Chapter 2- Rising Fears

On my way to the Clan Headquarters, I can't stop thinking about that giant Oscuro. How can it be so huge? I've never seen one like that before. I need to get some answers from the president.

Clan? Oh right.

The clans were created by the Vorixas a long time ago to fight the Oscuros as a team. Facing those monsters alone is tough, so we form groups, each with its own way of battling. Some clans rely on raw power, some on strategy, and others on speed. My clan, the Hyakuren, is all about balance. We combine strategies and discipline, with techniques passed down for generations to take on even the toughest Oscuros. Being part of the Hyakuren comes with a lot of responsibility, but right now, all I can think about is how any of us are supposed to deal with a giant Oscuro like the one I've just fought.

The headquarters stand tall ahead of me, glowing faintly with magic. I walk up to the gate and place my hand on a glowing stone. It feels warm as it scans me, and after a moment, the gate creaks open, letting me in.

As soon as I step inside, Shizuka-san comes rushing over. Her eyes go wide when she sees my injuries. "Takumi-kun! You're hurt! What do I do? What do I do?" she cries, waving her hands around like she's about to lose it.

I let out a tired sigh. "You're the healer, Shizuka-san. Don't ask me."

She stops, staring at me like I've just reminded her of the most obvious thing ever. "Oh! Right! I'm the healer!" she says, smacking her forehead. She quickly pulls out her magic and has me sit down. Glowing symbols appear around her hands, and as she works, the pain starts to fade, replaced by a warm, soothing feeling. "You scare me, Takumi-kun," she mumbles, still a little shaky but focused now.

Miss Shizuka Kawase isn't exactly what you'd expect from a healer. Sure, she's 28, an adult by all means, but she acts like a child half the time. Always cheerful, always bubbly, and her cute face has this way of lighting up any room. She has long, blonde hair that shimmers like gold in the sunlight, and it always seems to bounce around her shoulders with every move. If you don't know her, you'd think she's just another happy-go-lucky person.

Then there's her specialty—if you can even call it that. Shizuka-san's… well, let's just say her chest is a bit hard to ignore. No one in the clan can miss it, and she seems completely unaware of how much attention it grabs. It's like her own unique way of standing out.

But beyond that, Shizuka-san is all heart. She's the kind of person who will drop everything to help, even if her clumsy nature makes things more complicated. Sometimes, I wonder how someone like her ends up in a role that requires so much focus. But, then again, that's Shizuka-san for you—always surprising.

As Shizuka-san works, she glances up at me, concern in her eyes. "Takumi-kun, what happened? How did you get hurt?"

I wince slightly as she moves her hands. "An Oscuro. A huge one… it attacks the school." I pause, my mind racing. "Where's the president?"

"I think he's in his office, but—"

"I need to see him now," I interrupt, not giving her a chance to finish.

Once the healing is done, I stand up quickly, not wasting any time. I can't afford to wait around. I need answers, and fast.

I rush to the president's office and find Kaito-san, the assistant, sitting at the desk.

"Where's the president?"

Kaito-san glances up. "He's out gathering info."

"When will he be back?"

Kaito-san shrugs. "I don't know. Could be hours, could be days."

"Damn it."

Kaito-san looks up. "What's the matter, Takumi? You look like you've been through something."

Before I can say anything, Shizuka-san enters, still looking a bit flustered. I quickly explain.

"An Oscuro attacks the school," I say. "It's huge. I barely make it out. Something's off about this whole situation."

Kaito-san nods, like he already knows. "Yeah, we've been hearing about these giant Oscuros popping up around the city. Seems like it could be connected."

I frown. "You know about them?"

"Yeah," Kaito-san replies, leaning back in his chair. "And it could be the work of the mysterious man the president's looking for."

I raise an eyebrow. "You think he's controlling them?"

Kaito-san shrugs. "Could be, but we need more info to be sure."

"So, what more do you know about this man?"

Kaito-san looks at me seriously. "We don't know much, but we've been calling him Crimson. He's been seen at the same places where these giant Oscuros showed up. He seems like a human, but he's way stronger. Some people even think he might not be human."

I blink, shocked. "Not human? What makes you say that?"

Kaito-san shrugs. "It's hard to explain. His power, the way he moves—it's just… unnatural. It's like he's more than just a man or even a Vorixa."

Kaito-san leans back in his chair. "This all starts earlier today. A man, wearing a black mask and a red cape, shows up at the Tetsuō Clan—the one that specializes in defense powers. He's completely mysterious, doesn't say a word, just appears out of nowhere. He wears a black dress, and the mask… it covers his whole face, except for two glowing red slits where his eyes should be."

"A man like that just walks into their headquarters?"

"Yeah, and he single-handedly wipes out every member of the Tetsuō Clan. No one stands a chance. After that, he releases several huge Oscuros into the city. It forces all the clans to take action, but it's been chaos since then."

I can feel the weight of what he's saying. "Do we know anything about his motives?"

He nods. "We've gathered some information from Ichirō-san, the president of the Raigekijin Clan. He's been investigating this man, but so far, there's been no solid lead on who he really is or what he wants."

He sighs, his tone serious. "After Crimson attacks your school, he moves on to the city cinema house. Luckily, the president and a few members of our clan are already there. So, we're able to keep the casualties low."

I nod, relieved to hear that. "The Oscuros aren't much of a threat?"

He shakes his head. "Not really, as long as you have a good team. We take care of them quickly. The real issue is Crimson. The president decides to go after him, but instead of fighting back, Crimson just… runs. It's like he doesn't even care about the fight. The president's been chasing him ever since."

My stomach tightens. "Have you heard from him since?"

