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  Chapter 22 — The Breaking Point

  In the shadowed halls of Hell, the King of Dragons, Ryujin, entered Makugan’s quarters.

  He bowed deeply, claws scraping softly against the obsidian floor.

  “Lord Makugan, you summoned me,” he said, his voice calm but edged with restrained fury.

  Makugan’s crimson eyes glowed like molten fire. “Yes, Ryujin. I called you for a reason that burns deeper than the abyss itself.”

  “Command me, my lord. Your will is absolute.”

  Makugan leaned forward, resting his claws on the throne’s armrests. “Do you remember the day you sent your dragon son to raid the First Universe?”

  Ryujin’s tone darkened. “How could I forget? That mortal—Hirauka—slaughtered my heir.”

  Makugan’s smirk twisted into a devilish grin. “Then channel that fury. Your vengeance awaits. Go, Ryujin. Slay the mortal who dared challenge the bloodline of dragons. Complete the funeral of the Dead.”

  Ryujin’s aura flared, crimson lightning crackling across his scales. “Yes, my lord. The heavens will tremble when I rise.”

  ---

  Meanwhile, on Earth, Hirauka and Yumeha approached the softly glowing restaurant sign.

  > “Dealing with Delight.”

  Hirauka froze. The same restaurant Sayaka had mentioned earlier as her favorite.

  Yumeha tilted her head. “What’s wrong, Hirauka-san?”

  “Nothing,” he replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Just… excited to finally see this place inside.”

  They entered and were led to a reserved table. The subtle clink of cutlery and the warm hum of conversation filled the space. A waiter brought complimentary drinks and menus.

  As Yumeha browsed, Hirauka’s eyes swept the room—not for décor, but for Sayaka.

  “You’re lost in thought again, aren’t you?” Yumeha’s voice cut through his focus.

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  “No, no,” he said faintly. “Just… taking in the view.”

  “Then take a look at the menu too,” she teased. “I’ve already ordered—numbers nine and twelve.”

  “Then I’ll go with eight and ten,” Hirauka replied.

  “Great choice. You know your French food,” she said, smiling.

  The waiter nodded politely. “Très bien. Your meals will arrive shortly, monsieur et madame.”

  They laughed lightly, the warmth of the evening soft around them. But the door opened—and Sayaka walked in.

  Hirauka’s heart sank.

  She noticed him immediately. “Oh! You’re here too, Hirauka? What a surprise.”

  “Yeah,” he said flatly.

  “Coincidence or fate?” Sayaka asked playfully.

  “Coincidence,” Yumeha said politely, a faint edge to her smile.

  Instead of taking her reserved seat, Sayaka casually joined them. She leaned closer to Hirauka, whispering, “Dinner date, huh?”

  Hirauka groaned softly. “I didn’t even know this was the same place. And no, it’s not a date.”

  Sayaka smirked. “We’ll see about that. Maybe destiny’s hinting something.”

  “Don’t say that in front of her,” Hirauka muttered.

  “Fine, fine,” Sayaka whispered back. “I’ll behave.”

  Yumeha blinked, suspicious. “What are you two whispering about?”

  “Oh, nothing,” Hirauka said quickly. “Just… work stuff.”

  “Yeah,” Sayaka added. “Important files.”

  Yumeha nodded slowly. “Oh, alright.”

  Sayaka’s expression softened as she turned to Yumeha. “So, you know about the God Rings?”

  “You too?” Yumeha asked, surprised.

  “Of course,” Sayaka said proudly. “I’m a Raid Conqueror—chosen by the God of War. My gift is battle instinct. I gain advantage in every fight.”

  “That’s amazing!” Yumeha’s eyes sparkled.

  Sayaka winked. “And I’m also Hirauka’s senior in power.”

  “So you’re stronger than him?” Yumeha asked.

  “Well, technically yes,” Sayaka admitted. “But he’s the chosen one of prophecy—that makes him unique.”

  “Oh… he never told me that,” Yumeha said softly.

  “Sorry,” Hirauka murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. “Didn’t get the chance.”

  Their food arrived soon after.

  “Your orders, monsieur et madames,” the waiter announced.

  Sayaka laughed. “Hirauka, you picked the same dishes I did. Our tastes really match.”

  “Yeah, seems like it,” he said, avoiding her eyes.

  Yumeha’s smile was quiet but strained. “Guess coincidences happen every day.”

  They ate, talked, and laughed through light conversation—though the air between the two women remained charged with a subtle tension.

  When the bill arrived, Sayaka reached for it. “I’ll handle this.”

  “No,” Hirauka said firmly. “Let me.”

  Sayaka grinned. “Relax. I won’t deduct it from your salary.”

  Yumeha finally stood. “You two are hopeless. Let me pay.”

  She settled the bill and walked out first. Sayaka finished her drink, then stood up.

  “I had a great time,” she said cheerfully. “See you, Hirauka!”

  “Yeah,” he nodded. “It was… fun.”

  Sayaka smiled, then left. Her car disappeared into the night.

  ---

  Outside, Yumeha and Hirauka stood beneath the city lights.

  “Hirauka-san,” she began, voice trembling slightly. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

  She hesitated. “Do you… love Sayaka?”

  He blinked. “What? No, of course not. She’s my boss—we just work closely together.”

  “The way she talks to you, and the way you look at her,” Yumeha said quietly, “it doesn’t look like just work.”

  “Yumeha…” Hirauka’s voice softened. “Why are you asking this?”

  Her eyes glistened. “Because… I had to be sure.”

  She took a step closer. “Look into my eyes, Hirauka. Tell me the truth.”

  He did—and in her gaze, he saw honesty, vulnerability, and a quiet storm of feeling.

  “Yumeha… what are you trying to say?”

  She swallowed hard. “I—I love you, Hirauka-san.”

  Silence.

  Hirauka’s breath caught. “Yumeha… you’re kind, caring, and beautiful. I really like you—but as a friend. I’ve never seen you the way you see me.”

  Her smile shattered. Her heart cracked like thin glass.

  “I understand,” she whispered. “I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “You don’t need to apologize,” Hirauka said gently. “Love isn’t a mistake. Just… don’t let it hurt you.”

  Tears fell quietly as she nodded.

  At that moment, a sudden flash of light behind them revealed Sayaka.

  “Hirauka! Urgent raid—we have to go now!”

  He turned instantly. “A raid? Okay. Let’s move.”

  He looked back at Yumeha. “Wait here, okay? I’ll come back soon.”

  She forced a smile. “No need. I can go home myself.”

  Sayaka frowned. “Yumeha, are you okay? You look pale.”

  “I’m fine,” she said softly. “Please… just go.”

  In a flash, Hirauka and Sayaka vanished—leaving Yumeha standing alone beneath the fading glow of the restaurant’s sign…

  broken, silent, and utterly human.

  ---