He Kills Gods as a Man

Warning: This excerpt discusses mature and dark themes that might not suitable for younger readers.

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He Kills Gods as a Man is a story that centres mainly on Outer Shadow Aaron Hope, as he takes on missions along with his android assistant Sigurd under the codename Dainsleif for his master Inner Shadow Jun Gasket. What happens when the world's most dangerous troublemaker has access to the most powerful guns in the universe? Well. Not much, actually. Especially when Sigurd is around to reel him in whenever he goes too far.

Even if Aaron is just a regular human with no powers, his skills, intelligence, and craftiness have made him one of Jun's strongest Outer Shadows. And because of this, he might just be what the good guys need in the face of the mysterious threats that lurk in this world. And rising ones that threaten it.

Introduction

Once upon a time ago, all man was equal.

No man was above another.

No gender was above another.

Racial discrimination did not exist.

Politics did not exist.

This was known as the Age of Unity.

But with the Age of Unity, they suffered, because they lived a life of fear.

It was that fear that united them all.

The fear for The Great Akuma, sent by the darkest depths of hell in response to those who prayed for fairness and equality. They wished for an ultimate force that would unite humanity with unstoppable, universal power.

The Great Akuma was just that. For she was more than just a celestial entity, her very aspect of existence was comprised of six gods. Each ruling with supreme power.

Hinokami The Devil's Flame. To rule through blazing fortitude and an iron heart, a warrior's passion and thirst for battle.

Suijin The Devil's Tide. To rule through sheer influence, like the sea, engulfing the world with unparalleled power.

Fujin The Devil's Gale. To rule without limits, unbound by the world's shackles, the very definition of liberation.

Hachi The Devil's Eyes. To rule without secrets, for one who sees all knows all, is one who rules all, one who never misses an arrow conquers every battlefield.

Susanoo The Devil's Fury. To rule with absolute, undisputed power, for destruction instills fear, and fear is the primal driving force for allegiance.

Shakujin The Devil's Body. To rule for eternity. A body of eternal constitution and control.

But just as man was equal, there were those who refused a life of fear. And she saw it. The Great Akuma's Hachi saw right through them, and with each attempt to revolt, she killed them. She killed them all.

With every man slain for a different world, more of their prayers fed, not to the depths of hell, but to the crevices of heaven, and so, the divine gifted humanity with a different deity.

Vala, the Spirit of Hope.

And Lady Vala, inspiring hope amongst those who craved for a life to be lived not out of fear, fought back against The Great Akuma, leading to the events of the First Great War. And with the Great Akuma slain, man no longer lived bound to fear.

But with the Great Akuma's death, so was the world's equality and balance.

Sexism.

Racism.

Poverty.

Social hierarchy.

Depression.

Sadness.

The world became corrupt, as fear no longer kept such things in check, the poison spread quick, in exchange for a life of freedom, humanity became corrupted.

Many have tried to bring this world back. To bring the Great Akuma back.

The Contingency Initiative was founded in an attempt to collect the Level 1 Dogma Holders who housed the essence of The Great Akuma back.

But they failed.

For our Lord. Lord Ginga was unsatisfied. And so, we sent him.

Danny Yuyan Zheng, The Transplant, to destroy the organization.

That is all I know.

That is all I need to know.

Because I am an Outer Shadow. I do not need to know such things. My sole existence is to serve.

Dainsleif

Our Master summons you..

Do not make his greatness wait.

I followed the shadows, up the steps into a massive ancient temple. The architecture was incredible. But I expected no less from my master.

The shadows bowed to me.

Dainsleif...

The doors creaked open, as I stepped in.

BOOM.

The doors closed behind me as I stood inside the dark room. It was a large and compact. A dark cathedral.

I slowly lifted my hand.

Convocatio: Duo Turriculam

Two magic circles appeared next to me, and two hovering star shaped objects emerged.

Within the centre, glowing orbs of light gained shape.

I tapped my temples.

Aspectum: Full Radar

More magic circles appeared in front of one of my eyes.

Three targets.

No...

Much more.

I ordered my sentries to chase after the bogies, as each sentry fired a barrage of blue blasts of energy.

The bogies fled.

One bogie came flying my way.

I predicted this.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Draugr D975AX Model 3

I pulled a weapon out of a rune, a handgun, and aimed it right at the bogie, a robotic exoskeleton, and shot it right through the head. The metal crumpling to the ground.

The sentries had gunned down the remaining bogies and returned to my side, hovering in assault mode.

Their lasers were pointed at a man who was sitting at the throne.

"Very good, Dainsleif."

The man flicked his finger as all of my tech powered down, clattering to the ground.

Well.

Not so much as man, as I got on my knees, kneeling before my master.

"I see all the tech I made for you is working just fine."

The footsteps echoed in the room. Getting closer.

"No Evos."

Step. Step. Step.

"No Dogmas."

Step. Step. Step.

"And no inherent abilities. You, Dainsleif, are an intriguing creature."

"Yes, master."

It was only a matter of time.

I made eye contact with my master, the Inner Shadow of Lord Ginga.

His face was twitching, about to let loose.

I could only imagine the amount of strain he was unnecessarily putting on himself to keep this act.

"OH MY GOD!" Master Jun jumped up and down.

"SO BADASSSSSSS MAN!!!!"

Jun began prancing all around me, as I got to my feet.

"God! I didn't even think my machines could combine with magic! God, summoning magic is AWESOME. Right?! Aaron?"

"My codename is Dainsleif."

"Yeah, but your real name is Aaron Hope. Or did I forget..."

Did you really just forget the name of your most loyal servant?

Jun ran a hand over his face.

"Ah.... no matter. Glad to know Draugr is strong enough to shatter my bots. Damn. I wish I could run around with these guns and equipment and whatnot, but look at me."

Jun lifted his shirt, revealing his skinny fat frame, and chest hairs.

"Maaaaaaaaaan! I wish I had abs! So jealous of those hot guys. But whatever. Of all the Inner Shadows, I possess the greatest evo of them all. The coolest, you'd say."

"Yes Master. You are the coolest Inner Shadow ever."

"Hell yeah I am."

It wasn't just one evo though.

Master Jun wasn't wrong when he said he possessed the coolest power of all the Inner Shadows.

I glanced at all the tech around him. Millions of projects and ideas, then at the window of the cathedral. In the distance, he had an entire legion of robots that were building new statues and buildings in his image.

His most recent project was a giant commemoration statue of him, probably the two hundred and fifty eighth statue...

And on the plague it would say:

In Honour of the Biggest Stud of the Inner Shadows: Jun Gasket

Jun swirled his finger, as numerous drones entered the room, tending to me.

The shadows peaked from the door.

My Lord... she seeks you.

Jun's goofy smile suddenly melted.

"Shit. Ah, Aaron, please clean up the mess."

"Wha-"

My jaw hung open.

"What do you mean what?! You were the one who shot all my bots here!"

"You were the one who sent them all after me!"

"To test you! Ah! Just clean it up! Here, I'll help you out."

Jun frantically waved his hand, and suddenly, a magical circled formed in front of me, and three Roomba like drones began vacuuming the ground, picking up the spare pieces of busted tech on the ground.

"Go go go! Before she walks into this mess! I gotta keep up a good image to her."

"Geh!"

Jun pointed at the shadow at the door.

The shadow paused.

Me, My Lord?

"Yes. You. Help Dainsleif clean up the mess."

My Lord, I am a-

"Huh? You're gonna say no to me?" Jun's voice suddenly became dangerously low. Orange tattoos forming around the right side of his face.

Level 1 Hachi Stage Five: Infinite Penance

The Shadow suddenly dropped to its knees.

Forgive me! My master! I misspoke! I shall assist Dainsleif in cleaning!

I started scrubbing the floors along with the Shadows and Demon Roombas that Master Jun had summoned for me.

"Oy! Clean faster! My Dogma is telling me she's coming quick!"

"Why won't you make a machine that cleans it faster?" I snapped.

"It's beneath me to make such machines! What kind of Inner Shadow becomes known for making giant frickin Roombas?"

"Gasket." A woman's voice interrupted us, as we were so startled, even the shadow jumped.

We are too late... my master. Please order Dainsleif to kill me.

I stumbled back, getting to position, but Jun put out a hand.

He was giving me a serious look.

Stay away.

I stepped back nervously. My hand inches away from summoning a magic circle and calling upon my entire arsenal, but I knew whatever I would do would not do me any good.

This girl could kill me in a split second, and I never would have seen it coming.

But realistically, I was only person who was in danger. Jun should not have been sweating bullets, but I guess...

That's kind of what you expect from a fifteen year old Inner Shadow.

Jun cleared his throat, summoning a pillar just to lean on it.

My eye twitched in disbelief.

So he wouldn't make a Roomba to help me clean the mess he caused, but for whatever reason, he would create a giant pillar out of nowhere just to look cool.

"Hey." Jun said, his voice intentionally deep.

The girl gave Jun an annoyed look.

"What is the status on the Shakujin and Fujin."

"You came here all the way to ask that? Or was it... for something more..."

God this was too cringe.

Thankfully, the girl beat me to it.

"Gasket..."

Storm clouds swirled around her as immense pressure built up.

All the sensors that I had equipped sizzled and cracked. There was no end to her power.

"Aw come on, Hakah! You know I wouldn't mess with you when it comes to him. Don't worry. I got those two completely taken care of. They're both still at Stage Two. I think only he managed Stage Four without Lord Ginga's influence, which I find to be extremely intriguing... not a lot of people can unlock Stage Three without his blessing, much less Stage Four. Your brother is special."

Hakah's eyes narrowed.

"I asked for the update on the Shakujin and Fujin. Not my big brother."

"Like I said. They're fine. Stage Two... pfft. Even Dainsleif here can kick their asses. And he's just a normal frickin human being. BAHAHAHA! Imagine that! All your life training with the Dogma of Equivalent Exchange just to be outclassed by some ordinary dude!"

Jun pointed at me and began laughing.

My mouth twitched. This kid was using me to look cool in front of his crush!

I am so going to bury him later.

Lady Hakah regarded me, turning around. Her flowing silk robes dragged on the floor.

No wonder Master Jun wanted me to sweep the ground so bad. He knew exactly what she was going to wear. And no. Hachi's powers don't include being able to predict what a girl is going to wear. That's just my master being creepy.

Hakah reached out and inspected my face.

"A mere man. Yet he can fight on par with gods. Just from your machinations..."

"I know right? Dainsleif is incredible. I'd say he surpasses even Transplant."

Hakah gritted her teeth.

Uh oh.

"Shit. My bad. I didn't think you would actually be attached to him." Jun stammered.

"No." Hakah turned the other way, her long hair flipping and releasing a nice scent.

Ahhh man.....

Suddenly, I noticed Jun giving me the death stare.

Nope.

I'm not attracted to her at all.

Nope.

"Yuyan was a lost cause. He even died. And Dai Goh... still chose to not come back to me... what did I do wrong? Everything was for him. For more precious big brother. I... I would do anything for you Yeling... I..." Hakah's voice broke, as she put her hands to her face.

Jun stood next to me, as we stared at her, frozen.

"Uh. Aaron. What do I do?"

"You're asking me?"

"You're the adult here. There's a girl crying in my room. Should I say something?"

"Hell no, you'll just make it worse."

Jun then turned to his shadows, who suddenly became very interested in sweeping the floor.

"You useless shadows!" He snapped.

Hakah wiped her eyes.

"Does Yeling hate me? Gasket? If I killed his friends, will I be able to be by his side?"

Jun raised his eyebrows.

"N- Nah... He was probably.... I know! He was probably not right in the head. You know. He fought Transplant and took too many hits to the skull or something. I'm sure he loves you a lot. Everybody loves you!"

Hakah regained her composure.

"Yes... I will save him. By killing everybody who made him this way..."

Hakah then looked at me.

"I want one too... a reliable champion like yours... Gasket..."

"Wait what?" Jun said, as Hakah walked up to me running her hand across my face.

She was breathing on me, and I could see...

My head was moving lower on its own, from her round red eyes, to her captivating, beautiful face, to her chin, lower and lower...

The great gods of IKEA have certainly blessed this girl with a heavenly rack.

"Why don't you serve me... Dainsleif? We are similar age... just the right age to reward you properly... nothing is out of bounds... nothing you see here is off limits..."

Hakah licked her lips.

Sorry Master Jun... I'm done for...

"Marry me." I blurted, as Jun screamed.

"HEY! JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

Hakah turned around, as suddenly, hundreds of robotic drones appeared behind her, dozens of guns on each one, and their targeting lasers all aimed at her forehead. If Jun willed it with Hachi, he could release a blast of firepower strong enough to destroy an entire planet right here.

Was this reckless?

Absolutely.

Was this something he would actually consider doing?

You bet.

Jun stood at a distance, his eyes were glowing a demonic orange.

"I'll say this again. Dainsleif is mine. I don't care if you're hot, and I'll even accept the fact that I built a bunch of Hakah Mah statues in an act of simping, but taking my Dainsleif crosses the line."

Hakah regarded Jun, as the sound of thunder boomed outside. Hakah was not to be underestimated either.

Her Stage Four Susanoo surpassed the traditional Stage Five Akuma Grade Dogma.

Because she was a descendent of the Mah Bloodline.

This was getting intense.

Two Inner Shadows about to duke it out.

"No." Hakah said, as she made her way to the exit.

"This is pointless. I will find myself a champion. A disposable one. Until my precious Dai Goh returns to my side, he will be a champion that surpasses even yours. Because we will have something that you two do not."

"Oh yeah?! Bet! We have it too!"

Hakah gave us a disgusted expression.

"Um. No. I don't think you do."

"BET! BET BET BET!" Jun shouted at her.

Hakah put a hand on her mouth, giggling.

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yeah!"

"It's love. Jun. I love my big brother with all my heart. And he loves me. Every time he would ruffle my hair, every time he brought me into his arms, my body instantly collapses in his love. Can you say the same for your precious Dainsleif here?"

All the blood left our faces, as Hakah left, the shadows bowing down to her.

"THAT'S MESSED UP! GROSS! I'M A STRAIGHT DUDE! I LOVE GIRLS! I HATE YOU! NO WAIT, I LOVE YOU! NO! I! AAAAUGH" Jun screamed.

I stood with the shadows, watching our master have a mental breakdown in his own throne room.

"DAINSLEIF." Master Jun snarled, his face vicious.

"Yes Master!" I said, quickly.

Jun raised his hand.

"I will send you on a mission. You will retrieve the princess of Andropol to me. Earn her loyalty her trust, or take her in by force. I don't care how. I must satisfy my urges."

"Are you sure you're not just going to freeze up and bumble random nonsense like last time?"

"No I won't! I'm fifteen now! The last time you brought a princess in this throne room for me, I was fourteen! I'm a man now!"

This was messed up. This kid was 100% underaged. But it wasn't like he was going to make a move on her. Every time I brought girls over, he would be too nervous to even speak, despite being quite possibly one of the most powerful beings in this world.

But I mean... if just having a girl around would make his mood better, I might as well.

I clutched my chest.

After all, it was Master Jun who gave me a purpose in life.

It was his machines that helped me. And saved me.

I will do anything for my master.

Even if he is a horny fifteen year old brat who uses me as a blunt end of jokes in a way to flirt.

"I'm also gonna be providing you with some help."

"Help?"

"Yeah. This is very important to me."

Well. A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do...

Jun turned around, sitting back on his throne. Which was a very decked out gaming chair.

"Who should I deploy along with Dainsleif. Let's see..."

Jun held out his hands, and a holographic screen appeared. I stood next to him.

"Nah. He's useless. This dude's drunk all the time."

Companions...

My eyes widened.

"Can it be someone hot?" I blurted out.

Jun stared at me.

"What?"

"Nothing." I said quickly.

"Hey. No way, I definitely heard you say something."

"Your Hachi is malfunctioning."

"Don't give me that shit! I need to send in people who compliment your skillset, Dainsleif. You're a magic gunman. Someone who wields firearms and magic in battle. You prefer stealth and indirect takedowns, rarely going for brute force. So in the case where brute force is needed, you're fucked essentially."

"Wow. Thanks man."

Jun scrolled through.

"I'm sending Rollo."

"What the hell, why that stud?!" I squeaked.

"Hey! Don't question your master! Rollo is a berserker. He can handle face to face confrontation with his massive build and strength. I also provided him with a new set of armour after he wrecked it fighting that stupid dragon."

I stood in silence as Jun continued scrolling.

"Ranged gunman. Berserker... Maybe a medical purser?"

Jun scrolled, until we got to a profile of a girl who was wielding a staff. She had flowing blonde hair and angelic futuristic armour, complimented with beautiful white silk robes. No question.

"YES! We need a medical purser! Absolutely!"

Jun gave me an annoyed look.

"Nah. She's on call with something else, unfortunately. Guess we have to use her."

Jun snapped his fingers, as a woman emerged from the darkness.

"My Master. I am in your service." She said, with a deadpan voice. Even her blue eyes, that normally would have been extremely attractive to me, somehow was a turn off. I had never seen a pair of eyes so devoid of life before.

I couldn't hide my disappointment.

"Are you kidding me? She's a robot!"

Jun raised an eyebrow.

"The hell is wrong with that? I designed Sigurd to be both hot and a killer. Perfect body. Badass but cute face. Black hair with bangs. Full tight leather. She's a perfect 10. You need someone who can give you medical assistance, and she can do that, ON TOP of being a top rate infiltration unit. AND she can do stealth kills better than you."

I made eye contact with her expressionless eyes.

"Does she even have emotions? Her rack isn't even real."

Sigurd's face suddenly flashed with anger as she pulled out a knife and aimed it at my throat.

"Okay okay! I take it back!" I yelped.

Jun pointed a finger and wagged it at me.

"Alright, Dainsleif. You know the mission. Head to Andropol, your main objective is to bring the princess back. I don't care how. If you end up waging war, I don't care. I really don't. Kill the entire nation if you have to. Just bring her to me. Sigurd and Rollo will accompany you."

Sigurd bowed.

"It shall be done."

Jun patted her head, and to my disbelief, Sigurd blushed, her eyes widened.

"Master...." Sigurd made a squeal noise.

"Ehhhhhehehehehehehe" Jun laughed under his breath.

You perverted degenerate! How could you go and build something like that?

Disgusting bastard!

You should have built one for me too!

"Alright. Rollo is at Andropol already. Go and meet up with him you two. My shadows will accompany you guys, you will have a bunch on standby."

I nodded, as the shadows escorted us out.

Andropol

The shadows had shadow travelled us to the front gates of the town.

I stood next to Sigurd, who's eyes flashed blue, scanning it.

The objective was to enter the civilization.

"Sigurd, do you have any experience with Andropol? Are we good with our equipment and clothing?"

"Yes. Andropol was a civilization founded in 1250 AD. In this current age, it has undergone developments in technology and industrialization. Magical technology hybridization is mainstream in society. Our integration should have no setbacks."

"Good."

I analyzed a large cliff.

I was about to do some scouting, but Sigurd stopped me.

"Dainsleif. The town is currently under attack. I suggest we aid in their efforts to fight off the enemy soldiers."

"Why?"

Sigurd pointed at the soldiers that were fighting.

"We must establish that we are on their side. Rollo is also fighting."

Rollo that idiot. Why would he make decisions like that out of nowhere?

"Why did he just jump in like that? Is he an idiot? Without my call?"

"It is not your call. You are not fit to be the leader of this expedition."

"What?!"

I marched up to Sigurd, who regarded me with no emotion.

"I am the most likely fit to be a leader. You stupid bishojo rust heap."

"You do not have the qualifications."

"How? I am Master Jun's right hand man. I've killed gods, Dogma Holders, heroes, Demon Lords, adventurers, monsters, demons, you name it."

Sigurd shook her head.

"You lack infiltration and strategy. In addition, you are unprofessional."

"I'm unprofessional?! Just how can you make that conclusion."

Sigurd calmly pointed at my crotch area.

"It is bulging. Does my appearance sexually arouse you, Dainsleif? I'll have you know that I do not have any reproductive organs installed in my body. I cannot relieve your hormonal urges. I suggest you either spend resources on immediate solutions, or work on your social skills."

My ears flushed red as I quickly readjusted my trousers.

"SHUT UP! It's your damn design! A biological response! At least I don't get aroused from Master Jun patting my head!"

Sigurd suddenly paused, gritting her teeth, as if all the logic suddenly left her body.

Did I just offend her?

"Okay. Whatever. We'll fight off the villagers. I guess we're going for the trust route."

I ran to the village, as Sigurd followed me.

"We need to show our presence. I hate fighting up front." I said.

Sigurd shook her head.

"That will not be necessary."

"Why?"

Sigurd pointed at Rollo, his giant 7 foot muscular frame smashing enemy soldiers left and right and inspiring the allies with his shout.

"Rollo has already made himself prominent. He can introduce us. Our direct cooperation is not necessary. A lower risk option of tactical takedown is viable."

Whatever. I knew that.

I ran up the steps of a nearby building.

Aspectum: Quarter Radar

My eyes lit up, allowing me to pinpoint any hostiles.

A soldier was heckling a family behind a wall.

I slowly made my way up the steps, my magical boots keeping me from making any sound.

I needed to clear this building, since this would be a good spot.

"Shadows." I whispered.

At your service, Dainsleif.

"Knock out everybody in this household."

As you wish...

Several shadows emerged from the ground of the upper floor, knocking out the guard and every single family member before they could make a sound.

I ran up to the guard.

Aspectum: Bug Scan

A different magic circle appeared in my vision.

This guy was clean. Meaning the takedown was not going to alert anybody.

I held out my hand.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ironsight

A large case appeared before me as I grabbed it. I jolted it once, causing the mechanical components to click clack and position, revealing a tripod which I placed against the window. The case continued transforming, revealing a sniper rifle.

I positioned the rifle on the balcony, hovering my hand over the side, feeding it with mana as magic circles appeared at the scope.

I took aim, assessing the situation.

"Sigurd, come in."

"Sigurd receiving."

"Confirm that the following markers have been established."

I pressed the button on the edge of my eyepiece, which started marking the enemies left and right. There were twenty heavy units, who were attacking from the tops of buildings and trying to assist the enemy foot soldiers. All marked with a certain marker.

"Confirmed."

"Initiate zig-zag infiltration."

"Affirmative."

Sigurd leapt into the air, acrobatically climbing up the buildings like a gymnast as she landed on the building, pulling a knife and slitting the throats of enemy units. Then leaping to other buildings before anyone could figure out what had just happened.

I aimed my rifle at the other markers.

Shooting one of the three enemies on each building would alert the other two.

Meaning I had to use a vortex shell.

I took aim and fired, the shell landing on the ground and instantly sucking the three enemies inside, killing them instantly.

I then quickly aimed at the neighbouring buildings, firing before they could notice their buddies suddenly disappeared.

I continued firing and aiming until the enemies were dispatched. Sigurd also managed to kill the rest.

All aerial units immobilized.

Time of elimination: 13 seconds.

I put my rifle away, letting it sink into a magic circle as I climbed out of the building, and landed on the ground.

"Where's Rollo?" I asked.

Sigurd pointed at the sounds of fighting.

Yeah. Real helpful.

I ran to the fray, making out Rollo who had flung three enemy soldiers away. It was pretty much one against an entire army, but I knew this was light work for him.

But just because something is light work doesn't mean it's enough.

"He's so slow." I grumbled.

"No. If we reveal too much of our power, the princess will see us as a threat. We must assist, but conserve our power." Sigurd said.

"Fine." I said, as I stepped into the fray.

Rollo nodded at me.

"Dainsleif. Sigurd. I am glad you are here! I am just enjoying myself."

"Alright. Well in that case fun's over. I'm gonna wrap this up."

I pulled out my Draugr, calmly taking aim and picking off the enemies one by one.

Sigurd joined Rollo with her knives, cutting and slashing as the three of us fought off the enemy.

I continued firing, until my Draugr ran out of ammo. The weapon returned into a purple magic circle.

"I'm here to help." I explained to the villagers, who were in awe at my tech.

"What is this weaponry? I've never seen this before!"

"I believe he is wielding firearms and magic... amazing!"

Oooooh god.

They're admiring me.

I love this.

Keep admiring. I needed the ego boost after Sigurd had practically ruined my self esteem for popping a hard one seeing her voluptuous figure.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - M130 Fully Automatic

I pulled out an assault rifle from a magic circle, taking aim.

I ran my hand over the barrel of the gun.

Magic Recombination: Ignis Pila

Another magic circle appeared around the barrel, an orange one, as a fireball emerged, being sucked into the weapon until the whole shaft glowed orange.

I took aim and fired a stream of fireball enhanced bullets at the enemy soldiers, cutting them down and forcing them to retreat.

I waved at Rollo, who was walking in our direction.

"Hey! Rollo!"

Rollo ignored me and hugged Sigurd.

"Sigurd... how are you these days? You look lovely as always."

"Thank you Rollo. You're not looking too bad yourself."

I got in between them.

"Hey! I'm fine too! Thanks for asking!"

Rollo gave me a disapproving look.

"Yes... Dainsleif. Master Jun's biggest troublemaker. You're lucky these Andropol soldiers are around, otherwise I would have crushed your head in."

"What the hell is that for?" I yelped.

"HUH?! Do you seriously not remember what you did to me? To my daughter?!"

"No no no. I genuinely don't remember." I waved my hands desperately, trying to figure out what I did to make the big guy so upset.

Sigurd gave me a disappointed look.

"On the fifth of March, Rollo's eight year old daughter held a birthday celebration. Rollo announced that the invitation was open to all colleagues, but Dainsleif was specifically prohibited to enter the celebration. You proceeded to kick the door down, holding a 1.14 litre bottle of cheap whiskey, heavily intoxicated, and yelled 'are there any bitches in this crib', causing Rollo's daughter to cry profusely."

I gave Rollo a nervous look.

"Ah... that... right..."

Sigurd was about to keep talking but I quickly ran up to her and put a hand on her mouth.

"Okay okay okay! I get it! Oh my god. Control alt delete. Is there a shutdown feature on you? We need to talk about our mission here."

Sigurd stopped mumbling.

Rollo's veins were still popping from his head. I guess he really didn't get over it.

"Not here. We will speak in my residence."

We made our way to Rollo's residence, which was the barracks of the Andropol soldiers.

I rolled up my sleeves.

"Sigurd, mission objectives update."

"Acknowledged. Andropol integration initiated. Trust route confirmed. New objectives: trust accumulation."

Rollo gave me an eyebrow.

"You're still treating Sigurd like a tool?"

"What?" I asked.

"You heard me."

"What's wrong with that? Sigurd is a robot. Her very existence is to serve. That's all she is."

Rollo narrowed his eyes.

"Hm. Is that so?"

We continued walking, as we entered the home. On the nightstand was a picture of Rollo's daughter.

Sigurd waited outside, as I propped my feet up on the table.

"Alright, old man. Give us an update. Sigurd tells me you've infiltrated this place for a while now. Will just having connections with you be enough to gain an audience with the princess?"

Rollo shook his head.

"No. To gain a summoning from her, you need to do something extremely major to gain her attention. In my case, I've already established that I am soldier rank. If I contribute greatly they will become suspicious."

"What's Andropol's political status?" I asked.

"They're at war. With a rivalling empire. That much I know. The attackers of the village earlier today were stray cohorts. They outnumber Andropol significantly."

"Hmm..."

I turned around, beckoning Sigurd forward.

Sigurd nodded as she stepped inside.

"What are the consequences if I went to that rival nation and destroyed them on Andropol's behalf? I imagine that'll be enough to gain an audience with the princess."

Sigurd twirled her hair. Which I found weird. Since when did robots care about their appearance. Jun must have added that to her programming. That frickin weirdo.

"It will capture the princess' attention. But she will become suspicious of your power, and will see you as a threat."

Damn.

I had to go and get this princess to Jun. I didn't know why, but I never failed a contract. Now wasn't really a good time to start.

Rollo regarded the two of us.

"I can assist in referring the two of you. However, my position as a guard is limited."

Rollo poured another glass of beer.

"In either case, the most I can do for you two is a referral. Also, I'm not letting you guys stay here because this is for soldiers only. Sorry."

And with that Rollo kicked us out.

Sigurd and I sat on the street next to each other. While Sigurd remained calm and composed, I was yanking at my hair and kicking at the air.

"Aaaaaaah! This is so ass! How am I supposed to get an audience with the princess like this?! Forget it. I'm going to blow this entire town to kingdom come!"

Several villagers gave me a weird look as they walked past us.

"If I may, Dainsleif, there is one option."

"What?"

"To battle an entire army is unwise because your power would be seen as overwhelming. But if you simply assassinate the rulers of the empire, it will still collapse. And such a story would be more believable."

I paused.

She was right.

The assassination route was still an option. If I could end the empire through assassination, the princess would surely see me as someone skilled, over someone who has overwhelming power. But I guess it was still dangerous because then she would see me as an assassin....

"But what about the fact that she finds me too dangerous because of a possible assassination attempt on her?" I asked.

"Our connections with Rollo should be sufficient to prevent that from happening. Because if an assassination attempt is made, they would need to see Rollo as a contingency, which would be too costly for their army since Rollo is their biggest asset."

God. I'm so happy Jun made her.

"You're amazing." I said.

Sigurd stared at me.

"D- Dainsleif?"

"What? Never had compliments before?"

"No..."

I turned to Sigurd, and noticed something. Her face... was...

"Wait, Sigurd, let me see your face."

"That is not necessary-"

I knelt in front of her and my eyes widened. No way. How...

"Sigurd are you blushing?"

"It is merely programming."

"I didn't think robots would get flustered. That's so weird to see on you."

Sigurd clenched her teeth.

I sighed. Alright. That's enough weird shit for today. I laid down on a stray piece of bark.

Homeless, broke, and single.

The worst kind of fate for a man.

"Dainsleif. I have obtained some cloth."

"Huh?"

Sigurd was holding a blanket and put it around me.

"Illness will jeopardize our mission."

I wrapped it myself.

"Yeah. Thanks."

Sigurd brought her knees to her chin and sat next to me as I tried to go to sleep. Suddenly, Sigurd interrupted me.

"Dainsleif."

"No, I don't need to go to the bathroom."

"Not that."

"So you interrupted my beauty nap to spew bullshit? What's going on with you lately? You're usually cold and calculating. Is your computer chip bugged or something? I can open you up if you want. Maybe we can call a shadow and get Master to send a repair drone our way."

"I don't need repairs... I just wanted to ask you something."

"Uh... I guess..." I sat up next to her.

"Ask away."

"Is it wrong for a robot to... want to live?"

"What."

Sigurd's eyes were sparkling from the moonlight, as she buried her face deeper into her knees.

"If a robot is designed to have emotions, and to have all the characteristics a human would have, would a robot be considered a person?"

"Well, if you're asking about the emotions you have, it's because Master Jun designed you to have them through your programming, like you said."

Sigurd was silent for a few seconds.

"But is it wrong? Am I wrong to wish to be seen as more than just an android..."

I sighed, stretching my legs.

"Ah Sigurd. I've known you ever since you were first created by Master Jun to be an infiltration unit. We've been on a fair amount of adventures together. Even if most of them involved you roasting the shit out of me and making me look like a complete idiot. But if we're talking about companionship, yeah, I see you as a person in the sense of a companion."

"I see."

"Look. I don't know what to tell you. The things you're feeling right now could just be stray pieces of code or something. Maybe it could be something more. I honestly am not smart enough to tell you."

Sigurd crossed her legs, staring at the moon.

A robot wishing to be a person... damn this was deep.

But then it hit me.

The little things that she did that made it seem like she was an ordinary person. I never really noticed it until now.

"I wish to live a human life,"

Sigurd looked at me and realized I was staring at her. Sigurd's eyes widened.

"I apologize Dainsleif. I suppose my programming is flawed. I will hold off on my rampancy until I am repaired by Master Jun."

"Nah." I lay back down.

"I don't think you need to be repaired. There's nothing wrong with what you're feeling, if you ask me. When this is over, maybe we can ask Master Jun to give you some upgrades. After all, I'm real close with him. I'm sure he'll agree."

"Upgrades...?"

"Yeah."

I pointed at her.

"Biotech upgrades. To make you more human. Hell. I'm sure Master Jun could even turn you into a real human if he can. He's an Inner Shadow after all."

Sigurd stared at me, her face was full of surprise.

"You would do that for me?"

"Well, better than having you run around wishing you could have real tits."

Sigurd frowned.

"Are you perhaps offering this because you want me?"

"What? Hell no! Gross! Why would you even think that? Maybe we should just get you reprogrammed after all."

Sigurd put a hand to her mouth and let loose a small laugh.

"Get your rest, Dainsleif. Our mission awaits us."

"Alright. No more worrying about this shit, robot girl. We'll figure something out."

I raised the covers over my head.

I knew Sigurd for a long ass time.

This was a side of her I had never seen before.

Sigurd laughing. This was definitely a first.

But that did put a smile on my face for some reason.

I closed my eyes, and the dreams of my past came in.

My First God

Many people believed my strength came from my weapons. My gear, that Master Jun had made for me.

But even from the very start, I always did the impossible.

No one would expect someone like me, a mere man, with no evos or Dogmas, to be able to do it.

It was from there did Master Jun take me in, and bring me to new heights.

"All of humanity... bores me."

I was frozen, sprawled on the ground.

"Guys... guys..." I whispered.

The dead, broken bodies of Wilson and Nora, their bones shattered, skulls caved inwards, lay before me. At the feet of the goddess who had slaughtered them all.

"Why would my lord keep such insignificant, ignorant non-believers in this world? Your kind is repulsive."

I should have been filled with rage.

But it wasn't rage coursing through my blood.

It was pure fear.

The shock and terror, freezing my muscles and keeping me in place.

I was no hero.

I wasn't special.

I was just a kid.

"What was this place called..." The goddess turned around, her long silver hair gently stroking the ground as she looked down at the ruins of the orphanage condescendingly.

With her back turned, I made a break for it, breathing heavily and frantically.

"Will... I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" I whispered, throwing myself under his corpse to hide from the goddess who had slaughtered him along with the rest of the people I knew for most of my life.

"Will..." I sobbed, burying my face into his chest.

What? Are hugs cringe for you, Aaron? We're basically brothers and sisters, if you think about it. You me and Nora. Sure we got the others here, but we're a unit.

Will... Nora...

Back in the orphanage, we were always getting into drama with the others. I never got along with them. But Will and Nora were the only people who put up with my mood swings.

They protected me from the bullies, because I was too scared to fight myself.

The goddess picked up the sign of our orphanage and inspected it, her eyes full of disdain.

"Tch. The fact that such lowly life force exists is the very reason of my master's folly. The concept of an orphan... an unwanted child. It is from their progenitors do they learn, but without their progenitors they are imperfect. Incomplete. I despise those who are incomplete in this world."

I closed my eyes, panting desperately, when suddenly, the rocks began to shift, and Nora's body slid in front of me, in full view.

I stared at her deceased face. Her eyes were still open.

Nora...

"Okay, I get it. Will is strong. What about you?" I remembered asking Nora.

Nora smirked.

"I'm sneaky and fast."

I raised an eyebrow.

"That's lame. What's being fast got to do with anything?"

Nora chuckled.

"I don't know. Maybe swiping some of these?"

Nora held out several sticks of red candy.

Red candy wasn't actually candy. It was an extremely addictive powder that had very weird side effects. So basically drugs. But we liked to call it that, since it was kind of like code.

"Whoa! How did you- aren't those banned? We're not allowed them!"

"One of the perks to being fast. I can teach you, considering you get bullied all the time."

Nora gave me a stick, as I pressed it against my chest.

Will laughed.

"Yeah. Nora will teach you to be fast. And I'll teach you to be tough. And then you'll beat everybody up!"

"I don't wanna beat people up..." I muttered.

Nora gave me a stink eye.

"And that's why you always get bullied. You're a total wimp and you're always in the corner, never taking part in group activities and playing that weird MMO with the anime girls. Might as well pick up a thing or two. It's the three of us. For the longest time it was just Will and I. Now we have you too. We got ourselves quite the squad here! Like an RPG party!"

"RPG...!"

Will, Nora, and I. We would always do everything together. They would do their best to teach me new tricks. And I saw them as a squad, like that MMO I always played. For years we were a unit.

But no matter what Nora and Will taught me, I could never really pick it up. I was always the coward, being bailed out of trouble.

Always being bailed out of trouble by Will and Nora.

Because I wasn't strong like Will.

I wasn't smart and sneaky like Nora.

I was just...

Me.

When this... goddess came down on the world, she destroyed everything. Starting with the homeless. Then the drug addicts.

Her idea was to bring new world order, by cleansing humanity under the identity of her lord's apostle.

And would you guess what her next target was?

The orphanages.

Because in her eyes, we were incomplete, flawed human beings. Every child should have parents to look after them. We were flawed and disgusting to her, because everything had to be perfect in her eyes for her lord.

So when she came to our building, she killed everybody, destroying the entire place.

"Aaron! Hide!" Nora shouted at me, as she grabbed Will and I and hid in the closet. The three of us bunched together.

"What the hell is that?!" Will gasped.

"Are those... wings?" Nora said, as she turned to me.

"Aaron, isn't that... like in the video game you play?"

A kid who was hiding with us gave us a disgusted face.

"This isn't one of Aaron's gay MMO with the little anime girls."

Another kid was curled up in the corner, outside of the closet crying. He was no older than eight. He was out in the open. He was dead meat.

"I'm scared... I'm scared!" He sobbed.

The goddess stepped into the room, as I almost screamed, but Nora put a hand to my mouth.

"Shh! Aaron! Quiet!"

Everyone was scared. Petrified and terrified. The goddess was terrifying. She looked just like the goddesses in my game, beautiful, elegant, with long silver hair and angelic armour and swords. But...

This was not like the goddesses in the game. Those goddesses were nurturing. They were kind. They helped humanity.

This goddess wanted to kill us.

"I want to save him." Will said.

Nora stared at Will in disbelief.

"Will! Are you crazy? If you go out there you'll die! Didn't you see what happened to Trish?!"

One kid put her hands to her ears, trembling.

"Dude!" Another kid hissed at Nora.

"What? Exactly! Trish was sliced in half. And she's a grown adult! She got sliced in half by that winged creature. If you go out there, you'll be killed instantly, Will! I get you want to be a hero. I get you want to stick up for all of us. But this isn't like that time with the homeless man where you had a slight chance. This is a monster we're talking about. If you go out there and die, the monster is going to kill us too!"

Will clenched his teeth, as he turned back to the goddess, who approached the little boy.

"I... I... I CAN'T!"

Nora and I held him back.

"Will!" I snarled.

"THAT KID!" Will tried to struggle, but we pinned him down as best we could, to avoid making any sounds, as the goddess looked down at the boy.

The kid stared at her.

"Mo... Mommy...?"

"I am not your mother." The goddess said, raising her sword.

"NO! DON'T!" Will tried to break out of our hold, just as the goddess decapitated the kid right before our very eyes. A girl who was hiding in the back of the closet let loose a blood curdling scream, causing the goddess to turn to us in surprise.

"RUN!" Nora shouted, as the closet doors flung open, we bunched out, running as fast as we could.

I turned to Will.

"She's distracted! We need to get out of here!"

Will grabbed a piece of wood and glared at the goddess.

"I'll make you pay!" Will growled, as I grabbed onto him, turning to Nora, who was still trying to get everybody to safety.

Nora looked at us in bewilderment.

"You guys!"

The goddess tilted her head.

"Earth's flawed child. You dare challenge the goddess Avara?"

Will clutched the wood.

"You bet I do. I'm not scared of you!"

"Will... we need to get out of here! We need to!"

Will glared at me.

"I refuse."

"Are you stupid?!"

"This is the tank's job. Right? The tank's job in every party. And I've always been working out. I can handle myself just fine."

The goddess unveiled her angelic wings.

"WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?!" I screamed, trying to drag him away, as Nora also tried to, but Will refused to budge.

"As long as this goddess moves around so fast, she'll just hunt us all down. We can't run away from her, haven't you realized? Every person in this manor who has tried to run from her ended up being chased down. But if there's one person who sticks around and distracts her, while the rest of you guys get on a vehicle to escape, we're good! Everybody's safe!"

"But you won't be!"

Will chuckled.

"Yeah... but. I already know even if I do escape... my life is still gonna be shit."

Nora stopped resisting.

"Nora...?" My voice trailed away.

Nora let go, her eyes wide in surprise. Will continued.

"Isn't it obvious? Nora. You of all people should know that. We've been in this orphanage for years. Every family who has come has never chosen us. Because of my violent outbursts. Because of your urge to steal. No one wants us. But if I can be a hero, just like in Aaron's video games, and to go down fighting? That's more than enough for me."

"Hey... Aaron."

"Nora?"

"Remember all that stuff Will and I taught ya?"

"Y- Yes...?"

Nora gave me a thumbs up, as she pushed me out of the door and closed it, locking the door.

I ran up to the window, banging on it with my hands.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

A tear ran down Nora's cheek.

"Hey. Don't worry about us. We always have your back. Always."

"DON'T!" I screamed, as Will brandished his wood, and Nora pulled out here makeshift crossbow, that was made out of spare parts that she kept hidden in her room for emergencies.

Will looked at me.

"Nora and I... we've been in the orphanage for the longest time. We don't have anywhere to go. But you do. Hell... your last name is Hope after all."

"I don't care about my last name! I never once used it since! I'm not... I'm not good enough..."

The goddess looked amused, as she watched us from the distance.

I continued banging on the glass, trying to open the door, but Nora had locked it.

"Yes you are. Aaron." Nora said.

"But-"

Will nodded.

"You don't have to be the strongest."

"You don't have to be the fastest."

Nora pointed at the glass, right at my heart.

"You are enough."

Will charged the goddess, swinging, as the wood disintegrated on impact. The goddess lifted her hand, grabbing Will by the throat and lifting him into the air.

"WILL!" I screamed, as Nora dove in and fired her crossbow, but the bolts were deflected by her wings.

"Imperfect. Fools."

The goddess slammed Will into the ground and stomped on his head as I heard a terrifying squelch.

Then she moved in on Nora, who tried to run, but her feet were held down by ice.

"Damn... she got me." Nora smirked, as the goddess impaled her with her sword.

I could only stand and watch as my two friends were slaughtered in front of me. But from the corner of my vision, I noticed Will, moving, and dragging himself off the floor. His nose was broken and he was bleeding bad, but he managed to get to a... tank.

He ripped it open, pulled at the locks.

The goddess turned around.

"What are you doing-"

"NORA!" Will shouted, as Nora lifted her hand with her crossbow, and fired before the goddess severed her arm.

The bolt ignited the contents, and a massive explosion sent me flying back, screaming their names.

And here we were.

I was hiding under Will's body.

The goddess was still searching for something.

I didn't know what it was.

Nor did I care.

Will and Nora, the two people who protected me while they were alive, continued to protect me while dead, and all I was doing was hiding under their bodies like a coward.

Like a god damn coward.

The goddess continued searching, until she accidentally stepped on Nora's body.

"Ugh. Disgusting. How dare you defile my shoes."

The goddess stomped on her body. Over and over again.

My eyes wide.

How dare you.

You killed her... you already killed her.

Wasn't that already enough?

You killed my friend.

You killed my sister.

Wasn't that enough? Now you're...

Avara continued kicking Nora's body.

No...

My body began reacting on its own, as I emerged from Will's body, standing before her. Avara looked at me.

"I missed one?"

The words came out.

"Get your feet off of her!" I yelled.

Avara regarded me, unsheathing her sword.

"You are just like her. And the others I have slaughtered. It is beneath me to deal with you on your own. I would rather you have been like the others, bunched in one pile for me to kill."

"Bunched in a pile...."

The rest of the orphanage... they never made it out alive.

My entire body was shaking with adrenaline.

I had nothing to lose.

I picked up the wooden stick and aimed it at Avara, who sighed.

"How insulting."

Avara closed in and sliced the wooden stick with her sword and kicked me in the stomach. I coughed out blood, slamming through a door and smashing to the ground. I rolled out of the way before Avara could pierce me with her wings. I ran as fast as I could down the hallway. Turning around to see Avara approaching me with a sword in each hand, her wings stretched wide.

I panted wildly, running into the kitchen, as I heard the footsteps of Avara not far behind.

"Come on, child. The more you run, the more painful it will be for you. The fear will consume you and eat away at your soul."

I hid behind a counter, peeking from the reflection. Her swords were creating sparks.

What do I do...

What do I do?!

Was I going to fight? Was I trying to survive? I don't even know what I wanted anymore.

The image of Nora being kicked by Avara flashed in my mind.

No.

Nora would want me to live.

Will would want me to win.

For the both of them...

I will do both.

I snuck around the kitchen, taking a knife and began sawing at the exposed wires and gas to the stove, letting it leak into the atmosphere. I ripped a piece of my pyjamas out and pressed it against my nose. It smelled awful.

If you light up gas, it will explode. That's what we aren't allowed lighters in our rooms. Nora had once told me.

I snuck to the other side and began putting together a lighter setup. But the string was kept in the top shelf.

I needed to get to it. If my shoes touched the counter, there was no telling what kind of sounds it would make.

I grabbed the ledge.

I had to pull myself up.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Muscles need to be pumped blood to work. Where do you think all that good, freshly fuelled blood comes from? That's right, your breath.

I followed Will's advice, breathing as hard as I could.

The training was there.

I just had to believe in myself.

I clenched my teeth, and lifted myself up, long enough to grab the string and land on the ground.

But the landing had created a noise, as Avara turned around.

"Hm?"

"Shit!" I whispered, as I quickly finished tying the string, and ran from the kitchen, Avara spotting me.

"Mortal boy!" Avara shouted as she ran after me. I pulled the cord before Avara could throw her sword at me, which pierced my shoulder and sent me flying.

I yelled in pain, but I watched Avara become swamped with the explosion of the entire kitchen, sending her and I flying out of the house.

I landed on the snow outside, crawling desperately with the sword sunken deep in my shoulder. There were a lot of endorphins in my body and adrenaline, as Avara got to her feet, her eyes widen in shock.

"My dress... you dare soil my dress!"

I couldn't believe it. She survived an explosion that big?

How?

The goddess turned to me murderously, picking up her sword and approaching me.

"You... repulsive... thing!"

I grunted, pulling the sword out of my shoulder, as Avara swung down, but I caught it, causing us to clash.

"AAAAAH!" I yelled from the effort, as Avara stared at me.

"Stop struggling and accept your death!"

Avara swung at me with one of her wings, sending me back.

I slammed into the ground, sword still in hand.

The snow was dribbled with red and everything was getting dizzy.

"You are nothing. You are just a flawed human. In the eyes of a goddess, you are an eyesore! I cannot have you defile this land for my lord!"

I got to my feet, clutching the sword with both hands.

Just like the MMO.

She attacks and I counter.

If this was a game, I would be the swordsman hero, and she would be the enemy.

Who was far beyond me in level.

Who was impossible to defeat...

I clenched my teeth.

No.

I had to do this.

I had now put myself into the position where I had to fight or die.

Running was no longer an option. She would just kill me right here or now.

If I had to choose between fighting or dying...

The choice was obvious.

"Give my sword back!" Avara shouted, as she swung at me.

DODGE.

I stepped back, replicated the MMO movements, and slashed, but Avara blocked my strike with her wings.

I spun around and slashed again, but Avara's face suddenly contorted with rage. The blade had managed to sink into her left breastplate.

"How dare you rebel..."

Avara slashed with her sword, disarming me, and slashed with her wing, cutting me deep in the chest as I fell backwards, choking on my own blood. I thrust out my hand desperately.

Avara regarded me, her silver eyes full of disinterest.

"Just like the rest. Fade away."

Avara then turned around, picking up her sword, and walked away. When suddenly, she stopped.

"What..."

The two swords clunked on the ground, as she clutched her chest, coughing out blood.

"What in the-"

Avara stared at her hand, which was covered in blood. Then at the mark on her breastplate. It was bleeding. The blood looked almost black.

"You stupid child! What have you done?!"

I inched forward, grabbing the sword and dragging myself across the ground.

"Red... candy...." I gasped, using her sword as a foothold.

"You-" Avara's eyes went wide.

"When I cut you... I threw out the stick, the powder, it was a long shot. But... I guess it worked out. Somehow."

Avara fell to her knees before me, blood leaking from her mouth.

"How... how did... you... you're just a boy..."

I looked at her wound, which was now pulsating. The powdered drugs that had seeped into her wound was weakening her severely.

If this was an MMO, there was only one explanation.

She had underestimated me.

If she was really a goddess, she would have killed us all instantly, but she took her time.

"It's because I'm just a kid, with no powers, just a normal human that you held back. Now even Red Candy is enough to weaken you... I'm going to end this."

I raised the sword, and slashed at her neck, but Avara clutched the blade with her hand, causing blood to leak out.

"No.... this... this shouldn't be enough to weaken-"

Avara paused.

"MY sword.... you hit me with MY sword!"

I pushed as hard as I could against her force, but Avara snapped her fingers desperately, causing her swords to dissipate. I fell forward.

"You stupid mortal... I won't fall for your trickery again!"

Avara grabbed my neck and lifted me into the sky, thunder booming around her as her eyes glowed a murderous blue.

"Not only was I marked by a repulsive orphan, but I would resort to such measures... this is beneath me. This is INSULTING."

The cold and chill of the storm she was conjuring made me almost pass out.

"I'm going to DESTROY YOU." Avara snarled, flying to the ground. My stomach curled, as nausea rolled all over me from the sudden movement.

This was a familiar feeling.

I experienced this all the time back in the orphanage. Whenever we went out to the carnival and I rode the roller coaster.

The feeling of sudden acceleration.

And the consequences of it that made me labelled as the biggest wussy ever.

"DIE!" Avara screamed, as I vomited, the vomit splashed all over her face as Avara's trajectory tilted, the two of us rolling in the sky.

"What?! Gross!"

I grabbed Avara and climbed on top of her as the two of us slammed onto the ground. I rode her down the hill like the world's fastest and extreme toboggan until her head smashed into a rock.

The two of us were disoriented, but the images of Will and Nora continued flashing in my head. My body went on autopilot.

I used all my weight and pressed against her chest, causing Avara to cough, the wind knocked out of her.

Rage and pain.

I remembered the day Will fought off two bullies who tried to hassle me and another kid for change in the streets.

Will punched them on the ground, pinning them down so they couldn't do anything.

I brought my knees on her arms. My feet on her chest to avoid her sitting up.

Then my fists, reeled back, smashing against her face.

Avara grunted, as more and more blows continued to land, her face getting bloody, but the goddess extended her wings, jolting herself back upright and sending me flying backwards.

I hit a tree, and slid to the ground.

Avara had her wings outstretched again, as she summoned her swords.

"You... I will kill you. But I feel even just killing you won't be enough. To remember you. What is your name."

I slowly got to my feet, my body still on autopilot.

Where was I getting this strength from?

I rushed forward, as Avara's eyes widened in rage.

"Know your place!" She shouted, and slashed at me with her sword, but I caught the her blade with my hand, ripping it out and using it to block her wings.

Avara yelled and struck again, catching me in the ribs.

Everything felt dizzy. Blurry. And disorienting.

Blood was pouring down my body and making the snow red.

"I..."

I forced myself to move.

I had to move.

I couldn't fall asleep now.

I clutched Avara's sword and to her surprise, I screamed, plunging the sword right into the left side of her breastplate, impaling her right where her heart should have been.

Avara vomited blood as she fell back, bringing me along with her.

The sword in her hand had cut into my ribs, but not all the way through. The sword in my hand on the other hand, had pierced her right in the chest.

Avara coughed out blood, as I yelled, lifting the sword and stabbing down again.

Avara sputtered.

I stabbed her again.

Again and again and again.

"AAAAAAAUGGHHHHHH!" I screamed.

Will.

Nora.

Everybody.

We were all going through enough.

None of us deserved to die.

Even if they bullied me. We were all going through shit.

You... you dare call yourself a goddess.

I stabbed again, as Avara tried to grab my wrist but I swung my fist, punching her in the face as she let go.

"This world..." I snarled, lifting the blade again.

"Isn't yours to cleanse.... Avara." I brought it down one last time, as Avara suddenly went slack.

She stared at me, the light leaving her eyes. Her last breaths being taken.

"And my name..." I whispered, struggling to my feet, her sword leaving my ribcage, as everything was turning dark.

"Is Aaron Hope."

I collapsed before the goddess, moments to see her die first.

I Solo A Tower Raid

The assassination had to wait.

Rollo had referred us to a member of the guild, the Guildmaster Terran, who oversaw the town's affairs, external and internal.

"This here is a map of Andropol, along with the locations hot marked for investigation. All of these places are of particular importance, ranked by difficulty. While Andropol does have troops, the troop regimen is responsible for guarding the town. For external matters, we have adventurers. These hot marks are typically quest opportunities."

Another quest driven journey?

Seriously?

"Dainsleif." Sigurd said.

"Hm?"

Sigurd pointed at one of the hotspots.

"Does this strike any familiarity with you?"

I leaned in, focusing on the hotspot.

Wait.

I had seen this before.

"Isn't this a guardian tower?"

Terran raised an eyebrow.

"Guardian tower? Are you sure?"

Sigurd nodded.

"Yes. I am positive."

