392. The Spiritual Core's evolving method.

WARNING!

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

[The Spiritual Core's warfare: Arc 19]

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...

- Toazu Cavern, Saturday, 3:03 pm -

Codey and the others have been quiet in the cavern, but in the meantime, they've discovered a radioactive liquid contained in the capsules.

"This is not at all normal... What's the deal with all those radioactive liquids? There has to be something involving Tsuneo and his army... And, if no, we won't get answers quickly." Kanji spoke briefly before turning back to face the cavern.

"This isn't a radioactive liquid... this is something even sinister than none of us knew existed." Once Codey was dissatisfied with Sakami's intuition, Sakami added. "You're saying that this isn't radioactive fuel? From my view, it seems to be the same..." Codey gulped, scratching his scalp.

"Well, she's made her case... It seems to be mint in color, and secondly... The nuclear reaction would not be completed in a natural cavern..." Kylin continued, crouching, picking up a rock, and tossing it into the molten liquid.

"Take note, please. Do not get that on your skin. It has the potential to be deadly or extremely dangerous." After standing back, Codey said. "It isn't radioactive fluid... However, it is similar to atomic metal that has been refined and then liquified." Eva explained, and everybody became convinced that they were in danger.

"But... why would they put this atomic metal in these capsules? And how can they really detect it?" Kanji wondered as he looked around. "Whoever they are, they're actually sucking out the solvent and mixing it with water with these pipes." Eva immediately stretched out with her right arm, spinning the wristwatch's collar and starting to scan the atomic liquid, she demonstrated cautiously.

"So, what do you think? What exactly is it?" Codey gulped, perplexed. "That's what I thought. It is 'Atomic Metal,' which contains extra water mixtures. And this 'Atomic Metal' is fully reactive with water. As a result, when it comes into contact with sunlight, it absorbs it. That will cause it to become even more fluid... than it is now. These liquids could be stored as water into a glass... or some other liquified drink... I'm not positive or guaranteeing something. However, they may plan to use this liquid to trick people into drinking it as a regular drink."

The rest of the group was concerned as a result of what Eva had described. "On the other hand... It might only be to-" However, the moment she wanted to say something, Sakami called out from the distance, and everyone quickly followed her.

"Take a look..." Everyone was surprised and disgusted by what they saw. "It's flowing into the ocean," Codey said, while everybody was afraid of the possible dangers.

However, at the precise moment, someone stood behind them.

"It is, therefore, Atomic Metal. But now that Kirashito has fled, it must be used to empower the Spiritual Core... Oh, I almost forgot to mention. I'm overjoyed to have seen you again after five years." At that time, Codey realized that someone behind him had a voice that sounded eerily familiar to someone from his memory.

"T-That tone of speech... That can not be!" Codey's eyes shook with fear as he turned. "Sadako, Oshan, Arako..." Finally, Codey was terrified.

"... Do you happen to know these people...?" Kylin asked, pointing at them. "Yes... It was the three captains who had been up to no good. They were looking for a way to execute Ayuka in order to inspire the Spiritual Core, which could be enough to send the region into oblivion "Kanji confirmed Codey's argument.

"... So... these were the captains I'd been assigned to turn in progress?" Sakami looked at them, puzzled, only to be offered a smile.

"I certainly didn't expect people like you to appear after all these years... Particularly not here." Looking at Oshan, Arato, and Sadako, Codey asserted.

"It's a joy to see you again, Half-Demon. However, you are completely ignorant of why the Spiritual Core needs this 'Atomic Metal' that has been liquified in order to be powered... It was just too long... after all these years, I've almost gone insane. But don't fret. I knew the moment I learned about this beautiful metal that the material... the specifics about it will be extremely successful in motivating this brilliant Spiritual Core." After demonstrating, Oshan raised his left hand and showed them the cube, specifically the Spiritual Core.

"I wouldn't fib - but I just didn't expect you to always be so involved in this Spiritual Core," Codey grumbled, tired of watching the villain in front of him. "The Spiritual Core is critical for removing the whole 'Holy Arches' as well as the Holy Light herself. But I couldn't care less about ruling this country. The Goddess's power is incredibly immortal, and it would be interesting to wield that power... As a result, the Spiritual Core is our only hope for stealing her abilities." When everyone came to a halt, Oshan smiled.

"And the Atomic Metal's liquid, when combined with water, is powerful enough to charge this Spiritual Core. That's why we're dumping the liquid into the ocean in the hopes of having enough to charge this thing. Look for all of this... The intense heat liquefies the Atomic Metal, which coils up into the tubing and combines it with water. To do this, one pipe draws water from the ocean, while the other draws liquified metal. The main process in mixing it is the capsule, and then the final pipe connected between the capsules pours that liquid into the ocean and begins to cover the natural water. In a nutshell, it's a never-ending loop."

