The events on Cthulhu Island could no longer be hidden in the shadows. Since the emergence of terrifying individuals like Takamiya Mayuri and others, the World Organization had become extremely vigilant, their eyes now closely monitoring the entire world.
So when they detected anomalies—extreme weather changes and chilling spikes of [mana] on Cthulhu Island—observers with trembling hands immediately reported it to the highest levels.
It didn't take long. All incidents on Cthulhu Island now became the focus of various authorities. As data accumulated—two dungeon breaks and three mysterious Guild emblems—they immediately understood what was happening.
"Those greedy bastards!"
Anger erupted in the command room as they realized who was moving behind the scenes. Without wasting time, the World Organization formed an elite force to be sent to Cthulhu Island. Supported by numerous organizations, kingdoms, and empires, Rank S Hunters arrived like waves.
Even the First Commander, Laura Silver—a Rank SS Hunter who had faced the Frost Assassin—joined this force, her face hardened with rarely seen determination.
But they knew this wasn't enough.
"Call the Rank SS. All of them."
Five minutes later, a heavier decision was made.
"Contact all five Rank SSS. Tell them it's red priority."
The World Organization then dispatched Rank B+ and Rank A+ Hunters in numbers that filled the sky. With such power, even the mighty Light Sun Kingdom would vanish in the blink of an eye!
Fleets of helicopters and fighter jets filled the horizon. By both air and sea routes, the forces continued to flow without pause, creating giant shadows over the ocean.
To expedite deployment, special teleportation gates were prepared by the World Organization's Spatial Magic division. Blue light glowed illuminating the sky as dimensional gates opened.
But as soon as the first forces stepped through the gates, they were immediately confronted with a sight that exceeded their worst nightmares.
"W-what is that...?"
A violent storm hit them with power beyond disaster category. The falling rain felt like thousands of ice needles, each drop filled with [mana] so dense that their detection equipment short-circuited instantly, screens flashing red before dying.
Then their gaze turned to a colossal figure towering 60 meters in the distance—a giant creature holding a black diamond spear. Its breath created frozen mist, and when the creature opened its mouth...
"GRAAAAHHH...!!!"
Its roar shook heaven and earth, as if the world itself was screaming in pain.
And as if that wasn't enough, thousands of Giants and countless monstrous tentacles emerged from the sea and land, attacking the human forces like a wave of death!
***
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The deafening thunder awakened Lux from darkness. He tried to open his heavy eyes, but found that not only could he not open his eyes, moving even a fingertip was impossible for him...
What happened? Lux's memories felt foggy. The Rank SSS Giant faced by Queenie's forces suddenly appeared before him and then...
'...I was attacked.'
His memory returned like sharp glass fragments. Most shockingly, Lux couldn't see the direction from which the attack came. Being directly hit by a Rank SSS Giant's attack, he should have been reduced to ashes.
However, thanks to Raiden Ei/Shogun's protection at the last moment, he managed to escape death.
Still, severe injuries couldn't be avoided.
Forcing his body to rise with iron determination, Lux pulled his right arm that was bent in a horrifying direction. The sound of breaking bones echoed terribly as he corrected its position, yet strangely he felt no pain whatsoever—thanks to his Talent.
"RROAAAAARRR...!!"
BOOM...!!
A monster's roar followed by lightning splitting the sky made Lux turn. From a distance, he witnessed a scene that could only be described with one word: apocalypse.
Even from a great distance, Lux could still see the silhouette of the Rank SSS Giant fighting against Raiden Ei/Shogun. Their battle created shockwaves that destroyed the surrounding land.
No, it wasn't accurate to call it Rank SSS anymore. Judging from its power and overflowing aura, the Giant had clearly transcended the limits of Rank SSS.
Lux narrowed his eyes, analyzing the situation quickly. It seemed that something—some power—was causing every Magical Beast in this place to experience drastic power increases.
'I was thrown very far.'
Although this caused most of his body to suffer severe damage, Lux considered it a hidden blessing. With his current power level, it would be suicide to get involved in a battle between two god-like beings.
"Wow, really? You're still alive?"
A familiar voice came from behind, spoken with an exaggerated tone of surprise. Hearing this voice, Lux's expression immediately turned cold as eternal ice.
