《Clad in a jet black》 The Resentment and The god 4 July, 2025--------Evening 5:00 PM "When... you ask?" I dont really remember when, but I think it was a week after summer break. As usual, I sat in the second-to-last seat by the window, watching the sun sink lower in the sky. "Trong, trong, trong." The bell rang. "Oh, is it already over?" I muttered under my breath, quickly stuffing my notebooks into my bag as the classroom erupted into noise. It was better to leave before it got too loud. Sometimes, random thoughts popped into my head. People make friends, talk about nothing, laugh at stupid jokes, make fun of each otherforgetting what really matters. Is that what friendship is? It''s annoying. But, I guess its easier to just ignore everything and go along with it. Being with them? I''d rather be alone... But they still matter. I mumbled the words quietly to myself. It wasnt a happy thoughtmore like a sad realization I couldnt shake. I glanced to the left. From my seat, I could see the whole class, but my gaze stayed on one persona girl sitting beside me. Her black hair Glistened as it fell to her waist, and her face had a calm kind of brightness to it. But what really caught my attention were her grayish-black eyessharp, like they could see right through me. She was a first-year student, here for the club meeting, like me. She was reading a book I didnt expect a girl to be reading. "Sapiens..." I muttered to myself. "Isn''t this the book by Yuval Noah Harari? Do girls really read stuff like this?" I shook my head, my mind still scattered. Without much thought, I turned back to my bag and shoved the last of my notebooks inside. I couldnt even remember how I felt at that moment. --- "About... me?" I dont have a tragic backstory. No dead parents or painful losses. Just a stubborn father, obsessed with the past, and a powerless, foolish childmeliving under his rules without question or purpose. The Kurose clan had been the emperors most loyal family for generations. But that was before the empire crumbled. Now, the clan had split into branches, each struggling to survive in a world with no emperor to serve. But my father never adapted. He couldnt let go of the past, as if clinging to it was the only thing that kept him going. He wanted to be remembered, to stand out among the others. So when a chance came to rise above the rest, he took it. But I was the cost. He pushed me beyond my limitspushed me to be perfect in everything. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Literature, politics, martial arts, mathematics... even the most efficient ways to kill someone," hed say. I was eight when he first taught me those thingsnot like a father, but like a drill sergeant. Every day was about precision, obedience, and earning his praise. But it never came. He was incapable of praiseonly mockery. I kept trying, though. I thought maybe the things I''m doing will be useful to me, It wasnt until I was broken and exhausted that I realized: I had never been free. --- No matter what I do, Ill always be a puppet. Now, just an abandoned marionette. I sighed heavily and walked toward the door. ------------------------------------------------- "Huh!?" No one couldve imagined this, right? The moment my foot crossed the doors threshold... "Ziiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnggggggg!" The sound directly ringed in my headsharp, almost like it was slicing through my brain. Before I could even think, I was pulled into a suffocating, endless void. The darkness surrounded me, thick and cold, yet somehow warm, like the embrace of something old. My strength drained away, like the void itself was sucking the life out of me. Is this... an ocean? I gasped, but deep down, I knew it wasnt water. It felt like I was drowning. I... Im losing consciousness. The words barely left my lips. My body felt heavy, my vision blurred, and my mind slipped away into the darkness. Ziiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnngggggg. That sound again. That awful ringing. It filled the emptiness, growing louder, like it was drilling into my skull. Strange mechanical hums followed, whispering through the dark. Adapting subjects body ? Successful. Physical Enhancement ? Successful. Magions compatibility ? Enhanced. Obtained @& Skill ? [World''s Truth]. "Worlds Truth?" I said the words slowly, my mind racing. A strange screen appeared in my mind, flashing words I didnt understand. WORLD''S TRUTH [Tells Every Basic Detail About World] "Tell every... basic detail about the world?" I repeated, not fully understanding what I was seeing. Was this real? Or was I just losing my mind? Had I crossed over into something completely different? Ugh! I gasped as if my eyes had been forced open. A sharp, jarring impact hit me, making my whole body tremble. Its strange... I whispered. At least I was standing on solid ground again. I looked around, trying to