Richard stood still in the center of the chamber, but it wasn't really him that was standing. His spine was straight like a spear, his hands were loose but controlled, and his eyes glowed with an unnatural stormy blue. Every inch of his body radiated strength he had never felt-not even on the day he first awakened aura.
Akumo was behind the wheel again.
Richard was fully awake in the shared consciousness, but he could not move a single finger. His body was not his own. His breathing was not his own. His heartbeat was not his own.
It was altogether the property of the old fighting spirit within him.
Akumo's voice rolled through their shared mindspace like thunder:
"Richard… your waiting ends now. Today, I will show you the army I once commanded."
Richard swallowed.
"Army?"
Raviel, standing to the side with his huge umbra sword resting on his shoulder, slowly turned. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly, as if he already sensed the pressure that was about to erupt.
