《Cosmic Demon Empire [Space Opera, Martial Arts, Cosmic Power System]》 Chapter 1 The shrill sound of the alarm clock filled the room. It was early Sunday morning, and Kouta had forgotten to reprogram his school alarm. He got up with difficulty, still groggy with sleep, as the previous night had been long and disastrous, thanks to Saori, his best friend. "I hate Sundays." Something felt off that morning. He shook his head, blaming the feeling on a strange dream he¡¯d had. Caught in a loop during the first minutes of the day, Kouta reflected on everything he could have done differently to make the date a success. But deep down, he believed he would never get a second chance. "At this rate, I¡¯ll graduate without ever kissing anyone." At that point, he had already given up on going back to sleep, even though the first rays of morning sunlight were just starting to pierce through his bedroom window. He crept down the oak staircase on tiptoe to avoid waking his grandfather but noticed that the library door was slightly ajar, revealing a rectangle of light cutting through the house¡¯s darkness. "I can¡¯t believe that old pervert stayed up all night," he thought. The library was his grandfather¡¯s favorite place to spend time, unlike Kouta, who had no aptitude for studying. On the carefully arranged shelves and display cases were precious notes and hand-drawn star maps, as well as showcases holding the oldest and most important books in the collection. These were grimoires with worn covers, adorned with unknown symbols, made of materials unlike any ordinary paper. Unlike most 17-year-old boys, Kouta didn¡¯t know his parents. He lived with his grandfather, a lecherous and womanizing old man, short in stature and frail in appearance, yet more energetic than the average young person at Kouta¡¯s school. When not busy defending his favorite idols on the internet, Mr. Y¨¹sei enjoyed observing the starry night sky from the veranda. Kouta had grown up listening to his inventive stories about space adventures, but the level of detail was so great that an unsuspecting listener might easily believe they were real. Kouta crossed the room towards the light with steps so light and silent that not even a cat could replicate them, or so he believed. As he approached the door, to his surprise, the light emanating from the library went out. He intended to catch his grandfather off guard, but despite everything, the old man was exceptional. ¡°Kouta,¡± a voice from inside the library proclaimed his name. ¡°How did you know I was here, Grandpa?¡± he asked. Upon entering the library, he found the room empty, and a paralyzing chill ran down his spine. He could feel another presence but saw no one within sight. At that moment, a torrent of disjointed images flooded his mind. Visions of planets engulfed in flames, unfamiliar faces calling him by a name he didn¡¯t recognize, and the menacing glow of a black crown resting on an empty throne. It was as if time folded in on itself, and for an instant, he was no longer there. The menacing presence intensified. He regained awareness at the exact moment his trembling legs gave way. He could feel fear and adrenaline coursing through his body simultaneously. He tried to react, but before he could take his first step, he collapsed to the floor. ¡°Damn it, I can¡¯t die without getting a girlfriend!¡± he shouted aloud. From the darkest corner of the library, a hand settled on his shoulder with an overwhelming grip. He knew his end had come. ¡°Kouta, so you¡¯ve finally come for my magazine collection?¡± The voice came from an imposing silhouette, with a serious demeanor, tense muscles, and a gaze capable of piercing a target like an arrow. As the sun¡¯s rays began to illuminate the library¡¯s interior, the menacing figure shrouded in darkness gave way to a short, scrawny old man with a repugnant look and a suspicious smile: it was Mr. Y¨¹sei. ¡°You dirty old man! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I want nothing to do with your erotic magazines! I thought someone had broken into our house. I swear, you¡¯ll be the death of me one day,¡± Kouta ranted non-stop.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°HAHAHA, looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,¡± his grandfather replied. Kouta wasn¡¯t good with girls, unlike his grandfather, who had always been quite the charmer. Over breakfast, Kouta recounted the disastrous date he¡¯d had, as well as the strange dream that woke him up, but he left out the images that flashed through his mind in the library. ¡°There was a huge dragon descending from the sky, lights of every color shining around me, and you looked like a completely different person.¡± Mr. Y¨¹sei made no comment about the dream. Instead, he pointed to a star map. ¡°Look, Kouta, the universe is a vast and mysterious place. And sometimes, those mysteries can be dangerous.¡± Kouta didn¡¯t understand but decided not to press the issue. After all, his grandfather always had an answer for everything. ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb. You know very well that today is the Kawaii Girls Space Patrol concert,¡± Mr. Y¨¹sei said with an intense sparkle in his eyes as he held up a pair of tickets to the show. ¡°I¡¯d rather drown in this bowl of cereal,¡± Kouta let slip an intrusive thought. Kouta didn¡¯t want to be seen at an idol group concert. It would bury his love life for good. Yet, after a brief sigh, a small smile formed on his lips. He knew his grandfather was the group¡¯s biggest fan and enjoyed teasing him about it. ¡°But I wouldn¡¯t miss this for anything,¡± he concluded. Kawaii Girls Space Patrol was the most popular idol group of the moment, formed by three talented girls, each with her own unique personality and style: Yumi-Chan, Himari Starbeam, and Moon Moon. They dressed like intergalactic fighters, without abandoning their tulle skirts, shiny and colorful accessories, and stylized hair. Their songs were about sweets, boys, and battles against evil. Throughout the day, local TV channels and radio stations spoke only about inexplicable phenomena: strange lights in the sky and reports of unidentified flying objects. The news seemed like an elaborate marketing campaign for the upcoming concert. By nightfall, Mr. Y¨¹sei had finished preparing hours before the show. In front of a mirror, he carefully adjusted the neon headband of his favorite idol group around his forehead. The name of his favorite member, ¡°Yumi-Chan,¡± glowed in sparkling letters as he smiled proudly at himself. Arriving at the event gates, Mr. Y¨¹sei seemed just steps away from entering paradise. Kouta, on the other hand, was happy to be there with his grandfather but couldn¡¯t hide that he wasn¡¯t the group¡¯s typical fan. He stood out more for wearing ordinary clothes than the crowd adorned with accessories, headbands, and even costumes. The lights went out. A chilling silence descended for a minute. One by one, spotlights lit up, revealing each group member. Smoke filled the stage¡¯s center. ¡°I¡¯m Yumi-Chan, and together we are the Kawaii Girls Space Patrol, guardians of the universe!