Chương 31: 27. The Weight of Power
Kenji sprinted across the rooftops, his breath ragged and his muscles screaming in protest. The hulking form of the Templar loomed behind him, its movements shaking the ground and crumbling the structures he leapt from. Every dodge, every jump felt like a gamble—one wrong move, and he'd be crushed.
Above the chaos, the sound of metal striking metal reverberated like thunder. Kenji's eyes darted to the side as he caught a glimpse of Himeko locked in battle with Ganesha. The sheer scale of their clash was overwhelming.
Himeko's greatsword clashed with Ganesha's massive frame, each strike sending shockwaves through the air that rippled through the surrounding buildings.
Kenji braced himself as one such shockwave hurtled toward him, obliterating the rooftop he had been standing on moments before. He stumbled on his landing, barely managing to roll and regain his footing as the Templar's massive claws swiped inches from his back.
His frustration boiled over, teeth gritting as he fired a flick of air from his finger at the Templar. The burst of wind struck the beast's shoulder, forcing it to stagger but doing little else. It wasn't enough—not by a long shot.
"Damn it," Kenji muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with exhaustion and anger. His body felt like it was on the verge of collapse, every muscle worn down by the unrelenting strain of maintaining 35% for so long. He had dropped to 25% now, conserving what little energy he had left, but it made his attacks far less effective.
He vaulted over a collapsing structure, sending another air burst at the Templar to keep it at bay. The beast snarled, it locked onto him with unrelenting focus. He was just buying time—dodging, weaving, and retaliating in small bursts to keep himself alive.
Another shockwave rocked the battlefield. Kenji risked a glance to his side and saw Himeko. She darted around Ganesha with incredible speed, her blade a blur of as it clashed against the monster's massive frame. The force of their battle sent cracks spidering through the ground and threw debris high into the air.
Kenji's frustration deepened, the pit in his stomach growing heavier with each passing second. He needed to deal with this Templar now. It was only a matter of time before more Honkai Beasts appear.
Even worse if it was more of the strong ones like the templar and Ganesha. Himeko could take care of Ganesha, but the longer it took, the more destruction the Honkai would wreak.
He ducked beneath another swing from the Templar, his mind racing. He needed a plan—something, anything, to turn the tide.
And then, it came to him. A reckless, absurd, and outright stupid idea.
He skidded to a stop on a rooftop, his chest heaving as he glanced back at the Templar. The beast roared, its hulking form barreling toward him with unrelenting ferocity. Kenji's heart pounded as his mind locked onto the plan forming in his head.
"This is either gonna work," he muttered to himself, forcing a shaky grin, "or I'm gonna die trying."
With renewed determination, Kenji clenched his fists, red lightning crackling faintly around his body. He locked eyes with the Templar and steadied his breath.
"Alright, you bastard," he growled, his voice laced with defiance. "Let's do this."
…
Himeko's blade collided with Ganesha's massive forelimb, sparks flying as the two forces met. The ground beneath them cracked under the immense pressure, and a deafening shockwave rippled outward, shaking the surrounding ruins. Both combatants were sent skidding back, Himeko sliding to a stop with practiced grace while Ganesha's massive frame rumbled to a halt.
The Emperor-class beast roared, its guttural cry reverberating through the air. It began rolling in place, its hulking form gaining momentum with terrifying speed. Himeko narrowed her eyes, her grip on her greatsword tightening.
"It's charging again," she muttered, her muscles coiling as she prepared to dodge. She knew the pattern. Ganesha's rolling attack was devastating, but it came with a momentary weakness: a brief recovery window once it stopped. That was her chance.
Her focus was razor-sharp, every fiber of her being locked onto the enemy before her.
Until a thunderous BOOM tore through the air behind her.
The shockwave hit her like a physical blow, forcing her to take a few unsteady steps forward. Dust and debris swirled around her, and her crimson eyes instinctively darted toward the source of the disturbance.
"What the—?!" she began, only for her words to die in her throat.
Her jaw dropped.
High above, silhouetted against the smoke-filled sky, were two figures: Kenji and the Templar-class Honkai Beast. They were hurtling through the air, with the beast being sent flying above while Kenji catches up from below, their forms framed by flashes of red lightning and the fading sunlight.
Himeko's expression shifted from shock to outright disbelief. "What the hell are you doing?!" she bellowed into the sky, her voice dripping with equal parts exasperation and anger.
But there was no time to process Kenji's recklessness. Ganesha had finished charging. The colossal beast roared, its rolling form barreling toward her like an unstoppable force of nature. The ground trembled as it closed the distance, the air itself seeming to vibrate with its destructive intent.
Himeko gritted her teeth and pushed Kenji's stunt from her mind. She dodged to the side at the last possible moment. Ganesha tore past her, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake as it plowed through more buildings like cardboard.
The beast slowed, its momentum finally fading as it began to recover. This was her chance. Himeko darted forward, her blade ready as she closed the gap.
But even as she charged, her eyes flicked skyward, catching another glimpse of Kenji and the Templar locked in their aerial battle. Kenji sent another punch at the Templar, sending it flying higher into the sky, the sheer force of their collision sending another shockwave rippling through the city.
"You better not die, brat," Himeko muttered under her breath,
…
High above the shattered skyline of Nagazora, Kenji was locked in a desperate aerial duel with the Templar-class Honkai Beast. The wind howled around him, and the cold bite of the sky at this height stung his skin, but his focus never wavered. Each movement was a struggle, each second a battle against both the enemy and his own limits.
"This was a stupid idea!" he screamed internally, his heart pounding like a war drum. But no matter how much his rational mind screamed at him to back down, his determination roared louder. He had already committed, and there was no turning back.
His plan was simple in theory, insane in execution. First, he needed to daze the Templar with a burst of wind, then get under it to deliver a devastating 50% punch to send it hurtling into the air.
From there, he would follow it, reposition himself mid-fall, and land another 50% strike to send it crashing back to the ground. The final blow would be delivered as he descended, using the force of gravity, speed, and his full strength to finish it off.
Simple? Maybe. Feasible? He was about to find out.
Kenji flicked his fingers again, sending a burst of air under him and sending him above the Templar, narrowly avoiding a jagged claw that slashed through the space where his chest had been moments earlier.
The Templar roared in frustration, its massive form twisting with surprising agility for a creature of its size. Its claws swiped at him again, this time coming closer, grazing the edge of his tattered jacket.
"Damn it," he muttered, gritting his teeth as he focused on maintaining his position. Each movement felt like threading a needle while the thread was on fire. The high-speed battle was taking its toll on his battered body, and he could feel the strain in every muscle.
Dodging another strike, Kenji took a sharp breath and concentrated. His body buzzed as he channeled energy into his arm, the familiar hum of One For All growing louder in his ears.
"Now or never!" he growled, pushing himself forward with a burst of 35%, the red lightning trailing throughout his arm.
Positioning himself above the Templar, reeled his fist back, balancing precariously as he prepared to strike. His left arm thrummed with power as he wound it back, channeling 50% of his strength into the punch. His muscles screamed in protest, but he ignored the searing pain, focusing solely on his target.
"Die!" he roared, throwing his fist down with all his might.
The impact was cataclysmic. His punch connected with the beast's core, and the resulting shockwave was so intense it parted the clouds above them. The Templar's massive form was hurled into the ground like a ragdoll, spinning uncontrollably as it descended.
Kenji gritted his teeth as the force of the punch reverberated through his body, the strain on his left arm leaving it throbbing and stiff. The repeated use of 50% was pushing his limits, and he knew it. His arm felt like it was barely hanging on, but he had no time to dwell on the pain.
"Let's go! he muttered, forcing his battered body into motion. Forcing his arms behind him, sending another burst of wind that sent him flying towards the beast.
As the Templar descended, Kenji positioned himself above it, the wind whipping around him as he prepared for the final blow. He raised his left arm, the one that hadn't yet reached its breaking point, and channeled every ounce of strength he had left into it.
