[Kurayami no Enjin]

  Guraith, the king of the Yomurei, exuded disappointment as he gazed upon Kaien. The grand chamber of the Kurayami no Enjin, a place of swirling shadows and palpable dark energy, felt emptier than usual. The absence of the other jūma was a stark contrast to the imposing presence of their king. Only Kaien stood before him, battered and broken, a testament to a humiliating defeat.

  "Kaien," Guraith began, his voice resonating with an unnerving calmness that amplified the tension in the room. "You are heavily wounded. Both of your legs are cut, and you bear a deep stab wound in your chest. You even resorted to using your Kōkon no Shinzhui. The Kaien I know would never lose to someone weak. Your opponent must have been formidable, perhaps even a Shinrei-Rank."

  Kaien lowered his head, the shame of his defeat weighing heavily on him. The throbbing pain from his injuries was a constant reminder of his failure. "Yes, sir! I was defeated by a powerful opponent. His name is Toshima Minazuki, a Mei-rank Yomu Executioner who possesses the potential to ascend to Shinrei-Rank! He—"

  Guraith raised a hand, silencing Kaien mid-sentence. "A Mei-rank, you say? You were bested by a human who is merely a Mei-rank, albeit one with the potential to become a Shinrei-Rank? Is that your excuse?"

  "No, sir! I offer no excuses," Kaien replied, his voice trembling slightly. The fear of Guraith's wrath was a potent motivator. "I promise to grow stronger and personally eliminate Toshima Minazuki!"

  Kaien braced himself, anticipating the inevitable punishment for his failure. The air crackled with Guraith's suppressed power, and the shadows seemed to deepen around them.

  "I am in a benevolent mood today," Guraith said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "The culmination of our efforts to gather all the souls in this world is drawing near. Therefore, I will allow this matter to slide… for now."

  Kaien's head snapped up, relief flooding his features. "Really?! Then—"

  Guraith's voice hardened, cutting off Kaien's premature celebration. "But! Kaien, you must become stronger and eliminate this Toshima Minazuki. Understood?"

  "Yes, sir! I promise I will grow stronger and kill Toshima!" Kaien affirmed, his voice filled with renewed determination.

  "Very good," Guraith said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. The matter was settled, for now.

  [Reimei Medical Center]

  Minazuki lay unconscious in a sterile hospital bed at the Reimei Medical Center. His body, ravaged by the battle with Kaien, was slowly being restored by the advanced medical technology and the unparalleled healing abilities of the center's staff. His wounds had been meticulously closed, his shattered organs painstakingly repaired, and even his severed right arm had been miraculously reattached and healed.

  He stirred, his eyelids fluttering open as he became aware of voices nearby. The lingering effects of his injuries and the potent healing treatments left him feeling weak and disoriented.

  "Yes, his wounds, organs, and right arm have been completely healed," a woman's voice said, filled with a mixture of exhaustion and awe. "It was an arduous task. I can scarcely believe he survived such grievous injuries."

  Minazuki's vision was still blurry, but he could make out the shapes of two figures standing near his bed. "Where am I?" he mumbled, his voice raspy. "Did I die? No… Akihiro-san saved me."

  "As expected of the world's strongest healer," a man's voice replied, tinged with admiration. "Truly amazing, as always."

  "Oh, I believe he's waking up," the woman said, her voice softening.

  Minazuki slowly opened his eyes, his vision gradually clearing. He recognized the woman as Yumi Tsukino, a renowned Shinrei-Rank Yomu Executioner known for her unparalleled healing abilities.

  "You are…?" Minazuki asked, his voice still weak.

  "Yumi Tsukino, Shinrei-Rank," the woman replied with a gentle smile.

  "Yumi, huh? So, I'm in Reimei Medical Center. No wonder I survived," Minazuki said, a hint of gratitude in his voice. He turned his head to the side, spotting Akihiro standing beside Yumi.

  "Feeling better, Toshima?" Akihiro asked, his expression a mixture of concern and relief.

  "Akihiro-san… what happened to Kaien?" Minazuki asked, his thoughts immediately turning to his defeated foe.

  "He escaped," Akihiro replied, his voice grim. "I managed to sever both of his legs before he retreated into the Kurayami no Enjin. The important thing is that you survived and witnessed Kaien's full power."

  "That form…" Minazuki murmured, recalling the terrifying transformation he had witnessed. "I heard that only jūma and Guraith possess such a final trump card."

  "It's called Kōkon no Shinzhui, a jūma's ultimate power form," Yumi explained. "It was first documented in Moscow, Russia, when Ruril Asterov was killed by a jūma, the fifth jūma, if I remember correctly. He used Kōkon no Shinzhui to overwhelm and kill Asterov."