¡± At that moment, the crowd went wild. The atmosphere was electric. Suddenly, Kouta felt an overwhelming pressure in his mind, as if an invisible force were trying to breach his thoughts. He fell to his knees amidst the crowd, unnoticed, as the audience sang and jumped with their attention fixed on the stage. He pressed his hands to his ears in a futile attempt to stop the growing agony. He searched for his grandfather with his eyes but couldn¡¯t find him. He raised his head toward the sky in desperation. ¡°Kouta? I can¡¯t believe you came,¡± Saori said, weaving through the crowd toward her friend. ¡°Why are you on your knees?¡± she asked, realizing something was wrong. Kouta was trembling, his eyes wide open and fixed upward with a look of terror. The young woman looked to the skies for answers, but before she could understand what was causing her friend¡¯s panic, she heard a scream from the audience¡ªdistinct from the euphoria of the others present¡ªfollowed by several distant cries of fear. Most of the crowd remained in a trance, unresponsive. Thousands of phones were raised, capturing every second of the spectacle on stage. Yumi-Chan led the combat choreography, executing precise moves as the other members matched the explosive rhythm of the music. Suddenly, something unexpected happened. Moon Moon began to float, her feet slowly lifting off the stage. The movement, abrupt and surreal, sparked a wave of excitement from fans who thought it was yet another brilliant surprise of the show. But Yumi-Chan and Himari Starbeam knew this wasn¡¯t part of the official choreography. Initially, they thought it was a malfunction in the cables that helped them perform super jumps and other acrobatics. But Moon Moon¡¯s body continued to rise erratically, as if pulled by an invisible force, until it hit something above the stage. At that moment, panic consumed the event. The crowd, in unison, raised their eyes to the sky and witnessed a terrifying sight: hundreds of bodies floated in the darkness, writhing in screams and desperate cries. The show stopped, but the chaos was just beginning. Kouta knew that something terrible was about to happen. Chapter 2 ¡°AAAAGH! Get me out of here!¡± Moon Moon screamed, pleading for her companions¡¯ help. Yumi-Chan and Himari Starbeam stood frozen, still processing what was happening. They thought they had seen it all during the group¡¯s debut tour, but nothing could have prepared them for this level of chaos. The crowd of fans moved chaotically, pushing and shoving as they ran in every direction, gripped by adrenaline in a desperate attempt to escape. From the stage, the girls watched as people collided, stumbled, and fell, their panic-driven movements creating an unstoppable wave of disorder. The stage lights flickered to the cheerful, upbeat rhythm of the song that should have been playing¡ªa stark contrast to the turmoil in the crowd. In that moment, survival took precedence over everything else. The air felt thick and oppressive, as if the atmosphere itself had been compressed by the sheer weight of the crowd''s panic. Above it all, more and more bodies began to float, as if they were being lifted by some unseen force, one by one, defying gravity without rhyme or reason. ¡°You need to take control before this turns into a disaster. Be the heroes they believe you are!¡± The mysterious voice broke through the chaos, calm and commanding. Yumi-Chan and Himari Starbeam jumped at the proximity of the voice, its tone unsettlingly serene. Yet, when they looked around, they realized there was no one else on the stage. The two girls exchanged glances, nodding in silent agreement with the strange directive, not even questioning its unknown origin. At that moment, nothing could be stranger than the sight of people floating mid-air. While their songs often referenced superpowers and intergalactic battles, this scene was far beyond anything they had ever imagined. Yumi-Chan¡¯s warm, melodic voice rose above the noise, carrying the tune of the group¡¯s biggest hit in an attempt to refocus the crowd. ¡°As long as we¡¯re here, no harm will come to you!¡± Himari Starbeam declared, her voice resolute as she joined Yumi-Chan¡¯s impromptu performance. Despite the absence of their band and instrumental backing, the girls¡¯ vocal mastery¡ªa cornerstone of their success¡ªshone through. ¡°Let this song touch your hearts,¡± Yumi-Chan pleaded, her voice gentle yet powerful.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Slowly, children, teenagers, and adults began to regain their composure, their attention turning back to the stage. Even as their bodies continued to rise into the air at varying heights, the crowd sang in unison with the girls, their voices blending in a single, moving chorus. By the song¡¯s end, Yumi-Chan and Himari Starbeam found their own feet lifting off the ground. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, girls,¡± said the mysterious voice once more, this time echoing in their minds. A small figure appeared, holding their hands with the gentleness of a child. Beside them stood an elderly man, untouched by the gravitational phenomenon. ¡°What are you doing here, old man?¡± Himari Starbeam snapped, the most impulsive of the group. Her voice was laced with frustration and urgency. ¡°This place is a disaster! You shouldn¡¯t be here!¡± Yumi-Chan noticed the neon headband wrapped around the old man¡¯s head, her name glowing in bold letters. Despite his frail appearance, there was an unshakable calmness about him. ¡°From now on, you¡¯ll be free from her control,¡± the old man declared, his voice steady and reassuring. An intense energy radiated from him, flowing into the girls in a continuous wave. A sense of safety enveloped them, revitalizing their strength and confidence. Meanwhile, only two people remained grounded in the crowd. Kouta knelt on the floor, his mind overwhelmed by unbearable pressure, as though his head might explode. Saori knelt in front of him, holding his face and staring into his eyes, desperately trying to calm him. ¡°Kouta, look at me. Try to block out what¡¯s happening. Everything will be fine,¡± she urged, even as the gravitational force on her body began to dissipate. Still, she held onto his hands, anchoring him to the ground. ¡°Whoever¡¯s behind this, leave Saori out of it!