Ryuta And His Little Journey (3)

The night air was thick with silence, broken only by the soft rustle of Ryuta's cloak as he moved like a shadow. His eyes were fixed on the man inside the dimly lit house, his expression void of fear or hesitation. This was the man who had joined in the cruelty, who had laughed as he kicked those already suffering.

Seated comfortably in his chair, the man toyed with a tarot card between his fingers—the Devil. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, as if amused by the power he held in his hands. Ryuta could feel the aura radiating from him, a raw strength that could prove useful. But power alone wasn't enough. The man had to be willing to serve.

Ryuta's grin widened, a grin far more unsettling than the old woman's from days before. He whispered to himself, voice laced with an eerie amusement, "I'll need you."

His body disappeared beneath the shroud of his invisible blanket, a purchase made earlier in the village. Silent as the night itself, he slipped into the shadows, watching, waiting.

The man—Yami—stiffened, his instincts warning him of an unseen presence. His smirk faltered. He stood up, casting wary glances around the room. Deciding not to take chances, he stepped outside.

The moment he did, Ryuta struck.

A sudden kick landed against Yami's chest, sending him staggering back. The blanket slid off Ryuta's form as he slowly emerged, his glowing sword illuminating his sinister grin. His voice was calm, composed, yet held an undeniable weight.

"Who are you?" Yami demanded, gripping the Devil card tightly.

Ryuta tilted his head, his expression unreadable. "None of that matters."

Yami's eyes narrowed, his stance shifting. "Then what do you want?"

"I want you to work with me."

The answer was swift, unwavering.

Yami scoffed, his arrogance seeping into every movement. "And why would I do that?"

Without hesitation, Ryuta raised his sword, the brilliant light reflecting in Yami's eyes. The threat was clear, but Yami wasn't one to yield so easily.

"Fine," Yami sneered, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'll work with you."

Satisfied, Ryuta turned his back, confident that Yami wouldn't try anything foolish. Yet, in that very moment, Yami lunged forward, blade in hand, aiming for Ryuta's spine.

But Ryuta had expected this.

He vanished in an instant, reappearing behind Yami, his sword resting lightly against the man's neck. The smile never left his face as he began circling Yami like a predator playing with its prey.

"I saw how you treated the people in this village," Ryuta murmured, his tone almost casual. "You see them as pawns. As toys."

Yami's smirk returned, his true nature surfacing. "And? What of it? The strong rule the weak. That's how the world works."

Without warning, Ryuta slashed downward, severing one of Yami's fingers. A scream tore through the night, but Ryuta remained unmoved, watching as blood dripped onto the dirt.

Yami clutched his hand, rage flickering in his eyes, but Ryuta crouched before him, his voice soft, almost coaxing.

"You misunderstand me, Yami," Ryuta said, a false kindness lacing his words. "I don't care about these people either."

Yami's breath hitched, confusion replacing fury.

"I only care about one thing," Ryuta continued, his tone shifting, commanding, persuasive. "Recreating this world. Fixing what's broken. And for that, I need strong, ruthless people like you."

Yami's arrogance wavered. His mind raced, the pain in his hand momentarily forgotten. There was something terrifying about Ryuta—not his strength, but his conviction. His complete and utter belief in his own cause. And more than that…

"You're a fool," Yami spat, but his voice lacked the venom from before.

Ryuta chuckled, standing tall. "Perhaps. But I'm a fool with a plan. And right now, you have two options: bleed out and die here, or join me and carve out a place in the new world."

Yami's teeth clenched. He had met many monsters in his life. But none like Ryuta.

After a long silence, he exhaled sharply. "…Fine."

Ryuta's smile returned, this time almost warm. "Good."

With that, he extended a hand. Yami hesitated before grasping it.

And just like that, another piece was set in place.

A day had passed since Ryuta recruited Yami, and the two continued their journey in silence. Yami, despite his arrogance, remained wary of Ryuta. He had seen glimpses of Ryuta's true nature—the cold calculation behind his every word, the unnerving grin that never quite faded. Yami knew he had no choice but to follow, at least for now. Ryuta, on the other hand, walked with quiet confidence. He had gained another piece for his grand plan.

As they pressed forward, another village appeared on the horizon. Ryuta's steps slowed. Something about the sight before him felt eerily familiar. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the area, and then he saw her.

The old woman.

She stood in the exact same spot as before, unmoving, watching. A strange chill ran down Ryuta's spine, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. The old woman's presence was no coincidence. This time, however, she was not targeting him.

She was after Yami.

Ryuta turned to his new companion, who had also noticed her. Yami tensed, his usual smug expression shifting into suspicion. "That's just a human, right?" he asked, though there was an edge of doubt in his voice.

Ryuta chuckled. "Even though you're an arrogant bully, you won't kill a human?" He tilted his head mockingly. "You make people suffer. It's the same thing anyway. So do it... or would you rather lose another finger?"

Yami clenched his jaw. He understood the threat behind Ryuta's words. With a reluctant nod, he stepped forward, his gaze locked onto the old woman. The moment he moved, her body began to shift.

Her mouth stretched unnaturally wide, growing and growing until it towered above them, larger than a building. Her gaping maw pulsed as if ready to consume everything in its path.

Yami stopped in his tracks, frozen. "What the hell—?"

Before he could react further, Ryuta moved. His sword flashed, glowing with a searing light as he slashed through the old woman in one swift motion. She let out a soundless scream, dissolving into nothingness, her ashes scattered by the wind.

Ryuta sheathed his sword, smirking as he turned to Yami. "Too slow."

Yami scowled but said nothing. He had been tested, and he had failed. He knew now, more than ever, that Ryuta was dangerous—not just in strength, but in the way he twisted every situation to his advantage.

Without another word, they continued their journey. The village behind them disappeared into the distance, but Ryuta knew this was only the beginning. There would be more trials ahead. More enemies to manipulate.

And he would be ready.