His body blurred with red lightning as he shot downward, chasing the beast like a bolt of living energy. Kenji roared, his fist connecting with the Templar just as it hit the ground.
The impact was catastrophic.
The ground split open with a deafening roar, sending violent tremors that rippled through the city. Buildings in the immediate vicinity collapsed, their remains crumbling into heaps of concrete and steel. A massive crater carved itself into the earth where Kenji's punch landed, its edges jagged from the sheer force.
Dust and debris erupted into the air, forming a choking cloud that blotted out the skyline. The shockwave tore through the streets, shattering windows, flipping cars, and reducing entire structures to rubble in its relentless path
Kenji was hurled backward like a ragdoll, the force of the collision slamming him into a crumbling building. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, rattling every bone and leaving cracks in the concrete where he hit. He slid down the wall, landing in a heap of jagged rubble with a thud that knocked the wind out of him.
Pain engulfed him. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, a relentless throb radiating from his battered limbs. His left arm hung limply at his side, the once-vivid red lightning now replaced with a sickly light purple hue, swollen and trembling with each ragged breath he took.
Kenji gritted his teeth, his vision swimming as he tried to push himself up. His right hand clawed at the rubble, his fingers barely able to grip the uneven surface. His legs felt like lead, each attempt to lift his body sending sharp, jolting pain up his spine.
"Get up…" he muttered under his breath, his voice hoarse and shaky. "You.have.to.get.up!"
His first attempt to stand ended with his legs buckling beneath him, sending him crashing back onto the debris. A fresh wave of agony surged through him, and for a moment, he thought he might black out.
With sheer willpower, Kenji planted his uninjured hand on a slab of concrete and forced himself upward. His body shook violently, and his knees wobbled as if they might give out at any moment. Blood trickled from a gash on his forehead, mixing with the dirt and sweat that coated his face.
"Move…"
Forcing his body to move, he ran towards the spot where he had punched the beast. Through the settling dust, he spotted the crater. His heart pounded as he scanned the destruction, searching for any sign of the Templar. For a moment, he saw nothing, and then... relief.
In the center of the crater lay the motionless body of the Templar.
Kenji's lips curled into a weary smile, and he let out a shaky laugh that quickly grew into a full-blown, maniacal cackle. "I did it!" he shouted to the heavens, his voice cracking with exhaustion and triumph. "I actually did it!"
The weight of his accomplishment hit him like a tidal wave, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to revel in the victory. But the euphoria was short-lived.
As the pain in his arms and legs returned like a bitch, Kenji took a deep breath and steadied himself. The battle wasn't over. Himeko was still fighting Ganesha, and he needed to be there to help her.
…
Himeko gritted her teeth as Ganesha lunged at her, its massive form casting a shadow over the battlefield. Its tusks gleamed menacingly, and its claws tore through the ground as it charged. Each thunderous step shook the earth, sending shockwaves through the rubble-strewn streets.
She dodged to the side at the last moment, the beast's tusks narrowly missing her. The sheer force of its charge obliterated what remained of the crumbling structure behind her, leaving a cloud of dust and debris in its wake.
"Too slow," Himeko muttered under her breath, pivoting on her heel to close the distance. Her greatsword gleamed as she swung it with deadly precision, aiming for one of Ganesha's tusks. The blade connected with a deafening crack, severing the appendage in one clean strike.
The beast reared back, bellowing in pain. Its guttural roar reverberated through the ruins, shaking loose debris from nearby buildings. Himeko landed gracefully, her hair whipping around her as she steadied herself.
But there was no time to rest. Fueled by rage, Ganesha stomped the ground, the force sending cracks spiderwebbing across the asphalt. It charged again, this time faster, its massive legs swinging wildly as it tried to crush her.
Himeko ducked under the first strike, the wind from the blow whipping past her face. She leapt over the second, twisting in midair to position herself behind the beast. As she landed, she aimed for its legs, her blade flashing in the dim light.
With a powerful slash, she severed one of its hind legs. The beast roared again, stumbling as it tried to regain its balance. It fell to its knees, its colossal form crashing into the ground with a deafening thud.