¡± Kouta shouted, struggling to his feet as he tried to pull his friend back to safety. ¡°At last, we¡¯ve found him,¡± boomed a powerful voice that echoed through the stadium. A surge of energy descended from the sky, cutting through the floating bodies before striking the ground in front of Kouta. The force of the impact sent him hurtling backward. In the crater left by the blast stood a woman clad in a fully chromed suit that reflected the pulsating stage lights, shifting between shades of blue and orange. The material resembled liquid metal, perfectly molding to her body. A crimson visor obscured her eyes, its intense glow piercing the darkness like the gaze of a nocturnal predator. Sharp antennas extended from her helmet, mirroring the razor-like claws that tipped her fingers, their edges seeming sharp enough to cut the air itself. Her presence was accompanied by a metallic, menacing sound with every step, like the echo of sharp blades scraping against a steel surface. Each movement seemed to carry an immense weight, vibrating through the floor, while her appearance radiated an aura of extreme agility. The noise evoked a primal sense of danger, a message that no one there was safe. Her appearance commanded immediate attention, a blend of determination and disdain emanating from her every movement. She strode toward Kouta with calculated confidence, lifting him by the collar as though he weighed nothing. ¡°What have they done to you, my prince?¡± she murmured, her tone tinged with bitter disappointment. Chapter 3 Kouta clenched his fists, trying to summon every ounce of strength he had. His legs trembled under the weight of his body, and a bead of sweat trickled down his temple. ¡°I won¡¯t let you harm Saori,¡± he murmured in an almost inaudible tone. The alien raised an eyebrow and let out a dark laugh. ¡°Saori? I couldn¡¯t care less about these Earthlings.¡± She extended a hand with her palm open toward the suspended bodies, and a violet, crackling sphere of energy began to form. The energy sphere grew, its hum drowning out every other sound. Kouta¡¯s knees buckled under the oppressive force, and he closed his eyes, bracing for the inevitable, but the attack never came. A sudden gust of wind swept past him, and when he opened his eyes, the scene before him made his heart race. Between him and the gleaming alien figure stood Mr. Y¨¹sei. His frail silhouette seemed fragile compared to the imposing alien, yet a palpable energy radiated from his body. His gaze was sharp, focused, and unwavering as he stared down the being before him. ¡°You dare interfere?¡± Her voice carried irritation. ¡°Who are you, old man?¡± Mr. Y¨¹sei cracked his neck, his movements calm and deliberate. ¡°Just an angry fan.¡± He glanced at Kouta, his expression softening briefly. ¡°Rest now, kid. I¡¯ll handle this.¡± Kouta tried to protest, but his body once again gave in to fear, leaving him nearly unconscious. As darkness crept into the edges of his vision, he could still make out a faint exchange of words. ¡°Handle this?¡± The opponent smirked sarcastically, her sharp claws glinting in the light of the energy sphere. ¡°You must be delusional, Earthling. Do you even know who I am?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need to know your name to defeat you,¡± Y¨¹sei replied, his voice calm but firm. The smirk vanished, replaced by a look of pure malice. With a swift flick of her wrist, the energy sphere was hurled at Y¨¹sei at great speed. In an instant, Y¨¹sei raised his hand and swatted the attack aside as if it were nothing. The sphere flew far away, detonating harmlessly in a brief violet flash. ¡°Impressive,¡± the adversary admitted with a tone of disdain. ¡°It seems you might actually be worth my time after all.¡± She disappeared in a blur of speed, reappearing behind Y¨¹sei with her clawed hand aimed at his back. But Y¨¹sei¡¯s movements were faster. He ducked to evade the strike and countered with a devastating uppercut that sent her flying through the air. The impact created a shockwave that rippled across the stadium-turned-battlefield, kicking up dust and debris. For Yumi-Chan and everyone else present, it was nearly impossible to follow what was happening; the two combatants moved with a speed imperceptible to the naked eye. Since the alien¡¯s arrival, any semblance of control had long been lost, and the brief calm had dissipated.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The opponent steadied herself in mid-air, her expression now a mixture of shock and rage. ¡°You dare lay a hand on me?¡± she hissed. With a roar, she unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, each more powerful than the last. The ground erupted in a series of explosions, and smoke blanketed the battlefield. When the smoke cleared, Y¨¹sei stood unharmed, shielding his grandson. He raised a finger and wagged it in a scolding motion. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got?¡± The adversary growled, her frustration boiling over. She descended to the ground and lunged at him, her fists colliding in a flurry of rapid blows. Each impact sent shockwaves rippling through the stadium and the floating bodies. Y¨¹sei¡¯s movements were precise and calculated, while her attacks were fueled by sheer strength and aggression. The fierce battle continued, both fighters moving too fast for untrained eyes to follow. Y¨¹sei sidestepped a spinning kick and countered with a palm strike to her chest, sending her skidding backward. She gritted her teeth. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than you look,¡± she admitted. ¡°But you¡¯re still far from being a match for me.¡± ¡°I can feel you¡¯re holding back,¡± Y¨¹sei said in a neutral tone. ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡± Her eyes widened briefly before narrowing. ¡°Perhaps. But why waste all my power on a relic like you?¡± ¡°Because if you don¡¯t,¡± Y¨¹sei replied, cracking his knuckles, ¡°you¡¯re going to lose.¡± Her expression twisted in fury, and her aura erupted around her. The once-violet energy now burned a deep crimson, and the ground beneath her feet cracked and crumbled under the weight of her power. ¡°Very well. If you¡¯re so eager to see my true power, I¡¯ll grant you thirty seconds of it.¡± She vanished again, reappearing before Y¨¹sei with her fist aimed at his face. This time, the impact sent him flying through several structures in the stadium before coming to a stop. Kouta, struggling to stay conscious, watched in horror as the old man fought to get back up. ¡°Stay down, old fool,¡± the adversary mocked. ¡°You¡¯ve entertained me enough.¡± But Y¨¹sei simply dusted himself off and smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite a punch. But if that¡¯s all your true power, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be disappointed.¡± Her expression contorted in rage, and she let out an ear-splitting roar, her power reaching its peak. The air grew heavy, and even Kouta could feel the crushing force pressing down on him. Y¨¹sei raised his hand, a soft glow enveloping him. His frail body seemed to grow, his movements becoming more fluid and deliberate. For the first time, the opponent hesitated, sensing the shift in his stance. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can handle this,¡± Y¨¹sei said, his voice calm but filled with resolve. The battle resumed, each clash of their blows shaking the heavens. Her attacks were faster and stronger, but Y¨¹sei matched her strike for strike, his experience and skill keeping him one step ahead. The tide of the battle seemed to turn in his favor, but deep down, Y¨¹sei knew she was still holding back. As the fight raged on, a moment of stillness came when Y¨¹sei blocked a devastating strike and asked in an inquisitive tone: ¡°You still haven¡¯t told us your name.¡± She smirked maliciously, her energy surging even higher. ¡°If you survive the next attack, I¡¯ll tell you. Consider it a consolation prize.¡± Y¨¹sei clenched his fists, his determination unwavering. ¡°Then I¡¯ll make sure you have to keep that promise.¡± As the two warriors continued to test the limits of their strength, one thought lingered in Y¨¹sei¡¯s mind: ¡°Can I truly protect this boy from what¡¯s to come?¡± Chapter 4 The air was heavy with residual energy, charged and unstable from the titanic clash that had shaken the stadium moments before. Dust and debris hovered in the eerie glow of violet light radiating from Amaterasu, her once-controlled aura now an inferno of rage and power. The evil figure floated above the fractured battlefield, her piercing gaze locked onto Y¨¹s¨¥i, whose thin frame swayed but remained steadfast against the odds. Kouta, barely conscious, lay crumpled among the rubble, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. It was all unraveling before him like a chaotic tapestry. His body refused to move, paralyzed by both fear and the oppressive energy crushing the air around him. Saori, her face pale, couldn¡¯t get her eyes away from him, her voice drowned by the distant roar of power. ¡°You cannot hope to win,¡± the villainess sneered, descending slowly to the ground. Her crimson energy crackled like an untamed beast. ¡°I am General Amaterasu, charged with finding and reclaiming the heir to the Demon Empire. I will not leave this insignificant speck of a planet without him.¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s weathered face hardened. His once-affable demeanor now bore the scars of battle and unspoken regrets. ¡°So you¡¯re the one they sent. Took you long enough,¡± he muttered, brushing dust off his sleeve. Amaterasu¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And you¡­ you¡¯re no ordinary human. Who are you?¡± For a moment, silence reigned. Then Y¨¹s¨¥i spoke, his voice low but steady. ¡°I¡¯m the one who stopped the Demon Emperor all those years ago. The so-called ¡®legendary hero.¡¯¡± Gasps rippled through the air. Even the floating bodies, suspended helplessly in Amaterasu¡¯s energy field, seemed to shudder at the revelation. Kouta¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°No¡­ no, that can¡¯t be true,¡± he whispered, trembling. The bedtime stories his grandfather had told him¡ªthe heroic adventures, the battles against insurmountable evil¡ªhad always been true. But Y¨¹s¨¥i wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°When I defeated the Demon Emperor, I found his heir. A child, innocent and untouched by his father¡¯s tyranny. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to kill him. So I made a choice. I took him far from the chaos, to a quiet world where he could live as any normal boy would.¡± His gaze shifted briefly to Kouta, heavy with unspoken sorrow. Amaterasu¡¯s laughter cut through the air like a blade. ¡°How noble. And how foolish. That child was the key to stabilizing the Empire. Without him, chaos has consumed the galaxy. You, ¡®hero,¡¯ are as much to blame for this as the Emperor himself.¡± The general raised a hand, her energy flaring wildly. The floating bodies of the bystanders began to orbit her, like planets caught in a cruel gravitational pull. With a flick of her wrist, she hurled one towards Y¨¹s¨¥i. Y¨¹s¨¥i sprang into action, his body moving with a grace that belied his age. He caught the first body mid-air, spinning to shield them from an incoming blast. Amaterasu¡¯s attacks came in relentless waves, forcing Y¨¹s¨¥i to dart across the battlefield, shielding one person after another. Y¨¹s¨¥i didn¡¯t hesitate. He sprinted toward the first floating body, a young man whose face was frozen in an expression of terror even in unconsciousness. Catching him mid-air, Y¨¹s¨¥i spun to shield him from an explosion that detonated just a few feet away. Landing hard, he shook off the impact and gently set the young man down. The boy¡¯s eyes fluttered open, wide with confusion. ¡°What¡­ what¡¯s happening?¡± he stammered. ¡°No time to explain!¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i barked, pushing him toward a crumbled section of the stadium that offered some cover. ¡°Run! Get out of here and don¡¯t look back!¡± There was no time to see if the boy followed his orders. Another body was drifting dangerously close to an incoming blast, and Y¨¹s¨¥i was already moving. Amaterasu¡¯s relentless attacks tore through the battlefield, leaving craters in their wake. A searing beam of energy shot toward him, forcing him to dive out of the way before leaping back into action. In the chaos, Y¨¹s¨¥i spotted Saori among the floating figures. Her hair was disheveled, and her eyes met his, a mix of desperation and defiance. She struggled against the invisible force holding her in the air, shouting, ¡°Grandpa! You can¡¯t do this alone!¡± Ignoring her plea, Y¨¹s¨¥i launched himself upward with a burst of speed, narrowly avoiding another deadly strike. ¡°Please, get out of here!¡± he roared, grabbing her and pulling her close. He spun mid-air, his body acting as a shield against a wave of energy that scorched the ground below them.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Landing hard, he set her down behind a slab of debris, his voice firm. ¡°Saori, go now! Get everyone to safety!¡± Tears welled in her eyes as she hesitated, but the fury in Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s gaze left no room for argument. She nodded reluctantly and turned to run, calling out to the others who were beginning to regain their senses. ¡°Move! Everyone, we need to get out of here!¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s focus shifted back to the battlefield as Amaterasu¡¯s mocking laughter echoed. His body ached, his energy waning, but he refused to stop. Each person saved was worth every ounce of pain. ¡°If you think I¡¯ll let you harm them, you¡¯re even more deluded than I thought,¡± he growled, his voice steady despite the chaos. Meanwhile, Yumi-Chan crouched behind a toppled section of the stadium, her iconic oversized ribbon askew. ¡°This is bad. This is REALLY bad,¡± she muttered, her usual bubbly demeanor replaced by panic. ¡°We can¡¯t just sit here! That kid¡ªhe¡¯s the reason this whole mess started, right? We¡¯ve gotta get him out of here and Moon Moon is out there as well,¡± she finished. Himari Starbeam, her twin ponytails singed at the tips, crossed her arms.