Jet-black hair with dangerously glinting purple eyes. A cloak with two skull heads as ornaments and two long gleaming daggers at his waist. This figure was a Rank SS Hunter and Chairman of the Second Order—one of the Orders that had long been hostile to Lux.
Seeing the man standing casually, without a single wound, while everyone else struggled to survive, plus the fact that he was seeking Lux instead of helping fight the monsters, Lux immediately realized something dark.
"You..." Lux stared sharply, "Is the appearance of these monsters related to you?"
A grin appeared on the Second Order Chairman's face. "I know what you're thinking, and yes, that's right. Most of the problems happening now are my handiwork." He shrugged as if discussing the weather. "But seeing you still alive... I'm not too surprised. That's typical of you. By the way, where are your group members? Are they dead? Very disappointing, bu—"
WHOOSH!!
Before finishing, the Second Order Chairman's figure disappeared instantly as an ice slash darted toward his neck.
"Hey, hey, at least let me speak first." His voice was heard from another side. "Aren't you curious about what's really happening? If you want, I can explain everything to you," he said with a disgusting, tempting tone.
"This is my answer."
The air around Lux vibrated before thousands of spears and ice swords formed, floating in perfect formation. Cold blue light reflected from each sharp blade before they all launched like a deadly storm toward the Second Order Chairman.
Seeing this, the Second Order Chairman just shook his head with a disappointed sigh. "Well, it doesn't matter, but..." His smile turned into a cruel grin. "Aren't you underestimating a Rank SS Hunter too much?"
SLASH! CLANG!
With just one casual swing of his dagger, all of Lux's ice weapons shattered like thin glass.
In the blink of an eye, the Second Order Chairman's figure vanished. Lux's instincts screamed danger—one of his enemy's daggers had shot from the darkness, ready to pierce his heart from behind.
TING!
Sparks of fire and ice lit brightly as the Second Order Chairman's dagger was blocked by an ice spear that appeared from nowhere, protecting Lux.
"Oh?" The Second Order Chairman couldn't hide his surprise. However, that expression quickly turned to horror when he felt something moving beneath his feet.
The ground below him shook violently before cracking, and from inside emerged a two-headed ice dragon that immediately lunged at him with giant jaws!
BOOOOOMMMM...!!!
The Second Order Chairman was caught by the ice creature and carried high into the air. The ice dragon roared fiercely before violently crashing itself—with the Second Order Chairman in its grip—into a series of mountains in the distance!
Crash after crash created booms that drew the attention of all Giants and octopus monsters around them!
SLASH! BANG!
But the power of a Rank SS Hunter could not be underestimated. Within seconds, the ice dragon attacking the Second Order Chairman shattered into crystal fragments scattered in the air.
The Second Order Chairman's figure reappeared, but his appearance was now far from neat. His cloak was torn in several places, and fresh blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.
"Now, you look better," Lux praised without emotion, his eyes flashing coldly.
"Hahaha!" The Second Order Chairman's laughter erupted, but there was obvious anger behind it. "You've managed to annoy me, Frost Knight." He snapped his fingers. "So... I'll fight you with the others."
In an instant, several silhouettes moved with extraordinary speed. Even with his trained reflexes, Lux couldn't catch all their movements.
BANG...!!!
"Ugh!" Blood spurted from Lux's mouth as a direct hit struck his stomach.
With his left eye closed due to injury and labored breathing, Lux's gaze still emanated a terrifying killing aura. The ice mask that had hidden his identity was now shattered, revealing his young face filled with iron determination.
"Don't blame me, Kid. Blame yourself for having too many enemies," said his attacker in a cold tone.
"Isn't it pathetic? Two Rank SS Hunters and a group of Rank S Hunters must unite to eliminate one ordinary Rank S Hunter?" replied Lux, his voice remaining calm despite the dire situation.
"Say what you want." The muscular man pressing Lux's body snorted. He was the feared Rank SS Hunter from Shadow Order—Chairman of the Fourth Order.
"How is it? Do you like the surprise I've given you, Lux Frost?" The Second Order Chairman walked closer, a victorious smile on his face.
"..." Lux was silent for a moment, then asked in a calm voice, "Did you have to do all this?"
