiled.
"So what?" Sataro said softly.
"You must have some option. Some way to turn her back into a human."
Hayato shook his head.
"No. There is no such option."
Sataro's smile didn't fade. His voice remained steady, almost gentle.
"Then listen carefully," he said.
"I will meet my wife. And don't even think about saying what you're about to say."
Hayato clenched his fists.
"…We are ordered to eliminate her," he said.
"That's the truth. The higher-ups have given their command."
In an instant, Sataro moved.
He grabbed Hayato by the collar and lifted him slightly off the ground. A terrifying pressure exploded outward from Sataro's body, cracking the stone beneath their feet.
"If Yuhima gets even a single scratch," Sataro said coldly,
"I will kill the higher-ups. All of them."
His grip tightened.
"I will erase this school."
"I will burn everything you stand for to the ground."
Hayato met Sataro's eyes—unshaken.
"Sataro," he said firmly,
"I'm only doing my duty. I follow orders."
Slowly, Sataro released him.
He turned his back to Hayato and began walking away toward the gate, his footsteps heavy but controlled.
Then he stopped.
Without turning around, he spoke one last time—his voice carrying absolute certainty.
"Hayato," he said,
"Get ready."
The air itself seemed to tremble.
"Everything is about to be destroyed."
Sataro stepped forward, leaving Hayato standing at the entrance—fully aware that a line had been crossed, and the storm that followed would shake the entire world.
Chapter 33 – The First Move
Sataro stood inside a police jail, the air thick with iron bars and silent judgment.
He placed a briefcase on the table.
"Two million dollars," Sataro said calmly.
"Release the knight."
The officers exchanged glances. A few minutes later, the cell door opened.
A tall man stepped out—scarred face, sharp eyes.
"Name's Steve," the knight said, cracking his neck.
"So tell me… what kind of job gets me out like this?"
Sataro looked straight at him.
"Something important."
Scene Shift
Sataro entered the jail room of the Second Knight School.
Hayato, Sako, Riko, and Niru were already there, standing in front of the reinforced cell. Inside, restrained by seals and barriers, was Yuhima—her appearance unchanged, yet her cursed aura was unmistakable.
Sataro stopped.
He looked at Hayato and spoke quietly.
"You were right," Sataro said.
"I'll have to take Yuhima."
The words sent a shock through the room.
Sataro walked forward and sat down on a chair as if this were a casual meeting, not a battlefield.
Hayato stepped closer and sat across from him.
"So," Hayato said,
"this is your plan?"
Sataro smiled faintly.
"You know me, Hayato."
Suddenly—
The lights went out.
Complete darkness swallowed the room.
Hayato clenched his teeth.
"I knew it… Sataro."
In the blink of an eye, Sataro and Yuhima vanished.
The barriers were intact—but they were gone.
Hayato turned sharply.
"Sako! Find him. Now!"
Sako disappeared at full speed.
Another Room – Somewhere in the School
Sataro sat calmly in a dimly lit room, leaning back against the wall.
Moments later, Sako appeared in front of him.
"I knew you'd come," Sataro said.
"But I didn't think it would take you this long."
Sako's eyes scanned the room.
"Where is Yuhima?" he demanded.
Sataro looked away.
"I don't know."
Sako stepped closer, his voice shaking.
"Please, Sensei… don't do this. I know what state you're in."
He hesitated, then continued.
"Your daughter was killed."
For a moment, the world went silent.
A single drop of water fell from Sataro's eye and hit the floor.
He didn't wipe it away.
"No," Sataro said quietly.
"You don't understand."
His voice hardened.
"And don't push me."
Sataro stood up and turned away.
"Leave," he said.
"Go."
Sako froze, realizing something terrifying—
This wasn't a knight acting on emotion.
This was a man who had already lost everything…
and was now moving toward something far more dangerous than rage.
Chapter 34 – The Wound That Wasn't Healed
Sako suddenly moved.
In a single instant, he attacked Sataro.
The blade flashed through the air and pierced straight into Sataro's right shoulder.
Blood spilled down his arm, dripping onto the floor.
But Sataro didn't move.
Not even an inch.
He slowly closed his eyes.
Sako froze.
His hands started shaking as he realized what he had done. He released the sword, leaving it lodged in Sataro's shoulder, and staggered backward.