Terran got up, startling the both of us, as he went to the door and closed it. This was big.

"Sigurd, Dainsleif. This better not be a joke."

Sigurd shook her head.

"There is no joke behind this. That tower is indeed a Guardian Tower."

Terran sighed.

"No wonder the bandits have overtaken it. A Guardian Tower housing one of the thirteen gods. To know it resides in Andropol... unbelievable."

I looked at the marker.

"And it's been overtaken by bandits. Do they know it's a Guardian Tower?"

"No. As for as I know, no one has realized its true nature. If this tower is retaken by Andropol's forces, that is a big achievement for us."

A big achievement...

I glanced at Sigurd, and I could tell she was thinking the same thing.

Terran put his hand on the paper.

"But there is reason why this hotspot has been around for a long time. Now, knowing of its high importance to Andropol. The stakes are even higher."

"How difficult of a quest is this?" I asked.

Terran sighed.

"It has been the longest forgoing quests Andropol's guild has had to date. None of our top adventurers have ever retaken this tower. The bandits themselves are all extremely powerful. In magic and in physical combat."

"We'll take the tower." I said, standing up as Terran stared at me.

"Dainsleif... even you. I understand you played a role against the invading forces of Trissal. But the only way we can retake this tower is if we storm it with our troops. But we are nowhere near at the adequate number to deploy without compromising our Garrison. To utilize our army requires consent from the royalty. It simply won't be worth it."

"I won't need troops. I can retake it myself."

I stepped to the door, putting my hand on the doorknob.

"Dainsleif." Terran said, stopping the two of us.

"If you succeed, this will be a major revelation in Andropol history. But failure... will mean your life. Do you understand?"

"Yeah."

I could tell Terran wasn't convinced.

"I lost a son once. He was around your age. He was one of Andropol's best adventurers. And we all thought he could retake this tower. But he failed, and he died. I don't want a repeat of another young aspiring adventurer's death. So please. If... if even the slightest worry crosses your mind, please come back. I beg of you."

Sigurd smiled and put a hand on Terran's shoulder.

"There is nothing to worry about, Guildmaster Terran. Dainsleif isn't an ordinary human being."

I smirked, opening the door and heading out.

Nah.

You're wrong, Sigurd.

I'm as normal as any regular human being.

Only difference is I'm an ordinary guy in an extraordinary world. Meaning I'm forced to work harder than anyone.

And hard work, always beats talent in the end of the day. After all, when you're born blessed, it's only natural to want to slack off. You never came from nothing. So there was never a reason.

We made our way to the tower, hiding in the trees.

"Sigurd, assessment."

Sigurd's eyes flashed blue.

"Enemies flanking and surrounding the perimeter of the tower. Enemies spotted lining the trees radially for additional support. Ninety seven units in total."

This was an awfully small number of enemies. But I could see why adventurers would struggle against these numbers.

"Check out the inside." I said.

Sigurd's narrowed her eyes.

"Initiating X-ray scan. Additional enemies spotted along the spiral staircase. Approximately fourteen hundred units inside the tower. Three berserkers on the top floor. And one skilled warrior among them."

"Skilled warrior?"

"His armour is noticeably more advanced than the foot units. And his weapons, a sword strapped to his back, appears mystical in origin. He is also not of human descent, he is of demon heritage."

So a straight up demon leading approximately one thousand four hundred ninety seven enemies. These were definitely not ordinary bandits.

No wonder Terran suggested a full out assault with foot soldiers to retake this tower. Numbers in the thousands are equivalent to a portion of an army. No adventurer party can take that out, especially when they had berserkers, and their leader was a demon.

But to enlist soldiers required money. The expedition to retake this tower would have been expensive, even if retaking it would return property to Andropol.

And even if they did deploy soldiers, full scale war was too risky.

Casualties and collateral damage was bound to happen. If a battle took place, the tower would just end up being trashed. And more money would be needed to fund the repairs.

None of this was necessary.

"Alright Sigurd. There's no point sparing these guys if they're going to run. We'll have to eliminate them all. These are definitely not bandits. I suspect they're units from Trissal."

"I agree. I await your orders, Dainsleif."

I got up.

Time to get to work.

I leapt from tree to tree to close the distance.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Anti-Magic EMP

I pulled out a grenade object from a magic circle and handed it to Sigurd.

"Lob that near the center of the tower."

"Affirmative."

Sigurd clutched the EMP and went invisible, as she leapt and began climbing the tower with her enhanced cybernetic agility.

"Good girl." I whispered, as created another hand sign.

Convocatio: Turricalum Sevenfold

Seven turrets appeared around me, circling me and readying their miniguns.

I ordered each turret to fly and surround the entire tower, loaded with special shells.

"EMP deployment on standby." Sigurd said to me through my eyepiece.

"Deploy."

Sigurd chucked the EMP, as the grenade created a powerful magical electrical pulse. The bandits began to shuffle in response.

Their magical communications were now cut.

"Turrets. Deploy canisters."

All seven turrets began firing shells at the ground, which twirled on the dirt, releasing a green gas. Bandits collapsed left and right from the nerve toxin.

I pulled a mask over my head, as I ran to the base of the tower.

Sigurd threw a grapple line which I caught.

"Pull me up." I said, as Sigurd used her cybernetic strength and pulled me to the top of the tower.

I crashed through the holes of the top floor, causing the berserkers to stumble back in surprise.

"An intruder!"

"Alert the commander! How has this happened? What about our troops?!"

I pulled out my Draugr, aimed, and fired, killing two of the three berserkers.

Suffocating to death. The gas is not dense, so it's the kind to rise in the air. The architecture of this building is such that there are no windows, meaning gas attacks are especially potent, rising to the top and making quick work of the enemies at the bottom.

"Our troops are being killed by a gaseous demon!"

"What?!"

Sigurd rushed in with her knives, as the berserker roared, trying to slam his axe at her, but Sigurd was far too nimble, climbing up and decapitating his head.

"Sigurd. Deal with the enemies. I'll eliminate the commander."

"Acknowledged."

I walked calmly to one of the doors and kicked it down, revealing the commander, who was sitting in a throne.

"Ah. Looks like someone here has finally spurred my interest to fight. You have no idea how long it's been since I've had a challenge. No adventurer has ever reached the top floor before."

I cocked my gun and took aim.

I was not an adventurer.

I fired two shots, expecting the bullets to hit the demon square in the head, but the commander simply lifted a finger, stopping the bullets midair.

"Firearms? You're an interesting one."

The demon flicked his finger, as I dove out of the way, firing as the commander continued stopping my bullets.

The demon deflected them as well, as he closed the distance, but I reached into a magic circle and pulled out a smoke grenade spraying it like an arc, blinding his vision and leaping back.

I took aim again with Draugr and fired, as the bullets managed to deflect off of armour this time.

So the commander could only deflect bullets that he could see.

"Petty tricks! How can you call yourself a warrior when you fight like a coward!" The commander shouted, as he tried to attack me, but the entire room was filled with smoke.

That's what you get though.

You're a demon.

I'm just a human.

What did you honestly expect I would do? Fight you fair and square? I'm nothing like the adventurers of Andropol.

I'll think before I act.

Every decision I make must be well thought out.

That is what it takes for someone like me to stand in a world full of extraordinary people.

That was how someone like me was able to kill the Goddess Avara at twelve years old.

Aspectum: Enemy Lock On

Magic circles appeared near my eyepiece, as I could make out the commander's figure. Locked on with a targeting reticule.

"Hero! Why do you not acknowledge your enemy in combat?! Where is your honour?!"

Honour?

The hell is that?

I'm here to win. Pal.

Not to have a light hearted conversation.

I inspected my Draugr.

Draugr was designed to be a standard handgun. Equally light and recoil was good, for a standard shot. It hit just as hard while keeping recoil at a minimum to enable good accuracy. It was a well balanced gun.

But the bullets and firepower of Draugr weren't enough to take down this demon's armour and shatter it. I could scan for weak points in his armour, but there was no guarantee that any weak points in the armour would be weak points in his body. I wasn't familiar with demon anatomy, and I could tell Sigurd was busy fighting the bandits below.

There was also the issue with whether or not the armour was magically enforced or its durability was a material property.

It needed to be something that hit hard. A one and done.

The only logical solution that I can come up with in this split second?

Going to have to use it. My signature gun. With my signature ammunition that made me so feared as Master Jun Gasket's most infamous Outer Shadow.

I held out my hand, and suddenly, black mist appeared, revealing a grimoire. The grimoire opened, flipping to a page.

Convocatio: Special Gun Summoning - Thompson Contender...

Black Bullets

A different magic circle, unlike any magic circle I normally used, appeared as I held out my hand, wind and black mana swirling around me, as the demon stumbled back.

The smoke was still obstructing his view, but even he could sense it.

"What in the- a black magic circle?! How do you have access to this magic?!"

I reached in, pulling out the single shot break action pistol, and taking aim.

"Hunter..." The demon looked at me, his eyes were glowing through the smoke.

"You... made a deal with the devil too, didn't you."

I brought the hammer back, cocking the gun, and pressed the trigger.

"Yeah." I said.

Black magic swirled around the barrel of the gun, as the black bullet was fired through a black explosion, soaring and neutralizing all of the magic in its vicinity. Including the magic of all the bandits who were in the tower.

"No... no human should have access to The Goddess of Night's Magic. Noir's magic can only be used by her most loyal and faithful subjects!" The demon screamed, as the bullet penetrated his skull, sucking up all of his life-force and leaving behind a shrivelled up corpse in brittle armour which shattered upon hitting the floor.

I lowered the Contender, as I slowly put it back into the black magic circle. The circle swirled and dissipated with a demonic groan. The grimoire closed and also dissipated into black mist.

Yeah. Mister demon.

Only herself or her most loyal and faithful subjects can use her mana.

At least, that was the case.

Until I killed her.

And with her mana, it was Master Jun who designed an implant for me to be able to wield her magic, combining it into my grimoire.

The black bullets were my ultimate trump card. These were the bullets that I would use to take down a threat as fast as possible. But of course, there were side effects.

One doesn't expect a mere human to be able to use the power of a Goddess and not suffer backlash.

I clutched my chest and coughed out blood.

"Shit..." I grumbled, as I limped down the stairs, but something caught my eye. That demon should have dissipated into black dust. But this wasn't black.

"What the..."

I turned around and knelt down, swatting away the brittle broken armour.

I ran my hand across the ashes.

The black and red ashes.

I ground up the powder between my fingers.

This red...

Maybe it was because of the dream I had last night, but there was no way.

I had to be going paranoid.

But if there was the slightest possibility...

Aspectum...

Magic circles appeared in front of my eyepiece.

I gritted my teeth, sweat running down my face.

Material Scan.

My eyes lit up with the vision spell, as my heart stopped.

This chemical...

Nora's smile suddenly flashed in my mind.

I don't know. Maybe swiping some of these?

I clutched my chest, hyperventilating as my eyes dilated. I began breathing heavily.

"Avara... Avara...!" I gasped for air. Oh no.

I was going through another one.

Another panic attack.

I stumbled to the wall, clutching my chest. Everything felt tight. I couldn't breathe.

I summoned Draugr, aiming frantically at the air.

"Hah... hah....!"

What... what was Red Candy doing here? There was no way... there was no way this place... this world could replicate the Ameradan Red Candy.

My mind began flashing to Avara's face.

That goddess's face.

The panic attack eventually subsided, as I lowered my gun, staring at the ground. The Red Candy mixed in with the ashes of the demon.

Red Candy was a drug. It had the ability to dull the senses. When I still lived in the orphanage, we took the drugs to dull our senses. Kind of like an escape from reality. It made us feel good, because with Red Candy, we essentially could not feel. No pain, nothing. It was just bliss.

I glared at the powder.

Memories of Will and Nora training me to be street smart. Their lessons flooding my mind.

If this chemical was being used here...

Did that mean Avara had survived our encounter all those years ago...?

I clenched my fist, creating an orange magic circle.

Magic Recombination: Ignis Pila

I switched my gun hand, as the fireball consumed my Draugr, entering the barrel.

I took aim and fired. Again and again at the powder until it vaporized from the heat of my bullets.

I met Sigurd, who was still fighting the remaining bandits at the bottom floor. I held up a piece of the commander's armour, as the bandits' suddenly stopped fighting, their faces full of shock.

"It's... Commander Dullahan! Commander Dullahan has been slain!"

"Impossible!"

Sigurd regarded me as she lowered her knives.

"Fall back Sigurd. I'll take it from here."

"Very well."

I held out my hand. Summoning another red magic circle.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning: M134 Minigun

A six barrel rotary machine gun appeared before me, hovering, as I grabbed the weapon with both hands, releasing a torrent of bullets and cutting down the remaining bandits.

Sigurd and I walked away from the tower.

"Sigurd, did you inform that the tower's been cleared?"

"Yes, Dainsleif. I have also asked that they keep this confidential, only to the royal officials to avoid public recognition."

"Good."

Sigurd could tell something was wrong. The look on her face confirmed it, but I moved forward.

No point dwelling on the past. We had a job to do.

I just had to keep this inside for now.

"With the recapture of the tower, we should be able to gain an audience with the princess, right?" I asked.

"Indeed."

"Nice." I said.

We continued walking, when suddenly, someone stood in our path. He was wearing armour, and had a huge sword.

"Wha-"

"Dainsleif. Exercise caution. This one is different from the bandits."

The man smiled at us.

"Geh. Of course it wouldn't be that easy."

The man inspected the two of us.

"So... you two are the ones who defeated Dullahan and retaken the tower. To think that Trissal's generals has fallen so low to let a single adventurer defeat them, even with all the men at their disposal. How disappointing."

"Disappointing...?" I muttered.

Sigurd narrowed her eyes.

"Superhuman strength and speed. Superhuman durability. Superhuman agility. This one is not human. He is beyond an adventurer in power and skill. And beyond that of a knight."

"You would compare me to a knight? How insulting." The man spat.

This condescending attitude...

I recognized it anywhere. I've met his kind before.

"These mortals do not know of your name. But we do. Aaron Hope. The God-Eater. That is what they call you. But looking at you, your power is... laughable. I fail to see how you managed to kill so many of us. Even your performance against Dullahan is.... disappointing."

I gritted my teeth, as Sigurd's hand floated near her dagger.

"Why have you come here. Why come to this mortal realm?" Sigurd said.

The man regarded us.

"Why... well you see-"

I drew Draugr, took aim, and fired repeatedly, as the man suddenly blocked the bullets with his sword.

"Geh!"

He's fast!

"What the- hey!" The man said, as I clicked the button on the side of my handgun, causing the ammo carried to fall on the dirt trail. Pulling out a different magazine from a magic circle.

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Starfire Rounds

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

I slotted the magazine at enhanced speed, aiming and firing, as the man slashed at the rounds.

"Don't just start shooting at me before I can finish my senten-!"

The round exploded, cutting him off and releasing a blast which sent him flying back.

"Dainsleif! What are you doing?!" Sigurd exclaimed, as I readied my eyepiece.

Aspectum: Enemy Lock

Several crosshairs appeared on the man, as he shot forward, his sword in hand.

"Ah. Forget it. I suppose you were never one to hesitate to kill. I can see that now. But if I am to be convinced that you are indeed the mortal God Eater that haunts even deities, I must see more for myself!"

The man slashed at me with blinding speed, but Sigurd jumped in, clashing with her knives.

"I will not provide you with such an opportunity."

The man grimaced.

"My qualms are not with you, mechanical woman!"

The god kicked Sigurd in the side as Sigurd stumbled, her eyes wide, followed by another kick which sent her through a tree.

"Now! Hope! Show me what you... eh?"

I had already taken full advantage of Sigurd's distraction.

Everything was in slow motion, due to my Augmentus spell, the electricity surging through me and dialling my senses to eleven.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Caliga WA4000MX

I aimed the long barrel of my heavy duty anti-aircraft rifle at the throat of the man.

I gritted my teeth.

I will kill you all.

I pressed the trigger, causing the man to fly into the air, an explosion of blood erupted from his throat as he clutched it grabbing his throat.

"How dare you!!!!" He screamed, as he held out his hands, creating thousands of swords in the air.

Convocatio: Turricalum Garrison Formation

Four purple magic circles surrounded me, as my turrets came together like a shield and deflected the onslaught of blades.

"Set configuration: Vertigo Mode!" I shouted as my turrets click and clacked, changing shape, and emitting a high power pulsing wave at the god, who stumbled in the air.

"What is this...! I'm... I'm..."

The god slowly descended from the sky, his face pale, nausea rolling all over him.

The turrets broke formation, surrounding me on each side as I approached the god menacingly. My boots crunching on the dirt.

"Tell me. You self proclaimed god. Why have you come here?"

The god stared at me.

"I..."

I took aim with Draugr, the barrel pointed right at his forehead.

"The blast I just released from my turrets is a vertigo wave. Right now, you're seeing triple. Whatever you hit, you won't know if it was the real one. Your nervous system has completely shut down. And you're resisting the urge to throw up profusely. So I'll ask you again. Why have you come here?"

"They told me... they told me the God Eater was here. I wanted to see him myself. The Outer Shadow... the man who kills gods. Your might... for I am the god of Trissal, Ceius. A god of war. It is in my nature to seek strength, and yours... is the most fascinating..."

A wave of rage rolled over me.

"The hell did you just say?"

Ceius managed a crazy smile, fighting through the nausea that was welling up inside him.

"Aaron Hope... the man who defeated the goddess of fertility, Avara at the age of twelve. Then proceeded to kill and kill. More and more deities falling to your hand. They say an Outer Shadow is of the highest forms of life, so to think that a mere human could become one raised many skepticism. But you... you are special. Doesn't the name of God Eater make you thirst? Thirst for more? Does that not satisfy your cravings? Such power? Such a title?!"

With each compliment this idiot was throwing at me, the more and more mad I was getting.

"Shut up." I muttered.

"Heh?"

"Do you think I liked killing them? Do you think I killed Avara because I felt like it?"

"But-"

My gun hand was shaking with rage.

"Don't you dare make such assumptions about me. I'm going to destroy you all... that is what I wanted. That's all you need to know. There is no thirst. There is no craving. There is no satisfaction. This is what I was... this is what Avara forced me to become that night. This is what I will do."

I pressed the trigger, when suddenly, Ceius smiled, slashing at me with his sword. I leapt back, as the barrel of my gun was severed.

"Ah. I'm mistaken then. How I am so rife of ignorance. Aaron Hope. Forgive me. To think..."

"Tch!"

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - MP7

I summoned my submachine gun with my other hand, and took aim, firing a spray of bullets, but Ceius chuckled, intercepting them with hundreds of swords, crossed together like a flower.

"... that a mere human would understand the beauty of war!"

Ceius flicked his hand, as the swords came flying my way.

"Garrison Formation!" I shouted at my turrets, as they came together like a shield, but the swords pierced through the tech, as one of the blades pierced my thigh.

"Gah!"

Ceius closed in and ripped the turrets away, but I had my MP7 ready, aimed right at his face.

"Oh." Ceius muttered, staring at me.

"I'm gonna send you to heaven." I snarled, emptying my entire clip at his face. Ceius flew backwards, as I threw my Draugr to the side, returning it to its magic circle and summoning another.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Binding Webs

I lobbed an orb, which exploded into a tractor beam which latched onto Ceius.

I held out my hand.

"Pincer Formation!"

My turrets surrounded Ceius, about to let loose gunfire, but suddenly, Ceius' eyes flashed.

More and more swords appeared and began clunking to my direction, interrupting my command.

"Suppressing fire!" I shouted at my turrets, as their configurations changed, revealing their miniguns, shooting and firing at the swords and shattering them, then turned back to Ceius, the barrels smoking but ready to let loose more.

Ceius growled, and broke free from the restraints, and tried to block the bullets of my turrets, swinging wildly, and destroying them. I jumped into the trees, hidden.

"Come out! God-Eater! Show me your might! Show me!"

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ironsight

I aimed the barrel right at Ceius' face, firing and catching him right in the forehead. The god of war flew backwards violently, the shockwave rippling through the trees causing Ceius to slam into the trough of the tower.

I ran to his location, MP7 in hand, but suddenly, he was gone.

"What the-?!"

I looked around. My Aspectum skill...

I clutched my head.

Shit! Did I run out of mana already?!

I used up quite a lot in my fight against Dullahan. Then I used that stupid minigun to deal with the rest of the bandits that survived the nerve toxin! I was an idiot!

"Aaron Hope... the next time we meet, will surely be your last!" Ceius snarled from above.

I spun around and aimed my SMG up high, firing repeatedly, as Ceius blocked my bullets with another series of swords.

"Don't interrupt me when I'm trying to give out threats! Hey!"

I ignored him, continuing to fire.

"The next time we meet I will-"

Rat tat tat tat tat tat tat

"I'm going to kill-"

Rat tat tat tat tat tat tat

"You're going to di-"

Rat tat tat tat tat tat tat

"Ah! Screw this!" Ceius shouted, flying away, as I continued firing until my SMG ran out of bullets.

I had no more mana to summon any more ammunition.

I lowered my gun, the barrel smoking. Red hot.

"Dammit." I muttered.

I tried to take one step, but my leg wound caused me to buckle.

"Dainsleif... you're injured." Sigurd said, limping to me. Her arm was dislocated, and her face was cracked.

"You're one to talk!" I snapped.

"Damage to me can be repaired. You are still a human. We must get your wound treated before it becomes infected."

"Ceius got away. God dammit. I should've been more conservative with my mana."

"You are in no shape to fight any more. You are depleted of both mana and your stamina. And now you are injured."

I reluctantly let Sigurd patch me up, as we continued our way to the town.

I gritted my teeth. Ceius' stupid grin.

I'll blast that stupid smile off of your face.

Convincing A Princess To Come Home With Me

"You will not be talking." Sigurd said.

"What?! Why not?"

"Because we both know every time a disaster strikes, it's because you opened your mouth."

"Why you little..."

Sigurd and I were brought into a large castle by several guardsman. Well. Several was kinda an understatement.

"Hey... don't you think they're kinda making a big deal about this?" I asked.

"If a tower, that was for the longest time under control by the enemy, retaken by a single adventurer of unknown origin, despite having the greatest efforts fail in the past, would you not be wary as well?"

"I suppose. Definitely taking the compliment though."

"You are a child."

The guards brought us to the throne room, which was decorated with complex architecture. The throne was empty, but standing to the side, was one of the cutest girls I had ever seen.

"Wh- Whoa... Master Jun, what a cultured gentlemen..."

Sigurd elbowed me.

"Zip it! The last thing we want is to get executed. We haven't been in Andropol for a week."

"Sigurd and her apprentice, Dainsleif." The princess said.

Apprentice? Since when was I Sigurd's apprentice?

No no no.

I never consented to being second fiddle to Master Jun's state of the art love doll.

Sigurd knelt on one knee, grabbing my ear and forcing me to do the same.

"Yes, your grace." Sigurd replied.

"Yes, your-" I said, my voice completely off sync from hers.

Sigurd glared at me.

If Master Jun was here, he would have snickered at my awkwardness. The guards all stared at us in uncomfortable silence.

The princess regarded us.

"Why have you two entered our country? On what terms?"

"We entered your country to seek your council. For our master wishes to have an audience with you. We come with no intention to fight."

The guards shifted nervously, readying their weapons, but the princess held up a hand.

"It is okay."

Was it really though???

Master Jun wanted me to bring you in to "satisfy his urges". Was this shit really okay?!

"The fact that you two accomplished what our top adventurers and warriors in Andropol could not speaks testaments to your capability. While I understand this meeting was something you requested, Sigurd, I have a request of my own. Once this favour is granted."

"A request, my lady?" Sigurd asked.

"Yes. I will elaborate further in time. Where is this master of yours?"

"We will take you to him." Sigurd answered.

The guards suddenly ran forward, their weapons aimed at our throats.

I raised my hands, heart pumping like crazy, but Sigurd simply continued kneeling, completely unfazed at all. Must have been real nice to be a machine.

"You dare ask such a thing from the princess of Andropol?!" One of the elder men who was standing on the edges of the throne snarled at us.

"My apologies." Sigurd replied, quickly.

"We mean no ill intention, nor plan any harm on your lady. Our Master is quite secluded."

"And how do you expect us to believe that?!"

"Russel!" The princess said, sternly, causing the old geezer to freeze.

"You will not address these guests with such aggression and malice. They captured the tower for us. We are in no position to be making such threats."

The princess sighed, turning back to us.

"I apologize for Russel's hardheadedness. He suffers from emotional stress due to having never experienced the touch of a woman for fifty eight years..."

"Wait, what did you just say?"

"...but Russel is one of my exemplars, and his concern over me is justified. I admit I am suspicious of the two of you. If you choose to harm me, I will be powerless. Should you bring me to your Master's realm, I will be defenceless."

Did she really just brush over the fact that she had just outed her fifty eight year old virgin exemplar so casually?

"I understand, my lady. What will it take for us to prove that no ill will lies behind our request?" Sigurd said.

"Denied! Such a request... is inconceivable!" Russel shouted, as did the rest of the old geezers.

What was this?

Council of the Alzheimer's?

I looked at Sigurd, who was still trying to formulate and calculate.

Now wasn't the time for that.

Now was the time for action.

I got off my knee, as Sigurd spun around, her eyes wide.

"No! Dainsleif, what are you-"

"Alright! Listen up!" I shouted, as I stood before the princess and her advisors.

"I am the one who took back the tower. So I get to make the demands. Unlike Russel here, I've banged a few chicks back in my day. So everything he says against me is ultimately void because he is a loser."

"Keh!" Sigurd's face turned into a mix of shock and nausea.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Sigurd mouthed at me, but I ignored her. Obviously I never banged anyone. I've had exactly the same number of guys confess to me as girls.

Zero.

"This tower... is a Guardian Tower."

Everybody went silent. Even Russel, who, approximately 2 seconds ago looked like he was going to storm down the steps and punch me in the face with his old shrivelled hand.

"That's right." I said, standing my ground.

"The bandits who had captured it, were no ordinary bandits. The one commanding them was a demon named Dullahan."

"D- Du- Dullahan...?!" A guard stammered, as commotion rippled across the guardsmen.

"The Demon Dullahan?" The princess put a hand to her mouth.

"Are you sure, Dainsleif? The Demon Dullahan is one of Trissal's mightiest generals. Why would he be stationed to watch over the tower?"

"There's also the case that the tower is a Guardian Tower..." One of the geezers said.

"I don't know why Andropol has a Guardian Tower. A Guardian Tower houses a spirit of one of the thirteen gods of the Duvian empire. Chances were, Trissal knew about this too. Which was why Dullahan was stationed there."

The princess regarded me.

"So Trissal had the divine protection of two gods."

Sigurd quickly grabbed my head and slammed me into the ground.

"You mentioned two gods. So prior to capturing the tower, Trissal only had one god's protection?"

"Yes. Trissal was watched by the God of War Ceius."

"And what of Andropol?"

The princess sighed, looking at the throne.

"Our god... had passed. At least that was what we believed. But now we know that is not true. For this tower... in fact was what housed our deity."

Ceius?

So that dude who had intercepted us, was the guardian deity of Trissal.

I had a score to settle with him.

But that would have to wait.

Dainsleif.

"Huh?"

I glanced at the far corners of the throne room.

A shadow. Jun's shadow.

"What are you doing here? What is it?" I hissed.

The tower.

"What about it?"

One of our informants has uncovered a potential infiltration.

"Infiltration?! We just captured it!"

The god of Andropol is awakening. Should you choose to retrieve the princess of Andropol to our lord, you must do so now. Her safety is paramount.

Suddenly, the doors busted open.

"Your highness!" A man shouted, his voice desperate.

"Soldier. What has happened?" The princess asked.

"The tower... a monster... a terrible monster. One the size of multiple mountains! It's wreaking havoc! My entire platoon of soldiers have been wiped out!"

"What?!"

"The tower's god... our god has become feral!"

"What do we do?!"

The princess gritted her teeth.

"We must mobilize our forces to contain the god. Including the adventurers. Our people's safety is a top priority. Relay this to the people of Andropol. Begin evacuation!"

"Affirmative."

I stood up.

"I can help."

"No."

The princess looked at me.

"Our adventurers are quite capable. So is our Garrison. Have faith in us, Andropol's people will be safe. They will be..."

It didn't look like she was able to convince herself.

"My qualms with you will be put on hold. Dainsleif. Until the threat is neutralized." Russel sneered at me, as everybody filed out.

"What will become of us?" Sigurd asked.

The princess regarded Sigurd and I.

"We will arrange lodgings for you two. In this castle. You will be on standby for now. But you will be monitored. By me."

I raised my hand.

"I can elimin-"

Sigurd kicked me.

"Hey!"

Sigurd shot me a death glare, and within my earpiece, her voice emanated in my mind.

If you reveal your power, the princess will become even more distraught. You already made a blunder of yourself by calling out Russel's virginity. And lying about your own.

"That is so underhanded!"

If the princess wishes us to be kept under her supervision, then that will be what we shall do.

The princess turned around and left the throne room, beckoning us.

"Come."

We followed.

"That's... a really nice dress." Sigurd muttered, as we trailed the princess from behind.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"No. I heard you say something."

"It is your imagination."

"Yeah probably. Though I can't imagine you changing into anything else. What's even under all that skin tight leather? Plastic?"

If the princess wasn't here, I knew for a fact that Sigurd would probably slit my throat.

And I was not missing this opportunity to mess with her a bit.

The princess led us to our rooms.

"You will be staying here."

Sigurd bowed.

"We appreciate your hospitality, your grace."

"Call me Diana. Princess Diana Eustansia Avarice the Third."

I blinked.

"Princess Diana Mustache the what?"

Sigurd kicked me in the balls.

"GAH! You rusting bitch! What the hell?!" I clutched my crotch and slid to the ground.

"Show some respect!"

Diana put her hand to her mouth and giggled.

"It seems the two of you have known each other for a long time."

"Healing... Healing Sigurd! Please! My nuts!" I gasped in pain, trying to not black out. Talking hurt.

Sigurd sighed, and looked away, injecting me with a needle as I felt my nut sack return to normal state.

"Yes. I have known this fool for a long time." Sigurd said, as she helped me to my feet.

"We served our master together. Since my conception."

The princess smiled.

"Do you mean since you were built?"

Sigurd and I paused. The air suddenly went cold.

Sigurd's hand floated near her knife, and my hand floated near Draugr, but Diana laughed.

"I mean no harm. But I recognize those like you, Sigurd. You are an android, correct? One that is machine. I have encountered a few in the past, actually."

Dammit.

I had completely forgotten. What did Sigurd say? That Andropol was a mix of modern tech and magic. That was how we were able to infiltrate and integrate ourselves so easily despite Sigurd looking like a hotter version of Catwoman and I looking like a ripoff Kirito with guns.

Diana inspected me.

"But you... you are a human. Just like our citizens in Andropol. Your mana pool is average. As is your physical build. You don't even have a build that contends with the Royal Guard..."

So basically she was saying I was small and average. Despite working so hard to look jacked in the gym.

Master Jun... just kill me now.

"...but you were the one who captured the tower? All on your own?"

"Yes." I replied.

Sigurd looked surprised.

"How are you able to tell Dainsleif's magical capability?"

Diana pointed at her eye.

"That is my magic. I am capable of seeing the magical and physical potential of people. This is how I assess my peacekeeping force, Andropol's military power, and can distinguish adventurers who stand at the top."

Sigurd looked at me evilly.

"And what is Dainsleif's adventurer status?"

"Well, according to what I see, he's around a C Rank adventurer. Sigurd, you on the other hand, despite lacking magic, your physical capabilities puts you to be around A Rank."

The colour left my face.

"C- C Rank?!"

Diana gave me a warm smile.

"But there is more to a person than what magic can sense. I am sure there is something beyond that I cannot detect, considering it was you who took the tower. And that reminds me... I wish to speak to you, in private."

"In private?" Sigurd asked.

I held out my hand.

"It's okay, Sig. I can handle myself."

Sigurd didn't look convinced, but nodded.

"Very well. I will be in my quarters. But if I sense a spike in adrenaline pertaining to a fight or flight response, I will be at your side immediately."

"Sounds good."

I followed Diana as she brought me on a tour.

"This is the hallway that my ancestors once walked through."

"Cool."

Diana continued walking, until she stopped in front of a large portrait. It was of a dude with the coolest beard I had ever seen.

"That's a bushy beard." I commented.

Diana smiled.

"Yes. His facial hair is 'bushy' indeed."

I put my hands in the pockets of my fur coat.

"Diana... er I mean Princess Diana. You do realize I am a major asset to take down that monster right? I've killed tougher and bigger opponents. I recaptured the tower and took down Commander Dullahan myself."

"I'm sorry, Dainsleif, but I cannot allow you to intervene with this."

"Why not?"

Diana turned to me.

"Dainsleif. Your records in Andropol have you listed as a magic gunman, correct?"

"Yeah. Why do you ask?"

The princess ran a hand over her dress.

"Is this your first time dealing with matters to the extent of royal affairs?"

"Not really. You'd be the eighth princess I've visited for my master."

"I see."

Diana continued inspecting her garments.

"The man you see in this portrait is my father. King Eustace Avarice."

"So that's the king, huh. What... happened, if you mind me asking?"

Diana looked at me.

"He died."

"Sorry."

"It's okay. Andropol and Trissal have been at war for the longest time. We are rivalling factions in this region. While both nations have a guardian deity, the way the divine interact with us is far different than with Trissal."

"Ceius watches over Trissal?"

"Yes. Almost like a guardian angel. Lord Ceius will rarely step foot into the mortal plane, unless he seeks one worthy of battle. As a god of war, he is extremely powerful, and the laws of the divine do not permit gods to interfere with mortal affairs."

I clenched my fist.

Was that really so?

Then how would you explain that night, when Lady Avara attacked my orphanage?

I guess there was no point asking her these questions. She didn't seem to know the answers.

"I'm guessing the god that watches of Andropol is different?"

"Yes. Because the god of Andropol, Nyx, can only step foot in the mortal plane through a host. Nyx is the god of fortune. In his eyes, true fortune only exists in those of royalty. In Ceius' case, he is able to gain form in the mortal realm because Trissal has a history of war. It summons him, like a call. But for Nyx, he requires a host to act as his calling. This was... my father's destiny."

I can sort of see where she was going with this.

"Every prince of Andropol is fated to become the host of Lord Nyx. By becoming a host of the divine god of fortune, prosperity is brought to the nation. But when I was born... I was female. Meaning I ended the long lineage of princes in Andropol. Nyx only possesses those of strong fortune, Kings. A princess can never become a King. Plagued with the guilt that he had sired a daughter, my father blamed himself. His long fall into depression forced my mother to take over the affairs of Andropol. But no Queen ever existed in Andropol before who had taken the throne. Overworked, the Queen fell into despair, her royal mana overwhelming her body and transforming her into a Kaiju."

"You mean like those giant monsters? Jesus."

Diana ran her hand over the portrait of her father.

"Lord Nyx can only inhabit the bodies of strong hosts. Father, though one of great wealth and fortune, chose to host Lord Nyx, but for the reason of ending my mother's suffering. Reawakening as the god of fortune, Nyx killed the Queen of Andropol, but as a result, the power overwhelmed my father, killing him in the process. And now, I must take over, to rule Andropol as its sole royal survivor. As the Princess of Andropol."

I regarded Diana. She had to be no older than sixteen. So she was just a kid. And she was forced all of this on her shoulders.

She lost her parents, and now she was forced to rule an entire nation all on her own. Sure she had the Alzheimer's Council, but the pressure was all on her.

"But that's even more reason for me to help you out. You're overworked. If you don't-"

"Dainsleif." Diana cut me off.

"The reason I am telling you all this, is because I want you to understand that this monster that is currently ravaging my kingdom, is a Kaiju. Surely now you know who this is."

My voice trailed away.

"King Eustace..."

Diana nodded.

"My father is rampaging our kingdom. This is not your fight. As the princess of Andropol, he is my responsibility to take down. This is our kingdom. And he is my father. I will deal with this using my strength. I understand you most likely have more than enough to deal with this threat."

My usual goofy expression faded away.

"And if this overloads you and you become a Kaiju?"

Diana smiled sadly.

"Then this will be the end of Andropol's Avarice bloodline. They will seek another family line to inherit the throne. And you will be the one to kill me."

"That won't happen."

"But should the task be too much for me, I am prepared to give my life for my nation."

Diana led me back to my quarters.

"I am needed in the war room. Rest well and enjoy my hospitality, Dainsleif. By the time my father is properly laid to rest, I will show you the rest of Andropol."

I walked in on Sigurd trying to curl her hair with a curling iron.

"BAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Sigurd yelped, jumping.

"Kya! What- Dainsleif, you-"

"Oh my god! An android trying to curl her hair. That's hilarious. What, saw Princess Diana and tried to mimic her hairstyle or something?"

"Dainsleif... you... Assault Mode activated."

Sigurd's eyes turned red.

"Wait wait wait!"

I held up my hands, trying to run away, but Sigurd bolted faster than I could react, and pinned me to the ground, summoning two blades from her forearms.

"Eliminate. Eliminate. Eliminate."

"You're pretty enough! You're super pretty, okay! I was just joking!"

"Perhaps I should reconsider..."

"That's better. Good girl."

"...and chop off your genitalia instead of your head."

"Ah! Sigurd! Don't! I'm begging you not that! Anything but that!"

Erm...

A ghostly voice appeared in my head as Sigurd and I stopped wrestling.

Sir Dainsleif and Lady Sigurd... is now perhaps a bad time for our report? Jun's shadow was in the corner, fidgeting nervously.

Sigurd got off of me.

"Report."

The shadow bowed. It was probably pretending like it didn't see anything. I didn't know if Jun's shadows were different from the other shadows of the Inners. But I know for a fact that they've been through some much weirder shit than any of the other shadows.

If rumour got out I was copulating with an X rated android woman, my reputation would be finished. There was no going back from this.

One could say that this was all a huge misunderstanding. Which it was. Obviously. I clowned on Sigurd for trying to look pretty, and she ended up trying to kill me with Assault Mode (which is a mode that is reserved for taking down Dogma Holders, by the way). But the way she had climbed on top of me, her legs spread out and everything, and judging from the way the shadow had just shown up at the worst possible timing, there was no explaining my way out of this.

And I knew for a fact that Jun was definitely going to go public with this information.

That little bastard.

"Did you get all that, Dainsleif?" Sigurd asked.

"Wh- What? Sorry I was zoning out."

"You are as competent as a Contingency Initiative Operative."

"You didn't have to do me dirty with that roast."

"The shadows have just reported on the state of the Kaiju that is decimating Andropol right now. I believe this information should be particularly important to you."

"What's going on?"

The shadow regarded me.

This Kaiju gained conception in an unorthodox way.

"How so?"

Sigurd crossed her arms. her expression that was normal deadpan was grim.

"Shadow. I will ask you keep this information confidential for now."

As you wish, Lady Sigurd.

"What's going on?"

"The shadows have kept an eye on the tower you recaptured ever since you returned to the kingdom. And since then, they never let loose their surveillance. When the Kaiju was formed, it possessed the soul of Nyx and royal blood, most likely King Eustace Avarice, the father of Princess Diana Eustansia Avarice."

"I know that."

"But something like this is impossible. The King of Andropol had long since passed since becoming the host of Andropol."

"Wait, how do you know this?"

"I was listening to your entire conversation with the Princess."

I shot to my feet.

"What the hell man? Ever heard of privacy?!"

"It is standard procedure for an infiltration unit to have constantly audio surveillance of their subordinates."

"Wait." I stopped, staring at Sigurd.

"What's wrong?" Sigurd tilted her head.

"How long have you been listening in on me."

"Every time I accompanied you in missions."

"So... every night... whenever I rustled in my bed... you... you..." My face turned bright red. My ears felt like they were melting from the embarrassment.

Sigurd smiled.

"There is nothing to worry about, Dainsleif. You are a human boy. Your hormonal urges are understandable."

"Hey hey hey! That's not the problem here! You mean to tell me you've been listening in on me every time I whipped one out?! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"Consider it payback, every time you made jest of my cosmetic sessions."

Dammit. I couldn't win against her!

No matter how much intelligence I had, there was no winning a debate against a robot!

I sighed.

"Alright. Whatever. Let's get back on topic. You mentioned that the King died, right? So how was he able to become a Kaiju again and host Nyx?"

"That is just the case. It is theoretically impossible, the conditions of Nyx's incarnation is through a strong host of bountiful wealth and fortune. This isn't the case. Meaning an external party was involved."

"A healthy... no way."

Someone who could bring a man back from the dead, almost to the point where it would be considered alive and healthy and well.

When King Eustace had hosted Nyx the first time, he wasn't particularly all into it. He wasn't gung ho of being a god vessel. Meaning it was just enough.

So to have someone be raised from the dead, just good enough...

My mind flashed to him.

Lady Hakah's Outer Shadow who had made a big name for himself. The most public of the Outer Shadows.

Yuyan Zheng.

Transplant.

"That Shakujin. Marcela Greene, she committed another taboo?"

"Yes." Sigurd put a hand to her chin.

"But even for a Shakujin, reanimation of the dead is considered a crime beyond that of the Dogma. So to be forced to perform another taboo, twice in a row, this revival was not voluntary. She must have been controlled."

"So an Outer Shadow had captured her."

"I am convinced that is the case. Meaning an Inner Shadow is currently interfering with our assignment."

I clenched my fist.

"Is it Lady Hakah?"

Dammit.

There were many people in this world who I could defeat.

My whole schtick was taking down and defeating gods.

But even I had limits. Some beings were just too powerful.

An example of that is Master Jun and the Inner Shadows. The most powerful beings in the world, and beyond that, was Lord Ginga. And even beyond that...

The Great Akuma.

But even among the Inner Shadows... there were exceptions, those who stood at the best of the best.

And Hakah Mah was an example of the apex of strong.

The Level 1 Dogma Holder of Susanoo, the God of Storms, who possessed the power to overwhelm a Stage Five Dogma Holder as Stage Four.

That spoke volumes as to how powerful she was.

Hakah was the strongest Inner Shadow. She was so strong, that all the Inner Shadows feared and respected her.

Even Master Jun.

Although that could just be because he has a massive crush on her.

If Hakah was involved with this assignment, that was it.

There's nothing we could do.

We had to call it quits.

"We have insufficient evidence to conclude that Inner Shadow Hakah is involved."

"Even if it is the slightest chance, we can't risk having an Inner Shadow war. We don't stand a chance against Hakah. We'll investigate and intervene, but if I so much as see that voluptuous bombshell I'm hightailing it. Good fucking luck, Andropol."

"Very well, Dainsleif. It will be done."

I lay in bed, as Sigurd sat on the chair, her hands on her lap and eyeing the windows.

Was this super creepy? Absolutely.

But at this point, I was used to it. I had known Sigurd for years and put up with her weird shit. This was just her way of watching over me in case of an ambush. I was human at the end of the day and I needed sleep.

"Goodnight, Dainsleif." Sigurd said, gently, as I closed my eyes.

Outer Shadows

It was one of those dreams.

I had my feet up against the stool, tended by numerous blonde ladies around me.

Hell yes.

This is the life.

"Is there anything you need, Master Aaron?" A lady purred in my ear.

"I do." I said.

"I want to join too! Let me join!"

"No me! Me too!"

"Stop this! You're bothering Master Aaron!"

They loved me. They were fighting over me.

This was bliss.

Suddenly, one of the ladies looked at me.

"Heh. You're gonna have to wait your turn, miss." I said, cockily.

"Aaron. I need to talk to you."

"Well, after I'm finished, I'll see if I still got some in the tank for you."

"AARON!" The woman snapped, her voice suddenly different.

"What the- Master Jun?!" I yelped, as my harem dissolved, until I was standing in the throneroom of Inner Shadow Jun Gasket.

"The hell was that dream, man?" Jun said, crossing his arms, sitting in his throne room.

"Hey. Don't question a man's tastes. What is it?" I asked.

"How's the mission going?"

"Okay."

"Okay, as in the fact that it's being interfered by another Inner Shadow?"

I choked.

"Wha-"

"Dude. Level 1 Hachi. Hello?"

Shit, how could I have been so stupid! Of course Jun would know what's going on. The dude had the God of Archery for a Dogma.

"Look, Jun. I... I have reason to believe this mission has been interfered by Inner Shadow Hakah Mah. If that's the case, I gotta pull back. She's too much of a threat."

Jun gritted his teeth.

"Dammit. And this whole mission concerned her too."

"Wait, what?"

Jun looked at me.

"Yeah. I needed the Princess of Andropol. Because she has information on the Mah Bloodline. Hachi can only let me see so much. It's the God of Archery and War. Not the God of Sight."

"Wait, so it wasn't for... any other reason?"

Jun raised an eyebrow, as his face turned red.

"What?! What do you take me as?!"

"You literally was like... I must satisfy my urges. Bring me the princess of Andropol. I don't care how." I started dancing in the dreamscape, my voice low and mimicking Master Jun's.

"I do not sound like that! Have some faith in me, Aaron! Jeez! Even I know to do my job."

I put a hand behind my back, yawning.

"Alright. So what's going on, Jun? That you would summon me here in this dreamscape?"

Jun spun around in his chair, flicking his hands and causing numerous giant holographic screens to appear in front of the two of us.

"How much do you know about the Mah Clan?"

"Well... not much. Aside from the fact that Hakah is one of the remaining survivors. They're supposedly super strong, right?"

"Not supposedly. They are ridiculously strong. You know about the unbound Hinokami, right?"

"The Chinese Terrorist? Yeah."

"Alright. I'll give you a brief refresher."

Jun flicked his hand, revealing several diagrams.

"The Great Akuma was a powerful spectral entity that once terrorized the world. But when she died, her essence was split apart. The only thing that remained was her lieutenant. This lieutenant was known as The Dogma. The Dogma was given one command by the Great Akuma just before she passed, and that was to unite as much of the followers of her philosophy to some day restore the world in her stead. And when her children, the Level 1 Akuma Grade Dogma holders came together, they would revive her from the dead. And so, the Dogma sought after numerous individuals, offering power through exchange.

"Hachi, Susanoo, Suijin, Fujin, Hinokami, Shakujin. Those are the main Dogma Holders who would revive the Great Akuma. Along with her soldiers. The other Dogma holders. Ordinarily, a Level 1 Akuma Grade Dogma holder can only achieve Stage Two, max. Any more is outside of the Dogma's limits and authority."

That made sense.

This was the reason why Juuzou Katsuya, the current holder of Fujin could only access Stage Two. And he was the strongest of the Dogma holders outside of the Shadow Legion. At least... until Yeling unlocked Anarchy Form and Stage Three. Then Stage Four.

Jun continued.

"But as you have been made aware, there are those who can go beyond that. Jay 'Slipstream' Hellion. I can unlock Stage Five Hachi. The new Hinokami user, Evangelion, has untapped potential."

"Yep. Because of Lord Ginga, right?"

Jun turned to me.

"Yes. Lord Ginga. The mentor of Taras Pax, the first Dogma Holder to unlock all six Akuma Grade Dogmas, albeit not Level 1. It's from Lord Ginga did he bless us with the ability to go past Stage Two. You don't need to know how he is able to do this. You just need to know that he can. Which is why..."

Jun focused his window into a picture of Hakah and her brother, playing in the fields.

"Hakah is interesting. Stage Five is said to be the ultimate limit of how far a Dogma can go. But... she can go beyond that."

My heart stopped.

"Beyond... Stage Five?"

"Yeah. I've never seen it myself. I've never seen her go all out before. But if her Stage Four surpasses even Stage Five, you can imagine how strong she really is, how much she still has untapped."

Jesus.

Just thinking about just how far this chick could push her power made me nauseous.

"And now...there's the fact that her older brother is in the picture."

"Yeling Mah?"

"Yeah."

"But this dude struggled against Transplant. Transplant is a joke. His combat prowess was around the same as me when I was still getting used to Gun Magic. Why would-"

"No. Hasn't it hit you yet?"

"What do you mean?"

Jun zoomed in on Yeling. It was snapshots of his final battle against Transplant. He was in his transformation. His long shoulder length hair was fluttering wildly, as four horns had sprouted from his head. A pair of demonic phoenix wings and celestial armour cladded his arms and legs.

"The limit is Stage Two. Without Lord Ginga's intervention, there is no way someone can tap into power beyond Stage Two. But Yeling... Yeling managed Stage Three Hinokami without Ginga's blessing. And now he's running around with Stage Four Hinokami and Aelienne's power. That shouldn't be possible."

What the hell was going on?

How could someone...

"First it was Hakah surpassing Stage Five. Now it's her older brother Yeling going past the theoretical limits of an Akuma Dogma Holder with Stage Four. There's something going on with the Mah Clan. And I want to figure out why. How are the Mah siblings so powerful? And it doesn't end here."

Jun looked at me.

"I'll still need you to retrieve Princess Diana Avarice for me. Because I have reason to believe Hakah might be trying to conspire against Lord Ginga."

My eyes widened.

"Whoa whoa whoa. Seriously? There's no way."

"Outer Shadows are not supposed to be known to the world. That's how we operate. This is what Lord Ginga wanted. Sure, sending Transplant out to destroy the Contingency Initiative was his request. But that was it. There was no reason for Transplant to continue terrorizing the world like that. There was no reason for him to go public. This was not what Lord Ginga wanted. And this was not what the Dogma wanted either. The Dogma kept urging Yeling to eliminate Yuyan, even going as far as to make him indirectly help us search for a Suijin candidate, which was what allowed Jay Hellion to join our ranks as an Inner Shadow."

A bead of sweat ran down my back.

"But... is that enough for us to think Hakah is going against us?"

"The only thing Hakah wants, out of everything in the world, is to be reunited with Yeling. She would go as far as to disobey Lord Ginga and make Transplant go on a frenzy just so he could retrieve him for her. I don't know why Lord Ginga hasn't done anything to reprimand her... but something tells me that Hakah may have..."

Jun turned off the holograms, his face looked pale.

"... surpassed Lord Ginga in power."

I stared at Jun.

"N- No way... Master Jun. You can't be serious..."

Jun normally never took anything seriously. Seeing him like this was really freaking me out.

"Listen carefully, Dainsleif. Whatever happens. Make sure the Princess is safe. Bring her here. This Kaiju whatever. You may let her try to deal with it. But you must protect her. The Avarice Bloodline has connections to the Mah Bloodline, dated back centuries. I want to know everything there is behind Hakah and Yeling's enormous power."

"And what if Hakah shows up? That infiltration... and the Kaiju's awakening, it was from Marcela Greene, right?"

"Yeah. I still don't know who got to Greene. Whether it was Hakah, or someone else. But if Hakah shows up, rest assured. I will step in and fight her with everything I got. No holding back. Should that happen, you will retreat and prioritize the safety of your companions. Because the collateral is no place for a human."

This was...

Too much.

If Master Jun himself had to step into a mission.

But something told me that even Jun might not stand a chance against Hakah.

"Aaron."

"Yes, Master Jun."

"I'm giving you an upgrade."

"What?"

Jun got out of his seat and grabbed my wrists, his eyes glowing orange.

Hachi and Amplification Stage Two: War God Ascension

My body surged with power.

"What did you just-"

"I can't increase your power like I did with Rollo, and I can't just give you new parts like Sigurd. You're just a normal dude." Jun explained.

"Wow, thanks man." I grumbled.

"But what I can do, is suggest new ideas to your brain. Opening up new neural links. When the time comes, you should be able to devise a new way to use your magic and weapons. You're gonna need it. It won't be enough to hold off Hakah, but any Outer Shadow of hers will be no match for you."

Jun crossed his arms, as the dreamscape slowly dissolved.

"Oh. Also make sure Sigurd comes back safe too. I spent way too long trying to model her breasts to be an optimal size. It would be a shame to lose her."

"Wha- You weirdo!"

"Hey man! As a man you should understand. Considering you dream about blonde harems every night!"

"Yeah, but at least I'm not open about it like you are!"

"Shut up! I'm your boss! You should be treating me with respect! Oh shit, there's a new episode that got released. I'll catch you later. Imma catch up on some new Demon Killer. Weeb mode activated!!!"

The vision shattered, as the sounds of the Demon Killer opening played in my head.

"Dainsleif."

Sigurd was shaking me awake.

"Wha-"

"You must wake up now. The Kingdom has been breached. Everyone is evacuating."

"Jesus, Sig. This is not what I was looking forward to first thing in the morning."

Sigurd turned the other way as I changed into my clothes.

Make sure the Princess is safe. Bring her here. This Kaiju whatever. You may let her try to deal with it. But you must protect her.

Dammit.

"Sigurd."

"Yes, Dainsleif."

"High alert. If the place is breached, we're looking at attackers left and right. I'm gonna conserve my mana so I won't be using my Aspectum spell."

"Affirmative."

"Also."

"Mm?"

"Push the bed out of the way. Make some space."

Sigurd picked the entire bed up with one hand, lifting it and putting it to the side.

My eye twitched.

"Dainsleif?" Sig asked.

What was even the point of working out in the first place when you had someone like Sigurd who could achieve more than I ever could...

"N- Nothing." I stammered, as I held out my hand.

Convocatio: Multi-Gun Summoning - Full Arsenal

Sigurd raised an eyebrow.

