Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[New York City, United States, 8:13 PM]

The streets buzzed with voices. Unsettled conversations wove through the crowd, passing hushed whispers from one person to another.

A murmur rippled through the throng, "Did you see the news?"

Mobile phones chimed and buzzed with a relentless onslaught of notifications.

Ping: ["Crisis in Tokyo"]

Ping-Ping: ["Tokyo: 13 Million Casualties"]

[Barcelona, Spain, 2:53 AM]

In a small apartment, a lone figure was hunched over a laptop, the bright screen casting an light glow on his face. His eyes, wide with disbelief, scrolled through his news feed as he hovered near the window, seeking the comfort of the moonlight.

[Tokyo: No Survivors?]

[Moscow, Russia, 3:04 AM]

A security guard huddled in conversation with a colleague, their breath fogging up in the cold Moscow night.

"Man, you've got to see this!"

"Yeah, I saw it already. 13 million dead in a single night. Terrifying, isn't it?"

[Tokyo, Japan, 10:26 AM]

Overlooking the devastated city, a solitary figure stood at the apex of a stairway. The man, clad in a biohazard suit, cradled his helmet under one arm while the other held a slowly burning cigarette. He seemed to be in contemplation as he surveyed the disheartening scene of rescue teams frantically moving bodies and searching for survivors.

He drew in a long breath of smoke, filling his lungs with the harsh nicotine and the underlying dread of the situation. "One single night, thirty minutes, all electronic devices rendered useless, a city of life turned into a city of death..." His voice trailed off into the grim morning air.

Exhaling a cloud of smoke, he closed his eyes and murmured, "How can I make sense of all of this?" The unanswered question hung heavily in the smoke-filled air, echoing of the city's inexplicable tragedy.

Engrossed in his own reflections, Takamura barely registered the sound of approaching footsteps until another man materialized beside him, wrestling with his own helmet.

"Can't breathe in these things," the newcomer grumbled as he stood beside the first man. He squinted at the bleak scene before turning towards him. "Any new leads, Takamura-san?" He queried.

Takamura took his time to answer. He calmly puffed on his cigarette until it was spent, then tossed it onto the blood-stained ground beneath him. He stared at it for a moment, the smoldering stub serving as a potent symbol of the extinguished lives around them.

"Nothing yet. This is so unusual..." He finally replied, a sad look etched onto his face.

The other man exhaled a worried breath, "Could this be some kind of virus or something?" He asked, desperate for an explanation.

Takamura, silent once more, descended the stairs with a fresh cigarette between his lips. The other man, followed him until they came to a stop beside the corpse of a young man.

"Minato-san, do you see these slashes on his back?" Takamura gestured towards the corpse.

Minato nodded, acknowledging the cruel marks. "Those are clean cuts. They were made with a very sharp object, each strike targeting vital body organs," he observed.

After a moment, he looked up, his eyes reflecting a grave understanding. "This was a mass murder, not some sort of natural disaster," he declared, the weight of the revelation bearing down on them both.

"Mass murder!" Minato echoed incredulously. "But how is that even possible? In less than 30 minutes?" He stammered, attempting to reconcile the gruesome reality with the limitations of his understanding.

"I know, that's what's been gnawing at me... How can 13 million people be murdered in such an insanely short time..." Takamura added grimly. "And besides all electronic devices being fried, the city infrastructure is completely unscathed!"

Lost in their depressing speculations and observing the rescue teams working feverishly in a desperate attempt to locate any survivors, Takamura's phone disrupted the eerie silence.

"Hello, Sato-san," Takamura answered, his voice low and cautious.

"It's happened again, Takamura-san! Everyone is dead! This time it's New Delhi, India!" Sato's voice pierced through the phone, trembling with shock.

The horrifying pattern of Tokyo's tragedy had repeated itself in New Delhi. The same inexplicable event, the same staggering loss of life, the same mass murder.

Takamura exclaimed, his blood running cold at the chilling news.

"What!"

Chapter Text

Three months ago...

The scent of summer filled the air as students eagerly counted down the days until vacation. Beyond the much-needed break from school, there was another reason for the electric atmosphere – the upcoming summer sports championships.

Every year, schools from all over the nation participated in this prestigious event, competing against one another in a wide range of sports – from track and field to swimming, and even martial arts. Victory in these championships was highly sought after, as winning teams and individuals would bring glory and honor to their schools.

In the weeks leading up to the event, rigorous training sessions became the norm, with students devoting their time and energy to honing their skills. The school grounds resonated with the sounds of athletes pushing themselves to the limit, driven by passion, motivation, and a desire to excel.

Amidst the flurry of activity and anticipation, however, there was one 13-year-old middle schooler who seemed strangely disconnected from it all. While his peers eagerly discussed strategies, practiced drills, and refined their techniques, this young boy appeared to be caught in his own world, seemingly impervious to the excitement that engulfed everyone else.

At around 5 p.m., the sun cast its golden glow across Kyoto city, in the Kansai region of Japan. On the well-manicured field of Hoshiyomi Middle School, an intense training football match was underway between the home team and one of their fiercest rivals. The air was thick with tension and anticipation, as players and some passing by spectators alike understood the significance of this match – a dress rehearsal for the upcoming summer sports championships.

The coach of Hoshiyomi Middle School had meticulously devised the perfect training regimen for his team, and their performance this year was nothing short of exceptional. Their defense was a fortress, unwavering and unyielding, frustrating their opponents at every turn. However, the team was missing a crucial element – an offensive player with the instincts and attitude to score goals.

As the clock ticked on, neither team had managed to penetrate the other's defenses. The score remained deadlocked at zero, and the final whistle loomed ever closer. The coach, perched on a chair next to his team's bench, watched the game unfold with a mix of pride and frustration. He knew that something needed to change, that an opportunity had to be seized, or the game would end in a stalemate.

With a sense of urgency creeping over him, the coach reached into his pocket and pulled out his stopwatch. "Only ten minutes left," he muttered to himself, a furrow forming on his brow. His eyes scanned the sidelines, and with certainty, he found the enigmatic 13-year-old who had, up until this point, remained on the periphery of the team's efforts.

