Akari then waves her hands in the air, confused. "Wait, wait. There are other S-Ranks!?" Her confusion reminds Kenzo that she didn't hear his explanation to Ashiro, Fumiko, and the Sato siblings. "Ah, I forgot you were even here."
Akari stares at him blankly and yells at him, slightly angry. "What do you mean you forgot me?!" Tattoos and symbols form over her body, and a malicious energy fills the air as she yells even more at Kenzo. "HOW AM I FORGETTABLE?!"
Fumiko then grabs Akari by her arms, restraining her. "Jeez, since when did you get angry?" Ashiro rolls across the ground in laughter at Akari. "Ahahaha! Kenzo said you're forgettable!!"
Akari's energy increases as Ashiro laughs at her. "Keep laughing, and I'll kill you!" Akari yells as Fumiko struggles to keep Akari restrained. "If you keep angering her she's gonna kick your ass, Ashiro," Fumiko says, trying to warn him, but he shrugs his shoulders and walks away as Akari yells for him to come back and fight her. Fumiko exhaled an annoyed sigh from the commotion they seemed to be causing in the parking lot of the hospital. "Calm down."
Akari immediately listens, not wanting Fumiko to be annoyed any further. "(I better not test her.)"
The malicious energy disappears, and Fumiko releases her hold on Akari. "Now, are you calm?" Akari nods her head quickly and swiftly. "Yes."
Ashiro then turns his attention towards Kenzo, trying to get his attention. "Hey, Kenzo?"
Kenzo turns around and faces Ashiro. "Yeah?"
"Where's our stuff?" Ashiro says, wanting to know where the rest of the clothes and things are. "'Cause last I checked, the last thing I remember was passing out after the fight against my father." Kenzo thinks for a moment before remembering something else. "Oh, they're at the dorms you all will be staying at."
"Huh..." Ashiro looked at Kenzo confused. He was going to be staying at a dorm in who knew where. "WHY DO YOU FORGET SO MANY IMPORTANT DETAILS?!"
Fumiko walks over, slapping the back of Ashiro's head. "If I have to hear more yelling, I swear on Kaguya!"
Ashiro jumps back, feeling death looming over him as Fumiko's furious aura scares him. "Jeez, just calm down, " he mutters under his breath.
"I'm a part of a small association called 'The Gifted Nexus.' It's a place that teaches revenant users how to truly unleash their abilities to the best of what their potential allows." Kenzo says, finally explaining the place the group was going to. "It's about 1 acre of land located in Kyoto, Japan. Just for revenant users to train their hardest, but this place also has other things to help new users, such as dorms for housing, a cafeteria for food and drinks, and best of all, it has multiple types of clubs to join." Kenzo explained with a determined smile on his face. Ashiro and the others look at each other weirdly.
"Adults getting excited just creep me out."
"I know, right?"
"You think he's gonna break a hip?"
"Nah, he's able to use a more refined version of agony. He's old, and yet his face has no wrinkles."
Kenzo stares at Ashiro and the others whisperering to one another, knowing damn well he can hear them. "This is what you're wondering about, a Kawanari great as myself," Kenzo said, with a prideful grin on his face. "It's ok I'll do autographs another time."
Fumiko quickly shuts down his pride and tells him what she thinks of him. "Nah, even a wise Kawanari old man like yourself is worth the wasted paper and pen. I still think Kodak is much cooler and somehow more mature."
Akari shook her head in denial. "That's cause you both grew up together, of course you're gonna be biased!"
Fumiko looked at Akari, slightly annoyed by her remark. "What the hell does that mean!?"
Kohaku raises her hand, creating a wall made of various metals and other things used to keep it together.
[Skill: Titanium Border Selected!]
Akari and Fumiko's heads suddenly snapped over at Kohaku simultaneously. "You both need to calm down, or we're not gonna get anywhere!" Fumiko and Akari walk away, muttering under their breath. "Bossy son of a bitch."
Kohaku shook her head. "(Y'know I can hear you both.)" She turns and looks back at Kenzo. "How are we getting to this association?"
Kenzo turned around and grabbed the others, huddling them together. "Like this."
[Welcome to the realm of both Revenant and Agony!]
Kenzo and the group look other themselves. Dark mountains expand across the landscape, followed by a foul stench of a rotting corpse of a revenant spirit. Its body was mangled and torn.
Ashiro then sensed something, making him jump back as Fumiko drew her greatsword.
[Skill: Blade of the Moonlight Horizon!]
[Lunar energy has reached maximum threshold!]
Fumiko then felt a feeling of overwhelming energy within her body. "My lunar energy is stronger here."