¡°Oh sure, let¡¯s just waltz into the middle of that,¡± she said, gesturing wildly at the fiery battle between Y¨¹s¨¥i and Amaterasu. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be totally safe.¡± Yumi-Chan clenched her fists. ¡°Safe or not, we can¡¯t just leave them! Besides, our songs are about fighting for what¡¯s right, aren¡¯t they?¡± Himari Starbeam sighed. ¡°Fine. But if I die, I¡¯m haunting you both.¡± The girls dashed into the chaos, dodging stray energy blasts and chunks of debris. Their run was a spectacle by its own. Himari tripping over her own tulle skirt and Yumi-Chan narrowly avoiding a falling beam. Explosions lit up the background like a scene from a music video gone horribly wrong. Amid the battlefield, Moon Moon was sprawled on the ground where Y¨¹s¨¥i had left her, her silver hair tangled and glittering faintly under the stadium lights. Her breathing was shallow, but her eyes fluttered open as Himari slid to her knees beside her. ¡°Moon! You¡¯re alive!¡± Himari exclaimed, shaking her lightly. Moon Moon groaned, her voice faint. ¡°Alive¡­ but I¡¯m pretty sure I saw my career flash before my eyes. It wasn¡¯t glorious.¡± Himari rolled her eyes, relief washing over her despite the chaos around them. ¡°Get up! We need to move before another explosion takes us both out!¡± Moon Moon groaned. ¡°Great. As if this day couldn¡¯t get any worse. Fine! But if I die, it¡¯s coming out of your paycheck!¡± ¡°We don¡¯t even get paid!¡± Himari shot back, already dashing. ¡°That¡¯s exactly my point!¡± Moon Moon muttered, sprinting behind her. As if on cue, a blast erupted nearby, sending a wave of heat and debris over their heads. Himari shielded Moon Moon, coughing as dust filled the air. ¡°Come on, Moon. Don¡¯t make me carry you!¡± Moon Moon chuckled weakly. ¡°You¡¯d totally ruin your back.¡± ¡°Shut up and help me save your lazy butt!¡± Himari snapped, pulling Moon Moon to her feet and half-dragging her toward safety. Meanwhile, Yumi-Chan darted across the battlefield, dodging energy blasts and craters with surprising agility. She skidded to a stop in front of Kouta, who was still frozen in shock, his legs trembling beneath him. ¡°Kouta, isn¡¯t it?¡± Yumi-Chan screamed, her voice cutting through the cacophony. ¡°I¡¯m here to rescue you!¡± Kouta blinked in disbelief as his grandfather¡¯s favorite idol skidded to a halt in front of him. ¡°What are you doing here?! You¡¯ll get yourself killed!¡± Before Kouta could protest further, a deafening explosion rocked the stadium. Amaterasu had shifted her focus back to Y¨¹s¨¥i, who now knelt, blood trickling down his face. The ground beneath him was scorched and cracked, a testament to the intensity of their battle. ¡°You¡¯re outmatched,¡± Amaterasu said coldly, advancing on the old man. ¡°Stand down, and I might spare these insects.¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i spat blood, his defiance unyielding. ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­ I¡¯ve already made my choice. And I¡¯ll protect Kouta and the rest of them to my last breath.¡± Amaterasu¡¯s eyes glinted with malice. ¡°Then you¡¯ll die together.¡± She raised her hand, gathering a sphere of energy so dense it warped the air around it. She hurled it straight at Kouta, who froze in terror. ¡°Kouta!¡± Yumi-Chan yelled, grabbing his arm. ¡°Snap out of it! We¡¯re getting you out of here!¡± Kouta blinked, his voice shaking. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t leave him. My grandpa... he¡¯ll die if I don¡¯t help!¡± Yumi-Chan¡¯s expression softened, but her grip on his arm tightened. ¡°And he¡¯ll die for nothing if you don¡¯t survive! Don¡¯t you see? He¡¯s fighting to protect you. Don¡¯t waste that!¡± Time seemed to slow. Y¨¹s¨¥i, battered and broken, pushed himself to his feet. With a burst of speed, he threw himself between the attack and his grandson. The sphere collided with his chest, engulfing him in a blinding explosion of light. When the smoke cleared, Y¨¹s¨¥i stood, his body charred and trembling. He turned to Kouta, a weak smile on his face. ¡°Stay strong, kid. This¡­ this isn¡¯t over yet.¡± And then he collapsed. Kouta screamed, rushing to his grandfather¡¯s side. The weight of the moment crashed down on him like a tidal wave. The stories, the truths, the sacrifices¡ªit was all too much. Tears streamed down his face as he shook Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s limp form. ¡°No¡­ you can¡¯t¡­ you can¡¯t leave me!¡± Amaterasu loomed over them, her expression unreadable. ¡°A noble effort, but ultimately futile. The heir must come with me.¡± She reached out, her clawed hand glowing with ominous energy. But before she could touch Kouta, a faint glow emanated from Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s body. His eyes fluttered open, and he gripped Amaterasu¡¯s wrist with surprising strength. ¡°Not¡­ yet.¡± Chapter 5 With a sudden surge of energy, he pushed her back, forcing Amaterasu to retreat a few steps. Her expression hardened, the brief flicker of surprise replaced by a menacing smirk. Kouta, still clutching his grandfather¡¯s limp body, froze in disbelief. "Grandpa... how?" he whispered, his voice trembling as he tried to make sense of what he was witnessing. Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s body stirred faintly, his hand twitching as a soft, golden light began to emanate from his chest. Amaterasu¡¯s smirk faltered slightly as she sensed the shift in energy. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± she muttered, her crimson energy flaring in response to the unfamiliar power. The golden light intensified, enveloping Y¨¹s¨¥i in a cocoon of radiant energy. His frail frame seemed to stretch and strengthen, wrinkles smoothing out and his muscles reforming. The brittle aura of age and weariness dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming vitality that roared to life like a sleeping dragon awakened. ¡°You wanted to see who I truly am?¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s voice echoed, now deeper and commanding. The cocoon shattered in a brilliant explosion of light, revealing the legendary warrior the galaxy had long whispered about. His silver hair flowed like molten starlight, his eyes burning with an ethereal intensity. The torn and ragged clothes of his aged form disintegrated as his rejuvenated body emerged, pulsing with ancient power. Amaterasu tilted her head, her crimson aura flaring. "So, the old legend is true," she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else. "The Starlight Hero still burns within you. But it won¡¯t be enough." Kouta¡¯s breath hitched as he stared at the transformed figure. ¡°Grandpa¡­ you¡­¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i turned his gaze toward Kouta, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°I¡¯ve waited years for this moment. I preserved my lifeforce, sealing away my true power to protect you when the time came. And now¡­ that time has come.