"I guess there's no harm in asking him to play now," the coach decided, his voice was resolute and confident. As he called the boy over, the coach knew in his heart that this unassuming middle schooler was the missing piece of the puzzle – the one who could transform their impenetrable defense into a balanced and unstoppable force on the field.

The coach momentarily averted his gaze from the game towards a boy standing not far from the field. The boy seemed disinterested in the match unfolding before him. He was one of the coach's most talented players, but his recent behavior was puzzling – skipping morning practices and distancing himself from his teammates. With a determined stride, the coach rose from his chair, donned his cap, and made his way towards the enigmatic young player.

The 13-year-old boy, a second-year student at Hoshiyomi Middle School, possessed a unique, striking appearance that set him apart from the others. His hair was a radiant golden blonde, and his eyes were an intense, deep black. The contrast in his features only added to the air of mystery surrounding him. As the coach approached, the boy balanced on one hand, effortlessly maintaining a soccer ball between his feet. It was a move that showcased his incredible skill and control, hinting at the untapped potential within him.

Upon noticing the coach's approach, the boy sprang into action, using his hands to propel himself into a standing position. His athletic, lithe frame was on full display, a testament to his natural talent and dedication to the sport. The coach couldn't help but be impressed by the boy's abilities, and he knew that it was time for him to take the field – the key to unlocking the stalemate and leading the team to victory.

"Luke, are you ready? We need you out there!" The coach said, his voice firm yet full of conviction.

The boy, named Luke, looked up at the coach with an innocent expression that betrayed his discomfort. He hesitated, then stammered, "Coach, I've been meaning to tell you something..." Awkwardly rubbing the back of his head, he continued, "I think... I want to quit the tea-"

The coach held up a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. "Don't go down that path, Luke. You have incredible potential, and I can't bear to see a talent like yours go to waste!"

"But, sir, you know what I mean..." Luke said, his voice trailing off.

The coach nodded. "I know exactly what you mean." He paused, letting out a heavy sigh before crouching down to meet Luke's gaze. He placed a reassuring hand on the young player's shoulder. "Son, I understand what you've been going through, and it's tough. But you can't let these obstacles define you. If you give up now, you'll be haunted by regret."

Luke listened intently to his coach's words, feeling a deep admiration for the man who seemed to truly understand him.

The coach continued, his voice brimming with empathy and wisdom. "You have the power to change your situation, Luke. If you go out there and give it your all, you'll earn the respect and friendship of your teammates. The world is full of challenges, but I believe you have the strength to overcome them. Can you do that?" He ended his pep talk with a warm, encouraging smile.

Luke's hesitancy lingered, but as he looked into his coach's eyes, he found the strength to nod in agreement.

The game was intense, and despite the high stakes, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. However, when the coach announced a substitution, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The players realized that Luke would be joining them on the field.

"Ugh, not him again..." one of Luke's teammates muttered under his breath.

"I know, right? I just can't relax when he's on the field with us," another agreed.

Luke was undeniably skilled, but his teammates couldn't bring themselves to like him. He was well aware of their feelings, but there wasn't much he could do about it. So, as he had done countless times before, he did his best to ignore their words and focus on the game.

The atmosphere on the field was electric as the game entered its final ten minutes. Every movement, every pass, every shot carried the weight of impending victory or defeat. And in the midst of this intense battle, Luke's entrance onto the field was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

From the moment his foot touched the ball, it was clear that Luke was in a league of his own. He made a blistering shot on the opponent's goal, barely missing by a hair's breadth. The opposing goalkeeper, sensing the imminent danger, launched the ball into the air with a thunderous kick.

Hoshiyomi's defender, with cat-like reflexes, intercepted the ball and executed a lightning-fast pass to an attacker who was quickly swarmed by a sea of opposing defenders. Desperately searching for an escape route, he glimpsed Luke on the right side of the field, completely unmarked and waving for a pass. The perfect opportunity lay before them, but the attacker hesitated.

"Yamato, pass the ball now!" the coach roared, his voice echoing across the field.

Jolted by the urgency in the coach's voice, Yamato finally relented and sent a high, arcing pass towards Luke. In a gravity-defying display of athleticism, Luke soared through the air, plucking the ball from its apex. Upon landing, he sprang into action like a panther on the hunt, weaving through the bewildered defenders with a breathtaking combination of speed and agility.

As Luke charged towards the goalkeeper, the crowd held its collective breath, anticipating the climax of this exhilarating play. With an explosive burst of power, Luke drove the ball towards the net. The goalkeeper, frozen in place, could only watch as the ball rocketed past him and tore into the back of the net —GOAL! In that heart-stopping moment, Luke's exceptional talent was undeniable, leaving the entire stadium awestruck.

As the ball found its way into the back of the net, the atmosphere on the field changed instantly. The few students who had been milling around nearby, not really paying attention to the training match, suddenly turned their heads in astonishment as they caught sight of the incredible goal.

Their eyes widened in disbelief, and they nudged their friends, pointing excitedly at Luke. "Did you see that shot?" one student exclaimed, his voice full of awe.

"I've never seen anything like it!" another chimed in, still reeling from the breathtaking display.

Even the opposing team's players couldn't help but marvel at Luke's undeniable talent, as whispers of admiration and amazement spread among the small crowd.

The exhilaration of scoring that amazing goal coursed through Luke's veins as the referee blew the goal whistle. He leaped into the air, unable to contain his joy at having helped his team inch closer to victory. With his heart pounding in his chest, he turned to his teammates, expecting them to share in his happiness.

But instead of the warm congratulations and camaraderie he hoped for, he was met with cold, unfriendly gazes. Not a single teammate reached out to celebrate with him or showed any gratitude for his impressive feat. All he could see in their eyes was a mixture of resentment and rejection.

A heavy weight settled on his chest as the harsh reality sank in. Despite his best efforts and undeniable talent, his team would never accept him. The hope he had been clinging to crumbled away, replaced by a painful certainty —he would never truly belong, and the feeling of being an outsider would continue to haunt him.