Akari squeezes her hand, feeling her malicious emotion getting stronger. "Same here, my energy from personified emotions is feeding off the negativity from the realm."
Kohaku held her brother close. "Stay close, Masashi." Her words emanated slight signs of worry and uneasiness. Masashi nodded in response to his sister's worries. "Okay, sis."
Akari then sensed something. "ABOVE!"
Multiple types of giant-sized monsters descend from the blackened sky, and mutated bugs fly around them. Akari scoffs in disgust at the feral beasts. "DISGUSTING BUGS!"
[Personified Emotion: Malice selected!]
[1st Raging Malice Formation: Bloodlusted Eclispe!]
An aura of killing intent surrounds Akari, fueling the dark energy from the malicious emotion.
Ashiro smiles as he sees the improved energy from Akari. "Looks like your avatar ain't a slacker after all!" Flames engulf Ashiro's body as the grotesque bugs zoom in on the group. "COME ON YOU GROSS BASTARDS!"
[1st Flame Formation: Fiery Fury!]
Blue flames shrouded Ashiro's body, but something was different. It was more intense and powerful. "Fumiko, I'm gonna catch up to you Kodak one day. Just you wait!"
Ashiro dashes forward, tearing his fist through the bugs, and bodily fluids and organs fly as he rips through the bugs. "COME ON!"
Akari then jumps through the air, slamming her fist into the ground, rupturing the ground beneath them and tearing through the remaining bugs.
Kenzo then grabs the group back together, teleporting out. His face looked worried and stressed. "What the hell are you two doing!?" He yelled at Akari and Ashiro. "You don't mess with those creatures from the realm between revenant and agony. Backlash occurs and karma builds up within that dimension. If two had killed even a single creature, good or bad you would be in prison in that realm for the rest of your life. Hell, don't even get me started if you tried to escape, it's impossible!"
Ashiro then thought back to how he fought."(My power did feel a little bit weaker after I killed one of those bugs, if what Kenzo is saying is true. Then we're lucky as hell.)"
Akari scratched her head in confusion."What were we supposed to do, just let them kill us?!"
Kenzo exhaled in annoyance. "How bout, you knock them out? Or maybe you two have gotten too used to killing!"
Ashiro's eyes widened at the accusation from Kenzo. "What the hell are you insinuating!?" His voice lingered with aggression, fearing the worst of what Kenzo's assumptions were linking him to. "I am nothing like my father! You think I like killing, I like surviving and crushing those wrongfully strong!"
Kenzo then walks up to Ashiro, standing with no ill intent. "You're not like your father, Ashiro," Kenzo's tone was understanding and calm. "I've known you all for a little less than 2 weeks, and yet I understand why you think I'm some kind of old man who doesn't know his place, but I do. I understand what it's like to go through your stage of suffering and finding that strength when times are tough. It's who to trust I truly do, cause I've dealt with that my entire life. For 50 years I didn't know what to do or who to even acknowledge, but now I do. I know now that it's my goal to guide this generation on the right path, so please give me a chance to prove my loyalty to teaching not just you, but this generation!"
Ashiro and the others feel the truth and impact of Kenzo's words. Masaki's eyes widen with hope. "(He might not be someone I fully trust, yet. but I can't deny how wise and helpful he'll be for my goal.)"
Ashiro then walks forward, standing by Kenzo's side. "Well, are you guys coming or what?!"
Fumiko thinks for a moment, pondering all the possibilities from her perspective. "(He has a good heart, but the brief moments he would stop our reckless choices. His true side gets revealed. An old man who wants to better the newer generation in preparation for what's to come. I know he's the one to follow. Plus, who knows maybe Kenzo has plans for all of us to learn and adapt to revenant. Ways we couldn't imagine.)"
Fumiko thinks a little bit more, making sure her decision is the one she wants. "Fine, I'll join you, Kenzo. But if you show any signs of hesitation, weakness, or if someone I love is harmed. I'll leave in an instant."
Kenzo smirks at Fumiko's answer. Bowing his head in a sign of respect for her answer.
"I'll keep that in mind, Fumiko."
She then walks past him, joining Ashiro.
Kenzo then turned his attention to the others. "So how bout it? Are you gonna join your friends?" He directed towards Kohaku, Akari, and Masaki.
Akari hesitated, but then thought of what Fumiko had chosen and the overwhelming wisdom, power, and battle skills that Kenzo possessed.
Masaki then spoke up while the others pondered. "Sure why not?" She walked forward, but didn't stand with Ashiro and Fumiko. "(Don't think for a second I'll ally myself with you misfits.)"