  "Toshima, when you fought with Kaien's Kōkon no Shinzhui, what kind of shin'en did he utilize?" Akihiro asked, his voice filled with urgency.

  "He manifested massive, dark shin'en hands that were incredibly fast and strong, capable of crushing a person," Minazuki replied, his voice strained as he relived the battle. "I barely managed to evade his attacks. He didn't use any weapons, relying solely on his hands and fists to control the shin'en hands. He was incredibly swift; when Jin attempted to snipe him, he instantly pinpointed Jin's location and eliminated him."

  "Jūma are truly on another level," Yumi said, her expression thoughtful. "So, what are your plans now, Toshima-san?"

  "I will continue to serve as a teacher and a Yomu Executioner," Minazuki replied, his voice filled with resolve. "Kaien will undoubtedly return to seek revenge. I also want to ensure that my students develop into fully capable Yomu Executioner. That is why I chose to become an instructor at the academy."

  "Well, you should prioritize resting for now, just like the students who participated in the mission," Akihiro advised.

  "You're right," Minazuki conceded. "I shouldn't push myself too hard and risk another encounter with the Yomurei. Although I have been healed, my shin'en reserves from my final attack have not fully recovered."

  "Indeed," Akihiro said. "I must return to the corps." He turned to Yumi. "Thank you for your exceptional work, Yumi."

  Yumi nodded. "It was my pleasure. I will continue to treat the Yomu Executioner who have been wounded in their missions."

  Akihiro and Yumi departed, leaving Minazuki alone in his room. Akihiro returned to the corps, while Yumi resumed her duties, tending to the wounded Yomu Executioner who were constantly brought in from the front lines. They both continued their tireless work, defending humanity from the encroaching darkness.

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  [Inside Our Dorm]

  It was midday, and we were gathered in our dorm's common area, enjoying the lunch that Ayaka had prepared. The television was on, broadcasting a random news program in the background.

  "A high-ranking Yomurei, estimated to be A+ rank, attacked in Chubu, Karuizawa," the news anchor reported. "According to nearby Yomu Executioner, the Yomurei was undetectable by Yomurei Detectors. The Yomurei Detectors were functioning correctly; they simply failed to register the Yomurei's presence. Fortunately, Shinrei-Rank Takashi Ametsu happened to be passing by and neutralized the Yomurei."

  "Hey, that's my favorite part!" Ayaka exclaimed, her eyes widening in mock outrage as Tatsuya snatched a chicken leg from her plate. "I cooked it, so I have the right to eat it!"

  "Too bad… I already got my saliva on it," Tatsuya retorted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

  It was amusing to see Tatsuya cracking jokes, a behavior that was quite unusual for him. He seemed to be growing more comfortable around us, and I couldn't help but laugh.

  "What's so funny, Ren?" Ayaka asked, tilting her head in confusion.

  "Nothing," I replied, shaking my head. "It's just that I can't believe Tatsuya is finally making jokes."

  "Is that so…? It's just the truth, though," Tatsuya said, shrugging his shoulders.

  "Oh, by the way, I borrowed a bike from the academy earlier," I announced, placing my empty plate in the sink.

  "What are you going to use it for?" Ayaka asked, her curiosity piqued.

  "I'm just going to ride around to random places and clear my head," I replied.

  "Do you want us to come with you?" she offered.

  "No thanks," I said, shaking my head. "I want to ride alone. I'll be back by five." I grabbed my biker gear and began to dress.

  "I see," Ayaka said, her expression softening. "Well, just make sure you're back before dinner."

  "I'm heading out now," I said, grabbing my helmet.

  "Be safe," Ayaka called out as I walked out the door.

  I left the dorm, the click of the door echoing behind me. The air outside was crisp, carrying the scent of autumn leaves. I made my way to the academy's bike storage, the metallic scent of oil and rubber filling my nostrils as I unlocked the borrowed bicycle. It was a sturdy, practical model, clearly built for durability rather than speed.

  I swung my leg over the seat, adjusting the helmet strap under my chin. "Alright, let's see where the road takes us," I muttered to myself, pushing off the ground and gliding onto the paved path.

  The initial few minutes were spent navigating the familiar streets surrounding the academy. I pedaled with a steady rhythm, the gears clicking smoothly as I shifted through them. Soon, I was leaving the academy's grounds behind, the buildings shrinking in the distance as I ventured further into the city.

  I stopped at a convenience store, the bright fluorescent lights contrasting sharply with the fading daylight. I leaned the bike against the glass window, the bell tinkling softly as it made contact. Inside, I grabbed a bottle of water and a couple of onigiri, paying at the counter with a quick nod to the cashier.