make sense of it all. But... I wasnt alone. So, theyre all here Every student who had been in the classroom was now with me. But why? "But why just my class? Was it because we stayed behind? No... there has to be another reason." My mind raced as I tried to figure it out. Wed been having a club meeting, and there were first-years and third-years with us, too. The room was dim, and I could barely make out the faces of the others, but the weight of something heavy pressed down on us all. The stone walls seemed to close in, jagged and cold. The air felt thick with something ancient. "Oi, where are we?" "How would I know?" "Im scared!" "Dont tell me were kidnapped!" "No, how? We were just in class a second ago!" "Help me. No! Where is this? Does anyone have a torch? Oi! Anyone?" Panic spread quickly. Voices were frantic and loud. "Everyone, please stay calm. Panicking will only make things worse." A voice cut through the chaosHirata, our class representative. He was calm and collected, as always. But even his words couldnt erase the unease settling over the group. Mmmmmmm A low, mechanical hum echoed around the room. Crystals in the walls flickered on, their glow hesitant at first, but soon it steadied, brightening, pushing back the darkness. And with the light came something else. The walls were cold and sharp, closing in, as if the room was alive and pressing against us. The crystals hummed, their vibrations faint but somehow alive, like they were listening to every breath we took. And then, in the distance, I saw it. An altar, bathed in an eerie glow. Sun? I muttered, confusion thick in my voice. I looked to the figures around itknights in shining armor, their spears held tight, tips gleaming with an unnatural light. "[Hero Candidates]." The voice came from somewhere to my left. My heart skipped a beat, and I turned toward it. What I saw nearly froze me. --- A figure sat on a golden throne, high above us. The throne gleamed like it was made of pure gold, and the air around it twisted, heavy with power. The figure didnt move. Didnt speak. But the silence was so thick, it almost felt like it was suffocating us. Every breath felt harder to take, as if the very air was pushing against me. The weight of judgmentof authorityhung in the air. It was impossible to look away. Hah... So thats what this is I couldnt stop the bitter laugh that escaped me. But it wasnt funny at all. The Hero Candidates Chapter 2 : The Hero Candidates The Altar /// A strange figure sat on his chuniby- Ahm almighty throne, Adorned in golden ornaments, his figure glimmered with gems. He felt so heavenly. In his left hand, he held a long wand, its spiraling gold twisted like a serpent. At the top, five colored crystals pulsed faintly. Standing beside him were two women, "[Hero Candidates], for responding to our call, I offer my deepest gratitude." Her voice was soft, almost musical. Clad in flowing white, with milky white hairs. A smile touched her lips, gentle. "I am Ruby, the embodiment of timeZaphkiel Arcelona Orion." Her golden eyes opened slowly, sharp and penetrating. Pointing a suffocating silence. The second woman stepped forward, her voice dripping with an unsettling elegance. "I am Sapphire, the harbinger of the VoidZadkiel Vecerona Orion." Her presence was a stark contrast to Arcelona''s: dark, brooding, and full of mystery. Her gown, as black as the deepest night. Her dark.violet hair shimmered like a nebula. She surveyed us with disdain, her voice dripping with scorn. "How dare you, pathetic mortals, presume to stand before one who embodies the Supreme Being?" Her words were sharp. We were struck silent, the weight of her presence pressing down on us, forcing us to our knees. "Argh! What is this...?" The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. I gasped, the pressure feeling like magican invisible force that held us in place. Forcing us to bow. A voice hit in my head, "Mass Variation Alters the Mass of the object it is applied to Type: Void" "Mass Variation? Alters Void...?" i murmured, "As of this moment I''ve already understood something-" "Vecerona. Enough." The commanding voice from the throne cut through the tension, releasing us from the oppressive force. "Fufufu! I warned you to behave," Arcelona laughed, mocking Vecerona. "Ahem. We apologize for her behavior," She continued, her tone shifting to something more serious. "[Hero Candidates], we understand you are confused by your situation." Her expression grew somber, and she added, "But before we explain, you must first understand why you''re here." A glowing sphere appeared before us, its presence awe-inspiring, yet unsettling. "What is this?" I exclaimed, still trying to process everything.

Projection magic

[ Projects what user is thinking ] or imagining on a sphere made of magions The same systematic sound ringed in my head. "magions..? I remember hearing it before but what is it?"

