375. Time Shifting's latest successor.

WARNING!

The story contains graphic depictions of violence, sexuality, strong language, and/or other mature themes.

[The Demon's God Pursuit: Arc 17]

Once upon a time, on Planet Earth, a young girl was born; the story goes that her identity was never adequately clarified, but she was effectively known as the 'Holy Light.'

Her title depicted the real life of one's planet. Humankind did not know the Dimensions that had appeared alongside her birth, only of the Spirits that had been destroyed or disappeared.

The woman... The Holy Light, the heir of all the inhabitants, was not born alone. The arrival of the Demon God, whose name was Rez, caused anarchy, and humanity was on the brink of extinction.

Humans terrified him because of his recklessness and hunger for blood, and Demons started to manifest all over the Earth and The World of Zero, alongside alternate races such as The Inner Fiends, The Shades, Wraiths, and Spirits.

To combat the challenge, a new breed of people has awakened, the 'Spiritual Duelists' and 'Substitute-Duelists,' who have been dubbed the "First Army to Face Evil."

With their Legendary Weapons, the Ginken. This swarm of humans increased the world's cleanliness to the greatest extent possible, overwhelming the Demons of various grades and placing their survival at risk.

But, after several years of waiting, the 'Holy Light' gave birth to a human child, a girl of theoretically greater worth than Zero herself, but unlikely to become the next 'Holy Light,' their Goddess gave the girl to a friendly family, and since her mother needed to participate in protecting the divinity, the girl's memories were wiped.

But there is another royalty trapped within the shadows that have been concealed for millennia, even longer than the birth of a Demon...

The only one who has beaten the 'Holy Light's own is the Fiend Lord. Its lurkers will undoubtedly be wiped out, and the newfound foe will ready the battlefield...

- Yashikami City, Friday, 10:00 am -

"I didn't think you were here to support us in any way... But if you've dealt with Toyama before, we may as well believe you for as long as he does..." Kylin explained, keeping still and attempting to speak naturally.

"I didn't think you'd trust me either. It was an unusual reaction, so I apologize for causing you concern... In fact, my initial aim was simply to gain the boy's confidence..." Eva said, laying the suitcase on the side near the table.

"As a result... What are these referred to as 'Beta Terminating Weapons'? They say they can be possessed by anybody, right? Would this imply that we can still carry them?" As Eva reached for the suitcase, walked toward the table, and rested it on it, Codey was perplexed.

"Of course, give it a shot." With it, she picked up her daggers and gave them to Codey, who was scared. However, nothing happened to them after he did so.

He waved them up and down to see if they were stable and if they were made of the same metal. "Are these also made of 'Silverton Steel'? I'm astounded..." Codey spoke while laughing and noticing how easy it was to keep them.

"Yes, and they do not necessitate Spiritual Symbolism, aura, or Spiritual Force. These arms, by themselves, interact with the human spirit, allowing them to throw fire, liquids, bricks, and so on. Their reaction time can be sluggish at times, but once heated up, these guns will serve you just as well as any original Ginkens." Eva explained while standing behind Codey.

"Doesn't this imply that people can't cast kineticism or some other kind of ability from their bodies?" Elliot inquired, his gaze fixed on Eva. "No, only weapons are capable of doing that. That's why they're branded 'Beta,' because of their lack of spirituality, which they don't even have." Eva explained, amusing the others.

"So, what are we going to do with your 'allies'? You did bring them here, didn't you? So, what is the reason?" Sakami wondered calmly as she started to stare at Eva. "Yes, I did. But it was just to win their confidence so that I could prevent them from fighting the 'Half-Demon.' Sorry for going too fast, but it had to be done... You must know, Codey, that you are most definitely the next 'Demon God'..." Eva said this while resting her right hand on her thigh.

"What are you talking about? Isn't Ena supposed to become it?" Codey asked, gulping. "Isn't it true that you're the son of the 'Demon God'? This applies to you as his heir, which means you'll most likely become one... That is, of course, if you want to go that far. However, keep in mind... Becoming a Demon God can have a negative impact on the public image... That being said, you should make an informed decision. You will most likely be despised by the people for as long as they are unable to gain your confidence." Eva explained, which was a lot for Codey to take in.

"B-But... W-Why would I choose such a prestigious title? Sure, I'm his son with a different bloodline that necessitates Demon Blood... However, I do not believe this is the best bet." Codey was terrified when he heard such obligation. "I'm mindful of the dangers... But who knows, maybe the Demon God will be needed in the future." Eva sighed as she spoke.

"You've got to be kidding me... I've always had close experiences with someone else... And they, too, could not convince themselves to do so in the end." Codey explained, concealing Ayuka's identity when she first arrived.

"Guys... We've received a letter from the department." Ayuka said it after dropping it on the table.

When they started looking at the note, a couple of them clustered around it.

"W-what exactly is this? Perhaps an invitation, or-" However, after going through the text, they were taken aback when they came across an unfamiliar logotype.

"... Who exactly are they...?" Elliot wondered, referring to the logotype. Eva was taken aback by this. "I recognize the logo! It is a group of people who walk openly around Gyuma City. We haven't seen anything of them, but I believe they are the main squad representing assassinations against the Demons. They had to have done this to find the remaining Demons." Eva elaborated.