"Of course I had to!" The Second Order Chairman suddenly shouted, his emotions overflowing. "You! Why does the Guild Leader always pay attention to you?! Why are we who are Rank SS Hunters instead looked at with disgust by him?!" His breathing was ragged, his face reddened by undisguised jealousy.
"..." Lux shifted his gaze to the Fourth Order Chairman, seeking answers.
"Don't equate me with him," the muscular man answered flatly. "I have my own reasons. I was just paid a decent amount to finish you off."
'Lie...' Lux could clearly feel the lie behind the Fourth Order Chairman's words. He could sense the pure hatred emanating from the man.
But Lux didn't waste energy questioning it. He looked back at the Second Order Chairman and asked directly, "So you did all this?"
"Heh, I actually don't want to explain to you because you refused to listen earlier, but since you're on the verge of death..." The Second Order Chairman grinned widely. "Yes and no. It's true that I planned all this by spreading false information, but in fact, I am merely a pawn of that 'Being'."
"Being?"
"Yes! That Being!" His eyes widened with obvious madness. "He is the main mastermind behind the sudden increase of all these monsters! He is powerful and invincible! 'True Cthulhu'—an Unknown Rank Dungeon Boss who once killed three Rank SSS Hunters in the blink of an eye!"
The Second Order Chairman laughed like a madman. "We made a simple exchange. I would sacrifice the Hunters as offerings to restore his power, and in return, he would help me kill you and make Queenie mine. But seeing your current state..." He licked his lips. "I think this exchange is very worthwhile."
"..." No words came from Lux's lips.
Seeing no reaction from the Frost Assassin, the Second Order Chairman became more annoyed. He raised his dagger, ready to thrust it into Lux's heart when a whisper was heard...
"Restore... all templates... and upgrade..."
WHOOSH!!
"Huh?"
Everyone gasped as a golden glow suddenly radiated from Lux's body...
KAAABOOOMMM...!!
Blue fire burning like a supernova suddenly exploded, hitting them all with a terrible shockwave!
"Damn it! Don't let him escape! He's abou—" The Second Order Chairman shouted furiously, but his words were cut off as a white flash darted toward his neck. "?!!!"
SLASH!!
A sharp slash split the air and everything it passed through into two perfect halves! Fortunately for the Second Order Chairman, his reflexes were still enough to avoid it at the last second!
But the attacks didn't stop there. More and more white lightning slashes appeared, creating an orchestra of death targeting every inch of his body!
In desperation, the Second Order Chairman's gaze met a pair of red eyes emanating a killer aura. A petite figure with a gleaming white katana. White hair tied in two ponytails and a gracefully flowing red and white kimono.
Those red eyes looked empty as if seeing through the soul of prey already marked for death.
The Second Order Chairman shuddered with horror when he realized one impossible thing...
'How can an ordinary Rank B Hunter have power equivalent to Rank S+?!'
His question would never be answered as hundreds of deadly slashes now rained down on his entire body, giving him no chance to breathe let alone think!
SLASSHHH...!!
***
BOOOOMM...!!
"I told him to kill you immediately! Instead he wasted time with useless chatter!"
The Fourth Order Chairman growled angrily. His eyes focused on the young man standing calmly facing them.
Hair black as raven wings. A pair of sharp, cold dark blue eyes. His expression serious and emotionless, perfectly hiding his thoughts and intentions.
His right hand gripped a blue-black katana known as 'Nichirin'.
As someone who had investigated the Frost Assassin and his group, the Fourth Order Chairman certainly recognized this young man as a member of Zero Order, but...
"As I recall, you were only equivalent to Rank B or at most A." The Fourth Order Chairman raised his fist which began to be enveloped in dark aura. "But what I feel now is Rank S+." His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "How did you do it?"
"..." The young man, Tomioka Giyū, did not answer his question. Instead, he said in a calm yet threatening voice, "Just so you know... You've made a grave mistake by hurting our Leader. If the girls who are facing you now..." His eyes flashed coldly. "Either physically or mentally... you will truly be destroyed without a trace."