Magions

Type of particles present in atmosphere, flows through body and helps to manipulate magic "So... this is all magic?" I muttered in disbelief. Until now, magic had been nothing more than fantasy. "-This world is total isekai-fantasy" The sphere began to project a scene: a brutal war, a world ravaged by conflict. Human beings were like insects, weak and insignificant against an unstoppable force. Screams of terror & rivers of blood filled the war land. Well i couldn''t say it aloud but they really were like insects, at least in this movie, uhh is it a movie? "This is the state of our world," Arcelonas somber voice echoed. "Such a crappy World, it is." I blurted my thoughts mistakenly. "Oops" Arcelona''s eyes narrowed, Smirking with a beautiful but a warning smile. "You would do well to show respect, [Hero Candidate] Kurose Sen-Sama." I looked away, avoiding her graze. The projection faded, leaving us in stunned silence. Arcelona continued, "Long ago, the Supreme God created apostles to maintain the balance of existence. But in time, the eldest apostle sought to claim divine power for himself. While God slept an eternal slumber, he devoured Himgaining unimaginable power, turned against the world." I nodded in acceptance. "A final battle ensued, the apostles sacrificing their lives to seal the first apostle and his army behind an unbreakable barrier, entrusting the world to our lord. For eons, the world has been safe... but now the barrier is crumbling, and our Lords strength falters." I nodded in acceptance. "The time has come for us to call upon you, the [Hero Candidates], to rise and save the world from its impending destruction." I was nodding in acceptance till i got a strange thought, Something was off, something that made me wonder if I was in over my head. "Oh! I see, I''ve got stuck in a really big trouble." Well this was just peachy. The Ghast; Dungeon
Chapter: 3 The Ghast; Dungeon When she asked us to protect their world, the room fell into stunned silence. Some were shaken, others simply confused, but all hesitated for the same reason, what lies ahead. Then, breaking the tension, a sharp, sarcastic voice rang out. Whoa, whoa, whoa! First, you drag us here without asking, and now you''re dumping all your problems on us? Get real. Hmm! Sakamoto, huh?" I glanced over at him. A parent-less child and his only brother had led a notorious delinquent group, so it was no surprise that hed turned out this way. If anything, it felt almost expected. You dare! Veceronas voice cracked with fury as she lunged forward, her hand raised in anger, But then, as if an invisible force held her in place, Vecerona froze. Humans The word was spoken like an oppressive weight, reverberating through the room. This is not a request. There are no choices in this matter. This is your fate. The god rose from his throne. His eyes were hidden, but the pressure of his gaze pressed on us heavily. Sakamoto stumbled back, his grin twisting into something far less confident. His bravado faltered, and his voice cracked. Whwhat can you even do? He sneered, but the tremor in his voice betrayed his fear. "Don''t do this, You''re not making a good face." The room fell silent again. And then, without warning, the atmosphere shifted. Sharp, gleaming spears materialized out of thin air, surrounding Sakamotos neck. Their tips hovered dangerously close to his skin, poised to strike. His heartbeat pounded in his chest, each thud loud enough to feel. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his eyes widened in terror. But the room remained eerily quiet. A gasp escaped one of the girls in the crowd, her voice shrill with panic. No! she cried out, it barely broke the tension. After what felt like an eternity, the god raised his hand in a slow, deliberate motion. At his command, the spears backed off. Sakamoto dropped to his knees, his body shaking. Filled with frustration, he clenched his fists, teeth gritted in helpless rage. "Surprisingly, this situation is not normal, knights surrounding us. If we defy them, we''ll be immediately purged." The question was: Now, what would Hirata do? Hirata, still deep in thought, finally spoke up, his voice steady but laced with uncertainty. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "Can i ask Something" "Yes" Arcelona replied, Then..., Can you guarantee our safety? The moment the words left his lips, Arcelonas lips curled into a smileone that felt more mocking than reassuring. [Hero Candidate] Masayuki Hirata-sama, you''re being sent to war. How could anyone possibly guarantee your safety? True to form, Hirata remained focused on the safety of everyone around him, even in this dire moment. His concern for others was evident. Hirata paused, then spoke again, his voice quieter, tinged with a hint of desperation. Then... I change my question. Will we be able to return to our world? It was a simple question, yet was the most important at that time. Yes, Arcelona said, her voice light, After the defeat of the first apostle, we will send you back to your world. Hiratas relief was momentary, but it wasnt enough to fully ease