The final three minutes of the game seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. Luke, weighed down by his emotional turmoil, found it difficult to muster the energy to contribute any further. Nevertheless, his incredible goal had secured their victory, with a final score of one to nothing.

As the game concluded, both teams came together for a show of sportsmanship, shaking hands and exchanging respectful nods. The two coaches engaged in a conversation off to the side, dissecting the game and discussing their teams' performances. Once these formalities were completed, the coach escorted the visiting team to their bus, wishing them a safe trip back.

Meanwhile, the members of Hoshiyomi Middle School's team trudged towards the locker room, ready to shower and change out of their uniforms as the day's light began to fade. The air was thick with the unspoken tension that lingered between Luke and his teammates, casting a shadow over their victory.

As Luke sat alone in the corner of the room, quietly dressing, his teammates engaged in lively conversations. He felt isolated, but the sudden escalation of an argument between two players caught his attention. Haku, the goalkeeper, was ruthlessly berating Sawamura for his poor performance. It wasn't long before the conversation turned into a vicious onslaught of bullying.

Haku had a cruel streak, reveling in belittling others, and he was all too skilled at it. He went beyond harsh words, mocking Sawamura's appearance and questioning his intelligence. "You really think you belong on this team with those clumsy moves? You're an embarrassment, Sawamura," Haku sneered. He even dragged Sawamura's family into the insults, saying, "It's no wonder you're like this, with a family like yours," as they were poor.

Sawamura stood there, his face flushed with humiliation and hurt. He was known for his gentle and kind nature, which made him an easy target for bullies like Haku. His eyes were downcast, and he bit his lower lip, trying to hold back tears. He felt helpless and small, unable to find the courage or the words to defend himself against Haku's relentless attack. The laughter and whispers of his teammates only made him feel more vulnerable and alone, reinforcing his sense of powerlessness in this situation.

The other teammates snickered and whispered among themselves, fueling Haku's cruelty. As always, nobody stepped in to intervene.

However, Luke couldn't bear to witness this any longer; Haku's behavior had to be stopped. With a surge of anger, Luke shouted, "Cut it out already!" and stood defiantly in front of Haku.

The laughter that had filled the room at Sawamura's expense came to an abrupt halt when Luke spoke up. The atmosphere grew tense and uncomfortable, as it always did when Luke tried to say something.

Feeling challenged by Luke's intervention, Haku shot back with a spiteful remark that the school had forbidden students from uttering to Luke. "What are you going to do about it? Kill me too?"

Hearing those words was Luke's worst nightmare. Whenever someone uttered them, he would be haunted by distressing memories from his past, causing him overwhelming anxiety. He instinctively took a small step back and clenched his fists in frustration. Sensing the escalating tension, some of Haku's friends intervened, pulling him away and warning him that the coach might arrive at any moment, and he could get into trouble. Haku resentfully backed down.

The atmosphere in the locker room remained heavy and awkward after the confrontation, so the other teammates quickly gathered their belongings and left. Luke turned to Sawamura and asked with concern, "Are you okay?"

Sawamura was deliberately avoiding eye contact with Luke as he hastily collected his things. Just before leaving, and without meeting Luke's gaze, he muttered, "I'm sorry, but my parents told me to stay away from you." With that, he slipped out of the locker room, leaving Luke alone and disheartened.

Luke sat in solitude, his thoughts drifting to the day's events. He often found solace in imagining a normal life, one free from the burdens and challenges he faced. This fleeting sense of comfort gave him hope that a brighter future might someday be within reach.

As he lost himself in this reverie, a soft, persistent voice echoed in his mind, calling his name over and over again. It was a voice he'd come to recognize, one that seemed to surface only when he was alone. The source of the voice remained an enigma, yet its presence gnawed at the edges of his sanity. Had he finally succumbed to the pressures that weighed on him? Could this be the breaking point he'd been dreading? Doubts and questions swirled in Luke's thoughts, as he struggled to make sense of it all.

Determined, he grabbed his bag and exited the room. As he passed by the coach's office, he noticed its emptiness. Taking advantage of the moment, he slid a letter under the door - his resignation from the team. This decision marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, as he sought to find his way in the world.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a reddish glow across the sky as it succumbed to the encroaching darkness. As Luke meandered home, the mysterious voice continued to plague his thoughts. He knew he'd never forget the first time he'd heard it, for it was inextricably linked to the day he lost his best friend, Shimizu Kei. That fateful moment, forever etched into his memory, continued to shape his path as he strode into the uncertain future.

During his first year at the school, Luke formed a close bond with Shimizu Kei. The two were inseparable, their friendship a beacon of camaraderie in their daily lives. It was Kei who had persuaded Luke to join the football team, and for a time, life seemed to be progressing smoothly. Luke felt a sense of belonging and acceptance within his social circle, and everything appeared to be going well... until that fateful day.

As the year drew to a close, tensions rose between the two friends, culminating in a heated argument on the football field. The fallout was immediate, and they found themselves estranged for days. It seemed as though their once-strong friendship had been irreparably damaged.

But on an otherwise ordinary school day, the unthinkable happened. Kei was discovered on the football field, his life brutally snuffed out by a vicious knife wound to his throat. Not far from the grisly scene, Luke lay unconscious, his proximity to the crime painting him as the prime suspect. The entire school reeled in shock and disbelief.

The surveillance footage only served to deepen the mystery, as it depicted Luke ruthlessly stabbing his friend after a physical altercation the night before. But Luke vehemently denied the allegations, insisting that he had never attacked Kei, and that they had, in fact, been working to resolve their recent disagreement. The truth remained elusive, shrouded in layers of suspicion and doubt.

During the trial, the evidence against Luke was damning, and it seemed inevitable that he would be sent to a juvenile detention center to continue his education. However, in an unexpected turn of events, an inspector named Jonathan Willow took an unusual interest in the case. He uncovered fresh evidence that exonerated Luke, and as a result, the young boy was released.

