Echoes of Peace

Training and Preparation

The atmosphere in Emjay's base was tense yet focused. After their last battle, the team had thrown themselves into training, sharpening their skills for the next fight. Bleaf practiced his weapon summoning, Kai perfected his speed control, and Crimson pushed his endurance limits. Meanwhile, Leon and Emjay strategized battle tactics, ensuring they wouldn't be caught off guard again.

While Kazuki remained distant, still grieving, Emjay's team had no choice but to continue moving forward. The war wasn't waiting for them.

One evening, a message came through their intelligence network—an enemy convoy was transporting an unknown container to their base. Its contents were a mystery, but its importance was clear. Emjay knew this was their chance to strike.

Infiltration and Assault

Under the cover of night, Emjay's team moved swiftly toward the enemy base. They had mapped out a plan: ambush the convoy, secure the container, and retreat before reinforcements arrived. The operation had to be clean and efficient.

As the convoy neared, Leon teleported into action. With precise movements, he eliminated the first wave of guards before they could react. Kai sped through the battlefield, disarming enemies in seconds. Bleaf summoned his blade, cutting down resistance, while Crimson bulldozed through the defenses, growing stronger with every hit he took.

Their attack was nearly flawless. Within moments, they had the container within their grasp.

But then, an unfamiliar voice echoed through the battlefield.

"Did you come to retake a container of yours? Even though you don't know what it contains?"

The team turned to see a figure in a wheelchair, his sharp eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Maybe that childish friend of yours might know what it contains," the figure continued. "Just tell him the name Lester."

The battlefield went still. The name sent a ripple of confusion through Emjay's team.

Then, Aiziro appeared, stepping protectively in front of the man.

"What does he mean?" Leon muttered.

Emjay's stomach twisted as he pulled out his communicator and called Kazuki.

"It's Lester… He is here, in the battlefield."

Kazuki's Return

Kazuki froze when he heard the name. His heart pounded as a realization struck him.

The only way to escape his grief… was to end this war. To avenge Nana.

Without hesitation, he grabbed his gear and raced to the battlefield.

When he arrived, his eyes locked onto Lester T.M., who sat calmly in his wheelchair, protected by Aiziro.

"You're here, I see," Lester said smoothly. "Did you come for revenge? First, you need to go through my buddy Aiziro."

Kazuki's fists clenched. "Then I'll go through him."

Kazuki vs. Aiziro

The fight erupted instantly. Aiziro was fast, skilled, and unrelenting. He landed blow after blow, mocking Kazuki with every hit.

"You still fight like a lost child," Aiziro sneered, dodging Kazuki's strikes. "Did Nana's death make you weak?"

Kazuki's vision blurred with rage. He couldn't let Aiziro's words get to him.

But then, Aiziro smirked. "She died like a fool, you know. Thinking she could win."

Something inside Kazuki snapped. His grief turned into fury.

He activated his power. Ten copies of himself spread across the battlefield, confusing Aiziro. The real Kazuki remained hidden within the chaos.

Then, in unison, the ten copies lifted their rifles, aiming at Aiziro.

Kazuki counted down.

Three.

Two.

One.

The gunfire erupted at once. Bullets rained down on Aiziro, striking him from all angles. He gasped, his body jerking from the brutal assault.

Within seconds, he collapsed.

Dead.

Phase Two Begins

Kazuki turned his attention to Lester, his heart pounding with vengeance. He took a step forward.

But suddenly, the world around him twisted.

He was trapped in an illusion. Glass walls surrounded him, infinite. He tried breaking them, but he passed right through.

A soft chuckle echoed.

Evena.

Before Kazuki could escape, Lester's voice rang out.

"Let's see if you can handle phase two."

The container in the distance opened.

Kazuki's breath caught in his throat as he saw what was inside.

Nana.

Her lifeless body stood, supported by mechanical restraints.

But then… she moved.

Nana's Final Words

Kazuki staggered back, his mind racing.

"Nana?"

She attacked him, her movements sharp and unnatural. He dodged, trying to reach her.

She spoke through gasps of struggle. "I'm… not alive. He's… controlling my body."

Kazuki's blood ran cold. Lester was controlling her corpse.

She kept attacking. He kept dodging.

"Kazuki," Nana murmured between strikes. "Remember when I told you I'd give you my answer…?"

His heart clenched.

"This will be my only chance to say it. I do truly love you."

Kazuki's breath hitched. Tears welled in his eyes.

"So please," Nana continued. "Don't give up. Fight for me. For everyone. For the dead and the living. I love you."

Kazuki trembled. After all this time… he finally had her answer.

And yet, it was too late.

Nana attacked again, her body still under Lester's control.

She whispered, "If you love me too… kill me."

Kazuki's heart shattered. "No… I can't."

"You have to," she pleaded. "It's the only way to end my suffering… and yours."

Kazuki cried as he dodged, torn between love and duty. But in the end, he made his choice.

With one final step, he wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm sorry, Nana," he whispered.

"It's okay," she replied softly.

A single gunshot echoed through the battlefield.

Kazuki held her close as she went still, her body finally at peace.

A Changed Man

When Kazuki turned back to find Lester, he was gone.

But something inside Kazuki had changed. The despair was still there, but it was no longer consuming him.

He returned to Emjay's team, his grief still heavy, but his resolve stronger than ever.

The mission was over.

But the war continued,