Chap 8

The chapter begins with the quartet facing Genesis. They stand at the base of a massive hall, looking up at Genesis seated on a majestic throne, his expression one of disappointment. Genesis rises slowly, his intense, focused eyes piercing through them, the atmosphere thick with the impending battle.

Genesis strikes first, a swift and precise move. The four instinctively scatter. Takeru steps back, dodging the attack, while beginning to chant an incantation to open one last portal with the little Vigor he has left.

Niori flanks from the left, moving silently, while Lumen flanks from the right, slipping behind the pillars to find an opening to strike.

Izumi charges straight ahead, forming an orb of energy in his hand. He tries to hit Genesis with an explosion but misses, striking the throne instead. Genesis responds with a quick knee to Izumi's stomach, knocking him off balance and sending him flying with a slap.

From behind, Niori attempts a surprise attack, but Genesis anticipates her movement and dodges effortlessly. She throws a punch, but Genesis catches her fist, studying her for a moment with a cold gaze.

Suddenly, Lumen appears in the air in front of Genesis. In response, Genesis hurls Niori toward Lumen, but he dodges, delivering a slashing strike from above as he lands. He follows with three rapid strikes, but none connect as Genesis counters, hitting Lumen. Lumen blocks the blow, not getting thrown far, and maintains his stance.

Lumen, thinking: We won't last long like this. Two of them have no combat experience, and the other kid's just hanging back doing nothing. Even attacking separately, we can't surprise him, let alone land a hit…

Genesis, looking slightly irritated but maintaining a calm demeanor: "Now it's my turn."

Genesis charges swiftly at Lumen, who strikes reflexively. Genesis blocks the attack and grabs Lumen, tossing him into the air. As Lumen falls, Genesis holds him briefly before turning his focus to Niori, who's already rushing in to attack. Genesis releases Lumen to deflect Niori's strikes with his hands, then delivers a kick, grabbing her and slamming her into the ground.

Genesis calmly recomposes himself, approaching Izumi and extending his palm toward his face.

Takeru shouts: "Come on, you bastard!"

Genesis glances to the side in surprise, seeing Takeru with a portal open behind him. Retracting his arm, now with only two fingers extended, he generates a glowing spike at the tips, ready to launch it straight at Takeru.

Lumen sees Takeru and smiles.

Lumen, laughing: "Son of a bitch!" — and bursts into laughter.

Lumen uses his ability, scooping up the unconscious Niori and Izumi in a flash like lightning striking the earth, then dashes toward the portal, shoving Takeru through and jumping in with the others. Genesis unleashes his strike, grazing Takeru, but they all escape as the portal closes.

Genesis: "Hm, they are indeed… curious."

Lumen, Takeru, and Izumi collapse onto the ground in the square, catching their breath.

Izumi, panting: "What the hell… He's way out of our league…"

Lumen, sighing and breathless: "That's what I was talking about…"

Lumen turns to Takeru: "And what's your deal, kid? No Spirit, but you can use Divine Arts?"

Takeru, wincing in pain and clutching his wound: "No… it's magic."

Lumen laughs: "Haha, I thought mages had been wiped out. It's amazing to see you guys still exist."

Takeru lets out a small, confused chuckle.

Takeru: "What's your name, eyebrow guy?"

Lumen pauses for a moment, hesitant: "Kin… Lumen."

Takeru: "Kinumen?"

Lumen: "No, Lumen, just Lumen."

Takeru: "Oh, I'm Takeru. That guy over there is Izumi, and the corpse is Niori."

Lumen, looking at the group: "We need to come up with a new plan… Genesis is way stronger than we expected."

Izumi, still panting: "We need allies. We can't face him alone."

Niori, slowly waking up: "Are you guys okay…?"

Lumen: "Yeah, for now. Let's regroup and figure out a better strategy. This isn't over yet."

The scene ends with the group pulling themselves together and preparing for what's to come. The chapter closes with an image of Genesis on his throne, watching calmly with his golden eyes, as if he knows the battle is only just beginning.