Chapter: Imperfect

The clash between Rin and Maya raged on, their battle shaking the very core of the cave. Maya's three-way staff crackled with raw electricity, each strike aimed with precision. Rin, an enchanter devil, retaliated by summoning the corpses of the spiders that littered the cave. Her magic breathed a twisted semblance of life into them, turning them into grotesque puppets that lunged at Maya with relentless aggression.

But Maya was faster much faster. Each arc of her staff not only obliterated the puppets but sent waves of electrical energy coursing through the air, lighting up the dim cave in flashes of blinding brilliance. Her strikes were deliberate, calculated, and increasingly powerful with each blow. Rin, however, didn't waver. For every puppet that fell, she raised another, her sharp smile unwavering as the two combatants pushed each other to their limits.

On the other side of the cave, Hinata finished healing Josuke. He stood, still sore but determined, his devil form surging with renewed energy. He gazed at the shimmering barrier that separated him and the others from Rin's battlefield. It was a cruel, intricate spell, but with his enhanced senses and Chaos's murmurs in his mind, Josuke realized something critical: Rin's barrier didn't extend to the entire cave.

"She didn't cover the walls," Josuke muttered to himself. "She's cocky, and that's her mistake."

Hinata tilted her head in confusion, but Josuke didn't waste time explaining. Instead, he turned to the rocky wall beside them, gripping his sword tightly. With a burst of strength, he began hacking at the stone. Each strike echoed through the cave, cracks spidering through the surface as debris fell.

"Stand back," he instructed Hinata, who nodded silently, watching him work.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Josuke broke through the wall, revealing a narrow pathway beyond. He glanced back at Hinata. "Maya's holding her off. They'll be fine for now. I need to find Hans."

Hinata hesitated, worry evident in her expression. "Are you sure you should go alone?"

Josuke gave her a reassuring smirk. "I'll manage. You stay here and help whoever needs it."

Before Hinata could protest further, Josuke took off into the passage. The sharp scent of mana guided him—Hans's mana. It was distinct, heavy, and lingering in the air like a trail of breadcrumbs. Josuke sprinted through the winding cave, his focus singular. He had to stop Hans.

Along the way, he stumbled upon Nina from Unit 8, unconscious and crumpled against a wall. Josuke skidded to a halt, kneeling beside her. "Hinata!" he shouted, his voice echoing. Moments later, Hinata caught up, her breathing ragged.

"She's alive," Josuke said quickly. "But she's hurt bad. Stay here and heal her. I'll take care of the rest."

"But Josuke—"

"No time to argue," he interrupted, already running off again. "Just trust me!"

Hinata watched him disappear into the shadows, then turned her focus to Nina, her hands glowing as she began to work her healing magic.

Meanwhile, Josuke pushed forward, the trail of mana growing stronger with every step. The air grew heavier, denser, as he approached the source. Then, in the distance, he heard voices—one familiar, calm, and mocking, the other low and annoyed.

He slowed his pace, creeping closer until he reached the edge of a cavern. There stood Hans, his usual smug demeanor intact, and beside him was Zen, who looked visibly irritated.

"Now if you would excuse me," Zen said, his tone sharp, "I have a battle to continue."

But Hans grabbed his arm, stopping him. "You've had your fun, Zen," Hans said with a chuckle. "I'll take care of Josuke. You take the spiders' orb back to the hideout. Wait for Rin and me there, and we'll move to the next phase."

Zen's expression twisted into a scowl, clearly displeased. "You're wasting my time, Hans."

"Trust me," Hans replied, his voice low and confident. "It'll be worth it. Just follow the plan."

Zen hesitated but eventually relented. With a final glare, he vanished in a flash of energy, leaving Hans alone.

Josuke stepped out from the shadows, his sword gleaming in the dim light. Hans turned to him, his ever-present grin visible beneath his mask.

"Ah, there you are," Hans said cheerfully. "You're late. I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost."

Josuke didn't respond. His eyes burned with rage, and without hesitation, he charged forward, his sword swinging in a wide arc. Hans made no move to dodge. The blade connected with his mask, cracking the mask as Hans staggered back slightly.

"Oh?" Hans said, brushing dust from his coat. "You're feistier than usual. I like it."

But Josuke wasn't finished. He swung again, faster this time, aiming for Hans's neck. With almost casual ease, Hans raised two fingers, catching the blade mid-swing.

"Imperfect," Hans muttered, shaking his head. "You're still so…imperfect."

Before Josuke could react, Hans yanked him forward and delivered a devastating punch to his gut. The force sent Josuke flying backward, slamming into the cave wall with a sickening crack. He crumpled to the ground, coughing and clutching his abdomen.

Hans walked toward him slowly, his footsteps echoing ominously. "You're reckless, Josuke. Bold, yes, but reckless. You throw yourself into battles you're not ready for, and for what? Pride? Anger? You're not your father. You're barely a shadow of what he was I guess blinding rage runs in the blood."

Josuke struggled to his feet, his breathing labored. "Shut…up."

Hans tilted his head, amused. "Touchy, aren't we?"

Without warning, Josuke lunged again, his movements fueled by desperation and raw emotion. Hans sidestepped effortlessly, delivering a sharp kick to Josuke's side.

"You're predictable," Hans said, almost disappointed. "But don't worry. I'm not going to kill you not yet.you need to grow, Josuke. Like a farmer I have to wait for my fruit to get ripe before harvesting . And when you finally reach that point…I'll be waiting."

Josuke glared at him, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "I'll…stop you."

Hans chuckled, turning away. "We'll see."

With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Josuke alone, battered but unbroken.