"You're saying something funny." The Fourth Order Chairman's body began to swell frighteningly. His muscles bulged unnaturally, his blood vessels protruding like snakes under his skin. With a bloodthirsty gaze, his hands grew to twice their size. "Physical and mental destruction? That's nonsens—"
Before his sentence finished, the world around him changed. The Fourth Order Chairman suddenly saw an illusion of a massive water dragon rushing toward him!
Though only an illusion, surprisingly the Rank S Hunters standing around him suddenly screamed in pain—their bodies filled with deep slash wounds that appeared from nowhere!
Seeing this, the Fourth Order Chairman wasted no time and launched a destroyer punch to crush the water dragon illusion before him!
BANG...!!!
The sharp edge of the Nichirin katana clashed directly with the Fourth Order Chairman's mighty punch!
The collision of these two powers created a shockwave that destroyed the ground within a radius of dozens of meters!
From an outside perspective, they appeared equal, but the reality was different. Tomioka Giyū felt his hand holding Nichirin go numb instantly, his bones vibrating violently under the terrible pressure.
Without panic, Tomioka Giyū exhaled a thick mist in a smooth motion.
"Lately, Rank SS Hunters are too often underestimated." The Fourth Order Chairman said in a mocking tone. "Therefore, I'll show you the true power of a Rank SS Hunter."
The Fourth Order Chairman's body glowed a terrifying blood red. He activated his talent that increased his physical endurance to extreme levels. Combined with all his concentrated [mana], the Fourth Order's power even exceeded the Rank SS limit and entered the realm of Rank SS+!
"Is that so?" Tomioka Giyū responded calmly. "Then, I'll show you what a Hashira can do."
Tomioka Giyū's breathing became heavy and deep. His heart beat faster and harder, his blood flowing vigorously like a river flooding his entire body, making his skin feel burned from within.
As his breathing became more controlled, changes began to occur in Tomioka Giyū. A tattoo resembling water flow appeared beautifully on the left side of his face, gleaming blue under the dim sunlight.
When he opened his eyes again, the world looked different to Tomioka Giyū. His vision now penetrated the outer layer of his opponent's body—clearly seeing the muscles, blood flow, and movement of every joint of the living being before him.
Transparent World—a deadly technique mastered only by the strongest Hashiras—was now fully active.
As if responding to this change, the Nichirin katana that was initially blue changed color to a glowing blood red!
Witnessing this transformation, the Fourth Order Chairman's expression changed to horror!
'What is this bo—'
"<
Slassshh...!!
***
[Ding! Consumed 1,000,000 Achievement Points for instant recovery of Inaba Tsukuyo Template (✯✯)!]
[Ding! Consumed 1,200,000 Achievement Points for instant recovery of Tomioka Giyū Template (✯✯✯)!]
[Ding! Found that enemy power is many times greater than templates!]
[Upgrade Inaba Tsukuyo template (✯✯) to Inaba Tsukuyo template (✯✯✯✯) within 1 hour - Consume 25,000,000 Achievement Points. Does Host approve?]
[Upgrade Tomioka Giyū template (✯✯✯) to Tomioka Giyū template (✯✯✯✯) within 1 hour - Consume 37,000,000 Achievement Points. Does Host approve?]
[DING! Approval granted. Consuming 62,000,000 Achievement Points for template upgrades]
[Template Inaba Tsukuyo (✯✯) >>> Inaba Tsukuyo (✯✯✯✯) - Time Limited 1 hour]
[Template Tomioka Giyū (✯✯✯) >>> Tomioka Giyū (✯✯✯✯) - Time Limited 1 Hour]
[Ding! Consumed 10,000,000 Achievement Points for instant recovery of Todoroki Touya / Dabi Template (✯✯✯)]
[Ding! Consumed 30,000,000 Achievement Points for instant recovery of Artemisia Bell Ashcroft Template (✯✯✯)]
[Current Achievement Points remaining: 400,570,000 Points]
"Ugh..." Lux's body staggered, only standing thanks to Dabi supporting his shoulder. With trembling hands, he wiped blood flowing from the corner of his mouth.
"You look miserable, Leader," Dabi commented flatly, his face full of burn scars showing no emotion whatsoever.
"...Indeed," answered Lux with unnatural calmness for someone who nearly died moments ago.
Truly, this time he was completely caught off guard. Fighting alone against such power was clearly impossible. Who would have expected betrayal at such critical moments?