"S–Sensei…!" Sako shouted.
"Please… don't do this. I–I'm sorry. I didn't mean to— I can heal you! I can fix this!"
He stepped forward in panic.
"Stop."
Sataro's voice was calm… too calm.
"I don't need anyone's help."
Sako stopped in his tracks.
Sataro opened his eyes.
"Hayato is intelligent," Sataro continued quietly.
"He knew I would never attack my students."
Slowly, Sataro reached up and gripped the sword embedded in his shoulder.
With one sharp pull, he tore it out.
Blood flowed freely, but he didn't react.
No healing.
No technique.
Nothing.
He stood upright, turned toward Sako, and placed the blood-stained sword back into Sako's hands.
Sako stared at it, unable to breathe.
Without another word, Sataro walked past him and left the room.
His wound remained open.
He chose not to heal it.
Sako collapsed to his knees.
"What… what have I done…?" he whispered.
Tears fell from his eyes.
"I attacked my own sensei…"
His voice broke.
"The same sensei… who was ready to attack his best friend… only for us."
Chapter 35 – The Order to Kill
Steve and Yuhima were running at full speed, desperately trying to escape the Knight School.
Their breaths were heavy. Sirens echoed faintly in the distance.
Suddenly—
Someone appeared right in front of them.
A knight stood calmly in their path.
It was Niru.
"Let her go, Steve," Niru said firmly. "Release Yuhima."
Steve stopped.
Then he smiled.
In the very next instant, Steve vanished.
Before Niru could even react—
BOOM!
A brutal punch slammed into Niru's face with terrifying speed. Niru was sent flying backward, crashing hard into a tree. The trunk cracked from the impact.
Steve was already there.
He jumped and smashed his foot straight into Niru's head.
Niru's body went limp.
Unconscious.
Steve grabbed Yuhima's hand again.
And they disappeared.
Scene Shift – Hospital
Niru slowly opened his eyes.
White lights. Machines beeping.
He was lying on a hospital bed.
Magaro and Riko stood beside him.
Niru blinked in confusion.
"How… did I get to the hospital?" he asked weakly.
Magaro shook his head.
"We don't know either."
"The doctors said someone brought you here," Riko added.
"They dropped you off… and left."
Niru clenched his fist.
His memory stopped at Steve's smile.
Scene Shift – Knight School (Inner Room)
Hayato stood inside a silent room.
In front of him sat one of the Principals, his expression cold and official.
"The Higher-ups have decided," the Principal said.
"Sataro Gozzaki has been expelled from the Knights."
Hayato's eyes widened.
"And," the Principal continued,
"there is now an official order to kill him."
Hayato stiffened.
"But Principal— there is no knight like Sataro. If anyone can—"
"There is no 'but'," the Principal interrupted.
"These are the Higher-ups' orders."
He leaned forward.
"Anyone who kills Sataro Gozzaki will receive a 100 million reward."
Silence filled the room.
Hayato slowly stood up.
"…Understood," he said quietly.
He turned and walked out.
Outside the Room
Riko, Niru, Magaro, and Sako were standing there, waiting.
They immediately noticed Hayato's expression.
"What happened?" Riko asked.
Hayato looked at all of them.
"There is an order," he said.
"To kill Sataro."
All of them froze.
Sako's eyes shook.
"No… that's not possible."
Hayato continued, his voice heavy.
"It's the truth. And there's a 100 million reward for whoever does it."
Shock spread across their faces.
Sako clenched his fists.
"I'm sorry," Sako said firmly, stepping forward.
"I can't do this. He adopted me. He gave me a life."
Hayato closed his eyes for a moment.
"…I understand," he said.
Then he opened them again, now cold and resolute.
"But these are orders."
He turned away.
"Prepare the team."
Chapter 36 – Enemies at the Same Table
Hayato and Sako stood inside the Lucifer containment jail.
The room was empty.
Chains lay broken. Seals were shattered. The massive prison chamber was completely silent.
Lucifer was gone.
Hayato's expression twisted with rage.
"…Sataro," he muttered.
His fist clenched.
"Sataro… what have you done?" he said through his teeth.
"This is madness."
Sako looked around nervously.
"If the Higher-ups find out that Sataro released Lucifer…" Sako said slowly,
"…then Sataro's chances of staying alive will drop to zero."