"Why this spell...?"

Multiple magic circles appeared before us. As my entire arsenal of guns emerged from their respective magic circle. The spell continued until the carpet was covered in black tactical firearms. Something super out of place in a fantasy world, but hey. Anything to get the job done.

Let's do a rundown.

Draugr D975AX Model 3. A standard handgun with the ability to shoot multiple bullet types. The Draugr was designed by Master Jun to be the perfect handgun, optimized for weapon firepower, adequate fire rate, reload time, and weight to minimize recoil. This was my go to weapon.

MP7. A submachine gun that fires armour piercing (AP) rounds. The weapon fire-rate far surpasses the Draugr, rated 950 rounds a minute. Low recoil. It also looked badass. The only downside was I couldn't use any other types of ammunition for it. It was also a standardized firearm, and the only submachine gun I had in my arsenal, since Master Jun believed SMG's were shit because every time he used one in the game Rainbow Siege he would always die. I wish I was joking.

M130 Fully Automatic. An assault rifle which was another creation of Master Jun. Capable of multiple bullet types and is superior to the Draugr in firepower, fire rate, reload time. But it was larger, and required both hands to wield. The recoil was also high. A laser sight enhanced its accuracy though. It also had a sniper configuration, but it was nowhere near my dedicated sniper in power.

Ironsight 55XHPS Version 3. A super heavyweight, tactical sniper rifle which can be disguised as a briefcase. Fires specialized shockwave rounds and vortex shells, designed by Master Jun for long range elimination and cover fire. Featured a built in rocket launcher at the side which fired several explosive projectiles should distance be breached.

Caliga WA4000MX. An extremely powerful super heavyweight anti-aircraft rifle with multi bullet compatibility like the M130 and Draugr. The Caliga rifle was actually designed by Master Jun taking inspiration after the Crowned Avenger Caliga of the Champions Universe. Famed for his devastating super strength, Jun found him so badass he had to design a rifle after him (and also bought all of his merch). The weapon uses electromagnetism and kinetic magic to accelerate its rounds to deliver extremely powerful shots similar to the superhero's punches. This weapon is probably one of my heaviest hitting guns I have in my armoury. I'm not kidding when I say this. I once shot this gun at the World Serpent Jörmungandr with the intention to just knock it out, but it decimated him off the face of the planet with one bullet. I had to contact a fellow Jun Outer Shadow colleague to undo his death. I then had to write a personal apology letter to Loki and it was awkward.

M134 Minigun. Taking the M130 and bringing it to the next absurd level, this is basically the assault rifle but even heavier, firing even faster, and has a ridiculous magazine. The thing is incredibly heavy though, and takes a ridiculous toll on my mana. Even just summoning it made me feel a bit woozy. But the payout is worth it. The minigun alone is enough to sweep down entire legions of enemies. I've used it to take down armies. Yes. I mean literal legions of armies. I once hunted down Khorra, the goddess daughter of Kronos, and the spacetime warping skank sent me to the outer reaches of the Champions Universe. The Gadroon, an entire platoon of aliens, saw me as a threat and in a fit of frustration, I killed them all with this minigun. Proceeded to use their technology to warp back to Khorra's world, and kick her ass. Worst Sunday ever.

In the corner were my Turrets in compacted form. These guys were given the model number DS33 Salvation. But for whatever reason the ritualistic chant to summon these guys was Turricalum. Don't ask me why, because I don't know. These turrets are coated with Questionite, and are capable of adjusting their shape and size, to act as shields, mobile cover, mobile defence, backup fire, suppressing fire, reconnaissance. They're basically my little helpers. I can summon a max of seven at a time. They also feature a wave motion generator, which can induce a number of effects, from vertigo, to electric shock, to magic negation fields, EMP's.

I also had a bunch of grenades and shit, but if I summoned them in this room, I would risk setting one off.

"Sig."

"Yes, Dainsleif?"

"I want you to carry the Ironsight, M134 and the Caliga."

"I'm... sorry?"

"The heavy weapons. They're not heavy to you. If it's true Hakah is coming, her Outer Shadows might be involved. I called out my arsenal because summoning these things takes mana and time. There's no time to be switching between weapons through magic circles in a fight. I'll need them on hand. And for you too."

"I see." Sigurd did as she was told, strapping the Ironsight sniper to her back, and dual wielding the M134 and Caliga with each of her hands.

God she looked so hot with all those guns.

Wait.

No, what am I doing, she's a robot. If even a robot turns me on, I've truly fallen as a man.

I shook my head violently.

"So we are prepared for total war."

"Yeah." I said, as I strapped my MP7 to my thigh, the M130 to my back, and my Draugr to my belt. I also took all seven turrets in their concealed disc forms and strapped them to my belt, concealing them under the folds of my fur coat.

"Let's go find Diana."

We ran out of the room, as the shadows appeared next to us.

Sir Dainsleif. Lady Sigurd.

"What's the situation guys. Sorry. I just woke up."

The Kaiju is releasing spawn. The spawn have decimated forty five percent of the Kingdom of Andropol. Civilians are evacuating to underground shelters, as Princess Avarice struggles to hold off the Kaiju.

"Dammit kid... you really are stubborn." I muttered, as the window exploded next to me, a spawn was snarling, closing in.

My eyes widened in shock. I wasn't gonna react in time.

But thankfully, Sigurd had smacked it away with the barrel of the Caliga, then proceeded to shoot the spawn down with the M134.

"I will protect you." Sigurd said.

"Thanks."

We continued running in the castle, as I took out my Draugr and aimed, firing at any spawn I could find.

One of the doors exploded, as a guard was pinned down by numerous Kaiju spawn, which was eating away at his throat.

I aimed my MP7 and fired a spray of bullets, eliminating them in seconds.

I ran up to the guard.

"He is dead, Dainsleif."

"Damn. Sig, pinpoint the Princess."

Sigurd spun around, as her irises began adjusting like little crosshairs.

"Location found."

"Let's go."

I took out a MS33 turret and threw out the disc, which transformed into a glider. I leapt onto it as I aimed my Draugr and shot at the window, shattering it.

Sigurd followed behind, her jet boots releasing a jet of cyan energy.

I took a look at the spawn.

"Dammit Diana. I hope you're not overexerting yourself." I said.

"We should find the princess first. The forces of Andropol are able to stalemate the spawn temporarily, we should take this opportunity to determine if there is a solution to eliminate them all at the same time. I suspect killing the Kaiju is the most viable."

"Yeah. Assuming we don't have to run into Greene. Then our plan will involve another branch. Greene alone should be easy to eliminate, but she's got colleagues. The Fujin, and Contingency Initiative Dismantler, Kronos, as well as that Stormwatch chick. I'll have to fight them all at the same time while simultaneously protecting Diana. What a pain in the ass."

"Dainsleif! Over there!" Sigurd called out.

I spun to where Sigurd was pointing, to make out Diana surrounded by hundreds of spawn. The Kaiju of King Eustace, roaring at her, as Diana tried her best to try to reason with her father.

"Father! It's me! Please, I know you're in there! Ahh!"

A spawn rushed in, sending Diana to the ground. Several guardsmen tried to protect her, but they were being carried off by the swarm.

Sigurd leapt in, firing her M134, the steady stream of bullets repelling the waves of spawn away, as I threw out three turrets, each expanding into a cross shape.

I quickly tapped my eyepiece, a magical crosshair appearing in front of my eye and targeting Avarice.

"Matrix Formation!" I shouted, as the three crosses slammed into the ground in a triangle around Diana, pulsating with a blue light and creating an energy field which warded off the spawn. Zapping them with blue electricity.

I hovered to her location, taking out my MP7 and Draugr, dual wielding the two guns and shooting down the spawn.

"Diana!" I said, as I turned to her.

I gasped.

Diana's face was pale, and blue veins covered her forehead.

She was breathing hard, sweat was pouring down the side of her head, as she clutched her chest.

"Why have you come, Dainsleif?! This is my fight!"

"Yeah, and you're doing real great."

Diana gritted her teeth.

"Father is my responsibility. I must reach him!"

"Your father died. That thing isn't your dad!"

"You don't know that!"

The King roared, a mass of blue gelatine, whipping around as it tried to swing at me, but Sigurd aimed the barrel of Caliga, releasing a powerful shockwave shot which neutralized the arm, decimating it into a shower of blue mist.

"Your highness. This isn't a matter of whether or not you can reach him. This man is no longer your father. He has been reanimated through the power of Shakujin. He must be eliminated."

Diana closed her eyes, which were brimming with tears.

"I can't... I still believe in him."

"FIRE ALL OFFENSIVE SPELLS!" Russel shouted at the mages of Andropol, who released several magic circles, firing a series of ice, fire, earth, and air bolts at the King, causing him to moan and groan, knocking over buildings left and right.

"No! Russel!" Diana cried out.

"Your majesty. We don't have a choice!" A member of the Alzheimer's Council shouted at the princess.

"This is for your sake. Please understand!"

Diana let loose a gut wrenching cry.

"FATHER! Please! Fight this! I'm here! I am!"

The King retaliated with more spawn, as they continued bombarding the cross formation that was shielding the princess.

Diana began pummelling her fists against the turrets.

"Remove these machines, Dainsleif! Remove them! My father needs me!"

I ignored her, and turned to Sigurd, who was still providing suppressing fire with the M134, keeping the spawn from killing the soldiers of Andropol.

"Sigurd. Will a Black Bullet end the King?"

Sigurd nodded at me.

"Yes. A Black Bullet will be more than enough to kill this Kaiju. But any chances of recovering King Eustace will be neutralized. The Black Bullet will siphon his life force along with the magical essence of this creature."

I glanced at Diana.

"Sorry. Princess. As much as I also want you to be with your dad, he's long gone. That's the reality. Sigurd, provide cover fire."

Sigurd nodded.

"Affirmative."

I watched as Sigurd acrobatically scaled the building of a church. Her agility was top notch, even with the added weight of a full minigun, anti-aircraft rifle, and a sniper on her back.

Sigurd took aim with the minigun and fired a spray of bullets at the King, then used her other arm to unleash a powerful shockwave shell from the Caliga which blasted a chunk of the Kaiju's head away.

Instantly, the monster began regenerating.

I took a deep breath, putting my Draugr and MP7 away, and putting up an intricate hand sign.

Convocatio: Special Gun Summoning

A black wisp appeared in front of me, as a grimoire took shape. The book opened to a page full of demonic lettering.

Diana's eyes widened.

"Noir's... Noir's Demon Magic? How do you have access to that?!"

I clenched my teeth, veins appearing on my forehead as I felt my heart begin to hurt.

Black Bullets

A black magic circle formed above the pages, as I reached in, grabbing the handle of my signature break action pistol.

I pulled it out.

Thompson Contender

I brought the barrel of my Contender to my chin, breaking it open and slotting in a Black Bullet, eyeing the Kaiju mercilessly.

"NO! Dainsleif, I'm begging you! Don't kill him! Please! Please!"

I glared at the Kaiju as I slowly took aim with the Contender, the barrel pointed dead center at the monster.

It didn't matter where I shot.

The Black Bullet will still do the job.

Black energy began to swirl around the barrel, turning into a demonic vortex of dark energy.

"Dainsleif! Don't... don't..." Diana fell to her knees, crying.

"Please don't kill my daddy..."

I gritted my teeth.

It must to have been nice to have a father.

I never got to know mine.

My finger pressed against the trigger.

This was for your own good, Princess Diana Avarice.

As important as feelings are, in the grand scheme of things, it's that or your survival. And I'm the type of guy who survives.

Because to survive is to win.

"ROOOOOOORRRR"

"What the-" I gasped.

King Eustace buckled, as a sharp appendage shot out of its torso, coming at me like a spike.

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

I leaned backwards, dodging the spike, but the thing caught me in the side of my right thigh. Pain arced up my body as I tightened my grip on the Contender.

"Agh!" Everything went in slow motion, as I drew my MP7 with my other hand at lightning speed, aiming at the spike and peppering it with bullets.

Eustace withdrew, shooting more spikes at me.

I used my uninjured leg and propelled myself, dodging the spikes at super sonic speed, firing at the spikes with my SMG.

I fell on my back.

"My... my daughter... stay away from her..." The mass of slime grumbled.

"Father!" Diana screamed.

My eyes widened, as the spikes came flying at me.

I didn't have enough bullets left in my MP7 to shoot them away, and reloading would take too much time.

"Defensive Maneuvers!" I shouted at my turrets, as four DS33's shot from my belt, transforming into a grid of crosses and blocking the spikes.

I scooted backwards, reloading my MP7.

"Dainsleif!" Sigurd shouted from afar. She had used up all the bullets of the M134 and ran up to me from behind.

"Your leg."

"I know." I seethed.

The turrets continued shielding me as I assessed the situation.

"King Eustace was speaking from that mass." Sigurd said.

"Yeah. I can't tell if it's just him manipulating us, or if that's really him in there. Take me to Diana."

"Understood."

Sigurd helped me to my feet as my four turrets followed me, hovering in shield mode and deflecting the spikes.

More and more spikes began bombarding the three DS33's that were protecting the princess, as they began to crack, shattering, but the four that were protecting me appeared in front, the shield replacing the force field.

I breathed heavily next to Sigurd and the princess as Sigurd injected me with a needle.

My leg wound started to heal.

"Da- Dainsleif..." Diana muttered.

"Your father..." I said.

"Diana..." King Eustace muttered.

"You must... run..."

Diana ignored Sigurd and I and ran forward.

"I won't! Not unless you're with me!"

"Don't be... foolish! I... I can't control it..."

I reached out to her.

"He's right. You need to get out of there! It's not safe!"

Diana stood her ground, as numerous appendages came flying her way.

"I will save you, father. I'm not a weak little girl anymore."

Suddenly, dozens of magic circles appeared before her, as she yelled, unleashing several beams of frost at Eustace, freezing him in place.

King Eustace roared, shattering the ice and releasing a massive swarm of spawn her way, but Diana retaliated with a wave of ice, yelling in the effort.

"Princess Avarice has formidable magic power due to having royal blood, but she is not a prince. She cannot channel it properly. This clash will only be temporary until she is overwhelmed." Sigurd advised me.

I got to my feet, putting my MP7 away and reaching behind my back and drawing my M130 Assault Rifle.

Magic Recombination: Ignis Pila

The barrel of the rifle glowed orange as I unleashed suppressing fire at the swarm.

"I'm backing you up, Diana! Sigurd, aim for any buckling spots."

Sigurd acknowledged, aiming the Caliga and firing massive holes at the weak points of the monster, causing it to stagger.

Diana gritted her teeth.

"I've... been weak my whole life! If I had just been stronger... I would have..."

No.

Diana and I paused.

"Who-" I said.

You will always be weak. Princess Diana Eustansia Avarice. Because you were born a princess.

"Hey! If this was Tweeter you'd get cancelled for saying that!" I shouted.

Diana's legs buckled as she fell to one knee, her body glowing with ice energy.

"No! I... I will sacrifice myself if it means protecting this kingdom. If it means saving you! I'm not weak anymore! You don't have to burden yourself with me!"

A face formed from the texture of the slime. The same bearded man from the portrait.

"Diana..."

Suddenly, the face contorted. Transforming into a different face with horns.

This world is an unfair, unjust place. You cannot save the king, and you will always be a burden. That is what you were born for. That is what you will always be.

Tears leaked out of her eyes.

"I... I..."

The face smiled sinisterly.

Brave words can only suffice for military morale. But fundamentally, you were born a woman. You cannot fulfill the role of a prince. Your only purpose is to give birth to heirs by mating with those compatible with the Avarice Bloodline. But now, all the candidates are gone.

Diana was losing the clash, and I was running out of ammo with my M130. There was no time to reload.

I had to use more mana, but that would mean I would not be able to use my Thompson Contender. The Contender was the last resort.

If Princess Avarice couldn't bring King Avarice back, I would have to eliminate him with my Black Bullets myself.

"Supporting fire!" I shouted at my turrets, as the stopped shielding me and transformed into several floating gun pods, firing and pushing the wave back.

I summoned all of the DS33's, until all seven were deployed. Three shielding the princess, and the remaining four assisting in shooting back the wave of spawn.

Man this day was such an L.

The sinister being kept taunting.

Did you really think you can escape your fate, little princess? Did you really think you could do what your mother could not and rule Andropol all on your own? The very act of defiance to the god Nyx is in itself defiling your father's legacy, and your mother's sacrifice. Give up, Princess Diana.

You should never have been born.

It was the conception of the first princess of Andropol did the royal lineage of the Avarice family end.

You are a mistake.

Diana closed her eyes, as her magic circles began cracking and shattering left and right.

"Hey! Diana!" I shouted.

Diana opened her eyes, gasping.

"You're going to let this guy taunt you after he had practically taken over your father?"

"But... this is the god Nyx! He is our guardian deity! I cannot... I cannot defy him any longer. I must..."

"Forget that! This god of yours has taken over your father's body and is wrecking Andropol. Like hell he's a guardian deity! What is he even guarding?!"

"Diana..." Eustace muttered.

"D- Daddy?"

"K- Kill me... I... We have, for the longest time been in the service of Lord Nyx... but perhaps... you..."

SILENCE, YOU OLD FOOL.

King Eustace and Nyx began fighting each other in the body of the slime, as my M130 ran out of ammo.

I used Augmentus and blasted to Diana's location, grabbing her by the waist before she could collapse from magic overexertion. The four turrets that were giving suppressing fire were swamped by spawn, shattering and destroyed.

I commanded one of the remaining DS33's to transform into a glider and the other two to trail me behind as I picked up the princess and soared into the air.

"Let me go! Dainsleif!"

"Shut up! Any more of your ice magic and you'll turn into a Kaiju too. Then I'd have to kill two Kaijus on a Saturday afternoon!"

I had no idea where Sigurd was. But I couldn't waste time worrying about her. She was tough enough and had survived far worse. Same with Rollo. I had to make sure the princess was safe for Master Jun.

I looked down at the Kaiju as we made distance, but Diana kicked me and landed on the ground.

"Leave me alone!" Diana screamed at me.

"I can't do that."

"What do you know about me?! I will do whatever it takes to save my father! Even if it kills me!"

"And what do you think is gonna happen if you just rush out there and get impaled? Huh? Do you think Andropol is going to be safe? Do you think this Kaiju will just be like sweet I killed the princess, time to go leave the country alone and hang out with my homies for a Saturday night?"

"I have no idea what you're even talking about!"

I leapt off the glider as it transformed into a hovering cross next to the other two DS33's.

"Diana. Do you want to save your father?"

"Yes!"

"And if you die? And your father is saved? Do you really think he would appreciate that? The person he loves the most, his daughter, killed by his own hand, and he has to live his life knowing that? He already lost the Queen. His wife. And now his little girl is gonna die too."

Diana's eyes widened.

"Listen to me. I'm on your side with saving King Eustace. But we need to do it properly. You can talk to him, sure. But don't do it so recklessly. Let me protect you."

Diana looked away.

"What's the matter? Look, if it's because I'm a guy, I'll have you know that I'm not into princesses. I'm into tall women with big asses and straight blonde hair."

Diana gave me a disgusted look.

"I... wish I didn't hear that."

"Then why are you so hesitant?"

Diana clenched her fist.

"If Daddy survives... maybe I should just be dead."

"Ummm did you not hear what I just said?"

"I understand what you were saying. But... it's my fault Andropol is the way it is. It's because of me. It was because I was born a girl. If Daddy survives and I died, he would need to sire another child. And maybe this child will be a prince and... and..."

Diana's voice broke.

"I should die."

I regarded my Thompson Contender. The god slaying pistol.

The image of Nora and Will's lifeless bodies before me.

The Goddess Avara kicking Nora's corpse in front of me.

Life.

Life is a blessing.

Even if it's shit, it's a blessing in the end of the day.

When Will and Nora's lives were taken that day, I was so mad, and to this day, I am still mad.

I hate the gods.

Will and Nora were good people. Sure they had a bunch of issues, but every day they lived it to their fullest. They waited for a day to experience what it was like to have a loving family. They were still waiting. And they never got the chance.

The one thing I hate more than gods... are people who take their lives for granted.

"This world doesn't make mistakes." I said.

"Huh?"

"I said this world doesn't make mistakes. You are not a mistake." I replied, remembering what King Eustace had said, moments before Nyx took over his body again.

"What did King Eustace say? He told you to kill him, your family has been at the service of Nyx for the longest time. Maybe it's because he's realized Nyx isn't meant to rule over Andropol. Your birth, the reason of your birth may have ended this cycle, but maybe that is what Andropol needed."

"What Andropol needed...?"

"You are not a mistake. The furthest from it. I think... you might be the one to save the Avarice Bloodline from Nyx. You have to be."

Diana's eyes widened, the realization coming to her.

"Bu- But... how do I save... how do I save my father?"

"That'll be up to him and you. While we were fighting, I discovered some... thing inside that monster's belly. I think it might be his body. If we can separate him from that monster we should be able to save him, but if he's too integrated into the Kaiju's systems he will die. I will support you. I have an idea on how to weaken Nyx's influence. When that happens, it's up to you and King Eustace to fight back his influence and grab him out of there."

Diana's face flashed with determination.

"Then that is what I shall do. I will save this nation. I will save my people."

I nodded, as I commanded one of my DS33's to transform into a glider, stepping on it.

"Good. Now hop on. Let's save your dad. And your country."

I'm Amazing

"When I get close, I'm going to open him up." I shouted over the wind.

"And once you see his body, it's up to you two."

"Got it!"

I looked at Diana.

"Hey. Are you sure you can do this?"

Diana gave me a steeled expression.

"As the princess of Andropol. Without question."

I turned back to the mass, the sentries following me and cutting down any appendages with their machine guns.

Aspectum: Enemy Lock

My eyes widened, as a magic circle appeared in front of my right eye, crosshairs appearing and marking down the body of King Eustace.

"Ready?" I said.

"Yes, Dainsleif."

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Buzzsaw Orbs

I held out my arms, pulling several marbles out of magic circles between my fingers, and launched them at the Kaiju.

The marbles expanded, revealing high velocity moving saws, as they veered to the monster.

"Periphery cut protocol!" I shouted, as the buzzsaws sliced and diced at the Kaiju, repeatedly and opening the hole bigger and bigger. Whenever the Kaiju tried to close the hole, the saws would cut and hack away at the monster slime.

"Go! Dian-"

SHINK.

The DS33 that we were on suddenly exploded, as an appendage had breached the gunfire of my sentries and went straight for the hoverboard.

Did you really think I would let you two meddle with my affairs? My goals are not for feeble mortal minds to understand.

The two of us free fell.

"Gah! Turrets!" I shouted, as both of my remaining two turrets came and picked me and Diana up, but now I had no more cover fire.

The appendages closed in.

"Dammit! Diana! It's up to you!" I shouted, as the turret launched Diana to the hole, landing on the ground and sprawled in front of her father.

The turret exploded, as I leapt onto the surface of mine.

But just as I got up, appendages came flying at me in all directions. There was no time to call upon magic circles. I was toast.

"Shit!"

"YAAAAAH!" Diana screamed, placing her hands against the surface of the Kaiju. Frost began covering the monster as the appendages stopped midair.

What are you-

"I won't let you harm him!" Diana shouted, she pointed at me. A gust of wind threw me into the torso next to her.

King Eustace regarded us. His whole body looked blackened and sickly. But Diana ran forward and hugged him.

"Father... father what did they do to you?"

"Diana... is that you? Why have you come here?!"

"We need to free you from this beast. And then Dainsleif can eliminate it."

"Diana... that isn't possible."

"It is! We can do it-"

"No. Diana. This beast... is me. I can no longer control my body. But to rip me out of this body would be like decapitating my head. I will die. You must kill me. Here."

I regarded the two of them.

Diana looked devastated.

I always knew it would come down to that.

Even if she did extract the King from this Kaiju, he was still undead. There was... nothing we could do.

It was not right to raise the dead. It just isn't.

The King should be resting with the Queen in the afterlife.

"It's okay, darling. Look at me, Diana."

"No! No! Don't talk to me like we won't ever see each other again! I can't do this without you!"

King Eustace rubbed his face against her hair.

"My precious daughter. How you have grown. You truly are Andropol's finest. What a lucky father I am to have such a pretty daughter."

"Daddy... don't leave me... don't leave me again..."

Eustace looked at his daughter sadly.

"I must rest... Diana. My time for Andropol is over. I cannot help you. Please understand."

"I refuse! I- I- I can't. This is your kingdom to rule. I am just a princess. If not live as a King... then please, live as my father. Guide me, like you used to! Play with me in the gardens like we used to! Scold me and reprimand me, inspire me, whenever I got in trouble! Please... please..."

"This is your country now. I believe... that you are the one destined to save us all."

"How can you say this... when I've caused all of this chaos?"

Eustace smiled.

"One blunder is not enough for one to lose his or her merit as a ruler, Diana Eustansia Avarice. You are doing a fine job."

Diana sobbed, her eyes wide as Eustace ran a sickly bony finger across her face, wiping her tears.

"Lord Nyx... the Avarice Family has served him for the longest time. We served him and acted as his host, because we believed for a Kingdom such as Andropol to prosper, we needed the God of Fortune. That was what we believed, for many generations. And we would do anything to sire a son. Any miracle or charm we would buy. Any service that would bless the Queen's womb with the ability to give birth to a prince."

"And it worked, yes? Andropol prospered. Our people prospered. Our Kingdom prospered. Right, father?"

Eustace looked down.

"But it wasn't until you were born, did I realize, moments before my death, when Nyx's power overwhelmed my body and disintegrated me. That your birth meant something. Something that could change Andropol forever."

"I don't understand. What can possibly be the benefit of having a princess instead of a prince?!"

"My dear Diana... your conception, broke the cycle of our slavery to the God Nyx. It is your existence, that forced us to no longer be bound to the God of Fortune. This entire time, you have been ruling Andropol with a strength none of your ancestors have ever imagined possible. A princess ruling Andropol, and still keeping it prosperous?"

"That's... that's not true! I've struggled. I've made so many mistakes. I can't defeat Trissal. I couldn't capture the tower with my strength, and now... I can't save you. I've lost so many soldiers, and half the Kingdom has been destroyed... I'm a failure... I'm a failure daddy..."

Eustace put a hand on his daughter's head.

"No. You are not a failure, pumpkin. Look at me."

Diana made eye contact with her father. His warm smile.

I never knew my father. He died in a plane crash. Him and my mom.

I was an orphan, so I never knew what it was like to have a parent's warmth.

But seeing this made my heart feel... fuzzy.

"You have freed us. Of all the royalty who have ruled Andropol, you have ruled it with your own strength. Not from a borrowed god. I believe in you."

Diana's tears began peppering the ground.

"We will always be watching you, pumpkin. Me and your mother. From the other side. We are so proud of you... to be able to lead a nation all on your own. Russel and the exemplars will be by your side, but so will we. You are not alone. You are strong. So let me go."

"D- Daddy..."

Diana buried her head in King Eustace's chest, as Eustace stroked her hair.

"By my decree, I entrust this Kingdom, in all its authority, to you. Save this nation for me, will you... Queen Diana Eustansia Avarice?"

Diana gritted her teeth.

"I will. Thank you, father."

Diana put her hands on Eustace's head, as Eustace gave his daughter one final smile.

"I love you, pumpkin."

"I love you, daddy."

Frost surrounded Eustace's body, as the King collapsed into ice shards. The body of the entire Kaiju groaned, tilting and spilling the both of us out.

"Jesus Christ!" I yelped, holding up a handsign.

Convocatio: Turricalum

A DS33 Sanctuary appeared from a magic circle, transforming into a hovered as I landed on it, as before me, Diana stepped out, her body glowing with an angelic white and blue. An ice tiara had formed on her forehead and one wing manifested, pure crystal.

"Uh. Whoa. You look really cool." I said.

Queen Avarice nodded.

"I will take it from here, Dainsleif. Thank you. For everything."

Diana powered up, as she shot to the sky, and zipped around with blinding speed, passing through the spawn and turning them frozen.

"By my name, Queen Avarice, I banish you from my kingdom!"

The forces of Andropol stopped fighting, staring at the blinding light of their new queen.

"This glow... has Princess Avarice ascended?"

"No... she has defeated the Kaiju! She's... she's become..."

"The new Queen. The proper ruler of Andropol!"

How dare you break your contract with me, Avarice! Nyx snarled, as the Kaiju regained shape.

Avarice shouted into the sky, as a wave of frost blasted all the spawn in the entire country away.

Nyx tried to attack Avarice, but I intercepted him.

"Hey." I said.

What the- how dare you. Get out of my way, mortal. My qualms are with the Princess of Andropol, not some gnat like you.

"She ain't the princess no more. Dumbass. She's the QUEEN."

I looked at Diana, who looked down at her kingdom.

"The people is my priority. I will protect and save them. Nyx... is no longer our Guardian. Do what you do best, Dainsleif."

"With pleasure."

I turned back to the God of Fortune, who roared into the sky.

No matter. You are nothing. This is beneath me. So I will use this temporary body to its limits. I will destroy you all with my full power. As a god. Be honoured to be crushed, Andropol. No god has unleashed their wrath on you before.

I watched as Nyx transformed, the slime body turning into armour, a humanoid shape towering over the entire country. I had to keep craning my neck up and up as the armoured body of a warrior god touched the very clouds.

RUIN! DESPAIR. THIS IS THE END FOR YOU, MORTAL NATION.

Nyx let loose bolts of lightning from the sky, but Diana shouted, creating a powerful frost shield out of thousands of magical circles, protecting the city.

I ordered my DS33 to fly, up and up evading and dodging the lightning bolts and Nyx's hand swats.

You delusional boy. You cannot slay a god.

Well.

I guess he was in for a big surprise then.

Thompson Contender: Black Bullets

I lifted my Contender, taking aim at the massive god.

Like I will let you, mortal.

Nyx unleashed a powerful wave of energy.

Convocatio: Turricalum Threefold - Iron Buckler

Three DS33 Sanctuaries appeared before me from magic circles, cladding together and forming a shield, blocking the energy wave.

Black energy swirled from the barrel of the Contender.

From the reflection of the metallic surface of my sentries, I could see the black veins that were sprouting up my head.

It was now or never.

"Break." I ordered the sentries, as I could make out the face of the God of Fortune. It was like he was wearing a giant golden mask.

What the-

I smiled evilly.

"It's over for you. Join my list of slain gods."

I pressed the trigger, firing a black bullet which embedded itself into Nyx's face, swirling like a black hole. Nyx screamed, his essence being sucked in by the bullet. His golden aura turning grey and his skin turning white, cracking and crumbling.

And within seconds, Nyx was no more.

"Ah. Well. Looks like that's done and over with."

The shrivelled body of Nyx free fell to the ground, but I grabbed his neck and descended from the sky, landing some distance away from Andropol.

Wait.

Where the hell was I.

Like seriously, where did I end up.

"Wha... wha wha what... what..." A man was stammering. I slowly turned around.

"Oh, hey there Ceius."

Ceius had his swords in his hand, but he stumbled backwards, his swords shaking profusely.

"N- Nyx... What-"

"Oh, this dude?" I held up Nyx in front of Ceius.

"Ce- Ceius... run... before he gets you too..."

Ceius screamed, falling on his ass.

"How did you kill the God of Fortune?! How? You struggled in your fight against me! First it was that stupid fool outclassing me, now it's you!"

Ceius suddenly noticed the gun in my hand. The black aura and black magical smoke that was still rising from the barrel.

"No... how do you have access to Demon Magic..."

I took aim with the Contender, as Ceius hightailed it the other direction.

"NO!!!"

I slowly lowered the barrel, setting Nyx on a stone.

"Guess it's gonna be while for me to get back to Andropol." I muttered, as I sat on the ground in front of the god's dying body.

"You... killed me... with one shot..."

"Black Bullets." I explained.

"That's... still not enough to kill a god... Noir's magic... it can only become intensified through darkness. Through malice and anger and bloodshed..."

I regarded Nyx, as his eyes widened.

"You're him. Aaron Hope. The God Eater..."

"Yeah. I guess. Every god I kill, the stronger my bullets become. My Black Bullets come from me. The darkness in my heart. So I guess you can say it isn't the guns that make the man."

"Such a life... will surely consume you, Hope."

"My life was already decided when Avara killed my family. Nyx."

Nyx slowly closed his eyes.

"Forgive me... my Lady. I have failed."

"Wait hold on. What do you mean Lady?"

"Awww.... looks like Nyx failed. I guess he was too weak after all." A familiar girl's voice appeared behind me. I whipped around, but clutched my chest as I coughed out black blood.

"Shit! Hak-" I burst into a fit of coughing.

I was in no shape to fight. Every Black Bullet I fire is detrimental to my health. It not only drained a ton of mana.

It also drained my life.

All I could see was the high heeled shoes of Hakah Mah. Her silky red robes hovering from the ground, and her wavy white hair which reached her waist.

Normally girls like her turned me on.

But nope.

I was shitting bricks!

"Sig-"

"Ah ah ah! No contacting for help, Outer Shadow." Hakah teased, as she walked up to Nyx and knelt down in front of him. Before I could react, Hakah flicked her finger, and a jolt of electricity fried my eyepiece, cutting off my communication with Sigurd.

"My Lady... I did my best... I..."

"It's okay, I wasn't expecting much from a puny god like you. I just wasn't expecting Gasket's boys to be interfering. Dainsleif of all people too. You never would have stood a chance against Gasket's Sword."

I fell on my ass, breathing frantically.

Holy shit.

I had to get out of here! Whether or not I live came down to her mood.

Hakah giggled, putting a finger against Nyx's head.

"My Lady...?"

Level 2 Shakujin: Life Manipulation

All the remaining life of the god left his body until an orb of energy floated in her hand. Nyx turned into dust before he could even let out a scream.

"Say... Dainsleif... don't your Black Bullets do the same thing?"

"I. Uh. Depends on who's asking. I mean you're asking. I mean. Uh."

Hakah gave me a cute smile, walking up to me. The red silk was covering her body, but she was wearing like... the most revealing clothing. Just a black swimsuit, like she had just gone back from a dip and decided to come here and mess with all of us.

Hakah closed her fist, as the soul of the god was crushed into tiny itty bitty pieces.

"Now Dainsleif. I would rather not punish you. You're very useful to Lord Ginga. But see here, I had Nyx and the Shakujin girl revive the Kaiju. This was my plan. With Marcela Greene being labelled a traitor, Goh Goh would see her as a terrible person! And then he will turn to me and be by my side forever."

"What's a Goh Goh." I blurted out.

Hakah's seductive smile melted.

"Huh."

God dammit! My stupid mouth! Whenever I got scared I always blurted out the stupidest shit!!!

"It means brother in Canan, you bak chee gwai."

I didn't even want to know what she just called me.

"But now... Nyx is dead. Ugh. What will I do with the Shakujin now..."

I swallowed. Hard.

Well at least she wasn't trying to conspire against Lord Ginga. I guess.

Hakah looked at me with a dangerous expression, as I yelped.

Yeah, I know. Real manly.

But I knew full well just how deadly she was.

"Hey."

"Y- Yes... Lady Hakah?"

"Does my butt make me look fat."

I stared at her. Did I just hear her properly?

"What....?"

"Guys like this part big right. Do you think if I disguised myself as a woman like this, he would find me attractive and talk to me?"

"I- I- Uh- You-"

Hakah ran her hand across the back of her thigh.

"I've been trying to adjust my figure... so I can go undercover and spy on Goh Goh. But he never notices me. I think boys are into this, yes?"

I didn't know whether to be turned on or piss my pants in fright.

"I mean... it's a preference, yeah. Uh. I personally think it's hot."

"Really? If you are lying I will kill you."

"EEK! I'm serious! I mean it! Seriously!"

Hakah put her hands to her cheeks and bounded up and down, squealing.

"Yes!!! Now I can spy on Goh Goh and see him every day! I'm so happy!"

What the FUCK was happening right now?!

"Uh... can I go now?"

Hakah stopped bouncing and regarded me.

"Meh. I don't care. I do have this Shakujin though. Do me a favour and dispose of her. I don't need her anymore."

A girl suddenly emerged from the ground, her eyeballs were pure silver, as she stumbled, rocks swirling around her and silver lines all over her body.

Marcela Greene.

"Wait! But isn't she a Level 1 Shakujin? We need her, yes?"

"The Dogma can always find another. She is quite disappointing anyway. Even with Lord Ginga's blessing the best she can get to is Stage Three. How insulting."

I put my Thompson Contender back into my grimoire as it dissipated.

I was extremely drained from using a Black Bullet and messing around with that Kaiju. But if it was a Stage Three Dogma user, it was still light work for me.

"Alright. Cool. I'll do it."

Hakah walked up to me as I burst into a sweat again.

What was she going to do?!

"Thanks! You're great! Maybe next time, I'll let you see more of my skin..." Hakah kissed me on the cheek, then dissipated into storm clouds.

The hell was wrong with this girl?!

I wasn't gonna complain. I survived a one on one encounter with Inner Shadow Hakah Mah.

Marcela regarded me.

Level 1 Shakujin Stage Three: Gaia's Body

Marcela began glowing silver, as her body flashed with armour, rocks swirling around her, as she held out her hand releasing a massive flurry of rocks at me.

I held out my hand.

"Iron Buckler!"

My DS33 appeared in front of me and transformed into a shield, as opened the palm of my hand, a magic circle forming.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Four Bodies

I dropped the grenade on the ground, releasing smoke as three clones of me emerged from the cover.

Marcela narrowed her eyes, trying to distinguish who was who, as everybody leapt to her direction.

"Destroy."

Marcela muttered, her voice deadpan and robotic, as thousands of spikes tore into my clones from every direction.

The Shakujin then regained her composure to make eye contact with me, but it was too late for her.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ironsight.

I blasted a high velocity shell which penetrated her armour, sending her smashing into a nearby field. I summoned more DS33's as I flew to her direction.

I needed to end this fight.

Marcela shouted, releasing a flurry of arms the size of diesel trucks my way, but I bobbed and weaved.

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

I zipped to her with supersonic speed, my eyes cold and calculating.

"DS33 Sanctuary Fourfold: Iron Maiden Protocol"

The sentries surrounded Marcela before she could do anything.

I was still moving at the enhanced speed of Augmentus.

Light work.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Caliga WA4000MX

I reached into the magic circle and pulled out a super heavyweight anti-aircraft rifle, aiming at one of the sentries, which was shimmering with a reflective light.

I pressed the trigger and fired an extremely powerful shell, which glanced off the elastic material, piercing Marcela, who's eyes were wide in surprise. The round then bounced off another one of my DS33's, cutting into her again. And again. And again.

I aimed and fired the trigger again, this time at another DS33, and repeated until Marcela was swarmed by twelve high velocity anti-aircraft shells, repeatedly shattering her armour and destroying her organs.

By the time the rounds lost all of their kinetic energy, Marcela was kneeling on the ground, her eyes rolled up into the back of her head and her mouth open, blood pouring on the ground.

"H- Help... me... Lewis..." Marcela muttered, choking on her own blood, as tears ran down her eyes.

"I can't believe you survived that. I guess I really should have brought some mana potions or something." I muttered, pulling out my Draugr with my free hand and aiming at her head.

"This is goodbye. Two taboos in a row? You're better off dead than alive."

I pressed the trigger, but suddenly, a red flash appeared, severing the bullet in two.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing to my Squad member." A menacing voice growled at me, as I took a step back.

The man was wearing dark jeans, and a black leather jacket with fur around the collar. His long hair, tied back like a samurai, had bangs which covered the right side of his face. But from the hair, I could make out repulsive destroyed flesh and a golden eye.

The man glared at me with familiar large cyan eyes.

The older brother of Hakah Mah. There was no denying it.

Around him, more and more people filed in.

"Marcela! Holy, she's in bad shape." A girl with silver hair said, as she picked Marcela up.

"Let me!" A short loli like purple haired kid put her hand on Marcela's head.

Rain God Shenlong: Holy Water Renewal

Yeling aimed his sword at me.

"Who the hell are you?"

I regarded him.

I didn't need Aspectum to assess this fight.

Yeling was no match for me. I could defeat him even now, drained. I didn't need Black Bullets.

But how was I supposed to explain to Hakah that I killed her big brother? Or should I tell her, oh hey, your big bro visited me. Your precious Onii Chan came to visit moments after you left! Then I fucking killed him!

I had to retreat. It was against protocol to reveal my power to these guys.

But something told me that I wasn't allowed to get out of here after they had seen me take out Marcela like that.

Level 1 Hinokami Stage Four: Cobalt Phoenix Ascendent

Yeling transformed, as I slid back.

Aaaaaand now we're doing this.

"DS33, assist."

The four sentries backed me up, floating in assault mode, as I put my Caliga back into my magic circle and took out my MP7, facing down Yeling's party.

What was I supposed to do? I had to fight him but not kill him. I also had to hold back considerable power. I also had to somehow make sure these guys weren't on to me.

I had already failed the last part.

If they had intercepted Draugr's bullet, I could only guess they had saw my interaction with Hakah.

"Set Configuration: Vertigo Mode" I commanded, as the four sentries changed shape, unleashing a wide pulse which caused the two girls to stumble and fall to their knees, but Yeling was unaffected.

Sturdy bastard!

I took aim with my Draugr and fired, but Yeling shot forward, slicing the bullet again and went straight for me like an animal.

The sentries immediately came to defend me, deflecting his sword, but Yeling's wings came around, going through the chinks of the DS33's.

If those things got me, I was a dead man.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Flashbang

I pulled a flashbang grenade out of a magic circle and chucked it at Yeling's face through the opening of the DS33's, causing the flash to disorient him.

I leapt back, making distance, as Yeling rubbed his eyes.

Level 1 Hinokami Stage Four: Grand Ultimate ITR Ascendent

"Iron Buckler"

My sentries came together to shield Yeling's massive blast of red flame, but even with the advanced metal alloy coating of the DS33 Sanctuary, I was watching my shield begin to buckle, yielding from the intense heat.

This would be the first time I had ever seen my DS33's melt from a fire blast like that.

I gritted my teeth.

He really is... something else.

I made a hand sign, summoning another magic circle.

Yeling roared in defiance, until the DS33's exploded, revealing me, dead center, Caliga in hand, aimed right at his chest.

"Surprise."

Yeling tried to shield himself with his wings, but it was too late. I fired a full power high velocity electromagnetism accelerated shell which caught him dead in the chest. Yeling was launched high up into the air.

"I..."

I?

"Predicted... that." Yeling muttered, as he grabbed the shell with his bare hands, igniting it with red flame, and chucked at me.

My eyes widened, as the shell barely caught the side of my face. The residual heat had shaven the side of my head bald.

Yeling suddenly materialized in front of me, his blade held back, and his eye full of magic circles.

I clenched my teeth, as I took a step back.

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

Electricity surged through me as I quickly drew my MP7, aiming the barrel at his chest, and fired an entire clip of bullets. Yeling yelled, unleashing a blast of fire. I was forced to retreat, but I continued firing the SMG as Yeling stumbled.

I breathed heavily.

I couldn't tell if it was because I was drained, but there should have been no reason why I was struggling against him.

I aimed with my other gun hand, firing my Draugr as Yeling ran forward, slashing the bullets again.

There was no way a Hinokami user could have this much skill with a sword. Not even Aelienne had this level of skill.

Slicing bullets?

What the hell?

And his flames...

To be able to melt Questionite like that. The metal was nigh unbreakable for Chrissake!

Yeling concentrated, assuming a stance.

Was that...

A samurai form?

I had to stop him.

Thankfully, I wasn't just shooting the bullets blindly. I fired Starfire rounds. Any second, the tiny fragments of the bullets would ignite and-

Stage Four Rain Style Kenjutsu Form 7

Grand Ultimate Vortex Slash Ascendent

Yeling unsheathed his sword, and thousands of red lines flashed in my vision, slicing the fragments into little pieces. The supposed explosions that would have knocked him out unconscious had just turned into tiny fireworks.

Yeling opened his eyes, which were glowing.

Did he seriously just predict my move? How was he able to predict my moves? There should have ben no way he would have anticipated I would use explosive bullets like that.

I launched a smoke grenade at Yeling, and went evasive.

Aspectum: Device Scan

My eyes lit up, as a scan on Yeling commenced, and there, I saw it.

That eye of his.

It was like a digital assistant.

Just like my Aspectum vision spell. But it was constant.

So that was how Yeling was able to predict my next moves. This... magical eye implant was analyzing me as we fought.

This must have been how he was able to defeat Transplant as well, despite the latter being an Outer Shadow.

But I wasn't anything like Yuyan.

Convocatio: Turricalum Threefold

More turrets appeared beside me, firing blasts at Yeling, who dodged, his body moving at supersonic speeds.

Augmentus could only keep up, barely.

This guy's speed was too much for me.

The only reason why I was still able to fight on par with him was my constant use of disorientation, but if even the slightest discontinuity happened, he would cut off my head.

"Set Configuration: EMP Mode"

The three turrets suddenly transformed, emitting an EMP pulse which caused Yeling to stumble, clutching his artificial eye.

It's over.

I used Augmentus and launched forward, Draugr in hand, as I aimed the barrel at Yeling's throat.

Yeling's eyes went wide, as he realized there was nothing he could do.

Dainsleif! Sigurd shouted at me.

"Wha-"

Return to base. Acknowledge.

I paused, moments from pulling the trigger.

Yeling was breathing heavily, staring at me, as we made awkward eye contact.

I slowly put away my handgun, backing off.

Yeling lowered his sword.

"What the hell are you..." Yeling muttered.

I turned around and walked away.

It was a good thing Sigurd stopped me. I was seconds from killing him with Draugr.

But something told me that was not enough to take him down.

He saw right through me.

All he had to do was unleash that Hinokami flame and I would be toast. I made the decision to close the distance to shoot him point blank with my handgun. There would not be enough time for me to gain distance to escape that devastating AoE.

"Tell me! What... what connection do you have with my sister?" Yeling shouted.

I stopped. Yeling continued.

"Please. Something's... not right with her. I saw you two talking. You're... you're an acquaintance right? I need to talk to her. So if anything, can you at least tell me what you guys were talking about?"

My mouth twitched.

Does my butt make me look fat.

Yeah no.

There is no way I am telling you, Yeling Mah. For your sake.

"Hey! Come back!" Yeling shouted, as I commanded my DS33 to transform into a glider, hopping on and flying away.

The Mah Clan

"Dainsleif." Sigurd said.

She was completely in pieces.

One of her legs was gone and her arm was ripped off. Her pretty face was cracked and torn, revealing her robotic endoskeleton at her cheeks. But she looked completely unfazed by the damage.

"Are you well?" She asked.

"Am I well?! Look at you! You're completely trashed!"

Sigurd pushed herself until she was balancing on one foot.

"So you are in good spirits. The Black Bullet didn't compromise your- kya!!!"

Sigurd yelped as she lost balance and nearly fell flat on her face, but I caught her.

"Christ for a plastic girl, you're heavy."

"That's rude." Sigurd muttered, as I positioned her on my back, carrying her out of the mess.

"Ah. Get over it. You're a robot. Doesn't matter in the end of the day if Master Jun repairs you."

"It... matters to me." Sigurd replied, quietly.

I paused, remembering our conversation earlier, in the streets of Andropol.

"Sig."

"Yes, Dainsleif?"

"I uh... was wondering. When we get back to Master Jun's castle... if you're okay with me using my loyalty points to grant you a favour."

"A favour?"

Loyalty points, or "Gasket Goodies" according to Master Jun, was a point system that Jun had implemented for all of his Outer Shadows. Whenever we completed our contracts, he would reward us with these points. And if we earned enough, we could have him grant us favours.

It was kind of his way to interact with his Outer Shadows more, in his own special way.

"You mentioned that you wanted to live your life. And I told you that maybe it might be possible for Master Jun to turn you into a human. At the very least, to have you live a life as a person."

Sigurd was silent for a bit.

"This is very out of character for you."

"Shut up! It was out of character for you too that night! Dropping a bomb like that when I was trying to sleep."

Sigurd pressed her face against the side of my neck.

"Thank you, Aaron." She whispered.

My eyes widened.

Sigurd never called me by my real name before.

But before I could say anything, we were already there.

"Dainsleif. Sigurd." Rollo said, before making a sound between a yelp and a grunt.

"Sigurd! What happened to you!"

Sigurd smiled at Rollo.

"I initiated a protection protocol on the residents of Andropol. I shielded the children from the electrical storms of the God Nyx when he unleashed his full power."

Rollo grabbed my ear, twisting it as I yelled.

"Ah! Uncle! Uncle! Stop!!! It wasn't me! It wasn't me!"

"Dainsleif did not order the protocol, Rollo. I chose to do so on my own volition."

Rollo sighed, putting his hands on hers.

"For an android, you sure have a lot of humanity. But please, take care of yourself more, Sigurd."

"I'm sorry for making you worry, Rollo."

Rollo nodded, but I wasn't going to let this slide.

"Hey! Where the hell were you when Sigurd and I were fighting that Kaiju?! Better yet where the hell were you when I encountered Ceius and took that tower? This entire mission was supposed to be the three of us!"

Rollo raised an eyebrow.

"I was acting as the guard."

"Huh?!"

Rollo chuckled.

"And it wasn't just that, Dainsleif."

"What do you mean?"

"While you were busy taking care of the Kaiju, and then fought the God of Fortune Nyx, I had to defend Andropol from Trissal. To be more precise, I had to defend Andropol from Ceius himself."

"Ceius...?"

"Did you truly think Trissal would not take the opportunity to invade and destroy Andropol at its most vulnerable stages? The Garrison was split. One group to defend the citizens, and the other group to fight off Trissal. I had to command the armies and battle the invading faction. But once Ceius entered the picture, I had to drive him off. Everyone believes me to be dead."

I stopped.

What did Ceius say when he saw Nyx? He mentioned some stupid fool who outclassed him...

"So you were the one who kicked the God of War's ass."

"Yes."

I scoffed.

"Well, I killed the God of Fortune, who's like, a thousand times stronger. But whatever."

Rollo smirked.

"Still such a child. You still are eighteen."

"I'm a legal adult."

"Not here you are. The legal age to drink in Andropol is twenty one."

"Ahhh! Screw you!"

We heard footsteps in the castle, as Rollo regarded Sigurd and I.

"I will return to Master Jun. I have been proclaimed dead in the Kingdom of Andropol. Shadows."

The shadows acknowledged, surrounding Rollo as he dissipated, teleporting back to our HQ.

"Dainsleif. Sig- By the heavens! What happened to you!" Diana exclaimed, running up to us.

Sigurd regarded the Princess... no. The Queen of Andropol.

"Congratulations on becoming the Queen, Diana Avarice. You truly deserve it."

Diana sighed.

"Casualties are high. Russel advises me to take a short break, as recovery of the nation is still in its early stages. With Trials' forces and Guardian Deity defeated by our Garrison thanks to the sacrifice of Rollo, we truly have been hit hard. I couldn't save him. Nor many others who fought for my cause."

Sigurd stroked Diana's face, causing her to blush.

"Don't blame yourself, your highness. They fought for you. They chose to lay their lives down for you. Honour their name. Do not let it haunt you."

Diana smiled.

"Thank you, Sigurd. But... what about you? You're in horrible condition!"

"We will be returning to our master shortly. He will have me repaired. As for our conditions, are you ready to come with us for council?"

Diana nodded.

"Yes. I am ready. I have already told Russel and the exemplars that I will be away from the Kingdom for a while. They have acknowledged and are taking over the affairs of the Kingdom. Should I be called again, I have this communication gem."

I turned around, making sure no one was watching.

"Shadows."

Jun's shadows manifested around us, swirling in a pit of darkness, as Diana clutched Sigurd's hand. Our surroundings elongating until all we could see was the purple glow of Master Jun Gasket's castle.

"Wow... so beautiful... the architecture..." Diana muttered, as the shadows bowed before us.

Welcome home, Dainsleif. And Queen Diana Eustansia Avarice the Third. Our Master awaits. Lady Sigurd, please allow us to escort you for repairs.

I let go of Sigurd as several drones latched onto her body, gently placing her on a stretcher.

"See you." I said.

Sigurd nodded at the both of us, as she was carried away into the distance.

The shadows beckoned us to a pair of extremely tall doors.

"So this is your master's kingdom... it truly is magnificent." Diana said.

Yeah. Wait until you see Jun's statues and his demon Roombas.

Jun was seated in his gaming chair, his chin resting on his hand.

I knelt before him.

"Master Jun Gasket. The Princess of Andropol, now Queen, is here."

Diana knelt.

"It is an honour to meet the master of Dainsleif. He is an incredible soldier."

Jun chuckled, as the chair levitated from the ground.

"Leave us, Shadows."

The shadows bowed, and closed the door with a big rumble.

"I saw you battle that kaiju and ascended to Queen. You have my respects. Rise. Both of you."

We did what he asked, as Jun regarded me.

"I have another assignment for you, but I'll discuss it after I've spoken to Queen Avarice. I... guess you can join in on the convo."

"Sure."

Jun raised an eyebrow, pointing at my coat.

"Hey. Did my DS33 Sanctuaries just break?"

"What?"

"You summoned one back, look at that. Jesus. Who were you fighting?"

