Some time later...
I begin seeing land.
It's been so long since I've seen anything other than the ocean.
Japan... We're finally here.
"We're approaching Fukuoka City," Lenah announces, her voice carrying a note of cautious anticipation.
Lenah stands behind the boat wheel, her violet eyes scanning the horizon.
"We'll be docking at Aratsu Port shortly." Lenah says with a firm voice. My hands instinctively clench.
"...Aratsu Port..."
"That's where we'll begin our search for the source of the voice?" I ask.
"Indeed," Lenah replies.
"Fukuoka is a sprawling city—we'll need to tread carefully and remain vigilant. Our enemies could be lurking anywhere."
I clench my jaw, nodding once.
Not because I'm fearless.
But,
Because I refuse to be afraid.
"I'm ready." I say, my voice firm with determination.
Lenah gives a slight, acknowledging nod.
"Whatever challenges lie ahead," Lenah states, her gaze sweeping over the approaching port,
"We'll face them together."
Touko saunters up beside me, her silver tail swaying gently.
"Looks like things are finally getting interesting, Kita~" Touko purrs, bumping her shoulder playfully against mine.
"Just try to stay out of trouble, Onee-chan." I retort, pushing her gently away.
Touko giggles.
"No promises~"
Soon, we begin to see the port more clearly.
As expected, there's no one there to greet us.
Lenah maneuvers the boat skillfully, guiding it smoothly into an empty dock.
With a soft thump, the boat makes contact with the platform.
"Doesn't seem like this quay is significantly damaged," Lenah says, turning to face us.
Lenah grabs her sword and quickly disembarks the boat.
"Secure the boat. Then, follow me." Lenah states.
I nod and begin following Lenah's orders.
"Onee-chan, secure the boat." I say.
"Mhm. Got it." Touko replies, casually jumping off the boat.
Once the boat is secure, I step onto the platform after them.
The moment I step out onto the platform, however,
A strange pull tightens in my chest.
Unintentionally. Unconsciously. Instinctually, I break into a run.
"...!"
The vibration tears through me.
Not pain, something worse.
My body moves before I can stop it. Instinct—no, something deeper.
Demonic energy ignites in my legs with every step▬
I can't breathe. Can't think. Just—
Jump.
By the time I come back to my senses, I'm in a different place.
"...Huh?" I say, blinking rapidly.
There's a large open space that stretches out before me...
I think I saw an image like this in a book once.
...A park?
I think that's what they call such places.
Or at least, that's what it used to be...
I look around wildly, placing my left hand on my chest.
The scent of salt is gone. Replaced by... something acrid. Like burnt metal and decay.
Where am I?
How did I get here?
One moment, I was on the dock with Lenah and Touko... The next... I'm here.
This is bad. Really bad.
I look down at my hands. They're trembling. Not from fear... From the raw, uncontrolled power still coursing through me.
It feels... wrong. Familiar, but twisted. Stronger. More‒‒‒
...What is that?
There's a figure in the distance.
Not breathing. Not shifting.
Just watching.
Waiting.
Staring back at me with eyes that burn with a cold, hungry light.
"...!"
I don't feel any Ki coming from it... But the presence... It's overwhelming.
It feels cold.
Dead.
And yet, it's… alive.
"...What are you?" I say under my breath.
The figure doesn't respond. It just... stands there. Observing.
It feels like it's looking into my soul.
A shiver crawls up my spine.
Instinct screams at me to run. To hide. To disappear.
But something else... something deeper... compels me to stay.
To understand.
To face whatever this... 'thing'... is.
I slowly take a step forward, raising my demonic ki as I do.
I exhale.
Then,
My muscles tense as I adopt the inverse flow fighting stance, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
My right hand is raised in front of me, fingers splayed wide, ready to deflect or strike.
My left hand is poised to strike with a swift chop to the side, ready to channel demonic energy into a devastating blow.
"Come any closer,"
"And I'll make you regret it."