The Heart of Zero

Chapter 25: Chapter 25: A Split-Second Decision



The sports meet continued, the cheers and clamors from the distant field bringing life to the campus. However, in a secluded alley behind the cafeteria, Shingin and Ryuosho were crouched in a corner, hurriedly eating their breakfast. The cafeteria owner, noticing Shingin's solitary demeanor, had generously added extra side dishes to their meal.

"Hey, Shingin, why're you eating so slow? This is the owner's special addition—don't waste it!" Ryuosho teased, his mouth full of chicken leg. He grinned and glanced at Shingin, who was quietly scanning the alley's entrance with a furrowed brow.

Ignoring the joke, Shingin's eyes narrowed as he muttered under his breath, "Can't you feel it? There's something… wrong in the air. A powerful presence."

Ryuosho stopped mid-bite, furrowing his brows. Although he didn't sense anything unusual, the tension etched into Shingin's expression was enough to make him uneasy.

"Shingin, what is it?" Ryuosho murmured, setting down his food.

Shingin inhaled deeply. "I have to go."

With those words, he rose abruptly and bolted toward the rooftop stairwell. His steps were urgent, driven by an unease that gnawed at him. Ryuosho groaned but quickly followed, muttering to himself about how trouble seemed magnetically drawn to Shingin.

By the time the two reached the rooftop, they froze at the sight before them. Yahageshii was on his knees, battered and bleeding, his clothes in disarray. Despite his injuries, a fierce determination burned in his eyes as he struggled to stay upright. Standing before him was a man whose very presence radiated deathly cold. The man's aura weighed heavily on the air, and in his hand was a swirling mass of darkness, growing denser with every passing second.

Shingin's fists clenched at the sight of Yahageshii's battered state. Without hesitation, he took a step forward and shouted, "Stop!"

The man turned his head slightly, his icy gaze landing on Shingin. A smirk tugged at his lips as he replied with mockery, "Well, well. More lambs to the slaughter. Saves me the trouble of hunting you down."

Ryuosho felt a chill creep down his spine. Swallowing hard, he whispered urgently, "Shingin, this guy's got powers—serious ones. Don't do anything reckless, or we're all toast."

But Shingin ignored him, stepping protectively in front of Yahageshii. His voice was calm but resolute. "You hurt him. That won't go unpunished."

Yahageshii coughed weakly, his lips twitching into a faint, bitter smile. "Shingin… Don't bother. I won't beg. If I die, I'll die standing."

The man chuckled coldly, raising his hand. The swirling dark energy expanded further, pulling at the very light around it. "How noble of you. But you'll all fall, just the same."

Without a word, Shingin dashed forward. His movements were swift, ghostlike, as he threw a punch laced with the full force of his Alien Soul. The man, however, blocked it effortlessly, his arm as unyielding as steel. Shingin staggered back from the counterforce but quickly regained his footing, his determination unwavering.

"Stay down," the man sneered, sending out a wave of energy that forced Shingin to retreat further. Yahageshii watched the scene with gritted teeth, his fists trembling as a faint ember of power reignited within him.

"Shingin," Yahageshii muttered hoarsely. "I owe you one for this."

The man smirked as his dark power grew, the shadows swirling ominously. "How touching. Three little lambs thinking they can stand against me. Shall I crush you all together?"

At that moment, Ryuosho sighed heavily and stepped up beside Shingin. "This is insane," he muttered. "But leaving you idiots here alone would be worse."

Shingin gave a curt nod, his resolve bolstered by their solidarity. The three of them stood side by side, a united front against the overwhelming force before them. Yahageshii's aura began to pulse faintly, the embers of his Alien Soul flickering into a steady flame.

"You're persistent," the man said coldly, narrowing his eyes. "But persistence without power is meaningless."

Before he could unleash his next attack, Yahageshii roared, his fists igniting with a fiery brilliance. His renewed Alien Soul surged outward as he charged, his burning fists aimed directly at the man's chest.

At the same time, Shingin activated his own energy, a cascade of water-blue light coiling around him like a living tide. He moved swiftly to the side, coordinating with Yahageshii to strike from the flank.

The man's expression darkened as he raised his hand to deflect Yahageshii's blazing punch. However, the combined force of the attacks proved more troublesome than anticipated. His cold smirk faded as he was forced to step back, his shadowy energy momentarily disrupted.

Yahageshii grinned fiercely, his flames intensifying. "Looks like you're not untouchable after all."

But the man's glare sharpened, and his dark power began to surge once more. The air grew heavier, colder, as the rooftop seemed to sink into an abyss of shadow.

Shingin tightened his grip, his blue energy surging in response. Ryuosho, who had been quietly observing, took a deep breath and finally summoned his courage. Though he lacked the same combat prowess, he stood firm, ready to support his friends in any way he could.

The rooftop turned into a battleground of fire, water, and shadow, the three standing united against an overwhelming foe. Despite the odds, their spirits burned brightly, refusing to be extinguished. And as the battle raged, Shingin and Yahageshii found themselves pushing their limits, their powers resonating in perfect harmony.

Victory or defeat would be decided in a single, decisive moment.


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