Diana was watching us converse like a tennis match. I guess she wasn't used to how casual Jun really was.

"Lord Gasket-" Diana said.

"Just call me Jun."

"Um.. Jun... why have you summoned me here?"

Jun inspected the both of us.

"You know, it's funny I would bring up the DS33 Sanctuary. Because I have a good idea who busted up those things. Despite them being coated with Questionite."

"Questionite?" Diana asked.

"Questionite is a nigh-unbreakable supermetal. There aren't a lot of metals in the multiverse that can come close to it. Aside from one. But I'll talk about that later. So to know that the DS33's were destroyed like this... they were destroyed through flame, am I correct, Dainsleif?"

I nodded.

"Hinokami flame."

Jun closed his eyes, breathing in sharply.

"Yeling Mah. Of course."

Diana raised her eyebrows.

"Mah? As in the Mah Bloodline? The Mah Clan has survivors? I thought it was wiped out by The Chinese Terrorist, who was then killed off by Transplant."

"You're half right." Jun spread his hands, as dozens of large computer screen holograms appeared.

"Legend and old records say that the Mah Clan continued through one Canan family line. Wen Siu Mah. From Wen, came two children. Yeling Mah and Hakah Mah. Yeling, is the Chinese Terrorist. He was given the nickname Tidalflame, because of his ability to emit Hinokami flame at an absurd magnitude."

An image showed Tidalflame destroying an entire city with a blast of blue fire. I learned of the destruction of that city. It was the city of Noah. They said that no one even had the time to even respond, the moment Tidalflame dropped in there, he fired an Inverse Tsunami Release, and within two minutes, the entire city was destroyed. Military. Schools. Buildings. Civilization. All wiped out.

"That's terrifying..." Diana muttered.

"For Yeling, he had inherited Hinokami through the Dogma of Equivalent Exchange. The cost was his family." Jun said, darkly.

The screen shifted to Yeling's flames going out of control. He looked like he was around seventeen when this happened.

"Rumour says his entire family was incinerated. And he became the only survivor."

Diana gasped, putting a hand to her mouth.

Even I felt like throwing up.

Yeling was breathing heavily, his eyes frantic, realizing what he had done. The guy was still holding onto the burnt corpse of his mother, which was completely blackened and was crumbling to ash in the palms of his hands. He was hyperventilating like crazy. His breathing was mixed in with his hysterical sobs.

I looked away, and I could Diana did the same.

This was...

Too messed up.

But...

Something wasn't adding up.

"Wait, but if the rumour was that everybody in the Mah family was killed by Yeling, why is..."

Jun shot me a dangerous glare.

"S- Sorry."

Jun's expression softened, as he turned to Diana.

"Queen Avarice. I'm gonna trust that you keep what I'm going to say extremely confidential. Swear it on your life."

Diana nodded grimly.

"I swear by my life."

Jun took a deep breath.

"As Dainsleif was saying. There are holes in this story. Because we now know that Yeling's younger sister, Hakah Mah is alive. She is the one who orchestrated your father, King Eustace's partial revival using the Shakujin Marcela Greene."

Diana's eyes widened.

"What?"

"Hakah survived. Somehow. The horrific scene of the Hinokami incident that her older brother had caused. She survived. And no one knows to this day how. No one. None of the Inner Shadows know. None of the Outer Shadows know. The only thing that is certain, is Hakah is the most dangerous person in this entire organization, and she has a hidden agenda outside of Lord Ginga's goals."

"This is a lot to take in." Diana muttered.

Jun wagged a finger, as metal flew from the outside of the throne-room and assembled into a chair. Diana sat down.

"Thank you."

"No problem. So now this brings us to why I sent Dainsleif to bring you here. Queen Diana Avarice. You are the daughter of King Eustace Avarice, a direct descendent of the Avarice Bloodline. Your family and the Mah Clan have had history for a long time. I need to know how they're so powerful. Because between the older brother and the younger sister, they're both extreme outliers. Even amongst the Dogma Holders. They are special."

Diana looked at us.

"If I tell you two everything I know about the Mah Clan, what will you do? Will you kill Yeling and Hakah?"

Jun responded with a grim expression.

"If Hakah is transpiring and going against Lord Ginga, we have no choice but to kill her. Because she's gone rogue. And it isn't like she's doing it for a good cause. She's willing to destroy the world to be by her big brother's side. The whole incident with Transplant is because of that. She would make Yuyan Zheng terrorize the entire world and all of humanity just so he could bring Yeling to her by force. She doesn't care who she hurts and what she's destroying, her sole reason is to be with Yeling. And once she's achieved that, it's all over. Two Mah descendants banded together, both with Akuma Grade Dogma Bargains. My full power is most likely barely able to keep up with Hakah's Stage Four. If she has a Stage beyond that, it's all over."

Jun glanced at me.

"As powerful as Dainsleif is, being the best Outer Shadow I have, if Yeling takes advantage of Lord Ginga's blessing, it's over for him too. Dainsleif currently is stronger than Yeling, but not by much. If Yeling accesses Stage Five and beyond, even Dainsleif will not be enough to repel him. And I will have to fight both Mah siblings on my own. I will not survive."

Diana took a deep breath, as she waved her hand, a layer of frost formed in front of us, creating a picture of a landscape.

"Then I shall tell you about the Avarice and Mah history, the way it was taught to me by my father, King Eustace, and his father, King Edelbrand, passed down from generation to generation."

The frost took shape, changing colour, until the landscape changed to that of a barren wasteland.

A bunch of people were pushing wheelbarrows, living their lives, farming, playing in secluded spaces.

And from the sky, was a small figure, but she had six horns on her head. Each horn was incredibly long, with arcane mystical lines, a different colour.

Her back sprouted six upside down oriented devil wings.

"A long time ago, the world was ruled by The Great Akuma. But I'm sure the two of you know about her history."

Jun nodded. "Go on."

Diana waved her hand, and the image changed.

"The Great Akuma ruled the world with absolute power. It was this absolute power that forced mankind to kneel before a singular force. Allegiance was enforced through fear. Everyone was equal. That was the way it was, but there was one fallacy behind the origin of the Great Akuma."

The image shifted again, showing the Great Akuma standing on a hill. She looked like a little girl, but the wings and horns on her head made it very clear that she wasn't one to be underestimated. Before her were millions of subjects. Billions of people, all bowing their heads to her.

But among the crowd, were two people who were not bowing. They were kneeling.

"The Great Akuma ruled the world, but she did not rule it alone. For she had two subjects who served her. One of the subjects, was her lieutenant. The Dogma."

The man, who I presumed to be the Dogma rose to his feet, in response to the Great Akuma holding out her hand. The man was unusually tall. At least seven feet. But he was exceptionally skinny. As if his arms and legs were stretched out.

The Dogma took the Great Akuma's hand and kissed it, kneeling on one foot.

"Yes. The Dogma was the Great Akuma's lieutenant, her most loyal subject. The Dogma stood for balance. For exchange. Where there was power, one must sacrifice a part of themselves. That is what made the world equal. Without the Dogma, the Great Akuma's existence would be a living contradiction. Because she was one who had everything, but sacrificed nothing. With the Dogma, the Great Akuma could exist in this world, for it was the Dogma's existence that limited The Great Akuma's connection to the mortals of this world. Forever alone. This was her fate."

The Great Akuma simply gazed at her subject, holding out her other hand for the other person to come forward.

This second person...

I couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman. The person had long hair, but it seemed to shimmer in the light, different colours, depending on how you looked at it.

The person took the Great Akuma's hand, but did not kneel.

"But balance was not enough to keep the Great Akuma alive. To be forever alone in this world, to only be feared, this was not enough to keep the Great Akuma in this world. Her existence would still be a contradiction. But the very thing the Great Akuma lacked, would forever change the very way mankind saw her. And so this particular subject, who stood for this part the Akuma was missing, would be lost to time. This subject's name was erased, as if it had never existed in the first place."

The subject took the Great Akuma by the hand and put the demon to its lips, kissing her.

"This subject was known as Mava. Who stood for The Great Akuma's mortality. From Mava, the Great Akuma was able to bear children. The first child, was known as Mahyako. And the second child was known as Avalon."

I watched as the image shifted to two children, who were sleeping by Mava's side. The images continued shifting, to the two children, growing up, but every time they were seen with their parent, it was always with Mava. Never with the Akuma.

"For eons, Mahyako and Avalon never knew their other parent. They only knew Mava. The purpose of their birth was to ensure the Great Akuma had an anchor to this world to continue ruling it. The first aspect of the anchor was the concept of balance, represented by the Dogma, and the second aspect of the anchor was the concept of mortality, represented by Mava. And for those years, The Great Akuma ruled, incapable of interacting or seeing her two children."

I watched as Mahyako and Avalon continued growing up, until they were full grown adults.

"Mahyako and Avalon were remarkable, having the power of The Great Akuma, and soon, they were able to lead entire nations of their own through the enormous power. But this would only spell trouble. Because the very concept of leading was the very contradiction of equality in this world, and the Dogma was displeased, urging the Great Akuma to destroy her children."

I watched as the Dogma approached the Great Akuma and spoke into her ear, and the shock that rippled across her face.

"This was the start of the fall of The Great Akuma. Many stories tell that the Great Akuma fell to the Spirit of Hope, Vala. But such a thing would ordinarily be impossible. The Great Akuma was power itself. She cannot be defeated. It was the existence of her two children that had divided her."

Diana's projections shifted to the Spirit of Hope battling the Great Akuma in the heavens. But The Akuma's attention was divided, because she was not focused on her fight. She was focused on her children, who were being attacked by the Dogma.

I watched as Mahyako and Avalon led their armies in defiance against The Dogma, who released his body into several humans, providing them with powers. Dogma Bargains.

"Mahyako and Avalon refused to be killed by the Dogma, seeing the subject as mankind's enemy for not only forcing them away from their mother, but also demanding their deaths without even seeing her once. It was ironically through The Great Akuma's children, did the Spirit of Hope rise. It was through these two leaders did mankind rebel."

I watched as the armies clashed. Humanity against Dogma Humans. It seemed like humanity was losing, until the tide suddenly turned.

"Unable to bear with the loss of her children, The Great Akuma decided to let herself be killed by Vala. And with the Great Akuma dead, so did the Dogma lose his power, and humanity won. But at a large cost."

I watched as Avalon and Mahyako stood side by side, in front of the billions of people they had led to fight for their freedom.

"While both children mourned for their mother, they had very conflicting ideas. Mahyako wished to revive The Great Akuma's legacy, by honouring his mother. But Avalon wanted no part of the Dogma, wishing to rule humanity as a human. And so, Mahyako and Avalon went their separate paths. From Mahyako, did the Mah Clan form, and from Avalon, did the Avarice Clan form. While Mahyako chose to walk the path of his mother, his use of the Dogma was no longer that of a cooperation. Reasoning to the Dogma that to do so would require Mahyako to use the Dogma as a tool, it was from the son of the Great Akuma did the first Dogma Bargain be made where the user would host an aspect of the Akuma's essence. Mahyako himself would host Susanoo, Hinokami, and Hachi. Mahyako's wife would host Shakujin, Fujin, and Suijin."

The image shifted to Mahyako and his wife, attempting to use their powers to gain followers of humanity, competing against Avalon.

"To use the aspects of the Great Akuma in such a weaponized manner, it was through Mahyako's descendents did the Dogma of Equivalent Exchange become used as a vessel for reviving the Great Akuma, an effort that would span millennia to this day."

The image changed once more.

"And for Avalon, to see his brother take his followers by force, siding with the Akuma, it was a betrayal that he could never forgive. Avalon would vow to never use the Dogma's power, renouncing all of his blood ties with Mahyako, and to rule and fight with the power of humanity. It would be Avalon, who would be the first King ever to exist. The first royal in history, to pave the way for royalty for generations to come."

The illusion shattered, until it was just us three in the throneroom.

"So... Yeling and Hakah... are descendents of the Great Akuma herself... unbelievable..." Jun whispered.

I looked at Diana.

"And so are you."

Diana nodded.

"But the thing with the Avarice Bloodline, is that because my ancestor Avalon denounced all relations with the Dogma, he, in turn, lost of his power by being the Great Akuma's son. While Mahyako on the other hand..."

"Retained his strength." Jun gritted his teeth.

"No wonder they're so strong. This only makes things even worse. Hakah's power... it might surpass even the Dogma himself."

We stood in silence.

Hakah was always strong enough as it is without us even knowing she was a descendent of The Great Akuma who had given her power.

Now that we knew just how potentially strong she could be... and not only that... Yeling as well...

I had never felt so hopeless in my life.

"But even so. Even if we need to fight Hakah, we still need to stop her. Because what she's doing is crazy. Descendent of the Akuma or not, she is going against Lord Ginga with her own personal agenda. This won't do. We will need to prepare for war some way or another." Jun said, as he turned around.

"But how are we going to do that?" I asked.

"Through your next assignment."

Diana clasped her hands.

"Will that be all for me?"

Jun nodded.

"Yeah. I got what I needed... unfortunately. Thanks again, your highness. Shadows, take her back to Andropol's castle."

Diana bowed.

"Thank you for your time, Master Jun. Dainsleif."

I nodded at Diana as she dissipated into smoke.

"Jesus. What a curveball." I grumbled.

Jun put a hand on his chin.

"What's up?" I asked.

"I'm... still wary. Still skeptical. Particularly as to why Hakah had survived that attack that night. There's still so many questions. I get now why the Mah siblings are so strong. But that doesn't explain what had happened that night, when Yeling unlocked Hinokami."

"The exchange was his family, though, right?"

"But that's the thing. Why was it his family? If the Mah bloodline is so powerful, why were they so obscure, so hidden, for so many millennia. Why now? Why did the Dogma choose Yeling and Hakah? And not just that, why would the Dogma decide to have Yeling kill all of the remaining survivors of the Mah bloodline? Why would the Dogma choose to kill Wen Siu Mah? What was the point in all of that?"

I clenched my teeth.

Dammit.

Just when one thing had gone uncovered, a million more mysterious had unfolded.

Jun sighed, sitting back on his chair and spinning around in it.

"Dammit. Whatever. I guess the only thing we can do now is try to get everybody to their A game. I've already got most of the other Outer Shadows on missions to beef them up. And it's high time I got you stronger too."

"But I thought you already did."

"You haven't unlocked it yet. You remember what I said about Questionite? How there was one metal that could be better?"

"Yeah..."

Jun smiled.

"I know just what it is, and where to get it. But it won't be easy."

"Wait, but what could possibly be stronger than Questionite?"

My lord... he awaits.

"Speak of the devil, and there he is. Welcome him in, shadows."

It shall be done. Master Jun. Sir Dainsleif. Our visitor from the Champions Universe.

I turned around, until I was face to face with a man with an extremely advanced mechanical suit. Around him were dozens of robots, all carrying highly advanced rifles that looked even more advanced than the guns I had in my arsenal.

His helmet looked like a spartan helmet, but there was golden crown on it. And to top it all off, a menacing red cape.

"From one fellow overlord to another..." The man said, from within his suit.

Jun smiled evilly.

"I would never believe we would finally be face to face."

The man held up his hand, as the robots stopped, standing in position. The shadows were all surrounding the group, but were also on standby, per Jun's request.

"You seek my council. My technology. Has my might truly surpassed the limits of my universe that it would be acknowledged by one of the most powerful technomancers of this one?"

"You could say that. I've experimented for a long time, and I have never been able to replicate it. That metal that you have weaponized."

The man laughed evilly.

"You seek my Destreum, Lord Gasket. On what grounds do you think I can simply hand over my creation to you?"

Jun turned to me.

"My subordinate will demonstrate."

The man looked intrigued.

"Oh? You will send your soldier to fight this bout? Surely you will understand the consequences of having a bug challenge the likes of me."

"Dainsleif is the perfect matchup against you and your technology. Even with your Destroids."

I readied myself.

Convocatio: Turricalum Fourfold

Four DS33 Sanctuaries appeared behind me through magic circles.

Jun smiled.

"Just as Caliga became known in your world as the hero who fought toe to toe with Grond."

I summoned my Draugr, taking aim at the man's head.

"Dainsleif will become known in your world as the man who fought toe to toe with Doctor Destroyer."

Aaron Hope vs. Doctor Destroyer

Fight.

Even if the odds are stacked against you.

Even if your bones feel like breaking.

Even if your limbs feel like failing.

Even if they all say you cannot win.

Even if you are all alone.

Fight.

Fight. Aaron Hope.

This is your chance.

To honour their memory.

For your brothers and sisters in the orphanage who were denied their life.

"Iron Buckler!" I shouted, as my sentries came together and blocked the tremendous firepower of Destroyer's Destroid assault.

There were too many for me to take down.

Destroyer was coming for me, and I knew for a fact that he wasn't going to just let me shoot down his soldiers.

And judging from the fact that he was the most powerful villain in the Champions Universe, it should be without question that these bots could resist an EMP blast.

There was only one solution that appeared in my head. I had to take it.

There was no time.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Magnetism Ball

I opened my shield, and tossed the grenade at the ground, swallowing the destroids all into one place.

I aimed my Draugr.

Checkmate.

I fired, again and again at the mass of destroids, shooting them down.

"So you chose to avoid an EMP blast after all. I am both flattered and impressed that you predicted that I would have designed against such a strategy."

Destroyer flew at me, his fists reeled back and glowing with power.

I glared at him wildly, aiming with Draugr and firing the remaining two bullets in my magazine. Then switched with my other hand, spraying with my MP7.

Just as I expected, the bullets from the Draugr were deflected by an energy field from Destroyer, and the bullets from the SMG simply glanced off his armour.

"The Heckler and Koch MP7... How nostalgic." Destroyer said, as he unleashed an energy wave at me.

I flew backwards, dropping both my Draugr and MP7, my sentries shielding me, then opening up, as I returned fire with my M130 assault rifle.

The bullets glanced off another energy field.

"Is that all you have, Dainsleif?!"

I released my magazine, pulling out a new cartridge from my magic circle and reloaded my gun.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Flashbang

I held out a grenade, but moments before I was about to throw it, I murmured an additional chant.

Light Magic: Quanta Refractus

"A flashbang? How quick you are to disappoint!"

Doctor Destroyer brought his arms up to shield his eyes, as the flashbang went off.

"Now this is- what?!"

I appeared in front of him, the real flashbang in my hand. My eyes glued right on his, right through his helmet.

I slammed the grenade into his face as it unleashed a blinding light.

That's right.

I figured you recognized a normal flashbang, so I used Quanta Refractus to create a feint. And from that feint you provided me with an opening.

I spun around, resummoning my Draugr.

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Super AP Rounds

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

Time slowed down as I loaded in my rounds, taking aim. This was going to hurt. There wouldn't be time for my DS33's to shield me for this to work. It had to be an eye for an eye.

Doctor Destroyer unleashed an energy wave blast as I fired, moments before the wave hit me dead center.

I slammed into the ground.

"Auugh!" I coughed out blood, as the bullet was intercepted by Destroyer's energy wave, but the bullet then split off into five thin rods, each extremely sharp, piercing right through the wave and catching him in his armour.

"You dare-"

The Augmentus spell was still active. All magical casts, movements, and thought processes were increased a thousand fold.

Concovatio: Gun Summoning - Caliga WA4000MX

I aimed the barrel right at Doctor Destroyer's head, and fired.

Destroyer stumbled back, managing to dodge the bullet narrowly. The high speed accelerated round scraped the side of his helmet as the arch villain was frozen in shock. This was probably the first time someone of his calibre ever got nicked like that.

Having your ego bruised sucks, doesn't it, Albert?

I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip.

I blasted forward, dropping the Caliga and taking out my Draugr, firing relentlessly as the bullets slammed into Doctor Destroyer's chest plate. Denting it.

"Don't get overconfident, BOY." Destroyer snarled, as his armour transformed, releasing a massive net.

My eyes went wide, as I was caught, dropping my Draugr and was suspended midair.

Doctor Destroyer eyed me mercilessly, and clenched his fist, as the webs electrocuted me.

"AAAARGH!!!" I growled in pain.

"Liberation Protocol!" I shouted at my sentries, which came in and blasted the tangleweb launcher away.

I landed on the ground, as Doctor Destroyer hovered above me.

"AB Assault Mode."

Two of my sentries began unleashing a series of blasts at Destroyer, but to my disbelief, Destroyer held out his hands, and shattered the DS33's with his plasma cannons.

I used the explosion as cover, as I hopped on one of my turrets and switched guns to my assault rifle, firing.

Destroyer blocked my bullets with another holo shield.

Interesting.

So he was vulnerable to my specialized bullets. That theory was proven just from the fact that my Draugr had dented his chestplate.

We continued soaring all over Master Jun's realm, Doctor Destroyer zooming around with his jet boots while I was on top my my DS33 like a hoverboard.

"Annoying bug. You dare test my patience? Acknowledge your opponent, Dainsleif!"

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Starburst Magnetic Rounds.

I pulled out a magazine midair, spinning it in the palm of my hand and slotting it into my Draugr, aiming and firing in one swift motion.

Destroyer blocked the attack as well, but upon contact, the bullets exploded, throwing dust and fire everywhere.

I said nothing, as I created another magical hand sign.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Four Bodies

I tossed a grenade, while Destroyer was still disoriented, as four of my clones surrounded him.

Each one of the clones took aim with their Draugrs, but Destroyer snarled, unleashing a wide conical blast of energy which shattered all of the clones.

"Which of you is the real one!"

It was a gamble, but it looks like I won that one.

His armour could withstand EMP's, but to tell which of the clones was a fake Aaron, he needed his electronics. And whether it was EMP resistant or not, there was no way it could be resistant to a bullet that would otherwise have breached his armour and knocked its magnetism through force.

"Me." I said, from a distance, aiming Destroyer down with my Ironsight sniper.

I pressed the trigger, unleashing a powerful round which caught him straight in the helmet, cracking it. Doctor Destroyer yelled, flying back into a mountain.

I breathed heavily at the unconscious body of Doctor Destroyer.

"Impressive display of skill." A voice said behind me, as my eyes widened.

The Doctor Destroyer that was embedded in the mountain suddenly transformed. Into a regular ass Destroid.

No way. Was I fighting a clone the entire time?!

"But you aren't the only one who knows how to fight smart. Dainsleif."

I spun around, but I was too late, as Doctor Destroyer laughed sinisterly, his hands glowing with energy.

"Iron Buckler!" I shouted desperately, as my DS33's came together into a shield, but Destroyer unleashed a blast, penetrating right through the Questionite shield and piercing me through the chest.

I coughed out blood, as Doctor Destroyer closed in, ripping the sentries apart and facing me up close.

"I am intrigued by the way you fight. In terms of strategy. You fight by relentless combinations. Setting up your moves and weapons in intricate detail. Not many heroes I have faced fight so tactically. In terms of combat prowess, you surpass even Nighthawk. I can see why Lord Gasket holds you in such high regard. But."

The two of us began free falling. Doctor Destroyer held out his hand as I desperately summoned my MP7, firing a clip of bullets which glanced off his armour harmlessly.

"In the face of overwhelming firepower. No amount of strategy can save you. Boy."

A Destroyer Blast caught me dead center in the chest as my body exploded in pain.

I tumbled on the ground and rolled, flopping like a rag doll until I skidded to a stop.

I clutched my chest, retching and gasping for air. The pain...

The pain was too much.

I was going to black out.

"Grrrrk... Ackkk..."

Doctor Destroyer approached me.

"A shame. That a single blast of energy could put you in such a painful state. So much magic. So much power you have access to, Dainsleif. Yet you still choose to remain human. Why do you not choose to become a god? Like the millions you have slain. Imagine the endless potential you would have, if you were no longer bound by the limits of a fragile human body."

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to take rhythmic breaths.

Focus.

Focus, Aaron.

Don't fall asleep.

Breathe. Breathe.

I choose to be a human...

Because that is what I want.

Because I want to kill all the gods as a human.

Because I hate them.

My mind flashed to Avara stepping on Nora, slaughtering both her and Will. Then decapitating that kid in front of our very eyes. She had no remorse. She didn't care. Almost like the lives of mortals meant nothing to her just because she was a goddess.

Remember your origins.

Remember who you are.

In the face of overwhelming firepower?

From the very beginning...

I was able to kill gods as a measly human being. This is who I am.

Light Magic - False Sword

I reached into a magic circle, pulling out an MP7, and shakily took aim at Doctor Destroyer.

My teeth were clenched, as I seethed at the supervillain, blood leaking through my mouth.

"How desperate you are... I am disappointed. Perhaps your Master overexaggerated your qualifications a tad."

The barrel was shaking violently as I found it hard to maintain my grip.

But he had already played right into my trap.

I pressed the trigger, firing a powerful round.

Doctor Destroyer didn't summon a shield this time, as the round caught him dead center in the face, shattering his helmet.

"WHA-"

I growled, as the spell became undone.

"That MP7... was a fake!"

I shakily got to my feet, firing the Draugr over and over again, blasting Destroyer in the face. Again. And again. And again.

He was disoriented.

And shocked.

This had to be the real one. Because blood was leaking down his armour.

"How dare you... mark me... YOU STUPID CHILD."

Doctor Destroyer roared and fired a Destroyer Blast which knocked my gun out of my hand.

But before he could finish me off, I watched as the Doctor clutched his face, blood pouring.

"You... you... How could this be happening..."

"Hah... hah..." I panted, taking aim again. If the surprise factor was still there, I could land another shot. One right into his skull. But I wasn't so lucky.

"Enough of this." Destroyer said, as I fired, but the bullet was deflected off of the palm of his hand.

Destroyer rushed forward, and swung his fist.

Lightning Magic: Augment-

I spat out blood, which startled the villain.

Are you shitting me?! I ran out of mana! At the worst possible moment too!

I clenched my teeth, my eyes wide, as Destroyer growled, slamming his fist into my stomach.

I let loose a wave of vomit, as I retched, clutching my midsection and falling to my knees.

"AAAAROOUGHHHH!" I groaned in agony.

Stars filled my vision and everything was in a haze.

My forehead hit the ground before Doctor Destroyer.

What can I do...

I needed to come up with a plan.

I need to keep the pain in check.

I needed a distraction.

Stop thinking.

I needed to keep fighting.

Stop fighting.

Stop.

Just stop.

What can you do right now...

I widened my eyes.

Breathe!

I opened my mouth, forcing air into my lungs. The acidic vomit had spilled out of my nostrils too, making every breath I take feel like I was breathing in one of my nerve toxins.

"This fight is over." Destroyer said.

"Ack....guh...." I panted, fighting to stay awake.

"No... this is... not enough for me to consider a fight. Dainsleif. I expected more from you. Lord Gasket spoke so highly of you. Are you not the most powerful gunman in this world? In this entire realm? Were you perhaps lying on your resume? If that is the case, you don't deserve the weapons you wield. Boy. And stop playing a hero."

Doctor Destroyer reached down and grabbed me by the hair, yanking me upwards until we were face to face.

"You're just a boy. Children your age should be in high school. You should have a girlfriend and look into career paths. Or maybe even still putting up with antics. I am a super villain. My very being is that to despise heroes, that is who I am. But there is nothing I hate more, than a mere schoolboy pretending to be one. Just because he got his hands on a few toys that are too dangerous for his own good."

"I'm... eighteen..." I croaked.

"Huh?"

I managed a weak smirk on my extremely bloodied face.

"And I don't need... to live that life. I hate being weak. I had... someone I loved... she was hurting but I couldn't help her... and I lost her because I was just that. A mere schoolboy... Even after besting a god. I was still too weak. I swore I will never be so useless again."

I spat at the super villain, blood staining his armour.

From within his helmet, I could hear Doctor Destroyer seething in rage.

"You... insolent brat!"

Doctor Destroyer flung me into a rock as I smashed into it.

How was I still conscious?

"This fight is now personal. Consider yourself honoured. To have made such an enemy of Doctor Destroyer."

I watched as the super villain slowly took off his helmet, revealing an aged elderly face. But the hatred on it was so marked clear.

Then he proceeded to bombard me with punches. I felt a rib break as I coughed out blood, my eyes almost gouging out of my body.

Will.

Nora.

I had failed you.

Then it was you... Jessie.

When you needed me...

I failed you again.

I kept failing people over and over again.

Doctor Destroyer launched an uppercut at my chin my blood flung into the air. I slid to the ground.

If I wasn't strong enough to defeat this man...

If I wasn't strong enough to even save myself...

Maybe I deserved this beating.

Because I am too weak to save the people I care about did I become an Outer Shadow. And live a life where all I needed to do was follow orders. And not have people expect much from me.

I was losing consciousness, memories flooding my mind.

When I was twelve years old, I killed my first god. Avara, the Goddess of Fertility. By taking her own sword and plunging it through her heart.

Shortly after, I was hunted by other gods.

By the time I was thirteen, two gods, Obi and Rena, the God and Goddess of the Sun and Moon, came after me to avenge Avara's death. I led Obi into a dark room, and trapped him in a spiked contraption, and used the deceased museum guard's pistol to shoot his heart seven times. I then trapped Rena in an extremely bright ultraviolet light, luring her into the photon labs, incinerating her alive. Then used the remaining magazine to shoot her in the head five times, and her heart six times.

When I turned fourteen, I committed robbery, and stole an AK47, Desert Eagle, and a Browning BSS shotgun from an arms store. The reason was because I wanted to kill a gang of robbers who were harassing a fellow homeless teenager. I killed all of the robbers, but one of the robbers turned out to be a god in disguise. Hermes. Hermes broke my arm and leg, but I had already gotten used to near fatal injuries from killing Avara, Obi, and Rena, and used this element of surprise to blast his head off point blank with the Browning.

It was when I was fourteen, did I get picked up by a juvenile centre, my guns were confiscated, and I was forced to survive based off of pure physical instinct. Most of the inmates didn't really care about me. The young ones, like me, were scared shitless. The older ones knew better. But one person in particular really liked to pick on me because my last name was "Hope". And so, we got in a fight, where I learned to hone my body to become more in tune with fist fighting. I ended up extending my stay.

By the time I was released from juvie, I was placed in high school. And everybody was afraid of me. Especially after the incident with the goddess of infidelity Hanako, who haunted the school. My rage for the gods caused me to sneak in a knife, and I lured Hanako into the girl's washroom, stabbing her in the toilet stall fifty seven times using my time in juvie as a learning opportunity to fight without my guns.

My mind refused to think about high school. It was like I was drawing a blank. But I knew better. There were many memories. But for some reason, I could only temporarily recall the bloodshed.

When I was fifteen, I went with my classmates to a shrine to honour the god of hope. And I wanted to kill this god... why? Why did I want to kill this god? Was it my hatred? Was it... no... that wasn't it.

Ah.

I see.

Jessica.

I'm sorry, Aaron... I'm just a burden on everyone. If it wasn't for me... you could have lived a normal life.

I couldn't save Jessica.

I threw away all of my beliefs to pray to this god to save Jessica. Because I didn't know how to help her. But the god of hope refused to answer my prayers. And he let her die. I wanted her to see hope in her life.

It was this god's and my weakness' fault that my girlfriend took her own life.

Jessica...

I'm so sorry...

In a fit of rage, I stole several firearms from a gang, and set fire to the shrine, drawing the god's attention, and fought him.

But I couldn't win.

There was no trick I could do. I couldn't lure him anywhere. There was no strategy I had. No plan. I genuinely just wanted the god of hope to die. And when you rush in without a plan, especially as a fifteen year old schoolboy, it doesn't matter if it is the most important reason in the world. My reason was to no longer be weak. If I could kill this god of hope with my bare hands. I would no longer be weak. But that's not how the world works.

I lost viciously.

It was moments before being killed by the god, did he come save me.

Jun Gasket.

A mere twelve year old kid, who acted more like an adult than anyone I had ever met.

The only thing I can do is kill gods. I don't deserve to be counted on other than that. Never again. I remembered telling Master Jun, still grieving over Jessie's death.

Then don't. Work for me, Aaron. Become my Dainsleif. King Högni's ultimate sword in Norse Mythology. You exist to strike and kill. Simple life, right? And in return, I will make you strong. So you won't have to be in pain ever again. You will be my first Outer Shadow. And my best.

I took Jun's hand... no. Master Jun's hand.

I will become strong.

To destroy and to follow orders as his best soldier. And that was what I did.

Since becoming his Outer Shadow, I took countless missions.

At fifteen, I used the weapons Jun made for me and killed three gods at the same time, the rest of the year I spent killing their deluded followers.

Then at sixteen, I made my way up the Pantheon of Greca. Killing all twelve gods to free the people from their narcissistic wrath.

And finally at seventeen, did my rematch with the god of hope fall into my hands. And we fought viciously.

My fight against this god was the hardest fight I ever fought. It was this fight did I fire my first Black Bullet.

I opened my eyes, rage overwhelming my body and unleashing a black wave of power which sent Doctor Destroyer back.

"An awakening...?" Destroyer muttered.

"No. Just a slap back to reality." I seethed, as I stumbled forward, holding out my hand, summoning a black grimoire from thin air.

"Like I will let you!"

Convocatio: Special Gun Summoning

A black magic circle appeared before me, blowing him back.

"AHHRGH!"

I reached in.

Thompson Contender

I pulled out the gun and took aim, black energy swirling all around the barrel.

My body...

To use Noir's magic, my body would sustain extremely serious injuries. But calling this spell when I was already so banged up...

"Unbelievable!" Doctor Destroyer growled, as he stepped back and tried to put on his helmet, but the helmet was being swept away from the violent winds of my Thompson Contender's charge.

"Tch!"

Doctor Destroyer flew into the air.

"MEGA DESTROID!"

A massive robot appeared before me.

This was going to destroy my body even more, but nothing mattered.

I don't care anymore.

Convocatio: Turricalum Threehold - Full Deletion Protocol

I targeted the Mega Destroid, as three turrets appeared from magic circles, zipping around like a triple helix across the giant robot and releasing a blinding red beam of energy, slicing the robot into pieces.

Doctor Destroyer stumbled, one of the beams caught his thruster boots, but he roared, unleashing a conical blast which destroyed my turrets.

"Come then! Dainsleif! Show me the power of your infamous Black Bullets!"

My gun hand was shaking as I coughed out black blood.

Fight the pain.

You deserve the pain.

For letting Jessie die.

This is your punishment.

The punishment you always wanted.

I pressed the trigger.

Black Bullet

I released the charged shot, as the black bullet came flying Doctor Destroyer's way. I fell backwards, my vision a bright white light. Losing consciousness

I could make out the faintest sight of the black bullet shattering Doctor Destroyer's armour, but the old man had jettisoned himself out of his armour and hurled himself into the ground. I heard him grunt in pain as bones broke.

What an unbelievable guy.

To have survived that...

Doctor Destroyer tried to get to his feet, but his frail old body had sustained too much damage from the fall.

"You... I will... make good use of you... Dainsleif... I see now why you are so famed... What shall be your last words... in our mighty match..."

I coughed.

"Get..."

"Get...?"

"Get good, old man... I was barely even trying."

Doctor Destroyer's face contorted in rage.

"You insolent- how could you be cracking jokes at a time like this! And barely even trying?! You're... You're covered in blood!"

I slowly raised a finger, flipping him off.

"Run it back... the next time we fight, Imma send you to retirement, you old geezer..." My voice trailed away.

Destroids appeared around me, as everything turned black. Only voices I could hear.

"This kid... Take him back to Destruga."

I Get Princess Carried by Sigurd

"Hey Aaron if you don't keep up I'm going to have to drag you!!!"

Jessie was in full view. Her blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, grabbing me by the hand as we splashed in the water.

"We shouldn't be out past curfew!" I protested.

"Aw come on! Just for a few minutes? Pleeeeeaseee!"

Jessie splashed water at my face, laughing.

"You're always so stuck up! Aaron! Always worrying about what others think about you! About us!"

"But we'll get in trouble. And..."

"Hmph."

Jessie went up to me and flicked her finger on my forehead.

"Ouch! What was that for?!"

"You're always talking about rules rules rules. Ugh."

"But..."

"You should be more lightened up. That's why those obnoxious guys keep picking on you."

"Is that really... They hate me... but you decided to go out with me. The more we break the rules, the more I'm seen in a bad light, and because of that, your reputation goes down too. I'm... I feel like I'm weighing you down."

Jessie frowned, the energy left her body, as I yelped.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to- I- I-"

Jessie took my hands, smiling.

"Hey. Aaron. Don't worry about me. Okay? If you don't want to go to the beach, we can always head back."

My eyes widened.

"N- No! I don't want that! I want to stay! I want you to be happy too."

Jessie embraced me, resting her head on my chest.

"Sometimes, to really embrace life, you have to be free. Don't let these things weigh you down. I know your past sucks. I can't ever relate, but... don't you think moving forward should help? I want you to have fun. Maybe join in on my antics and my pranks sometime! You know..."

"You're always getting up in some kind of prank... to know my girlfriend is such a troublemaker... how did this even end up happening."

Jessie gave me a mischievous smirk, putting a finger to her lips.

"One day, I'm gonna rub off on you. And you're gonna get in so much trouble because of me."

I scoffed.

"Like that will ever happen."

"Oh, you so don't want to start this bet. I guarantee you the longer we stay together, the more of a troublemaker you'll become. Because it's when two people are really in love do their personalities rub off on one another."

Jessie leaned in for a kiss, but pushed me away.

"Hey!"

"Just messing with you! Gotcha!"

Jessie laughed, skipping around.

Jessie was everything that I wasn't. But I think it was because of that, did she become drawn to me.

In a way we completed each other.

Jessie was the type of girl who didn't care about what others thought. She would always get in trouble because she stayed true to herself.

Hell, one time, she straight up admitted that she had a fetish for ear biting and was into S&M. And she wasn't at all embarrassed.

I smiled, as my memory faded.

Because it's when two people are really in love do their personalities rub off on one another.

From messing around with the other Outer Shadows.

To cracking jokes left right and centre.

And yes. Blurting out stupid shit that always got me in the thickest of situations.

To being able to express myself, however silly and dumb I looked to other people, I did what I wanted. I was proud of it. Even if it would have otherwise made my reputation look bad. It was who I was. And I was not afraid to accept it.

I became proud of who I am. I no longer let what other people thought about me determine how amazing I was.

If I hadn't met you, Jessie, I would still have been a ball of sulking grumpiness.

It was because I met you.

Did I change.

"Dainsleif." An old man's voice appeared in front of me. I woke up, to see myself in the confines of a holding cell.

"What do you want, old man." I grumbled.

Doctor Destroyer's face contorted in disgust.

"Geh! Were you not taught to respect your elders?"

"You're a little too far in deep with the whole super villain thing to be asking for respect at this point. Albert." I smirked.

"Do not call me that."

"What? Albert?"

"I just told you to not call me that!"

"Then I'll just call you Al."

"No! Call me Doctor Destroyer. The most powerful super villain of this world. One who commands the mightiest legion of robots in the history of-"

"Albert-kun."

Doc stared at me, slowly leaning back from the shock of my ignorance.

"I- You-"

I gave him a mischievous smile.

Destroyer slammed his hands on the walls of the holding cell.

"How are you not afraid! Do you not know who I am? Do you not understand the gravity of your situation?!"

I watched as Albert-kun turned around and grumbled under his breath. Something about teenagers.

Well jokes on him, I'm a legal adult.

The moment the clock struck twelve on July the 18th, I immediately rushed to the main quarters of the Outer Shadows and broke into Alec's liquor stash, downing the entire bottle of Crown Royal. Of course, when Alec found out someone had been stealing his booze, he had us all rounded up, interrogating each and every one of us.

Well it turned out there was little to no interrogation needed, because the moment he saw me try to deny getting drunk, I threw up all over his face.

I was known as "Drunk Daisy Dainsleif" for a month because of that incident.

"Master Jun probably wants me to stay here." I said.

"No. He abandoned you. When my Destroids took you in, no one stopped me from creating a portal back to Destruga. Your people have forsaken you. Doesn't that make you angry?"

I knew what was going on.

This was part of my assignment. To obtain Destreum, probably.

Of course, I wouldn't let him know that.

I already figured out how to escape this shithole after analyzing the structure.

Although it definitely was not going to be an elegant solution.

"...and now, with you in my captivity, Lord Gasket will do whatever I ask him to. In exchange for your life. His technology shall be mine."

Doctor Destroyer regarded me.

"You... are but a pawn in this chess game, and- wait. Are you even listening?"

"Yeah. Totally."

"You totally were not! How is your attention span that of a gnat yet you were regarded as the best gun fighter in your world?!"

Doctor Destroyer took a deep breath.

"Ah. I see. You are trying to provoke me. I am flattered by your attempt, but insulted at how little you undermine my intelligence. Even if you were the least bit cunning in our first battle, you can never win a mind game against one such as I. From a young age, I was regarded a prodigy, sought out by the German government, employed to work on the highest secrecy of projects. What did you do when you were at my age? Might I implore?"

My mind flashed to a twelve year old me and the Goddess Avara wrestling in the air, me vomiting in her face and impaling her with her sword over and over again.

"Uhhh, hardcore fantasy roleplay. With lots of sadism."

"I... am going to pretend I did not hear that. Alas! I will see you very soon. For when I make my next negotiation with your precious... 'Master Jun'."

Doctor Destroyer left, followed by an entourage of bowing Destroids, until I was left alone.

I sat in the prison cell, eyeing other inmates.

So he didn't have a prison cell just for me? Why did he leave the inmates all adjacent to one another? Was this a trap... or perhaps...

Aspectum - Status Scan

Nothing.

"That won't work." A woman said.

"What?"

The woman leaned against the walls of her cell. She looked middle aged, with orange hair and green eyes.

Was she Irish?

Was it racist to assume she was Irish?

"And now Destroyer would stoop low enough to abduct children... this villain knows no bounds."

No. Hold on. What did she just call me?

"I'm not a child! Aaah!" I grabbed my hair, yanking it.

"What is your name?"

I stopped throwing a tantrum.

"Dainsleif."

"I see. I go by the name of Witchcraft."

I couldn't help but snicker a bit.

"For real? Is that actually your alias?"

Witchcraft's eye twitched.

"Yes... I can also understand why Doctor Destroyer was so fed up with you."

"Whatever. I'm going to break out of this place."

"How will you do that?"

I waited as a Destroid walked in with plates of... something.

The tray materialized in front of me. The driest piece of bread I had ever seen, and the driest sausage I had ever seen. Neatly laid out on the metal tray like a prisoner's lunch.

"Alright. Here goes nothing."

Witchcraft watched as I stuffed the wood dust of bread into my mouth, then proceeded to crunch down on the sausage.

"Magic will not work on these confines."

"I uh muh ma hic-"

I swallowed, as I took a deep breath.

They say as one lets one out every so often, at some point, a man can choose to perform this at will. It is after all, a natural reflex of the human body.

I walked up to the edges of the prison cell, and intricate Destreum lined border.

There was no way a cell was pure energy. It had to have little sections of vulnerability. It was the same principle as having layered plates or chainmail in a suit of armour. It's impossible to fully clad complex joints like this without some degree of vulnerability.

And here's to this.

I closed my eyes.

Now think.

Think of the most repulsive thing you could ever imagine.

Rollo in a bunny suit?

Alec flirting with minors?

No.

None of this would work. They were horrific to the eyes, but not enough for me to initiate it.

Just do it! Just!

I stuck my finger into the back of my throat, gagging.

"What are you doing." A woman's voice said from the window of my cell.

I stopped, looking outside.

A pair of black high heeled boots. Followed by a black skin tight leather suit that ordinarily would have been the hottest thing a virgin like me would ever see.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get turned on, because I knew exactly why that was the case.

You've got to be shitting me.

"Why are you here?!" I exclaimed, as Sigurd raised an eyebrow.

"Master Jun wanted me to check up on you. The plan was to have you infiltrate Destruga and take down Doctor Destroyer from the inside."

"And I am. Thank you very much. These confines are nothing to me."

"And just how are you planning on escaping?"

I stood up, putting a hand on my chest defiantly.

"By vomiting all over the structural reinforcements of this cell!"

"Through corrosion?"

"Of course. It's a foolproof plan. Every mechanical structure has weak points. The weak points must be this, which will mean my vomit, which contains hints of my stomach enzymes, will destroy this prison lickity split."

"Stomach enzymes digest peptides."

"Well- the acid part will deal with the Destreum!"

"Even if this prison was not made of Destreum, that is not how hydrochloric acid works."

"But in Luney Tunes the cat dipped a broomstick in the stuff and the whole thing disintegrated."

"So you based this entire strategy from cartoons?"

I stared at Sigurd, who looked like she was hiding back the urge to laugh.

"Aaaah! Shut up! Do you have a better strategy?!"

"Step back."

I did what Sigurd asked, as she held up her hand, which expanded, revealing a strange opening. The opening then sucked all of the energy of the field out, causing me to spill on the ground.

"What was that?!" I exclaimed.

"Upgrades from Master Jun."

"Upgrades...?"

Sigurd helped me to my feet. I took her hand, which felt... surprisingly warm.

Then the realization hit me.

"Wait, Sig. Why did you get performance upgrades? I put my loyalty points into making you a human."

Sigurd looked away.

"I did... accept some of the biotech upgrades. But not all of them. Because if I choose to fully become an organic creature, I will lose my functionality in battle."

I stared at her.

"So... you chose me..."

"I didn't choose you." Sigurd cut me off abruptly, her face turning red.

"I simply accepted some of the upgrades but kept parts of myself intact so I could aid you in combat. Judging from how you got yourself captured, perhaps I made the correct investment."

"I don't need your protection."

Suddenly, several Destroids rounded the corner, their guns aimed at us.

"Prisoner Dainsleif has escaped. Alerting all mobile units."

I held out my hands, but nothing happened.

"I'm out of mana!"

I needed her protection!!!

My eyes widened, as the rifles were pointed my way, but suddenly, Sigurd darted forward with blinding speed, slicing all of their heads off in the blink of an eye.

"Are you coming, Dainsleif?" She asked, turning her head.

"Wait." Witchcraft said. I stopped.

"What?"

"Take me with you. I must reunite with Defender and the rest of the Champions. Doctor Destroyer intends to use me to-"

"Ehhhhh, I think I'm going to pass. Sorry."

Witchcraft stared at me.

"Huh?!"

"I mean... let's be honest, I only met you for like, ten minutes. Are you sure you're really a hero?"

"I am! Do you not watch the news, I'm one of the-"

"And how do I know you're even a real witch? As far as I know, you could be one of those con women who pretend to know magic and sell me cheap plastic bonsai cats made in China to pass it off as magical items. I'll have you know I'm not going to fall for that scam again. That was a whole month's worth of wages spent on a magical relic that would make girls more attracted to me and it didn't work. Magic pheromones my ass."

Witchcraft's mouth hung open.

"Anyway, I'm going now. You take care."

"Dainsleif?! Dainsleif! Come back! I'm really a superhero! I am-"

"Dainsleif. The units are closing in." Sigurd warned me.

"Alright! I'm coming... mom."

I turned to her direction and ran.

Sigurd dispatched Destroid after Destroid, protecting me.

I had no guns.

No weapons.

And I couldn't wield magic.

But that shouldn't have been an excuse. I ran up to a Destroid, who began firing at me, but I went low sliding on the ground.

The Destroid looked down, but it was too late. I swept my leg, causing the robot to fall on the ground as I ripped the rifle from his hands, shoving the barrel in its face.

"Got myself a new toy." I smiled evilly.

The Destroid put its hands up in the air, but I squeezed the trigger, blowing the robot into pieces.

I turned to the rest of the Destroids, as I watched Sigurd bend forward, running like an arrow at the horde.

"Equipping armblades."

Armblades?

Two shiny blades suddenly ripped out of her leather bodysuit, at the forearms, as Sigurd spiralled in the air, slashing through the horde and unleashing absolute hell.

That was new.

I took aim, shooting at Destroids in her periphery to keep them from getting her from behind.

Sigurd flipped in the air, slashing outwards like a vortex and destroying everything in her path, when suddenly the two of us were intercepted.

"Found the two. Got ourselves a hottie and some kid." A big man in a mech spoke into his coms unit.

"Hey! Who are you calling a kid!" I protested.

"He's calling you that." Sigurd replied.

"I know! But I'm not a kid!"

Two more big mechs joined the guy, as they blocked our exit.

"The big boss only needs the kid. We can keep the bombshell to ourselves."

"What do you mean us? She's mine. I called dibs."

"Are you two seriously letting your dicks decide the outcome of this battle? Look closely. That woman isn't even a human. Her skin is plastic! I bet her boobs are fake too!" The third mech cut the two off.

"What? Seriously?"

"So her ass is fake?"

I suddenly felt something dangerous.

And it wasn't coming from the three heavily armoured operatives.

Sigurd's expression turned menacingly cold.

"Uh... Sigurd? Are you-"

Sigurd stepped in front of me, blocking my view.

"I will kill them."

"Whoa, I mean, come on. They're just three middle aged men."

"Assault Mode Activated."

"Assault?!"

Was she really going to use her ultimate form to kill a bunch of working class middle aged neckbeards just because they made fun of her fake boobs?

"I will kill them. This decision does not concern you. Dainsleif."

She was really going to use her ultimate form to kill a bunch of working class middle aged neckbeards just because they made fun of her fake boobs.

Sigurd walked forward, her forearm blades were fully extended.

The two horny dudes were still arguing whether or not banging a robot was considered a fetish, when the third guy suddenly pointed at our direction.

"Guys... she's coming this way."

Sigurd blasted forward with blinding speed, appearing before them before anyone, even me, could notice.

"Two down."

SLICE.

The heads of the two operatives flew off the armours.

"Wha- shit!" The third guy stumbled back, firing a bunch of bullets at Sigurd, but at that point there was too late.

Sigurd spun like a corkscrew, using the armour of one of the decapitated armours as a foothold.

When Sigurd was in Assault Mode, she could not be stopped using conventional means.

I watched as Sigurd dodged all of the bullets, to the guy's disbelief.

Sigurd leapt on top of the last guy's armour, but he suddenly cladded himself up. Sigurd's blade shattered on impact, her eyes wide.

"Heh. Nice try, girlie. But this Black Talon armour is made of Destreum. You're going to have to try harder than that."

Black Talon powered up, his chest glowing a dangerous bright light.

Sigurd leapt back, narrowly dodging the massive beam of energy. Half of her face got charred, as the rocks came flying down.

Sigurd then zipped around with her augmented speed, dodging them all and grabbing me by the waist, tackling me out of the way before a piece of the ceiling could fall on me.

I glared at the Black Talon user, aiming my rifle and firing, but the blasts weren't doing anything.

"I could probably look for vulnerabilities and take him out. But this fight might take a while."

"Time is not abundant, Dainsleif. I will dispose of this."

"Are you sure? Your blades..."

Sigurd ignored me, rushing forward and unleashing a volley of slashes with her one forearm blade that wasn't snapped off.

"Did my last laser beam fry your brain or something? That won't work on me." The guy taunted, as he launched a punch which caught Sigurd square in the face.

"Yo! Sig!" I shouted at her, but Sigurd remained standing, forcing herself to face the man. Her face was cracked.

"Vulnerability spotted."

"Vulnerability...?"

Sigurd leaned forward, her face scraping against the arm of the mech and causing sparks to fly everywhere.

Then she placed her hand against a chink in the armour, as it began to unbuckle and transform, revealing a blaster.

"Decimate."

Sigurd unleashed a blinding blue light into the armour.

By the time the light subsided, I could only see an empty Black Talon mech suit, smoking from the inside. I didn't want to know what became of the guy, but Sigurd had appeared next to me. The room was dark and a shadow was cast over her face, which looked cruel and merciless, the only glow was coming from her irises.

"Come."

I stared at her. She had suffered some damage from fighting all the Destroids all on her own, but it didn't look too serious.

We continued fighting through hordes, but no matter what I did, Sigurd seemed extra vigilant.

Whenever I aimed my rifle at a Destroid, she would be the one to appear first.

And while that was great and all, we both knew this was not a good strategy.

It wasn't like Sigurd was designed to fight long gruelling fights. She was an infiltration unit and medical purser. If we needed a combat focused android, Soldier X8 would have been the best option. Although he was outclassed by me, in terms of taking hits, he was probably one of the best in the android line to walk out of the worst scenarios.

By the time we reached the mid levels of the base, Sigurd was so banged up, I was starting to get worried. Half of her face was scratched up, revealing her endoskeleton, and the skin was cracked. Her leather bodysuit was torn and ripped, and she had taken pretty gruelling damage to her side. Her jet black hair, that was normally sat neatly and flowed elegantly down her body gained a long wild flowing appearance. Which for some reason made her look even more attractive. But it was still worrisome.

Sigurd caught me staring.

"Keep fighting, Dainsleif. My condition should not worry you. Androids are designed to continue fighting despite sustaining damage."

"Uh. Yeah. Sure, whatever you say." I lied.

"Destruga is a multi layered mechanical hybrid island formation developed by Doctor Destroyer to house his military creations."

"Why can't we just send our Shadows and get them to help us?"

"The Shadows will not be of much help against Destroids, because they are robotic in nature. There is no life to siphon."

Great.

And to make it worse, the guy who was guarding the exit to the headquarters...

Looked like bad news.

"You won't be leaving this facility conscious."

I aimed my rifle.