Kohaku weighed the pros and cons, thinking not only of what was best for herself but also for Masashi. "(My brother is traumatized from seeing Himari's death, and also the damage done to countless others. But I won't let him suffer any more, and to keep true to my word I need even greater strength than now.)"
"I'll go with you, but do you know if my brother will be safe from any outside threats?" Kohaku stared at Kenzo as a cold sweat dripped down from his chin. "I can't confirm his safety, but I can confirm that your growth will lower that percentage of harm coming his way." Kenzo then lends a hand, an offering for Kohaku. "So, what do you say?"
Kohaku smiles and shakes Kenzo's hand. "I take your word for it, but don't underestimate my stubbornness."
Kenzo nods towards Kohaku. "I would count on it. You're an individual who has such a bright future ahead of you."
He then turns, facing Akari. "So what's your decision, Akari?" Kenzo says as he waits eagerly for her long-awaited answer.
Akari thinks for a moment, thinking back to how her abilities weren't properly controlled or effective towards Ryoko and Satsujin. "I." She hesitates, but then steps forward. "I want power!" Her mind then searches for what her ambitions needed her to strive for. "Power to protect those I love, but also so I won't be ridiculed for staying weak!"
Masaki's ears perk up at Akari's declaration of her ambitions. "(Hmm, so that's your goal? How typical.)"
"Tch, overconfident much?" Masaki speaks up. "I wanna be stronger so others don't look down on me," Masaki's tone was mockful and mostly downplayed Akari's desperation for power. "you're so fucking sad and overly desperate, its pathetic!"
Akari's eyes dart over at her mocking. "Shut the hell up!"
[Personified Emotion: Malice Activated!]
Dark energy crackled from Akari, catching Masaki slightly off guard. "(How can someone have such dark energy!?)"
Kenzo slams his foot down, creating a loud shockwave of reverberation from the impact. "ENOUGH!" His voice shouted with authority that demanded order and maturity. "Masaki, Akari. I suggest you two settle this argument on your own time, just don't drag everyone else into it."
Akari nods while Masaki turns her back and curses at him under her breath. "Whatever, you old shitty bastard."
The others begin walking up to a college-like campus, with a large sign that reads: Welcome to The Gifted Nexus!
A loud explosion then erupts through the campus as Kenzo rushes through Ashiro and the others. "DAMNIT!!!!" Screams of multiple students echo as the group then hears an aggressive voice rupturing through the campus. "WHERE THE HELL WAS ALL THAT TRASH TALK YOU OVERLY CONFIDENT BASTARD!"
Green flames and purple spikes rupture through the grounds of the campus, Two boys wearing school uniforms. One of them had a rough face with spikey black hair, while the other one's face was slim and cocky with blonde hair.
Ashiro flies up the hill of the large campus, seeing a large circle of students surrounding the two people fighting. "SHUT UP!" A boy with black spikey hair shouts at a dome of purple spikes.
A burst of green flames emerges from the circle of students as protective formations of orchid colored spikes fight off the green flames. "You are just stubborn and stupid, Midori. All these outbreaks will only anger Mr. Kawanari further." The blonde-haired boy said with a calm and mature attitude, demanding that Midori back off. "So cease those flames of yours and back the hell off."
Midori scoffed at his proposal, spitting at the ground below his shoes. "I tell ya what, Shion." His voice mocked his opponent's name. "If you can snuff my flames, then I'll cooperate."
Shion smiled and a purple bunch of prickly vines rose from the ground, shrouding his body. "Then come on, you self-obsessed prick."
Midori then rushed forward, igniting his palms with green flames. His body propelled forward, and Midori threw a jab straight to Shion's face. However, it narrowly misses as Midori feels the spiky vines cut his hand. Blood flows from his knuckles, staining Shion's white shirt that was neatly tucked under his uniform's jacket.
But Midori didn't let up, ducking low and throwing a kick reinforced with the same green flames.
[Skill: Jaded Impact Activated!]
Flames flare up from Midori's leg, sending Shion flying up in the air. He winced in pain, feeling the effects of the orchid colored vines cut his leg. "(Shion is a crafty fighter, making sure anything his opponent does could be a mistake, or even a fatal accident that could deeply wound you. His technique consists of damaging someone as they attack him, making their power reflect towards them. But if you have enough power to destroy those vines and formations of purple spikes, you can deeply damage him!)"
Shion floats above the campus, sending multiple medium-sized purple spikes and prickly vines down at Midori. "OVERPOWER THIS YOU ECOSTICAL MANIC!"
Midori ignites his hands once more, dodging the vines and spikes. "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT!?"
