Chapter 8: Devil’s Whisper

The Contractors reappeared in the Spire's Hall of Flame, surrounded by the ever-burning torches of victory. Serah, Malik, and Kaito stood at the center as system runes descended in shimmering crimson light.

Other squads watched in silence. Some clapped. Others scowled.

They weren't just witnessing a win—they were watching a threat rise.

> Global Announcement: Squad Crimson Shadow has cleared the Scorching Maze (Boss-Level).

New Record Set: Fastest Completion (09:47)

Individual Highlight: Kaito Yukimura – Flamebreaker Title Awarded

"Looks like your name's getting around," Serah smirked, arms folded.

Malik clapped him on the shoulder. "Welcome to the list of people everyone wants to kill."

Kaito wasn't smiling. He felt it—something deeper in his system interface. A new icon had appeared.

A whisper echoed in his mind.

"You've fed the blade. Good."

> New Trait Unlocked: Devil's Hunger (Dormant)

Description: Your weapon is evolving a will of its own. The more you kill, the stronger it becomes. The more you hesitate... the hungrier it grows.

Kaito clenched his fist. The blade hadn't just grown in power—it was starting to... whisper. Want.

Before he could dig deeper, Bael appeared overhead, seated again on his flaming throne.

"Well done, Flamebreaker. You've made your mark. And now… it's time to see what you'll do with it."

With a wave of his hand, the floor cracked open again—but this time, it didn't reveal trials or arenas.

It revealed a portal.

Not to another training dimension.

But to the Mortal Realm.

The Contractors stirred. Whispers. Unease.

"Already?" Serah muttered. "We're not ready—"

"No," Bael interrupted. "You're not complete. But I'm sending you anyway. Consider it a field trip. Or a warning shot."

Kaito's heart skipped.

The Mortal Realm.

His old world.

"Where?" he asked quietly.

Bael smiled.

"A city called Aokigahara. Ring any bells?"

It did.

That's where he died.

> New Mission: Return to the Mortal Realm – Aokigahara Incursion

Objective: Eliminate rogue ex-Contractor "Crow," recover system shard.

Optional: Investigate anomaly linked to Yukimura bloodline.

Serah raised an eyebrow. "That name—Yukimura. That's you, isn't it?"

Kaito didn't answer.

He just stepped toward the portal.

The Devil's System thrummed within him.

And somewhere, beyond the flames…

Crow was waiting.

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