Despite his newfound freedom, the surveillance footage and the dark rumors surrounding the case led the students and their parents to brand Luke a murderer. From that day on, he found himself ostracized, completely cut off from any semblance of companionship.

The burden of these experiences weighed heavily on the 13-year-old boy. At times, he wondered if the mysterious voice he heard was Kei reaching out from beyond the grave, while at other times, he feared it was merely a manifestation of his own fractured psyche.

Exhausted, Luke returned home, slipping off his shoes before retreating to his room. His parents, recognizing the telltale signs of a difficult day, worried for their child but gave him space.

Luke quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and collapsed onto his bed. As he lay there, he tried to banish the memories of the day, just as he had done countless times before, eventually succumbing to the solace of sleep.

At 8:30 a.m., Luke was jolted awake by the mysterious voice, now more vibrant and intense than ever before. The clarity of the voice shocked him to the core. He couldn't believe it; the voice was no longer confined to the recesses of his mind, but resounding loud and clear through his ears, unmistakably coming from outside. He muttered to himself, unbelieving, "Am I really hearing this? Is it possible?"

Since he had quit the team, he didn't have any obligations that day and hadn't planned on waking up so early. But the voice was so insistent, practically shouting his name: "Luke! Luke!" Feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension, he hastily threw on some clothes and bolted out the door to investigate. His family was already gone for the day, leaving the house eerily quiet.

The sky was overcast, hinting at the possibility of rain. The streets were deserted and silent, the voice abruptly ceasing its calls too. Undeterred, Luke continued to search for the source, certain that he had heard someone calling his name. He couldn't shake off the shock of the voice's intensity and clarity. Eventually, though, he grew tired of his fruitless pursuit and finally, just for a moment, he paused to admire the moody clouds overhead.

Suddenly, a tremendous figure landed just a few feet behind him. Luke heard the heavy impact and spun around to see what had caused it. The sight that greeted him was so terrifying, so unbelievable, that he was frozen in place, paralyzed by fear.

It had been millennia since anyone had encountered one of these creatures, but there it was, right in front of him... a shimmering, blue silhouette of death!

Chapter Text

Since time immemorial, a shrouded enemy has been observing and scrutinizing us from the depths of the unknown... a sinister adversary originating from a world beyond our own!

Cloaked in secrecy, their existence has been expertly concealed, leaving no trace in historical annals or mystical texts. All that remains of their enigmatic presence are hushed whispers and legends lost to the sands of time. These formidable beings identify themselves as the Wardoks.

Masters of subterfuge, the Wardoks have succeeded in veiling their existence from humanity for millennia, ensuring their continued anonymity. A chilling and unyielding rule governed their clandestine society: any human unfortunate enough to glimpse a Wardok would be ruthlessly executed by the very entity they had witnessed. In the shadowy world of the Wardoks, this law was absolute.

On a frigid night, deep within the mysterious realm of the Wardoks, a dense forest stood tall, its ancient trees reaching for the heavens and solid ground seemingly untouched by time. Within this enigmatic woodland, a relentless chase was underway, as three highly skilled warriors pursued a desperate fugitive.

"The fugitive has been identified! It's one of the squadron leaders, Ruster!" One of the warriors bellowed, breathless from the chase. "Send up a signal, now!" He commanded the warrior to his left.

With a fluid motion, the warrior conjured a flare gun from the void, grasping it firmly in his hand. Without hesitation, he fired a shot skyward, sending a brilliant red light piercing through the canopy of trees, illuminating their surroundings and signaling their position to the other search parties.

Ruster, the fugitive, was being hunted for stealing the most vital artifact for the Wardoks' survival: the enigmatic Cluster Stone.

The chase was nothing short of intense, with Ruster propelling himself at breakneck speeds, leaping from tree to tree with astonishing agility and grace.

"I refuse to be captured! I will halt the invasion of the human world... and, grandfather, I will atone for your sin and restore your honor, no matter the cost..." Ruster whispered to himself, his resolve unwavering.

Despite the exceptional speed and skill of his pursuers, Ruster continued to widen the gap between them. With each breathless moment, he vanished further into the shadows, evading their desperate grasp.

The Wardoks were a formidable race of warriors, bearing a striking resemblance to humans in their features, yet distinguished by their larger, more imposing statures and various shades of blue skin.

Possessing extraordinary powers and a plethora of abilities, the Wardoks were truly a force to be reckoned with. Among their many capabilities was the ability to traverse realms, allowing them to leap into the human world. However, this skill was not universal among their kind. Only a select few who had honed and mastered this talent were able to perform the feat using their own energy reserves.

For the remaining Wardoks who had not yet grasped this power, they could only enter the human realm with the assistance of a skilled teleporter or through the use of the enigmatic Cluster Stone. This precious artifact held the key to bridging the gap between worlds, making it a priceless resource and the target of those who sought to control the fate of both realms.

As Ruster leaped nimbly from tree to tree, increasing the distance between himself and his pursuers, he suddenly found himself cornered. Three additional warriors had anticipated his path and now stood before him, advancing aggressively. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, Ruster was not one to surrender easily.

"Three warriors up ahead... piece of cake," he thought to himself, before shouting, "Ghost! Arm me with Razor!"

In an instant, a sword with two uneven lengths of steel materialized in his right hand, just as it had with the flare gun-wielding warrior earlier. As Ruster neared the warriors blocking his path, one of them attempted to reason with him. "Ruster, you don't have to do this. Hand over the stone, and you might survive! Lord Ozen himself has given the order!"

Seeing the fierce determination in Ruster's eyes, the warrior knew there was no persuading him to abandon his mission. Resigned, he unsheathed his own sword and raised it high, preparing to strike as Ruster approached. Undaunted, Ruster charged towards his opponent, assuming a defensive posture with his sword held horizontally in front of his face. His speed was astonishing as he closed the distance between them.

As the two swords clashed, Ruster's weapon unleashed a powerful shockwave, sending the warrior flying backward. The other two warriors, caught off guard by their comrade's sudden defeat, momentarily lost focus. Seizing the opportunity, Ruster swiftly kicked one aside and used the other's back as a springboard to reach a nearby tree branch. With grace and agility, he resumed his flight through the treetops, leaving his stunned pursuers behind.

