"So basically," Katsu started, glancing at the others as they rested near the cliffside. "We were all born with hearts not the normal kind, but the kind that decides what power you get. Our hearts are our life source. Lose it, and… well, either you die, or you lose your power completely. Though, honestly," he paused, scratching the back of his head, "I've never actually seen someone lose their heart before."
Kentarō chuckled. "You wanna try losing yours?"
"Not funny," Katsu shot back, smirking despite himself. "Anyway, there are different kinds of hearts. The more common ones, like ours… and then there are the legendary hearts rare, powerful, ancient. The kind that can rewrite a fight just by beating once."
The group went quiet for a moment, their eyes drawn toward the setting horizon. The air shifted heavy, uneasy.
Meanwhile, deep within the Abyssal Spire
Bellerophon's eyes opened slowly, sensing a powerful wave of dread rippling from the outside world. His aura pulsed, distorting the air. "That feeling… something's stirring," he murmured before summoning one of his elites.
Mikoto, the swordsman who bore the Heart of Valkyrie, appeared in a shimmer of pale light and immediately knelt. Calm and precise not a single movement wasted.
"What is it that you wish, Your Majesty?" he asked quietly.
"I feel a surge of dread beyond these walls," Bellerophon replied. "I want you to find out what it is… and if necessary, erase it."
"As you command," Mikoto said, bowing his head.In an instant, he vanished leaving only the faint hum of divine energy behind.
Moments later, far from the Lair, Mikoto appeared before the boys, sitting casually on a rock as if he'd been waiting.
"You guys were hard to find," he said, tone almost teasing. "Looks like you weren't with Ingram, huh? Anyway…" He rose to his feet, eyes narrowing. "Shichiro you're coming with me. Orders from the boss."
Kentarō squinted at him, catching sight of something glowing faintly in Mikoto's chest. "Wait… your boss is who again?"
"Bellerophon," Mikoto replied, his expression flat. "Why?"
Kentarō leaned forward, pointing. "Then how come you still have your heart?"
Mikoto paused, eyes flickering. "If you're wondering about that…" he muttered. They've never fought an elite grade before…
"Reflect his movements, Kentarō!" Shichiro shouted suddenly.
Kentarō laughed nervously. "Dude, I can't we just got new hearts, remember?"
Before anyone could react, Mikoto lunged forward his speed overwhelming. Three blades flashed through the air: two struck Rokuro's legs, and one grazed Katsu's side.
Katsu stumbled back. "Shichiro, we've got no plan! This guy came out of nowhere we don't even have a combo yet! Think of something!"
Shichiro barely turned before Mikoto's blade pierced his back.
"Got you now, 'group leader,'" Mikoto said coldly. "Without you, they'll fall apart."
The world went silent.
Katsu's expression darkened. His aura pulsed violently and then, everything froze.
Time itself had stopped.
Katsu's eyes glowed as he stepped forward. "You shouldn't have done that."
He struck Mikoto with a single blow, sending him crashing to the ground.One second passed.Another.He hit him again, fury echoing in every motion.
Three seconds passed. Katsu finally exhaled, kneeling beside Shichiro. Carefully, he pulled the sword free and rested his friend against a nearby boulder.
Time now continues.
"Rokuro," he said softly. "Freeze him… then we leave."
Rokuro, trembling but obedient, raised his hand. Frost spread rapidly, encasing Mikoto completely.
Silence returned.
Then crack.
The ice began to fracture. Mikoto's eyes opened beneath it, glowing faintly gold. He stepped forward, brushing off shards of frost.
"Oh… I see now," he murmured. "So that's what you've become."His voice sharpened as he turned his gaze toward the horizon.
"I know everything I needed to."He smirked faintly."I'm coming for you, Shichiro."
"I'm not holding backanymore."