The beast stumbled, its balance compromised as its leg was severed. It crashed into a nearby structure, the impact sending up a cloud of dust and shattered stone. Himeko didn't hesitate, rushing forward to finish it off before it could recover.
But Ganesha was nothing if not tenacious. The beast roared and swung its remaining arm in a wide arc, the force of the strike meeting Himeko's blade as she raised it to block. The collision sent shockwaves through her arms, and she grunted from the strain.
From the corner of her eye, she saw multiple gusts of wind struck Ganesha's side, the sudden barrage drawing the beast's attention. It wasn't enough to push the colossal creature back, but it was enough to momentarily stagger it. Ganesha turned its head, distracted by the new threat.
Himeko seized the opportunity, planting her feet firmly and pushing back against the beast with all her strength. Ganesha, caught off guard, was sent hurtling into the rubble, its massive form crashing into a pile of debris.
Breathing heavily, Himeko turned her head to see the source of the wind. Her eyes narrowed in shock when she saw Kenji standing a short distance away. His arms were trembling, their light purple hue a clear sign of severe strain. She winced at the sight, knowing full well the toll his efforts were taking on him.
Kenji, despite his injuries, wore a determined expression. "I took care of the Templar!" he shouted, his voice hoarse but triumphant.
Himeko's eyes widened in disbelief. He had defeated the Templar? Alone? That kind of feat was near-impossible for someone with his level of experience. But before she could process her thoughts, a small smirk tugged at her lips.
She refocused her attention on the fallen Ganesha, thinking they could now finish this fight together— "Look Out!" she shouted, her voice sharp with alarm.
Kenji felt it too. Danger Sense roared in his mind, warning him of a deadly threat from behind. He turned his head just in time to see the looming figure of the Templar-class Honkai Beast, its grotesque form battered but not beaten. It lunged at him, moving faster than he could react in his exhausted and unprepared state.
The Templar's attack connected with devastating force, slamming into Kenji and sending him hurtling through several buildings. His body crashed through buildings and debris before finally landing in a heap of rubble. The impact left a trail of destruction in its wake.
"Kenji!" Himeko's scream echoed through the battlefield, her heart racing as she watched his limp form disappear into the distance.
Her fiery gaze snapped back to the Templar, which staggered on its last embers of life but still managed to snarl defiantly. "Damn you," she hissed, rushing toward the beast with blinding speed.
Her greatsword whistled through the air as she brought it down with brutal precision, landing a slash that sent the Templar flying into a nearby building. Its massive form crashed through the structure, reducing it to rubble.
Himeko didn't wait to see if the Templar would rise again. Her focus was entirely on Kenji. She sprinted toward the direction he had been sent flying, her chest tightening with dread. The destruction stretched for blocks, and the thought of finding him among the chaos made her stomach twist.
"Hold on, brat," she muttered under her breath. "You better still be alive."
…
…
…
Kenji's vision blurred as he blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings. He was slumped against the wall of a small store, the faint scent of spilled detergent and dust mixing in the air. The space around him was eerily quiet, save for the faint rumble of destruction echoing from far away.
His chest rose and fell in sharp, uneven gasps. Every nerve in his body screamed, a searing reminder of the hit that had sent him flying blocks away. He tried to take a deep breath, but the attempt sent a jolt of pain through his ribs. His head lolled forward, and his darting eyes took in the overturned shelves and shattered glass around him.
"I'm... alive?" he rasped, his voice barely audible over his ragged breathing. The realization was equal parts relief and disbelief. His thoughts raced, trying to piece together how he'd survived the hit.
He shifted slightly against the wall, and agony lanced through his body. A strangled cry escaped his lips, his hand instinctively clutching at his leg. He glanced down—and froze.
His right leg was twisted unnaturally, the bone protruding through torn skin and fabric. Blood pooled around the wound, soaking into the floor beneath him. The sight made his stomach churn, but he couldn't look away.
For a moment, time seemed to stop. The world around him faded into a haze of pain and shock. But then, something flickered in his mind—a memory, a resolve.