the tension. He still had doubts. Six years ago, Arcelona said, her voice low and steady. We will send you back to a time from now. The future you know will be erased. Youll relive the next six years, but this time... In Another world. Six years, wait, aren''t they too long? I pondered. How can you even do that? Tsubaki Akane, our class''s girl''s representative, chimed in. Her question hung in the airif they had the power to do this, why hadn''t they taken action sooner? Veceronas voice turned cold, sharp as a blade. Were not obliged to tell you that. Even if we tell you, your bush brain can''t understand. Before anyone could respond, Arcelona intervened, her tone apologetic. We apologize, but we can''t tell you that. Akane seemed rattled but adjusted quickly. Then... the [Hero Candidates]...let''s begin. Vecerona muttered something under her breath, and suddenly, a large magic circle formed beneath our feet, glowing with intense light. The light became blinding, consuming everything around us. The last thing I saw was Arcelonas eyesthose golden eyes that had been so composed, now filled with a deep, burning hatred but more than that they showed pity. I didnt understand the meaning behind her gaze, not then, but I would soon learn. "[Voidal Shift]." A voice came from among us, before i could see over there, ------------------------------------------------ Everything went black. Am I unconscious right now...? What happened? Ugh I rememberwe were supposed to be sent to a Kingdom. I blinked my eyes open, groaning as my surroundings slowly came into focus. I was lying on a cold stone. The ceiling above me was jagged and rocky, a far cry from the elegant throne room. I pushed myself up, my head pounding. The place was damp, dreary, and lit only by flickering blue crystals embedded in the walls. Why... Why am I here? Werent we supposed to be sent to a kingdom? My thoughts were foggy, everything felt off. As I tried to make sense of what happened, it hit me, ''Arcelona''s eyes''. Ah, I see. So it might be her.... "Was she that angry with me? but still... this is too much." I muttered, I knew she spilled me a big trouble. But why would she do this? I stood up, brushing myself off, and surveyed the dungeon. "A giant door? It might be an exit." My eyes landed on a motionless figure lying nearby. It was the girl with long, black hairthe one Id seen earlier in class, the one reading ''Sapiens''. "Ms. Sapien?" Why is she here? I glanced around. The dungeon might not be safe. "Should I leave her? She could slow me down..." But she could be of some use to me. The First blood

Chapter 4: The First Blood

I stood over the girl, her body still on the cold dungeon floor. The decision wasnt easy. Leave her, or take her with me? Neither choice felt right. Each came with its own set of consequences I wasnt ready to face. I couldnt help but wonderwhat would Hirata do? What would a normal person do in this situation? Id never been taught how to handle something like this. My fathers lessons were simple: "Victory is all that matters." His voice echoed in my mind, and I clicked my tongue. That old man didn''t teach me anything useful. "A normal person would help her." I muttered, I could just introduce myself like a big shot and continue the harem story line. But then my fathers voice came back to me, clear and sharp: "Survival comes first, nothing else matters." I paused, staring at the girl. Ah-yeah, I am not a normal person. She wasnt my concern. I didnt owe her anything. "Yeah, you''re right." I muttered under my breath, turning to leave. Well I didn''t want any more troublesome work. I wasnt going to waste time. The door ahead was leading toward my goal. My survival was everything now. But then, just as I stepped toward the exit, I heard it. "Uhm... Hm-mm!" I froze, my heart skipping. At first, I thought it was a trick of my mind, but then I saw her moving. Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open, and she groggily glanced around. I didnt move, watching her closely. "Wait, if she''s awake, I can''t leave her here, can I?" I pondered. "Youre awake," I said, trying to sound more collected than I felt. She wasnt panicking, and wasn''t scared. Her gaze was calm, like shed woken up in stranger places before. Without hesitation, she reached up, and I instinctively offered my hand. "Do you need help?" I asked, my voice even. She started glancing at my hand for a moment before grabbing it firmly. But then her eyes started to glisten. Tears. Without warning, they began to fall, hitting the stone floor with quiet splashes. "H-Hey! Are you alright?" I asked, unsure what to make of her reaction. She quickly wiped them away, trying to regain composure. "I-I am... just scared," She said, her voice shaky but managing a weak smile. "like I''d buy it." "Can you get up?" She nodded, steadying herself with my help. "Y-Yes." "Thanks for your help," she said, glancing up at me, a small smile still on her face. Then, as if suddenly remembering, she asked, "Is... this a dungeon?" Her calmness was... unsettling. Most people would be freaking out by now, but she was