"Got a lot of nerve to be acting high and mighty looking like that. Let me guess your hero name. Captain Praying Mantis?"

The villain regarded us.

"My name is Gigaton. Not like it matters. Doctor has ordered me to dispose of the android girl, and to return the human back to his cell. And once I've been issued an order..."

Gigaton raised his gauntlet, trapping Sigurd in an energy whip. Sigurd had tried to rush Gigaton head on while he was giving his little speech, but due to a combination of her being drained from fighting all those Destroids, and her injuries, she was no longer as fast as she was when she fought the Black Talons.

Sigurd tried to struggle, but Gigaton closed his fist, causing her mechanical components to crush and spark.

Sigurd gasped, her eyes wide.

"... I never fail it."

I watched as Gigaton swatted his hand, sending my android companion smashing into the ground. Sigurd tumbled, her body scraping against the ground and rolling violently, until she bounced up into the air, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, her mouth wide open in shock.

I stepped forward to do something, but without my equipment...

Gigaton unleashed another blast of energy which caught Sigurd midair, and I watched her smash through a wall, her broken, limp body was suspended in the debris.

She wasn't moving.

"That takes care of the woman."

"You bastard!" I growled, firing my rifle at him repeatedly. But Gigaton opened his hand, absorbing the energy.

"Was she someone close to you, Dainsleif? Androids like her can be replaced. She is nothing more than spare parts."

"What do you know?"

Gigaton returned with a blast of energy which I barely dodged. The shockwave sent me flying as I skidded forward.

Gigaton continued firing energy bolts at me, but I ran behind cover, shooting and returning fire, but the more I shot, the more I was feeding Gigaton energy. What I could do right now... was evade.

"Are you going to hide from me, Dainsleif? The Doctor spoke highly of you, so I trust his judgement."

I scampered up the levels of the main lobby of the headquarters, using the environment to the best of my ability and conceal myself.

When you're in a gunfight.

Anything must be used as cover.

Always keep yourself covered.

I rushed forward, rolling and dodging another one of Gigaton's energy attacks as he slowly levitated, ascending into the air.

"Hmph. So you've decided to stop shooting me with that Trooper Bot's rifle. A smart move."

Shit. He had me figured out.

He was right.

Against Gigaton, if I shot him directly, I would only make him stronger.

But that was if I shot him directly.

I scanned the environment. And took aim.

"Reveal yourself, Dainsleif. I prefer to make sure you're as unharmed as possible. That was one of the Doctor's requests-"

I fired at the ceiling, as it caved it on Gigaton, who spun around.

"Wha-"

The rubble crashed into him as he sunk into the floor, buried in rubble left and right.

I ran forward as fast as I could, shooting at various parts of the ceiling, causing more and more of the roof to fall in on Gigaton.

"Do you think this is enough to defeat me?" Gigaton lifted himself out of the tonnes of roof material.

Of course not.

Which is why I always have a contingency.

I picked up a shard of Destreum from the chaos of Sigurd's fight with Gigaton, and wedged it into the side of the rifle.

If this thing used energy... it had to be storing the source somewhere.

Meaning it could potentially be explosive.

I continued stabbing the side until the purple lines on the side began to glow violently. The thing started to shake.

Gigaton got to his feet.

"Come on out, Dainsleif... what the-"

The gun skidded before his feet, as Gigaton's eyes widened.

"What did you do... SHIT!"

KABOOM.

The sound of a massive purple explosion sent Gigaton flying several yards across the room, smashing into the wall of the headquarters, coughing out blood.

I ran forward, picking up the Destreum shard that I had used to stab the gun.

Gigaton clenched his teeth in anger.

"You think I'm too disoriented to deal with a stray kid with a knife?!"

I clutched the dust from the ground and sprayed it at his face, as Gigaton yelled, clutching his eyes.

"Ah! You stupid kid! I'm going to-"

"You can't kill me. That's your orders, right, Gigs? If you're blinded, you won't be able to aim your energy blasts properly. You might accidentally kill me. Oops!"

"Why you little..."

I yelled, slashing with the makeshift Destreum dagger across Gigaton's eyes, causing him to howl in pain.

"DAINSLEIF!!!"

Gigaton swatted his hand wildly, as I backed off, and ran up to the nearest shelf that was housing numerous showcases of what I presumed to be Doctor Destroyer's famous inventions.

I went ahead and knocked over the shelf, causing Gigaton to be buried in the stuff.

"ENOUGH WITH THIS!" Gigaton roared, as he blasted the showcases away, leaving his chest open.

This was gonna be risky, but I had no choice.

I rushed forward with another sharp piece of Destreum, and swung as hard as I could.

"This is for hurting Sigurd!" I yelled, but suddenly, my hand stopped moving.

"Heh? Aw... shit." I grumbled.

"Dainsleif...." Gigaton growled, menacingly, his hand was clutching my wrist, stopping me with astonishing strength.

"Just because the Doctor wanted you back alive... did not mean he wanted you back unharmed."

SNAP.

I screamed in pain, as my wrist was broken by this dude's grip.

"AHHH! FUCK!!!" I screamed, clutching my arm, as Gigaton stood before me.

"Did you think I would lose to you through a battle of wits? Do you have any idea how many times I've had to use wits to survive back when I was in the US army? That's all you are, Dainsleif. You're really just a man. Just like I was. A soldier."

I fell to my knees, clutching my broken wrist, trying not to black out.

"That's how you won most of your fights right? You didn't just have top rate equipment. You were also cheeky. And cunning. But that's the thing, Dainsleif. There's a lot of people in this world who are just like you. There's no such thing as special people. And I am an example of that. I am just like you. Correction. I was just like you."

Gigaton kicked me with that same superhuman strength, as I skidded to the other side of the massive room.

I tried to get to my feet, but Gigaton had already closed the distance and slammed his foot into my chest, pinning me on the ground and knocking the wind out my lungs.

"But now I have the powers of a god. Thanks to both Project Sunburst, and Doctor Destroyer's leadership. So for him, I will carry out my orders. Perfectly."

Gigaton pointed the palm of his hand to my face, as it began to glow, but his expression changed.

"And of course, I figured you weren't the type to go down that easily."

Gigaton spun around, and unleashed a wave of energy from behind. Sigurd darted to the other side, and launched a flying back kick which Gigaton blocked, causing him to skid backwards.

"Dainsleif." Sigurd grabbed me and pulled me behind her.

"S- Sig... you're in really bad shape!"

Sigurd breathed heavily, her face was full of rage. I never seen her like this before.

"Shut up, and let me protect you."

I grabbed her shoulder, startling her.

"Sigurd! That's enough! What the hell is up with you lately? You're acting so strange ever since the upgrade. Being irrational. Going on and on about having to protect me. The Sigurd I knew wouldn't force herself to fight all those Destroids at once, then so recklessly fight this old gramps head to head like this!"

"Hey. I'm not that old you know-" Gigaton muttered.

"Oy! Shut up, gramps! I'm trying to talk to Sigurd here!" I snapped.

"Gah! Gramps?!"

I stepped forward and put my hands on Sigurd as her face turned red.

"Look at you. I... I don't even recognize this girl in front of me right now. You're supposed to be the level headed one. So why are you getting hurt and damaged like this?"

Sigurd gritted her teeth.

"It's my purpose to ensure you're-"

"Stop! Just stop! Sig..."

I sighed.

Those biotech upgrades... she only accepted some of them.

Meaning she had taken more elements of a human being.

Feelings of protection, and...

Feelings of obligation.

I looked at Sigurd again. Her face was so busted up. One of her eyes was now gone, ripped off, revealing nothing but mechanical components underneath.

When I took her hand... it was warm. Before she got her upgrades, her body always felt cold.

"Sigurd... could it be because you don't want to lose me?"

Sigurd grimaced, as she pushed me out of the way. Stomping forward.

"It's my precept. I will... do this. Even if I am changed by my parts. I will fight. You're just a human. And I am an expendable android. You have what I yearn for, and that is a genuine human life. I will not allow it to go to waste. Even if the possibility is negligible to you, it is not negligible to me."

"Hey! How can you say these-"

My voice faltered.

You have what I yearn for, and that is a genuine human life.

That's right...

How could I have been so stupid?

Sigurd could have as many biotech upgrades as she could. Hell, she could even have real tits.

But fundamentally... she was still...

A machine.

And there really was nothing we could do about that.

Gigaton regarded Sigurd, as Sigurd forced new blades to retract from her forearms and her calves.

Sigurd rushed forward, dodging Gigaton's blasts of energy and acrobatically darting across the massive room, and leapt into the air, clashing with his armour.

"You've got spunk. If you weren't an android, I would definitely want you."

Gigaton shifted his weight, causing Sigurd to fall into his grip. The villain grabbed her wrist, crushing it and deforming the metal under her skin.

Sigurd glared at Gigaton and spun around, causing her hand to be twisted off, but retaliated with a swipe with her leg blades.

"Not bad!" Gigaton smiled manically, unleashing a devastating energy explosion which blasted Sigurd point blank.

Sigurd fell back and smashed into the ground violently, as Gigaton rushed forward and delivered a devastating haymaker at her chest.

Sigurd was sent airborne, shooting like an arrow as parts flew out of her busted up body, as she skidded in front of me.

"Ergh... guh....uhh..." Sigurd muttered, clenching her teeth, her eyes closed.

I knelt in front of her, dragging her body and resting her head against my lap.

Gigaton approached us.

What was I supposed to do? He already figured out my blinding trick. And I had no more weapons at my disposal.

I...

I was fresh out of ideas.

"Alright. Playtime's over, Dainsleif. Time to go back in your pod. Or I will dismantle your robot girlfriend and turn her into a microwave. Get it? Because my powers are radiation."

I gave Gigaton an unimpressed look.

"C- Come on. I thought that was a good joke. I was told that I don't crack a lot of jokes often, and since you're in the young generation, I figured..."

"That's cringe, gramps."

"Alright. Screw it. Say goodbye to Miss Sigurd-"

SLICE.

Gigaton stumbled back, as a line of red appeared in his chest plate.

"What did-"

An explosion of blood erupted from his chest as Gigaton coughed.

"How did you-"

My eyes widened, as a young girl in a white yutaka appeared in front of Gigaton, her katana sheathed, and her eyes closed.

"There's more of you?!" Gigaton exclaimed, as he powered up, but the girl spun around.

White Lotus Watercress Slash

Millions of lines appeared all over the super villain, as he let loose a final breath.

"I... I never saw it coming..."

Gigaton fell back in a pool of blood, as the girl approached us, opening her round purple eyes.

"You seem worse for wear, Dainsleif. And Sigurd... I should have known those biotech upgrades were a bad idea. Look at how far you've fallen."

Outer Shadow Dagrun knelt down and put her hand on Sigurd's face, as Sigurd tried to speak, but Dagrun put a finger to her lips.

"Shh. Come on. Let's get you two out of here. At the very least, to Millennium City. We'll figure out how to destroy Destruga and steal all this Destreum once Dainsleif has his mana restored."

To Throw Yourself Away

How far are you willing to go.

Sigurd.

To throw away yourself like this.

Do you really think that's going to change anything for the better, if I lived on knowing you got yourself destroyed for my sake?

I clutched my head.

"Aaron, why do you never think about yourself for a change? Please. Please take better care of yourself..."

"But... that would make me selfish-"

"What's so selfish about it! Aaron! How could you think hurting yourself in front of me would make me happy in any way!"

Jessie grabbed my collar, her eyes leaking tears.

"Why is it selfish?! Tell me why Aaron?!"

The police were coming.

They were here to chase down a kid who had committed a robbery. What had originally been a prank that Jessie wanted to pull quickly escalated into a break in from the delinquents she had befriended. All of the blame was put on her, as the kids had ran away, leaving her all on her own.

We all had a role to play in this.

I had given her the a-okay.

But we were all responsible for it. And I had told everyone that I was the one who masterminded the whole operation. I led the police to believe I was the main suspect, and I had forced Jessie into my plan to rob the store.

I convinced the cops into believing that I made the delinquents threaten the civilians with guns.

I convinced the cops that it was me who forced Jessica to pull the trigger.

And kill the shopkeeper in cold blood.

"If the cops find out it was you, you'll be throw into juvie, or maybe even worse, Jessica. I know you shot the shopkeeper out of self defence, but manslaughter is manslaughter. At least let me take the blame. I've been there once already."

Jessie stared at me, as the red and blue lights shone across the dark room of the store. The sounds of the sirens suddenly felt very irrelevant.

"This... this wasn't your fault... Aaron. I was the one who coerced you into doing all of this. I... I ruined you. You were getting back on track to being well behaved and my shitty influence made you into..."

"Jessie. I don't regret anything."

The cops pushed me to the ground as Jessie screamed my name, several police officers pulled her back from the scene of the crime, but I simply smiled, the cold metal of the handcuffs going across my wrist.

"Please don't do this... Aaron. I never asked for this..."

"It's not up to you to decide, Jessie. Because I love you. I will protect you even if it costs me my life." I remembered saying.

It was because I was so negligent about myself did Jessie end up like this. Jessie, the ray of sunshine that I had in my life ended up like this.

I will never forgive someone for trying to throw their life away for the sake of a loved one.

I hate it.

You won't achieve anything for doing that. You might as well put them through even more hell.

The guilt of being the one who got away with it is crushing enough.

But to know that they did it for your sake is even heavier.

"Aaron. You look like you're about to throw up. Is your mana still depleted?" Dagrun sat next to me, as we watched the repair bots tend to Sigurd, who was still unconscious.

"Nah. Just remembering is all."

Dagrun inspected me.

"According to Master Jun, Gigaton was a US Military Private who got enlisted to Doctor Destroyer's ranks. He should have been light work for Sigurd, even if she is a Auxiliary Shadow."

"She was already damaged from fighting an entire horde of Destroids... and I can only imagine she had suffered even more damage when she broke into Destruga to pursue me. So by the time she went to fight Gigaton, she was basically performing at 10%."

Dagrun sighed.

"Sigurd... why would you do something so stupid?"

I clenched my fist.

"I have a pretty good idea why. But right now, I have to get my mana back. I'm pretty useless right now, if I couldn't even beat Gigaton. Pack my things, and take out Destruga. You don't need to be here."

"To be fair though, you don't even have any superhuman abilities. You fought that old pervert as a regular dude and nearly killed him. I don't think I've met anyone who could have accomplished that. Also, what gives?! I show up and you're immediately kicking me out!"

I looked at Dagrun, as she started pouting.

"I lost to Doc Destroyer the first time because I didn't know jack shit about his abilities, and Master Jun decided to send me to fight him with literally no prep whatsoever. Now I have an idea of how he fights, taking him out should be a piece of cake."

"Awww, come on, Aaron! I want to join! Let me join let me join let me join!!!!" Dagrun started shaking her little fists and throwing a tantrum.

Yep. Good news, fellow weebs.

Dagrun, real name, Tokiko Marin, was in fact one of those stereotypical "kawaii" type girls who complained about everything. Trained to be an elite samurai after her big brother died under the Marin Clan, she lived a life of relentless slaughter, until Master Jun took her in. Made her an Outer Shadow, and gave her a brand new katana (after I accidentally broke her old one causing her to cry).

Tokiko was probably one of the fastest Outer Shadows, her whole schtick was to be able to move super fast and deliver extremely fast slashes with her katana. The only person I knew who surpassed her speed was Inner Shadow Jay Hellion, the Slipstream with his Stage Five Suijin, and the infamous martial artist Shosuke Shiki, the Devil Monk known for his One Strike Kill Style.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be opposed to having Tokiko on mission beside me. Her skillset was incredible. But there was a reason why Master Jun never really sent her out on missions.

"OH MA GASH! Look at all these hats! SO CUTE!" Tokiko started scrolling on her phone.

"Oh wait. These are shoes. BLEH!"

Yes.

Because as powerful of a samurai she is.

Tokiko is a complete moron, with the attention span of a mouse.

"So what's the plan, Aaron? Wait for your mana to recover? I think even just the two of us is more than enough to storm Destruga and capture the Destreum stock."

"I guess that would be nice. But I think Master Jun wants us to figure out how to get the recipe for it. Since he never figured out how to create the metal alloy."

"So we steal his blueprints? From his creepy lab?"

"Nah. I doubt the old dude still uses that stuff. He probably has the stuff saved in an encrypted folder somewhere. Maybe on a flash drive? Ah. Shit. Maybe I should wait until Sigurd fully recovers. This operation might be harder than I thought."

"Why don't we just beat him up and demand for answers?" Dagrun tilted her head.

"I doubt he'll suddenly put on a smile and reveal all of his company secrets to two teenagers." I sighed.

"Oh well. There's no hard deadline. I'll be outside checking out the ice cream place! Text me if you need anything!" Dagrun squeaked, cheerfully, as she bounded out the door of her own apartment.

"Wait! Your keys are still in the flat-"

SLAM.

The door closed in on itself, as I watched Tokiko run off into the sunset.

That idiot!

Also...

If Master Jun sent Dagrun of all people...

Did that mean he was short on operatives?! Why would he be scraping the bottom of the barrel to send Tokiko of all people out into a mission?

"Mm..." Sigurd muttered from within the sheets. I got up and sat by her side, as the drones finished up. The shadows nodded at me.

Sir Dainsleif. Repairs on Lady Sigurd are complete.

"Thanks."

Sigurd slowly opened her eyes, turned to me.

"Da- Dainsleif..."

"Good morning."

"My... internal clock tells me it is the afternoon."

Sigurd sat up, as I helped her.

"What am I wearing..."

"Pyjamas."

"I see..."

"I never thought you would have an actual female body under all that skin tight leather. Was a sight to behold for virgin eyes."

Sigurd stared at me, her face turning more red by the second.

"What did you do?!"

"Relax! I'm just kidding! I didn't do anything, nor see anything. Dagrun was the one who undressed you."

"I... I see."

We sat in silence.

"Seeing you flustered is honestly so weird." I admitted.

"Yes... Dainsleif..."

I sighed.

"You know, if you were going to take those biotech upgrades, you should have just went all the way. Now you're half human half robot. I don't even know what to think."

"What do you mean?"

"The point of those biotech upgrades was to turn you into a human. What the hell is the point of going part way? Now you're making irrational decisions, and emotion is clouding your judgement on mission. If anything, you've become more of a liability than you were before. And to think that you would say something like you would sacrifice yourself for me. Do you know how triggering that is given what I had been through..."

My voice trailed away, as I stared at Sigurd, who's eyes began to turn watery.

"Sig..."

Sigurd furiously rubbed her eyes.

"It is just an allergic reflex to- to-"

"Androids don't have allergies."

"What do you want from me, Aaron?!" Sigurd screamed in my face.

I was frozen in surprise.

Sigurd breathed heavily, as she clutched her pyjamas with her hands.

"I... I wanted to protect you. Is that wrong?! Is it wrong to want to protect someone you care about? When the drones were repairing me and trying to install those biotech upgrades, I always knew, from the bottom of my heart, all my calculations predicted it. Everything led to it."

Sigurd put a hand to her chest.

"I can never fully become a human. That doesn't exist. There isn't a technology that exists to turn a machine into a human. No matter how many upgrades I get. What kind of implants I have on my body. They're implants Aaron. Emotions. Feelings. I have them, but they aren't genuine... they're just... they're just programmed into me. I can never be a human and I can never live side by side with you as one."

Sigurd sniffled, as her voice began breaking.

"What am I to Master Jun Gasket's top Outer Shadow? I'm just a tool. A weapon that he uses. I am nothing more. If that's the case, then I am as expendable as those weapons you wield in battle. I am worthless in the regard of a genuine human companion. As a partner..."

"Sig. I think you should get some rest-"

"No. I want to keep talking. Aaron. You are Dainsleif, Master Jun's mighty sword. You exist to strike down enemies with the weapons he makes. So I will be your weapon. The best weapon you ever get. Because that is the best version of myself I can ever be. So use me. I will be your best weapon, and I will lay down my life to protect you and serve you. For when I am inevitably destroyed, I would have fulfilled my purpose-"

"Sigurd. I'm not going to repeat myself. Go to bed." I said, sternly.

"I don't understand. I don't understand why you are so against this. Why are you refusing my help? Am I not good enough for you? Why are you disapproving of my choices to remain functional for you in battle? I get my human implants are causing me to act irrational and emotional now, but that in itself is a strength. The strength to throw my life for your sake-"

"ENOUGH! I SAID STOP, JESSICA!" I roared, as Sigurd jumped, putting a hand to her mouth, her tears ran down her cheeks.

My eyes widened, as I realized what I had just said.

"Who is... Jessica...?" Sigurd whispered.

I took a deep breath, as I clutched the doorframe.

"Just stop talking, Sigurd. As of today, as Outer Shadow Dainsleif, you are no longer part of this operation. I am cutting you off from this. I cannot work with someone who refuses to cooperate properly with her team."

"Wait... Aaron, are you really going to-"

"You can stay here for one more night. After that, the Shadows will take you away. And remove all of your biotech upgrades. I'll also ask for them to delete your memory files of what's happened so far with the Destreum Acquisition Mission. This whole half human thing is clearly not working. It's getting in the way of your performance. And I'm sure Master Jun knows this too."

"N- No..."

I turned to her, coldly.

"Look at yourself, Sigurd. Look at yourself objectively. You say you want to be my best weapon? My best tool? Yet you're saying shit like throwing your life on the line? The best soldier is one who follows orders, and the same goes with tools and weapons. Look at you, crying and shrivelling like this, your personality chip has gone rampant."

"Please... Aaron... I promise I'll-"

"And now you're even breaking your own personal protocol and calling me by my real name? You're broken. I don't want this in my life. Since we're here, here's a fact of me that maybe you didn't know."

I tightened my grip on the doorframe.

"I absolutely despise people who recklessly throw their lives away for my sake. I HATE it. Do not ever say these things to me. The only reason why you haven't been dismantled and replaced is because of our history together. But if I hear something like this again, I might just change my mind."

I sat in the living room, lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling.

Tokiko probably got lost again. But it wasn't like there was anything in this world that could harm her.

I on the other hand had practically nothing. No mana. No weapons.

And now a faulty android...

No.

I shook my head.

I sighed, reaching out my hand.

"Why did I say such stupid things..." I muttered.

Even I knew better than to be so mean to someone who was hurting. And Sigurd was in a lot of pain.

I could have made the argument that she brought up a bad past, but there would have been no way she would have known.

And to call her useless and threaten to have her dismantled...

She wasn't a robot.

She wasn't a human.

But she was a person.

Whether we wanted to or not, whether the operation needed it or not, Sigurd was a person with feelings now. Maybe back then, when I first met her, I could do whatever I wanted, because she was a full emotionless husk.

I smiled.

Yeah...

Sigurd's first days, she was hardcore and merciless. She didn't care what people said about her, she would just do whatever it took to complete the mission. Whatever logical route.

Whether it meant saying the cruelest things, doing the most absurd things.

She would do it to fulfill her mission.

But over time, she started to get used to being around the other Outer Shadows.

Especially me.

She was one of the few girls I knew who tolerated (to some extent) the dumb shit I would blurt out, and would without hesitation bail me out of trouble. One time, I had convinced her to join in on one of my pranks on one of the Outer Shadows, arguing that it was a stealth exercise that required a two person coordination effort, and without question, she joined in.

I paused.

Remembering all the times and little things she did.

Does she even have emotions? Her rack isn't even real.

Sigurd's murderous look as she pointed her knife at my throat.

And that time. At Andropol.

When I told her she was amazing.

She was blushing.

Then when we were following Princess Avarice... she had commented on her dress.

And those times she tried to curl her hair or change her hairstyle.

But is it wrong? Am I wrong to wish to be seen as more than just an android...

I gasped.

"Sig... this entire time, you wanted to be a person. Even before you got those upgrades..."

All this time.

How could I have been so blind?

I sat up, staring at the dark room, where Sigurd was still lying down.

How could I have said such insensitive things to her, when she was feeling like this?

I had called her defective. And rampant. And broken.

When the person who was probably the most broke and defective was me, for lashing out on her like that.

To lash out at someone despite this person not even understanding what she did wrong...

Who was the irrational one?

"I guess... I should have been the one to be taken off this operation." I muttered.

"Please, don't say that, Dainsleif." Sigurd said, from behind.

I yelped, spinning around and falling off the sofa.

Sigurd was kneeling at the end of the sofa, her knees clutched to her chin.

"I... sensed elevated hormonal levels. I thought you were in cardiac distress."

"Holy shit. I uh. How long...?"

Sigurd smiled, her beautiful blue eyes glinting in the night sky.

"Yes, Dainsleif. Even before I received the upgrades you offered me. I always wanted to become a person. You may say I am irrational, but that does not change the fact that I feel this way. Logically speaking, that is now a part of my programming. Perhaps it may be because of the effect you and the other Outer Shadows have had on me."

"Ah..."

Sigurd's smiled melted.

"I apologize for being rampant and defective. I have costed you precious time on your mission. May you... may you find a suitable replacement. I may be just a machine, but I cherished our time together."

The ground began to bubble, as the shadows started to appear around Sigurd, clutching onto her body.

As per Sir Dainsleif's request. Infiltration Unit TX7F, Codename: Sigurd, has been scheduled for a memory purge and a reroll to a previous version.

No.

No, I-

"Stop. Shadows."

The shadows turned to me.

This Infiltration Unit has been compromised. Its computer processing unit has been corrupted with irrational decisions. TX7F will no longer be functional to you until we erase its memory files and have it restored to factory-

"HEY! I said stop!"

The shadows stopped.

Sir Dainsleif...?

Sigurd's eyes went wide.

"Dains...leif...?"

I stepped forward, grabbing a kitchen knife, and slashed at the shadows, forcing them to let go of my friend.

"She isn't defective. Call it off. I changed my mind."

But...

I glared at them, grabbing Sigurd's hand.

"Transform your hand into a blaster."

Sigurd stared at me.

"But Dainsleif, it's against-"

"That's an order, from an Outer Shadow."

Sigurd pursed her lips, as her hand expanded into a cannon. I took her wrist and aimed it at the shadows.

"Shadows... don't tell me you're underestimating Dainsleif just because he has no mana and weapons. You'd be wrong. Because I have the best weapon here next to me. And if you take her, I'll take your life."

The shadows made a shrieking sound.

N- No! Sir Dainsleif! It's just we were summoned here! We apologize! Please forgive us!

"Get the hell out of our house."

Yes Sir Dainsleif! We will- we will leave accordingly! Sorry sir! Sorry!

"And clean my room back at the barracks!"

It shall be done, Sir! Please forgive us!

"Also make sure the trash is emptied, the laundry is done, and my bedsheets are cleaned when I get back."

Yes sir! The shadows shrieked, panicking as they began to retreat, sinking into the ground.

"You..." Sigurd gave me a disgusted look, but her expression softened, as we sat next to each other on the sofa.

"Why did you call off my purge?"

I scratched the back of my head.

"Ah... I guess you can say I've been a little rampant myself. For saying these things to you. I didn't even bother consider your feelings. Damn. Some boss I am, right?"

A smile slowly rose on her face.

"You were never my boss, considering all the times I have had to rescue you from your own silly antics."

"Hey hey hey! What do you mean? My antics are what makes me, me!"

I shot to my feet, posing majestically.

"I am Dainsleif. The greatest Outer Shadow of Master Jun Gasket!"

I began making corny hand motions, as Sigurd watched me.

"For even if I am just a man, just a regular ass dude! I still kick ass! Why? Because I work hard! And..."

I held out my hand, in front of Sigurd, who gasped.

"I have the best android assistant anyone could ask for."

Sigurd stared at me, stunned.

"Uh. Sig. This is the part where you take my hand by the way."

Sigurd slowly stood up, her feet on the cushions.

"Sig...?"

Sigurd bit back her lip, as she rushed forward and flew into my arms.

"Aw. Jeez. I guess I'll have to get used to this now. Not like I'm complaining."

Sigurd sniffled from within my T-shirt.

"Thank you, Aaron."

We sat back down on the sofa, staring at the night view of Millennium City.

"Are you okay with me calling you Aaron? I will only refer to you as such when no one is around." Sigurd asked.

"Yeah. Whatever. It's fine."

"Very well."

I sighed, propping my feet against the armrests of the sofa, as my legs crossed hers.

Sigurd made a disapproving sound.

"Geh. You are as repulsive as ever. Were you never taught manners growing up?"

"Meh. I lived most of my teenage years homeless, or fighting gods, or in juvie. So I honestly can't say I did."

"So you were always like this..."

"Why? What's wrong with that? Also, for your information, I wasn't always like-"

I stopped, as my heart suddenly started hurting.

Sigurd sat up, her face full of concern.

"Aaron? What's wrong?"

I clutched my chest, as a tear ran down my cheek.

"N- Nothing. I..."

Just count to ten, Aaron.

You can't let her memory haunt you like this.

You need to move on.

I'm sorry, Aaron... I'm just a burden on everyone. If it wasn't for me... you could have lived a normal life.

"Tch!" I gritted my teeth, as I fell to the ground, on my knees.

I felt like throwing up.

The blood that splattered all over the floor.

Her brains that she had blown up... all so she thought she could save me from herself.

BZZZT.

A needle was jabbed in my back, as the feeling of nausea left me.

I breathed heavily, as Sigurd knelt next to me.

"Your elevated heart rate. Your brain signals and your sudden upsurge of chemicals in your nervous system... did you just suffer from a post traumatic stress attack?"

"I... yeah. Yeah. I was reminded of Jessica."

"The girl you mentioned earlier today?"

"Yeah."

Sigurd helped me up, as she carried me to the bed.

"Um... Sig, you don't have to do this. If someone walks in, I'm going to become a laughing stock again."

"You need to lie down."

"Nah, I'm good. Thanks."

"This is not negotiable."

Sigurd dropped me on the bed like a sack of potatoes.

"The least you could have done was let me down lightly." I grumbled, as Sigurd sat across from me.

"Do you want to talk about it? You called me Jessica earlier today as well. I want to know, if you are comfortable with telling me."

I sighed, as I rested my head against the pillow.

"Jessica Lane was my girlfriend back when I was fifteen. In high school. She was my first high school friend too, actually."

"What was she like?"

I laughed.

"She was a total nutcase! She would always get in trouble, pulling pranks, running antics. Whether it was something she wanted to do, or something she totally did not intend to do. She was always caught up in trouble. She would always blurt things out and get scolded by teachers. One time, I swear, I'm not joking, she straight up admitted she had a ear biting fetish during her announcement in the PA for everybody to hear! How embarrassing is that!"

Memories of Jessie appeared in my mind. Warm ones. My heart began to tingle.

"Jessie loved going to the beach. She would always sneak out even after curfew whenever we went on our school trips, and drag me along. One of the best traits she had, was her feeling of freedom. If there's a term for having the complete opposite of social anxiety, that was her. She was never bound by anyone. People always told her to act more ladylike, because she looked like a model. She had a cute face, and was tall and elegant. But a lot of guys were so turned off because she would just not care about her appearance at all. She once propped her feet up on the table and chugged an entire root beer, outdrinking the boys."

I smiled, picturing Jessie in front of me, as I reached out and touched her face.

"When I was in high school, I only cared about following the rules. I was so gloomy. Obviously. Some kid who was thrown into juvie, immediately after being hunted by a ton of gods and committing crimes just to stay alive as a homeless kid. Everybody just found me super creepy. And one night, I killed the goddess Hanako in the girls washroom, and one of the girls found me covered in blood, walking out of the stall. Word spread quick, and I was avoided by everyone. But Jessie... Jessie didn't care. She didn't care if other people found her gross for talking to the strange dude.

"Jessie took me to the beach, then took me out clothes shopping, then she brought me to practically every restaurant. I can even recall each one off the top of my head. She would invite me out to play badminton, frisbees, pool, ping pong, you name it. Every new movie that came out, she would want to watch it, but she would only watch it with me. I always believed she just wanted to talk to me to look cool, but the reality was, she was just tired of being with people who were trying to get on her good side. And when it came to me, we both knew that if there was the off chance that we liked each other, it wasn't for any benefit like reputation, or grades, or money, or career. We would like each other for who we were."

My smile melted. Sigurd sensed my change in mood.

"But something happened, didn't it. Because you were so gloomy, after meeting her, you changed."

"They say when two people are together, and love each other a lot, some of their personalities rub off on each other. And while Jessie's lighthearted, silly and air headed personality rubbed off on me... my negative, self sacrificing personality rubbed off on her."

I clenched my fist.

"One day, Jessie got acquainted with some bad kids. I followed along, and our pranks and antics started to get more risky. From flipping the signs of the school message of the day, to graffiti, to stealing from stores. Then one day, one of the acquaintances suggested we rob a gun store. So we could mess with the owner, who had been harassing Jessie for the longest time. I was mad at the owner, so I backed the idea up, and Jessie decided to roll with it. But very quickly, the plan backfired, as the owner had learned of our plan and stayed in the shop even after closing hours. We were caught, locked inside the building. The delinquents threatened to shoot the civilians with their stolen firearms. But the owner knocked me over and scared all the delinquents away, causing them to drop their stolen guns and put all the blame on Jessie before she could even explain herself. The owner let the kids go, and cornered her."

I took a deep breath. Calming myself down.

"The owner, a pudgy 6 foot 5 man, pinned her down on the ground, and proceeded to undress her. And Jessie, obviously freaking out, screamed, begging for him to stop. I ran to the other side, with a gun in my hand, and was about to shoot him, but Jessie told me to stop, telling me that killing was wrong."

My mind flashed back to the dark memories.

"I... I remembered the man getting up and knocking the gun out of my hand, and overpowering me, slamming my head against the counter over and over again until blood came out of the side and leaked on the ground. But even then, the man wouldn't stop kicking and punching me. Normally, I would have been able to come up with a way to take him down, but my thoughts were just flooded with ways to make sure Jessie was safe. And that was where Jessie had picked up the gun."

Sigurd continued listening. I appreciated her for doing so.

"The man dropped me on the ground, as I found myself unable to move. My body was in so much pain and I was almost blacking out, but the horror was keeping me awake, as I watched the man inch closer and close to Jessie, who was aiming the gun and her hands were trembling. The man told her to put the gun down, and that he would give her a good time, and Jessie asked if she did what he asked, he would let me go. But the man simply told her that once he was done having fun with her, he would take his time to kill me. And Jessie... in a frenzy, pulled the trigger, shooting the shopkeeper square in the forehead. The gunshot was so loud that the people living outside of the store had dialled the police, and shortly afterwards, the cops came. I took the blame for everything, believing that the only way to protect my girlfriend was to take the hit. I thought if I could take all the blame, I could protect her and she would be safe. I was... wrong. So very wrong.

"By the time I returned from my time in juvie, Jessie was never the same again. Every little action that she did, she would ask if I was okay with it. And... she became mentally unwell. I could tell something inside her broke. She no longer stopped going to the beach, she no longer stopped going outside and talking to people. Her usually happy and bubbly exterior disappeared. I went to the shrine for the God of Hope to pray for her, begging the god to heal and save my girlfriend, because I didn't have the strength to. The following night, she brought me over to her room at her house, and I thought maybe the god had answered my prayers. I should have seen it, but she had kept the gun that was used to shoot the shopkeeper under the pillow, but I couldn't see it. She sat on the bed and asked if we could have sex. And I refused, because I could tell she was still unwell. That... that was the breaking point."

I put a hand on my mouth, resisting the urge to throw up.

"She had a mental breakdown, pulling the gun out from under her pillow, and pointing it at her head. She told me that she wasn't enough for me, and that all she was being was a complete burden. She believed that if she was out of the picture, she would stop corrupting me and turning me into this... this... trouble magnet like her. She blamed herself ever since that night, and every day I was in juvie, she was hating herself. I never knew that it would escalate like this. And when I refused to make love to her, she told me it was because of just that. If the one remaining thing she could offer me was no longer there, the carnal part of our relationship, she didn't deserve to be in my life. Before I could do or say anything, she had already pulled the trigger."

A wave of nausea rolled over me as Sigurd quickly injected me with another needle, healing me.

"My girlfriend committed suicide right in front of me. All because I chose to be this... self neglecting piece of shit. And because of my influence on her, she turned into just that. She thought that by killing herself, she could make me feel better, when that just isn't the case. It wasn't... it just wasn't. So... so..."

My voice broke.

"I've lived by this code. To never throw my life away for others. To live for them. Because if you really truly love and care about someone, you would know better than to throw your life away for their sake. Because speaking from experience, it will never do anyone any good."

Sigurd slowly put a hand to her mouth.

"I'm... I'm so sorry... no wonder you were so mad... I was ignorant, and... and..."

I put my hand on her head.

"Huh?" Sigurd gasped.

"It's okay, Sig. You never knew. We're okay. But... yeah. That's... that's my life story I guess when it comes down to love. Kinda dark, isn't it."

Sigurd slowly put my head against her chest.

"You cannot pretend to be okay in front of me, Aaron. I can sense your heart is in a lot of pain. Logically, and... emotionally."

"I..." My voice continued breaking, as my breathing became erratic.

"I'm in pain." I sobbed, crying and bawling like a little baby.

"I'm in so much pain, Sig. It hurts so fucking much. I miss her so much. I miss Jessie so much." I cried out, deliriously.

I never got over it. Huh.

Jessie...

I never got over you.

I Make The Worst First Impression Ever

If I find Tokiko I was definitely going to dropkick her back to the Japanese Slice of Life anime where she belonged.

This shithole had no AC!

"Ughhh..." I grumbled, as I opened my eyes, to see Sigurd lying on the bed next to me.

She was awake.

And she was looking right at me with those dazzling blue eyes.

Now that's what I call a sight to see first thing in the-

!!!

Sigurd!!!

What the hell was she doing sleeping in the same bed as me?! And I was in my underwear too!

"Sigurd!!! What the hell?!"

"Good morning, Dainsleif."

"Don't 'good morning' me! What are you doing in my bed?!"

"The air conditioning in this flat was broken. You were cold. So I thought my body warmth would heat you up and return you to your optimal temperature."

"By sleeping with me? What is wrong with you! Please tell me you're fully clothed..."

I slowly raised the covers, but I stopped.

No.

I don't think I could handle the answer. Nor do I even want to know.

"No, Dainsleif. I removed all of my clothes. To properly disperse my heat, I must establish skin contact."

All the blood drained out of my face.

"Y- Y- Y- Y- Yo- You w-w-w-w-w-w-what....?!"

Sigurd gave me a smile.

"Just kidding. I am in my leather combat suit. Heat transfer is unaffected. We were also not directly making contact as you slept. My body temperature warmed you through convection under the covers."

"I don't think that's the problem here!"

Sigurd raised an eyebrow.

"Were you perhaps disappointed that I was fully clothed last night?"

I realized I was still staring at her. I jolted out of my bed, and fell on the ground.

"Owwwww...." I muttered.

"How manly." Sigurd leaned over the bed with her chin propped up by her hands.

"Shut up, you rust bucket." I grumbled, as I left the room and went to make breakfast, when suddenly someone knocked on the door.

"Hm?" I muttered, with a piece of toast in my mouth, as I walked up to the door and opened it, revealing a enormous husk of a... person?

His skin looked like literal grey metal, and he looked like he was wearing the bare minimal of Greek attire, from golden sandals, to a belt, and shoulder guard, to a spartan helmet.

"Greetings, Earthli-"

"ALIEN! SIGURD! SIGURD A SUPER UGLY ORC IS AT OUR DOOR!"

"Heh? Alien? No, I am Ironcl-"

I screamed, as I slammed the door in his face and reached for my kitchen knife.

Sigurd blasted to my location, her hand transformed into a blaster.

"Where is the hostile- kya!!" She yelped, as I grabbed her wrist and dragged her to the door, opening it again and aiming Sigurd's hand at the giant dude's face.

"If you're here to take body part samples, try the old lady next door. Granny Gravestone is about to hit the bucket any day now. I'm sure she doesn't mind having a few toes removed. There's nothing for you here!"

"No, Earthling. You misunderstand, I am here to-"

"NO!" I screamed, cutting him off. My mind flashing to the horrifying scenes of this anime I used to watch where the main protagonist was chased by a horde of female orcs.

"Don't take me to your females! I make terrible breeding material! I swear! I'm a huge virgin and I have a blonde hair fetish! I won't do as a mate..."

My voice trailed away, as Sigurd and the stranger stared at me.

"While I respect your honesty about your... less redeeming qualities, I don't think this gentleman is at all hostile." Sigurd said.

"Uh... I... uh..." I stammered, as the man simply smiled cheerfully.

"Well, I am sure you are still a wonderful young man. Whatever this 'blonde hair fetish' is."

Did this meathead alien not know what fetishes were?

A sense of relief washed over me.

I love you, random stranger. May you never change.

"Dainsleif... are you crying...?" Sigurd muttered.

I cleared my throat.

"I'm Dainsleif. Um. Nice to meet you. Mind if I ask what you're doing here?"

"I am Ironclad. And I'm here because I believe you may know this lost little girl."

Ironclad turned around, revealing Tokiko, who was being held by Ironclad in one hand like a lost little puppy.

Her eyes were puffy from crying as she was sniffling.

I didn't need a mirror to know the expression on my face.

"Dagrun..." I muttered.

"SIGURD! OH MY GOD! I WAS SO SCARED!" Tokiko sobbed, as Ironclad put her on the ground gently. Tokiko ran up to Sigurd and threw her arms around her midsection as Sigurd looked startled.

"I got lost! And I kept walking in circles over and over again! Then... then... by the time I got back to the flat, the door wouldn't open! So I went to the store to buy dynamite to blow open the door but the shopkeeper said they didn't sell explosives! And then he threatened to call the police!"

Why the hell would the first thing that came to mind when you encountered a locked door be to blow it up?!

The more Tokiko was talking, somehow, the more embarrassed I got.

Like.

This girl.

Is an Outer Shadow.

This girl is my colleague. She is somehow affiliated with me.

And unfortunately, she was not done.

"So I apologized. And left the shop, and... and... I GOT LOST AGAIN! WAAAAAAAH!" Tokiko wailed, as she pressed her face against Sigurd's chest, waterboating her.

Sigurd was frozen, as if all her brain applications suddenly crashed.

Ironclad put his hands against his hips.

"When I saw a lost little girl all on her own, I could not stand idly by. I asked her where her parents were, and she forgot. Ah. The terror she must have felt! But I was able to get an address from a piece of paper she kept in her pocket, and here we are. I am simply glad she is safe!"

"Uh. Yeah. Thanks." I said, as I grabbed Tokiko and yanked her into the flat as she yelped.

"Have a good day Mister Alien." I closed the door, but Ironclad put his hand out, stopping it.

"Actually, Dainsleif. I also came here with a message."

"Uhhhhh.... can you maybe email me it? It's in the morning... and I haven't showered or even gotten dressed yet, so..."

"What is e mail?"

I stared at Ironclad.

Come on dude...

"Do you have a phone?"

"A cellular device? Yes. In my planet Dorvala, we used all forms of communication, including the cellular phone."

Ironclad fished out a brick and handed it to me.

"It is designed to withstand the impact of my battles."

....

"Umm... okay. That's cool. Here's my numb-"

I paused.

Wait.

My cell phone... would it work in a futuristic world like this one?

Sigurd stepped forward and placed her hand on Ironclad's "phone".

"Dainsleif's contact information has now been uploaded to your contacts. Feel free to keep in touch, and we apologize for any inconvenience Dagrun has caused."

Ironclad bowed.

"No no no. It is a hero's duty to look after and make sure a lost little girl is home safely. May you two continue to raise such a sweetheart."

I choked on my own spit, and Sigurd's face flushed red, her eyes wide.

"N- No, this girl is not our child." Sigurd waved her hands frantically.

"How can you even say that?! She doesn't even look like us! She's Japanese! I'm white, you racist oaf!"

Ironclad was already gone, as Sigurd and I stared at the ground in awkward silence.

"Daddy." Tokiko said, sarcastically.

I spun around and grabbed her cheeks, twisting it as her face made a bunch of funny expressions.

"Ouchie! Aaron, that hurts!"

"You demon loli! What the hell did you tell Ironclad?! You want me to put all the white chocolate chip cookies on the top shelf of the Outer Shadows pantry again?!"

"NO! Aaron! Anything but that! The last time you did that I had to ask for help and it was so embarrassing!"

"And I'll do it again after that stunt you just pulled! Sigurd, say something cold and insensitive!"

I turned to Sigurd, who simply stood there. She put her hand on her elbow as she blushed.

"Why are you blushing?!" I exclaimed, as I put my hands to my forehead.

"Okay. I'm just going to take a shower and pretend none of this happened. And we will have a proper meeting once I'm fully dressed."

Dagrun and I sat across from each other at the living room table. Sigurd stood by me.

"Alright, Tokiko. Spit it out. I know you didn't just get lost on purpose. What did you learn about this place?"

"Oh. I actually did get lost. That part I wasn't lying about."

"Keh" My eye twitched in annoyance.

"Alright, but what did you learn?"

Tokiko unwrapped an ice cream cone.

"You can't storm Destruga."

"What? Why not?"

"Well, for starters, you don't have any mana, and since this world doesn't operate on mana, that means you can't use your current arsenal."

"Great." I grumbled.

"But even if you did, if you stormed Destruga, that would cause an international incident. This world has authorities and organizations for this. If you destroyed Destruga, that would cause mass chaos here, and if Master Jun wants to send more of us out here to do missions, he will lose a potential connection."

When Tokiko wanted to be smart, she sure was annoying.

"Can't we just send Sig to infiltrate it and take the files on Destreum?"

"Nope."

"What."

Tokiko licked the ice cream cone.

"I had the shadows to do some digging, and apparently, the files on Destreum are so confidential that Doctor Destroyer is the only one who has its information, the files are files only he can access. Which means we need to capture him. Meaning we have to defeat him."

"Oh, well if we're talking a stealth assassination, Sigurd can-"

"Impossible."

Tokiko wagged her ice cream cone at Sigurd.

"Sigurd would be able to easily defeat anybody in this Champions world, but against Doctor Destroyer she's outclassed. Because for one thing, Doc's armour has Destreum, she can't breach it with the parts she has now. Either she stalemates the Doctor, or he finds a way to shut her down remotely. Which I think he might be able to figure out given his reputation as the smartest super villain in this universe."

"But your katana could, right? I mean you one shotted Gigaton."

"Some weapons can breach the armour, like my katana. But that's mostly because of my technique and the fact that I'm half Oni. Your Black Bullet easily destroys Doctor Destroyer, but you'll end up killing him. Either way, we have no option of taking him and capturing him without causing an incident."

"God dammit! What are we supposed to do now.... aaaahhh!!!" I yanked at my hair.

Alright. We had no choice.

"Sigurd."

"Yes, Dainsleif?"

"Sleep with Doctor Destroyer. Use your seduction techniques to lure him to our side."

SLAP.

I clutched my cheek, as Sigurd had suddenly launched a signature housewife slap on her own boss. But within seconds, she regained her composure like nothing happened. And Dagrun did nothing to stop it. She looked like she was holding back a laugh.

"Wow, Aaron. You never do change, do you. What a pervert!" Tokiko giggled.

Sigurd looked away.

Huh?

What was that aura, was she mad?

"Doctor Destroyer has lost all forms of libido. His corruption for greed and power from his machinations have rendered his sexual drive nonexistent. Such a strategy would not work." Sigurd said.

"Aw. Well, it was worth a try."

Sigurd glared at me. I suddenly felt very scared.

"Ahhh, got any suggestions, Tokiko?" I said, nervously, changing the subject.

Tokiko shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, if storming Destruga causes such an incident, why not just join the heroes side? And have a reason to fight Doctor Destroyer?"

The gears in my head began turning.

That's it!

I slammed my hand on the table, as Tokiko jumped, dropping her ice cream.

"Aaron!" Tokiko protested.

"I have an idea! Why not just get Doctor Destroyer to come out of hiding, and have the heroes fight him. We will use that as a veil, and as Doc is on his last legs, we will swoop him and yeet him into Master Jun's throne room. We'll force him to give us the recipe for Destreum that way."

Sigurd regarded me.

"You are proposing we provoke Doctor Destroyer and have him initiate an assault on Millennium City."

"Yes!"

"So what you are saying is you want to start another Battle of Detroit?"

"Wait, what?"

Sigurd gave me a disappointed look. I guess even with those biotech upgrades, that part still never changed about her.

"Doctor Destroyer has tried to capture this city once before. In the Battle of Detroit. But he failed, despite initiating a full scale invasion, because the heroes fought back. Ever since then, he has been plotting vengeance. The Battle of Detroit destroyed all of the city and left many in ruins. What you are proposing is to initiate another catastrophe."

"Ah! Water under the bridge. Water under the bridge. We'll get him to initiate the invasion, have the heroes fight back and forth a bit, then I'll just use Ironsight's missile launcher to eliminate all his lackeys, and a Black Bullet, strip him buck naked, and send the shadows to send him back. Easy peasy."

Sigurd's eye twitched.

"You never cease to amaze me, Dainsleif."

"Why thank you."

"I was being sarcastic. Your plan is to initiate armageddon on an innocent city."

I sighed, but Sigurd spoke up.

"If I may, Dainsleif. I do have one suggestion."

"Go for it, Sig."

"If we are to capture Doctor Destroyer without an international incident, then perhaps we should consider an alliance with the heroes of this world. And fight on that accord."

"So... it'll be like we have a reason to fight, right?"

"Millennium City sees hundreds of hero prospects each day. I have already networked with the universal artificial intelligence that governs the affairs of this world, Socrates."

"Wow, Sig. You're already BFF's with the computers of this world too. Good on you, robot girl."

Sigurd frowned.

"What is a BFF?"

"Nevermind. So, where do we go to talk to the heroes?"

"I would suggest speaking to Defender. He would be in the Champions Headquarters."

The two of us got up, but Dagrun stopped us.

"Wait. There's one more thing."

I looked at her.

"What is it?"

The mood suddenly changed. I could feel it, and I knew Sigurd could too, because she sat back down.

"What is the matter, Dagrun?"

Dagrun pursed her lips.

"While I was out there, wandering around, I saw another one of us."

"Another one of us? Like, Outer Shadow?" I asked.

Tokiko nodded.

"Shiki."

Sigurd and I stared at her. A chill ran down my spine.

"Are you sure?"

"I am positive. I don't know why the Devil Monk is in Millennium City, but if he is around, that would mean Inner Shadow Bishamonten is here too. And where Bishamonten is..."

I clenched my fist.

"War follows. This just got a lot worse. Why would Shiki be here? What's the point of him even being here? The people of this city are nothing compared to his One Strike Kill Technique. There's no reason for an S+ Rated Outer Shadow to even step foot on this place."

"Unless he's also come for the same reason as we did, for Doctor Destroyer's Destreum. Doctor Destroyer doesn't stand a chance against Shosuke. He might have had some saving grace against you because your fighting style is technology, which is his specialty, but against a martial arts prodigy who can literally make people explode into guts from the force of one strike? Destreum or not, there isn't a being who can survive his One Strike Kill style." Dagrun replied.

Sigurd put a hand to her chin.

"No. I am not convinced the Devil Monk would be here for that. If he is working for Lord Bishamonten I don't think his grace would find use in a nigh indestructible metal, that is an endeavour more fitting to Master Jun."

"Then why would he be here? Why would Bishamonten be here too?" I asked.

Sigurd's face turned grim.

"Bishamonten is a God of War. I think he intends to initiate the Battle of Detroit to a global scale. And feed off of its chaos to make himself stronger."

"But why?"

"Lord Bishamonten is the only SS Rated Inner Shadow in the Black Legion. While everybody else is at least SS~ Rated. I believe he has sent The Devil Monk to cause chaos to this world, and by having the heroes and villains engage in a cataclysmic battle, the essence of the war will allow him to ascend. But the problem would be that if the world has been placed in jeopardy, we risk having Doctor Destroyer lost to the chaos, and thus we will not have access to the Destreum files, thus failing our mission for Master Jun."

Great.

So this whole operation got a whole lot worse.

"Regardless. We will need to initiate our plan. The sooner we establish connections, the faster we may aid the heroes in their battle, and eventually, we may see to capturing Doctor Destroyer under that veil."

Sigurd and I made out way to the HQ. Dagrun had decided to take a step back and sleep off all those hours she lost during the night.

The door was pretty big.

"The Champions Headquarters is home to the Champions Super Group. In that regard, we must be vigilant to ensure we make a proper first impr-" Sigurd explained.

Sigurd stopped, staring at me, as I had already opened the door.

"Oh, were you gonna say something?" I asked, sheepishly.

Sigurd sighed as we walked in.

"Wow, you know, for the base of one of the most prominent Super Groups, this place has the worst security."

"Dainsleif!"

"I'm just saying, like, why would you leave the front door open like that. Also, isn't the Champions Super Group not as popular as the big ones? Like... what was that one Super Group called that I saw everywhere in the Millennium City news. Like... Spacepan?"

"Do you mean Spectre?"

"Yeah. That Super Group has so many elite heroes. And then that one Super Group with Caliga, Conquer?"

"They are extremely prominent, and combat assessment of each individual member of the respective Super Groups shows combat proficiency far exceeding that of the heroes in the Champions Super Group, yes."

"Then why aren't we speaking to them?"

"Because this particular Super Group is iconic. It was the first to start it all. From Defender did Millennium City rebuild, he became essentially the poster boy of the heroes in this world."