  "Enjoy your ride!" she called out as I exited the store.

  "Thanks!" I replied, hopping back on the bike and continuing my journey.

  The road stretched out before me, a ribbon of asphalt winding through the urban landscape. I rode past bustling shopping districts, quiet residential areas, and sprawling parks, each offering a different glimpse into the city's vibrant tapestry. The wind whipped through my hair, carrying with it the sounds of traffic, distant laughter, and the occasional street performer.

  As I rode further from Shinjuku, the scenery began to change. The towering skyscrapers gave way to smaller buildings, and the crowded streets became less congested. The air felt cleaner, and the sounds of nature replaced the constant hum of the city.

  Two hours passed quickly, my legs burning with a pleasant ache. I found myself in an unfamiliar neighborhood, the buildings smaller and more traditional. I consulted the small map I had brought, squinting at the tiny print.

  "Okay, I think I'm somewhere around… here," I muttered, tracing my finger along the map. "Never been here before."

  I spotted a small building ahead, its architecture simple but charming. A weathered sign indicated it was a local community center. I decided to take a break, parking the bike against a nearby wall and stretching my tired muscles.

  I found a bench in a small park adjacent to the community center. Families were picnicking on the grass, children were playing tag, and elderly couples were strolling hand in hand. It was a scene of idyllic tranquility, a stark contrast to the chaotic world of Yomu Executioner and Yomurei.

  "It's so peaceful…" I murmured, taking a sip of water and watching the scene unfold before me.

  It was 3:00 PM. I found myself in a narrow alleyway, the shadows lengthening as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The air was still, carrying the scent of damp concrete and distant cooking. I leaned against a brick wall, savoring the last few moments of peace before heading back.

  I reached into my bag for another onigiri, unwrapping the plastic and taking a bite. The rice was slightly dry, but the savory filling was satisfying.

  Suddenly, a deafening explosion ripped through the air, shattering the tranquility. The force of the blast knocked me off my feet, sending me sprawling onto the ground.

  "The bike…! Damn it!" I exclaimed, scrambling to my feet and turning towards the source of the explosion.

  My borrowed bicycle was a mangled wreck, its frame twisted and its tires shredded. Standing amidst the debris was a grotesque figure, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent. It was a Yomurei.

  "A Yomurei? I don't have a Yomurei Detector, so I can't determine its rank," I thought, my heart pounding in my chest.

  Several Yomu Executioner arrived on the scene, their faces grim.

  "A Yomurei?! But the Yomurei Detector didn't detect it!" one of them exclaimed in disbelief.

  "Never mind that! We have to take care of this guy!" another one said, drawing their sword.

  I initially felt relieved, assuming that the Yomu Executioner would handle the situation. However, I was quickly proven wrong. As soon as they charged at the Yomurei with their swords, the Yomurei unleashed a wave of shin'en that enveloped their bodies.

  They struggled against the restraints, but they were unable to move. The Yomurei slowly approached them. I felt a surge of adrenaline and summoned my sword, preparing to intervene. However, the fear of suffering the same fate as the other Yomu Executioner paralyzed me. I rationalized that it was probably a low-ranking Yomurei, perhaps a C or D.

  Before the Yomurei could reach the trapped Yomu Executioner, I charged forward.

  "Another Yomu Executioner? Stop! You'll get trapped!" the first Yomu Executioner yelled, his voice filled with panic.

  I ignored his warning and swung my sword, slicing through the air. As expected, the Yomurei's shin'en ensnared my body, immobilizing me. "Damn it! Hey! Let us go!"

  "Don't worry, kid, we wi—" the Yomu Executioner's words were cut short. He had lowered his guard while speaking and failed to notice the Yomurei approaching. The Yomurei swiftly decapitated them.

  I watched in horror as they died. I frantically tried to sever the Yomurei's shin'en bonds. I managed to break free and fled into the narrow alleyway, with the Yomurei in hot pursuit. I leaped onto a flat surface and climbed onto the roof of a building.

  The Yomurei continued to pursue me relentlessly. I was trapped, with no plan in mind. I ran across rooftops, hoping to escape. People on the streets below noticed the commotion and alerted nearby Yomu Executioner.

  "Hey! There's a Yomurei chasing a Yomu Executioner!" a man shouted.

  A Yomu Executioner leaped onto the ground and made his way to the building where the Yomurei was. "My name is Naoya, a Ha-rank Yomu Executioner. You're safe now, kid," he said, aiming his bow at the Yomurei.

  "Yomurei, you will die here," he declared, firing a volley of arrows tipped with glowing white shin'en. The arrows flew with incredible speed, but I was able to follow their trajectory.

