The sky trembled.

  Kairyuuha’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not holding back anymore… Good.”

  His aura twisted, black and red energy spiraling around him like a violent storm. He raised his hand, and the sky cracked open above.

  “Demon Arts: Phase 5 — Kitsune Transformation.”

  A surge of ancient energy exploded outward. His body shifted—sleeker, leaner, wilder. Blue flames curled around his limbs. Nine spectral fox tails shimmered into existence behind him, swaying with godlike grace.

  The fire puppet roared forward, heat distorting the battlefield.

  Kairyuuha didn’t flinch.

  The tails whipped around him like a vortex, snaring the puppet mid-charge. The moment they touched it, the flames coiled tighter and tighter, collapsing into a burning core—a single dense ball of crackling energy.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  With a casual flick of his wrist, he launched it back at Kazuki.

  “Catch.”

  Kazuki’s eyes flared. His body blurred with raw power.

  “Elemental Fury: 200%.”

  His aura ignited with wind, flame, lightning, and water. A blinding flash of golden light shot forward as he slammed his palms together and fired a concentrated wave of all four elements fused into one beam.

  The world vanished in light.

  A deafening boom swallowed the battlefield. The clash of their attacks sent shockwaves for miles. Both were thrown back, vision whitewashed by the impact.

  ---

  Then—silence.

  A memory.

  Trees. Moonlight. Heavy breathing.

  A silhouette running through the forest, panting, terrified.

  Ogres thundered behind them, snarling, clubs raised.

  They trip. Dirt and leaves scatter as they hit the ground hard. An ogre looms above.

  It swings.

  SHHHK. Blood splashes.

  Its head hits the ground with a heavy thud. Behind it—Kairyuuha, blade dripping.

  He turns, eyes sharp. Three more ogres rush.

  One slash. All fall.

  He doesn’t turn back. “Kazuki. Clean up the rest.”

  “Got it,” Kazuki says, appearing in a blur.

  Moments later, the two stand over the unconscious figure. The air smells like iron and scorched bark.

  As they inspect the loot and drops, Kazuki kneels next to the person. “She’s out cold.”

  Then—

  The person stirs. Slowly rises.

  They pull back their cloak.

  A girl. Pale skin, glowing heterochromatic eyes…

  A feminine version of Kairyuuha.

  Kazuki and Kairyuuha stare, completely baffled.

  She opens her mouth to speak.

  Before she can—

  “What are you?” Kazuki asks.

  Kairyuuha tilts his head. “An ogre? Maybe a goblin?”

  The girl’s eyes go wide. “Huh?”