Sigurd crossed her arms.

"We will need to speak to Defender, and seek his council on how to register as heroes. Then we may look into launching an assault on Des-"

"If they're gonna be so prominent, the least they could do is install some security here." I said, cutting Sigurd off as I started doing pull-ups on the arms of one of the statues lining the wall.

"What are you doing?!" Sigurd hissed, her eyes wide.

"Superhero pull-ups." I explained.

"What?!"

"I'm doing pull-ups on the arms of this superhero."

"That looks to be a memorial statue. Get down from there, that is incredibly disrespectful, Dainsleif."

A voice appeared around us.

"She's right. To barge into our base like that and disrespect the heroes who sacrificed their lives. You're not too great with first impressions, huh."

Sigurd's eyes went on full alert, as she tracked down the speedster that was zooming around and brought out her hand, stopping his momentum by grabbing his neck.

"Whoa there, missy! I don't mean any harm."

The man began vibrating out of her grip, as he zoomed away.

"Hostile detected. Remain up there, Dainsleif, I will eliminate the threat." Sigurd, said, as the man rushed in to attack again, but she dodged it.

"Damn! You're a fast one. Not a lot of chicks I've fought can keep up with my speed."

The man ran in circles around Sigurd, as he began unloading punches at a supersonic speed at her. I could barely see what was going on, as Sigurd's hair fluttered wildly from the winds. But it looked like she wasn't at all bothered, as the man rushed in and landed a punch square at Sigurd's face. A shockwave of wind flew outwards at the point of contact.

Sigurd was unfazed, as the man paused.

"What the- what are you made of?!"

Sigurd narrowed her eyes.

"You possess an evo that enhances all your bodily functions to the point where you exhibit superhuman speed. But your momentum is limited to the durability of your limbs when you attack. You cannot defeat me, Kinetik."

Kinetik smirked.

"We'll see about that."

The fist began vibrating, as Sigurd's eyes widened.

"That deadpan voice, and deadpan expressionless face. Not to mention you're so well developed and your face is unnaturally beautiful. There's no way you're a human. You're a robot, right?"

Kinetik drilled further with his fist, as Sigurd's face cracked, the hardened alloy of her endoskeleton buckling and the skin peeling away. Sigurd leaned back, as Kinetic rushed forward, launching a back kick. Sigurd zipped to the other side, as the two of them zoomed and clashed all over the base.

Kinetik rushed in and tried for another strike, but this time, Sigurd went low, unleashing a combination of punches that caught the hero and sent him flying back and slamming into a wall.

"Oh shi-" Kinetik yelped, as Sigurd blasted forward, her fist smashing into the wall where Kinetik was. Inches away from his face.

Sigurd leaned in until her face was super close to Kinetik.

"Threat neutralized."

She looked downright cold and merciless, and I could tell Kinetik was scared shitless, but there was also something else there.

"I like Sapphire... I like Sapphire... Just think about Sapphire..." Kinetik muttered under his breath.

Millions of lasers suddenly appeared, as a voice broke the fight.

"Hands in the air! Step away from Kinetik! Also, the weirdo who is hanging on the arms of the statue, get down from there!"

Sigurd glanced at who I was guessing was Defender, as the whole squad was assembled.

Witchcraft made eye contact with me, as Sigurd zoomed to my direction with her augmented speed.

"You-" Witchcraft called out, but was interrupted by Ironclad.

"Human boy! So you have decided to become a superhero!"

Witchcraft stared at Ironclad.

"You know Dainsleif?"

"Yes! He is the father of the girl who went to the store to try and buy dynamite!"

"Wait what?!" Witchcraft said, as she glared at me.

"Dainsleif was in Destruga, when I was imprisoned. He doubted my hero identity and refused to help me escape. So not only did you disrespect my abilities, you went ahead and tried to convince your daughter to illegally purchase explosives?"

Defender raised an eyebrow.

"If you are here to get arrested, you are well on your way, young man."

I raised my hands.

"No! No, you have it all wrong."

"What part of this is wrong? So not only did you disrespect Witchcraft, you sent your own daughter to purchase dynamite on your orders in the middle of the night, breaking the law, and now your girlfriend tried to assault a superhero just now. There are so many charges I can put on you right now."

"Oh. Sigurd isn't my girlfriend." I said casually, as a breeze blew past us.

Ironclad dropped his sword in shock.

"So... you- you impregnated her and despite this you refuse to acknowledge your partner?! How dishonourable! Even the Dorvalan race would never considering an act so heinous! My views on you have changed drastically!"

"Wait what?! No! Sigurd and I never did the deed! We didn't! Oh my god, you guys are making this so much more weird than it actually is! Sigurd, say something-"

Sigurd stared at the ground, her eyes wide and her face bright red as if she was overheating from the inside.

"Um. Sig?"

No response.

Yeah.

Real helpful, partner.

"Look. That girl was my colleague, Dagrun. She's actually nineteen years old. She isn't my daughter, she's older than me. Sigurd isn't my girlfriend, and even if I wanted to bang her, I can't, because she's a robot."

"And what about the explosives?" Defender asked.

"Oh, that's just Dagrun being a moron."

Defender sighed.

"Alright. I'm going to... just clear the air, and ask why you are here. Dainsleif."

I puffed my chest proudly.

"I want to become a superhero and work alongside you all."

Everybody stared at me.

Silence filled the air, as pieces of the wall that Sigurd had punched dribbled onto the ground.

Sigurd suddenly sprung into action, grabbing my face and hurling me into a nearby wall as I slammed into it. All the Champions continued staring at us with blank, confused expressions and mouths wide open.

"OW! What the- what was that for?!"

Sigurd breathed heavily.

"You never copulated with me."

"Y- Yeah, that's what I was saying-"

"You never copulated with me."

"I... yeah? I mean, Sigurd you look like you're about to burn up."

"Say. It. In front of them." Sigurd snarled, as she picked me up by the collar and dragged me to the superheroes, throwing me to the ground.

"Uh." I muttered.

"I never... copulated with Sigurd." I said, dejectedly in front of Defender, like a kid who got in trouble and had to confess.

"And apologize." Sigurd said, coldly.

"And I'm sorry I called Witchcraft a highway con artist. And for doing pull-ups at the Champions Building. And not watching over Dagrun. And for... uh, nearly killing Kinetik."

Awkward silence.

"Um. Uh." Defender cleared his throat.

"I... see. Well. I suppose, we... can brush all that under the rug... I guess."

Sigurd and I was seated in the main office, with Defender on the other side of the desk.

Everybody else was asked to leave.

And obviously, Sigurd did all of the talking.

"I am not opposed to new people who want to be a hero. But if you're going to be doing heroics, you should have registered in the Ravenswood academy."

"I believe we have already hashed this out with Socrates." Sigurd explained, showing Defender a bunch of documentation from the palm of her holographic generating hand.

"I see. Well, as it stands, Witchcraft has confirmed that Doctor Destroyer is still around, but our forces are very spread out. There's the matter of the Cosmic threats, and other beings such as Takofanes. We just... don't have the resources to fight Doctor Destroyer."

"And if he chooses to invade this city?"

Defender looked at Sigurd.

"Then we will do everything in our power to protect it. That is what it means to be a hero. But in terms of bringing the offensive to him, we don't have the feasibility. His forces are vast and too strong. Trust me, I've tried. And it isn't just him. We have to deal with PSI. Argent. Viper. All these terrorist organizations. We have our hands full. It's just how it's going to be."

So an offensive was not authorized. That sucked.

Our only way to get the Doc out of hiding was if he invaded.

"Might I ask you two why you are so determined to take down Doctor Destroyer?" Defender asked.

I perked up.

"Oh. I just wanna kick his as-"

Sigurd stomped on my foot as my voice went an octave higher.

"AAAAA!!!!"

Defender smiled.

"Are you two a couple?"

"No." Sigurd and I said at the same time.

"Okay! Okay. Just wondering. You two just seem quite affiliated with each other. I apologize for any misunderstandings."

Sigurd regained her composure.

"We wish to join your ranks. How shall we go about doing that?"

Defender nodded.

"Yes. Through merit. Little accomplishments and helping out the city. Anything that stacks up merit. Once merit is achieved, that's what recruiters look for when scouting new heroes. Also..."

Was it just me, or I was getting... really really sleepy.

"... to take down higher threats..."

My eyes felt very heavy.

"... Tyrannon the Conquerer..."

"... Dainsleif? Dainsleif! Dain..."

I could feel myself slump over.

And everything turned black.

"Heh? What? Where am I?" I spun around, inspecting my hands, then at my environment.

What was this place?

"Why..." A girl's voice. I couldn't pinpoint where she was.

"Why does everyone abandon me..."

I inched backwards.

Where was I?

Was this an illusion?

If this wasn't real... did I have my mana back?

Aspectum: Full Radar

My eyes lit up, as two bogies appeared in my vision.

Two hostiles.

"First it was Mama and Baba. Then it was the many Outer Shadows who were just so weak, they died before I even could make use of them."

I inched back.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Draugr D975AX Model 3

The handgun appeared in my hand via. magic circle, as I took aim.

The smoke cleared, as I narrowed my eyes.

A guy, wielding a mystical sword and an axe.

Yama's blade.

And Guan Yu's axe.

Transplant roared, shooting forward.

I honed in my crosshairs, and fired, shooting Draugr's accelerated rounds as they blasted into Danny, slamming into his body.

Danny darted to the side, as he took out his shotgun.

Convocatio: Turricalum Fourfold - Garrison Formation

The DS33's came together, blocking Danny's shotgun. Pellets glanced off the hide, as I leapt back and took aim once more. This time, the barrel pointed at the joints of his legs.

I dropped the cartridge and summoned a different magazine, slotting it in to the handgun quickly.

BANG. BANG.

Danny deflected the bullets, but the bullets exploded violently, sending him to the ground.

I held out my hand.

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Elemental Rounds

I reached in and pulled out a magazine, spinning it in the palm of my hand and quickly loading it into Draugr, and took aim again.

"RAAAAAR!" Danny growled, shooting forward with blinding speed, but I already figured him out.

"Concussive Repulsion Protocol." I ordered my turrets, as all four expanded into a star shape, releasing a blast of kinetic energy which forced him back. Danny growled, trying to fight back the energy wave, his feet sliding across the ground.

I calmly took aim, shooting, as Danny deflected the bullets with the flat of his axe, but the bullets suddenly expanded, latching onto his weapon and releasing an overwhelming amount of electrical current, electrocuting him.

Danny yelled, dropping his weapons and falling to the ground.

"Grrr..... rarrr...."

"Yuyan was supposed to be the ultimate Outer Shadow. Faster than you. Stronger than you. Deadlier than you. Unkillable. Undying. But why..."

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Caliga WA4000MX

The massive barrel of the super heavyweight rifle emerged from a magic circle, as I took aim.

Danny tried to move again.

"Incapacitation Protocol." I said, as my turrets switched configuration, spiraling and spinning around Danny. A powerful red laser emitted from each one, cutting off his limbs like a death helix as my rifle began to glow, the barrel charging up a shot. My finger tightened on the trigger.

"Why..." The girl's voice became more desperate.

I let loose an exhale, and squeezed the trigger, causing the high velocity shell to smash into Danny's chest. The force of the Caliga so great that his entire body erupted, disintegrating into ash. A massive shockwave from the impact emitted outwards which blasted the ashes apart.

Target Down: Danny Yuyan Zheng, the Transplant.

Time of Elimination: 12 seconds.

SHHK SHHK.

I loaded another round and aimed the crosshairs at the source of the voice. But I figured this was probably not a smart move, as the dust cleared.

Hakah stared at the ashes of Danny, spread in the wind. Her large round eyes wide in disbelief.

"Yuyan... you didn't even last 12 seconds against Dainsleif..."

Hakah slowly buried her face in her hands, as she opened her mouth.

"Uhhhhhh.... uhhhhhh...."

I lowered my gun.

"Oh. Uh, Lady Hak-"

"WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Hakah screamed, as I stood there awkwardly with my DS33's.

"Why am I always alone?! Why?! Everyone who works for me... is so WEAK! They're always so WEAK!!! WAAAAAAAAHHHH"

Hakah fell to her knees as she began slamming the ground with her fists, causing the whole place to shake. I stumbled back.

"Mama. Baba. Then all the Outer Shadows who died because they were so weak. Then Yuyan. Now... now... goh goh doesn't want to be with me, even though goh goh is the only person in the world who genuinely loves me. It's... it's so not fair. It's not fair!" Hakah sniffled.

Why did Hakah summon me here? This was definitely bad news.

Was she onto me?

No... but she sent this... simulation Transplant after me, why?

Hakah wiped her eyes and looked at me, as I yelped.

"Gasket... he has such a splendid Outer Shadow."

Hakah slowly got to her feet and walked up to me.

"I want one too. Just like you. Why can't I have you, Dainsleif? You won't die. Like Yuyan. Or become garbage. Like Marcela Greene. Why can't I have you?"

Hakah breathed down my neck, running her hands across the back of my head.

"Do you not want to be with me?"

Shit! I had nowhere to run! If this was one of her Dogma abilities. I couldn't escape unless she willed it!

Aaron's Therapy Services

I needed to escape from Hakah.

This nut job was probably the craziest girl I had ever seen in my life, and just being in her vicinity was making me shit bricks.

But...

Seeing her so heartbroken made me feel bad.

There was still the matter of what had happened to her that night.

She was the last daughter of the Mah clan, and she was immensely powerful. If I could figure out what was going on with her, we might finally have some answers. Rather than digging around and asking others, what if I asked her directly?

No one would become this crazy out of the blue.

There had to be a reason.

And if Hakah was going out of her way to draw me here and summon me here for a one on one, maybe I was the only person who could talk to her.

"Lady Hakah... Yeling hasn't talked to you ever since you revealed yourself to him?" I asked, cautiously.

Hakah stopped sniffling and glanced at me.

My heart crawled into my throat.

"S-Sorry! I meant your big brother. I apologize. I don't deserve to call him by his name-"

"Whatever."

Hakah dissipated into storm clouds and appeared at the roof of a nearby building, her legs dangling as she crossed them.

I struggled, climbing up the building and sitting next to her.

"Goh goh was the only person who loved me." Hakah said.

I turned to her, as Hakah gazed at the horizon.

"Mama and Baba didn't care about me as much as they cared about goh goh. They loved me, but not as much as him. After all, it would be him who would carry on the Mah legacy. But I would lose my surname if I got married. So my parents only cared about him, mostly."

"I'm sorry."

"But this didn't bother me. It didn't bother me at all. Because goh goh was there for me. He cared and loved me."

Hakah fingered her earrings.

"I thought as long as Yeling was here, my life would be complete. Even if he hurt me and burnt me... I would still love him and he would still love me. I believed that. But over time, these people took him away from me. He took the only person I loved away from me. I can't forgive them. I can't."

Hakah sniffled.

"Why did Yeling abandon me.... why did he abandon me and still have a smile on his face when he was with that little girl with the purple hair? It hurts... it hurts so much, Dainsleif. It hurts. No one loves me but him, and now... now... if even Yeling doesn't love me..."

What the hell was I supposed to do?!

I...

I needed to get out of here!

But...

The one person who could potentially tip the scales was me.

Because if I could understand Hakah, I might be able to tip her unstable mentality away from betraying Lord Ginga. She was the ultimate wildcard.

"Do you really think Yeling hates you?"

"He doesn't care that I'm gone. I got burnt by his flames, and he didn't care. I became so strong, and he didn't care. I sacrificed parts of my body, over and over again for the Dogma and he still doesn't care!"

"But... he was mad, wasn't he?"

"Huh?" Hakah looked at me.

"When he thought you were pretending to be her. Like. I was there when you went to confront him. He was mad and he said all those things about how every time he used his flames, he would hurt a lot. And every time he saw a girl with earrings it would remind him of you. And that would hurt him. I'm pretty sure if he didn't care about you, he wouldn't say these things. When he thought you used her name, he was so mad."

"I... but..."

I knew I was probably gonna be doing something stupid for asking this... but I had no choice.

"Hakah. What is it that you really want?"

"What?"

"Like. Why are you doing the things you're doing?"

Hakah swung her legs.

"To be with my big brother."

"Is that... it?"

"Yes. And it does not involve me conspiring against Lord Ginga."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Ehhhhh? Heh heh heh whaaaaaat? What are you talking about? I have no idea what you're talking about..." I said, nervously.

"Hellion informed me of Gasket's suspicions using his All Seeing Eye. Jeez. You guys are honestly so creepy."

I stared at her.

No way.

Are you kidding me? Then what the hell was the point in any of this?!

Hakah brought one knee to her chin.

"So I would appreciate it if you and Gasket would stop snooping around in my business. There is no need to obtain all that Destreum. It won't be enough to harm me anyway."

"Ah... well... that's... convenient, I guess."

"Also, if you two are so paranoid about investigating backstabbings, I should be the last person you would be suspicious about. If I recall, that idiot god Bishamonten decided to get himself involved with your mission as well, is he not?"

My face paled.

"Y- Yeah. Lord Bishamonten sent the Devil Monk into this world. Sigurd believes he may be trying to escalate a war and siphon of its energy to allow him to ascend. That'll be problematic since we're trying to capture Doc, not have him killed."

Hakah scoffed.

"Puny god. If he must resort to divine ascension to stand with us, he shouldn't bother. Is it not shameful for him to be SS Rated alongside an ordinary guy like you? He should quit, honestly!"

I felt bad, old Bishamonten getting slagged off by Hakah like this. But there was a clear difference in their powers.

After all, he was the only Inner Shadow to be rated SS.

And guess who else was also rated SS?

Me.

An Outer Shadow, no less.

Hakah looked out into the distance again.

"I envy you, Aaron."

She called me by my real name?

"Why is that?"

"You have such a nice boss. And lots of kind colleagues. And companions."

"Well I mean. You're the strongest person in this organization. You're the strongest Inner Shadow. And everybody fears and respects you. I think that's pretty good too."

"I don't care about my power. I just want to be with Yeling." Hakah's lower lip quivered.

She really missed him.

"I want things to be the way it was before. Whenever he would come home from school and ruffle my hair. He would hold my hand and take me out to look at all the pretty shops in our hometown Canan. Even when we immigrated to New Ulysses, he would also come and show me all the amazing things he learned in school and the pier. How the sun would touch the horizon and make pretty colours. Hell, even the many times we used to bicker and argue over the most pointless things. I want... I want that. But now..."

Hakah closed her eyes.

"Now Yeling doesn't want anything to do with me because he is sick. From this world. The world has warped him and now he thinks I'm wrong in everything. I can't accept that. I will do everything in my power to fix him. That's what I'm going to do."

"Fix....? What do you mean by fix?"

Hakah suddenly stood up and turned to me.

"I will serve Lord Ginga. I don't care about the others. I am not conspiring over anything. But at whatever cost, I will get back my precious goh goh. Even if it means I have to hurt him really really bad. And rip him apart. And cut him. I will make sure he is by my side by force. I don't need anyone in this world, as long as he is by my side."

"Do you really think hurting him is going to make him want to be by your side? Maybe you should hear him out."

"NO! He is sick! Do you not understand, Dainsleif? Can you not understand? He is sick and there is something wrong with him. I need to cure him. Once he is all better, he will be with me forever."

Hakah had truly gone batshit insane.

There was nothing for me to do here.

This was also none of my business. Knowing now she didn't have any plans to overthrow Lord Ginga.

A tear ran down her cheek.

"I'm really lonely." Hakah muttered.

I swallowed.

"I don't want to be the strongest. I just want someone... someone who wouldn't abandon me like my family did. But every person who I have is lost. I don't even have the one person who I would run to whenever I feel sad. So... Aaron Hope, please stay with me?"

Hakah grabbed my hands as my heart rate went up, and not in a good way.

So that was why she summoned me here.

This was really bad.

"You've been with Gasket for so long, you won't die so easily. You are strong, so please... please keep me company and help me retrieve Yeling? Please?"

I regarded her.

If I said no, she was most definitely going to hurt me bad. After all, even if I was Jun's Outer Shadow, if she killed me right here and then, there would be nothing Jun could do. He was no match for Hakah.

"I... uh... yeah. Sure." I nervously scratched the back of my head.

"Hooray!" Hakah bounded up and down like a little girl as she skipped around the entire place.

I sighed with relief, as I lay back down on the roof of the building.

"Where are we, anyway?"

"Canan. My home country."

"Wait, isn't this China?"

Hakah stopped skipping and took my hand, wind levitated the both of us into the air until we were hovering above the entire country of old fashioned buildings.

It looked like a little village, decorated with festival like lights.

"Canan was like China, but it had been overrun by the Chinese and we were soon integrated into their country against our will." Hakah explained.

"I... see..."

Hakah took my hand and showed me around, buying me a weird deep fried thing on a stick.

"What is that?" I asked.

"Deep fried shrimp. It's really good! Say ahhhhh."

"Eugh, uh, I can eat it myself if-"

Hakah sniffled, as she gave me puppy dog eyes.

"No?" Her lower lip quivered.

Oh boy.

This was going to be a long date that I never asked for.

I reluctantly opened my mouth and took a bite.

"Whoa! This is pretty good." I said, as Hakah squealed in delight.

"I'm so happy!"

"Y- Yeah. This is great." I stammered, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

"Hakah, is this... real? Like this place?"

"Hm? Yes. We are in Canan right now."

"But now? My body-"

"Your soul is here. Your sleeping body is still in Millennium City. And now we can spend time together!"

My body was still in that office! Jesus, what was Sigurd and Defender going to think?!

I needed to get out of here, but suddenly, something hit me.

Yeling...

Yeling had killed his entire family. Supposedly, even Hakah was killed too.

The trauma of seeing the Mah family being burned to a crisp must have been terrifying enough for Yeling.

I could only imagine just how traumatizing it must have been for Hakah herself, considering how highly she looked up to her big brother, and to have him kill her family and hurt her like this.

The pain...

I looked at Hakah as she noticed me watching her, and flashed a smile.

She was broken.

Really really broken.

And if Yeling was in so much pain knowing his little sister had died, only to learn she had been alive this entire time and horrifically, mentally, destroyed in the process. That would break him.

I knew this was none of my business. Inner Shadow Hakah was drilled into the heads of all us Outer Shadows as someone to not be involved with, because of how unstable and dangerous she was.

But...

I want to help her.

"Hey, Hakah, since we're on a date, mind if I ask you a few things?"

"I'm not a virgin."

I choked.

"Wha-"

I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that.

Hakah giggled, putting a hand to her mouth.

"So you're inexperienced? How adorable!"

"No, that's not what I was going to ask you about."

"Then what do you want to know?" Hakah asked, playfully, as she rested her head on my shoulder.

It was now or never.

"How did you... survive?"

Hakah leaned away from me, her expression turned guarded.

Oh no!

"What do you mean." She said, coldly.

Shit! What was I going to do?! This was definitely not a good start!

But...

But I needed to do this. After all, if she wasn't a virgin, that meant she must have been in a relationship before. Right?

And I've been in one as well, with Jessie.

"If we're going to be together, I want to know more about you. Because I care. If you're hurting I want to be there for you."

I tried for a warm genuine smile.

Hakah's expression softened.

"Kiss."

"Heh?"

"I'll give you an answer if you kiss me. That will show if you are serious about this."

Oh no. This... this was not happening.

The hell was I going to tell Master Jun?!

Shit! Come to think of it, out of everyone in this world, it was Master Jun who wanted to be with Hakah the most! And now I was going to be taking his girl from him.

It was for the mission, obviously. For the greater good.

But if I told him that, I was pretty sure he would not agree with my reasoning. No matter how logical it was.

She was...

My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest, as I leaned in.

I grabbed her shoulders but suddenly, I stopped.

This must have been what it was like for all the Outer Shadows that worked for her.

And it all ended up the same way.

I've heard rumours of the numerous guys who served Hakah before. Most of the Inner Shadows had a ton of Outer Shadows. I know Master Jun had a huge handful, and even these Outer Shadows would have their own Auxiliaries. Alec himself had two Auxiliaries, Holly (his wife), and Soldier 66 (their son). I personally had Sigurd (who I never asked for, thanks Jun), and ton others who were on call. We were often assigned Auxiliaries, like in my case. Or sometimes we got to recruit our own, like Alec's case. Jun's faction was almost like a little happy family of Shadows, in a way. We had a bond that was similar to a company of employees, if the company wasn't plagued by capitalism, hierarchy ladders, bullshit ass kissing for promotions/raises, etc.

But for Hakah, she had none.

Because all of her Outer Shadows either died or went insane.

Also...

If I was an Outer Shadow for both Jun and Hakah...

Wouldn't that be considered me whoring out?!

No. Calm down Aaron. This is not cheating. You're just helping her.

Focus.

"Hakah... is this really what you want?" I asked, cautiously, as Hakah opened her eyes.

"?"

"If you want to build trust, you don't have to establish romantic bonds. You know that right?"

Hakah hesitated, as I let go of her shoulders.

"Jun and I have a strong bond. But we're not together like that...."

Well that came out the wrong way.

"ERR!! You know what I meant. A strong bond can be made without having to go this far. And even if it did happen, it seems superficial to me. The only reason the relationship is happening is because you want the Outer Shadow to serve you, maybe that's why they keep dying on... you..."

Hakah suddenly rose, her face looked murderously dark.

"SORRY! I'M SORRY!"

I bowed and slammed my head against the ground.

Holy shit!

I'm gonna die!

Hakah continued glowering down at me.

"Look. If you're gonna kill me, it's... only gonna prove my point." I said, desperately, prepared for the worst.

Hakah paused, her talon feet inches from crushing my skull.

"Let me help you. Hakah. Not as a boyfriend, or a one night stand, or a temporary Outer Shadow. But we can start as friends? How does that sound?"

"Friends..."

"Look. I'm gonna admit. You scare the shit out of me, because you're the only SSS Rated member of the Black Legion... in like, history. But... if we can look past that, maybe I can help you. If you can tell me what happened that night, maybe I can help you get back with Yeling the right way. Rather than forcing him on our side. We can talk it out. I'm sure he would appreciate that too."

I slowly got to my feet, as Hakah wiped her eyes.

Why was she crying?!

She was the one who just tried to kill me.

If anything, I should have been the one crying!

"Do you really mean it." Hakah muttered.

"Mean what? Like, me helping you?"

"Being my friend..."

I raised my eyebrows.

"Yeah. Why not. I mean, we're similar age anyway. I'd like to know more about you too. You have an adorable side too which I like to see more. And a terrifying side that I'd like to see less..." My voice trailed away.

Maybe I should stop talking now.

"Come with me." Hakah said, as she took my wrist.

"Where are we going- AAAH!"

The two of us soared into the sky.

I was definitely going to be sick. And if I threw up now, that would pretty much ruin all reputation I had left. Whatever reputation I had left.

"Hakah, where are we going...?"

I glanced at her, and noticed...

Was she blushing?

Nah, it had to be my imagination.

The last thing I needed was this crazy chick on my case. I already had to deal with Sigurd's emotional lapses thanks to her upgrades. I really didn't need this.

In any other scenario, having a harem would be my dream come true, but neither one of them were my type.

One was crazy.

The other was a robot... and crazy.

Neither of them were blonde and tall and had a big-

"We're here." Hakah interrupted my train of thought, as we landed in front of an old house.

"Wait, where are we?"

"New Ulysses. 2017."

"2017.... this was...."

My eyes went wide, as Hakah turned to me, her expression grim and dark.

"That night."

Yeling was alone in his room. Hakah and I approached the window of his room, as we peered into the dark space.

An eighteen year old Hakah Mah, gazing at an eighteen year old Yeling Mah.

"Every night. This memory plays in my head. There exists no night where this scene did not appear in my mind. What you see now, is what I have had to bear with in my dreams. Ever since."

Hakah walked through the window. Yeling was sobbing, clutching a knife in his hands.

I was speechless.

Yeling...

"I always saw Goh Goh as my hero. Someone who never faltered. Someone who was forever strong and someone I could turn to. But... Goh Goh was sick. Even before then. Even before he unlocked Hinokami."

Yeling breathed heavily, hyperventilating, as he lifted the knife and put it to his throat, his eyes were dilated.

"I... I can't do this anymore... I can't..."

Hakah knelt down in front of the younger version of her big brother, and slowly put her hand on his face.

"Goh goh..."

Do you seek power.

A voice rumbled around me.

"Convocatio-" I held out my hand, but Hakah looked at me.

"Magic does not work here. This is a memory. From Shakujin."

"Who- who are you?!" Yeling stammered, dropping the knife and scampering backwards.

One who seeks true equality in this world. You were cursed. From the very start. One who had suffered racial discrimination. One who never had another extend a hand for his sake. One plagued by mental illness. One who had to live suffering while everybody around him lived happily.

Black energy swirled around the world.

Does that not anger you, Mah Ye Ling?

Yeling stared at the entity.

"I... It does. But it's not... it's not up to me to decide how this world... how this world works."

And neither was humanity, these so called peace makers. I tell you the truth, mortal boy, the world is unfair, because of the people. Long ago, man was equal. No one was above another. There was no suffering. No hierarchy. All man... came together as one. Through the Age of Unity. But now... society has crushed this notion. Man is no longer equal. Unfairness riddles this world. You are an example of such.

"M- Me...?"

Does it not anger you, Mah Ye Ling? Those so called people all around you. Laughing and loving with their beautiful partners. Enjoying their lives. But at the same time, there are those who are neglected. Unloved. Suffering from poverty. Suffering from illness. How can these people be in so much pain, but others are entitled to a life where they have never experienced such darkness? Surely you, Yeling, must understand. How broken this world is.

"Yes. It... it makes me mad. So very mad. These people... smiling and laughing all around me. Almost like they're rubbing it in. No one asked. No one asked about how amazing your girlfriend is. No one fucking asked! No one asked that you are doing so well in your life. That you're so well to do. That you were born in a rich family while others suffered from poverty. From racism! No one fucking asked yet you went ahead and showed it all off! I can't... I can't possibly forgive... forgive..."

Yeling's fists loosened.

"But to kill is wrong. It's wrong. Because that's the way the world works. Even if you say man is what decided right or wrong, I still need to follow it."

No.

Yeling's eyes widened.

"Wha- What?"

I can release your shackles, Mah Ye Ling. If you choose to walk the life of the Dogma, may you kill these... undeserving creatures to your heart's content. I have said it before. It is man that decided that killing was wrong. But in the eyes of the Great Akuma, we cannot do wrong. We kill who we choose, to preserve fairness. To preserve a unified world.

A wisp of blue flame appeared.

I am the Dogma of Equivalent Exchange. I stand for fairness. Everything comes in exchange. You have suffered greatly. And so, I come to you with the Hinokami. Man shackled you because you were just that, a mere man. But should you accept my offer, I will make you a god. A god of fire. The Devil's Flames. But such an offer comes with a price.

Yeling reached out, his left hand touching the flame.

"I will... sacrifice anything... to get back at this world..."

I turned to Hakah.

"Y- You don't have to show me this if you can't-"

"You asked me for my story. I will show you. This is how it played out, for the both of us. You will see my story to its fullest."

A young girl was running down the steps.

I spun around to see myself face to face with a little girl who bore striking similarity to the strongest Inner Shadow of existence.

"Goh goh...? Goh goh! What is that blue light! It's scary!"

Yeling's eyes went wide in shock, as he spun around.

"D- Dogma! Stop the fire! I have the flame now! I have the-"

You agreed.

"But- But, there's more than one way to sever my ties with my family! It doesn't have to be like this-"

"Goh goh! I'm scared! What is happening! It's hot... it hurts! MAMA! BABA! Goh goh is burning! Goh goh is burning!!!" A child Hakah screamed, running up the steps and crying.

I stood there frozen, as the rumbling sounds of footsteps echoed. Yeling and Hakah's parents ran down the steps.

"Ah Ling! What's happening! What happened?!" Their mother screamed, as the father ran forward.

"No... Ah Ling! What have you done?!"

Yeling stared at his father.

"Baba... I can't make it stop!"

"You've... you've... no. Father... Grandfather... I've failed... I've failed you all..." Wen Siu muttered, as he fell to his knees.

"Honey?! What are you doing! Help our son!" Yuen Kee screamed at her husband, as Hakah buried her face into her mother's belly, sobbing uncontrollably.

"I'm scared! Make it stop, mama!" Hakah wailed.

"I'm sorry..." Wen Siu looked at his wife and daughter, the face of a dejected man, blackening and falling apart from the sheer temperatures of the Hinokami flame.

"He's... he's gotten us. The Mah Clan... I couldn't stop it-"

WOOSH.

The blue flames disintegrated the father, as Yeling screamed.

"NO! BABA!!!"

Yuen Kee took Hakah and stashed her away in the stairs.

"Don't look. Little Hakah. It's okay now. Don't look." Yuen stroked her daughter's hair, as Hakah held back sobs.

"Please save goh goh... please..."

Yuen turned to her son, who was staring at her in pure terror.

"S- Stay... stay away... mama..."

Yuen slowly walked up to Yeling, her hands spread out.

"It's okay now, Ah Ling. It's okay."

"NO! DON'T! PLEASE, I'M BEGGING YOU, STAY AWAY, MAMA! MAMA!!!" Yeling screamed, as his flames incinerated his mother alive, turning her into ash.

I looked away, as the flames crept up to the younger Hakah, burning at her feet, racing up her leg as her entire body caught fire.

The screams of the little girl tore into my eardrums, as the entire house was flooded in a blue torrent.

By the time the inferno died down, the only person who was awake was Yeling, who stumbled out of the mess.

I was shell shocked.

I had heard of this story a million times.

The story of Yeling Mah who had accidentally killed his entire family and became the Chinese Terrorist.

But to see it for my very eyes.

"Aaron." The current version of Hakah said, as I looked at her.

"Come."

We walked, as we approached the burnt, blackened body of a young Hakah Mah.

"This..."

"This is what became of me, after that night." Hakah said, as pieces of her younger self began falling off. Both of her feet crumbled to ash, and her eyes, nose, were all gone. Her hair was reduced to blackened strings.

The only thing that was left...

Was a mouth, that was gasping for air.

"Goh... Goh..." Hakah croaked.

"Goh..."

A small tear formed around what remained of her eyes, which were reduced to small slits on her burnt skull.

I was speechless, and stumbled back, but the older Hakah caught my arm.

She didn't need to tell me anything.

She wanted me to keep watching.

Suddenly a rumble appeared before us.

"Wha-" I stammered, as a dark portal appeared. And out stepped a man in what looked to be very very traditional robes.

I had never to this day seen a man so handsome before. He looked so handsome that it looked almost unnatural.

Long flowing black hair that was tied upwards like a bun, and what seemed to be Chinese Robes.

"His clothes... his hair... it's almost like he's an..."

"An emperor. Yes, Aaron. This man is wearing a Hanbu. From the Han Dynasty. Though he has been around for far longer."

The man approached the destroyed body of Hakah.

"Your brother had been cursed from conception. But it seems you have been dealt a bad hand yourself. After all, you are a girl that had done no wrong. But ended up losing her life because of a bargain that dragged you in. And now... you crumble. Despite being pure, your beautiful face has now been burnt."

Little Hakah continued sputtering.

"Goh... goh..."

"My poor little Mah Ha Kah. How it hurts my heart to see such a beautiful young maiden reduced to ash like this."

The man knelt down and pressed his finger against her lips, as colour was temporarily restored.

"Tell me, Mah Ha Kah, why are your last words calling out to your brother, even after what he had done to you?"

Little Hakah breathed sharply.

"Goh Goh... I'm scared... I can't feel anything... I don't feel anything or move anything! I'm scared. What happened to mama? Baba? Why can't I see? It's so dark here... I don't like this!"

The man smiled, as he stroked her head. Her ears began to take form. And her hair, and slowly her body began to restore itself.

"Your goh goh is not here. But should it be a Mah you seek. I think I can fulfill this role."

My face turned pale.

What did he mean by that?

Little Hakah shifted around until she made eye contact with the emperor, her eyes wide. A shriek escaped her.

"NO! WHO ARE YOU! I don't like this! Goh goh! Where are you goh goh! Help me! Please help!"

The girl scooted away, frantically, as she began sobbing and wailing hysterically.

The emperor stood up.

"There is nothing to fear, little girl. I am after all, family too."

The girl stopped panicking, as she began to hiccup.

"F- Family?"

The man spread his arms.

"Do I not look familiar, my precious little Mah Ha Kah?"

"Y- You look like Baba."

"Indeed! And you... my dear great great great great great.... ah. That would be too many greats. I will just call you my dear granddaughter. Look just like Mother."

I did not like...

Where this was going.

This...

Her power...

How she had gotten so strong, so fast, much faster than Yeling. And much faster than any Inner Shadow in history.

"The Dogma chose Yeling... but I have faith in you, Hakah. After all, the Dogma isn't the only one who wishes to bring back the Great Akuma. Or should I say, Mother Dearest."

Mahyako.

Mahyako slowly put his hand on his descendent's face, as she softened up.

"I will give you power, just like how the Dogma gave your Goh Goh power. But you are right. Goh Goh is sick. So very sick. Because of this world. So while he goes and destroys this world. Why don't you wait for him? And become strong?"

"Me.. strong? But... I'm not strong. I'm... I'm..."

"But who will fix your precious big brother, once he has returned from his journeys? Who will welcome him back home? Wen Siu and your grandpa? No... they denied you of me. They never brought me up! But if you become strong... perhaps it will be your turn to bring him back. Rather than praying to this world."

Mahyako put his hand on Hakah's head.

"My name is Mahyako. I am the son of The Great Akuma. By my name I may bestow upon you my Dogma Bargain of Susanoo and Hachi. And by my late wife's name, I may bestow upon you her Dogma Bargain of Shakujin and Fujin."

Hakah sniffled.

"I want to be strong... so I can protect Goh Goh and welcome him home."

"Yes." Mahyako smiled, evilly.

"Unlike the Dogma, I cannot bless those with power, unless they are of my bloodline. But because of this, I require no exchange from you. I am different from the Dogma, and you will be different from the others. Because you come from me. The Dogma took the last son of my family line, but he will not have the last daughter. Hakah Mah, you will bring your Goh Goh back, right? Because you love him."

Hakah wiped her eyes, as she looked up into the sky, energy flowing through her, her disintegrated feet replaced with sharp talons.

"Mmhm." She sniffled.

"You shall become... the best. Because you came from me. And that, I shall promise."

Mahyako held out a pinky, to which a little Hakah was startled.

"Pinky promise on my soul."

Mahyako smiled, as Hakah locked her pinky with his.

The illusion shattered, until the two of us were back in Canan.

I was dumbfounded at what I had just learned.

So Hakah's powers...

They weren't the traditional Dogma Bargains.

They came from Mahyako himself.

The First Dogma user in history.

"Aaron Hope. The Dainsleif. The God Eater." Hakah said, as I spun around, stumbling back.

"Y- Yes!"

Hakah's face turned murderous again.

"Mahyako gave me my power, so I can retrieve Goh Goh. So he may be by my side. I am loyal to Lord Ginga, but I am not loyal to the Dogma. That is all you need to know."

"Oh okay."

"Very well."

I gulped.

"And."

And?

"Thank you. For being my friend. Not a lot of Outer Shadows I have recruited... have turned down my offer before."

A bead of sweat ran down the side of my head. But I found new strength in myself for some reason.

"You didn't enjoy it, did you? Hakah? All those... Outer Shadows who did those things to you."

"No. I suppose... it made me feel empty. You are the first, aside from Goh Goh to make me feel... different."

I smiled.

"Hey. We're on the same side, right? Lord Ginga is who we serve. I... I'll help you find Yeling. Pinky promise on my sou-"

"Stop. Don't do that. Only Goh Goh may do that for me."

"Sorry!" I yelped.

Well that was a cringe moment that I would never live down.

"Takofanes."

"Heh?"

"To restore your power. You must slay Takofanes, and obtain his relic. Only from this relic will you be able to restore your mana. Once you have the relic, call for my name, and I will restore your original strength. You will need it."

"Th- Thanks. But why? I mean, I think I can take Doctor Destroyer pretty easily."

"That is not who I mean. You are more than enough to defeat him, but not when he is around."

"He?"

Hakah tilted her head.

"Dainsleif. The SS Rated Outer Shadow of the Black Legion, should not have lost against Doctor Destroyer."

"Ah. Yeah. That was kinda my fault. I went in there without prep and-"

"No. Even without preparation, he should have been nothing more than fodder to the likes of you. Had I sent Yuyan to Millennium City, he would have destroyed the entire world faster than he did New Ulysses. Doctor Destroyer should not have been a challenge for you."

Well.

There goes the hype for that face off. Sorry, Jun. This ain't no Caliga v. Grond, Aaron v. Doc Destroyer moment.

"Are you saying Doctor Destroyer was fighting with a strength that was not his?"

Hakah nodded.

"Bishamonten is the God of War. One of his abilities... is to inspire conflict and war in others. And in times of war, does one exhibit power beyond their limits. The Doctor Destroyer you battled that day, was one who was enhanced by the God of War."

My eyes went wide, as I clenched my fist.

That bastard Bishamonten.

Another god.

Is getting in my way.

Hakah smiled.

"Your rage for the gods has never left you. That anger, that darkness. That is what I love about you, Aaron Hope."

I gritted my teeth.

"Tell me, Hakah. Why are you telling me this?"

Hakah walked up to me until we were real close. Her lips brushed against mine.

"Bishamonten does not deserve to be an Inner Shadow. He may try, but to lower himself like the pig he is, just so he could stand with the rest, is enough proof that he does hold the right. But that is not all."

Hakah turned around, until I was staring right at her round red eyes, which had turned reptilian.

"He wishes to make my Goh Goh his Outer Shadow. That I cannot forgive. So do what you do best, Aaron Hope. Live up to your name. For even if he is an Inner Shadow and you are an Outer Shadow, this is your job. Like the millions you have completed in the past."

My eyes flashed in rage.

"Kill the God of War, Bishamonten."

Assassinate.

"Dainsleif? Dainsleif, are you okay?" Sigurd asked me.

I ignored her.

This mission has changed. A god was now involved.

And I will kill all the gods.

"Sigurd."

"Y- Yes?"

"Locate me the nearest arms store."

"Locating."

Sigurd placed a finger to her temple as her android eyes lit up, processing information.

"Located."

"Take me there. It's time I got to work."

I had no means to summon weapons, but what we did have access to were inventory bags in this world.

Sigurd watched as I inspected the guns in the store.

"This weapon is a fine weapon." The arms dealer commented.

"The handgun is capable of incredibly high power blasts, enough to shatter the strongest of enemies. A lot of our police troops use it, actually."

Sigurd nodded.

"I can confirm to this weapon's destructive capability. The recoil is also low-"

"This gun won't do." I said, coldly.

"Why not?" Sigurd asked, surprised.

"The grip does not fit me. It doesn't matter the specs. If it doesn't feel good in my hand, it's useless against enemies of god calibre. The first bullet that lands is always the one that shakes the confidence of the opponent. High power and high specs mean nothing if you are fumbling with aiming down your target. Everything needs to be optimized. That's the secret to how I kill gods. Because you, as a human, have no room for mistakes like gods do."

Sigurd raised her eyebrows.

"Are you... going to kill Takofanes with standard firearms?"

"This is my job." I replied, as I continued browsing.

I was surprised this place sold an AR-15. I purchased the gun and included a list of modules. This semi-automatic rifle was highly modifiable. This was one of its strengths.

Mossberg 590 Shotgun, modified to accept Questionite shells.

Bauer P320, a standard handgun. It was a little inferior to the higher models, but the grip felt right.

And lastly, my bread and butter for these missions.

Relingdale 700 Red Sight Sniper.

"Thanks, old man." I said, as I waved him off.

"Boy."

I stopped, turning around.

"Judging from your choice of weapons, you seem to be a seasoned marksman."

"You could say that."

The shopkeeper put his hands on the counter.

"Are you going to take someone's life?"

"My target doesn't have a life."

"I see..."

Sigurd hesitated.

"What will you do, with this information, shopkeeper?"

The shopkeeper shrugged his shoulders.

"Nothing, really. It's all for business in the end of the day. I can't stop someone from doing whatever they want with their weapons. They're licensed to own it, after all. But your eyes... I've seen it before. On so many assassins who have taken lives out there. Lifeless, and unfeeling. How old are you, boy?"

"Eighteen."

The man sighed.

"I see. May you find happiness."

I flashed the old man a smile.

"I'm good, thanks."

The old man was not convinced.

"True happiness doesn't come from taking lives. This is all I have to say. It is a pleasure doing business with you, young man."

We left the shop, as I ordered Sigurd to transport us to a certain region in the wilderness, obscured by rocks, snows, and trees.

"These runes..." Sigurd knelt down, her eyes scanning them.

"No one would ordinarily be able to detect them."

"Nope. Because there is no one in this world with technology as advanced as you."

Sigurd ran a hand over the runes.

"How will we access Takofanes' realm from here?"

"With this." I pressed a relic against the rock, as the runes glowed brighter and brighter, opening a dark corridor.

"Where did you get that?" Sigurd asked.

"On our way to Defender's office, when Defender asked the Champions to leave, I swiped this relic from Witchcraft. It supposedly acts as a refinement charm, at least that's what my studies of magecraft have concluded. And looks like I'm right."

We descended down the steps, as Sigurd's eyes lit up.

"Numerous undead hostiles in bound. Shall I engage?"

"No. We do this the right way." I said.

I inspected the hordes of zombies and undead that served Takofanes.

Fighting them upfront would be impossible. If Takofanes was famed for his Necromancy and his immense magical potential, there was no point fighting up front.

Sending Sigurd to eliminate these enemies would drain her stamina. Unnecessary.

We snuck past the enemies.

"Two hostiles."

I aimed my AR-15, equipping a suppressor and red dot sight, and shot two bursts at each undead.

"Clear."

We continued moving, until we found ourselves in a large circular room, undead swarming left and right. The only way was down. The chasm was at the centre.

"Enemy detection is inevitable, Dainsleif." Sigurd advised me. I took a look around.

Those torches...

Something was pulsating underneath.

Were they living creatures? Meaning...

"Slit their eyes." I ordered.

"But I won't have enough cover to do it covertly."

"I will cut the lights temporarily, and you will slit the eyes of each enemy before the lanterns regenerate."

I aimed my rifle and shot each lantern at the roots, temporarily dulling the lights until the whole place was pitch black. The undead began to swarm as Sigurd rushed in, dispatching each undead with unbelievable speed.

Just as I expected the lanterns began to regenerate, the light returning, but now the undead, though restless, had absolutely no idea where we were.

We descended deeper, until we landed on the ceiling of the throne room.

We had entered this realm covertly.

Rather than fighting the horde at once. The few heroes who would have discovered this place would have ordinarily been overwhelmed by the sheer number of undead. There weren't many who could take down that many monsters. I knew for a fact that the sheer quantity of the monsters would be too much for even Dagrun, which speaks volumes as to the number we were dealing with.

I put my AR-15 away.

"Sigurd, pass me the sniper."

Sigurd handed me the large sniper, as I scoped in on the lich.

Killing its body won't work.

I had to find its phylactery.

"Sigurd, search for the phylactery."

"Acknowledged."

Sigurd pointed at a rotating orb, with a small box inside.

"It is protected by a field, likely magical. We will need anti-magic rounds or some sort of way to turn off the magic. I suspect the pillars in this throne room should be supplying the field with magic, but they are very obscure."

"Mark them for me."

Sigurd's eyes flashed cyan, as she put her hand on my head.

Several crosshairs appeared. Four pillars in total. Integrated heavily in the walls of the room. In the centre was the box.

The lich seemed to be hovering around.

If I shot the pillars individually, that would alert Takofanes, and he might risk escaping with the book. I needed to shoot them all down simultaneously, and destroy the book.

With one bullet.

SHHK SHHK.

"Dainsleif, what will you do?"

I took aim at the wall, far from the pillars.

"I don't have Aspectum, so I can't guarantee this would work. But I've done this before without magic. Back when I was sixteen. Surely I haven't gotten rusty."

I focused my vision on the spot.

Calculate the trajectory.

This is what separates me from the other Outer Shadows.

I don't need to rely on some fancy magic or fancy gear to get all of my contracts done.

Some things just take a lot of skill, and to get to this point, came a ton of practice.

Take a deep breath. Especially when it's a shot you can't afford to miss. Nora said in my mind.

I pressed the trigger, firing a shell from the sniper as it ricocheted off the walls, bouncing and slicing through the pillars successively like a game of snooker.

One pillar. Two pillar. Three pillar. Four pillar.

I narrowed my eyes, as the bullet went straight for the box, but suddenly, several bones intercepted it.

"Wha-" I gasped, as Takofanes turned to me.

"Usurper." The lich hissed.

"Sigurd! Hold him off!" I shouted, as Sigurd sprung into action, diving from the ceiling and launching an assault at Takofanes.

"You shall melt, woman!" Takofanes reached out and grabbed Sigurd by the neck, but paused.

"What is this? You are not human!"

Sigurd smirked as she kneed the towering lich, then flipped in the air, unleashing several slashing roundhouses with her bladed heels. Takofanes stumbled back, clutching his shredded body.

"You dare strike me?!"

Purple energy surrounded Sigurd, as numerous skeletons came her way, but Sigurd knelt down, and in a blink of an eye, millions of slashes appeared all around her. Sigurd's arm and leg blades extended and caked in undead dust. The skeletons reduced into mince.

Takofanes fired a beam of purple energy, as Sigurd rushed in and began overwhelming him.

I took aim with my sniper again, the crosshairs at the box, and fired, but Takofanes held out his hand. The box flew out of the way of the bullet's trajectory as it began hovering next to him.

"Sigurd, destroy the box!" I shouted, as Sigurd launched in with an axe kick, but Takofanes managed to intercept it with a shadow shield. Sigurd's heel barely managed to cut into the lich.

"Harbingers of Woe! Dispose of these usurpers!" Takofanes shouted, as Sigurd was surrounded by numerous undead monsters, who began bombarding her with shadow blasts.

I aimed the sniper again at the box, but it was moving too fast for me to aim properly.

Sigurd dodged one of the strikes of the Harbingers, and retaliated with an assault of slashes of her own, each limb connecting as the Harbingers were destroyed just as fast as they were summoned.

"No hero has dispatched of my Harbingers so quickly, much less pressured me like this. Tell me your name, metal woman."

Sigurd spun around and rushed to the book's location, but Takofanes held out his hand, binding her in place with dozens of shadow webs.

"Accelerate." Sigurd hissed, as the back of her shoulders ripped out of her leather, tearing the sleeves off of her bodysuit and revealing several thrusters.

Sigurd blasted forward, launching a kick at Takofanes' head.

The book was in full view.

"Checkmate." I said, as I pressed the trigger.

"Do you really believe that, mortal boy?" Takofanes said, as he grabbed Sigurd's face and yanked her in the way of the bullet, causing it to glance off her forehead.

Sigurd gave me an annoyed look.

"Shit! Sorry!" I yelped.

"I didn't mean to do that!"

Takofanes looked at me, and made a low, rumbling sound.

"I don't have the strength to harm the woman. But you, on the other hand."

Takofanes dissipated into mist and appeared in front of me.

"Dainsleif!" Sigurd shouted, as Takofanes swung, his hands coated with shadow energy.

"I will kill you first!" Takofanes sneered, as I leapt back, pulling out my handgun and firing at the skull of the lich out of instinct.

The bullets glanced off the Cosmic threat, as Takofanes grabbed me by the throat.

Sigurd leapt forward and tried to stop him, but Takofanes held me like a hostage.

"Make one step, and your companion dies."

My finger inched at a metal shaft that was lying on the ground, as I latched onto it, shifting my grip until I was clutching my Mossberg 590.

"She doesn't need to worry about me. Lich." I said, as I spun the shotgun in the palm of my hand, and aimed the barrel behind me.

"What?!" Takofanes said, as I fired the shotgun backwards, blasting his hand clean off and rolling on the ground, spinning around and aiming the shotgun with both hands at the box.

"You're wide open, idiot." I said, as I fired another blast which decimated the box.

"NOOOOOO!" Takofanes screamed, as his body began to crumble to dust, revealing the relic.

"That was easy." I said.

Sigurd joined me, as I turned to her.

"Good work."

Sigurd bowed.

"You should really rock the sleeveless bodysuit. It looks good on you."

"R- Really?" Sigurd asked meekly.

"Yeah. Wait, what's wrong?" I asked, noticing the concerned expression on her face.

"Dainsleif... didn't Takofanes seem... slightly stronger than what you expected?"

"What do you mean?"

"How could he have reacted in time to deflect your sniper bullet?"

"Maybe it was a fluke?"

"No. His reflexes... something seems off. Look at those ashes."

"What about them-"

I paused, my heart skipping a beat.

"You're shitting me..." My voice left me, as I knelt down and ran my hand over the white ashes.

Only it wasn't just white.

Hints of red.

"That powder looks to be Aliathol. A drug that enhances the senses of an individual. Also known as-"

"Red Candy." I finished Sigurd's thought, grimly. My hand was clenched so hard that blood leaked from my palms.

I stood up.

What was Red Candy doing here?