A voice then echoed through the sky right above Shion, prompting his head to snap behind him, and seeing Kenzo glaring at them both. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING!?"
Ashiro and the others then finally reach the campus, seeing prickly vines, spikes, and even green flames lying on the school grounds.
A small group of students walks over towards Ashiro and the others, two girls and two boys.
One of the girls spoke up, her voice was calm and soothing to listen to and her hair was a mixture of black and white. "Are you all from Nagano?" She asked, needing confirmation.
Ashiro and the others didn't respond, only staring at them and observing their intentions.
[Skill: Apprasial Activated!]
[4 S-Rank Revenant users stand before you!]
Ashiro looks at one of the male students, he seemed over 6 feet tall and more muscular than most. Ashiro could see his arms pratically burst through the seams of his jacket. Eyes were an emerald green, complimenting the short ginger hair with streaks of blonde mixed into it.
The male student then stepped forward, towering over Ashiro. "You gotta problem, boy?" His voice was deep and intimidating, giving Kohaku chills as she tugged at her boyfriend to back off. "Hey, this guy's an S-Rank. So maybe we don't piss him off!" She said muttering into Ashiro's ear.
However, Ashiro didn't answer and continued staring back with even more intensity than the student before him. "I could care less if he were an S-Rank or not. I'll show him my true definition of strength and passion."
Blue flames flare from Ashiro's body, causing Kohaku to stoo holdin on to him. "Jeez you could've warned me." She said, annoyed with Ashiro's hot headed nature.
The tall student then starting laughing. "HA HA HA HA!" Ashiro looked at him confused. "What's so damm funny?" Flames flared even more as the students behind the tall one facing Ashiro just chuckled. "No, don't mind me I just can't believe you fell for the rage bait." Ashiro stared at him blankly, not impressed with his attempts at angering him.
The student then lends out his hand, shaking Ashiro's. "My name's Ken Nakamura, and I must say your group is quite impressive. I mean who else would've thought that the succesor of Godai and Kaguya would be here!"
Ashiro and Fumiko's innate techniques instantly activate, making the air dense and troublesome. The other girl and boy behind Ken then step forward. One being a short girl with red hair. The boy had light brown hair and his face had a scar in the shape of an X over his left eye.
A sudden chill fills the air, soothing the aggression from Fumiko. However, Ashiro remained unaffected. Worrying the black and white haired girl who used her technique. A message then appeared from the system, notifying Ashiro's entire group.
[Appraisal Completed!]
Name: Ken Nakamura
Rank: S
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Height 7'2
Weight: 400 Ibs
Innate Technique: Overpower
Ashiro stares at Ken, wondering his intentions.
He and the others then look at the girl who summoned the calm, cold air. Her face was still confused on how Ashiro was unaffected from her technique.
Name: Sena Fubuki
Rank: S
Gender: Female
Age: 21
Height: 5'7
Weight: 155 Ibs
Innate technique: Calming Blizzard
Ashiro then looked at the last boy and girl sranding before them.
Names: Haru Kashiwagi
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Rank: S
Height: 5'9
Weight: 170 Ibs
Innate technique: Phytokinesis
Name: Akane Yoshida
Rank: S
Age: 18
Gender: Female
Height: 5'2
Weight: 125 Ibs
Ashiro and the others then hear voice right behind Haru. "Their with me, so stop bother them, Ken."
Kenzo then quickly arrives, holding an unconscious Shion and Midori. Ashiro immediately questions it. "What happened?"
Kenzo ignores Ashiro's question and begins talking with the students confronting Ashiro's group. "These 4 are with me, so please get to dorm room A-127."
"You got it boss." Ken said as he nodded his head towards him.
5 minutes later...
Ashiro's group find themselves in a large room, filled with a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a large bathroom.
Fumiko looks at a sign that reads: "Fumiko and Akari's Room."
The room was filled with a mix of casual gothic decorations and a large bed filled with multiple pillows and blankets.
Akari immediately jumps onto the bed, lying in it very comfortably.
"Come on, Fumiko join me in this comfy ass bed!" Akari begged her, wanting to just relax after all the time she spent looking for lost civilians, and not wanting to get another cramp.
Fumiko chuckled at her offer. "Alright fine, just don't beg me anymore. It's weird."
Akari chuckled right back. "Says you."
Ashiro then opened a door, seeing a room made for both him and Kohaku. "Look at this, there is even a separate bed for Masashi."
Kohaku looked over and smiled at Ashiro. "Well, what do you want to do, Ashiro?" Her voice tempted Ashiro for a "fun time" but he wanted to train.
"I guess training?" He said trying to change the subject so Masashi wouldn't overhear them.