Although Lux had suspected the Second Order Chairman had a hidden agenda to kill him, this plan was far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined.
To match the extraordinary power of the enemy, Lux was forced to spend tens of millions of Achievement Points at once to summon and strengthen his four templates.
Lux's gaze shifted to Artemisia who was facing five Rank S Hunters simultaneously. Various Territories—magical territorial fields—appeared around her, creating a deadly moving labyrinth.
Even so, fighting five Rank S Hunters at once remained a severe challenge even for Artemisia.
However, something disturbed Lux's mind...
'Is it just my feeling, or are Artemisia's attacks filled with unusual killing intent?'
Lux raised his eyebrows, observing carefully. Artemisia's movements were different from usual—more aggressive, more cruel. Every attack launched by the woman seemed aimed at brutally killing, not just defeating...
Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, Lux created a pair of gleaming ice swords. Beside him, Dabi also prepared to enter the battlefield, blue fire blazing in both his hands.
Suddenly, a giant shadow enveloped them. Looking up, they saw dozens of Giants launching building-sized fists toward them!
BANG! BANG! BANG!
"<
Without hesitation, Dabi unleashed his deadly attack. Blue fire blazed forming a giant spider web, shooting upward with terrifying speed. Although the Giants had received power upgrades, they were still helpless against the villain's hellfire.
BOOOMMM...!!!
The Giants screamed in pain as Dabi's blue fire web tore through their bodies, turning flesh and bone to ash in an instant!
Meanwhile, Lux didn't remain idle. Creating a pair of crystal ice wings on his back, he darted with speed almost invisible to the naked eye!
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Slash after slash was launched by Lux, his ice swords cutting through the bodies of the remaining Giants. As those monsters screamed in pain, both of Lux's eyes changed—his Mystic Eyes of Death Perception fully activated.
Black death lines filled his vision, forming complex webs on every enemy's body. Without hesitation, Lux cut every death line connected to the Giants!
SLASH!
Like puppets with their strings cut, the Giants instantly stopped moving—their bodies stiff for a moment before slowly turning to dust blown by the wind.
Their existence erased from this world, without trace, without remains.
From the right, Lux's instinct screamed danger. He felt a gust of strong wind followed by dense killing intent. In an instant, a dark silhouette darted from the darkness, launching a deadly thrust toward his heart!
CLING!
That sharp thrust was blocked by a bluish blade radiating cold light.
Artemisia floated gracefully surrounded by dozens of rotating transparent green shields protecting her. With a deadly movement, she swung Arondight—the strongest Wizard's sword—which radiated an ominous blue aura as it met directly with the Rank S Hunter's blade!
There was no hesitation in her eyes. Artemisia intended to send her opponent to the afterlife.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! BOOOMM...!!
A tremendous boom shook the air. Magic collided with magic, creating energy waves that destroyed everything they touched.
While Artemisia dueled with the Rank S Hunter aided by Dabi, Lux frowned when dozens of giant tentacles emerged from the darkness, sweeping clean the ground's surface.
'King of Cthulhu.'
No need to see its true form to recognize this suffocating aura. King of Cthulhu—a Rank SSS Magical Beast whose existence was only considered legend. Yet here, the creature was present with all its horror and power.
With quick movement, Lux created an ice wyvern and shot high into the sky, dancing among tentacle attacks trying to grasp him. Mystic Eyes of Death Perception active, his eyes catching death points invisible to ordinary eyes.
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
Each cut tentacle immediately turned to ash—without chance to regenerate. But the King of Cthulhu remained alive, as if those wounds were merely ant bites to it.
Lux took a card between two fingers. His blue eyes flashed with cold satisfaction. "Fighting monsters must be countered with monsters. Don't you think so, Takamiya Mayuri?"
"<
BOOOM...!!
Golden flashes struck fiercely, annihilating dozens of giant tentacles in an instant. The air split, the ground shook, and the sky seemed torn by power not of this world.
[Ding! Summoning of Takamiya Mayuri Template (✯✯✯✯✯) successful!]
