Driven by primal instincts, Axel kept his distance from the creature before him—a humanoid, horned being with tough, red skin. One thing was certain: it didn't belong to this dimension. Yet, faced with this incomprehensible, senseless entity, tears welled up in his eyes.
Seconds passed. Observing it, Axel quickly wiped the tears away. Fragmented memories flashed through his mind, but there was no time to think. Instinct took over, and he lunged at the creature. It did not resist. Instead, it dropped to one knee, right arm on the ground, left thumb in its mouth, its gaze provocative. A silent message:
—"Do you remember?"
A surge of anger he couldn't explain overcame him. Axel struck with a sharp, violent blow. The strategist had charged blindly, giving everything he had. The impact was immense—the beast was thrown back, disappearing into the cave. Axel, still tearful, watched the memory fragments fall into place in his mind and whispered through clenched teeth:
—"You'll die… I will avenge Nine."
Fueled by anger, Axel dashed into the cave. Once inside, it seemed to close around them, trapping the two fighters—it was as if the cave itself were alive. The beast emitted a scream neither human nor animal and, with unbelievable speed and strength, kicked Axel, sending him flying. He braced against the wall to absorb the blow.
—"Every strike is deadly… that kick alone cost me my right lung…"
Still, despite the pain and blood, Axel rose. On his face appeared the same smile he had worn only when facing Benine—a mix of confidence and concentrated rage.
The creature snickered, hopping from foot to foot like a child, still wearing its provocative expression. Axel's smile twisted into a grimace of anger and resolve. Drawing both blades, he slashed through the demon's arm. Ignoring the pain, the creature grabbed its severed limb and struck Axel, the impact sending a cloud of smoke into the air. When it cleared, Axel, bleeding, stood behind the beast.
—"Take this!"
He hurled one blade at the demon, but with a flick of its head, it dodged, smiling down at Axel with an air of superiority. Axel lifted his rusty blade and whispered:
—"Ryndar, Celestial Lightning Rod!"
Lightning erupted, piercing the cave and striking his blade with blinding intensity. Axel's rubber gloves conducted the electricity, turning his weapon into a supercharged blade. The creature braced to dodge, but Axel, a wicked grin on his lips, thought:
—(That smile… only I can wear it.)
—"Did you know that metal struck by lightning becomes a magnet?"
The thrown blade shot back at him at lightning speed, drawn to the electrified second blade.
—"Magnum Attract!" Axel shouted. His blade pierced the beast with incredible force and precision. The creature staggered, its piercing gaze locking onto Axel one last time before collapsing lifelessly. Its sadistic smile vanished.
With one final motion, Axel decapitated the beast. The condition was fulfilled, yet the path ahead remained shrouded in danger and mystery.
---
Meanwhile, on Benine's side…
Fully regenerated, Benine slowly opened his eyes. His gaze landed on Umbrela, glowing with a strange brilliance. A mysterious smile curved his lips.
—"These forms… is this heaven?" he murmured, his voice soft yet unsettling, filled with ominous undertones.
The silence that followed was thick with unease and anticipation, signaling that the story was only just beginning.
--- The End ---