Hayato didn't answer.
He already knew.
Scene Shift – A Restaurant, Night
Soft lights. Quiet music.
Sataro Gozzaki was sitting at a table, calmly eating dinner.
Across from him sat Steve, relaxed but alert.
Steve leaned back and said,
"You said two more people were joining our team."
Sataro didn't answer.
He simply spoke without turning his head.
"Look behind you."
Steve turned.
A knight walked in from behind—
Lako.
He approached the table and sat down beside Sataro without a word.
Steve raised an eyebrow.
"So that's one."
Before he could say anything else—
The door opened again.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
A tall figure entered.
Lucifer.
He walked in like he owned the place and casually pulled out a chair.
Then he sat at the same table.
Steve stiffened instantly.
Lucifer smirked and looked straight at Sataro.
"How did you pull this off?" Lucifer asked.
"Until today, for years… we were enemies."
His red eyes narrowed.
"And now," he continued,
"you're sitting here like nothing happened."
Sataro finally looked at him.
"I didn't do this because I wanted to," Sataro said calmly.
"I was forced."
Lucifer tilted his head.
"Forced?"
"Yes," Sataro replied.
"There's something I have to do. Something more important than hatred… more important than our enmity."
Lucifer laughed softly.
"…Interesting."
Suddenly—
The restaurant door burst open.
Hayato entered.
Behind him were Sako, Niru, and Riko.
The moment they saw who was sitting at the table—
Everyone froze.
Lucifer slowly turned his head.
Steve stood up.
Lako's hand moved closer to his weapon.
Sataro remained seated.
Hayato stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Sataro.
"Sataro," Hayato said coldly,
"I'll say this one last time."
The room was completely silent.
"Where is Yuhima?"
Chapter 37 – The Breaking Point
The moment was tense. The air trembled with power.
Hayato lunged first, his aura flaring red-hot, and the fight erupted. Sataro's calm composure met Hayato's furious assault, their clash sending shockwaves across the ground.
Meanwhile, Lako and Magaro collided in a violent exchange of swords and energy blasts, their movements blindingly fast. Riko faced Steve, who moved with uncanny precision, while Sako squared off against Lucifer, whose presence alone made the air feel heavier.
Sataro moved like a storm, dominating Hayato effortlessly. Every strike Hayato launched—blood infused attacks, energy blasts—Sataro dodged with fluid grace. Then, with a single, devastating punch, Sataro sent Hayato reeling backward.
Suddenly, Steve, Lucifer, and Sataro disappeared, leaving Magaro and Riko mid-battle, confused.
"Where did they go?" Riko shouted.
"They've gone… to the city's largest building," Lako replied, his eyes narrowing. "There's an underground lab there."
Scene Shift – Underground Lab, City's Largest Building
The lab was massive, sterile, yet ominous. Machines hummed, glowing with an unnatural energy.
Lucifer stood beside a restrained figure—Yuhima. His eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure.
"Ah… Sataro," Lucifer said smoothly, his voice like ice.
"I've had enough of your little games. It's time she suffers."
Before Sataro could react, Lucifer's hand touched Yuhima. Energy surged violently through her body.
A sudden, blinding explosion ripped through her.
Yuhima's body disintegrated in a flash of light. She was gone.
Sataro froze. Shock rooted him to the spot.
Steve and Lucifer laughed, their voices echoing in the lab as if mocking his pain.
Sataro's anger erupted like a volcano. He turned toward them, rage practically burning the air.
Before he could move, Steve and Lucifer struck simultaneously, landing a brutal punch to his back. Sataro fell forward, landing on his knees.
His voice was broken, choked with grief and fury:
"Kill me… without Yuhima… my life has no meaning anymore."
Lucifer smirked, a sword of pure, dark energy forming in his hand. Slowly, he pressed it against Sataro's neck.
The room fell silent, heavy with tension—Sataro's fate hanging by the edge of that dark blade.
Chapter 38 – The Last Battle
The tension in the air was suffocating. The remnants of the previous destruction hung like a shadow over the battlefield.
Lucifer moved deliberately, pressing his dark energy sword against Sataro's neck. The blade cut just slightly, drawing blood. A thin stream trickled down, and the metallic scent filled the air.
