Chapter 103: Together
A burning nobility defined in swordsmanship, an electrifying divinity that continued to break its own limits. These were the two aspects that defined the legendary Devi Bloodfire and her partner in this dance, Shiro Fuloreen. However, no matter how hard the two tried, their opponent was one that could not be underestimated in the slightest. A man who stood above all in the food chain, one who sent a shiver down the spines of those who were weaker by just his voice alone. His clairvoyance was no longer the issue at hand, but merely the man’s incredible skill in battle.
Despite being a passive, peaceful warrior only a few weeks prior, Nero Virtuoso was incredibly well versed in the art of battle. Whether it be from his hands, to the weapon he held, to the powers he was born with, to say he was abnormal would be putting it lightly. It was as if the universe had gifted him with everything, yet also robbed him of what mattered most, creating a monster in the process. A man who lost his parents, his adoptive mother, and his wife. His daughter’s whereabouts or wellbeing still unknown, Nero was an oni who had suffered through far too much, to which he now intended to relay the same pain back onto those that caused it.
Together, Devi and Shiro rushed at Nero and struck his blade with their own. A harmonic rhythm existed between their slashes. One where Devi would strike twice, leading to two strikes from Shiro right after, and their cycle would continue. Such a pattern would surely fall predictable to an opponent, however, their speed was at a level that could hardly be matched. Due to Devi’s ability still being active while her advancement was in place, and Shiro’s amplification of her element, the two were much faster than usual, allowing for their attacks to have little to no pause between them.
There was something far more dangerous about their smooth barrage of slashes however. Through the few days they had spent training and learning more about one another, the two had achieved a bond like no other. Thus, their synchronization was perfect. More than Devi and Tequi’s previous combinations, more than what Shiro had achieved before with Devi, the two moved in tandem as if their minds were linked. No longer were words necessary, they had already understood what must be done.
It was due to this very thing that Nero had started to struggle against them. On occasion, their attacks would gash and rip into his skin, which would be healed shortly after. However, what bothered him most was the clothing his deceased, loving wife had crafted for him being torn apart. It was likely that his sister could still fix them, she was well versed in knitting to a similar degree as Yoro. But to have the clothes tarnished in the first place was equivalent to spitting on the twin tailed succubus’ work.
Over the course of their synchronized attacks, Nero had begun to slow down more and more. He now understood what should have been his priority in the previous battle. Tequi Tensetsu was a pest, but the irritation her arrows provided were similar to that of a fly humming around one’s ears. The true warrior who Nero should have robbed the life of was the woman he despised most, Devi Bloodfire. By allowing Shiro to meet her, the locks within the former ruler’s heart had broken, causing the rebirth of the legendary Braveheart many had told stories of. Now, with that azure woman here and at her best in battle, Nero struggled to keep up with two opponents who attempted to both outspeed and outwit him.
Without warning, Shiro flung her blade around in the air. A sight Nero had seen recently, thus he knew what to expect. In a similar manner, he prepared himself to do the same back to her.
Shiro: [Raijū’s…]
Nero: [I’ve seen this trick already! It won’t work twice!]
Whipping his own blade through the air several times to counter the incoming, multi hit attacks. However, he was met with something that was not the same as before. Instead of twenty attacks that struck Martire, a series of electric pillars were placed around him and linked together, leaving his only option for escape above him.
Shiro: [... Trap! You should let me finish before deciding what I’m gonna say!]
Taking advantage of Shiro’s tactic, Devi hopped across the ground and readied herself to strike Nero from above. Soaring high into the sky, she held her blade above her head and lit in aflame with white hot fire. However, in the midst of doing so, a sharp pain surged through her body from her injured right shoulder. Her teeth gritted and her arm shaking, Devi’s attack had become sloppy and missed its target on the way down. Unable to accept this result, Devi tried to push through the pain and made a followup slash towards Nero’s face. Using his sword, Nero effortlessly redirected the attack in a different direction. However, he was still not prepared for a desperate Devi as he had received a kick to the back of his head, a move Devi performed to at least provide some damage after her pitiful display.
Moving in to help, Shiro grabbed onto Nero’s shoulder and flipped over him. Whilst she did so, Nero made sure to keep track of where she was moving and aimed his sword in the same direction. Instantly, the two held their swords close to each of their bodies. Tempest aimed at Nero’s heart, while Martire was by Shiro’s neck. They stood there for two seconds, before clicking their tongue and hitting each other’s blades to gain distance.
