Collapse of Trust
The wind howled across the deserted battlefield, carrying dust and ash. The ground trembled under the weight of the gathered power. In the middle of it all stood Saito, his eyes cold, facing two dangerous enemies — Ashin, the fourth-ranked warrior, and a mysterious new ally.
Ashin spoke in a harsh tone, "You're surrounded, Saito. There's no escape this time."
But Saito didn't flinch. He just tilted his neck slightly and smiled. "Escape? I've been waiting for this moment."
Suddenly, the battle began.
Ashin lunged at Saito, his blade cloaked in shadow energy. His strikes were fast and powerful. At the same time, the new ally appeared — a man with pale eyes and silver markings on his arms. His name was Zandros, an expert in dimensional movement who could strike from any direction.
Saito vanished for a moment, then reappeared behind Ashin, aiming a blow at the back of his neck.
But Zandros was faster. He warped beside Saito and landed a hit to his ribs. Blood flowed. Saito stepped back slightly, but his expression remained calm.
"You've improved," Saito said, holding his side, "But you're still predictable."
Ashin raised an eyebrow. "Still arrogant, even while bleeding."
Then something unexpected happened.
Saito's aura began to glow. The air grew heavy. Time itself began to shift. Ashin narrowed his eyes.
"No… Did he evolve it?" Ashin muttered.
Saito raised his hand. In a single instant, time froze. He used those seconds to strike Zandros in the shoulder, block Ashin's incoming blade, and leap above them, releasing a wave of energy that cracked the earth beneath their feet.
But Ashin wasn't done yet.
He raised his sword and began chanting in a strange tone. Darkness enveloped him. From within the shadows, a massive beast emerged, pulsing with raw energy.
"This is Tur'magra," Ashin said with a wicked grin. "It cannot be killed."
The beast roared, charging toward Saito. Its four arms moved with terrifying speed.
Saito wiped blood from his lips, his eyes sharp. "Then let's see who wins."
Elsewhere —
Akari lay on the ground, blood dripping down her face. Standing before her was Aizen, his blade aimed at her forehead. Bodies surrounded them.
"Why?" Akari whispered.
Aizen looked at her like she was a stranger. "Loyalty is a lie."
"You fought beside us! You protected them!" she shouted.
He stepped closer, raising his sword. "I did what I had to… until it no longer mattered."
"I'll stop you," Akari said, trembling. "Even if it costs me everything."
Their blades clashed — light versus darkness.
Back in the battle —
Saito was struggling.
Tur'magra attacked relentlessly, each strike shattering the earth. Zandros kept blinking through dimensions, trying to land a killing blow from behind.
"You're weakening, Saito," Zandros mocked.
"This is your end, Saito… It's over," Ashin added.
But Saito didn't move. He looked at them calmly, as if they weren't even threats.
Then —
Ashin laughed maniacally, filled with hatred, and said:
"HAHAHAHA… Your student… was killed by Aizen, HAHAHA!"
The atmosphere changed completely.
The laughter died. All sounds vanished.
Saito lowered his head. His voice was quiet, but it cut through the air:
"...Fifteen seconds."
Suddenly, he went beyond time itself.
This wasn't just freezing — it was complete control. Saito moved at a speed beyond comprehension.
He appeared before Ashin and landed a punch infused with Raikono energy right into his gut.
The strike was silent… but the pain was not. Ashin couldn't even scream. Blood gushed from his mouth, his hands trembling.
Zandros tried to react, but before he could move, Saito appeared before him.
"You're too annoying."
With a single slash — he decapitated him.
Zandros's body fell to the ground without a sound.
Then Saito turned to Ashin. His steps were slow, but full of rage. His eyes showed no mercy.
Ashin looked up, still smiling through the blood.
"So you were hiding your strength all this time, Saito? I think I've only seen… 15% of it. But… I'm not defeated… Do you know why?"
He lifted his head with effort and said:
"Because your student, Akari… is dead."
In the next moment — Saito's expression vanished.
And in a flash, he delivered a deadly blow that pierced Ashin's chest completely.
Ashin's heart stopped. He fell, silent.
Saito didn't look back. He simply walked out of the battlefield, his face emotionless.
But his eyes… were burning with fury.
Elsewhere —
Akari was on her knees, blood dripping from her face. Aizen raised his sword before her.
"Any last words?" he asked coldly.
She closed her eyes.
But the sword never fell.
A gust of wind blew past.
On a distant mountain peak, Ryoma stood in silence.
He looked completely different now — more mature. His eyes were filled with confidence. A red scarf around his neck fluttered in the wind.
Ryoma spoke quietly,
"Transfer."
End of Chapter 17.