¡± Amaterasu¡¯s lips curled into a sneer, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of unease. ¡°So, the ¡®legendary hero¡¯ lives up to the myth. Good. This will make crushing you all the more satisfying.¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s smile widened as he cracked his knuckles, his aura blazing like a supernova. ¡°Let¡¯s see if your bite matches your bark.¡± The two warriors collided with a force that shattered the ground beneath them, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Energy beams clashed mid-air, exploding into dazzling displays of light that illuminated the chaos. Their movements were a blur, each strike faster and more precise than the last. Amaterasu¡¯s crimson energy roared like wildfire, but Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s golden power surged with a calm, unyielding strength. Kouta watched in stunned silence, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The truths he had learned, the lies he had lived¡ªit was too much. His hands clenched the dirt beneath him as memories of his seemingly ordinary life flashed before his eyes.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°All a lie,¡± he muttered, his voice shaking. ¡°Everything I¡¯ve ever known¡­ was a lie.¡± Yumi-Chan crawled to his side, her face pale but determined. ¡°Kouta! You need to focus. We have to get out of here!¡± Kouta shook his head violently, tears streaming down his face. ¡°No! I can¡¯t leave him! He¡¯s fighting because of me! And I¡­ I can¡¯t do anything!¡± Yumi-Chan¡¯s hand gripped his shoulder tightly. ¡°You¡¯re stronger than this, Kouta! He¡¯s doing this to protect you because he believes in you! Don¡¯t let his sacrifice be in vain!¡± As her words reached him, a deep, guttural roar tore from Kouta¡¯s throat. A searing pain erupted in his chest, spreading through his body like wildfire. His eyes burned with an intense crimson glow, and his veins darkened as if filled with molten lava. The air around him grew thick with a malevolent energy, suffocating and electric. Moon Moon and Himari Starbeam, were helping the others to safety, when they stopped in their tracks as the oppressive aura washed over them. ¡°Uh, guys?¡± Moon Moon said, her voice trembling. ¡°I think that boy¡¯s having a moment¡­ and not a good one.¡± Himari¡¯s eyes widened as she saw Kouta¡¯s body begin to transform. His small frame grew taller and more muscular, his hair darkening and lengthening into a wild mane. The demonic energy surrounding him twisted into jagged, flaming tendrils that lashed out uncontrollably. ¡°Oh, no,¡± Himari muttered. ¡°He¡¯s going full¡­ whatever-that-is.¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s attention flickered toward his grandson as he dodged a ferocious attack from Amaterasu. ¡°Kouta, no!¡± he shouted, his voice laced with urgency. But Kouta could no longer hear him. His mind was consumed by rage, betrayal, and an overwhelming desire to protect the few fragments of his shattered world. The ground beneath him cracked as he let out another roar, his transformation nearing completion. Amaterasu¡¯s eyes lit up with wicked delight. ¡°So, the heir awakens at last. This is what I¡¯ve been waiting for.¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°You won¡¯t have him,¡± he growled, his energy flaring. ¡°Not while I¡¯m still standing.¡± The battle resumed with renewed intensity. Amaterasu¡¯s attacks grew more desperate as Y¨¹s¨¥i matched her blow for blow, his rejuvenated strength a force to be reckoned with. But even as they clashed, his gaze kept darting back to Kouta, whose transformation was now complete. Moon Moon and Himari Starbeam huddled behind a fallen column, their wide eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before them. "This is bad," Himari muttered. "Really, REALLY bad." "You think?" Moon Moon snapped, her voice high-pitched with panic. "We¡¯re in the middle of a galactic death match, and now the kid¡¯s gone full demon!" Kouta stood amidst the rubble, unrecognizable. His eyes glowed with a fierce crimson light, his body surrounded by an aura of pure demonic energy. The ground around him was scorched, the air vibrating with his unrestrained power. He raised his head, his gaze locking onto Amaterasu with a feral intensity. ¡°You,¡± he growled, his voice deeper and laced with otherworldly distortion. ¡°You did this.¡± Amaterasu chuckled, her attention briefly shifting to the transformed boy. ¡°Finally, the heir reveals his true nature. How delightful.¡± Kouta¡¯s lips curled into a snarl as he charged toward her, the ground trembling with each step. His movements were erratic but devastating, his newfound power making him unpredictable. Y¨¹s¨¥i moved to intercept, blocking his path. ¡°Kouta, stop!¡± Y¨¹s¨¥i shouted, holding his grandson back with all his strength. ¡°You¡¯re losing yourself!¡± But Kouta¡¯s rage was unrelenting. He shoved Y¨¹s¨¥i aside with a force that sent him skidding across the ground. His eyes were locked onto Amaterasu, his every fiber consumed by a single thought: destroy. The battlefield stood frozen, a tense silence descending as everyone braced for the storm to come. Chapter 6 6 The ground beneath their feet shuddered as another wave of dark energy erupted from Kouta''s transformed body. His new form cast an elongated shadow across the ruined stadium floor - muscular and imposing, crowned by a wild mane of midnight hair that whipped in the energy currents surrounding him. But it was his eyes that truly marked the change: blood-red orbs that held no trace of humanity, only an ancient, primal fury. Chunks of concrete and twisted metal orbited his body like debris around a black hole, pulled by the sheer gravitational force of his power. Each breath he took came out as steam in the suddenly cold air, and where his feet touched the ground, the surface cracked and blackened. "Magnificent," Amaterasu breathed, her metalic suit adjusting and recalibrating in response to the massive energy readings. "To think this much raw power was hidden in such an unremarkable vessel." Y¨¹s¨¥i struggled to his feet, his rejuvenated form showing signs of strain from the earlier battle. Golden light still emanated from his body, but it flickered like a candle in a storm compared to the inferno of his grandson''s transformation. "You have no idea what you''ve awakened." A sound emerged from Kouta''s throat - not words, but a growl that seemed to resonate at a frequency that made everyone''s bones ache. The air itself appeared to distort around him, reality bending under the weight of power never meant to exist in the human world. Behind a collapsed section of stadium seating, Himari grabbed Moon Moon''s arm. "We need to get out of here! Like, five minutes ago!" "No argument here," Moon Moon whispered