His expression darkens. "No. He tells us he's found a hideout of sorts, but after that, no contact. It's been hours. I'm worried."

Shizuka-san's eyes widen. "We can't just sit here! We should go look for the president!" she says, clearly anxious.

I nod, agreeing with her. "Yeah, we should. He's out there alone."

But Kaito-san shakes his head. "It's not that simple. The president specifically orders us to stay here and protect the headquarters. He doesn't want anyone chasing after him, especially with the city in chaos." He looks at both of us, his voice firm. "We need to follow his orders and stay put."

I want to go help the president, but I know the situation here is just as critical. The president is a good man—a man who has always been there for us, always willing to help anyone in need. I respect him more than anyone, and the whole clan looks up to him. Everyone wants to be like him.

But still, I can't just sit here while he's out there, possibly in danger. I make up my mind. No matter what, I'm going after him.

Before I can even say anything, Kaito-san's sharp gaze locks onto me. "I know what you're thinking," he says, his voice calm but firm. "And it's not happening. The president gives us clear orders. We stay here, no matter what."

"Tch."

I cross my arms, feeling frustrated. "Oh, great. How do you know? Are you a mind reader or something?" I ask.

He just smirks, not bothering to answer.

Shizuka-san blinks, looking between us. "Hmm? What's not happening? Hmm? What are you two talking about?" She tilts her head, clearly lost in the conversation.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Nothing," I mutter, rolling my eyes. "Just… you know, the usual. My brilliant plans being shut down before they even start."

She giggles. "Well, looks like you'll have to find another way to impress the president," she says with a playful grin.

I shoot Kaito-san a glare. "Yeah, thanks for that, Kaito-san."

"Let's have faith in the president. He's strong, and he knows what he's doing."

I nod. "Yeah, I know," I mutter, trying to shake off the worry. I know Kaito-san is right. The president is one of the strongest, and if anyone can handle this, it's him. Still, the uncertainty gnaws at me.

---

The screen in front of Kaito-san flickers, and the president's face appears. He looks worse than expected—blood is coming from his mouth, dripping down his chin, and his face is bruised in places. His expression is strained, and he looks like he's been through a lot.

Everyone's eyes go wide with concern, the tension in the room suddenly growing thicker.

I step forward. "What happened, President? Are you okay?"

The president takes a shaky breath, his voice a bit rough. "I'm okay. Do not worry about me." His words crack slightly, but he quickly steadies himself. "But listen carefully to what I have to say…"

We all lean in, paying full attention, as he speaks.

Just as the president is about to speak, the atmosphere shifts. The room suddenly feels darker, and a strange, heavy pressure fills the air, like something unseen is weighing down on us. It's unsettling.

The screen starts to glitch. The president's voice cuts out, and I can't make out anything he's saying.

Then, as quickly as it starts, everything returns to normal. But when the image clears, it isn't the president's face we see anymore. It's Crimson. His mask stares back at us, calm and cold, his presence almost suffocating through the screen.

I stare at the screen, my fists clenching. "Hey! Who…no. What are you? Why are you doing this? Where's the president?"

Saito-san, still watching the screen closely, mutters, "I don't think he can hear us."

I look around in confusion, but then the realization hits me. One by one, the screens in the room flicker, all showing the same distorted image—Crimson, his mask staring down at us. The same thing is happening on every TV in the city, like he's taken control of them all.

Crimson's voice suddenly booms through the speakers. It's unsettling and distorted.

"My dear Earthlings," his voice echoes. "The name's Crimson, as given by you all. I won't take much of your time. I shall now explain my goal."

"As of now, I have eliminated every clan president. My sincerest apologies for that." He pauses, a tone of mock regret seeping into his words. "But, do not fret. Tonight, when the blood moon rises, I shall release even more Oscuros. It will be quite the spectacle, don't you think? A great host of these creatures descending upon your world at once. Your very lives, your hopes, your futures—utterly doomed." He sighs, as if genuinely remorseful. "I must express my deepest condolences for the inevitable fate that awaits you all."

Crimson's distorted voice echoes again, the eerie calmness in his words sending a chill through the room. "I know this will be difficult for all of you, but such is the way of the world. Power is never given without consequence. So, I suggest you prepare yourselves… because when the blood moon rises, it will be too late to stop what's coming."

With that, the screen goes black, leaving the room in complete silence. The weight of his words hangs in the air, pressing down on us like a storm on the horizon.

"The president is—" Shizuka-san says in a shaking voice.

"I don't believe this," I cut in. "I can't accept that the president is gone. Just a moment ago, we're talking to him. How can he be... dead?"

I run my hand through my hair, frustration boiling up. "How can one man kill all the presidents? Aren't they supposed to be the strongest? If they couldn't stop him, what chance do we have?"

I turn to Kaito-san. "What do we do now? What are we supposed to do?"

His firm voice cut through my panic. "Calm down. Panicking won't help. We need to think. Our priority is protecting the citizens."

My heart races, and my hands shake. Crimson's words hit me harder than expected. All the clan presidents are dead? I can't wrap my head around it. And then, he mentions the blood moon—tonight. More Oscuros? It feels like everything is falling apart, and I'm just standing there, useless.

I look at Kaito-san. He's still calm, but I can see the tension in his eyes. He's usually the one to keep us all grounded, but even he's shaken by this. Shizuka-san looks like she's about to collapse. She's pale, eyes wide, hands clenched together like she's trying to hold herself together. She's scared, and I can't blame her.

What now? How do we stop this?

I want to do something—anything—but I know it's not that simple. It's too big, too overwhelming. But I can't just sit here. We can't let this happen. I won't let it.