Oshan explained, laughing, although the rest of the group seemed irritated. "Put that down right now!" Jessica yelled angrily, but the three villains all stood there. "We might. But first, we must charge the Spiritual Core before visiting the Holy Arches. And, just in time, we'll be able to snatch the Holy Light's Spiritual Symbolism."

"I don't think anyone would go this far just to get rid of the biggest reason for this world's existence. She was the woman who had built and filled this planet. Killing her or taking her symbolism would be heinous... That should not be appropriate for a human or a Spiritual Duelist." Ume said, her eyes filled with anger and hate.

"Yes, indeed. However, you are right. Immortality is just as amazing as she is. The resurrection of the next wielder of such power, as well as the latest evolution of the World. I'd adore every single second of it." Oshan smiled, only to see it cut short by Codey.

"And you mean you don't want to be Emperor of the Universe? That's pretty much why you're doing it, moron." Codey said that he was chained with rage. "Oh, to be Emperor of the Universe. Actually, now that I think about it. Having anything like that is another great elegance." As the Spiritual Core began to shift slowly, Oshan spoke.

"Do you really think we'll just let you do it?" When the boomerang emerged in front of his face, Codey swung his right arm quickly.

It was trapped and twisted to the right, while Codey swept his arm forward, launching the boomerang at high speed.

However, as the boomerang started to close in on Oshan, a grin appeared before he swung his sword forward.

When Codey's eyes became scared, his boomerang split in half, and the two halves fell into the concrete, whilst the boomerang smashed into sparkles.

Every Spiritual Duelist who was allied with Codey, as well as himself, became astounded when they saw his right-handed boomerang meet its demise. Nonetheless, Codey did not understand his potential in response.

"What a magnificent weapon. Is it fair to assume that you inherited it from your mother?" And Codey's jaw shook with anger at the time. "Lord Oshan... I think we should get underway... We don't need to waste our efforts on these bitter losers." Sadako laughed as she said this.

"I must admit that you might be right. So there you have it. You've already heard her. We'll be leaving once more. And, please, don't mess with these capsules... destroying them would only hasten the phase... Anyway, it was fun while it lasted, and now it's time to say goodbye." When Codey jumped in and attempted to catch the three villains, they finally scattered from the scene.

They'd gone, however, but his right arm phased through while Codey's body shook with frustration. "These cretins..."

"This is vexing. For the second time, as well as the other time we saw them. They've escaped... Why do these cowards want to get rid of Zero?! Is it really just to get the illusion of immortality? Damn it Oh, no..." Codey spoke up, his eyes narrowed as he argued for his shattered boomerang.

"And now... without both boomerangs... my powers are almost worthless... Damn..." When looking down at his left-handed boomerang, Codey asserted.

"Codey... We apologize for your boomerang... But we just need to get rolling. It was our duty to revive the Gods. Still, in our situation, I believe we should prioritize preventing this..." All around them agreed when they angrily added Kanji.

"Okay... I guess you're right."

- Yashikami City, Saturday, 3:10 pm -

When Tim was still working on mastering his Henshin, Elliot encouraged him to continue his preparation and even offered to help himself with his 'Hyperdrive.'

Nonetheless, the three villains who had earlier met up with Codey and the rest of his squad have now emerged from an opened portal created with the Spiritual Core's pure power.

Standing in the air, Oshan looked down at the lovely city.

"Yashikami City... A lovely place to visit, as well as the public's prestige. It would be a privilege to ruin it. We would be able to eliminate the Substitute-Duelist, as well as his beloved Goddess and the allied commercial if we do so." Oshan spoke while keeping the Spiritual Core close to his left hand.

"I am conscious that losing this city is a need. So what does it accomplish? I'm sure the Duelists in this area won't perish with such a simple message." Sadako wondered while Arato added, nearby.

"You haven't grasped the plan's brilliance. If we execute it flawlessly, we will gain a significant competitive edge. Spiritual Duelists like Shinkaku, Kirashito, and Masahiro will be impossible to exclude." Arato agreed, and Oshan nodded.

"That is right. These three are almost our only concerns in this city right now. Their supporters are already in the Cavern, but they will be helpless." Oshan elaborated.

"Don't be concerned... For the time being, the Spiritual Core is not completely charged. We'll stay away... After all, once the Spiritual Core is completed, this planet will be long gone."

To be continued...