back, her hair dusted with concrete powder. "But in case you haven''t noticed, we''re kind of trapped between demon boy and psycho chrome lady!" The two idols flinched as another tremor shook the stadium. Through a gap in the rubble, they could see Yumi-Chan several yards away, pressed against a support column, her eyes wide as she watched the scene unfold. Amaterasu took a step forward, her clawed gauntlet extending toward Kouta. "Come, young prince. Let me guide you back to your true home, to your destiny-" She didn''t finish. Kouta''s form blurred, and suddenly he was on her, moving with such speed that the air cracked in his wake. His clawed hand slashed through the space where her head had been a split second before. She barely managed to dodge, and even then, her visor cracked from the pressure wave of his attack. "No strategy," she noted, backflipping away from another wild swing. "No technique. Pure instinct and rage. Like a beast that''s been caged too long." Kouta responded with another roar, this one powerful enough to shatter what remained of the stadium''s lights. In the sudden darkness, his crimson eyes burned like twin stars, leaving trails of light as he moved. The fight that followed was unlike anything the witnesses had ever seen. Kouta fought with the raw fury of a natural disaster - all power and no restraint. Where Amaterasu''s movements were precise and measured, his were wild and unpredictable. He would slash at her with claws wreathed in dark energy, then immediately slam both fists into the ground, sending shockwaves in all directions. "We have to do something!" Yumi-Chan called out from her position. "He''s going to tear himself apart fighting like that!" "Stay back!" Y¨¹s¨¥i warned, creating a barrier of golden energy as debris flew in her direction. "In this state, he''ll attack anything that moves. The demon blood has completely overwhelmed his consciousness." Saori watched from the edge of the battlefield, her hands clenched into fists. Every instinct told her to run, but she couldn''t tear her eyes away from what her best friend had become. The boy who had helped her with math homework, who had shared his lunch when she forgot hers, who had always been there with a quiet word of support, who had never kissed a girl before - now transformed into something from humanity''s darkest nightmares. "This is wrong," she whispered, then louder: "This is WRONG!" Her voice carried across the battlefield, but Kouta showed no sign of hearing her. He was fully engaged in his assault on Amaterasu, who was finding it increasingly difficult to avoid his attacks. His fighting style was becoming more erratic, more dangerous - to himself as much as to his opponent. Dark energy began to pool around his hands, condensing into something that made the air itself seem to recoil. Amaterasu detected the danger immediately trying to put distance between them. "The fool''s going to kill us all," she muttered, her voice carrying a note of genuine concern for the first time. Y¨¹s¨¥i recognized the building power with horror. "No... he''s accessing too much too quickly. His body can''t handle that level of demon energy!" The darkness around Kouta''s hands spread up his arms, his skin cracking to reveal veins of molten power underneath. His roars had become screams of pain, but he couldn''t stop himself. The power demanded release. "Everyone get down!" Y¨¹s¨¥i shouted, throwing up the strongest barrier he could manage. "He''s going to-" The explosion that followed defied description. It was as if a small sun had been born and died in the span of a heartbeat. The pressure wave flattened what remained of the stadium''s structure, and a pillar of dark energy shot into the sky, parting the clouds for miles around. When the dust began to settle, Kouta stood at the center of a massive crater, his transformed body showing signs of strain. Parts of his skin had burned away, revealing the raw power underneath, and steam rose from his form in waves. Amaterasu emerged from behind a barrier of her own, her chrome suit scorched and dented but still regenerating. "Impressive... but ultimately meaningless if you destroy yourself in the process." She was right. Each surge of power was doing more damage to Kouta''s body. The demon blood gave him incredible strength, but his half-human form wasn''t designed to channel it. Dark energy leaked from the cracks in his skin like blood from wounds.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "I have to reach him," Saori said, taking a step forward. Yumi-Chan grabbed her arm. "Are you crazy? He''ll kill you!" "He''s dying!" Saori shot back, tears streaming down her face. "Look at him! His body is literally tearing itself apart! I don''t care if he''s some demon prince or whatever - he''s my friend, and I won''t watch him destroy himself!" Before anyone could stop her, she broke free and ran toward the crater. Himari and Moon Moon emerged from their hiding place, shouting for her to come back, but she ignored them. "Kouta!" she called out, sliding down the crater''s slope. "Kouta, stop this! Please!" His head snapped toward her, those inhuman eyes fixing on her with predatory focus. A growl rumbled in his chest as he turned to face this new target. "That''s right," she continued, taking another step closer despite every survival instinct screaming at her to run. "Look at me. Really look at me. I''m not afraid of you." "Foolish girl," Amaterasu sneered. "The boy you knew is gone. There''s only the demon now." But Saori kept walking forward, even as Kouta''s power lashed around her like razor wire. "Remember when we first met? In middle school? You were reading manga alone at lunch, and I asked if I could join you. You were so surprised anyone wanted to sit with you that you knocked your drink over." Another step. The dark energy was burning her skin now, but she didn''t stop. "Remember last night? That terrible date you went on? You called me afterward, and we stayed up for hours talking about it. You said you''d never find someone, and I told you to stop being so dramatic." Kouta''s growl faltered. Something flickered in those crimson eyes - confusion, recognition, pain. "I don''t care what you are," Saori continued, now close enough to reach out and touch him. "Human, demon, prince - none of that matters. You''re my best friend. And I''m not losing you to this." She wrapped her arms around him, ignoring the searing pain of contact with his power-wreathed form. For a moment, everything went still. Then Kouta''s body tensed, and a sound escaped him - not a roar this time, but something closer to a whimper. "Sa... ori..." The word came out distorted, barely recognizable, but it was there. "I''m here," she whispered, holding him tighter even as his power burned her. "I''m right here." "It hurts," he managed, his voice a grotesque mixture of human and demon. "Everything... hurts..." "I know," she