The first search party finally caught up to the warriors Ruster had defeated just moments earlier, finding them sprawled on the ground.

"Don't let the target escape! All soldiers, on your feet, NOW!" One of the warriors bellowed.

Despite the warriors' fearless pursuit and relentless determination, Ruster's incredible speed allowed him to maintain and expand the distance between them. Eventually, he managed to shake them off completely.

"Looks like I'm in the clear now. I don't sense anyone behind me anymore," Ruster murmured to himself, glancing back. He pressed on without taking a break, his jumps astoundingly high as he easily scaled the trees and leapt between their branches.

"Master... on your left, WATCH OUT!" A voice suddenly shouted, emanating from within the armor Ruster wore.

As Ruster was alerted, he instantly glanced to his left. To his surprise, a massive metallic shield emerged from the tree canopy, rocketing towards him at incredible speed. Ruster twisted his body to face the shield, using his left leg to propel himself higher onto another tree as he made contact with it. Landing on the higher trunk, he drove his sword into it and clung to the hilt. Ruster wanted to stay elevated to survey his surroundings, scanning the area from his vantage point until he spotted his attacker—a squadron leader.

"Koggy!" he thought in surprise. "I knew she was a skilled tracker... but that was fast..."

"Master... we're surrounded. There are 16 other squadron leaders encircling us!" the voice spoke again.

"What?!... I can't fight that many squadron leaders. Ghost, are you certain?"

"Affirmative, Master," the voice confirmed.

Ruster heard more voices shouting deep within the forest—the warriors he had left behind earlier must have caught up. Feeling trapped, he began searching for an escape route. As he pondered his options, Koggy leaped onto a tree branch in front of him.

"Ruster, please, just give up. You're surrounded. Hand over the stone, and perhaps Lord Ozen will show you mercy."

"Over my dead body, Koggy!" Ruster retorted.

"We were once comrades, Ruster. I don't want to hurt you. We've fought side by side... Don't you remember?" she tried to reason with him.

But Ruster was resolute. "Battles, that's all you ever care about. I've had enough. I want to change this madness, and there's no way I'm giving up the stone!"

"Ruster, where will you go? You can run, but you can't hide. Please... surrender."

"No chance, Koggy. I can and will run," Ruster replied, steeling himself to flee. His sword vanished as soon as he released his grip. He quickly jumped down to another tree, but as his left foot landed, an excruciating pain shot through his ankle. Losing his balance, Ruster tumbled downward, crashing through branches before slamming into the ground with a heavy thud. "That must be from before. I must've hurt my ankle when I used my leg to propel myself off Koggy's shield," he realized.

The dizziness from the fall left Ruster disoriented, and his back ached from the impact. As his head stopped spinning, he spotted a massive hammer hurtling towards his face. He narrowly dodged the attack, but the force of the shock wave still pushed him further away.

"Damn it, I missed!" his attacker exclaimed.

"Iron! He's here too!" Ruster said, worry creeping into his voice.

"Master!" the voice in his armor cried out in panic.

Ruster sensed it too late—a powerful kick aimed directly at his head from behind. Unable to dodge in time, the blow sent him flying through the air before crashing into a large tree trunk.

Iron let out a low whistle of amazement and remarked sarcastically, "Please remind me never to get on your bad side, Koggy!"

Koggy responded with an irritated "Tsk!" as she was the one who had kicked Ruster.

The hit had been powerful enough to immobilize Ruster. As he lay against the tree trunk, he slowly opened his eyes, only to see around 30 squadron leaders and warriors dispersed among the trees and on the ground in every direction. Ruster was completely encircled.

"Your time is up, Ruster. You have nowhere left to run," Koggy declared confidently.

Ruster, in immense pain and exhausted, his body covered in bruises and scars, could barely speak as he coughed up blood from his internal injuries. He tried to reason with his former comrades despite his condition.

Iron cynically questioned Ruster's sudden concern for the humans, pointing out his own violent past. "What? Killing some pathetic humans is wrong now? You've gone mad, Ruster. You've killed more humans than I have."

Squala, another comrade, looked at Ruster with a mix of disbelief and sorrow. "I can't believe you betrayed us, Ruster. I thought we were friends, brothers-in-arms."

With great effort, Ruster pushed himself upright, leaning against the tree trunk for support. He tried to explain that he had come to understand his grandfather's message about the futility of their endless war. "I know you won't believe me now, but you must hear me out. Ozen's ambitions may seem noble, but his methods are wrong! There's no benefit in killing all humans."

Squala couldn't comprehend Ruster's change of heart. "You've been gone for years, and now you talk like one of those Unnamed people. Have you given up on Avalon?"

Koggy's anger only grew more intense. "I was going to let you fight to the death like a warrior, Ruster. But hearing you speak like this, I just want to end you!"

Ruster, realizing that there was no point in trying to persuade them any further, revealed his true intentions. "My grandfather was executed by Ozen for speaking the truth. I never understood what he truly meant before, but now I do. There is no Avalon, Squala. We've been chasing a dream that doesn't exist."

As his former comrades prepared to strike, Ruster stood tall, defiance shining in his eyes. He held the stone firmly in his hand, raising it in front of him. As if sensing the resolve within his heart, the stone began to glow with a brilliant radiance, casting ethereal light upon the faces of the gathered warriors. Ruster tightened his grip on the stone, its energy pulsing through him, and clenched his teeth in determination. With a voice that resonated with conviction and echoed through the forest, he made a bold declaration that seemed to reverberate in the very air around them. "If embracing the path of atonement and forging a new way forward is what it takes, then mark my words, I will gladly become... Humanity's Greatest Ally!"

His proclamation sent a shiver down the spines of all those who heard it, the power of his conviction and the weight of his words leaving them momentarily breathless. It was a declaration that held the potential to reshape the very fate of two worlds.

With those words, Ruster vanished in a spectacular light effect, leaving his stunned former comrades behind. They were left to grapple with the consequences of their actions in shock.

