Ch-24 New freind
Goyota Shinge looked around the destroyed battlefield, breathing heavily.
"At least for now… we are safe," he muttered. "But where are Bachi, Zondra, and Rita?"
A familiar voice called out, "We are here, Goyota!"
Goyota turned. Bachi, Zondra, and Rita were approaching—along with someone new.
Goyota narrowed his eyes. "Who is that with you?"
Zondra smirked proudly. "A new friend. He's the Captain of Squad 7. His name is Astro."
Goyota stepped forward. "Astro, huh. Nice to meet you."
Rita added, "He's very skilled in combat too."
Goyota thought to himself: I still have 37 hours and 53 minutes left… I need to use that time wisely.
Astro smiled lightly. "Nice to meet you as well, Goyota Shinge."
Suddenly, Goyota noticed the sword Bachi was holding.
"Wait, Bachi—where did you get that sword?"
"Oh, this?" Bachi raised it. "It's Astro's. It's one of the Sajura Blades."
Goyota's eyes widened. "Sajuras? Then that means—he definitely has a bounty. Hey Astro, what's your bounty?"
Astro hesitated. "Umm… just a little. 45 Quadrillion Katon."
Goyota froze. "WHAT—?! Even some gods don't have that kind of bounty!"
Astro's tone became serious. "I am from the Sen Ren Clan, the rival clan of the Gu Zhen Clan."
Goyota thought: Good. If he kills Sempero one day, it would reduce danger for us… especially me.
Astro glanced at Goyota again. "Goyota… are you a Flame Born? I can sense that aura."
Goyota stiffened. He figured it out that fast… he's sharp.
At that moment, the Guards of Hoein surrounded them.
"Sen Ren Astro, you are under arrest!"
Astro sighed. "Not so fast."
He raised his blade—
"Lightning Blade: Wrath of the Sun – NIGHT FLASH!!!"
A blinding flash of energy erupted.
The guards vanished—erased from existence.
Astro exhaled calmly. "Just bounty hunters. Nothing special."
Zondra's eyes sparkled. "So you're strong. Want to travel with us? What's your goal?"
Astro looked distant. "My goal? To return to being human. Being a shadow… feels empty."
Zondra nodded. "Same goal here."
Bachi shrugged. "My goal is nothing. Just live and see what happens. My ideology is—whatever happens, we'll see it."
Goyota said, "My goal is to protect the people I care about."
Astro smiled. "Then we share paths. Let's form a team. What should we call it?"
Zondra suggested, "Ghostly Adventurers."
Bachi shook his head. "Goalazoo!"
Astro thought. "How about… Believer?"
Zondra: "Agreed."
Bachi: "Agreed."
Rita: "I agree too."
Goyota nodded, but checked his time. "I need to bank my time soon. Only 32 hours remain."
Suddenly—
Emperor appeared.
"Agreed from me as well," he said.
Bachi's eyes widened. "Oh no—he's back!"
Zondra whispered, "Wait… he's strong. If we treat him like a pet tank, he fights in front, we move ahead, and when he comes back, we repeat. Easy advantage."
Bachi grinned. "Nice plan, boi."
The Emperor scoffed. "I am not here to join you. I already got recruited by the Vinicius Boys. I came here to tell you—you all suck."
Zondra froze. "No… Bachi… that's beyond disrespect."
Bachi raised his weapon. "Yeah. So Emperor—here's a gift. Barrel Shot!"
The Emperor screamed, dodging. "AAAAA—!!!"
Suddenly, another figure landed—Kitaelin.
"Hey boys. I'm looking for someone named Emperor. He kicked me. He's weak."
Bachi pointed. "He's right here."
Kitaelin cracked his knuckles.
"99 Rocket Punch + 2 Axe Swings."
The Emperor's eyes widened in horror.
"I am cooked—!!"
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To be continued... ... ..