Chapter 68: Chapter 30: Personality Underwent
The scene shifted, and Kanji Naein came into focus. He stood on the riverbank, his gaze fixed on the flowing water before him. The sound of the water was the only noise breaking the silence.
In an instant, Kuro appeared before Kanji Naein, his Yuri no Kaze sword poised for a strike. The clash of swords sounded as Kanji blocked the attack with his own Kurai Kessho Buki, his expression stoic, his eyes meeting Kuro's gaze in a firm stare.
Kuro, possessing the ability to perceive energy, looked deeply at Kanji, studying his aura. The sight of his energy sent a shudder down Kuro's spine. It was clear to him that the fight was far from easy, yet he refused to retreat. His determination burned within him, driving him forward.
Jaiha, standing at a distance, wielding his Multi-Striker bow, fired an arrow aimed directly at Kanji's back. The weapon was renowned for its incredible speed and power, and Jaiha's skill was unmatched.
Kanji, demonstrating his prowess with his Kurai Kesshō Buki, moved with lightning speed. He slashed the air, sending out a shock wave that was powerful enough to knock Kuro and Jaiha back, keeping them at bay.
Yami, her grip tight on her Yami no Hikari, approached the scene, her eyes focused and her mind set. She assessed the situation, recognizing the dire circumstances and the power of their adversary.
A moment of introspection passed as Yami spoke to herself in a low, contemplative voice. Her gaze was fixed on Kanji, her mind analyzing his every move.
"Kanji Naein," she murmured, her voice filled with a trace of trepidation and fascination. "His power is fearsome, but I can sense a certain pattern to his movements."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Yami's lips as she silently acknowledged the title given to Kanji Naein. "The 'Demon of Battle,'" she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of respect. "He truly lives up to that name. The gods themselves considered him a threat worthy of a bounty."
The clash of swords echoed through the air as Yami wielded her Yami no Hikari, engaging in a fierce battle with Kanji's Kurai Kesshō Buki. The two weapons, one infused with dark magic and the other known for its shape-shifting versatility, found their match in the other, leading to an intense and evenly matched duel.
In the midst of the fierce sword fight, Kanji spoke, recognizing and acknowledging Yami's potential.
"You've got potential, kid," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of interest despite the intensity of the clash. "You're not half bad."
With a defiant tone, she responded to Kanji's comment:
"I'm not a young woman to be called a kid," she retorted. "Grandpa."
Her reply caught Kanji off guard, a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he momentarily broke the intense focus of their swordplay.
Kanji, momentarily taken aback by her response, chuckled softly.
"You know," he said, a hint of admiration coloring his tone, "you're the first person to call me 'grandpa' in quite some time."
Yami, a playful smile on her face, spoke with a hint of insight.
"I know your real age, even if you look like a young person," she said. "You may appear youthful, but I can sense the years of experience behind your appearance."
With lightning-fast speed, Yami dashed forward, her Yami no Hikari gripped firmly in her hands. She executed the first form of her technique, "Blind Spot Vital Aim."
The weapon hummed with power as she moved, her aim seeking the most crucial point on her opponent's body.
Kanji responded with a hint of nonchalance, his eyes filled with a dark aura as his body transcended, gaining immunity from physical attacks.
"Too bad," he said, his voice calm.
As Yami retreated and took a step back, she was suddenly confronted by Kanji, who appeared behind her. Without warning, he utilized the "Authority of Darkness," flooding her mind with an overwhelming wave of darkness. In an instant, she lost consciousness, finding herself trapped within the depths of her own mind.
As Yami regained consciousness within her own mind, she found herself enveloped in an unfamiliar and eerie darkness. The surrounding environment was devoid of any recognizable landmarks or features, leaving her disoriented and confused.
As she observed the fight between Kuro and Kanji from within her own mind, she could see how Kuro was being overwhelmed and dominated by the fearsome Kanji. The outcome seemed increasingly ominous, and she dreaded the thought of what might happen if Kuro continued to engage in this uneven battle.
Kuro's situation appeared dire as he fought against the formidable Kanji, each clash of their blades resounding with intensity. Yami could feel the tension and fear for her comrade's safety, watching the fight unfold with a mix of worry and determination.
Yami, recognizing the need to maintain composure, focused her thoughts and channeled her energy. In response, the surrounding darkness seemed to respond, flowing and filling her body. It was as if the shadows themselves were becoming a part of her, empowering her in this strange mental landscape.
With a firm resolve, Yami spoke to herself within the confines of her mind, her voice filled with determination despite the dire circumstances.
"If I can't escape it, I will absorb it," she declared, her words echoing through the darkness that surrounded her. It was a declaration of her unwavering resolve to confront and overcome the power that held her captive.
Kanji, towering over the unconscious form of Kuro, paused for a moment as his gaze shifted towards Yami. His eyes widened in surprise as he noticed that she had achieved the elusive and powerful state known as "Dark aura."
As Kanji watched Yami embrace the power of "Dark aura," memories flooded his mind, transporting him back to the time when he had first created it. He chuckled softly, reflecting on the irony that history seemed to repeat itself in unpredictable ways.
With the infusion of the power of "Dark aura," Yami's personality underwent a subtle transformation. Her expression shifted, a hint of smugness creeping onto her face as she smirked confidently. The dark energy coursing through her seemed to awaken a new side of her, imbuing her with a sense of confidence and assertiveness.
Kanji, his smile widening, sensed the presence of two distinct energy cores within Yami. This realization dawned on him, and he calmly spoke to her, asking, "Are you Yami or 'Yami'?" His words carried a hint of curiosity and understanding, recognizing the indication that she had developed two separate aspects or personas.
"You've developed two different sides, haven't you?" Kanji continued, his eyes keenly observing her demeanor and energy. "With the power of 'Dark aura,' it seems you've awakened a darker part of yourself."
With a fierce roar, she unleashed her Yami no Hikari in its tenth form – "Multi Blade in Shadows." The weapon's energy surged as multiple shadowy blades materialized around her, dancing and swirling like dark phantoms.
Kanji, despite the barrage of countless shadowy blades, evaded the attacks with astonishing agility. It seemed as if he was dancing through the onslaught, dodging each strike with precision and grace, never faltering even as the number of blades grew too numerous to count.
In a swift movement, Kanji grabbed her by the throat, his grip firm yet controlled. He looked deep into her eyes, his gaze unflinching and intense. The power he wielded was undeniable, and the authority he exhibited was enough to send a shiver down her spine.
She, finding herself in Kanji's grasp, managed to speak despite the circumstances. Her voice, though tinged with a mixture of defiance and cruelty, managed to maintain its strength as she delivers a brute forced kick at his chin.
The kick aimed at Kanji's chin wasn't successful as she found herself unexpectedly hurled away with considerable force, her kick meeting only empty air. He had effortlessly dispatched her attack, sending her sprawling backwards away from him.
Next chapter "Goddess of Constellation"