said. "But you have to fight it." Amaterasu watched with growing concern as Kouta''s chaotic energy began to stabilize. "No... NO! I won''t let you ruin everything!" She launched herself forward, claws extended for a killing strike aimed at Saori''s exposed back. But before she could reach them, a golden barrier materialized in her path. "I don''t think so," Y¨¹s¨¥i said, his power flaring. "My grandson is fighting his own battle right now. You''ll have to deal with me." The demon general skidded to a halt, reassessing the situation. The heir''s power was changing, becoming more focused. The girl''s words were reaching him, helping him find some kind of equilibrium between his human consciousness and demon nature. If she didn''t act soon, her mission would be a complete failure. But something shifted inside Kouta. His crimson eyes flickered, the rage in them dimming like dying embers. The dark energy surrounding him sputtered and crackled, his transformed body swaying unsteadily. "K-Kouta?" Saori whispered, taking a tentative step forward. The demonic aura dissipated like smoke in the wind. His features softened, muscles contracting as his body returned to its human form. With a quiet groan, he collapsed forward. Saori rushed to catch him, cradling his unconscious form in her arms. "Well, this is disappointing," Amaterasu sneered, advancing toward them. "But perhaps it''s for the best. The prince clearly needs proper guidance to control his power." Y¨¹s¨¥i moved to intercept her, but a sudden flash of light stopped him in his tracks. Four figures materialized around Amaterasu, each radiating deadly power. The first to step forward was a towering warrior with an aura of overwhelming confidence, his armor gleaming with radiant streaks of silver and blue. His piercing golden eyes seemed to scan everything with calculated precision, and his black cape shimmered faintly, like the night sky. Tribal markings adorned his exposed arms. "General Amaterasu," his voice rumbled like distant thunder, "we came as soon as we detected the prince''s awakening." "Sirius," Amaterasu''s voice carried a note of irritation. "I don''t recall requesting assistance." To her left stood a lithe figure clad in fiery orange and crimson armor, her glowing hair resembling a cascade of molten gold. Her sharp amber eyes glinted with the heat of restrained fury, and faint embers seemed to trail her movements. "With all due respect, General," she said, her voice cold and precise, "the Council insisted we ensure the heir''s retrieval." "Of course they did, Betelgeuse" Amaterasu muttered. The third warrior, stocky yet agile, wore frost-coated white and silver armor adorned with patterns of swirling ice. His rugged face bore a weathered expression, with icy blue eyes that seemed to cut through anyone who dared to look. A layer of frost clung to his breath as he growled, "Besides," he growled, cracking his armored knuckles, "we couldn''t miss all the fun, could we?" "Stand down, Polaris," commanded the fourth figure ¨C tall and graceful in shimmering black-and-violet armor that sparkled with hints of starlight. Her long, dark hair framed her pale face, and her violet eyes held a calm, piercing wisdom. In her hand, she carried a blade that seemed to absorb light, its edge flickering like a distant constellation. "We''re here to complete the mission, not indulge your bloodlust." "Always the voice of reason, aren''t you, Vega?" Polaris spat. Y¨¹s¨¥i''s eyes narrowed as he assessed the new threats. "Five against one? Now it becomes an even fight." Amaterasu laughed. "You seem nervous, hero." The attack came without warning from Amaterasu. Sirius and Polaris charged from opposite directions while Betelgeuse ignited the air around her, sending waves of flame toward Y¨¹s¨¥i. Vega disappeared in a ripple of light, only to reappear behind him with her void blade poised to strike. Y¨¹s¨¥i moved with incredible speed, ducking under Sirius¡¯s devastating punch while deflecting Polaris¡¯s icy kick. He spun away from Vega¡¯s blade and erected a barrier against Betelgeuse¡¯s fiery barrage. But five elite warriors proved too much, even for him. Each time he countered one, another found an opening. Sirius¡¯s fist struck him in the ribs with the force of a collapsing star. Before he could recover, Polaris¡¯s frosted leg swept his feet out. As he fell, Vega¡¯s blade sliced through the air. Y¨¹s¨¥i barely managed to dodge, but the dark energy still carved a deep gash across his chest. "Your reputation precedes you, hero," Vega remarked, readying another strike. "But even legends fall." Y¨¹s¨¥i struggled to his feet, golden energy fluctuating around him. Blood trickled from numerous wounds, but his eyes remained defiant. "As long as I draw breath, you won''t take him." "Then perhaps," Polaris¡¯s icy breath crystallized in the air, "you should stop breathing." The frost-armored warrior advanced, his hands emanating an aura of biting cold. Y¨¹s¨¥i lunged forward, preparing to counter, but Betelgeuse unleashed a fiery arc that forced him to dodge. Polaris seized the moment, gripping Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s left arm. Frost spread rapidly from his touch, encasing Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s arm in a thick layer of shimmering ice. Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s golden energy surged in an attempt to free himself, but Polaris¡¯s freezing grip was relentless. With a chilling crack, Polaris twisted his hand, and Y¨¹s¨¥i¡¯s frozen arm shattered into countless crystalline shards that glittered briefly before hitting the ground. Y¨¹s¨¥i screamed in agony, stumbling backward as blood poured from the jagged stump where his arm had been. Golden energy flickered weakly around him, struggling to hold his broken body together. "NO!" Saori''s cry echoed across the ruined stadium as she clutched Kouta''s unconscious form tighter. Amaterasu approached the fallen hero, her chrome armor reflecting the carnage around them. "I won''t kill you," she said, her voice almost gentle. "You should live to see what the heir becomes under proper guidance." She turned to her warriors. "Sirius, retrieve the prince. It¡¯s time we returned home." The massive warrior moved toward Saori, who tried desperately to drag Kouta away. But her efforts were futile. With a single motion, Sirius lifted Kouta¡¯s limp form from her arms. "Please," Saori begged, tears streaming down her face. "Don''t take him!" But her pleas fell on deaf ears. Amaterasu raised her hand, and in a flash of crimson light, she and her warriors vanished ¨C taking Kouta with them. Y¨¹s¨¥i collapsed to his knees, his remaining hand pressed against the charred stump of his arm. The golden light of his power faded completely, leaving him looking old and frail once more. His voice was barely a whisper as he stared at the spot where his grandson had been. "I''m sorry, Kouta. I failed you."