Chapter 123: The Divide Between Justice and Demons

Elsewhere, William led the revolutionary forces into the city where Shingin had been staying. As they stepped into the devastated streets, the sight before them was horrific: collapsed buildings, charred ground, and bodies scattered haphazardly. The stench of burning and blood filled the air, casting a grim pallor over everyone's faces.

Standing amidst the ruins, William's voice was cold and deliberate as he surveyed the destruction. "It seems we're too late. The Watcher has already made their move."

Rayl, pale and visibly shaken, stumbled back a few steps as he took in the devastation. His voice trembled as he turned to William. "Leader, I… I need to check on Jade…" His words caught in his throat, unspoken fears evident in his eyes.

William regarded him for a moment, then nodded. "Go, but tread carefully."

Rayl wasted no time, sprinting off into the ruins, disappearing from sight.

Yahageshii clenched his fists, slamming one hand into the other with a growl of frustration. "William, old man, I've gotta check on Aunt Jade too! And who knows if Shingin's made it back yet!" His tone was tinged with worry and barely contained anger.

William gave another curt nod. "Go. But remember, no reckless moves."

Yahageshii marched off with long strides, his imposing figure soon lost amidst the devastation.

Elder Kasamaki stood motionless, leaning on his staff as his sharp eyes scanned their surroundings. His gravelly voice carried a weight of foreboding. "William, I smell treachery in the air. The Watcher's methods are more ruthless than we anticipated."

William's expression darkened as he pondered the elder's words. "Indeed. They're no longer hiding their intentions. This is all a calculated move targeting both Shingin and us."

At that moment, Yuko approached William, her steps light but purposeful. Her voice was calm yet carried a note of urgency. "Leader, what do you need me to do?"

William glanced at her, his eyes reflecting quiet determination. "This is your element. Survey the situation and uncover the hidden threads. Act when necessary, but avoid alerting the enemy prematurely."

Yuko nodded briskly before slipping into the shadows, vanishing like a phantom.

William turned to address the rest of the revolutionaries, his voice rising above the ruinous silence. "Spread out and help the injured! Save every survivor you can!"

Elder Kasamaki moved to aid a groaning woman lying amidst the rubble. But as he approached, a commotion erupted among the civilians. Cries of terror broke out.

"It's… it's a demon ability-user! The Watcher, save us!"

The elder froze, his brows knitting together as he followed the frightened gazes of the people. From the shadows emerged a figure shrouded in an aura of cold menace.

"Watcher 16," Elder Kasamaki murmured, his sharp eyes fixed on the slowly approaching figure.

Watcher 16 stepped forward, his body surrounded by a torrent of water that radiated an oppressive energy. Though young, his presence was overwhelming, exuding a divine yet chilling authority. He locked eyes with William and Elder Kasamaki, his tone cold and disdainful.

"Do not fear, citizens. We will capture these rebels and bring them to justice!"

Behind him, more figures appeared: Watcher 17, exuding an aura of righteous wrath, his hands stained with fresh blood; and Watchers 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, and 30, who spread out like specters, encircling the revolutionaries.

William's expression hardened. He met Watcher 16's gaze head-on, his own aura unyielding. Watcher 16 smirked, raising his hand as a massive wave surged forward with a roar.

"Take this, William!"

As the wave hurtled toward them, William prepared to counter. But before he could act, Elder Kasamaki stepped forward, slamming his staff into the ground. A barrier of wind surged up, clashing against the torrent.

The ground shook violently as the forces collided, sending cracks rippling through the earth. But before the elder could press his advantage, Watcher 10 appeared out of nowhere, his hands wreathed in burning energy. He struck at the elder's staff with fierce precision, causing sparks to erupt from their clash.

Meanwhile, Yame, Harutemi, and Syoruha were already engaged in battle. Yame faced a terrifying demon-like entity summoned by Watcher 22. Dodging its razor-sharp claws, he gripped his dual blades tightly, slashing through the air with swift precision. Harutemi held her ground against the combined onslaught of Watchers 24 and 27, retaliating with calculated strikes. But Syoruha found herself outnumbered, struggling against the coordinated attacks of Watchers 28, 29, and 30, each strike pushing her closer to the brink.

"Damn it!" Yame cursed, his blades flashing as he narrowly avoided another swipe from the monstrous entity. His eyes darted toward William, filled with urgency. "Father, what's the plan?"

William's voice rang out, resolute despite the chaos. "Fight! Bring down every single Watcher—no exceptions!"

Watcher 16's laughter echoed across the battlefield. "Struggle all you want. None of you so-called revolutionaries will leave here alive!"