Beside Lux stood a graceful figure with soft light blonde hair gleaming gently under the moonlight. Her pair of pink eyes gazed calmly toward the enemy. Pure white wings like an angel spread on her back, contrasting with the elegant black dress and golden boots she wore. Standing side by side with Lux, they appeared like two sides of the same coin—beauty and destruction.
What left everyone in awe was the creature behind her—Kerubiel, a giant black winged sphere radiating a god-like aura. With full consciousness, Kerubiel released endless golden lightning strikes, destroying the King of Cthulhu's tentacles like cutting grass.
"I'll leave this part to you. Destroy the King of Cthulhu," Lux ordered.
"Very well..." Takamiya Mayuri nodded gently, a thin smile adorning her perfect face.
Lux wasted no time. He commanded his ice wyvern toward the intended location—where the real battle would begin.
Mayuri watched Lux's retreating back then turned to the monster before her. Raising her hand gracefully, various elements began spinning around her—creating a small tornado containing destructive power.
"<
One by one the Angels' names flowed melodiously from her lips, as if singing a death song. A large sword manifested in her hand—crystallizing all elemental powers into one destroyer weapon.
Blazing fire from Camael, chilling ice from Zadkiel, killer winds from Raphael, and supreme power from Gabriel—all merged in a terrible harmony.
"<
Without mercy, that deadly slash was released.
SLASSSHHHH....!!!
***
Feeling the tremendous wave from behind, Lux continued driving his ice wyvern, splitting the sky at wind-defying speed. Every second was precious.
But suddenly, a deadly pressure hit from behind. His survival instinct screamed. Without hesitation, Lux jumped from the wyvern's back!
BANG!
As if swatting a mosquito, the ice wyvern Lux created was destroyed in one blow—leaving sparkling ice crystal fragments in the air.
"Another Rank SS+ Giant..." muttered Lux calmly, though his heart was pounding rapidly.
This was the third Rank SS+ Giant he had encountered. If he could kill it...
'If only it were that easy.'
In an elegant motion, Lux created a gleaming ice spear, ready to cut the death line on the giant creature before him. But before he moved, a sudden rain of white slashes attacked, protecting Lux from a sudden attack!
BANG!!
The Rank SS+ Giant's hand was destroyed instantly, as if minced by thousands of invisible swords!
"Tsukuyo," Lux greeted the suddenly appearing figure.
"Disappointing, but I failed to kill that man." The petite girl with white twin ponytails looked annoyed. Her kimono was torn in several places and soaked in blood—a mixture of her own and her enemies'.
Inaba Tsukuyo's condition wasn't surprising. Although her power had been upgraded to the Rank S+ realm, killing the Second Order Chairman—a Rank SS Hunter—was no easy matter.
"It doesn't matter. Besides, get ready." Lux gripped his ice spear tightly. He realized they were now surrounded by the Second Order troops.
In the midst of the encirclement stood a figure with an intimidating aura—the Second Order Chairman. The man stepped forward with a gloomy expression and heavy steps. Blood flowed from his severed right arm, a permanent wound inflicted by Inaba Tsukuyo.
"You look miserable, Second Order Chairman. But I'm pleased with that news," said Lux without change in expression.
"Lux Frost. Tell me..." The Second Order Chairman's voice was low and heavy, filled with hatred. "Where did you find these monsters?"
'From the system,' Lux answered inwardly, but he only smiled mysteriously. "That's a trade secret."
"I see..." The Second Order Chairman's eyes flashed dangerously, filled with unbridled vengeance. "Then die!"
With that shout, black ice thrusts shot toward them, spinning and splitting the air like death spears!
"Duck, Master!" Inaba Tsukuyo shouted.
Without questioning, Lux immediately ducked. He trusted Tsukuyo's abilities completely.
In one graceful yet deadly movement, Inaba Tsukuyo drew her katana from its sheath, then swung it in one smooth motion!
SLASH!
Time seemed to stop. The air split. The world cut into two.
Tsukuyo's horizontal slash extended mercilessly, cutting everything within its range—trees, rocks, mountains, Second Order troops, even the Rank SS+ Giant! Nothing escaped that one deadly swing.
An expression of horror was clearly drawn on the Second Order Chairman's face. 'This girl is extremely dangerous!'
His survival instinct screamed to run, but would Lux let him escape just like that?
Certainly not.