  As the arrows approached the Yomurei, it caught them in its mouth and with its hands. "What the…! How did it do that?!" Naoya exclaimed in disbelief.

  He continued to fire arrows, but the Yomurei effortlessly intercepted them. While Naoya was preoccupied with his ranged attacks, I saw an opportunity to strike. I moved behind the Yomurei and stabbed it with my sword. However, the Yomurei suddenly turned around and seized my sword. It roared, and as it held my sword, Naoya's arrows struck it. The Yomurei used me as a shield, preventing the arrows from hitting me.

  Naoya, realizing the danger, quickly nocked another arrow. "Get back, kid! I'll finish it!" he yelled, his voice strained.

  I tried to pull my sword free, but the Yomurei's grip was too strong. It lunged forward, attempting to impale me with my own weapon. I dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade, but lost my footing and stumbled backward.

  Naoya fired a barrage of arrows, each one aimed at the Yomurei's vital points. The Yomurei, however, was surprisingly agile. It deflected some of the arrows with its bare hands and dodged the rest with unnatural speed.

  "Damn it! It's too fast!" Naoya cursed, his frustration mounting.

  The Yomurei, sensing an opportunity, suddenly lunged towards Naoya, its movements a blur. Naoya, caught off guard, barely had time to react. The Yomurei's hand, now elongated into a sharp claw, pierced through Naoya's chest.

  Naoya gasped, his eyes widening in shock. He staggered backward, clutching at the wound. "I… I can't believe…" he choked out before collapsing to the ground.

  I watched in horror as Naoya died, his life extinguished in an instant. The Yomurei turned its attention back to me, its eyes burning with malevolent intent.

  The Yomurei advanced towards me, its movements slow and deliberate. I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move. The Yomurei raised its clawed hand, preparing to strike the final blow.

  Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my left eye. I screamed, clutching at my face. The Yomurei had stabbed me.

  I stumbled backward, blinded by the pain. The world spun me, and I felt myself losing consciousness. The last thing I saw was the Yomurei looming over me, its grotesque features contorted into a predatory grin.

  I held my left eye, people who were below already left. There was no other Yomu Executioner available; if possible, those people would call another stronger Yomu Executioner. The Yomurei came to me running. Time slowed.

  "The Yomurei is coming towards me; he's going to kill me. I can't move, I can't see in my left eye. It hurts... Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" I said in my mind. While raising my voice in my head, my body released a lot of shin'en. A dark red wind swirled around me. I turned unconscious, my left eye glowed red and my right eye turned white, my wounds healed, and when that dark red wind was gone, it happened again. For four years, the mysterious being inside possessed me, but this time I was unconscious. The Yomurei stopped running; both of my body and the Yomurei just stand there, staring at each other.

  The dark red wind intensified, swirling around me like a vortex. The air crackled with raw energy, and the ground beneath my feet trembled. The Yomurei, sensing the shift in power, hesitated, its predatory instincts warning it of the impending danger.

  My body began to undergo a transformation. My muscles bulged, my bones creaked, and my skin took on a darker hue. My remaining eye glowed with an eerie red light, piercing through the darkness. And a thin black with red glowing in the middle grew on my right eye connected to my chest. A low growl emanated from my throat, escalating into a deafening roar that shook the very foundations of the building. My wounds healed instantly, the pain vanishing as if it had never existed.

  The Yomurei, now visibly unnerved, took a step back. It recognized the aura of immense power emanating from me, a power that dwarfed its own. It was a power that resonated with the primal forces of destruction and chaos, a power that threatened to consume everything in its path.

  The Yomurei's instincts screamed at it to flee, to escape the impending doom. But it was too late. The transformation was complete. The mysterious being had taken control.

  My body stood motionless for a moment, as if calibrating itself to its newfound power. Then, slowly, deliberately, I raised my head, my single red eye locking onto the Yomurei.

  There was no fear, no hesitation, only a cold, calculating intensity. The Yomurei, despite its monstrous form, seemed to shrink under the force of my gaze. It was as if it were facing not just another Yomu Executioner, but something far more ancient and terrifying.

  The air crackled with anticipation, the silence broken only by the sound of my ragged breathing. The Yomurei remained frozen in place, its eyes wide with a mixture of fear and fascination. It was a predator facing a superior predator, a hunter about to become the hunted.

  And then, it began. A slow, deliberate smile spread across my face, a smile that promised pain, suffering, and ultimate annihilation. The Yomurei knew, in that instant, that its end was near.

  We stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills, the fate of the rooftop hanging in the balance. The Yomurei, a creature of darkness and destruction, and I, the vessel of a mysterious, ancient power. Staring at each other.