[ A week later ]
I breathed heavily, sweat dripping down my face as I wiped it away with the back of my hand. The air around me was thick with tension, and the sound of steel clashing against steel rang in my ears. The clones stood in front of me, each of them wielding Lostvayne sword and with ice surging across their arms.
This was a test for me by me to see if I can face multiples foes at once. And I knew damn well that I am going to get my ass kicked by myself and it's better I bleed in training than ending up dead on battlefield. As I recollected my thoughts, my clone snapped me out of my stupor.
"You're slow," one of them taunted, a cruel smirk across his face as he swiped his blade at my chest.
Clang!
The force of the strike sent me staggering back. I barely managed to sidestep the next attack from the clone on my left, who moved with unnatural speed, his blade trailing a trail of icy mist. The chill bit through my clothes, seeping into my skin. Another clone, the one on my right, swung his sword at me with such precision that I couldn't dodge in time as if it predicted my movement. The blade grazed my arm, sending a sharp pain through my body.
Shing!
The sword scraped across my skin, leaving a line of fresh blood in its wake.
I winced but forced myself to stay focused. Don't falter, just focus.
I blocked the next strike, using the hilt of my own sword to absorb the blow, but the force of it still pushed me back. My breath was ragged now, my body aching from the relentless barrage of attacks. My clones were relentless, mimicking everything I did with terrifying precision. I had to be careful. They weren't just shadows or mere copies—they were my worst enemies, made to test my limits.
They were me. I was my biggest enemy right now.
The clone swung his blade in an arc, sending a surge of freezing wave towards me.
I won't have time to dodge this one.
I jumped, twisting in the air to avoid the ice storm, but one of the Lostvayne blades sliced across my side as I passed by.
Damn it! This is nuts!
The ice-cold air pierced my lungs, and for a moment, I thought I might not make it. But I couldn't stop now. Not when I was so close. I can't give up even if I am on loosing end.
One of the clones lunged at me from behind, aiming for my back. I spun, raising my sword just in time to clash with his. The force of the impact nearly knocked me off my feet, but I pushed through it, slashing at his exposed side. The clone staggered back, barely keeping his balance and then it dispelled.
The last clone took the opportunity to attack, his sword glinting dangerously as he aimed for my head. I ducked just in time, feeling the sharp wind as the blade whizzed past me. My sword found its mark as I thrust it forward, dispelling the clone with a final, decisive strike.
Whoosh!
The clone vanished in a burst of energy, leaving me standing amidst the smoke and echoes of the battle. My body was a mess of cuts and bruises, and my breath came in ragged gasps. I leaned against my sword, trying to steady myself, the pain in my side a constant reminder of just how far I'd pushed myself.
Damn... I'm so out of breath. I shook my head, trying to clear the fog in my mind. I can't keep doing this. Damn it! I am so weak. It's pathetic!
I felt a presence approach from behind, soft footsteps crunching on the ground. Turning, I saw Asia standing there, her expression filled with concern as she walked over to me.
"Kazuya-san?" she asked softly, her voice warm and laced with concern.
I forced a weak smile, trying to hide the exhaustion that was eating me. "I'm fine. Just need a minute."
Asia placed her hand on my shoulder, her healing light already starting to pulse from her Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing. The warmth spread through me, soothing the pain and mending my wounds. It felt like a gentle wave washing over me, easing the tension in my muscles.
"I know you want to get stronger, Kazuya-san" she said quietly, her touch still comforting, "But you can't push yourself like this every time."
I let out a small sigh. "I have to. I'm weak, Asia" I sat down to relax "Even though I have abilities and this sword, the people out there won't show me mercy. Not in the battles that are coming."
Asia gave me a soft but concerned look, as if she could see right through my bravado. She opened her mouth to speak, but I raised my hand to stop her.
"Enough about that for now," I said with a forced grin. "How about we get back to the house? I'll make us a good dinner tonight—steak, just how you like it."
Her eyes lit up at the mention of food, and I could see the worry in her face fade just a bit. "I would love that," she said, her smile returning.
As we made our way back to the house, the sounds of the forest fading behind us, leaving my struggles and pain back there. Later, we sat down at the table in the cozy living room, the scent of the sizzling steak filling the air. I had cooked it to perfection, the way Asia always liked it—juicy, tender, with just the right amount of seasoning. But I hope this won't get snatched by that tiny dragon like the cake that I offered her.
Asia took a bite, her face lighting up in delight. "Kazuya-san, this is amazing! You're such a good cook."
I chuckled, glad to see her so happy. "I'm glad you like it. Maybe I can teach you how to make it someday."
Asia's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'd love that! Maybe I can finally learn to cook something that's not soup."
I laughed at her enthusiasm, then leaned back in my chair, letting out a deep breath.
I stared down at my plate for a moment, my mind drifting. I had been feeling a sense of growing unease, a realization that maybe I wasn't as strong as I thought I was. I took a deep breath and spoke quietly.
"You know, Asia, I've been thinking about something lately. I realized that... I'm not strong. I've just been lucky. Lucky to have these powers. But in the grand scheme of this world, I'm not cut out for what's ahead, not yet. Going out into the world with my group right now, it would be like Jiraiya going against Pain."
Asia blinked at me, clearly confused. "Jiraiya? Who's that?"
I chuckled softly, shaking my head. "It's a reference... to a story I read once. It doesn't matter. The point is, I'm not ready for what's out there. I can't just rely on power. I need to focus on making connections, friends, instead of looking for enemies."
Asia nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Kazuya-san. But I still want you to be careful. I care about you"
"I know," I said, my voice soft. "And that's why I don't want to put you and Esp, in danger. I'll focus on making sure you can defend yourself, and while I do that, I'll work on improving myself. I've been relying too much on dodging... but I need to get stronger. I can't just keep running."
Asia gave me a kind smile. "I'll be there to help you, Kazuya-san"
I smiled back, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Asia."
Later that night, after I said goodnight to her, I found myself alone in my room, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. I realized that all this time, I'd been so cocky, relying on a few abilities I'd gotten from the system, thinking I was invincible. But now, in the quiet of my room, I knew better.
I was weak.
I sat on the bed, my head in my hands, reflecting on everything I had learned—especially the offer Sona had made to me. To form a contract with her... It wasn't an offer to join her peerage. It was a chance at something different. A friendship. But I am not sure if I should go with forming alliances with devils or not.
Just as I was about to turn off the lights to rest my mind, a crimson magic circle flared to life in the centre of my room. The air grew heavy with the energy, and Rias stepped out of it. Her eyes were filled with desperation and before I could ask her why she came into my room without knocking, I got another offer making my mind go into spiral.
"Kazuya," she said, her voice strained, "Please... take my virginity."
I blinked, taken aback by the sudden request, and replied, "No"
The room fell silent.
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