From behind, Devi enveloped her blade in a wave of flames and shot it out towards Nero. Wiping Martire through the air, Nero cut through the flames in less than a second and watched as Devi fired multiple follow up blasts of matōki. While his attention was kept on Devi, a sudden shock hit him from behind, from a distant Shiro who was now providing the same move. The two formed a massive dust cloud between each other as they repeatedly fired orbs of matōki at Nero. Dashing through the cloud of smoke, Nero flexed his arm, ready to slice Shiro in half, but Devi moved in between the two at the last second, causing an explosion from the burning armor. Unlike previous attempts to counter Nero, a large barrier was raised between him and the blast, preventing any damage from occurring.
Side by side, Shiro and Devi abandoned their weapons temporarily and chose to instead perform a combined kick combo to the oni. Now at a disadvantage due to the size of his sword, Nero tossed it behind him to pick up later and met their kicks with his arms. Though Devi’s arm was injured, her legs were not, meaning her attacks now had a much greater effect along with no traces of sluggishness behind them. An ingenious plan between her and Shiro to dish out some pain, despite the two not sharing a word with each other. In order to stop their flurry of kicks, Nero slammed down against the ground with his fist and formed a wall of ice. What they had expected to be a moment for him to collect himself or perhaps charge through was much different, as several arrows of darkness broke through the ice and chased the two women. Without a need to flee, Devi and Shiro repeatedly cut down each arrow sent their way. It was only then that what they expected became a reality, as Nero charged through the ice with his hand in a claw shape and tried to slice at Shiro, only narrowly missing as she swiftly dodged out of the way. Again and again, he rushed in to attack Shiro, ignoring Devi entirely.
Concerned for her friend, Devi dashed between them and met Nero with her own arts. The two clashed fists and kicks as Shiro took a deep breath and tried to jump back in. However, just as she did, Nero took a glance at her and moved his eyes back to Devi. Under Shiro and Devi’s gaze was something neither of them had paid attention to. A reeled back fist that was held low, which soared through the air and struck Devi directly on the chin. One of few places her armor failed to protect. Her eyes widened as she was hit, her teeth were clenched, but most of all, she could feel a terrible shaking in her brain from the strike. Stumbling several feet back, Devi tried to regain control of herself following the devastating blow.
A sharp look of concern rested on Shiro’s face, who then rushed in to stall Nero so Devi would be safe. She desperately swung her sword against Nero’s, but the difference between them now was far too large. Even if both were equally capable with the blade, Nero’s body did not have as much fatigue as Shiro was beginning to feel. However, Shiro managed to weave quickly enough that Nero was caught off guard, and slashed him directly in the gut. She then placed her hand over the wound and electrocuted him several times to hopefully prevent the wound from healing.
Nero: [Gnnhk! Hk! Enough!]
Shiro: [Khak! Ghck!]
Annoyed by Shiro’s persistence, Nero powered through the lightning and struck her face head on with his fist. In the midst of Shiro’s head reeling back from the pain, he grabbed her white overshirt and pulled it forward to headbutt the same area. Stumbling back a few feet, Shiro tightly clutched her blade as Nero tried to cut her down. Her arms shook as she struggled to push the sword back, drawing closer and closer to the floor. Touching the set of stairs with her spine, Shiro repeatedly tried to kick Nero in the stomach in order to repel him.
Nero: [This has gone on for long enough. I’ll put an end to this in an instant.]
Shiro: [Hk!... Like I’d let you–ACK! KKCH!]
Nero: [Then allow me to make it easier.]
Using the unoccupied hand, Nero tightly clutched at Shiro’s throat, choking her as she continued to kick him and struggle against Martire. Her power was beginning to fade. Soon, the end would arrive, just as Nero had said. She did not want to lose nor did she want to die, but there was a sense of hopelessness that now filled her body as she remained powerless over her situation. Behind Nero, she could see Devi, who was stumbling back and forth as if dizzy.
Except, it was not as if. Devi was groggy. The attack she had been hit by had sent her brain into a spiral she could not have expected. Her consciousness was starting to fade. She wanted to stand up properly, but her balance would not allow it. The tips of her fingers felt numb, with the blade she held feeling oddly weightless yet still heavy. The windows around the room were multiplied by two, circling around their original versions.
Devi: [Stand! Hurry up and stand!]
She called out to herself.
Devi: [The advanced ability doesn’t have much time left, and Shiro’s life is in danger! Stand!]
She called out to the Devi who wished to help her friend. To help her granddaughter-in-law.
Devi: [Worry about the damage later! Stand, Braveheart! Stand!]
She called out to the legend, who was killed and reborn, like that of a burning phoenix.
Devi: [Damn it! Everything is getting dark! It can’t… end… like this… I still need to…. I must… protect… Shiro…]
Despite her calls, her mind would not listen. The legendary woman was starting to fall unconscious. In her hazy state, a memory of the past came flooding back.
A man with spiky dark blue hair and gray eyes, dressed in silver armor. In his hands was a familiar sword that he had brought her.
Damon: [And here you are, my lovely lady!]
Devi: [Damon… This is incredible… But, are you sure I should have it? The excellent craftsmanship of this blade, along with the beauty in the sheath and hilt…]
Damon: [If you plan on being a ruler that many look up to, you gotta have something that catches their eye! That’s why I personally requested it from the best blacksmith in town! A legendary woman becomes popular from her accomplishments, but her sword acts as a partner in that relationship. A tool that gives her that status while also receiving some fame for itself. If you want to save others, then let your sword guide you, Devi!]
Devi: [Honestly… What a joyous fool I’ve ended up with… I’m grateful for every day that I may spend with you!]
As the memory faded, several more figures came into her vision.
Devi: [Divinia… Yuri…]
An adult woman with long red hair, followed by a man with short red hair and a mighty beard. With kindness in their crimson eyes, they called out to the azure woman that they loved.
Divinia and Yuri: [Mom!]
Then, four more appeared.
Devi: [Xander… Alf… Tina… Colada…]
A man with red hair that cascaded down to his lower neck and a well defined face. Another with short red hair underneath a gray newsboy cap with a stubble. A woman with spiky, long red hair that moved down to her lower back, the last of the triplets. Finally, a girl much younger than the triplets, with blond hair and red eyes.
Xander, Alf, Tina and Colada: [Grandmother!]
In Devi’s mind, one thing was clear.
Devi: [If I fall here… My children… My grandchildren… Everyone will…]
In the pink and blue clouds that surrounded her, two more figures became visible. One with a mauve ponytail, and the other being the man with dark blue spiky hair she had recalled before.
Damon and Tequi: [Devi.]
A minute was likely left on her ability. Even then, if she were to pass out, that time would be meaningless.
In that instant…
Devi snapped back to reality. Her eyes now bloodshot, and her boot that was once held high up in the air slamming down against the ground, causing it to crack and break.
An immense fire started to bubble around her figure. Her teeth grinded together as she resisted the pain in both her arm and her head.
Devi: [Body, I ask this of you. For just this once, provide me with all of the strength you have!]
The flames on her blade grew into a blinding white mess.
Devi: [Should I be unable to fight ever again after this battle, should my injured arm be severed and forever damaged, I do not care!]
The fire continued to grow and grow, spreading out across the room and nearing the gold ceiling above.
Devi: [Give me what I need to protect my family! Even if it may fall to a selfish desire, I desire to protect them! Provide me with everything you have!]
From the sides of her cheek, blood started to dribble.
Devi: [LET ME PROTECT SHIRO, EVEN IF IT COSTS ME EVERYTHING!]
Much like the fire around her, Devi bellowed a ferocious roar as her matoki came bursting forth to match the powerful flames.
Devi: [ROOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAA!]
Stunned by the surprising change, Nero’s clash had ceased as he gazed at the Braveheart from over his shoulder. His attention now remained solely on her, leaving him shocked by her new presence.
Nero: [She’s amplifying herself with both matōki and her fire even after being injured?! Is she insane?!]
A loud explosion of fire echoed through the room as Devi soared across the ground, catching up to Nero in no time flat.
Nero: [D-damn–]
Devi: [ROOOOOOOAAAAAA!]
Letting loose another shout, Devi performed an extreme slash of fire onto the wound she had casted before. Without letting her flame die out, she provided another to his right leg, then to the left, then an additional two to each arm before piercing his stomach with the tip of the sword. Behind Nero, Shiro quickly moved out of the way to avoid any friendly fire and joined in on the attacks. Together, they repeatedly tore into Nero’s flesh, spilling his blood into the air. A deep pain could be seen on his face, as regardless of his immortality, the self healing body could not stop the horrific pain they were able to provide. Raising her blade above her head, Devi let loose a gargantuan wave towards Nero, sending him flying across the room as he was hit by the searing pain.
Slowly picking himself off the ground, struggling to stand as he could feel every ounce burning despite not an ember being attached to his body, Nero had been surprised again. Around him was a cube of flames, very similar to the one he had experienced in the previous battle with the two alongside Tequi Tensetsu. However, just like before, this was merely a pathetic trick. One he could easily reduce to atoms with his sword. All it would take was a singular slash and it would be nothing. Using clairvoyance, he would anticipate where they would come from before he made his move. That was until–
Nero: [Hk–AAAAACK!]
A large thunderbolt entered from above, keeping Nero in place along with preventing him from escaping the cube and stopping his clairvoyance. His burning, blistering pain continued to grow as the shock spread through the entire body. Once the bolt of lightning had ceased, so did the cube. However, a new scene had unfolded. Not one nor two, but countless replicas of Shiro were surrounding him. Familiar with this technique as well, having seen it both first hand in battle and while he watched Shiro take on Daroma the Dark, Nero tried to decipher the real one amongst the fakes.
But there was something missing. Even if Shiro was the one to attack, someone was missing.
It was then that he noticed a heat. A disgustingly hot wave that grew closer and closer…
… directly behind him.
Turning over his shoulder, he saw her. The azure woman dressed in black, red and gold. Her blood red hair and eyes burning with an incredible anger. Her teeth clenched and full of rage. Finally, a sword that was sizzling with heat and aimed directly at him. Nero had desperately tried to stop her, but she was far too fast. The sword had entered his body, a terrible pain had befell him.
But it was only natural.
After all…
Nero Virtuoso’s heart was pierced.
Using every ounce of matoki he could, he attempted to repel Devi in hopes that he could still regenerate from his wounds. Matching her roar, Nero let out a blood curdling scream.
Nero: [BLOODFIRE!]
Devi: [THIS IS WHERE YOU DIE, NERO VIRTUOSO!]
Increasing her flames alongside her matoki, an immense ray like that of the sun came shining forth through his body. But this light merely showed the way for the true savior, as another figure rushed through from a cloud of smoke. At top speeds, Shiro rushed in with Tempest and used the electrifying heat to pass through his body with the blade.
Once again, Nero Virtuoso’s heart was pierced.
With both succubi on each side, they put every ounce of their power into their swords and screamed their ultimate, decisive technique.
Shiro and Devi: [BLOODTHUNDER LIFESTREAM!]
A combination of their birthmarks were formed in the air from thunder and fire, with an immense spray of blood decorating it like fireworks. Their clothes now drenched in it, Devi and Shiro continued to scream their lungs out as Nero’s pain came to an end. A horrific look now existed on his face, one that they had yet to see on the cold and collected man’s face. His time was finally at an end. Removing the swords with a bang, they watched as he attempted to stand…
… only to fall to the floor with a splat.
Dead.
He was finally dead.
The man who claimed he would be the world’s new god. The man who would bring a twisted sense of justice onto those below him. That man was now gone.
It was over. The madness that had suddenly sparked only a few weeks before was now finished. There was much work to be done, and likely many things to still fix, however, the greatest threat that the two were aware of was now finished.
Releasing their abilities, Devi and Shiro panted heavily, now tired from their grueling battle.
Unable to feel her arm, Devi stumbled back and tripped, falling to the floor. Despite the tired state Shiro was in, she quickly grew worried about her friend and rushed over, helping her back up.
Shiro: [Devi! Are you alright?!]
Taking Shiro’s hand with her other arm, Devi slowly stood back up with a smile.
Devi: [Yes… I’m still quite injured from that strike earlier… He certainly did a number on my brain…]
Looking over to her other arm, Devi clutched it with her hand, feeling nothing in response.
Devi: [I suppose I did ask for a lot. You did well. Perhaps a fencing style is what I will now require.]
Shiro: [Devi! Your arm!]
Before Shiro could check it, Devi raised a hand, stopping her.
Devi: [It’s alright, Shiro. It was a worthy sacrifice. I’m saddened by the loss, but I made the most of it that I could. Besides, I’m not sure how well I’ll recover from this battle. There is a good chance that I can no longer hold a sword ever again.]
Shiro: [Are you sure that’s alright?]
After gazing upon Shiro’s worried eyes, Devi moved her own over to the nearby windows.
Devi: [... I saw my husband for a moment in that battle. It was an old memory, back when he had gifted me with this sword. He wanted me to use it to the fullest, but I never did that. I had used it plenty of times, but I never pushed Infierno Ardiente to its limits. I believe that was his message to me during that battle, to tell me that I can stop holding back and use the sword as he wished for me to use it. If that is my final time using it, then I have no regrets.]
Smiling back to Devi, Shiro gave a thumbs up.
Shiro: [You were really cool while using it too, so I think that counts as some bonus points!]
Devi: [Hahaha! Indeed! Perhaps I should receive an award for that!]
Moving her able hand over to Shiro’s shoulder, Devi patted her softly.
Devi: [You also did a wonderful job, Shiro. I knew you were capable of reaching incredible heights in your skill. The first time we had met, as well as our previous battle and the training this past week, all of it showed me that you would be the one to turn the tables.]
Shiro: [Thanks, Devi… That really means… a lot… hk!...]
Without warning, Shiro had started to cry.
Devi: [Shiro?! What happened?!]
Shiro: [I’m sorry, Devi… I’m so sorry…]
Devi: [You don’t need to be sorry about anything, Shiro! You’ve done well!]
Shiro: [... Both this time, and the last fight… I hesitated so much… It was only thanks to you that I was able to finish it… Otherwise… I couldn’t have brought myself to do it… I miss him… I miss my friend… I miss Yoro… I miss the fun life I used to have with everyone… I wish none of this happened…]
Rubbing Shiro’s hair gently, Devi softly placed the goddess’ head onto her chest.
Devi: [I know. I understand, Shiro. It’s hard to accept. In some ways, I wish I could have been in the same vicinity as my soldiers, ready to stop something like this from happening. You’re a kind girl, Shiro, and I know they were kind as well. I don’t blame you for your hesitation, nor will I ever. No matter how long it takes, from months to years, if you need to cry, I’ll be here. I’ll do my best to help you through this, even if I can only do that.]
Shiro: [Thank you… Thank you so much… Devi…]
Devi: [You don’t need to thank me, Shiro. I feel as though I’m forever in debt to your family.]
Devi’s clothes were swiftly drenched in tears and snot. As Shiro calmed down, Devi rubbed her shoulder and gave a nod to ask if she was alright. Shiro nodded back and smiled, looking over to the room on the side.
Shiro: [I guess we need to tackle the rest of them now.]
Devi: [Certainly. Though I believe we should take a moment to regroup. We’ll await for some of the others to join us, and from there, we shall take them on. Unless, of course, they come charging through the door. In which case, we’ll deal with them now.]
Shiro: [One small request though. There’s a woman in there named Mena. Mena Virtuoso. I’m not sure what’s happened to her or what she’s like now, but before we learn anything, can we agree to not hurt her?]
Devi: [As you wish. Not a single finger will be laid upon Mena Virtuoso.]
Breathing a sigh of relief, Shiro placed her knuckles against her sides.
Shiro: [Well, in that case, we’ll wait for Kō and Sil, since they’ll probably be first. They’re also two of the strongest on our team, so I think…]
The goddess continued to voice her thoughts. In the midst of her doing so, something seemed odd to Devi.
When the two of them struck Nero Virtuoso down, his body fell forward onto the ground.
While his body was still positioned in the same way, he was no longer facing the same direction, at least to what Devi had thought. Instead of facing the door, his body was now facing them.
Perhaps it was due to the grogginess that Devi had felt that she failed to notice where he fell. Shiro had moved in front of him, after all, so perhaps she did not register where he was positioned until just now.
Looking back to Shiro, Devi smiled and continued to listen…
… and her smile slowly… and slowly… faded.
Fear.
Fear was beginning to take over.
Devi’s face grew more and more horrific, terrified of what she was seeing.
Shiro had not noticed her, as she was occupied with gazing at the side room and speaking to Devi about their plan.
That plan no longer mattered.
The dead man.
The dead man was rising.
Slowly but surely, he was raising his body off the ground.
He should have stayed dead.
There wasn’t a chance they had missed.