As everyone else around her began to panic at the realization that their target had slipped away, Koggy remained focused and took charge. She shouted, "Did anyone here master the jumping technique?" She scanned the faces of the thirty warriors and squadron leaders, but none stepped forward to answer.

"Koggy, I don't think anyone here is a jumper. We need to inform a Captain!" Squala said.

"Then we're going to inform Captain Loopy immediately! We need to follow him now!" She replied decisively.

One of the warriors carried a communication device. Koggy strode over to him and ordered him to establish contact with one of the mightiest Captains in the wardoks world, Captain Loopy.

Meanwhile, Ruster found himself transported to the human world. He couldn't pinpoint his exact location because he didn't yet know how to manipulate the stone accurately, so he had teleported at random. His senses were overwhelmed, and his vision blurry, as using the stone for the first time had taken a toll on him.

Before he could see clearly, he muttered to himself, "I hope I don't encounter any humans right away. I don't want to kill anybody right now!"

But as his vision started to stabilize and the dazzling light of the morning sun ceased to pain his eyes that had just emerged from the darkness of the forest, he felt a jolt of shock. As the blur receded and the scene before him came into focus, he saw that merely a few feet away stood a young human boy, around thirteen years old. The boy had golden blonde hair and black eyes, and he stared at Ruster with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Chapter Text

Wide-eyed and trembling, Luke stood rooted to the spot, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. He couldn't tear his gaze away from the creature that had suddenly appeared before him. The only thought running through his mind was, "What the hell is that thing?"

"Damn it! A human kid!" Ruster cursed to himself. He was frustrated by this unexpected encounter, knowing that the stone usually teleports to a location where no humans were present. But something had clearly gone awry this time.

Only the Charters, specialized priests trained from childhood for this very purpose, could use the stone to its full extent. Ruster realized that his lack of experience was likely to blame for this mishap. However, he knew that now was not the time for dwelling on it – he needed to act. He had to eliminate the boy before more people arrived on the scene.

Ruster assessed the frightened boy, his keen senses allowing him to perceive Luke's aura. Auras revealed a wealth of information about an individual's emotions and intentions, and Luke's was pulsating with panic and distress. Ruster concluded that this was a normal human reaction, especially for a child. He had killed numerous humans who had witnessed him in the past, and they all wore the same desperate expression, revealing their weakness and desire to flee. Determined to prevent Luke from escaping, Ruster steeled himself to finish the boy off before it was too late.

"Ghost! My sword, Jian!" Ruster called out, intending to summon one of his swords named Jian. But nothing happened. Confused, he repeated the command, only to be met with silence. Suddenly, his armor seemed to come to life, unwrapping itself from around his body and settling on his back like a backpack. "Ghost isn't responding!" Ruster realized, inspecting the backpack. "Maybe he shut down because of the jump... Damn it! It looks like I have to do this barehanded!"

Ruster spoke in an unfamiliar Wardokian language, leaving Luke unable to comprehend a single word. Stumbling backward in fear, Luke fell to the ground as Ruster rose to his feet and approached him.

Now that his armor had been removed, Ruster's muscular physique was more visible. He wore no shirt, only some jewelry, while his pants resembled those of ancient Viking garb.

Ruster towered over Luke, his nearly three-meter height both awe-inspiring and terrifying. With his heart racing, Luke closed his eyes, bracing himself for the end.

However, Ruster hesitated, observing the fear-stricken boy before him. An overwhelming sense of guilt and self-disgust washed over him. He had just stolen the stone to save humanity, and now he was about to kill a human with his own hands. Ruster felt that he was betraying his purpose and dishonoring his grandfather's memory. He had renounced all of the Wardok beliefs, but this was different – it went beyond faith and was a matter of being itself. No Wardok could ever let a human live after witnessing their existence. It was an unspoken rule ingrained in their very nature.

As Ruster's hand hovered over the frightened boy, an odd sensation began to gnaw at him, a strange force urging him not to follow through with his lethal intent. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different about this specific child, something that made taking his life unthinkable. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel that if he truly wanted to save the human world, he had to listen to this mysterious force and spare the boy's life, no matter the consequences.

However, despite the mysterious force growing stronger, Ruster knew he had a duty to fulfill. Gritting his teeth, he attempted to shake off the hesitation and focus on the task at hand. He clenched his fists, gathering every ounce of resolve he had left, and raised his arm, preparing to deliver the final blow. As he brought his fist down, a mixture of fear, confusion, and hope swirled within him, making it impossible to predict the outcome of this fateful encounter.

As Ruster's fist descended towards the terrified boy, time seemed to slow down. The air grew thick with tension, and the gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon both of them. Luke's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears, drowning out the sounds of the world around him.

Ruster's mind raced as he struggled to comprehend the mysterious force guiding his actions. He couldn't deny the powerful, inexplicable pull he felt towards this child, urging him to halt his attack. The conflict within him reached a boiling point, and in that critical moment, something inside Ruster shifted.

His fist stopped mere inches from Luke's face, trembling with the effort it took to restrain himself. The boy's eyes remained squeezed shut, waiting for the impact that never came.

Suddenly, Ruster experienced an excruciating pain in his chest, so intense that it caused him to double over and scream in agony. He clutched at his chest as if he were suffering a heart attack. The pain didn't subside until he had coughed up all the blood within him. Breathing heavily, he thought to himself, "Was this an injury from the battle?... No... It must be the curse!"

As Ruster was recovering from his unexpected bout of pain, he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder, followed by warm, comforting words that filled his heart with relief and a sense of solace.

"Are you okay, mister?" Luke asked, his concern evident in his voice.

Ruster couldn't believe his eyes; his mind was reeling from how drastically the situation had changed. "This is unbelievable... this kid... in an instant... his aura shifted from a state of fear and panic... into a state of nothing but genuine concern for my well-being..." Ruster thought, astonished. He marveled at how Luke could disregard the fact that he wasn't human and still show compassion towards him. This time, it was Ruster who stumbled back, landing on his bottom as Luke stood before him, asking, "Do you need help? Are you okay?"