No. He couldn't stay down.
"I... have to get up," he whispered, voice trembling as his fingers gripped the wall beside him. The attempt sent a fresh wave of agony coursing through his leg. He collapsed back to the ground with a muffled scream, the sound tearing at his throat. His head thudded against the floor as his breath came in heaving sobs.
But he tried again.
His arms strained against the ground, trembling under his weight as he attempted to lift himself. Every movement was a battle, and the pain was relentless.
The second attempt ended no better than the first. He collapsed again, his body refusing to cooperate. Tears welled in his eyes, and his frustration spilled out in a cracked voice. "Please... I have to be there."
His voice echoed in the empty store, sounding so small. He dragged his body forward, his left arm clawing at the rubble-strewn floor. His vision swam with each agonizing pull, but he didn't stop. He couldn't stop.
"I have to fight," he choked out, his voice a desperate plea. Tears blurred his vision, streaming down his dirt-streaked face. "Please... I need to fight."
His fingers curled into fists, pounding weakly against the ground as sobs wracked his frame. "Let me fight!" His voice cracked, the words barely more than a whisper by the end.
…
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the rubble-filled streets, drawing closer to the small shop where Kenji lay. Himeko's heart pounded as she skidded to a stop in the doorway, her crimson hair matted with sweat and dust. Her breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight before her.
"Kenji!" she shouted, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Holy shit, you're alive! Thank goodness!" Relief washed over her face, quickly replaced by shock as her eyes fell on his leg.
The jagged bone sticking out of his thigh was impossible to miss. Blood soaked the surrounding fabric, and the twisted angle of his limb made her stomach churn. "Fuck. she cursed under her breath, rushing toward him.
She knelt beside him, her fingers fumbling through the small compartment at her hip. Pulling out a sleek, bracelet-like device, she pressed a hidden button on its side. The gadget expanded into a circular frame about the size of his upper thigh.
"This is going to hurt," she warned, her voice soft but firm. She split the device in half and carefully placed each piece around his thigh. It secured itself with a soft click before it tightened abruptly, applying a lot pressure to the wound.
Kenji's scream of pain tore through the shop. His body stiffened and he clenched his teeth so hard it felt like they might crack.
"Hold on just a little more! Himeko urged. She rummaged through her pouch again and pulled out a small container of pills. Opening it, she popped two into her hand and held them out to him. "Take these. They'll help with the pain."
Kenji stared at the pills, his vision blurry, but he managed to open his mouth. She carefully placed them on his tongue, and though swallowing without water was a struggle, he managed.
Himeko's eyes softened for a moment, the worry etched into her features evident. "This is the best I can do for now. The machine will stop you bleeding out. From the leg atleast. Everything else?" She exhaled sharply. "That'll have to wait until reinforcements arrive."
She stood, picking up her greatsword and slinging it over her shoulder. She glanced back at him, her voice dropping into a stern tone. "Stay here. I mean it."
Kenji's breaths came in shallow bursts, his entire body trembling with the effort to stay conscious. But as Himeko turned toward the door, he mustered every ounce of strength he had left. "Wait..." The word came out hoarse, almost inaudible. "I... can... still... help."
Himeko froze mid-step. Slowly, she turned to face him, her face a show of exasperation. "Kid," she began, irritation creeping into her voice, "you have a broken leg, a busted arm, and probably every other bone in your body is damaged in some way. I get it—you want to fight, you want to help. But you've done enough!"
The weight behind her words hit Kenji harder than he expected. His body flinched and his gaze dropped to the floor.
Before either of them could say another word, a deafening crash shook the building. Dust rained from the ceiling, and the ground beneath them trembled violently. Himeko's wrist-mounted display beeped urgently, flashing a warning: Honkai Energy Levels Rising.
Her jaw clenched, and she turned toward the door. She cast a final glance over her shoulder, her crimson eyes locking onto Kenji's. "Listen to me," she said, her tone low and serious. "If you go out there, you will die. Do as I say and Stay. Put."
And with that, she rushed out into the chaos, leaving Kenji alone in the shattered remains of the shop.