With speed nearly imperceptible to the eye, Lux threw his ice spear. The Second Order Chairman realized it and tried to destroy the spear, but when the spear shattered, the ice fragments suddenly transformed into chains and bound him!
'DAMN—'
Panic enveloped the Second Order Chairman. He raised his face and met Lux's glowing left eye—Mystic Eyes of Death Perception active, marking several death points on his body.
One line. Just one line needed to end everything.
BOOM!
"Tsk." Lux clicked his tongue in annoyance when a giant tentacle suddenly appeared, blocking his final attack.
Why was it so difficult to kill this trash? Was he a hidden Son of Destiny?
"Hahaha! You will end, Lux Frost!" The Second Order Chairman laughed maniacally.
Lux narrowed his eyes, analyzing the situation quickly. He glanced at Inaba Tsukuyo now surrounded by dozens of bloodthirsty Rank S Hunters.
'I need more power.'
Without warning, the Rank SS+ Giant's giant fist shot toward Lux, ready to crush him like an ant under a foot.
Without flinching, Lux raised his hand. In an instant, hundreds of sharp ice blades emerged from the ground, forming a forest of thorns blocking the monster's fist!
CRASH!
The Rank SS+ Giant's screams of pain filled the air as its fist was pierced by hundreds of ice thorns. Black blood gushed profusely from its wounds, flooding the ground below.
"Why are you so hard to kill!" The Second Order Chairman began losing his sanity. Along with dozens of other Rank S and A Hunters, he darted toward Lux like a madman.
"Give me time, Tsukuyo," Lux asked calmly.
"Understood."
In the blink of an eye, Inaba Tsukuyo's petite figure stood before Lux. Her katana unsheathed, dancing in the air creating a storm of white slashes that cut apart every enemy who dared approach!
The Second Order Chairman trembled watching that massacre. But his hatred was stronger than his fear.
Why? Why was the Frost Assassin, just a beginner, always surrounded by powerful people? Why not him?
Why was fate so unfair?!
That jealousy and hatred burned his soul, igniting hidden power as a true Rank SS Hunter. A dark ice storm appeared around him, darting toward Lux with soul-freezing cold!
Inaba Tsukuyo continued cutting every attacking ice crystal, but there were too many. Attacks from all directions overwhelmed her.
The Rank SS+ Giant joined in, swinging its fists repeatedly to crush the "insect" before it!
This pressure was too heavy. Inaba Tsukuyo vomited blood, yet remained standing tall.
"Stubborn!"
Knowing she must not fall, Inaba Tsukuyo growled angrily. With iron determination, she decided to use her strongest sword technique!
"<
Time seemed to slow down. In a motion almost invisible to the eye, Tsukuyo made three slashes—two horizontal and one vertical—cutting everything before her with terrifying precision!
The Rank SS+ Giant struck by the sword thrust immediately lost both legs, cut cleanly as if split by the hottest blade!
"GRAAAGG...!!"
Screams of pain echoed as the giant body collapsed to the ground, creating a small earthquake.
But that victory came at a high price. Inaba Tsukuyo fell to her knees, her breathing heavy and panting. Fresh blood flowed from the corner of her mouth. Trembling, the girl tried to rise, leaning on her katana.
Suddenly, her body was enveloped in black ice that appeared from nowhere.
"Ugh?!" Surprised, Inaba Tsukuyo tried to fight, cutting the ice binding her.
But in vain. The black ice was too strong, even for her sword technique.
"Kuh... Disappointing, attacking a girl silently. Aren't you ashamed?" she taunted, still able to challenge despite being trapped.
"SILENCE! Now I'll kill you!" The Second Order Chairman roared, out of control.
All Rank S Hunters under his command had fallen at Inaba Tsukuyo's hands. If not for the mysterious tentacles that always protected him, the Second Order Chairman was certain he too would have become pieces of meat.
But he was still alive! Fate was still on his side!
As he raised his hand to deliver the final blow to Inaba Tsukuyo, something strange happened. Raindrops around them suddenly evaporated—creating a thin mist that hissed.
The air temperature increased drastically within seconds.
'What is—'
The Second Order Chairman didn't even have time to complete his thought.
WHUUUSSSHHH!