After a moment of silence and amazement, Ruster suddenly burst into laughter, the sound resonating from deep within his heart. He exclaimed, "Hey, kid! You're the best!" and continued laughing with pure, unbridled joy. The young boy's kindness had not only touched Ruster's heart but had also transformed a seemingly impossible situation into the beginning of a remarkable friendship.

Luke was amazed that Ruster could speak Japanese and said, surprised, "You speak our language!"

"Of course I do, I speak 94 human languages!" Ruster replied.

Upon hearing Ruster's friendly tone, Luke's aura shifted once more, this time expressing comfort and trust. Ruster, who could easily read people's auras, noticed the change and asked, "Why didn't you run away from me?... This has never happened to me before..."

Luke looked serious and replied, "Should I?"

Seeing Luke trying to act tough, Ruster burst into laughter again, tears streaming from his eyes as he slapped the ground with his hand. "Hahaha... No... Haha... You're fine... Hahaha... But your tough act is killing me!"

Even as he laughed, Ruster felt grateful to Luke, who had managed to ease his heart and alleviate his guilt in such a profound way. "Seriously, kid, why didn't you run away?" Ruster asked.

From Luke's perspective, there was something strangely familiar about Ruster that made him feel as if he were standing beside his late friend, Shimizu Kei. However, he didn't reveal this to Ruster and responded differently. "I heard a voice calling my name. It was you, right?"

"A voice?" Ruster questioned.

Luke saw the confusion on Ruster's face and asked again, "It wasn't you?"

Before Ruster could answer, he sensed someone approaching from around the corner of the street. He immediately grew serious, grabbed Luke, and urgently said, "Hey, kid, I need somewhere to hide and rest now! Can you help?"

Luke was captivated by Ruster's large, wide-open eyes, which conveyed the urgency of his request. So Luke replied, "This is my home," pointing backward with his thumb to the house just behind them. "You can hide there; my family isn't home yet..."

Without hesitation, Ruster scooped Luke up and carried him to the house. The door had been left open when Luke came outside earlier. Ruster, being taller than the doorway, crouched to enter the house before gently setting Luke down and softly closing the door behind them.

"That was weird," Luke commented.

Ruster's expression turned serious as he said, "Listen, kid... No other human should see me. You're the only one who has... No more... understood?"

Luke felt the weight of Ruster's words and couldn't bring himself to respond verbally, so he simply nodded in agreement.

"Where can I rest?" Ruster asked.

"In my room, it's upstairs... I'll show you," Luke replied. He then led the way, with Ruster following close behind. As Ruster stepped on the wooden stairs, they creaked under his weight. They reached the door to Luke's room, and he opened it for them to enter. It was a medium-sized room, featuring a bed, a window, and a desk on the opposite side of the bed - a typical Japanese bedroom.

Ruster immediately stretched out on the bed, which was too small for his large frame, leaving his legs sticking out. Despite this, he didn't complain.

"Hello... Sir?" Luke asked, but Ruster was already fast asleep.

For a while, Luke watched Ruster sleep, wondering about his true nature. He felt an inexplicable connection to the strange visitor, a mix of familiarity and excitement that reminded him of the camaraderie he had shared with a close friend. It was a feeling he had been missing for quite some time.

Unexpectedly, Luke heard the front door of the house swing open, followed by the sound of his little sister's footsteps as she bounded up the stairs, calling out for her brother.

"Luke! Luke!" his sister shouted.

His mom must be home already! Panic set in, and Luke scrambled to close the bedroom door before his sister could make it upstairs. Unfortunately, she was too quick, and she entered the room just as he reached the door.

Luke's heart raced, his body frozen with fear. His sister was going to see the creature!

"Luke?... What's that?" his sister asked, her eyes fixed on the bed behind her brother.

The room fell silent, tension thick in the air as the consequences of this discovery loomed large. Luke knew he needed to act fast, but his mind raced with uncertainty. The lives of everyone involved now hung in the balance, and one wrong move could spell disaster.

Chapter Text

Twenty minutes had elapsed since Ruster's daring escape, and whispers of his heist had already started to echo throughout the Wardok world. The fact that he had stolen the stone to save humanity only served to intensify the intrigue, transforming Ruster into the most wanted fugitive among the Wardoks.

Deep within the immense land of Kathala, a majestic fortress rose above the verdant landscape. Surrounded by lush, rolling hills, the fortress stood as an imposing testament to the might and influence of the Kaths people. Located near the grand city of Nava, the capital of Kathala, this stronghold housed some of the most formidable warriors in all the Kaths armies. It was here that Captain Loopy, one of the greatest captains in the force, knelt before his lord.

"I am here to deliver my report, Lord Ozen," the captain announced, his voice echoing through the vast chamber.

The sound of his words broke the silence that had enveloped the expansive balcony. Seated on a high-backed chair, Lord Ozen appeared deep in thought, his eyes closed as he breathed in the fragrant night air. The full moon cast a silvery glow on his regal robes, and a gentle breeze toyed with his silver hair.

As Captain Loopy's voice reached his ears, Lord Ozen opened his eyes, revealing a sharp, piercing gaze that seemed to hold the wisdom of a thousand lifetimes. The breathtaking night sky above and the dazzling display of lights from the streets of Nava below painted a mesmerizing backdrop to the scene. Lord Ozen's eyes seemed to observe the world with a depth of understanding that few could fathom, his very presence commanding attention and respect.

In this serene moment, the mysterious Lord appeared as a formidable leader, intimately connected with the world around him, and poised to guide his people through any challenge that might arise.

Loopy hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping to the floor. "My apologies for disturbing your contemplation, my Lord. Shall I return at a later time?" he inquired with the utmost respect.

"No, Captain. Please, join me. I was merely appreciating the enchanting vista before us," Ozen replied, his tone serene and inviting.

With a graceful wave of his hand, he gestured towards the cityscape below. Loopy approached, his gaze following the path of Ozen's outstretched arm. "It is truly a sight to behold. I often find solace in the panoramic views from the rooftops," Loopy mused.