And this wasn't the first time. Against that Demon Commander back at Andropol too. I had brushed over it, but something... something like this...

All chances of this being a coincidence were out of the window.

Something was going on.

Someone was planting this here.

Someone with a grudge against me.

I clenched my teeth. My heart rate pumping and pounding in my chest so hard it was about to pop out of my body.

"Why is this happening..." I growled, as I took the relic.

Sigurd put a hand on my shoulder.

"Aaron..."

"Just let me move on... dammit! Why... why is my past constantly being brought up? This isn't funny at all! Red Candy of all things... of all things..."

Will and Nora flashed in my mind, as my vision turned blurry.

"The past... is supposed to stay in the past! If I let myself be consumed by it, I won't ever move on! But how am I supposed to move on, when this keeps happening!"

"Aaron, your blood pressure is rising. You need to calm down. Listen to me-"

"Who's there! What do you want from me, huh?! You think this is some kind of game?!" I roared, shoving Sigurd out of the way and screaming at the empty dark space of Takofanes' throne room.

"You want a fight?! I can give you one right now! If you have the guts to mess with me, then come out! And fight me head to head! Treating my life with Will and Nora like a joke?! Throwing Red Candy randomly out in my missions? Who the FUCK do you think you are?!" I screamed.

"COME OUT!"

"Aaron!" Sigurd grabbed me by the shoulders, as she forced me to look at her.

I gasped, as my breathing turned ragged.

"Aaron... please. You need to calm down. It's times like this where we can't lose our composure. Where you can't lose your composure. Whoever is doing this, knows who you are. If you give in to this person emotionally, you've already lost. So just focus on my face."

I slowly stopped squirming, as I focused on Sigurd's face.

"That's right, Aaron. Just keep looking at me. Don't think about anything else. Just focus on me."

Sigurd slowly smiled.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"I... yeah. I just feel sick. Like I'm about to throw up."

"When we get back, I can make you some ginger tea."

I shoved her out of the way.

"What are you, my mom?" I grumbled.

Sigurd continued smiling, when suddenly, it melted from her face.

"Sig? What's wrong?"

Sigurd's eyes went wide.

"Run!" Sigurd shouted, as she pushed me out of the way, as a dark blue streak appeared in front of us. His arm outstretched like he had thrown a strike. His hand didn't connect on anything, but before I could thank Sigurd, the right side of her forehead exploded into a million pieces. The shockwave throwing her to the other side of the room as the entire place rumbled.

I fell on my ass, stumbling back.

Sigurd skidded backwards, as she glared at the man.

"Dainsleif. Get out of here with the relic. I will hold him off-"

Suddenly, the man appeared in front of her with blinding speed, faster than even Sigurd could react. He was so fast, that he had already set up another complex move, a wide roundhouse kick which he launched several feet away from her, but the sheer force of the wind sliced right through her body.

Sigurd's eyes were full of shock and disbelief as she smashed into the ceiling, her body mangled and broken, and slamming back onto the ground.

She didn't even have time to set anything up, or dodge, or counter, or anything.

It was a one hit defeat.

No.

More like One Strike.

Sigurd tried to get to her feet, attempting to push her battered body off the ground, but the man stepped on her head, forcing her back down.

"Da- Dainsleif..." Sigurd croaked.

I already had the barrel of my handgun pointed at the back of his head.

"Hey asshole." I said, menacingly, as the man lowered his guard.

"Just what do you think you're doing to my Auxiliary Shadow... Shiki."

From within the long bangs of his hair, I could hear a slight exhale.

"Shit!" I gasped, as I leapt back, Shiki disappeared in a blur.

"Wha-" I stammered, as I spun around with my gun, to see Shiki standing before a massive legion of undead.

Come to think of it, Shiki's hands, which were wrapped in those bandages were caked in white dust.

Did he seriously fight all of that undead to come here?

Shiki stood before the army, his empty blank face, complimented with those glowing green eyes that resembled a lizard's.

"Hey. Devil Monk. Explain yourself right now. Why did you attack Sigurd?"

Silence.

"Dammit, Shiki! I'm asking you a quest-"

Shiki held up a hand, then slowly raised his foot, almost like he was reeling back a side kick.

"You inhuman monster. You dare slay our kind?! This shall be the end for you!"

The hordes of monsters charged forward, but Shiki simply exhaled again, and his body dissipated, zipping away with blinding speed. There was nothing but a dark blue blur as Shiki flicked one skeleton with two fingers.

The skeleton froze.

"No... I have been struck-"

KABOOM.

The skeleton exploded into a fine dust, as a shockwave blew everybody back.

One Strike Kill.

There wasn't a single martial arts style that was as unique and as terrifying as Shosuke Shiki's One Strike Kill technique. Even Tokiko, a fellow Japanese warrior, had no idea how he was able to pull off such ridiculously powerful strikes.

Just having the blow glance off or graze your skin was enough to rip it apart from its shockwaves. A direct hit would...

Shiki shot forward again, materializing in front of an army, unleashing a back roundhouse kick which completely obliterated the hordes of enemies. An arc of explosions blasting through the ranks and causing mass chaos.

"Bastard!" A Doomlord shouted at Shiki, slashing at him, but Shiki disappeared, as he rotated the palm of his hand and struck the Doomlord in the back. The Doomlord exploded into a massive red starburst.

Shiki looked up from the mess of blood, ashes, and entrails, his green eyes glowing with malice.

The remaining hordes of demons hesitated, but it was too late, as Shiki went in for the kill, his hand open. Shiki chopped the air, almost like a samurai iai slash, and in the blink of an eye, the entire legion of undead disintegrated into black mist.

Shiki hunched his back, inspecting the carnage, as the ceiling rained entrails around him. It was a disgusting sight to see to say the least.

His blue yutaka and his long black hair tied back in a ponytail. His bangs covering his face from either side, like a curtain revealing the most devoid expressionless face that may well have rivalled Sigurd's. He wasn't even wearing any shoes. His bare feet gripping the ground.

This was the power of Shosuke Shiki. The only S+ Rated Outer Shadow in history, aside from Aelienne the First Hinokami.

For context, the average rating of an Outer Shadow was around A to S. Commonly, A+. There were some special cookies who were given the rating S~, and that is if they showed incredible skill, like Dagrun's Oni White Lotus Kenjutsu style.

Nobody else other than me could come close to the Devil Monk in power.

The power to kill anything in one attack.

Legend said that Shiki had once killed an entire race of giants as tall as skyscrapers that had massacred his village just from two strikes. One chop that destroyed the leader of the giants, causing his entire upper body to explode. Then the other strike, a shockwave from his back roundhouse kick which severed the remaining two hundred giants in two.

I aimed my handgun at Shiki's head, as Shiki slowly turned to me.

Yeah.

Like this, there was practically no way I could beat him.

I had limits to my weapons and skill, and he had already breached the only advantage I had as a ranged marksman.

Distance.

I was out in the open and facing him head on, and the only weapons I had on me were the firearms of current human tech.

I stood no chance.

"Did Lord Bishamonten send you here?"

No answer.

"Dammit dude! For once in your life, just explain yourself."

Shiki eyed me with an animalistic hunger.

"You've got some nerve. Shiki. You know full well my beef with the gods. And now you're trying to get yourself involved? I've already done you a favour and not kicked your ass when you chose to work for that Inner Shadow. But now you're transpiring with her. And to make things worse... I'm guessing it was you who drugged Takofanes with the Red Candy, didn't you." I snarled.

Shiki tilted his head.

"SAY SOMETHING, DAMMIT!" I roared.

If I had my guns and mana...

I would have made this guy pay dearly for messing with me like this.

Shiki knelt down and took out a stick from his yutaka, and began scraping the floor.

"What are you-"

What is Red Candy?

My eye twitched.

"Seriously... so you have no idea."

Shiki shook his head.

I slowly lowered the gun.

"Alright then. I guess I'll let you off the-"

Shiki scratched on the ground again, as my eyes went wide.

But Lord Bishamonten wants you out of commission. I will fight you. Dainsleif. On his behalf.

I leaned back, as Shiki closed the distance instantly, having launched a high kick which sliced my handgun in two.

The shockwave slammed into me as I smashed into the walls of the throne room.

I regained my senses, to see Shiki raise his foot.

"Shit!" I rolled out of the way, but Shiki... never threw the kick.

Shiki suddenly appeared in front of me again, face to face.

My heart was continuously skipping beats.

He used a feint.

And now... I was going to die-

"Dainsleif!" Sigurd shouted, as Shiki caught her ankle, the blade on her high heels centimetres from slicing his eyes out.

Shiki narrowed his eyes, as he shifted his focus away.

"Argh!" Sigurd grunted, as she spun around, her legs turning into rotary bearings and attempted to slash at Shiki with her other high heel, but Shiki calmly dodged, leaning back and dragging her along with him.

Sigurd tried to gain her footing, but Shiki spun around with that same devastating superhuman speed, and launched a back kick.

"SIG!" I shouted, as the dust cleared, revealing Shiki's leg inches from Sigurd's face.

The skin of the left side of her face was cleaved off, revealing nothing but robotic parts.

Sigurd was frozen in shock, as Shiki walked past her calmly.

I needed to call Hakah's name. I had the relic now. I didn't know why I didn't do it sooner, maybe it was the Red Candy, or the adrenaline of having the second strongest Outer Shadow in the Black Legion after me while I was wielding frickin pellet shooters for an arsenal.

There was no time.

I had to do it now.

"HA-"

SWIPE.

"Heh?"

Shiki had leaned in, snatching the relic with one swipe of his hand.

"The hell do you think you're doing, you mute bastard!" I growled, as Shiki reached forward, but I aimed the barrel of my handgun and fired.

BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG.

Shiki leapt back.

If I couldn't take him in close range, I'd have to make that range.

Sigurd grabbed the rifle, as Shiki noticed, but I continued firing with my handgun, keeping his attention away. Sigurd threw the rifle to me as I dropped my handgun and fired several bullets.

Shiki darted back with the relic.

I took aim and fired again, but Shiki held out his hand, moving at supersonic speeds and catching all of my bullets.

"This cliche again, huh."

Shiki opened his hand and dropped all of the bullets, his body twitching.

He was going to close in.

With his speed, this would be instant, meaning there was no time to hesitate.

I threw my rifle forward, as Shiki's rising kick snapped the whole gun in half. The explosion sending me back, but just as I flipped in the air, I picked up my handgun, taking aim and firing.

Shiki brought his hand up and chopped the bullet mid-air, slicing it in half.

I landed on the ground, but Shiki blasted forward, cornering me against the wall.

"Dammit." I grumbled.

Shiki leaned in, lifting his hand.

But I smiled.

Shiki paused, his face startled, as I opened my mouth. My hand on the relic he was holding.

"HAKAH! I have the relic!"

KRA-KOOM.

Time seemed to stop, as the entire place, which was already somewhat dim, became even darker.

The temperature dropped to subzero, and frost began to creep from the ground, and in every crevice.

Every hair on my body stood up, like the air suddenly became electrifying.

Shiki's eyes widened, as he darted backwards, zooming out of the way and letting go of the relic.

Storm clouds began to swirl in front of me, occasional sounds of thunder booming with blue and purple lightning.

A female voice emanated from the storm clouds.

"Hmm? So you actually got the relic this fast? You sure know how to impress a girl. Dainsleif."

Shiki narrowed his eyes, as he brought his foot back.

No Devil Monk.

This isn't the type of enemy your One Strike Kill will work on.

Shiki rushed forward with that same undetectable speed, launching a devastating side kick, but suddenly, his body stopped midair, his face full of shock.

"Bishamonten's S+ Rated Outer Shadow, Shosuke Shiki. The Devil Monk. The Inventor of the One Strike Kill style. To everyone else, your attacks are devastating. But you seem to be mistaken..."

The clouds thinned, revealing Hakah from within with her arms crossed, one finger extended, suspending Shiki in midair.

Hakah's face flashed with murderous intent.

"I am not like anyone else."

Hakah walked forward, and ran her hand over Shiki's face, as a smile appeared on her face.

"Actually, never mind. I forgive you for trying to use One Strike Kill on me. You're cute. Hehe."

"GAHHH." I fell to my knees in disbelief.

Hakah regarded me.

"I have a thing for Japanese boys." She explained.

"I... uh... that's great."

"I think you should grow your hair out to look like Shiki. And Goh Goh."

No, I don't think I will.

"Umm... so, you're not gonna help me with Shiki?"

"Why would I do that? He's so charming. I'll never hurt my baby boy." Hakah frowned.

I stared at her.

This girl is unbelievable!

I looked at Shiki, who gave me a blank face.

This boy is intolerable!

"Besides." Hakah stood up, as the clouds parted, and my mouth hung open.

"G- Ga..."

"L- Lady... Hakah..." Sigurd muttered from within the debris, as the two of us stared at a half naked Hakah Mah, who was wearing only a t-shirt.

"I just got out of the shower, and you decided to call me out of the blue. At least I managed to get this on. Boy! Who knows what would have happened if I had nothing!"

Hakah raised an eyebrow and held out her hand, as the relic flew into her palm.

"Thanks." She said, as she snapped her fingers.

Instantly, energy revitalized in my body.

My mana was back!

And so was my old guns!

"By the way, as a thank you for what you did for me, I also used Hachi to unlock a new War Spell in your grimoire. Your welcome!"

"Thanks! Wait... what do you mean also used Hachi?"

"Hm?" Hakah asked.

"I used Hachi to restore your battle state."

Question marks filled my entire head.

"But, what did the relic have to do with anything?"

"Oh. Right."

Hakah's eyes flashed silver, as the tattoos and flower patterns on her thighs (which I was totally not staring at) began to glow white.

Level 2 Shakujin - Precision Geokinesis

The ground rumbled, as pieces of minerals came together to form a small braided chain, wrapping around the small relic and turning it into... a...

"Ahhh!!! It looks so pretty on me!" Hakah put a hand to her mouth, admiring the new necklace that she made using the relic that I busted my ass to get.

"HEY! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!" I snapped, as Hakah turned around, confused.

"What?"

"You said the relic was going to restore my powers!"

"Oh. I lied. I just wanted it for my new necklace. I'm going to be wearing this on my date with Goh Goh."

Wait what.

"Did you just say you were going to go on a date with your..."

Sweet home Alabama.

"No. This is part of my cover. To get closer to him."

"By dating him?! The hell is wrong with you? That's incest!"

"No! You have it all wrong! I'm dating him as my cover! I don't actually have a crush on my big brother!" Hakah's face flushed red.

"He won't talk to me. But he talks to Sarah! So if I go as Sarah and get closer to him, I'll be happy!"

"No, I don't think that's the problem here... I think you might have a brother complex, Hakah."

Hakah crossed her arms.

"Hmph! Whatever. You wouldn't get it. You gwai loh virgin. I'm going to go get ready for my date. Now leave me alone!"

Hakah began to dissipate into storm clouds. But before she could disappear entirely, she stepped close to me.

"Also. That new spell I helped you unlock? You're going to need it if you want to take down Bishamonten. Even among SS rates there's still a difference in power."

"Hakah..."

The storm clouds dissipated, as Shiki flipped in the air and landed on the ground, eyeing me.

"Hey. Devil Monk."

I muttered, my face turning incredibly dark.

Shiki braced himself and blasted to my location, but suddenly, he stopped, the barrel of my Draugr aimed right at his forehead.

Convocatio: Turricalum Fivefold - Superior Kinetic Swap Protocol

Five DS33's hovered above us, pulsating with green energy as particles left Shiki's body, feeding into mine.

BANG.

Shiki leapt back, his eyes wide as Draugr's bullet had grazed his forehead.

I took aim and fired again, as Shiki began deflecting the bullets, but at a reduced speed. I dropped my handgun and held out my hand.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - M130 Fully Automatic

I pulled out an assault rifle and began firing, as Shiki continued using his One Strike Kill style to dodge and deflect the bullets, but against the superior fire-rate of my M130, several bullets had breached his debuffed defences, cutting into his body and leaving behind trails of blood on the ground.

Shiki gritted his teeth, regaining his composure and breathing hard, as I lifted the smoking barrel of my rifle.

I aimed Draugr with my other hand, pointed the barrel right at the S+ Rated Outer Shadow.

"It's time you paid your price for hurting my Sigurd."

Shiki lowered his body, and darted to the side, dodging my bullets and going in for the kill.

His leg raised, and his face wild like an animal.

I weaved a hand sign, as Shiki slammed his foot into my body, the shockwave rippling through the bones and flesh as I exploded into a violent starburst of blood.

Shiki grimaced.

He knew.

Shiki turned around, as the remaining three clones all had their guns aimed at him.

Magic Recombination: Ignis Pila

A torrent of flaming gunshots filled the air, as Shiki did his best to evade, glaring at my DS33's.

He figured out my trick.

Shiki leapt to the location of one of the DS33's, but his eyes widened, as from the crevices, he could make out the shape of the signature super heavyweight anti aircraft rifle.

I fired the Caliga, as a massive shockwave boom of the shell came flying his direction.

Shiki spun midair, the bullet grazing his yutaka and opening it, blood splattering from the torn skin.

I watched as the Devil Monk fell, but not before slamming his fist into the ground, sending a massive shockwave outwards, knocking us all into the air.

Shiki growled, blasting to me with his fist reeled back.

But I smirked, as Shiki looked down, to see the barrel of a submachine gun.

I let loose a volley of bullets, forcing Shiki to shield his body as best he can. The bullets tearing apart at his body as Shiki grimaced in pain.

The two of us landed on the ground.

"DS33 Sanctuary Fivefold: Iron Maiden Protocol" I said, as all five of my turrets flew to Shiki's direction.

I held out my hand, using Convocatio and summoning my Caliga in hand once more, then fired four rounds at one of the turret's reflective surfaces the bullets ricocheting off of the DS33's and piercing through Shiki's limbs as Shiki's eyes went wide in pain.

By the time the Iron Maiden manoeuvre finished executing, Shiki was barely able to stand, blood pouring from everywhere on his body, his dark blue yutaka was torn and tattered, and his ponytail became undone, his long shoulder length hair tumbling down his face.

Shiki was breathing heavily, his glowing green eyes fighting to stay awake.

I returned my Caliga back into its magic circle, then wove another hand sign.

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Elemental Rounds

I pulled out a magazine from the magic circle and loaded my Draugr, taking aim.

Shiki seethed, as I fired a round, which he caught between his fingers.

But the bullet latched onto his hand, and sent a devastating electrical current throughout his body, causing Shiki to yell in pain.

"I get you're trying to serve your master. And I know we've known each other for a while now, Shiki. But there's no excuse to hurting Sigurd. She's important to me. It's almost like you've forgotten."

Shiki fell to his knees, vomiting blood.

I aimed again.

"I am rated SS for a reason." I said.

BANG.

"Kuh." I hesitated, as Shiki caught the bullet with one of his hands. Another electric current coursed through him, but Shiki slowly got to his feet.

"Fight... you..."

My eyes widened.

"Wh- Whoa. Shiki, you're actually talking?"

Shiki gave me a barely conscious look.

"Beat you... I..."

Shiki slowly stumbled forward. He looked like he was on his last legs. I did nothing as Shiki approached me.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Shiki yelled, punching me right in the face.

But I didn't explode.

He was too drained and injured. From both the Kinetic Swap Protocol, and from his immense injuries.

"Aaron..." Shiki muttered, as he fell into my arms, losing consciousness.

"That's enough, Shiki. You've lost. Just let it go. As long as you promise to not hurt Sig again-"

"No... I have to... beat you..."

"Didn't you just listen to what I just said? Enough with your generic anime MC speel. Just go home-"

"So Lord Bishamonten... doesn't do it..."

Shiki looked at me desperately.

"Lord Bishamonten wants you dead... Aaron... he won't just try to... defeat you... he will..."

"Kill you." A regal man's voice appeared behind Shiki. As I dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding a massive sword slash which severed the entire throne room and realm of Takofanes.

Inner Shadow Bishamonten glared at me. In his hand, were fragments of Red Candy.

So this entire time, it was him.

Even in Andropol.

And... this mission.

"Aaron Hope. At long last. We meet again."

I gritted my teeth.

"Bishamonten...."

I aimed my Draugr at the Inner Shadow. The God of War.

"I'm here to eliminate you."

Bishamonten gripped his great sword.

"Likewise. God-Eater."

A God's Oath

I aimed Draugr and fired its accelerated rounds, which glanced off of Bishamonten's sword.

"Assault Mode!" I shouted at my DS33's, as they rushed in, but suddenly, Bisha flicked a finger, and hundreds of swords sprouted from each turret, causing them to explode.

"I won't be another one of your contracts to slay, Hope." Bisha appeared in front of me.

I gasped in surprise.

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

Electrical mana coursed through my body and dialling my senses up to eleven.

I yelled, bringing my hand back like an arc.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Smoke Grenade

I unleashed a rush of steam, but Bisha barged right through.

I summoned my MP7 and fired a barrage of bullets, but Bisha's eyes flashed, and swords appeared all around me.

I leapt out of the way, aiming both my Draugr and MP7 and returning fire, but more swords came in and intercepted the gunshots.

"Tch!"

I summoned my Caliga and waited for the swords to open up, and opened fire, but the shell soared through thin air.

"Do you really think I'm going to let you kill me, after everything you've done, Aaron?" Bishamonten shouted, as he slammed his fist down on me, crushing my skull, but the mirage dissipated.

My clones went in and fired their Draugrs, but Bisha swept his hand, and more swords appeared, impaling them.

"I refuse to let myself fall, to a mere MAN." Bisha growled, as he turned around to the location of my Caliga, as I fired the shell.

The God of War slammed his hand onto the ground, causing a wave of swords and weapons to erupt from the floor and intercept the high velocity bullet.

The shockwave knocked me off centre, and Bishamonten grabbed my throat, as the two of us skyrocketed through Takofanes' lair and flew into the air.

"Erghhhh gahh!" I growled, as I held out my hand and summoned a stun grenade, latching the modular device on Bishamonten's arm and electrocuting him, letting me go.

"DS33!" I shouted, as one appeared from a magic circle and landed on my feet like a hoverboard.

Two more summoned behind me and were about to unleash a blast, but was stopped by Bishamonten, who held out his hand and impaled them with more swords. Then he turned to me, and I soared out of the way, pursued by the sword flurry.

I retaliated with more shots of my Draugr, strafing and arcing around like a dogfight.

"I won't fight on your terms, Hope." Bisha growled, as he blasted to my location, forcing me to clash with his overwhelming strength using Draugr.

I could feel Draugr beginning to crack and break from the ridiculous pressure the God of War was giving off.

Bishamonten roared, a wave of force causing my Draugr to explode. I was sent flying back and crashed into the window of one of the buildings in Renaissance Centre.

"I'm going to kill you. Right. Now."

Bishamonten yelled, unleashing a hailstorm of swords and spears.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ironsight

I pulled out my sniper rifle and switched it to missile launcher mode, unleashing a flurry of rockets which intercepted the storm of weapons. The explosions knocked both me and Bisha off centre, as I used this to my advantage, scoping in.

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Super AP Rounds

I pulled the hammer back and loaded a high penetration round and fired, shattering Bishamonten's sword. The God of War's face full of surprise, as I fired again, this time shattering his breastplate.

"You BASTARD!" Bishamonten roared, shooting to my location, as two swords appeared in each hand.

I reached out and summoned a flash grenade, catching him in the face.

"I... won't let this stop me... not from my revenge on you." Bisha growled, and swung one of his swords as the blade sliced my chest.

I coughed out blood.

Bishamonten was still blinded, but he was able to still keep attacking.

I pushed my hover board up.

"Vertigo Protocol!"

The board changed shape, emitting a high frequency pulse which caused the God of War to clutch his head, yelling.

"AAAAH!"

I aimed my sniper again, setting it to missile launcher mode, and bombarded him with more missiles, explosions sending him flying back violently as he crashed through a building.

I landed on the ground from the recoil, but just as I was about to regain my posture, Bishamonten appeared in front of me, his face in a full frenzy.

"Iron Buck-"

SLASH.

My DS33 was severed in two by Bisha's sword, and the explosion sent me flying back. Bishamonten wasted no time and proceeded to rush forward, jabbing his sword into my thigh as I screamed in pain.

"Repent, and pay for your sins. A thousand times over-"

BANG.

Bisha's eyes widened, as blood erupted from his chest.

I clutched the barrel of my Ironsight, aiming and firing once more.

Over and over.

"Imputent... ignorant... repulsive, MORTAL." Bishamonten ripped the sniper out of my hands and slammed his fist into my face.

I returned fire with my Draugr, the bullet soared at him as Bisha caught it midair.

"How dare youuuu!!" Bishamonten went low and struck me in the stomach again, but I stood my ground.

"Wha-"

"How... dare me?" I asked, my voice dangerously low.

I glared at the God of War. Blood was leaking down my entire body. I was at my limit. That was as far as I could go as a human. Against a god, I ordinarily stood no chance.

But something was keeping me standing. And I knew what it was.

"When I needed your kind... you never answered my prayers. But when we do something to offend or annoy you, only then do you come down to wreck havoc. And you know the funny this is, the things that offend you make the least bit of sense. But for whatever reason... your believers who truly need your help, and your light, are the ones who are neglected."

I breathed heavily, fighting the urge to black out.

"I don't regret nothing. I will always kill your kind. Over and over again. Because I think gods should not exist. None of you should exist. You're all just stupid creatures playing your divine game and using mortals as pawns."

"SILENCE!"

Bisha struck me, but I used my Draugr and stopped his strike, Augmentus keeping my bones from fracturing.

"And this is your justification for killing my Outer Shadow, Aralia? For killing all of my brothers and sisters in the Pantheon?"

I gritted my teeth summoning Ironsight back into my hand and firing, the Super AP round causing Bishamonten's head to snap back.

"Aralia betrayed the Black Legion. I was ordered to assassinate her. But even if she didn't. I would have done so anyway."

"Say that again! Mortal boy!"

Bishamonten rushed forward, but I aimed my Draugr and shot him square in the forehead.

"My pleasure. If I could go back in time, I would have shot Aralia in the head over and over again. Then I would have proceeded to kill you too. You're all the same. All selfish for your own reasons. The one job you had was to be there for your believers. But if that's true, where was the God of Hope when Jessie was hurting? We both knew at that stage, no amount of therapy could save her. The only person who could was him. And that's not all."

I rushed forward and slammed the butt of my handgun on his head, causing Bishamonten to fall on his back in surprise.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Caliga WA4000MX

I summoned my rifle and shot Bisha's chest over and over again.

"Why did Avara attack my orphanage that day?! Huh?! Explain that! You fucking insufferable god! We were KIDS. I was TWELVE. We did nothing to offend you. But Avara came that day and slaughtered all of us like livestock. Will. Nora. Hunter. Eri. Locke. David. Sasha. Sydney. All killed off. It wasn't out of her survival. It wasn't out of anything! It was just because we looked imperfect in her eyes? Are you fuckin kidding me?"

I leaned in close to the God of War.

"And now you have the nerve to say that I owe you?! I owe you nothing. If anything, your kind owes me EVERYTHING. Why did I bother believing in your kind in the first place? Why were we raised to believe that the gods would be merciful and be kind and that by believing in them they would be there for us? Why do we have to pray that you guys were merciful and that we should fear your wrath? Who gave you the right to make us live like cattle?"

Bisha tried to attack, but for some reason, he looked weakened.

"Because... that is who we are... humanity exists to serve gods. To fear them. To obey them. To honour them and to bless their name..."

My eyes widened in rage, as I fired again.

BOOM.

BOOM.

BOOM.

Bisha vomited blood. He initially had the upper hand. But like almost all gods I have fought, I had gained the advantage. Slowly but surely. All fights ended up like this.

"To live, is to serve... Hope. The pastors and elders of all the churches and shrines of this world honour the deities. Yet they smile. Why can't you-"

"Had they ever spend their lives without the love of a parent? Had they ever lived their life in an orphanage, watching as kids get picked up left and right, but never being chosen yourself? To watch the only friends and kind people in your life be killed off, then be forced to fend for your life in the streets, chased by monsters at the age of twelve? The nightmare never ending? NO. Those who blindly follow and serve you... they've never experienced what it was like to live a life that is pure hell."

I spat.

"Those pastors who act like they've achieved ascension. Who act so high and mighty and divine. They had it easy in life. A loving family. A loving community. A stable job. A stable future. That's why they can so freely serve you like the delusional puppets they are. But people like us..."

I slowly lifted my shirt, revealing the horrific scars near my ribcage from when Avara had sliced me open with her swords when I was just twelve years old, in full view.

"...not only were we forsaken. Born with the shittiest deck of cards imaginable. But we were spit on. Neglected. By YOUR KIND. So here's my answer, Bishamonten, God of War. I will NEVER respect you. I will NEVER love the gods. Because I am not delusional. I am not blind. This dark set of cards and this dark life I was given was what opened my eyes."

Bishamonten tried to throw a punch at me, but I caught it.

The God of War gasped in fright.

"Why... do you not fear us... Aaron Hope... you should tremble before our might! You are a mortal... yet you dare say such things... A human... should not kill the gods. It's... impossible. Taboo. Yet here you stand, having slain millions of us..."

I stood up, Caliga in hand.

"I've had this question asked to me time and time again. Why is a mere mortal able to kill the gods? How is this possible? The answer is simple."

I knelt down and crushed Bisha's hand, causing the god to howl in pain.

"Because I don't love you. I don't fear you. I don't respect you. I don't worship you. And I don't see you as anything more than divine meat. A god, to a non-believer, might well be nonexistent."

Bishamonten opened his mouth to scream, but nothing was coming out, as blood was pouring all over his armour.

"To me. You're just a bunch of divine fools. Given too much power. And using it selfishly. Your essence feeds off of the power of human faith. But you won't get any power from me. I will kill you. And hunt you. One by one."

I aimed my Caliga, the barrel pointed at his heart.

"Until all the gods are dead at my feet."

BOOM.

Thunder struck, my barrel was inches from blowing off the heart of Bishamonten.

But the god wasn't dead.

Far from it.

"Ungrateful. Boy." Bisha seethed, grabbing the barrel of my gun and bending it. Suddenly, the tide turned, as the god towered over me, crushing the Caliga and deforming the Questionite metal with his bare hands.

"You boast about your internal struggles..." Bisha growled, as he pushed me to the ground, cracking it.

Augmentus had run out, leaving aching, lancing pains in my arm where I was holding the now deformed and destroyed Caliga.

"You act like your pain justifies the rest of mankind. But how can you possibly understand? You are a mortal. Your mind is forever ignorant."

"GRR!!! RARR!!!" I gasped, as I heard my joints clicking.

He was going to break my arm.

I held out my hand.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Draugr D975AX Model 3

I quickly took aim at the god's head, firing, but no bullet came out.

I stared at my gun.

"What-"

"Let us start, with your first claim. That those who believe in the gods are merely... lucky. Can you make that claim, to the poor widow who had lost her husband to a flood, yet she still prayed to the Lord Poseidon for the fish he provided to her and her townspeople every day? To the single father, who was forced to raise his children in the slums, yet continued to worship the God of Fortune for blessing them with the crops they live off of? Gods... exist from the sole existence of certain ways of living. That is how they survive. That is how they operate."

KABOOM.

KAK KAK KAK.

My eyes widened, as a massive mothership appeared in the air. Millions of fighters emerging from the dark clouds of Millennium City, as several heroes flew up to fight it.

"Doctor Destroyer has invaded! He has come!" A hero valiantly leapt into the fray, fighting off the numerous Destroids who were threatening the civilians down in Westside.

"Fight with everything you got, heroes!" Defender shouted, as he and the Champions rushed to battle the Mega Destroids that were shattering the buildings all around them.

War...

"I... survive off the thirst of war. My niece, Aralia, survived off of the destruction of entire nations. My son, Triton, survived off of the creation of new oceanic ecosystems. We as gods represent the mortal way of living. Where there is no war, humanity multiplies, and where humanity multiplies in number, comes overpopulation. But with too much war, there will no more humanity. And fertility will diminish, starving the gods and goddesses who live off of such. The gods stand for balance. We exist so the world is balanced. Without us, the scales of balance will tip to chaos."

I gritted my teeth, trying to fight off Bishamonten, but he had completely gotten stronger.

The war...

The war ravaging Millennium City was strengthening him.

"I'll kill you!" I shouted, aiming Draugr again and firing, but it was like he was controlling the very mechanism of my firearm. His power had strengthened to the point where he was able to influence my weapons of war as well.

Bishamonten grabbed Draugr and crushed it in the palm of his hand, then flicked his finger, causing a sword to appear and impale my arm.

I screamed in pain.

"Aaron Hope. Your hatred for the gods stems from something so ultimately small. So utterly specific, and so utterly focused. But from there, you assume that we deserve to not exist. You are not an Arbiter of Justice, as you perceive. You are not a hero."

Bishamonten got off me and raised the palm of his hand, causing the weapons that I was wielding to lift into the air rapidly. I clung onto them for dear life, but the God of War threw me back into the ground, as everything turned fuzzy.

Bishamonten stood above me, the dark cloudy sky rained with violence. Destroids and explosions, and heroes fighting. Heroes being slaughtered. Innocent civilians trapped in burning buildings.

"You are just a naive boy. Who killed my precious niece. And will continue killing. I won't lose to you, for I have made an oath to protect her from the likes of you."

My vision was throbbing in pain. I couldn't focus on anything.

I subconsciously was forcing myself to black out.

Anything to end the pain.

SLASH.

"What?" Bisha muttered, as more and more slashes appeared on his armour, breaking and shattering it.

Dagrun appeared in front of Bishamonten, her katana wielded in both hands.

"Sigurd, evacuate Dainsleif. I will hold off Lord Bishamonten as long as I can."

My eyes widened. "N- No! What are you doing?! You won't stand a chance against-"

SHUNK.

The pain in my body subsided, as Sigurd appeared before me, her body seemingly restored.

"Sigurd... you're okay." I muttered, as she picked me up.

"Master Jun's Three Lives Precept Upgrade. My body was injected with nano machines to repair any damage and restore myself to functional state. It was designed to do so three times."

"Tha- That's great. But Dagrun can't face an Inner Shadow alone! She can't!"

Sigurd shouldered me, as her hair stroked my face, giving off a fragrant aroma.

"Listen to me, Dainsleif. You are right now, not in the optimal state to face Lord Bishamonten. Dagrun is uninjured and fresh. She will only hold him off and prioritize evasion. Also, she is not alone."

I watched as Bishamonten threw out the palm of his hand, sending millions of spears at Dagrun from the sky, but Tokiko brought her blade back, assuming a stance, as several white swirls of energy and petals surrounded her.

White Lotus Foresight Ripple Slashes

Tokiko's body began vibrating, firing off highly complex angled slashes at a hypersonic speed and deflecting the spears.

Suddenly, Bishamonten appeared in front of her, his sword arm held back, as Tokiko's face flashed with surprise.

"Dagrun!" I shouted, but suddenly, a bright flash appeared, and dozens of black and red chains held Bishamonten to the ground.

God of War... An ancient, sinister voice rumbled all around.

I don't know what tempted you to attack Master Jun's faction, but to attempt to hurt my daughter... is UNFORGIVABLE.

Absalom, Tokiko's Auxiliary Shadow, (and dad), roared, as the massive towering Oni erupted from the ground and grabbed Bishamonten, thrusting him into the air.

The angrier Absalom got, the stronger he became, and usually, this anger would arise whenever Tokiko was in danger, especially if she cried.

To this day, Absalom has never figured out that it was me who broke her first katana causing her to cry. I put the blame on Bryce "Uzi" Jones (my Auxiliary Shadow). Don't worry, I made it up to him by buying him a fresh new pair of Jordans the day after.

"Oni Emperor." Bishamonten seethed, as a bright flash of slashes appeared, blasted Absalom's hand into pieces.

"You may be considered a lord to the lowly Oni, but to a god, you are NOTHING. Much less an Inner Shadow!"

Bishamonten held out his hand, and suddenly, thousands of swords and spears and arrows embedded themselves into the Oni Emperor, causing Absalom to roar in agony and fall to one knee.

The shockwave of the fall rippled throughout, as Sigurd leapt out of the way.

"Fall before me, lowly Auxiliary Shadow." Bisha's face was full of disgust, as he lifted his arm and summoned a sword the size of a skyscraper.

"And repent back in the depths of hell you disgusting Oni belong."

Bisha flung the sword, but millions of slashes appeared over it, as Tokiko spiralled around it, slashing it into tiny pieces. But millions of bows appeared before the God of War, bombarding Tokiko with arrows.

Absalom shielded his daughter, but the arrows began shattering his hide.

"Put me down! They're gonna get killed!" I shouted at Sigurd, as Sigurd let me down.

"Dainsleif, you are being irrational."

"And what the hell is so rational about sending an S~ Rated Outer Shadow and her A Rated Auxiliary to fight an SS Rated Inner Shadow? I'm the only one who can put up a fight."

"No. Dainsleif. Against this particular god, you are at a disadvantage. Especially with this war that is brewing. The war strengthens him, and my sensors have computed his new estimated rating to be SS~. Additionally, he can now control your weapons. You cannot win anymore. But Tokiko's katana is not bound to the God of War. It is bound to her mother, Toyotama, the Goddess of the Sea. It is not within Bishamonten's jurisdiction to influence this particular weapon."

"But they won't win!"

"Whoa whoa whoa. Dainsleif, losing your cool there, bud?" A cocky voice appeared behind me.

I spun around and aimed another Draugr at his forehead before he could even gasp.

"SORRY! MY BAD!" Andy "Visor" Roy yelped.

"Just here to assist my lady. Don't worry, like Elise said, we'll be able to fend him off, errr... maybe for a few minutes. If we're lucky. Um... just end the war. That's on you guys. We'll fight this front."

"Elise?" I said, my eyebrows raised.

Visor pointed at Sigurd.

"Oh. Shit. Sorry, I mistook her for that model in practically every magazine out there back in my hometown. You know, since she was designed to look just like her."

"M- Model...?" My voice trailed away.

"Yeah. Elise Scarlett. Labelled sexiest woman in the-"

"OKAY! We don't need to have this conversation. You damn pervert. Just do your job. I'll crush Doctor Destroyer's tin suit ass."

"A-okay, Dainsleif!"

Visor ran off, summoning his claws, leaping into the air and putting his visor (get it) on.

"I hope they're going to be okay..." I muttered, turning to Sigurd, who was frozen in shock.

"Sig?"

Sigurd's hands were trembling.

"Hey. Sig, are you okay?" I asked, taking her hands.

Sigurd gasped.

"Y- Yes. Yes, I am. Let us go-"

"No, he mentioned this Elise woman and now you're all clammy. What's wrong?"

"M- Master Jun... he must have based my design off of that woman... could it be that... that..."

Sigurd clutched her chest.

"I'm not even considered a real person..."

I put a hand on her head, as Sigurd's eyes widened.

"If it makes you feel any better, I don't know who this Elise Scarlett is. And I'm sure most people won't either. Trust me, even if you look like her, you're not her. I doubt Elise can fight toe to toe with Takofanes. Or defeat an entire legion of Destroids in their damn base all on her own. You're Sigurd. You're your own person. So, help me. Let's repel this army together."

Sigurd clenched her teeth, regaining her posture.

"Affirmative."

We ran to the centre of the fray, the circle of Renaissance Centre, and caught up with a hero.

"Sigurd." The hero said.

"What is the status, Drifter?"

Drifter looked up into the sky. Heroes were being killed left and right, and between the numerous swarms of Destroids shattering the buildings, to the Mega Destroids that were stomping around, Destroyer was not playing any games.

This was a full scale invasion.

"The end. We... simply don't have the fighting power to repel them off this time..."

I ignored the Drifter and walked forward.

"Ha- Hangman?"

Yes. By the way, Defender officially registered my hero name as Hangman, an obvious jab at me doing pull-ups on one of the superhero memorial statues. I apologized, but I guess that wasn't enough.

I placed my hand on the ground.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ironsight

I pulled out the sniper from a magic circle, and propped it on the ground, expanding its tripod to be aimed at the sky.

Convocatio: Turricalum - Fourfold

Four DS33 turrets were set up next to the tripod.

"Heavy Artillery Protocol."

The turrets transformed, revealing extremely high powered barrels.

I turned to Sigurd.

"Call Assault."

Sigurd placed a hand to her temple, as her eyes flashed blue.

Several shadows appeared, as a humanoid armoured robot stepped through the darkness, bowing before me.

"Soldier X8, codename Assault, reporting to Outer Shadow Dainsleif. Awaiting orders."

"Repel all enemy forces."

"Acknowledged."

X8 stepped to the Ironsight and aimed the gun, setting it to missile launcher mode. The DS33's cladded onto his body as X8 began firing a massive barrage of missiles, guided by the DS33's and enhanced.

Destroids were swarmed with explosions left and right. As several Mega Destroids buckled from the shockwaves.

"Dainsleif. We lack sufficient firepower to destroy the Mega Destroids through explosive means." X8 warned.

"That's fine. I got another guy."

I turned to Sigurd.

"Call Uzi."

Sigurd made a slightly disgusted face.

"...are you sure, Dainsleif?"

"Just do it."

Sigurd sighed, as she tapped her temple again, her eyes flashing blue.

"Yoooooo!" A man's voice buzzed through Sigurd's coms unit.

"Auxiliary Shadow Uzi. You are requested to assist your superior, Outer Shadow Dainsleif on the field."

"Heyo, hot stuff. I'll have to leave you with a rain check. Call me later sometime, babe."

Sigurd's eye twitched in annoyance.

"Your assistance is non-negotiable."

"Well neither is this NBA2k match I got against this idiot who keeps calling me a 'Dead Trim Rimjob'."

"Bryce..." Sigurd's voice turned dangerously low.

Bryce made a squeaking sound.

"Sorry! Okay, I'm coming, just give me a second to shut down my Gamestation 5."

Several shadows appeared, pushing Bryce Jones through the portal.

"How y'all gotta treat me like this when a man's trying to play a game of 2k? Huh? What is this? Discrimination?!"

"No one is discriminating you, Bryce! I need your help to take down those Mega Destroids over there." I pointed at the giant robots that were swatting heroes left and right and firing beams of pure destruction at the roads of Millennium City.

Bryce scratched his head.

"Bruh. My guy. Those fodder should be nothing for you. Why do I gotta do it?"

"I need to save my mana. I gotta repel these forces as fast as I can, take down Doc Destroyer, then eliminate Bishamonten."

Bryce stared at me.

"Who in the- WHAT? What the hell did Inner Shadow Bishamonten do to you? Why he gotta die?"

"It was requested."

"Nah man. Miss me with that shit. I'll help you drop those Mega Destroid fools. But after that, I'm OUT. Y'all have fun."

Bryce turned to Sigurd and clicked his tongue.

"Maybe some time with you, if you in the mood."

"Get to work, Uzi."

"Cold as ever!" Bryce chuckled, as he calmly walked toward a Mega Destroid, his hands spread out.

"Yo! You the turd bucket that interrupted my 2K match?!" Bryce shouted.

Four Mega Destroids turned to Bryce's location. Their singular eyes flashing red.

"DESTROY." All four giant robots said at once, but Bryce picked up a stray piece of pipe lying on the ground, as it transformed into a highly advanced submachine gun, an uzi.

"You're the one that's gonna be destroyed. Jackasses." Bryce said, coldly, as the uzi glowed a violent red.

A massive starburst of red blasts erupted from the SMG's barrel as they blasted right through the four Mega Destroids, causing them to collapse in a series of explosions engulfing their massive bodies.

Bryce Jones. Age 16. From Pennsylvania, USA. Favourite food: cheesesteaks. Favourite game: NBA2k (On the Gamestation 5, as he claims PC version is for "pussies"). Favourite thing in the world? Sigurd. Hobby? Flirting with and taking photos of Sigurd.

Nicknamed "Uzi", for his ability to transform any metal object into an extremely powerful uzi submachine gun capable of firing blasts that could penetrate practically anything.

His evo is unknown. But his ability to easily melt through Questionite, and at an overwhelming firepower which eclipsed the might of a full fledged military placed him as a B Rank Auxiliary Shadow.

"Got more?! Huh? Let's go then! Run it, bitches!" Bryce shouted, running forward and spraying wildly as heroes panicked left and right.

"Idiot! You're causing even more damage than the Destroids!"

"Stop! Young man!"

I stared at him.

"Maybe... calling Bryce over was not such a good idea."

"It is too late now. What are your orders, Dainsleif?" Sigurd asked.

I pointed at the sky, at the mothership.

Doctor Destroyer was at the centre of it, his arms spread out wide, thunder crackling.

"I take this idiot down. Both as a mission objective, and as a grudge match."

The Dainsleif vs. Doctor Destroyer

I flew to the air, on my DS33, holding out my hand.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Draugr D975AX Model 3

I aimed my handgun at the side of the ship, and fired an accelerated round, blasting right through the hull and opening a massive hole. Numerous Destroids surrounded Sigurd and I, as Sigurd crossed her hands, her eyes glinting murderously.

"Neutralizing threat."

Sigurd blasted around the battlefield so fast that she turned into a black streak.

Explosions surrounded me, as my android eliminating all the Destroids, including the ones guarding the breach.

I aimed my Draugr, shooting down Destroid after Destroid, as I calmly landed on the ground of the ship.

Convocatio: Turricalum Duo

Two DS33's appeared behind me, as several prongs opened up, assisting Sigurd by blasting Destroids left and right.

I walked calmly to the main hall.

Doctor Destroyer's face appeared in my mind.

Then Jun's words.

Just as Caliga became known in your world as the hero who fought toe to toe with Grond, Dainsleif will become known in your world as the man who fought toe to toe with Doctor Destroyer.

Master Jun said it himself. He hyped this fight up. I went in unprepared and overestimated my enemy. But this time, I knew how this old geezer ticked.

So if I lose to him again...

That would be so damn lame.

Aspectum: Target Lock

I continued walking, hallway after hallway, following the crosshairs that marked Doctor Destroyer, until we were face to face with a familiar foe.

"Dainsleif, and his robot girlfriend."

Gigaton stood before us, as Sigurd glared at the US private.

"He's all yours, Sig. Go teach him a lesson." I said.

"Bring it on, you two." Gigaton powered up, shaking the entire ship.

Sigurd stepped forward, and I let her.

"This fight will not end the same way. I have orders from Dainsleif to eliminate you."

Gigaton smiled, his body emanating a violent yellow electrical aura.

"Well would you look at that. So do I."

Gigaton blasted forward, his body amplified by Bishamonten's war presence, but Sigurd held her ground, clashing with Doctor Destroyer's top henchman.

"So, looks like you've upgraded your parts, woman."

Gigaton unleashed an arc of yellow energy, chasing after Sigurd, who darted around the room with supersonic speed, her shoulders unlocked and blasting a blue energy that propelled her faster and faster.

Sigurd shot in, slamming her leg against the side of Gigaton's helmet, then unsheathing her blades attached to her high heels, spinning and unleashing razor sharp hell.

Gigaton unleashed an outward blast of power, as Sigurd back flipped back.

The two of them smiled at each other wildly, but a man leapt from the top ledge, interrupted Sigurd with his metamorphosed claws.

Sigurd deflected it off of her skin, as the man landed on the ground in a feral stance.

Gigaton gritted his teeth.

"Rakshasa! Don't interfere with my fight against Sigurd."

Rakshasa turned around.

"Well there, Mister Colton. You seem to be struggling against this pretty lady. That's rather displeasing, isn't it? Wouldn't it be better if we tag teamed her?"

Gigaton narrowed his eyes.

"She is my fight alone. Doctor tasked me."

Rakshasa smiled, but the smile faded as a bullet soared his way, which he barely dodged.

Gigaton and Rakshasa turned to me in surprise, as the barrel of my Draugr was still smoking.

"Hey. Indian dude. Gigaton fights Sigurd. You will not be interfering." I said.

Rakshasa leapt into the air, turning into a golem and slamming his fist to my location, but I darted out of the way, spinning and retaliated with my other gun hand, shooting my MP7 submachine gun, peppering and destroying the golem's body.

Rakshasa exited his form and landed on the ground, as the golden empty bullet casings clinked on the ground from where I fired.

"Well, isn't this fun." Rakshasa smiled, as I lowered my MP7 and lifted my Draugr, firing rounds at the foe, who suddenly disappeared, replaced with a ton of weird pink psionic tendrils.

The tendrils shot to my location.

"Garrison Formation."

My two DS33's came in and blocked the onslaught of tendrils, floating and hovering like mobile riot shields.

"Come now, boy. Is this the extent of what you can do?"

Rakshasa's voice appeared in my head, as I aimed, shooting at the tendrils, which kept coming at me from all directions.

I gritted my teeth.

"Things aren't always as they seem, are they?"

Bastard illusionist.

I didn't have time for this.

I held out my hand.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Flash Bang.

I threw the flash on the ground, as a bright white light blinded Rakshasa. The attacks stopped, as I brought my foot back, my eyes wide.

Aspectum: Full Radar

My vision lit up, with Rakshasa's real body.

"Do you think a mere flash bang can stop-"

I spun around, pressing the barrel of my Draugr to his head. Rakshasa's eyes suddenly filled with fear.

"-me... Ah. Chod."

BANG.

Rakshasa flew back violently, blood erupted from his forehead as his corpse slid backwards.

Gigaton was sent flying so violently by Sigurd that he blasted a fresh hole through the wall of the ship, his unconscious body hurtling and falling several thousand feet from the sky.

Sigurd wrung her wrists.

"You have been terminated." Sigurd said.

I smirked.

"Nice reference."

Sigurd gave me a mischievous smile.

"Perhaps my commander has rubbed off on me."

"And it was all Jessie's fault." I replied.

We walked to a door, reinforced by multiple layers of Destreum.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Buzzsaw Orbs

The orbs flew at the door and began sawing with its high velocity Questionite blades, tearing the door open as Doctor Destroyer himself greeted me.

"So you've come at last. I've been waiting for you."

I held out my hand, as Sigurd stood at the entrance on standby.

I walked up to Doctor Destroyer, until we were face to face.

Destroyer's gun drones hovering behind him.

My DS33 Sanctuaries hovering behind me.

"Aaron Hope." Doc said. So we were going by name basis. Thankfully, I knew his. Millennium City's most powerful super villain.

"Albert Zerstoiten."

We faced each other off, as the sounds of war overwhelmed the skies of Millennium City. The roof had opened, as the platform we were standing on raised higher and higher, expanding like a massive arena.

"This world has constantly compared me to that idiot Defender. Defender vs. Doctor Destroyer. How offended I was. This man is nothing to me. His armour, his technology, his... Harmon Industries. Nothing about him is redeeming in any way. But... you... Hope."

Destroyer pointed a finger to me.

"You're different, aren't you? Neither a hero nor a villain. You exist to battle, you exist to destroy, just like me. You will make an amazing nemesis. One fitting for Doctor Destroyer."

"Nah. I'd prefer if it was a tall girl. With blonde hair. And a big ass."

Doctor Destroyer's face was hidden in his battle helmet, but I could tell him irking in disgust.

"I am an old dog. So it is only fitting for the hero I battle against to be my opposite. And so stands you. Dainsleif. I am old, experienced. Yet you... you are a child. You are foolish, and hotblooded. We are complete opposites. We complete each other."

Explosions filled the dark skies, as thunder boomed and lightning crashed.

Destroyer held up his palm, blasting energy at me as I brought up my gun, firing. The shockwave sent us both back, as I summoned a third DS33 and landed on it.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ironsight

I held my sniper, scoping in and switching to missile launcher mode.

I unleashed a flurry of missiles, while Doc did the same, explosions shaking the ship as my eyes widened.

Aspectum - Target Lock

I watched as Destroyer zipped to the side. I lowered my Ironsight and drew my Draugr from my belt, firing at the villain, who began strafing me, his gun drones firing.

"Suppressing fire protocol."

My DS33's flew in and intercepted the drones with blasts of light.

"Dainsleif!" Doctor Destroyer closed in on me, but paused.

"No... my sensors indicate you're not the real-"

Doc looked down, as he found me, with my Caliga aimed right at his face.

I pressed the trigger, and fired a powerful round at his direction.

Doc held out his hands, creating an energy shield, barely blocking the shot, as he flew into the sky.

"Target switch: Priority - Doctor Destroyer." I commanded my DS33's as they stopped shooting the gun drones and chased after Destroyer, blasting his armour with shots of light.

The gun drones tried to chase after my Sanctuaries, but I aimed my Draugr, activating a switch on the side, and fired shotgun pellets, destroying the drones before they could even make a move.

"Insolence! This is nothing to me!"

Doctor Destroyer spun around, unleashing a massive array of lasers and decimating my Sanctuaries, then blasted to me.

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

Electricity surged in my body, as the spell allowed me to shoot backwards, dodging Destroyer's punch.

"You WILL face me, Dainsleif!"

Destroyer pulled out a laser sword and slashed at me, ripping my coat and hoodie, but I retaliated with Draugr, shooting him square in the helmet and denting the Destreum.

KABOOM.

Destroyer gritted his teeth, as more and more Mega Destroids fell.

"How are my Mega Destroids being destroyed so quickly?!"

"My henchmen." I snarled, as I took advantage of his distracted state to slam a flash grenade into his face.

Doctor Destroyer glared at me through his helmet.

