Ken_Ashahi

Raito Yakamura followed strict rules in life. He believed in discipline, being efficient, and keeping control. He used to work as a mercenary but left that violent life behind for a peaceful civilian life. Everything changed, though, when he met Kurai, a clever and mysterious demon, and his world turned upside down. Kurai is not just a voice in his mind; she wakes up new powers inside him. She makes him stronger, quicker, and offers him abilities that are beyond human limits. But with this power comes a tough truth: he is no longer just Raito.

A Quiet Life Seems Perfect

The crisp morning air filled Raito's lungs as he stood in the middle of the secluded forest clearing. The sunlight barely filtered through the thick canopy, casting shifting shadows around him. The drive had taken several hours, but it was worth it, Since this was the perfect place for him—far from prying eyes—to test the limits of his new abilities.

Without any hesitation, he took off in a sprint.

His speed was the first thing he noticed. One moment, he was standing still, and the next, the trees around him blurred as he dashed through the forest in a blistering pace. Each step carried him farther than it should, his body moving with unnatural precision.

As he continued his pace a fallen log appeared in his path, thicker then the others in the forest, but instead of slowing down

His body soared effortlessly through the air, clearing at least ten meters before landing with barely a sound. He skidded to a stop and looked around, exhaling slowly.

"This is... something else alright."

He approached a massive tree trunk, long since fallen and covered in moss. Gripping the rough bark, he lifted. The sheer weight should have been impossible for a normal human—but to him, it felt manageable. The earth beneath him shifted as he raised the trunk off the ground, veins tightening along his forearms. With a controlled breath, he heaved it aside, the wood crashing heavily onto the forest floor.

He glanced at his hands. Not a single tremor.

Finally, he walked up to a largest boulder he could find in the forest — solid and unmovable. Curling his fingers into a fist, he focused, drawing in his strength. Then, without hesitation—

He let out a barrage of punches each one harder than the last one.

The continued strikes sent a deep, splintering fracture across the rock's surface before it crumbled into chunks. Dust clouded the air, but Raito didn't flinch. His knuckles barely stung.

A familiar, amused voice finally slithered into his mind.

"You really are quick to learn, Raito. But let's not forget—you wouldn't be doing any of this without me."

Raito exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "I won't deny this is beyond what I could do before," he admitted. "But I was already stronger than most. Even before you, my skills were considered inhuman by my clients when I worked as a mercenary."

Kurai chuckled. "Oh, I know. But trust me, what you were before? That was nothing. You're barely scratching the surface of what I've given you."

Raito didn't answer. He had no intention of fully relying on Kurai. But deep down, he knew she was right.

He dusted himself off and made his way toward his car. His body felt light, yet the raw power coursing through him was undeniable.

Just as he reached for the door handle—he stopped.

Turning his head slightly, his sharp gaze locked onto a group of men moving toward him.

They weren't lost hikers. Their movements were too controlled, their eyes fixed on him with unmistakable intent. Too many for a coincidence.

Raito's expression remained calm as he let out a sigh.

Chapter 11 - Setting New Limits