acting as though shed been in places like this before. "Yeah, looks like it," I said, shrugging. It wasnt much of an answer, but it sufficed for the moment. She seemed satisfied. Umm If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Before she could finish, I flashed her a bright smile. "Sorry, but Im leaving now." I started heading toward the massive door. "Huh?!" she exclaimed, blinking in confusion. "Wait, but" She narrowed the distance between us. "But, I havent introduced myself yet. Im Kusanagi Reha. You can call me Reha." The name hit me like a ton of bricks. Kusanagi... The daughter of the chairman of our school. Now this is more troublesome to have a ''Rich lady'' with me. "Miss SapienAh, I mean Reha-san."l "You can just call me Reha," she insisted, her tone a bit too casual for someone with that last name. "Yeah, yeah. Reha. Anyway, Im heading deeper into the dungeon." Her eyes lit up immediately. "Ah okay!" I gave her a sideways glance. "It could be dangerous for a girl like you." "I dont care," she said, almost too eagerly. I raised an eyebrow. "Could this girl be completely out of her mind?" "And staying alone in a dungeon is even more dangerous than being with someone," She countered, stepping closer to me. With a look that almost made me think she was about to cry, she added, Or could it be that youre the kind of person who just leaves a girl to fend for herself in a dungeon? "Oh, for the love of" I sighed dramatically, trying to fight the urge to roll my eyes. No, Im not I was just, you know, concerned for your safety. My smile was as fake as they come. She didnt buy it. "Well, then, no problem with me tagging along, right?" Her grin told me everything I needed to knowshe was enjoying this. "This brat!" " Then Umm " Asking for my name, well what can i do, "Hello. Im... Ku" I caught myself before giving my full name. I just... didn''t want to say it. "You can call me Sen." She nodded thoughtfully, then started to speak again. "AhOh! Then, Sen-san, I" But I cut her off, the urgency creeping into my tone. "We dont have time to talk. We need to move." Just as I finished speaking, the heavy, ominous sound of a door creaking open echoed through the room. My instincts went on high alert. "Huh? Whats that?" Reha asked, clearly surprised, her voice laced with uncertainty. I didnt answer. I was already scanning the doorway. A shadow loomed there. A tall, grotesque figureat least seven feetstepped through. Its skin was a sickly shade of rotting flesh, bones jutted out in places, and it wore a damaged chainmail chestplate. In its hand, it gripped a long, rusted sword. The stench of death hit me even from a distance. "Sen-san, this is?" Reha took a step back. I stared, confused at first, but then the voice in my head spokeclear as day. "High Ghoulan evolved species of death skeleton. Difficulty: A-rank" The words were foreign, but I understood them. I wasnt sure how, but I knew it was telling me exactly what I was looking at. "High Ghoul, except this one, these all chimps look very weak." "Lower Ghoul Lower monsters obey their creator. Difficulty: C-rank" "So this stronger one might have summoned these chimps. What will happen if I kill the High Ghoul first?" "Summoned creatures vanish as soon as their master dies." "I see." I glanced back at the creature. It was staring directly at me, its decayed lips curling into something resembling a smile. I couldnt make out its muttered words, but they were definitely directed toward me. Then, one of the smaller ghouls behind it took a step forward. It had the same sickening grin on its face, its body jerking with every movement. It let out a dry, raspy laughkhe, khe, khebefore it slowly started advancing toward us. Reha immediately clung to my side, pressing against my shoulder, her grip tight. I felt her body tense, her breath quick and shallow. "U-umm! Sen-san. What... is this thing?" her voice, shaky. The smaller ghoul raised its sword. It was a rusty weapon, blunt and uneven, but it could still cause damage if it landed. "Reha, step back," I ordered, my voice firm and confident, though I could feel the adrenaline starting to pump through my veins. alright "Bu-But! This is alright" She hesitated first but, as if she understood something, she stepped back. Id fought many armed opponents before. So I was ready. But I''ve never experienced a combat like this, The ghoul screeched, lunged forward as it brought the sword down, "But evading a blunt strike is not much of a problem." Evading the attack, I slipped to its right. In a flash, wrapping my hands, I twisted its wrist with a sharp motion. Its humerus broke, and the sword flew from its hand, clattering to the ground. "As I thought." I muttered, my lips curling into a grin. Even though they are strong, their bones are not. Their rotten body has too much disadvantages. I grabbed the rusty blade off the floor, feeling its weight in my hand. The grip was uneven, but it didnt matter. The ghoul didnt hesitate. It lunged again, more reckless this time. "Kuehhh!" It howled, desperate. I sidestepped its wild attack. Stepping its side, I pierced through