…
…
…
The store was silent, save for the faint sounds of distant explosions and collapsing buildings echoing through the city. Kenji lay in the same spot where Himeko had left him moments ago, his body motionless except for the shallow rise and fall of his chest. His gaze was locked on the entrance of the store, his vision blurred by tears he didn't remember shedding.
His breathing grew ragged, uneven. A storm of emotions churned inside him—frustration, anger, despair—all clawing at his mind.
Suddenly, a guttural scream tore from his throat, reverberating through the small shop. "Damn it!" he shouted, slamming his fist into the floor. The impact sent a sharp jolt of pain up his already battered arm, but he didn't care. He struck again, harder this time, ignoring the fresh burst of agony.
"Why?!" he yelled, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. "Why, even after all this time... it's like I can't do anything?!"
His knuckles were raw now, streaks of blood staining the broken tiles beneath him. He kept hitting the ground, his frustration and self-loathing pouring out with each strike.
"I'm strong now! I have POWER!" Another punch. His fist trembled as it met the unforgiving floor. "So why can't I do this?!"
His breathing came in gasps, his body trembling with the effort to keep going. Tears streamed down his face, falling freely onto the dusty floor. His voice lowered to a whisper, hoarse and broken.
"Why... why am I still alive after everything? Why is everyone else dying?!"
The words hung in the air, echoing in his mind like a relentless taunt. He finally stopped punching, his hands trembling as he collapsed back onto the ground. His body felt heavy, his thoughts darker than the shadows cast by the flickering remnants of light in the store.
"Why is someone as worthless as me," he muttered, his voice barely audible, "someone who hasn't accomplished anything... still alive?"
The silence returned, deafening in its stillness. Kenji's chest heaved as he stared blankly at the ceiling, his vision swimming. His thoughts twisted and turned, dragging him deeper into his despair.
"I should be the one dying," he whispered to the empty room. "I should be the one crying. Not them. Not children. Not mothers. Not families." His voice broke completely, and he choked on his next words.
"If I can't even save them... then why was I even sent here? Why was I even born?"
The world around him faded, his senses dulled by the sheer exhaustion of his battered body and tired mind.
And then, everything went black.
…
Kenji woke up to darkness. That same, endless void he'd seen before. His senses returned slowly, his awareness piecing itself together like fragments of a broken mirror.
He looked down at himself and froze. This time, it was different. He had arms now -and they weren't broken!-, though his legs were still missing. He flexed his fingers experimentally. As his gaze moved upward, he touched his face. His mouth—he could speak.
"This place again..." he muttered, his voice echoing faintly in the void.
His eyes darted around the infinite expanse, searching for any sign of what this meant. And then, he saw her again. The figure cloaked in pink flames, the one who had haunted his vision before. She moved with a strange grace, the flames flickering softly as she approached.
Kenji's breath caught in his throat as she stopped just a few feet away. The intensity of her presence made his skin tingle, but it wasn't fear that rooted him in place—it was something that he couldn't describe.
The woman reached out, placing her flaming hand gently on his cheek, just as she had before. Her touch wasn't hot. It was comforting, soothing even. For a moment, he forgot the chaos of Nagazora, the pain in his body, and the weight of his failure.
Through the flickering flames, he could almost make out her expression—sadness etched into features he could barely discern.
"You fought well," she said, her voice soft and melodic, yet carrying an unshakable weight.
Kenji flinched at the sound of her voice, his eyes widening in surprise, not expecting her to actually speak. She chuckled lightly at his reaction, the flames around her rippling in rhythm with her laughter.
"W-Who are you?" he asked, finding his voice after a moment. The words were hoarse, heavy with desperation and confusion.
The woman withdrew her hand from his cheek, her movements fluid and graceful. "I apologize," she said, her tone apologetic yet warm. "I haven't introduced myself, have I?"
She placed a hand over her chest and bowed slightly. The flames surrounding her danced more vividly as she straightened.
"My name is Elysia," she said, her voice soothing and gentle. "It's nice to finally meet you, Kenji Aoyama."
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