Steve, impatient and cruel, sneered.
"End this quickly!" he shouted, urging Lucifer to strike.
Just as Lucifer prepared to plunge the sword deeper, Sako intervened. Blood flowed from his hands, coalescing onto the broken sword. The energy was so intense that the sword shattered instantly, scattering pieces across the battlefield.
From that moment, chaos erupted.
Manga, Sako, Riko, and Niru all arrived simultaneously. Sako, Magaro, and Hayato attacked Lucifer with synchronized strikes, while Riko and Niru focused their assault on Steve. Energy clashed violently, and the battlefield trembled under the sheer force of their attacks.
In a fierce exchange, Riko and Niru managed to overpower Steve, ultimately killing him.
Meanwhile, Sataro stood firm. He grabbed the front piece of the broken sword, pressing it repeatedly into his own chest. Four times he drove the blade into himself, blood flowing freely, his body trembling under the pain—but he did not falter.
Harnessing his own indomitable will, Sataro created a new blade of energy. He prepared to strike his neck, a move of both desperation and power.
Riko and Niru, sensing the danger, immediately seized Sataro's hands, preventing him from harming himself.
At that moment, Hayato, Magaro, Sako, and even Lucifer were restrained or immobilized by combined effort.
Hayato turned to Magaro, realizing the key to ending the battle:
"You have teleportation! You can send Lucifer to the jail!"
Magaro nodded and focused, channeling his teleportation energy. With precision, he teleported Lucifer directly into a specially designed containment cell, neutralizing his threat—for now.
The battlefield, though still tense and bloodied, finally had a momentary pause. Sataro, though injured and bleeding, stood upright, his eyes burning with unyielding resolve.
The last battle had not yet fully ended—but the first crucial step had been taken.
Chapter 39 – The Reason to Live
Magaro, Sako, and Hayato turned toward Riko and Niru, their faces tense and confused.
"Why did you hold Sataro's hands?" Magaro demanded.
"And what is all this blood on his chest?" Sako added, fear creeping into his voice.
Niru swallowed hard before answering.
"Sataro-sensei tried to kill himself," he said quietly.
"He stabbed this blade into his own chest… and then he tried to cut his neck. Riko and I stopped him."
Before anyone could respond, Sataro suddenly vomited blood. His condition worsened in an instant—blood poured from his eyes, nose, mouth, chest, and neck. His body shook violently, and he collapsed, barely conscious, hovering on the edge of death.
Sako and Hayato rushed to his side immediately.
"Don't stop!" Hayato shouted.
They both began healing Sataro at full power, pouring everything they had into him.
Through the pain and blood, Sataro weakly spoke, his voice breaking.
"Let me die…"
Tears rolled down his face as he cried openly.
"Please… let me die. I don't want to live anymore."
The words shattered everyone's heart.
Hayato clenched his teeth, holding Sataro by the shoulders.
"Sataro, listen to me," he said firmly but with emotion.
"You still have a child. Raizen."
"You have to live for him."
Those words struck deep.
The healing finally stabilized Sataro. His bleeding slowed, his breathing steadied, and his life was pulled back from the brink. He lay there, exhausted, broken—but alive.
One by one, Hayato, Sako, Magaro, Riko, and Niru gathered around him.
Without saying anything more, they all hugged Sataro tightly.
In that moment—surrounded by his students, his family in spirit—Sataro finally understood:
Even after losing everything,
he still had a reason to live.
Chapter 40 – The Fallen Hero
The students slowly lifted Sataro to his feet. He managed to stand, but one thing was clearly wrong—the wound on his shoulder, the one Sako had struck with his sword earlier, was not healing.
Hayato and the students began guiding Sataro out of the cave.
Suddenly—
Sataro vomited blood again.
His body shook, his knees gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Everyone froze in shock.
"Sataro-sensei!" Sako shouted.
Sako and Hayato quickly lifted Sataro's body and rushed out of the cave. His face, hair, and clothes were soaked in blood, making the situation look far worse than it already was.
As soon as they exited the cave, reporters and civilians surrounded them.
Cameras flashed. Voices shouted from every direction.
"Did you kill the most wanted knight, Sataro Gozzaki?"
"Did you execute him alone?"
"Is Sataro Gozzaki dead or alive?"
The crowd pushed closer, blaming Hayato.