"Yes, it possesses a certain allure. And yet, it falls short of perfection," Ozen lamented, drawing his hand back toward his chest with a swift, fluid motion.

Loopy remained silent, attentive to the words of his lord.

"For this is not our true home. This world is undeserving of such a distinction," Ozen continued, rising from his seat to approach the balcony railing, leaving the captain a few steps behind.

"Indeed, my Lord," Loopy agreed solemnly.

"And what brings you before me, Captain Loopy?" Lord Ozen inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.

"I have come to report on the Cluster stone situation, my Lord."

"Ah, yes. I am aware that Ruster has fled to the human world," Ozen said, his tone betraying no surprise.

"Indeed, my Lord. However, there is more. We discovered a group of conspirators near the Hokkens bridge. We believe they were in league with Ruster," Loopy elaborated.

"Hokkens?" Ozen's eyes narrowed as he turned to face Loopy. "So, Ruster was making his way to Hokkens City... intriguing." He paused for a moment before asking, "Were you able to extract any information from these traitors?"

"Unfortunately not, my Lord. They resisted and were killed in the ensuing conflict," Loopy replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Search the city. We must uncover their plans and the extent of this rebellion," Ozen instructed.

"We have already conducted a thorough search, my Lord. The results were inconclusive. The ravages of war have left Hokkens in disarray, its resources scarce, and the city under military surveillance. We doubt Ruster's cohorts would have any reason to venture there," Loopy explained.

Ozen retreated to his seat, settling in comfortably before reaching for a glass of wine that rested on a nearby table. He took a measured sip and then inquired, "So, what news have you brought to share?"

"I suspect Ruster intended to annihilate the stone, my Lord," Loopy ventured cautiously.

Upon hearing this, Ozen's face registered surprise and confusion. He balanced the glass on his knee, gripping it tightly. "Preposterous! The stone is an ancient relic, not easily destroyed. What leads you to such a conclusion?" he demanded.

Loopy shifted uncomfortably, reluctant to divulge his reasoning. Sensing Ozen's growing impatience, he finally conceded. "My Lord, among the conspirators, we discovered a stone breaker!"

Shocked, Ozen's grip tightened, causing the glass to shatter and scatter across his legs. "What!?" he bellowed, rising to his feet in a fury.

Loopy could do nothing but kneel before his enraged lord, feeling the intensity of his wrath wash over him.

Ozen regained a measure of composure and sat down once more. "Are you certain? I believed the stone breakers had vanished centuries ago."

"Indeed, my Lord. We verified his identity, and it was confirmed," Loopy replied, beads of sweat dotting his brow.

"Ruster sought to obliterate the stone—an unforgivable offense. Without the stone, we cannot launch our assault on the human world, nor can we survive in this one!" Ozen mused, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling. "Captain Loopy, I presume you are in pursuit of Ruster?"

"Yes, my Lord. We have pinpointed the location of his leap, a densely populated human city in the country of Japan called Kyoto," Loopy affirmed, rising to his feet. He continued, "I am preparing to jump in pursuit. Ruster is injured and weakened; escape will not be easy for him. I await only the return of my squadron leaders."

Ozen appeared somewhat reassured. "Very well. While it seems unlikely that Ruster can destroy the stone single-handedly in the human world, we cannot predict his intentions. In any case, Loopy, you must reclaim the stone by any means necessary..."

Ozen's gaze was drawn back to the city, his eyes narrowing as anger and frustration painted themselves across his face. The unsettling news still echoed in his mind, only adding to the gravity of the situation. Turning his attention to Loopy, he spoke with sincerity and conviction. "Loopy, the trust and faith I have placed in you are not solely due to our bond as brothers, but also because you have proven time and time again to be the most skilled and dedicated warrior at my side."

He extended his arm, gesturing for Loopy to approach. As Loopy drew near, Ozen's intense gaze softened with warmth and pride. "It is in you that I place my hopes for the future of our people and all wardoks. You have earned this trust, this responsibility, through your unwavering loyalty and your remarkable talents."

With that, Ozen placed a firm yet comforting hand on Loopy's shoulder, as though to physically transfer the weight of this immense duty. His eyes shone with fervent determination, and a smile brimming with optimism and confidence graced his lips. "I have absolute faith in you, Captain Loopy," he affirmed, his voice steady and resolute.

In that fleeting moment, as Loopy stood beside his lord, a profound realization washed over him, enveloping him in a tidal wave of awe. He couldn't help but mentally compare Ozen to the rulers he had served in the past, each of whom paled in comparison to the indomitable figure before him. Those past rulers, driven by grand dreams and lofty ambitions, had ultimately been consumed by their own self-interest. Ozen, however, was a beacon of selflessness, his fervor seamlessly interwoven with the collective welfare of his subjects. He was the kind of leader who would willingly sacrifice his crown for the prosperity of all wardoks, should the need arise.

As Loopy stood there, the magnitude of Ozen's power became chillingly clear. This power was not derived from rank or title, but from something far deeper and more enigmatic, something that defied comprehension. To Ozen, the crown was merely an instrument to achieve his goals, not an emblem of his identity, and this understanding rendered him invincible. This was the essence of his path, the way of the supreme ruler, and as Loopy contemplated the depth of Ozen's resolve, a shiver of awe tingled through every fiber of his being, leaving him utterly mesmerized by the man he served.

As Ozen removed his hand from Loopy's shoulder, the captain's thoughts crystallized into resolve. "Thank you for this immense honor, my Lord. I shall not let you down!"

With renewed purpose, Loopy strode towards the exit, reaching the door and pushing it ajar. Just then, Ozen's voice rang out once more. "Bring him to me alive... I must speak with him."

Pausing, Loopy turned to regard his lord, uncertainty clouding his eyes. "Ruster?" he inquired.

"Yes," Ozen confirmed calmly.

"Understood, my Lord."

Loopy departed, descending a grand staircase that led to a vast hall. Left to his thoughts, Ozen mused, "I hope you can help me uncover the truth I seek... Ruster."