Chapter 10: "Resolve"

Three days had passed since the devastating encounter with Vincent, and Akira lay in his hospital room, gazing blankly out the window. When a nurse called out to Arima in the hallway, informing him of Akira's consciousness, he quickly made his way inside. As Akira's eyes fell upon Arima, tears welled up, though he made no audible sound. Sitting down beside him, Akira gently spoke, "Arima-san, are you alright? Did we manage to secure the hostages?"

Akira, his voice trembling, inquired, "What happened after I left to save my family?"

Arima took a deep breath, preparing himself to relay the painful truth. "Listen carefully, Akira. What I'm about to tell you won't change the fact that you lost your family in that blast. But there were more casualties. Sixteen explosions occurred all over Japan in the last two days, claiming the lives of 14,000 people. Many children lost their homes and families, and parents lost their children. As for us, after you left, Yuna, Kaito, and I continued to fight against Vincent. He proved to be incredibly powerful, almost defeating Yuna and Kaito with a single attack. He possesses not only the ability to manipulate ice but also the power to create it from his surroundings..."

Arima's words were interrupted as Yuna and Kaito entered the room, their eyes filled with tears at the sight of Akira. Trying to calm Yuna down, Akira turned to Arima and asked about Saito.

However, a sorrowful exchange of glances between Yuna and Kaito signaled a different outcome. Kaito speaks up before

Arima could say anything "This is all my fault....only if i was stronger, i can't even save my only brother i am so pathetic....."

Arima reassured him, explaining, "It's not anyone's fault. We were faced with an overwhelming enemy, unprepared for his strength. Saito sustained severe injuries, with crushed spinal bones and legs. While he used his powers to mitigate major damage, he won't be fit to join us for the next month."

Feeling overwhelmed with guilt and doubt, Akira's tears flowed freely as he questioned his own worthiness. "Arima-san, am I too weak? Can I truly save anyone? I lost my father, and I wanted to become someone like him—someone whose strength could change lives. I wanted to protect, but here I am, unable to save my own family. Am I even worthy of being a hero?"

Arima's expression softened, and he spoke with compassion. "Akira, being a hero is an incredibly challenging role. Not everyone can shoulder its burdens. When you're weak or fail, sympathy is rare. Instead, you'll face hatred and disapproval from those you sought to protect. It's a cruel reality of our society. Only those who accept this truth and continue to strive, to save and protect even when faced with adversity, can truly become heroes. It's up to you to decide if you can bear this weight."

As Arima and Akira conversed, a doctor entered the room, urging everyone to leave for Akira's medical tests. Before departing, Akira voiced his unwavering resolve. "Arima-san, no matter what happens, I will never give up. I will fight with all my strength to protect those I deem worthy of protection. I will be a hero, even if no one looks up to me, even if they despise me. It's my duty to safeguard them, as a hero should."

As the chapter neared its end, Arima stood on the hospital terrace, talking to someone, "you went too far last time, i was almost killed with that attack so better be more careful to see where u aim or i won't care less if ur stupid boss lose one of his precious slave....." As the person speaks up with a sarcasm in his voice " Now....Now, Arima, u know i won't kill you i don't have a death wish that i will mess with a monster like u head on....HAHAHAHA" The chapter comes to an end with revealing the face of the person who was speaking and it was none other than the first commander of the All-Seeing Eyes "Vincent-The Ice Emperor"