"You've got to be kidding me, right? How many of these people are there to actively attempt to eliminate Half-Demons or some other form of demon?!" Kylin was astounded. "Damn it... How did they even get the detail from me?!" Codey, who was visibly irritated, inquired. "It should have been finished three years before after you'd defeated the 'Demon God'... I'm not sure who said it, but-" However, at the precise moment, a man dressed in black emerged from the entrance.

"I did..." Codey's eyes shook as he saw dark fur.

"You've got to be joking, impossible!" Codey exclaimed, and Ayuka joined him in surprise. "Hasn't it been a long time...?" The guy spoke up, taking a step forward with his arms crossed.

"However, back then... I didn't say I'd just let you live... Sure, you may have assassinated the God of Demons... But, if you're his son, what's the difference?" Sighing, the guy wondered.

"Do you, by any chance know who this guy is?" Eva, taken aback, inquired.

"Yes, Tsuneo Sasaki... He was with us in the underworld to assist us... But he seemed trustworthy back then, so what changed to make you this way?" Codey was perplexed.

"What is the reason...? Have you thought I'd just let it go because your pal horribly assassinated Maya, or because you, the next son of the Demon God, escaped... I've devoted myself to ridding the world of these ghosts known as yourself... And now I have everything I need to get rid of them..." He let out a sigh.

"Tsuneo... What the heck is going on? I expected you to be more normal than Maya. What do you mean? She worked for the God of Demons. Do you want to be like her?" Tsuneo closed his eyes and asked Codey a question. "Sure, she might have. But she always looked after me and my sister when I was younger, so... There's that... I'm not going to let it slip..." Tsuneo explained, calmly and confidently.

"So you were the one who sent us this letter-.." Added Ayuka, once Tsuneo looked at it. "I have... It just wasn't written by me... I couldn't care less; what I'm here to do is repay Maya's esteem."

"Damn it! Assassinate him as soon as possible!" yelled Kylin, but right then, Tsuneo snapped his fingers, and everyone was surprised when time froze, with the exception of Eva and Ayuka.

"W-what are you talking about?" Eva, taken aback, inquired. "I see you've just remembered, Kirashito, that your true identity isn't even that of an average person..." Tsuneo smiled as he looked at them. "Damn it... What the heck are you looking for?" She asked, reaching out with her right arm, as the sword came out of her white aura.

"Would you please just shut up..." Ayuka inquired as she stepped up, gripping her sword and quickly swinging her weapon.

Tsuneo defended by raising his right arm and taking a sword at the same time.

In return, he smashed into the Guild's wall as he flew through it, laughing as if nothing had happened to him.

"What an accomplishment! You've really changed in that sector!" Tsuneo giggled as he embraced himself to land, falling down, gripping the floor, and using it as leverage to avoid his flown body.

Ayuka stood in front of Tsuneo from a distance, gripping her sword. Tsuneo grinned and let go of the fingers, as time started to work again as the grey energy was drained.

As Codey, Elliot, Sakami, and Kylin almost stumbled, they dashed toward the torn-down wall, staring down at the park, as they were finally unfrozen.

"Did he simply use the same talent that Kreara possessed?" Elliot was taken aback. "He did it... But how is it possible?! When did he first make contact with her?" Concerned, Codey enquired.

"What exactly do you mean? What about Kreara? Isn't she the 'Goddess of the Afterlife'?" Eva inquired, her gaze fixed on them. "And if it had infected you, why hadn't it affected me or Kirashito?" Eva, still clutching her suitcase, pondered.

"It's a tactic similar to time, but it just operates on those who have 'Spiritual Symbolism.' Many that have 'Holy Blood' or no Spiritual Symbolism are untouched." Codey added as he looked down at the two fighters.

"How, have you managed to receive that power, and what happened to Kreara?!" Questioned Ayuka, in anger. "Quite simple... Due to her age and losing her ability, she's been killed and I've dedicated my heart to eliminating the Half-Demon, so due to meeting with her, she allowed me to use her powers, right now. I'm probably the most advanced warrior, you'd be facing..." Spoke Tsuneo, giggling.

"Damn it... What the hell's going on? Why, of all people, you? I expected you to at least linger, normal..." Ayuka grumbled while standing still, ready to fight if possible. "Why is this so? I don't believe there is a perfect explanation, but I can assure you that I don't mind getting this enormous strength." Tsuneo chuckled, flipping his sword between his right-handed fingers.

"... Is it really necessary for us to fight... Isn't there a better way?!" Ayuka wondered as she looked at him, worried. "What's the harm? You have the strength to take on another 'God'... So, why don't we give it a shot... Dear, Goddess!" Tsuneo chuckled, pointing his sword upward.

("... I'm not permitted to use the word 'Holiness'... But, even though I do end up fighting, what's the point if I can't beat him?") Ayuka was nervous as she moved her sword closer to her body.

"Is it because you're not able to use your strength that you're stressed? Come on, let's go. You're an individual, and you don't have to listen to those idiots from the 'Holy Arches...' Now, why don't you power up, I'm sure I'll love seeing you, and... if I strangle anyone on this incredible amount, I'll get a better opinion!" Tsuneo laughed, ready to fight.

To be continued...