A burst of red flames, hot enough to melt steel, pierced straight through his body! The fire danced inside him, burning his vital organs from within.
"Pfft...!!"
Even as an SS Rank Hunter, he couldn't escape death that came in the form of fire.
'Who...?'
In his final moments, the Chairman of the Second Order saw a petite figure standing gracefully. She wore a pristine white kimono with a floating transparent sash. Her small frame radiated a terrifying aura. Her red hair shimmered like flickering flames, tied with black ribbons at a pair of oni-like horns.
In her hands, a massive red spear gleamed—clearly too large for her small body. Around her, dozens of fireballs floated, ready to destroy anyone who dared approach.
From a certain perspective, she almost looked like a goddess of fire descended to earth...
Before darkness swallowed him forever, the Chairman's final thought was filled with irony:
'Are lolis so terrifying these days?...'
***
[Ding! Host Has Performed 10x on the Date A Live Promotion Gacha (Itsuka Kotori)!]
[Ding! 45,000,000 Achievement Points consumed!]
A series of system notifications appeared before Lux, displaying his gacha results one by one. His eyes gleamed when he saw:
[Ding! Ninth Spin: Congratulations! Successfully obtained ✯✯✯✯✯ Character Template - Itsuka Kotori!]
[Ding! Tenth Spin: Obtained item from Date A Live, 'Sephira Crystal - Gevurah Crystal'!]
[Ding! Template Itsuka Kotori's progress is too low for original summoning. Would Host like to consume 159,000,000 Achievement Points?]
Without hesitation, Lux approved.
[Ding! Approval received. Consuming 159,000,000 Achievement Points... Increasing Template Itsuka Kotori's progress by 100%!]
[Ding! Summoning successful!]
[Achievement Points: 310,000,000 Points]
Watching his points drop dramatically, Lux's expression remained unchanged. For him, this was an investment—a fair price for the power he gained.
He approached Inaba Tsukuyo who lay weakly, her body still wrapped in remnants of black ice that had begun to melt. Lux closed his eyes and whispered softly:
"Return."
Instantly, Inaba Tsukuyo's body transformed into golden light particles, reverting to her original form—a template card that floated into Lux's hand.
[Ding! Severe damage to Template Inaba Tsukuyo (✯✯✯✯): 95% - Near death]
[Ding! Due to the deactivation of template Inaba Tsukuyo, the template enhancement time for Inaba Tsukuyo has also ended]
[Time to restore Template Inaba Tsukuyo (✯✯): '03 Months, 30 Days, 1 Hour, 20 Minutes'. Consume 10,000,000 Achievement Points for instant recovery]
Looking at the card description showing Inaba Tsukuyo's near-death condition, Lux heaved a heavy sigh. He clutched the card tightly before carefully storing it away.
"Are you just going to stand there?"
Lux raised his face, looking at the figure who had just saved them.
Itsuka Kotori. The fire Spirit from the world of Date A Live. Like Takamiya Mayuri, her power as a ✯✯✯✯✯ template was undeniable—brutal and terrifying.
Though the fire Spirit's face was expressionless, her red eyes betrayed worry and anxiety about Lux's condition. Her red spear still blazed, ready to destroy anyone who dared approach her master.
"Let's go, we still have work to do," Lux said calmly, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
"I understand." Itsuka Kotori nodded obediently. She turned toward the Giant Rank SS+ that was still roaring in pain with both legs severed. "What about this creature?"
"Kill it," Lux answered emotionlessly.
Without waiting for a second command, Itsuka Kotori raised her hand. Dozens of fireballs spun to form a large circle, then merged into a fire tornado that shot toward the Giant Rank SS+.
The giant creature didn't even have time to scream as its body was consumed by blazing red flames, melting its flesh down to the bones, before turning into ashes blown away by the wind.
[Ding! Obtained 150,000,000 Achievement Points!]
"...Hm?" Lux's eyebrow raised seeing the number of points he received. A small smile graced his usually expressionless face.
With Itsuka Kotori by his side, Lux walked toward the next battlefield. In the distance, tremendous explosions and flashes of light indicated that Takamiya Mayuri was destroying the King of Cthulhu.
The battle had just begun. And this time, Lux had no intention of losing.