Hayato clenched his fists and spoke in a low, controlled voice:
"My friend Sataro is close to death… and this is what you're asking?"
Without saying another word, Hayato and the students pushed through the crowd and hurried back to the school with Sataro's body.
At the School – The Principal's Office
They placed Sataro's unconscious body in front of the principal.
The principal's eyes widened as he saw the blood on Sataro's face, chest, hair, and the torn, cut clothes.
"What is this?" the principal asked coldly.
"You killed Sataro… and that too so easily?"
Sako snapped.
He lunged forward, trying to punch the principal—but Hayato grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"No," Hayato said firmly.
"We did not kill Sataro. He is alive."
The principal was shocked.
"Do you realize what you're doing?" he said angrily.
"You're carrying a living atomic bomb. If Sataro wakes up, he could kill everyone."
Hayato shook his head.
"No," he replied.
"Sataro won't hurt anyone. In fact… he tried to kill himself."
Everyone fell silent.
"The blood you see isn't from an enemy's attack," Hayato continued.
"Sataro hurt himself. He tried to end his own life."
After a moment, Hayato added,
"I will speak to the higher-ups."
Meeting the Higher-Up
Hayato entered the higher-up's room alone.
"I request that the order to kill Sataro Gozzaki be canceled," Hayato said.
The higher-up thought for a long moment, then nodded.
"Very well," he said.
"The kill order will be canceled. Sataro has done too much for us."
Hayato relaxed slightly—but the higher-up continued.
"However, Sataro Gozzaki will be sentenced to 10 years in prison,"
"and he will be expelled permanently from Knight High School."
Hayato bowed his head.
"…Alright," he said quietly.
Outside the room, Sataro lay unconscious—
alive, but broken—
his fate sealed, and his legend entering its darkest chapter.
Chapter 41 – A Father's Last Request
Sataro slowly opened his eyes.
Cold stone. Iron bars.
He realized the truth immediately.
"…So I'm in prison."
He looked down at his right shoulder. The deep wound was bandaged, wrapped carefully with medical cloth. It had been treated—but not fully healed.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway.
Hayato stopped outside the cell.
"I saved your life," Hayato said quietly.
"The higher-ups canceled the order to kill you. But…"
"You've been sentenced to ten years in prison."
Sataro didn't react.
Instead, he spoke calmly.
"I need you to do something for me."
Hayato looked at him.
"What is it?"
"Take care of Raizen," Sataro said.
"I'm in prison. You will raise him."
Hayato's eyes widened.
"And what should I tell him?"
Sataro's voice trembled—but he forced the words out.
"Tell him his father is dead."
"Tell him Sataro, Yuhima, and his sister all died in a battle."
"And tell him… you are the one who raised him."
Hayato stepped back in shock.
"What? Sataro—"
"I don't want him to know what his father became," Sataro interrupted.
"I don't want him to carry my sins."
After a pause, Sataro added,
"And tell my students too.
They must never tell Raizen the truth."
Hayato closed his eyes.
"…Alright," he said.
"I promise."
He turned to leave.
"I'm going," Hayato said softly.
Sataro slid down and sat against the cold prison wall.
He stared at the floor, his voice breaking.
"What's the point of all this power…"
"…when I couldn't even protect my wife and my daughter?"
Silence filled the cell.
Then—
Footsteps again.
Sataro looked up.
"Maki…?"
She stood at the prison door.
"Brother."
The knight guarding the cell unlocked the door and stepped aside.
Maki entered.
Sataro stood and faced her.
"There's one more thing I need," he said firmly.
"And this time… don't betray me."
Maki lowered her head.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"Please forgive me. Tell me—what do you want?"
Sataro took a deep breath.
"Yuhima is gone," he said.
"So you will take her place."
Maki looked up in shock.
"Go," Sataro continued,
"and raise my son."
"Make sure he never feels the absence of his mother."
His voice softened for the first time.
"Give Raizen the life I couldn't."
Maki's eyes filled with tears.
"…I promise," she whispered.
The prison door closed again.
And Sataro Gozzaki—
the strongest knight,
the broken husband,
the fallen father—
remained behind bars, alive only for one reason:
That his son would never know the truth.