Why was he now standing?
They killed him.
But he chose to ignore that. Just like every attack before it.
As soon as Devi saw him grip at the floor tightly, she acted on pure instinct.
Shiro: [But once we–]
Devi: [WATCH OUT, SHIRO!]
Swapped in position, Shiro was roughly pushed to the floor by Devi, who had moved past her.
A squelch echoed out into the room, followed by a spray of blood.
Shiro slowly looked up.
The horror had now set in.
With it, the corpse’s words bitterly entered.
???: [Finally. I’ve been waiting for this moment, Bloodfire.]
Shiro: [Aaaaa…. Aaaaaa…]
Shiro’s voice only relayed her fear.
Shiro: [AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!]
In front of Shiro, with her arms spread out, was Devi Bloodfire. Her eyes now almost lifeless, blood spilling from her mouth, but most notably…
… A gloved hand had pierced through her chest, now painted by her blood.
Behind her, the murderer spoke.
Nero: [I was under the impression that a skilled fighter would check if someone was truly dead as soon as the intention was to do so. It seems that with time, you’ve grown far too soft. The two of you let your guard down far too quickly.]
Moving close to Devi’s ear, he whispered.
Nero: [Now, experience the same fall, mollusk.]
Removing his hand, Nero watched as Devi fell to the floor with the same splat.
Shiro gazed upon Devi’s body on the floor, a nauseous feeling rising in the back of her throat. Trembling, Shiro’s stuttering voice tried to question him.
Shiro: [H-how… How are you alive… Your heart… Your heart was destroyed…]
Raising an eyebrow, Nero provided his reasoning.
Nero: [Shiro, my friend. I am far above the likes of those who could use the tablets of madness. I stand on a much higher plane, one that a fool with a detestable avarice for would fall to the pits of hell in the process.]
Displaying the hole in his chest, Nero showed the goddess the power of his supreme divinity. Organs, muscle and flesh were all regenerated around the wound. A feat that should not have been possible, was made so by this oni who stood above all.
Nero: [As you can see, I’m nothing like them.]
Then, Nero extended his hand towards Shiro.
Nero: [I have asked before, but I will ask again. Would you care to join me, Shiro? If the idea of abandoning Kōkatsu and Silvia bothers you, I can assure you that I am willing to accommodate them, along with all three armies that each of you have. It will be a large amount to take on, but I believe it will greatly help in forming the perfect world for–]
Cutting himself off, Nero’s face wrinkled with frustration upon feeling something touching his boot. While he was stepping forward to ask for Shiro’s hand, his boot was suddenly grabbed by a hand. Turning to view the person, he was met by the azure face that he hated who stared back up at him from the floor with rage.
Devi: [... You should be dead… There wasn’t a single other listing in that book… The only means to obtain immortality are with the tablets of madness… Their weakness is the heart, and I know that we hit it… I felt it… Nothing in that book said you could survive from this…]
Clicking his tongue, Nero kicked the hand away from his boot and lowered his body down to speak to Devi.
Nero: [You know, Bloodfire, perhaps a mollusk was far too kind.]
He gripped at the collar of her clothes.
Nero: [You’re something much lower…]
Her face was inches, allowing the cold words to pierce through.
Nero: [... You’re a mere ant.]
Springing his body up, Nero aimed his hand towards a window and chucked Devi’s body towards it. Without even thinking, Shiro quickly sprinted towards her and held her hand out.
Shiro: [DEVI!]
Devi attempted to reach back, hoping that Shiro could catch her.
Behind Shiro, Nero held his hand out. In the palm of his hand, a pressure based matoki blast was sent out and struck Devi’s body.
With Nero’s addition came a loud crash through the window, with Devi’s body spinning through the air as she helplessly descended to the ground.
Halted, Shiro looked down from the damaged window and panted.
Nero: [The fool stood no chance in surviving. I provided her the mercy of dying swiftly.]
Shiro panted and panted, keeping her eyes looking down from the broken window.
Nero: [Once she hits the ground, she’ll likely never feel the pain, given that her body will no longer exist.]
Shiro panted and panted… making one bloodshot, crimson eye visible to Nero.
Nero: [Don’t.]
Shooting her body through the air, Shiro charged at the culprit.
Summoning Tempest into her hands, she screamed the name of her enemy.
Shiro: [NERO!]
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