"No..."

"Yes. And your two lieutenants, Gigaton and Rakshasa have been dealt with too. By my lieutenant. Master Jun's technology is unrivalled."

"GRRRRR.... This is WRONG."

Destroyer pushed me back, and fired violent frenzies blasts of energy outwards. I soared out of the way, retaliating with Draugr gunshots which glanced off of his shield.

Was it energy based?

"Energy Siphon Protocol."

My DS33 hover board began siphoning the energy of the shield, as Destroyer stared at me.

I aimed my Draugr, a magic circle in my hand.

Convocatio: Ammunition Summoning - Super AP Round

A magazine appeared, as I loaded my gun and fired, the round shattering his armour, sending the villain to the ground.

I hovered above him.

Destroyer coughed, his armour smoking, and blood pouring from his wounds.

"I... I... I refuse..."

Destroyed glared at me.

"You're... not heroic... not in the slightest. This is wrong. You were supposed to fight me, and bring satisfaction to me as my nemesis. But you... you wield henchmen. You kill. You.... you..."

I aimed my Draugr again, as Destroyer slammed his fists on the platform.

"RAAAAAAAAH!"

The ship began to change, as thousands of Destroids flew to my location.

"Forget the invasion! Destroy Dainsleif!"

I spun around, as I was surrounded by thousands, to hundreds of thousands of robots. From trooper bots, to Destroids, to leader drones, to Annhilator Bots and Mega Destroids. Black Talon operatives. I was now facing against the entire military might of Destruga.

"This is the might of Doctor Destroyer. Dainsleif. My power. Here before you."

Destroyer ascended into the air with his rocket boots, blood leaking down his helmet.

"I was mistaken, to even believe you would be fitting. The one thing that Defender had... was that his technology belonged to him. But you... you simply had your weapons given to you. Handed down. Repulsive. You fight with strength that isn't yours. You can never be my nemesis."

Sigurd wanted to do something, but I held out my hand, stopping her.

"You're right, Doc. In the sense that these weapons weren't made with my bare hands."

Doctor Destroyer brought his hands up, like an conductor to an orchestra.

"Just as I feared. You are nothing to me, Aaron Hope. A man who wields weapons made by another is an insult in my presence. Destroy him."

The Destroids fired their wave of energy projectiles at me, a sea of destruction coming my way.

I could see why he was considered the most powerful villain in history.

With overwhelming firepower like that.

And an unparalleled genius in his world to back it up to maintain and build this entire metal empire.

But...

I concentrated, as black energy swirled around me.

Destroyer's eyes widened.

"What is this... what are you doing?"

A grimoire appeared front of me, as the winds became violent.

"My weapons weren't hand crafted by me. They were created by Master Jun. You're absolutely correct."

I smiled evilly, as black light surrounded me, pushing the projectiles away and causing the Black Talon operatives to look at each other nervously.

"But you know how I can wield them so skillfully? Well. It's because while it was Master Jun who created my equipment... I was the one who came up with each weapon. The concept of each gun. From the grip, to the barrel, to the hammer, to the fire mechanism. Each gun that I wield and call using the Convocatio spell. Each grenade. Even the DS33 Sanctuaries that hover before you. All of it was my design."

The winds began to howl.

"From the very beginning, I was always able to do the impossible. Master Jun just gave me an avenue to continue doing the impossible. But in the end of the day, what I do, my firepower. All came from my mind. And how I use my magic... this is all me."

How I use my spells.

A grimoire was after all, just a book of spells.

A novice could have the most powerful grimoire in existence, but still be considered weak because he or she did not know how to use the right spell at the right time.

But when someone who knew what they were doing, had access to the most dangerous weapons in the multiverse...

By the way, as a thank you for what you did for me, I also used Hachi to unlock a new War Spell in your grimoire. Your welcome!

The book opened, flipping to a page as magical runic lettering scribbled itself on the empty paper.

"STOP HIM! DESTROY DAINSLEIF!" Destroyer screamed, as the robot legion unloaded their attacks, only to have it repelled by Noir's Demon Magic.

I held out my hand.

Special War Magic

A black magic circle appeared in front of me, so big that it seemingly outshone the explosions of the battle with a devilish light.

War Marble

The black magic circle suddenly shrunk, condensing into a small black circle in the palm of my hand.

The storm dissipated, as the Destroids suddenly began to be pulled in. Like a black hole singularity.

The mass of metal and Destreum entering the War Marble.

Destreum.

I had it now.

So upgrade my arsenal. My entire armory.

Enhance all of my guns. Every single last firearm. Every last grenade and equipment I had.

Enhance them all.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" Destroyed roared, as the War Marble sunk into its magic circle.

I opened my eyes, holding out my hand.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ultimate Draugr

An upgraded Draugr, coated with Destreum, and with an evolved design appeared in my hand, as I took aim.

Destroyer gritted his teeth.

"You dare... steal MY Destreum?! I will... I will, break YOU!"

Destroyer flew in, as I fired, the bullet coming out, also now Destreum.

The villain had managed to dodge it, but the sheer force of the bullet shattered his helmet, revealing his aged face, full of rage.

"IMPOSSIBLE!"

I smiled, Master Jun's voice appeared in my mind.

But what I can do, is suggest new ideas to your brain. Opening up new neural links. When the time comes, you should be able to devise a new way to use your magic and weapons. You're gonna need it.

I whipped out my MP7 out of thin air, and fired a spray of Destreum AP rounds which shattered his armour.

"WHAT?!"

Convocatio: Continuous Summoning

I flew back, as numerous DS33's appeared.

"How are you able to call upon your equipment so quickly now?!" Destroyer growled at me in disbelief.

Continuous Summoning. It would drain my mana over time.

But by doing this, I would continuously have the magic circles on standby.

I wouldn't need to spend time calling upon its chant.

"Execution Protocol." I said, as all six DS33's positioned their line of fire to Doctor Destroyer's vulnerable body.

I lowered my MP7 and aimed my upgraded Draugr.

"Checkmate. Doctor Destroyer." I said coldly, as my finger pressed down on the trigger.

"NO! DAINSLEIF, DON'T!" A man shouted at me, as numerous superheroes surrounded me.

I paused, as Defender flew in front of me, shielding Destroyer with his own body. His armour was cracked and ruined. Sigurd flew to my location, next to me.

"Defender. Eliminating Doctor Destroyer is a logical solution to this war, and subsequent threats." Sigurd said.

Defender shook his head.

"As a hero, that is not our right."

Sigurd narrowed her eyes.

"Do you believe us to be heroes?"

"You came here to register with the heroes. You both did. Don't tell me this was a cover story."

Sigurd glared at Defender, as the rest of the Champions backed him up.

"Our mission was to obtain Destreum, Dainsleif. Has this been done?"

"Yeah." I replied quietly.

"All of it. The codes of how it's manufactured. It's all saved in the War Marble."

"Then that is all we need. To end this war, his death is required."

Sigurd glanced at Destroyer, who was staring at Defender.

"Harmon... what are you doing?!"

Defender turned to the villain.

"You deserve the worst punishment for everything you've done, Doctor Destroyer. But as heroes, it's not right to kill. You will be apprehended through justice. Not through death."

Defender pointed at Sigurd and I.

"Sigurd and Dainsleif. You two have been removed from the hero registry. Should you choose to interfere, we will classify you, and all of your acquaintances as threats to NATO. Do you understand?"

Sigurd regarded the Champions, who all powered up, ready to fight.

"Fighting them is unwise, Dainsleif. Bishamonten's influence has been weakened. Our job is done. Fall back."

I nodded, as Sigurd and I retreated.

I landed on the ground.

We needed to get to Bishamonten as fast as we could.

But before I could do anything, someone called out to me.

"Marksman."

I turned around, to see an old man, hobbling. He was the same owner of the gun shop I had visited earlier.

"You... old man..."

"You are well. I suppose, for someone who just fought toe to toe with this world's strongest super villain. So ya didn't blast his skull open. I'm glad you took my advice."

I hesitated.

"What's wrong, kid?"

I realized my hand was trembling. Images of the gun shopkeeper who attacked me and Jessie flashing in my mind.

Sigurd took my hand.

"Dainsleif." She said.

I calmed down.

"Nothing. You should be with the citizens and evacuate."

"Meh. An old fool like me? I've lived a fulfilling life. Don't you still have that crazy thing in the distance to take down?"

I paused.

"Wait, what?"

The old man gave me a smirk.

"I've been around for a long time, kiddo. Nothing surprises me. And I've seen a whole ton of shit. From Destroids, to monsters, to superheroes. And yes. Even Gods of War."

The old man went up to me and clapped his hand on my face.

"Go kick some ass, kid. And once it's all over, and you're finished with your time in this world, come see me again. I wanna treat you to a drink."

"I..."

My expression softened. Seeing this gramps somehow made me feel a bit better.

"Yeah. I'll be looking forward to it."

"Good. Also, you're not underaged, right?"

"Wha-" I stumbled back, my ears turning hot.

"I'm an adult! I'm eighteen! I swear!"

"Really? Could have fooled me. You look more like you're fifteen years old, young buck."

"Shut up! You old geezer! I'm-"

BOOM.

I spun around.

"Dainsleif, we must hurry." Sigurd warned me.

"Alright." I turned around, jumping on my DS33 and summoning my Ultimate Draugr.

"I'll catch you later, old man. I have a god to kill."

The two of us walked off, the carnage and destruction of the world falling apart around us.

But I wasn't really bothered.

I wasn't glad that the place was in ruins.

I wasn't sad that the place was in ruins either.

This was all part of the job.

I had already finished Master Jun's mission to obtain the Destreum. And now, I had to finish Lady Hakah's mission to take down Lord Bishamonten.

A stray Destroid stumbled out of the debris, standing before us.

Sigurd regarded the robot, as the robot's voice crackled.

"You... are just like... me..."

The Destroid slowly raised its crushed fingers at Sigurd.

""And he will abandon you... just like ours did... when you fail... and fall apart... you shall join us in the mountain of scrap."

Sigurd clenched her fist.

"I am nothing like you, Destroid."

"Yet... you and I, share so much in common. From our mechanical bodies... to our model numbers... what human is assigned a number?"

Sigurd scowled, as the Destroid continued stumbling to our direction.

"Humans are assigned names. They are... people. But we... we are just walking scrap, soon to be abandoned. Just like our Master had done to us. We are nothing to him."

I cut the Destroid off.

"You're wrong, tin can." I aimed my Draugr and shot his leg off, causing the Destroid to fall flat on its back.

I stood over top of him, as the burning buildings around us collapsed.

"The truth is, we're also treated like scrap. That's how this world works. As long as the world has a higher power, that's how it's going to be. That's how capitalism works, and that's how the corporate world works. Sometimes, we're not even referred to as names. We're referred to as numbers. And sometimes..."

My memory from when Avara had slaughtered us in the orphanage flashed in my head.

"...we're treated as cattle to be cut down. So no. Even humans aren't treated like people in this world."

The Destroid made an irking sound.

"What a... terrible place we live in..."

I smiled.

"Nah. I don't think it's that bad."

"Does not... compute..."

"Of course not. That's what makes Sigurd different from you. Because she recognizes there's more to a person's life than that. As long as you can spend your days with at least one person, it makes the burden of living so much lighter. I will never throw Sig away. She's more than a companion to me, and she's more than just a tool now. She's a partner."

The lights of the Destroid were starting to dim.

"Then... my master... was simply..."

"A tyrant."

"I see... then... for me... I no longer wish to be... affiliated with him. How can I... how can I be free? Gunman?"

"Beats me. Maybe do something that would piss him off."

The Destroid regarded Sigurd and I.

"Then... I want a name... in my dying moments... I shall no longer be bound to Doctor Destroyer."

I knelt down.

"You were already unbound when I defeated him, bucko. He's been arrested and his armour stripped."

The Destroid's light faded away.

"I see... then... that is enough for me... Aaron... Hope. I shall die, with the name Buck."

Hey now. I never said your name was Buck. I called you bucko...

I exhaled, ignoring what he just said.

"Rest in piece, Buck. I'll lay you to rest."

I put a hand on his body, when suddenly, the carcass crumbled revealing a metal shaped object the size of an earring, which then pierced my earlobe.

"OW! What the?!"

Aaron Hope. You shall now be my new master. I will serve you, as Buck.

...

"Umm... Sigurd? Please tell me I didn't just hear this wack job Destroid in my head?"

Sigurd gave me a look of amusement.

"Congratulations, Dainsleif. You now have an additional assistant. Welcome to our squadron, Buck."

I will live. As a person. Just like Sigurd. By your side, I will be more than a Destroid. Please, take good care of me.

I sighed, putting a hand on the back of my head.

"Alright. Whatever. Just don't go dying on me, Buck. Got it?"

A Second Chance

I was too late.

Absalom had collapsed, defeated, his body impaled in thousands of places.

Roy's unconscious body was suspended in one of the steel bars of the concrete that was jutting out of a destroyed building.

And Dagrun was all alone, her white yutaka was stained with blood and dirt, and her face covered in grime.

She was breathing heavily, facing Bishamonten, who received little to no damage at all.

"Your Auxiliary Shadows have long since been defeated, little girl. To continue this one sided battle is simply delusional."

Tokiko readied her katana.

"Not until Dainsleif is here. I will hold you off-"

Bishamonten swiped his hand, as a razor sharp sword sliced the katana in half, the shock filled her eyes.

"It's over. I kept you around, because your effort was somewhat adorable. But between your silly insistence to get in my way, along with your pathetic Auxiliary Shadows, and your constant complaining that your yutaka got dirty is honestly getting on my ner-"

"Uuuu....uuuu..."

Bishamonten's face flashed with annoyance.

"What is it now?!"

"WAAAAAAAH!" Tokiko wailed, falling to her knees.

"WHAT?!" Bishamonten stumbled back.

"You broke it!!! Another katana is broken!!! WAAAAAAH!"

My eye twitched in annoyance.

Tokiko...

How can you be so childish at a time like this...

"The last time my katana broke, my mommy got so mad at me! Now I broke another one! She's going to kill me! WAAAAH! And it's all your fault!!!"

Tokiko threw the hilt at Bishamonten's face, who was blanched with disbelief.

I guess even the great Inner Shadow wasn't used to the curse of Tokiko Marin.

"Make me another one! Make me one now!" Dagrun screamed.

"What?! Why do I have to make my enemy a weapon?!" Bishamonten exclaimed.

"Lady Dagrun... you can't... be serious..." Andy muttered from within the debris.

"Sig, help Visor and Oni Emperor out of there."

"Affirmative." Sigurd said, as she yanked Andy out of the debris and took Absalom's now reduced body out of the hulking carcass.

Dagrun wailed.

"You're the God of War, aren't you?! Or what? The God of Excuses?"

"HUH?! I AM the God of War! But-"

"Then what kind of God of War can't make katanas?!"

"I CAN! I will! Just shut up, little girl! You're such an eyesore, you're giving me a headache!"

Bishamonten waved his hand, as a fresh new katana, just like her old one appeared in her hands.

"There! Okay? It's just like your old one. Minus your mother's blessing. Just get it re-blessed. She won't even be able to tell the difference! Are we good now? Are you happy now? Are you?"

Tokiko stopped crying and jumped up and down.

"Yay! I got my katana back! Look Daddy! It's back!"

Absalom groaned from within Sigurd's arms.

"That's great... sweetie..."

The God of War's jaw dropped to the ground.

"You..."

"Hey." I said, as I stepped forward before the God of War.

"I'm back."

The God of War groaned.

"Thank the heavens, please. I do not wish to battle Dagrun any more. Between her idiocy, and her annoying reasonings, I would gladly trade her for you."

"The wait is over. I am here to put an end to you for good."

I turned to Sigurd and Dagrun.

"Get out of here, the both of you. This fight is between Bishamonten and I."

Thunder crackled, as we faced each other off.

"Aaron Hope..."

Lightning Magic: Augmentus

Convocatio: Continuous Summoning

I narrowed my eyes, as seven DS33's appeared behind me.

Master Hope... who is this?

"Just shut up for now, Buck."

Bishamonten threw his hand back, and summoned a sword.

"I made an oath to her. And I shall keep it. By slaying you. I have waited for so long, but it would have been unethical to do so since we both worked for the Black Legion. However, with Lady Hakah against me, I may well be on my way to reincarnation. But I, as this current Bishamonten, shall make sure I do this before I die. And that is to destroy you. For her sake."

"What are you talking about? Who is this her you are referring to?"

Bisha scowled, and blasted forward, as I clenched my fist. All seven of my DS33's came together and fired their beams, which all converged to one point. The beam blasted Bishamonten square in the centre, propelling him back.

"This is not enough to stop me-"

BANG.

Bisha was startled, as he stared at his shattered sword, then at me, who had aimed the barrel of my Ultimate Draugr in my hand.

PLINK.

The God of War then looked down, to see a grenade had dropped to the ground. The moment he was distracted by the beams, the blinding light, I had fired a shot with Draugr, shattering his sword, forcing him to look up, then discretely dropped a grenade at his feet.

"You-"

The binding grenade latched onto the god.

"ABC Tractor Protocol."

Three of the DS33's flew in and latched onto the grenade via. tractor beams, throwing the god to the sky.

"AARON!" Bishamonten roared.

Enough.

I was done with you, Bishamonten.

I created an intricate hand sign, summoning my grimoire before me, the book flipping to a page.

Convocatio: Special Gun Summoning - Thompson Contender

I reached into a black magic circle, slowly pulling out my signature break action pistol, and took aim at the god.

Black magic was swirling around me like a violent windstorm.

"Die!" I yelled, as I pressed the trigger.

BLACK BULLET

I fired my black bullet, the wind spiralling through it like a cyclone as the bullet flew to the god, but Bishamonten roared to the sky.

"NO! I HAD AN OATH! And... an oath made by a god... IS UNBREAKABLE."

The god flexed his muscles, destroying the tractor beams and the three DS33's and threw his sword to the sky, summoning a celestial divine energy.

"I shall not be stopped by Noir's magic." Bisha growled, as he brought his blade up and intercepted the bullet.

"Siphon all you want, Dainsleif, but against the passion for battle, even your Black Bullets are incapable of stopping my oath."

I gritted my teeth, my veins turning black.

No...

He was deflecting my Black Bullet?!

I clutched the handle of my Contender, as a Black Magic Circle appeared at the barrel, intensifying the black bullet's power until the two of us clashed.

"GRRRRRARRRR!" I growled, as Bishamonten did the same.

The entire place was shaking violently from our struggle, as entire buildings and landforms were being ripped from the ground, swirling around the clash of the sword and bullet.

I swore it.

I promised.

To Will and Nora. My first mentors.

And to Jessie. The first girl I fell in love with who loved me back.

I will not a single god escape my wrath.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" I yelled, blood gushing from my arm as my coat ripped away, revealing just my black hoodie, which fluttered violently in the wind.

"FULL DELETION PROTOCOL!" I roared at my DS33's as they repositioned themselves, blasting a beam at Bishamonten, who inched back in the sky.

"GAH! You... You usurper! Fall!"

Bishamonten roared, summoning millions of swords and spears in the sky as it rained down on me.

My hands were full trying to keep the Black Bullet's pressure.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Four Bodies

Four spectres appeared, as they summoned their M134 Mini Guns, shooting the sky.

Bisha and I roared at each other defiantly, trying to inch the other guy down in the clash.

I was pulling out all of the stops.

From my Black Bullet.

To my DS33's.

But I was losing the clash.

"Why... why are you like this, Aaron?! Why can't you just leave my kind alone?!"

"Is that even a question! You're the bastard interfering with my mission!"

"For her! You... your very presence brings her fright. As her guardian... I cannot let her live her reincarnation with fear!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about!"

More blood gushed from my arm as I gritted my teeth.

I...

I was going to break.

"AAAAAAAH!" I screamed, as the bullet exploded into millions of black shards, throwing Bishamonten back.

I acted immediately, jumping on one of my DS33's and blasted to his location, aiming my Ultimate Draugr and firing.

The bullet bombarded his armour as Bisha was flung violently into the sky.

"Begone from me!"

The god swung a massive hammer, as I used Augmentus to reinforce my joints, but the impact sent me hurtling into the ground, creating a valley as I coughed out blood.

My bones felt like they were creaking and on the verge of breaking.

Bishamonten closed the distance and slashed again, this time, catching my thigh.

"Gah!" I gasped, returning fire with my Ultimate MP7, bombarding his helmet with bullet holes.

I then aimed my Draugr, set to shotgun mode, and blew him back with a powerful blast.

Bisha smashed into the side of the dark crevice, but returned with a volley of arrows.

"Destreum Buckler!" I shouted, as my DS33's came together like a shield, blocking the arrows, then opened up, as I returned fire with my Draugr. Bishamonten sliced the bullets with his sword, as we exchanged sword slashes and gun shots, our battle shaking the entire world. We soared through the chasm, and shot into the sky.

I threw a smoke grenade at Bisha's face, then summoned my Ironsight, shooting a volley of missiles at the god. But Bisha summoned a spear and dissipated the smoke with lightning fast spins, redirecting and throwing the missiles off course as they slammed into the ground below, unleashing blinding massive explosions.

I threw my Ironsight to the side, then summoned my Ultimate M130 Fully Automatic Assault Rifle, shooting Destreum bullets which shattered his spear and pushed him to the ground, crushing the rock.

I flew in.

Convocatio: Grenade Summoning - Ultimate Buzzsaw Orbs

I chucked several Destreum lined Buzzsaw orbs which chased the god as he leapt back and darted across the mesa with super speed, summoning two swords in each hand and doing his best to resist the pressure.

I drew my Draugr and began firing, as the occasional bullet breached his armour.

"Fall to my arrows!"

I was suddenly bombarded with arrows, as I didn't have time to call the Destruem Buckler protocol.

I shifted my weight, forcing my hover board to block the arrows, which shattered it and causing it to explode.

I slammed into the ground, tumbling violently as my hoodie ripped and tore at the sleeves.

But as I continued rolling, I was still aiming.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ultimate Caliga

I aimed my heavyweight rifle, concentrating and firing the round as it shattered the god's swords, slamming into his chest and sending him through two mountains.

KABOOM.

I slid to a stop, my body was aching in a million places, and sharp pains were lancing up my bones.

Master Hope, you are injured and several of your bones are broken. Allow me to provide medical assistance.

A rush of nanobots surged from my earlobe and entered my blood stream, mending my bones.

"Th- Thanks, Buck." I muttered, as I struggled to my feet.

Bishamonten's yell shook the very heavens, as the mountain he was buried in exploded, revealing the god of war, menacingly approaching me. Surrounded by fire and hell. He held out his hand, and a massive sword appeared in it.

"You survived a Destreum Caliga rifle shell? Guess you're not half bad." I said, as Bisha lowered his sword, thousands of swords appearing behind him.

I snapped my fingers, as seven DS33's appeared behind me.

Gun against Sword.

Mortal against God.

"If only you could... understand our half of the story, you would have been the most incredible human in existence, Dainsleif."

I aimed my Draugr.

"Sorry to disappoint."

We shot forward, as Bisha swung his sword. I dodged, retaliated with Draugr's bullets, as the Destreum shells shattered the swords which defended it.

The swords came my way, which were deflected off of the surface of the Destreum coated DS33's, now immune to Bisha's sword impalements.

Bisha zipped backwards, before the DS33's could vaporize him where he stood with their energy blasts.

I fired Draugr repeated, as Bisha darted side to side, retaliating with a powerful sword slash that came my way.

I dove to the side, as we strafed each other, using the buildings as cover and firing, sword slash and bullet shaking the city.

I aimed again, shooting as Bisha, who barged through, ignoring the bullet as it pierced right through his chest. Blood erupted from his mouth, as he tackled me, slamming me into the building.

Bisha seethed, bringing his fist back, as I slammed my grenade against his chest, electrocuting him.

"GAH!"

I rolled out of the way and threw another grenade, which unleashed a nerve toxin. I held my breath, as Bisha fell to his knees, choking.

I aimed Draugr and shot him again, igniting the gas and sending him through a building, slamming into the side.

I summoned my Ironsight and bombarded him over and over again with a barrage of missiles, as the god fell hundreds of stories onto the ground with a big boom.

I breathed heavily.

My mana was steadily running out.

It would be a matter of time before I was going to lose my advantage.

Bishamonten slowly got to his feet, his voice turning darker and more sinister.

"Running... running away... you would go so far to fight a coward's fight, through guerrilla tactics to defeat me? Dainsleif?"

Bisha summoned a legion of bows and fired a storm of arrows at me.

I leapt behind destroyed building debris as cover, aiming my Ironsight, the scope aimed right at his forehead and fired.

But Bisha simply looked at me, deflecting the bullet with a starburst of swords. Then sent the swords my direction.

I ran, acrobatically stepping and jumping off of the destroyed road and terrain, leaping on an evacuated school bus.

Bisha closed the distance, appearing in front of me, but I launched a flash bang, blinding him.

I leapt off the bus and slid backwards, my eyes darting for the fuel source of the vehicle, and fired at it.

The explosion engulfed the god, the same way it had to Avara, as I was sent flying backwards violently, slamming my back against a car door and deforming it.

My vision became blurry. My head conked on the cracked pavement as I could hear Bishamonten talking, but everything felt muffled.

Did I run out of mana already?

I...

I guess this was my limit.

And that's why you always get bullied. You're a total wimp and you're always in the corner, never taking part in group activities and playing that weird MMO with the anime girls. Might as well pick up a thing or two. It's the three of us. For the longest time it was just Will and I. Now we have you too. We got ourselves quite the squad here! Like an RPG party.

"Huh?"

Who was talking?

Was that Nora?

This is the tank's job. Right? The tank's job in every party. And I've always been working out. I can handle myself just fine.

Will...

Was I really gonna die? After all that?

I put up a good fight after all...

But... something inside me didn't want to call it quits.

Nora and I... we've been in the orphanage for the longest time. We don't have anywhere to go. But you do. Hell... your last name is Hope after all.

I gasped, my eyes fluttering awake, as the man approaching me unveiled his wings.

Everything was still blurry, but...

Was that really a man? Its figure looked more like a woman... and that dress. It looked almost...

Angelic.

The goddess of fertility.

The first deity I had killed...

Avara tilted her deadpan face, as she raised her sword to strike me down.

"Tch. The fact that such lowly life force exists is the very reason of my master's folly. The concept of an orphan... an unwanted child. It is from their progenitors do they learn, but without their progenitors they are imperfect. Incomplete. I despise those who are incomplete in this world."

Fear crept into my veins, as my heart began skipping beats.

"No... it's you..."

I tried to move, but my bones flared in pain.

Was I paralyzed?

No...

Time seemed to stop.

Avara smiled evilly at me, as I looked at my hands. My tiny hands.

And my tiny body.

It was...

Like that night.

My bottom lip quivered, as I tried to escape Avara, but my body wasn't listening to me.

She was getting closer.

Move, Aaron! Run!

You have to get out of here!

"Imperfect... child..."

Avara swung her sword down at me, as I screamed, raising my hand up from pure instinct.

CLANG.

I opened my eyes, as I turned back to the goddess in shock.

I had intercepted her sword with my Draugr.

My body... was no longer that of a twelve year old from that night.

Avara's expression changed.

"Why do you not fear us? You are the most flawed human I have ever seen. We have encountered extraordinary mortals, but not once have we encountered a heretic such as you."

I tried to fight back, but Avara pierced me with her other sword as I roared in pain.

"The deed was never done."

The sword cut deeper into my shoulder as I yelled in agony.

"I will finish it."

SHHHK SHHK!

"I will be the one to finish you off, Aaron Hope. From that night."

"AAAAAAGHHH!!" I screamed.

I'm scared.

I'm really scared.

I can't do this alone.

Someone...

Anyone...

Please save me...

"Aaron!" A girl's voice appeared, as to my disbelief, Nora ran up to Avara and yanked at her.

Avara's face contorted in annoyance, as she tried to move her sword in an attempt to slice my head off, but her sword arm was grabbed by Nora.

"Help! Help me, Aaron's gonna die!" Nora shouted, as I stared at her in shock.

"Aaron! Hang on! I'm here!" Will shouted, as he grabbed Avara from the other side, yanked the sword away.

"You won't fight alone anymore. We're sorry, Aaron. For leaving you behind that day." Will grimaced, as we made eye to eye contact.

"We're here for you!"

"Will... Nora... I'm... I can't... she's... she's a goddess, I can't win-"

"I don't want to hear that from you, Aaron!" Will snapped.

"My willpower." Will growled.

"And my wit." Nora snarled.

"They've been passed down to you! So use it! You're not that scared little boy anymore! You've taken what we've taught you and become someone better. Someone who avenged us and continued avenging us. You kept taking down the gods who threatened humanity, as the God Eater. So don't give up! Step over the state of the gods, and defeat this one, Aaron Hope!" Will and Nora shouted at me at the same time, as strength surged in my body.

I roared, ignoring the sword as I sat up and head butted Avara in the face.

The goddess fell backward, her face incredulous.

"You dare..."

I got to my feet and ripped the sword out of my shoulder. Endorphins flooded my body.

"Will... Nora..." I muttered, as I glared at the goddess, who tried to charge me, but I swung my fist, catching her in the face.

I then stepped on her chest, wielding my Ultimate Draugr and shot her in the face.

Over and over again.

BANG. BANG. BANG. BANG.

I'm not afraid of you anymore, Avara.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

I'm not afraid...

BANG. BANG. BANG.

I made an oath, to take you and your kind down for what you did to the people at the orphanage.

I'll tear you apart.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

I pressed the trigger again, to hear an empty hammer sound.

Avara's bloodied face was replaced with Bishamonten, as carnage was all around me, the rain dousing the fires. Leaving behind a post apocalyptic Millennium City.

I breathed heavily, my face wild from adrenaline.

I threw my hand out, as my grimoire was summoned beside me.

Convocatio: Special Gun Summoning - Thompson Contender

I pulled out my break action pistol from a black magic circle, ignoring the blackened blood that I was sputtering out. Ignoring my doubled vision.

I sloppily aimed the gun at Bishamonten's forehead.

"Don't... do this... Dainsleif..." Bisha croaked.

"It's too late for your repentance, fallen god." I sneered.

"Not mine... no... but hers..."

I gritted my teeth.

"Who is her?"

Bisha regarded me with empty eyes.

"The day she came... to that orphanage... she was only required to kill one..."

My eyes went wide.

"What did you just say?"

My mind flashed to memories of my time in the orphanage, with Will and Nora.

Then of Avara decapitating that poor crying kid's head.

"Only one... but she... she slaughtered them all didn't she..."

My gun hand was shaking with rage.

"Yes. She killed them all. She killed my brother and sister. Then she tried to kill me. We were kids, and she slaughtered us with no remorse. She called us orphans imperfect. And she had them all huddled together as one pile."

A tear ran down Bisha's face.

"I see... so even... before that... I failed her... even before."

"What... what are you talking about?" My voice trailed away.

Bishamonten was struggling for air, as his eyes were starting to roll into the back of his head.

"Avara was... supposed to kill only one... but I raised her... I spoiled her... the reason she became this way was my fault... even in her past life... I was ruining her..."

"You-"

Bishamonten...

You were the one who turned Avara into this?!

I pressed the barrel of the Contender to his forehead.

"Worst choice of last words, ever. Bishamonten." I growled.

I was about to press the trigger, when suddenly, Bisha put his hand on mine.

His face was leaking tears.

"I tried to raise her again... but... now... now I can't... and if she becomes like her predecessor... I would have failed her twice in a row. I'm... sorry, Avara..."

This was too much to take in.

"Yeling Mah..."

"What?"

"Yeling Mah was the only person who had god power combined with the paternal instincts... to raise her. I tried to recruit him... but Hakah was against it... so..."

I suddenly realized the black energy stopped coursing through me, as the Contender began to dissolve in my hands.

What was I doing?!

Kill him!

What are you waiting for, Aaron?!

"Find her... if you resent Avara, then... make sure another one doesn't repeat history. Raise her right. Teach her... guide her... in my place. And tell her that I'm sorry I failed her. Hope."

Bishamonten smiled, as he crumbled into dust.

The sky was still dark.

And at times like this, light should have broken through the clouds.

But there was no light.

I stood in the rain before the ashes of the Inner Shadow I had just killed.

And I didn't even know what to feel.

Re: Avara

By the time we returned, Master Jun had given us a ton of loyalty points.

Tokiko and her group came in before us, and had to leave soon after she found out her mom had discovered that a second katana broke.

While we were waiting outside of the throne room, Dagrun busted out of the doors wailing.

"I'm sorry mommy! I'm sorry! It wasn't my fault, really! Daddy, help me!"

Absalom trailed from behind, as if he had gotten used to this.

"I can't do anything against your mother... Tokiko."

Andy looked like he just wanted out of there.

Must have been a win for Tokiko's Auxiliary Shadows who never showed up to work that day.

Next, it was our turn.

"Yo! Welcome back, Aaron! Sigurd! Wait, is that you, BRYCE?"

"Yo, how've you been doing, my brother."

Bryce and Jun fist bumped as if completely oblivious that one was an SS+ Rated Inner Shadow and the other was a B Rated Auxiliary Shadow.

Sigurd looked like she was about to blast Bryce, but stopped herself.

"Whoa, Sig. I never expected you to be so forgiving on Bryce." I commented.

Sigurd sighed.

"It was deserved, I suppose. He actually appeared in a mission."

Jun walked up to her.

"Good work, Sigurd."

Sigurd automatically blushed, per her programming, but grimaced right after.

Jun laughed, as Sigurd looked surprised.

"Aw man. You hate it, don't you. That love doll function I added you?"

"N- No, Master Jun. My input is irrelevant."

"Don't say that."

Jun glanced at me.

"I guess you're better suited with Aaron, after all. Say. How about I give you another upgrade. A personal one. Not through the drones, but through me directly."

Sigurd stared at her master.

"I don't... get it."

"I'm saying I'm going to get rid of your programming that made you inherently attracted to me. Not gonna lie, ya boy made you so you would be my robot girlfriend because I wasn't slaying anything."

Bryce snickered.

"Don't worry about it, lil man. Once you hit puberty and hit 6 foot, they'll start lining up. Trust me on this. Also, respect for being a man of culture. If I had technomancy, I would have made myself a Sigurd too."

"He gets me! He really gets me!" Jun shouted.

Jun fist-bumped Bryce again as if they were best buddies.

Sigurd still stood there, dumbfounded, as Jun turned to her.

"You wanna be with Aaron more, right?"

"Y- Yes. Yes, as an assistant. As his companion, as-"

"Nah, you don't need to clarify nothing. That's enough for me to know what you want. I guess creating an android with so much self awareness was always a double edged sword."

Jun ran his hand across Sigurd's face, as her body glowed blue.

"Should work now. How do you feel?"

Jun's hand went to her chest, as Sigurd's face flushed red.

It seemed like everything was frozen in time, as we all stared at Jun's hand.

"Bro, nice." Bryce said, breaking the silence.

"Pervert!" She screamed, as she smacked our Master over the top of the head, causing Master Jun to collapse.

"GAH!" We all stared at Sigurd, who immediately panicked.

"Master Jun! I apologize profusely! What I did was unacceptable, please-"

"Ah, nah. It's all good. It means it worked." Jun said, as he got up.

"I want to have a word with you Dainsleif, alone. I'll get Ernest to deposit those loyalty points for you, like I did for Tokiko. Spend them on what you want."

Sigurd bowed, and dragged Bryce out of the door.

"Dude! Why don't I get loyalty points?"

"All you did was shoot up Mega Destroids, and to make it worse, you ended up doing more damage to the city than Doctor Destroyer!" Sigurd scolded.

"Master Jun shoulda tweaked your code to be attracted to me instead." Bryce grumbled, as the doors slammed.

Jun turned around and sat back on his throne.

Our Greatness... your concoction is ready.

"Thanks."

A shadow emerged from the ground and held out a tray with a can of Mountain Dew.

Jun took it and cracked it open, sipping the soda.

"Aaron."

"Yes, Master."

"Rumour has it that you killed an Inner Shadow. All of the Inner Shadows are talking about it. You made quite the reputation for yourself, Dainsleif. Bishamonten on the other hand, has been immortalized as Black Legion's loser god who lost to an Outer Shadow. L."

My heart crawled into my throat.

"It was at a request."

"Yeah, I know. Hakah wanted it, didn't she."

"Inner Shadow Bishamonten was interfering with our mission. He also tried to recruit Yeling Mah, which was what led to her request. I figured... you know, it was probably worth helping her out. I guess. As a friend."

Jun spun around, raising an eyebrow as he sipped his soda.

"Hmm..."

A bead of sweat rolled down the back of my head.

"As a friend. Not like, anything else. I know she's all yours, Master."

"As your superior, I can't say it's a good idea to meddle with Hakah. And yeah, I'm putting my big boy cap on. You of all people should know that, Aaron. Someone as unstable as her and being an SSS Rate? You're playing with fire, if that fire was like, ten times stronger than Hinokami fire."

"I know... but, I think her reasons are pretty simple, it's just she has a twisted way at carrying it out."

Jun put up his hands.

"All I'm saying is if I'm not against you being friends with her. But if she decides to snap and hunt you down, there is realistically nothing I can do. You'll be on your own."

"I understand."

"Good."

Jun propped his feet on a table.

"Welp. There isn't anything I need from you. Ya got the Destreum information saved in that grimoire of yours, and I've already had it scanned. I'll be able to access the metal now. Thanks. I don't really have any missions for you right now, so just take it easy."

I bowed, and left.

I walked down the hall, as the shadows escorted me.

By the time I reached the barracks, it was mid day. All the Outer Shadows were out, and I walked by all the rooms to the others.

The entire time, Bisha's last words rung in my head.

Look after a reincarnated Avara...

Did I really have what it took to look after a kid? But if I left her out in the open, we would risk her turning out like her predecessor.

And that I could not allow.

Yet even so...

I opened the door to my place, as I gazed at the numerous rooms for all the Auxiliary Shadows assigned to me.

Most of them paid me no heed, rarely ever really assisting me. The only Auxiliary Shadow that really did assist me would have to be Sigurd.

But it wasn't always Sigurd.

I walked up to one of the rooms, which was vacant, but all of her things were still sitting there, untouched.

An Outer Shadow always had their Auxiliary Shadows at their disposal. And yes, at times, we were often responsible for them.

At least, that was my mindset when I was promoted to an Outer Shadow a long time ago.

But that mindset quickly went away when one of the Auxiliary Shadows who I looked after had died in my arms. She was killed on duty.

I sat in the room of June Lee Sung, The Jubilee, and clasped my hands together, praying at her shrine.

I was the absolute worst person to look after someone.

Jubilee was fourteen when she died. Before becoming a Shadow, she worked with her parents as coal miners, making very little money. After she had died, I was asked by Master Jun to deliver relief funds for the family in compensation.

June's mom threw the money right in my face, telling me that she was disgusted and never wanted to see me again.

June's dad beat the shit out of me, and almost tried to kill me with his pickaxe after learning that I had failed to protect his little girl on that mission.

Since then, I no longer felt obligated to protect anyone. I would never make such a promise again. Because I knew I couldn't fulfill it.

I made my way to the garage, opening it up and hopping on my battle motorbike: Warpath.

"Shadows."

Yes, Sir Dainsleif.

"I want you to take me back to Millennium City."

It shall be done.

I zoomed over the roadways of the city, the wind in my face.

"Where is the place..."

I pulled out a slip of paper with an address.

If it wasn't already obvious, I am terrible with directions. I got my driver's license when I turned seventeen after getting recruited by Master Jun, but since we had Shadows, there was really no need to use our vehicles.

Master Hope. If I may, I am able to provide you with the directions through my GPS technology.

"Oh sweet, you can do that, Buck?"

My earring created a holographic crosshairs around my right eye, as a full HUD appeared in front of me.

I stopped in front of the shop, as the old man was behind the counter with a large pitcher of beer. He waved at me from the window.

I got off the bike and walked in, opening the door, and ignoring the flashbacks with Jessie.

I sat across from him.

"Didn't think you would show up, kid."

"I never turn down a chance to drink." I smirked, as the old man poured me a glass.

The sun was setting again, as the hairs on my arms stood up.

"You don't like gun shops do you, marksman?"

"I can't say I had a real blast in them."

"You're a funny kid. Representing us marksman out there by taking down Doc Destroyer like that. If the other heroes had seen, you would be a legend. So to see someone of your calibre avoid stepping foot in a weapon shop, is honestly so unusual. Or maybe my shop is just that bad?"

"Nah. It isn't that. I've just had some real bad experiences with gun shops in the past. It isn't you."

The old shopkeeper regarded me.

"You're not any ordinary youngster, are you, kid. How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

"Got a girlfriend?"

"I had one. I don't really feel like going for a relationship now though."

"I see. Well, from one marksman to another, here's some advice from an oldie like me. Your life isn't set. You're still young. Would you believe it if I told you that at your age I wanted to be a youth worker?"

I stared at him.

"Heh? Come again?"

The shopkeeper bellowed a laugh.

"My dream was to open up a place to take in stray younguns. To guide them in life. That was my dream. As someone who had his parents divorced at a young age, I had to go through foster home after foster home after my ma was deemed incapable of raising me. You'd be surprised, just one act of kindness can have such a profound impact on how a youngun winds up."

I looked at my beer glass.

If Avara had been raised properly by Bishamonten... all that time ago.

She wouldn't have killed Will or Nora.

I would have continued living my days with them.

The shopkeeper chuckled, and took a large gulp from his beer glass.

"Alas, times changed. Old Doc came in and destroyed everything. This place used to be called Detroit. Tried pulling a bunch of asteroids from the damn sky, for Chrissake! That fool was crazy! We all had to fight. Not just the heroes. We all had to fight for ourselves. And so, I protected them younguns. Picked up a gun from a dead officer, and shot down Destroid after Destroid, leading them to the evacuation site."

The old man ran his hand across the barrel of one of the handguns that was enclosed in a box, right in the corner of his desk.

"Old Kingston. That was the name of this handgun that I used to fight off the Destroids that day. And the kids all thought I was the most badass uncle there was. Because while there were heroes like Vanguard and the Silver Age heroes, those kids saw me as their hero. At first, I hated it. I didn't want them younguns to think of me as a killer. I wanted them to live a happy life. But it was because I wanted them to live, that I picked up old Kingston and fought back. To protect them."

The shopkeeper looked at me.

"Say, kid. Don't you have your own Kingston? That one break action pistol which you used to nearly kill that God of War. Which fired those black bolts."

"Yeah." I replied, inspecting my hand.

"My ultimate gun. The Thompson Contender."

"Classic weapon."

"You could say that, but this particular model was modified through magic. Cursed Magic to be precise."

"Ah, I see."

"Whenever I call the weapon, I need to use my grimoire, and when I fire its bullets, it corrupts my body. I guess, the gun itself is cursed, but because of that, it's one of my strongest weapons."

For the next hour, the shopkeeper showed me a bunch of old photos he had taken with those kids. I was surprised the camera was around at that time. And in exchange, I showed him some of my weapons in my arsenal. We exchanged knowledge on marksmanship, and weapons, from stocks to rounds, to the components and scopes.

He introduced his name as Marty. A single gramps, who's grandchildren moved on to become accomplished members of society. His wife, Margaret, had passed on before him, and her last request was for him to live a fulfilling life, doing whatever made him happy. And for him, to be able to manage this gun shop made him happy. Seeing members old and new, and the marksman community brought him joy.

The more I talked to Marty, the more relaxed I became. The dark memories I had in that gun shop, had slowly begin to be overwritten with this. Like a burden was lifted off of my shoulders.

Marty rested his arm on the counter.

"Ah, man. I can't believe we finished the whole thing! You sure can hold your liquor."

"Well, it's kinda hard to get drunk on beer."

"True."

We sat in silence.

There was something I wanted to ask him.

"Marty, do you mind if I ask something?"

"Yes?"

"Do... do you have any advice on how to raise a kid?"

Marty nearly spat out his beer.

I panicked.

"Wait! No you have it all wrong. It's not like that. A... colleague of mine, entrusted his kid to me. And I have to raise her properly. But... you could say I have not much experience in that field. I guess I'm sort of like... a youth worker?"

Marty chuckled and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Be there for them."

"What? Is that it?"

"Be there for them. During their highs and lows. Respect their boundaries. The more you understand your kid and let them know you want to be there for them, the more trusting they will be to you. Trust is the biggest thing. Because without that, the relationship becomes strained. From there, more and more things will fall in place. Parenting is hard. Your kid might even hate you for loving them. But what's important is to not give up on them, no matter what. Because when a child is all alone, they will realize, that the only people in this world who will unconditionally love them, are their parents and their family."

Avara...

"Well, would you look at the time. I have to go visit my kid now. He's going to get worried that my 'frail bones' might not make it back to dinner! I'll see you around, Aaron. And best of luck."

I saw him off, as I got on Warpath and drove off.

Find her, Aaron.

She has no one.

I drove past the roads, and had the Shadows take me to another realm, as my tires splashed on the muddy water.

Then the dirt of a trail.

Then the roads leading up a mountain.

SPURT SPURT SPURT.

"Come on, Warpath, this too much for you?" I muttered, as Warpath had given up on me.

Old bike never really went through much maintenance, since I rarely used him.

I got off the bike, and climbed up the mountain, my boots digging into the ground, as it started to get harder and harder.

Until I was stomping on frost.

Then...

WOOSH.

I put on my hood, as my outer fur coat fluttered in the wind. The wind was seeping through my coat and into my hoodie, and into my t-shirt, but I ignored it.

The ground had turned to snow, just like all those years ago.

I bit back my lip and marched forward.

I could hear barking.

Wolves.

I rushed forward, holding out my hand.

Convocatio: Gun Summoning - Ultimate Draugr

I ran after the dogs, Aspectum still showing me signs of a young girl in a tattered dress, giving off a divine aura.

"Avara!" I shouted, as the dogs barked.

I took aim, and shot one down, as the dogs were being fended off by a small girl wielding a sword that was obviously too heavy for her.

"Stay away! Lowly creatures! Stay... AHHH!"

A kid version of Avara yelped, slipping and tripping over her dress as she fell to the ground.

"No!" She screamed, as I took aim and fired, killing the remaining two wolves as they slumped before her.

I approached the goddess, who stared at me, fear stricken in her eyes.

"Are you... a god?" She asked.

"No." I replied.

"You're... you're..." Avara's face suddenly went wild, as she scurried back.

"You're that man in my dreams! The one with the guns! You're he who kills gods as a man! Wha- What do you want from me?! Stay away! Please!"

I knelt down in front of her, as I reached out, Avara had cornered herself against a cave wall, closing her eyes.

Don't let your hatred for the past incarnation of Avara influence your views on this version of her.

This Avara isn't like the previous one. She can be someone better. Much better. But that's up to me.

"Stop! Please don't kill me! Please! My predecessor's actions... I'm not her! Please don't hurt me! I'll do anything! Please... please..." Avara sobbed, as I slowly put my hand on her head.

"Heh?" Avara gasped.

"My name is Aaron Hope. I won't kill you. I'm... I guess I'm your new guardian now."

Avara's face was full of suspicion.

"But... you're just a mortal... how can a mortal protect a god?"

"You can say I'm no ordinary mortal. After all, you're identified me as the guy who kills gods. If a mortal can do that, I'm sure he can also protect them too. So I will protect you. Being out here sure is cold, huh."

Avara nodded, sniffling, as I took off my coat and wrapped it around her.

"Come. I'll take you to the bike and get you a nice warm meal. Alright?"

"Uuuu...."

"Hm?"

Avara wrapped her arms around my waist.

"If this... if this is a trick..."

"It's not, I promise."

Avara buried her face in my stomach.

"You're stinky." She muttered.

I ignored her roast, as we made our way to Warpath. I commanded the Shadows to take me back to my place.

"You can stay in my place for a while. Don't worry. I won't barge in on you." I said.

"Woooowww!!!" Avara spun around in the place.

"It's so big! And clean!"

I showed Avara around, and made her some food (well, I tried, I failed, and ended up reheating macaroni and cheese, then proceeded to lie that I cooked it myself). I made her some hot chocolate as she sat on the bed with her legs crossed.

"I've never had a warm bath before."

You poor thing.

"Why are you helping me? I... I sensed that Bishamonten was no longer alive. Was it you, God-Eater?"

I regarded Avara.

"If I told you it was, would you go on a killing spree?"

Avara sipped her hot chocolate.

"Killing would be wrong. Right?"

"I..." I caught my tongue.

"Yeah. It is. I'm a bad person."

"I forgive you."

I stared at Avara, as she tilted her head.

"Did I say something strange, mortal?"

"N- No. I just didn't expect something like that to come out of... well. Nevermind."

Avara crawled forward and rested her head against my shoulder.

"Will you forgive me?"

"What for? You did nothing wrong."

"I've had dreams. Dreams of my predecessor. Dreams of her slaughtering a bunch of children like me. And one of them, looked a lot like you. She killed two children. A boy and a girl. And they looked really close to you. And I know there isn't much for me to do... but... say I'm sorry."

A breath escaped me.

"Mortal...?"

More and more breaths escaped me, as I realized I was laughing. Avara nearly spilled her hot chocolate mug.

"Ah. You're... you're honestly so silly. You don't need to ask for my forgiveness, because you didn't do anything wrong. Whatever your predecessor did, has nothing to do with you. You're good. So keep doing good."

Avara frowned.

"Hm? What's wrong?" I asked.

"Not enough milk."

I shot to my feet.

"HUH?! I went out of my way to make you that hot chocolate and even lent you my favourite Star Battles mug! And you're complaining?!"

"It's so watery! This is the worst offering to a goddess ever!"

"The hell did you just say?!"

Avara clutched the mug.

"But... it's also my first. So thank you, Mister Hope."

My expression softened.

"Don't call me that. Makes me feel super old."

"Well, I am not referring to you as Aaron. That is creepy."

"Wow. Thanks."

"I think I will call you Uncle Aaron."

I buried my face into my hands.

This was going to be a thing now.

Avara leaned forward and grabbed my sleeve.

"Uncle Aaron?"

I hid the annoyance on my face as best as I could with a smile.

"Y- Yes?"

"Can you... call me by a different name?"

"What brought that on?"

"I don't... want to be called Avara. Because the previous Avara did so many bad things and it made you sad. And probably made a lot of other people sad as well. I don't want that to be me. So... I want a different name."

What was with all these people asking me for names all of a sudden?

"I don't know. Name yourself." I grumbled, as I lay on my bed, my arms stretched out wide. Today was such a long day.

"No! Give me a name, for my first decree! Give me a name, mortal, or face divine punishment!"

Avara jumped on top of me and knocked the wind out of my lungs.

"Hey! Watch it, you divine brat! I'm just a mortal man here!"

Avara leaned in closer.

"Please?"

I rolled my eyes and looked out the window.

Master Jun's realm was blooming with cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossoms...

"Sakura..."

Avara's eyes lit up.

"That's such a pretty name! I love it!"

"Wait, what? I was just thinking out loud-"

Avara/Sakura stood on top of my chest, as I nearly suffered a fractured sternum.

"From now on, I will be known as the Goddess Sakura! And you will be my first follower, Uncle Aaron!"

I sighed, as Sakura bounded up and down on the bed, causing me to bounce on the mattress.

"I'm so happy!"

I couldn't help but smile.

One life ago...

Avara had killed my brother and sister in the orphanage.

It was because of Avara did my conquest to kill the gods start.

But now...

Now it had become full circle.

That same Goddess of Fertility who had thrown my life into bloodshed, would also be that Goddess who I would look after and raise.

Seeing this new reincarnated Avara, now boasting her new name, Sakura, smile, and worry about others. And to see killing as something wrong...

I rested my head back on the pillow.

"Will. Nora. I'll make sure another repeat doesn't happen to kids like us. I promise it on my life. I swear by an oath."

And I won't fail her.

Like how I failed June.

And how I failed Jessie.

I will look after Sakura like my own daughter, and show her what it's like to live. What is right and wrong.

Because even if I am just a man...

I was someone who could do the extraordinary. Someone who could stand against the gods, can also have the strength to stand with them.

I had no idea how long this break from Master Jun was going to be, but.

I was starting to enjoy this vacation.

"Uncle Aaron! I can't reach the cookie jar!"

"Wha-"

Hadn't even been a couple of hours and she was already complaining!

I got off the bed and trudged to the living room, to see Sakura struggling to climb the closet.

"Get down from there! It's not safe! I'll get it. Jeez."

"These cookies better be divine! For it to force a goddess like me to exert such effort!"

"Yeah yeah. Here." I popped the lid and handed her a cookie, as she munched on it, her eyes filled with delight.

"Yummy!"

I smiled.

She was gonna be a handful. But there was hope at the end of the tunnel.

After all, hope is in my name.

So while I enjoy this temporary vacation, I hope you all take care. And try not to get up to mischief.

Aw.

Who am I kidding.

Like I'm the right person to talk, right?

The good old Jessie effect probably rubbed off on you readers too.

Well.

I guess this is goodbye for now.

This is the SS Rated Outer Shadow, Aaron Hope.

Reporting to Inner Shadow Master Jun Gasket.

Slayer of gods. And now, a caretaker for one.

The Dainsleif.

Signing off.