its heart, but it was not enough. I kicked it back, the sword was in motion before the ghoul could register what was happening. The blade cleaved through the air in a clean, unexpected arc, slicing through its neck in a single strike. The head came off with an almost sickening ease, rolling across the floor before the body crumpled. The fight was over but not truly. Next /// Chapter 5: A fierce battle & the Girl''s... A Fierce battle & the Girls... Chapter 5: A Fierce battle & The Girl''s... The High Ghoul crushed the severed head beneath its foot, its glare fixed on me. It raised a hand, muttering words that sent a shiver down my spine. The Lower Ghouls closed in, their stiff movements menacing. I tightened my grip on my sword. "Sen-san, they are way too much." she said while trembling in fear. "I can''t take it lightly," I said, "Should I use it or not?" It is not evitable. The sword began to glow with a soft, blue light. As the light faded, a gleaming shine of blade, like it had never been used before, it seemed. As I walked toward the Lower Ghouls, they moved to surround me. I swung my sword in a wide arc, using my hips and legs to generate power. The blade bit deep into the shoulder of the nearest ghoul, and I quickly withdrew it, using the momentum to fuel a swift kick that sent the ghoul stumbling back. "Panting." i was already exhausted, A ghoul sneakingly struck a Slashed wound in my chest, "Sen-san!" Reha wailed. It definitely was deep, if not for magic i would have died a long time ago. Without wasting a moment Ghoul lunged again, I deflected the blow with a high guard, using my sword to deflect the blade. As the minion stumbled forward, I countered with a swift strike, aiming for the gap between its neck and shoulder. The blade bit deep, and the minion crumpled to the ground. The High Ghoul''s face contorted in fury as it advanced on me, Shoving its minions aside roughly. It muttered some unknown words, staring at me, unintelligible though, I knew what he meant. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. It raised its sword, using a classic overhead grip. I recognized the stance, and knew it was preparing for a powerful blow. I focused on the High Ghoul''s footwork, watching as it shifted its weight onto its back leg. I knew the attack was coming, and I prepared myself accordingly. As the High Ghoul unleashed its blow, "Krrrrghhhh!" I sidestepped to the left, using my back leg to push off the ground. I raised my sword, using a low guard to deflect the blade. The impact was heavy, but I managed to absorb it, using my legs and hips to dissipate the force. Closing in the distance, I moved closer to it. The Ghoul grinned, releasing it''s left hand''s grip from the sword and tries to twist my neck, but understanding it''s move, i shifted my weight and slipped to it''s back Before it could respond, I thrust my sword into its back. The High Ghoul muttered unknown words, and its sword began to glow. I jumped back, avoiding its wild slash, slashing a small cut on my cheek. "So you won''t die easily." I said. Even though I knew I couldn''t stretch this battle much longer, I didn''t have any way to defeat it directly. "I''ve already lost too much blood." Every breath turned more and more heavy. I haven''t been in such large combat before. Heavily panting, As we exchanged blows, I sensed an opening. Its sword had lost balance, taking upon opportunity, I slashed at its left side. The High Ghoul stumbled, its body beginning to dissolve. It fell to the ground, groaning in pain. "It deliberately gave me an opening." It was strange, something was off, But before dying it shoved its sword into the ground, creating a magic circle beneath our feets. There were many ruins coinciding the circle, bright. I knew I had to get out of there, fast. "Sen-san!" Reha screamed. "Shit, It couldn''t be..." I pushed myself up and jumped toward Reha, pushing her out of the circle just in time. I barely managed to push her out of the circle with me. A massive pillar of flames erupted from the circle, engulfing the Ghoul and reducing it to ashes. As I balanced myself, I asked her, "Are you alright?" panting. Reha nodded, still looking dazed. "Uhh... Ohh! Y-yes... uhm, but S-sen-san..." Her eyes widened, and she blushed deeply. Averting eye contact. I realized, too late, that I was still leaning over her, my hand inadvertently resting on her breast. Her firm, soft breasts could be felt even through her clothes. "E or I guess they''re close to C." I muttered. Reha looked up at me, her eyes shining with tears, her face beat red. I knew I''d made a mistake. "Oh shit, I messed up," I thought to myself. God''s Altar /// Arcelona stood beside the god, asking, "Was it alright to let him go like that?" The god replied, "Whether he lives or dies, it won''t affect our plan." Arcelona had more questions, but she asked only one more, "And what about that girl?" The god''s response was enigmatic. "Hah! It''s futile. Whatever she''s trying to accomplish is beyond her control." As the god rested his head on his hands, Arcelona couldn''t help but wonder what lay ahead.