Chapter 42 – The Truth Behind the Grave
Time Skip – 15 Years Later
(Story continues with a flashback from 5 years earlier)
Rain fell lightly over the silent graveyard.
Sataro Gozzaki stood alone.
In front of him were two graves—
one belonged to his daughter,
the other to Yuhima, his wife.
Both graves were still fresh, the soil dark and unsettled.
Sataro slowly knelt down.
His shoulders trembled.
Tears fell from his eyes and soaked into the earth.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered.
"I couldn't save you…"
Suddenly—
A voice came from behind him.
"Hi, Gozzaki."
Sataro froze.
He stood up, wiped the tears from his face, and turned around.
It was Hayato.
Or so it seemed.
Sataro narrowed his eyes.
"…Who are you?" he asked coldly.
The man smiled faintly.
"I'm your friend."
Sataro's aura shifted instantly.
"If you don't tell me the truth," Sataro said,
"I'll kill you."
He raised his hand slightly.
"Three."
"Two."
The man sighed.
"…Alright."
"My name is Naziru," he said.
"Naziru Otaku."
He looked straight into Sataro's eyes.
"I am a cursed human."
Sataro didn't look surprised.
"I knew it," Sataro replied calmly.
"Now tell me—why are you here?"
Naziru tilted his head.
"You figured it out already?" he asked.
"Yes," Sataro said.
"Because the real Hayato died one year ago."
"And Hayato never called me Gozzaki."
Naziru chuckled.
"Smart as always."
He stepped closer to the graves.
"Don't you think," Naziru said slowly,
"that Kizen was right?"
Sataro's eyes hardened.
"…What are you trying to say?"
Naziru's smile widened.
"That humans, knights, curses—"
"All of this suffering…"
He gestured toward the graves.
"…exists because of false mercy."
Sataro clenched his fists.
"If you're here to justify what happened," he said,
"choose your next words carefully."
Naziru looked at the graves again.
"This isn't the end, Sataro," he said quietly.
"It's only the beginning."
The wind passed through the graveyard.
And for the first time since losing his family—
Sataro felt something worse than grief.
A coming storm.
Chapter 43 – The Choice of a God
Naziru looked directly at Sataro, his expression calm but intense.
"Kizen—your friend," Naziru said,
"wanted to create a world where normal humans don't exist."
Sataro remained silent.
"A world," Naziru continued,
"where only Knights and Cursed Humans rule."
Naziru stepped closer.
"Tell me something, Sataro…
Who do you think was really responsible for your wife's and daughter's deaths?"
Sataro's eyes darkened.
"Not cursed humans," Naziru said.
"It was normal humans."
Naziru clenched his fist.
"You already know this.
Cursed humans are born from hatred—
hatred created by normal humans."
He took a deep breath.
"I can feel what you're going through.
The pain. The loss."
Sataro finally spoke.
"So what are you trying to say?"
"That I should kill all normal humans?"
Naziru shook his head.
"No."
"I'm saying that Knights and Cursed Humans should rule the Earth together."
Sataro laughed softly.
"This doesn't matter to me," he said.
"I can destroy this Earth in one shot."
Naziru's eyes widened slightly.
"I can create five to seven Earths if I want," Sataro continued coldly.
"This world means nothing to me."
Naziru bowed his head.
"It may not matter to you," he said quietly,
"but it matters to me."
He looked up again.
"Please.
This is for everyone's benefit."
Sataro stared at him for a long moment.
"…Fine," he said.
Five Years Later – Present Time
A massive castle battlefield.
Hundreds of corpses were scattered across the ground.
One hundred cursed humans lay dead.
Standing in the middle of the destruction were:
Niru
Sako
Riko
Magaro
Raizen Gozzaki (22 years old)
They were breathing heavily, weapons stained with blood.
Inside the castle—
Sataro sat calmly on a stone throne, one leg crossed over the other.
A cursed human ran toward him, panic in his voice.
"B–Boss! Boss!"
"The Knights… they wiped out our entire army!"
"All one hundred cursed humans are dead!"
Sataro slowly stood up.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"So… they finally showed up," he said.
"I was right."
He turned toward the castle entrance, his aura beginning to rise.
"I already know who they are—"
"the ones who killed my hundred soldiers."
The ground trembled slightly.
Sataro's eyes shone with cold authority.
"And now," he said,
"it's my turn."