Chapter 362: Fate With the Heart
During the war against Perina. . .
Mira frowned, he didn't know how long he had been standing in the area. It was becoming peaceful, despite the fighting going on. Perhaps the soldiers learned, but none came to challenge him. The stench of blood was intense, the constant death caused his heart to thump. He tried to focus on himself, a meditation technique taught by Sensei.
The fight suddenly paused, and many began running. It distracted Mira for a moment.
What would cause everyone to run?
He investigated himself, watching everything. They seemed to be fleeing from something above the castle.
He looked up and spotted the exact thing they were fleeing from. A massive hammer descending. Despite the sheer amount of power behind it, it did not bother Mira. Perhaps it was confidence in his own strength. Or confidence in his Sensei.
He smiled as a small figure clashed against the hammer, slowing it slightly. In Mira's heart, there was no one so willing to fight those much stronger than his Sensei. A person confident in their strength, but aware of their weaknesses.
Even in the face of absolute power, the only think on their mind was how to fight it.
Such a way of thinking was admired by Mira. He—who never fought anything stronger than him—was unable to realize this same feeling. Upon his first contact with Sensei, Mira was temporarily losing despite his strength. A foreign feeling to him.
Such a person, surely if he learned under them he'd be able to be in a true fight. Fight someone who was stronger? To feel what it was like to put his life on the line?
Although Sensei needed help to break the hammer, he undoubtedly played a major role into it. Even as Mira watched he only grew more amazed. His Sensei just saved hundreds of people using a lot of energy. Yet he still charged straight towards the enemy.
Mira could feel it from here, the power Sensei was releasing to face his enemy. It was waning fast, but Mira still had confidence. Soon enough the outcome he expected occurred, just not exactly how he wanted it. Nimin had dealt the final blow, not Sensei.
It did not matter, the fight was over! He could go and celebrate with Sensei and all the friends he made.
Just as he took the first step towards them, his senses immediately notified him of a new presence. A holder of strength he has never felt before. His body tried to warn him, tell him to flee. But the only thought in his mind was the health of his Sensei.
He ran as fast as he could, dashing across the battlefield. Speed was never his strong suit, but he ran faster than he ever had before. Turning the corner the sight made his whole body pause. His Sensei was limp and unresponsive, the slime body falling apart. The terrifying presence held the core of his Sensei!
His heart thumped, his whole body quaking in response. He wasn't fast enough! He couldn't save Akiol!
Badump~
Every muscle in his body tensed. His heart rate accelerating. Every beat of his heart caused him to shake.
This feeling, it was familiar. He had felt it before!
Visions of a suppressed memory began to arise. He was back in the forest, a set of kids playing along. As he played he tapped one of the kids, the result wasn't what he had envisioned. His hand tore through the kid, causing a horrifying sight.
All the other kids watched him in horror, screaming and crying. He wanted to run, but instead his heart thumped violently. It came crashing into him, the realization of what he did. It was his fault that the village was destroyed! Everyone died because of him! As he tried to shake free of the thoughts, he found himself somewhere else in the city. Perhaps in his confusion he stumbled away.
The sight wasn't any friendlier. The gruesome sight of war was all that greeted him. This certainly didn't help with his current state. He gripped his head, the thumps of his heart overtaking his body. He tried desperately to fight his shattering mind, but visions of the destruction he caused flooded his mind.
Then. . . he snapped. A red energy expanded from his body. Blood began to flow from his body, rapidly forming into the body of the Hydra.
Mira's mind was locked away. Only a beast that caused havoc remained.
Thus the awakening of The Great Calamity occurred. Leading to the destruction of most the western half of the continent.
~ ~ ~
Nimin suddenly felt conflicted. The horrific monster that decimated thousands was actually the same person he relied on. An innocent kid who was subjected to a fate out of his control.
Akiol's thoughts ran rampant, relief that Mira was alive. Regret for letting him fight. Worry for his current state.
The middle aged man tugged his hair, "I didn't mean to let him play. He wasn't supposed to come near the villagers at all! Not until he was able to control that strength of his!"
"So you fled, after causing a disaster? After forcing a child to carry a burden like this?!", Kiro demanded to know.
"It was for science-!"
"Screw science! Especially when it comes to selfish goals like immortality!"
"I-I don't want to die!"
"Something like that would warrant a death sentence. Immoral tests on living beings. The thievery of a world ending item. The abandonment of something that dangerous. You're just checking things off at this point!"
"There-there's something else! A key! I had it in my desk-"
Akiol dispelled the key, "I have it here."
"G-Give it to me! I have something that can help!"
Akiol examined the expressions of everyone present, no one seemed against the idea for now. He tossed it over and the man struggled to catch it, "My-my right arm! It's a prosthetic! I have one item- the thing that allowed me to continue my tests."
The man opened a socket in his palm and stuck the key inside. A quick turn and part of his forearm lifted, revealing a strange curvy dagger, "This knife! I-It is normal against anything else, b-but is really effective against the Hydra! I was able to easily carve apart the flesh with this!"
The knife was seized from the man. He panicked, "Wait! That would b-buy my life right? I'll serve life in prison, just don't kill me!"
Kiro received the knife and stored it in a box that appeared somehow, "We'll see what the judge says."
~ ~ ~
"Mira is alive?"
Givale felt relief flow through her upon hearing the news. However Stars wasn't as optimistic, "As a Calamity, this could be bad."
"What could be bad? He's alive!"
"And destroying the world."
"That's not his fault!"
"We know that, but do you think the others will understand?"
"If we explain-"
Stars shook his head, "It's probably not going to be that easy."
"Akiol might have a plan."
This time Stars agreed, "Yeah, I hope so."
Although Stars didn't spend much time with Mira, he could appreciate Mira's admiration. Additionally Givale seemed to appreciate his company.
Stars continued to watch Akiol's actions silently. He didn't wish to disturb any train of thought. Instead Stars wished silently that Akiol knew what to do.
-><-
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone