CHAPTER 73: AKIRA VS. RIAKU

As the battle commences, Akira charges toward Riaku, compelling him to remain stationary. Upon closing the distance, she attempts a punch aimed at his face, but Riaku deftly sidesteps, evading the blow.

Riaku: Is that all you’ve got?

Akira swiftly pivots and unleashes a barrage of punches; however, Riaku skillfully deflects and blocks each one. She delivers a final punch, only for Riaku to seize her arm and headbutt her. He then executes a powerful kick to Akira’s midsection, sending her staggering back several feet.

Zodiac: (To himself) This guy must be strong if he’s giving her such a hard time.

Akira shakes off the impact and charges at Riaku once more, while he dismissively shakes his head.

Riaku: Looks like you need to cool down.

As she closes the distance, Riaku opens his mouth, preparing an ice blast. When he releases it, Akira runs directly into the blast, causing her body to begin freezing. Moments later, she is completely encased in ice, prompting Riaku to laugh.

Riaku: There you go. Isn’t that better?

Daru: What a cheap way to fight!

Riaku approaches Akira and mockingly rubs her head.

Riaku: If only you were strong enough, sis. Maybe you’d have a chance.

Hearing this, Akira shifts her gaze toward Riaku.

Riaku: (Shocked) Huh?

Suddenly, Akira’s body begins to heat up, and she bursts free from the ice in an explosive outburst that sends Riaku flying backward.

Riaku: How did you break out!?

She charges at him again, leaping into the air to execute a leg dive kick. Riaku quickly raises his arm to block her attack. In response, he unleashes another ice blast from his mouth, prompting Akira to leap off his arm just in time to evade the blast. As she maneuvers to the side to avoid the icy breath, the blast inadvertently strikes several guards.

Riaku halts his attack and surges toward Akira, aiming for a punch. Just before impact, Akira ducks and counters with a punch to Riaku’s stomach, causing him to spit blood. In retaliation, Riaku seizes both of her hands and slams her to the ground, following up with a foot stomp. Akira quickly rolls away and springs back to her feet, but Riaku rushes in front of her, gripping her throat and slamming her back down while choking her.

Riaku: (Laughing) You like being choked out!? Huh!?

Akira: Get... off... of... me!

With a swift motion, Akira transforms her right hand into a claw and scratches Riaku’s face, compelling him to release her with a yell of pain.

Riaku: Ahhhhhh!

Seizing the opportunity, Akira rises and delivers a series of powerful punches to his body, inflicting significant damage. As Riaku absorbs the blows, he catches one of Akira’s punches and unleashes a surge of blue electricity, electrocuting her.

Akira: Agh!

Riaku: You’re going to pay for that!

Empowering his fist with electricity, Riaku strikes Akira, sending her into the air. He then unfurls his wings and ascends to pursue her. In response, Akira quickly grows her own wings and engages Riaku in an aerial battle, exchanging blows.

Zodiac walks alongside Daru.

Zodiac: What do you think of the fight so far?

Daru: It looks evenly matched, but I have a strong feeling Akira will come out on top.

As they continue to observe, the scene shifts back to Kasumi and the others, where Ohma finishes off the last guard.

Ohma: That’s the last one!

Kasumi: Good job! Now let’s free these people!

Himitsu and Kasumi approach the cages and break the locks on the doors, liberating the captives.

Slave 1: Thank you so much!

Slave 2: We thought we were going to die!

Himitsu: You are all welcome!

Kono: Anything to help the people!

Kasumi: (Pointing) The exit is over there! Get out of here quickly!

All the liberated individuals nod and rush toward the mountain’s exit.

Ohma: Everyone! Look at the sky!

They all look up to see two figures engaged in combat: Riaku and Akira.

Kasumi: It must be Akira and Riaku!

The scene shifts back to the confrontation, where Akira and Riaku clash, gripping each other’s hands while locking eyes.

Akira: I’m going to make sure there’s nothing left of you!

Riaku: Oh, that’s charming! Then why don’t you do it already? Are you that weak?

Now fueled by anger, Akira headbutts Riaku and punches him to the ground. As Riaku falls, Akira flies toward him, seizes his face, and slams it into the ground, generating a shockwave. When the smoke dissipates, she mounts Riaku and unleashes a barrage of punches to his face, landing every hit.

Akira: (Punching) DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE, DIE!

Riaku’s face becomes a bloody mess, with several broken teeth. The guards, noticing Riaku’s struggle, begin to grow concerned.

Zarrack Guard 1: Commander Riaku is getting beaten! We need to do something!

Zarrack Guard 2: But didn’t he say not to interfere?

Zarrack Guard 1: Not to the point where she’s about to kill him! Attack her!

The guards on the fortress roof charge a fire blast from a cannon, aiming it at Akira. Zodiac, noticing the cannon in the distance, reacts.

Zodiac: What the hell? They’re firing a cannon at Akira.

Daru: Are you serious!?

Daru turns back to Akira, shouting at her.

Daru: Akira! Get out of there!

Akira pauses and looks back.

Akira: What!?

The guards fully charge the cannon and fire the blast at Akira. She turns just in time to see the enormous fireball heading her way. Moments later, the blast strikes her, propelling her away from her brother and exploding in the air, leaving a fiery trail.

Kasumi: Akira, noooooo!

Gram emerges from hiding, witnessing Akira’s impact.

Gram: Noooooo!

Riaku slowly rises from the ground, a smile forming on his face.

Riaku: Heh, I guess I don’t have to worry about you anymore. It was fun while it lasted.

Kasumi falls to her knees, tears welling in her eyes.

Kasumi: She can’t be dead...

Himitsu: There’s no way...

Daru glares at Riaku, anger evident on his face.

Daru: Why did you do that!? Are you insane? That’s your sister!

Riaku: It doesn’t matter if she’s my sister. A win is a win.

Daru: How could you—

Akira: Did you really think you could take me out so easily?

Riaku: WHAT!?

As the flames and smoke clear, Akira stands tall, her skin adorned with scaly dragon armor, bruised and bloodied.

Ohma: She’s alive!

Riaku: That’s impossible! You should have died!

Akira: I won’t die until I kill you!

With renewed strength, Akira powers up and charges at Riaku at full speed. He attempts to block her, but she lands a punch to his face, sending him crashing to the ground, blood spilling from his mouth. As Akira approaches, Riaku begins to cough up more blood.

Riaku: This can’t be! I should have won!

Akira: No, your life ends here.

The scene transitions to a chamber beneath the fortress, where a dragon is restrained in chains, sleeping. It senses a familiar energy and abruptly opens its eyes, emanating a potent aura that envelops the surroundings. As the aura rises, its intensity is felt by all, prompting shock and fear to spread among them.

Zarrack Guard 3: (anxiously) What is this energy I’m feeling?

Zarrack Guard 4: (anxiously) It’s so intense!

Zodiac: (uneasy) What is this power?

Daru: (uneasy) This energy feels much stronger than Minus One.

As Akira continues her approach toward Riaku, a sudden pain grips her heart, forcing her to her knees as she clutches her chest.

Akira: Aghhhhhh!

Daru: Akira! What’s happening to her?

Riaku: (confused and alarmed) What is going on!?

At that moment, a black portal opens behind him, creating yet another anomaly. The remaining squad members rush to Zodiac and Daru, their eyes fixed on the portal.

Himitsu: No way!

Kono: It’s another anomaly!

Riaku glances back at the portal, while Akira, still in distress, also takes notice.

Akira: Don’t you dare run away from me!

Riaku: This is my chance!

Riaku gradually rises from the ground and dashes toward the portal, inadvertently dropping a small blue and shiny object from his pocket.

Akira: (screaming) NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Akira attempts to rise but is unable to do so due to the pain in her heart.

Riaku: (smirking) It seems I live again.

Riaku finally passes through the portal, causing it to begin closing slowly.

Kasumi: He got away!

They all rush to Akira, who is still clutching her heart in agony.

Kasumi: Akira! What’s happening!?

Akira: (furiously) THAT BASTARD GOT AWAY—aghh!

Kasumi: And you were so close!

Zarrack Guard 4: The commander disappeared! What do we do now!?

Zarrack Guard 5: Kill everyone else! Don’t let them escape!

All of the Zarrack guards charge toward them.

Himitsu: Crap! They’re all coming after us!

Daru: We need to get out of here.

Akira: (struggling to articulate) No! I must find my brother!

Daru: We can address that later! Let’s get out of here!

Kasumi supports Akira on her shoulder as everyone begins to run toward the exit. Before Gram departs, he notices a small blue jewel on the ground and picks it up.

Gram: (examining the jewel) What is this?

Daru: Gram! Move it!

Gram: I’m coming, I’m coming!

Gram discreetly pockets the jewel and hurries back to the group. As they approach the exit, they notice more Zarrack guards closing in.

Ohma: They’re coming from this side too!

Gram: (in a state of panic) We’re trapped!

At that moment, Cestra descends in front of them, landing gracefully on the ground.

Kasumi: Cestra! Everyone, get on!

They swiftly mount Cestra as she flaps her wings, evading the attacking Zarracks. Cestra soars over the mountain, heading directly back to Vermaila City. Akira’s pain begins to subside as she releases a powerful scream.

Akira: RIAKUUUUUUU!

The scene transitions to the following day in Sampostis, where Fin is at the Order Association, diligently working on his computer.

Mizuda: Long time no see, Fin.

Fin looks up to find Mizuda standing at his desk.

Fin: Mizuda! What are you doing here?

Mizuda: I was running some errands. Have you seen Kono’s crew? I’ve been looking for them but couldn’t find them.

Fin: Oh, they’re currently stuck in another world.

Mizuda: Really? Did they enter an anomaly portal?

Fin: That’s right. They were supposed to be on vacation after all their hard work and completing their 50th mission, but an anomaly appeared at the resort.

Mizuda: So they had to deal with it.

Fin: Yeah, but the good news is we finally got a signal indicating where they are. We just need to pick them up, which I was planning to do.

Mizuda: You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll go get them.

Fin: Really? Aren’t you busy?

Mizuda: Nope. I have some free time today. That’s why I was looking for them in the first place.

Fin: Well, if you’re okay with it, then go ahead. I’ll send you the coordinates. Thank you, Mizuda!

Mizuda: (smiling) Anytime, Fin.

As Mizuda prepares to pick them up, the scene shifts back to the rest of the group, now the next morning at Kasumi’s house in the Noku tribe.

Kasumi: Good morning, everyone!

Kono: Morning!

Gram: (yawning) Morning.

Kasumi: How is everyone feeling?

Himitsu: Still kind of drained from all the fighting yesterday.

Ohma: So much happened yesterday!

Kasumi: Yeah, I can’t believe Riaku got away by jumping into that portal. Do you know why it appeared?

Kono: Not really. We just call them anomalies since we don’t know how they show up. But it needs to be dealt with immediately, as it can cause massive damage.

Kasumi: How do you manage the situation?

Kono:

You essentially just jump in, and the portal will close, similar to what Riaku did.

Kasumi: I understand now, like how you all arrived here when you explained it to me.

Kono: Exactly.

Himitsu: How is Akira coping?

Kasumi: Her pain is gone, but she’s still very upset that her brother got away.

Daru: She’s definitely angry. Her energy says otherwise.

Kasumi: Yeah. When she acts like this, you don’t want to be around her, trust me.

Zodiac: No kidding...

Kono: Are you sure we’re allowed to be here, Kasumi?

Kasumi: Don’t worry! I got special permission from the mistress to bring you.

As they converse for a few more moments, Kono’s Jump Watch activates, receiving a call from Fin, which surprises them.

Gram: Whoa! Our Jump Watch is activated!

Kono: It’s Fin!

Kono answers the call.

Fin: Hello?

Kono: Fin! You finally found us!

Gram: (Excited) Yes! We can finally leave this place!

Fin: (Laughing) I told you I would find your location within a week. I’m just relieved you’re safe.

Kono: Thank you! We couldn’t have done it without some help along the way.

Fin: I’m glad to hear that! I was planning to pick you up myself, but I have someone else doing that for me.

Himitsu: Really? Who?

Fin: You’ll just have to find out. Make sure you’re in an open space so they can land the ship. The person should arrive in a couple of minutes.

Kono: Okay, I’ll find one. Don’t worry! Thank you again, Fin, for helping us!

Fin: You’re welcome. I’ll see you when you get back. Goodbye.

Fin ends the call.

Kasumi: Was that one of your friends?

Kono: Yeah, he’s more of an assistant who gives us missions and guidance.

Kasumi: That sounds cool!

Kono: It really is. Well, I guess it’s time to head back to our world.

Kasumi: I suppose it is. I’ll walk you outside the city before we say goodbye.

Kono: Okay, sounds good!

Gram: Is Akira not joining us?

Kasumi: I don’t think so. But I’m sure she appreciates that you helped us.

Daru: I doubt that.

Kasumi: Well, let’s go!

Everyone prepares to head out and moves through the front door. Akira, who had been upstairs listening, descends just as they are about to leave. The elderly woman, engrossed in her book, notices Akira.

Elderly Woman: Where are you going, Akira?

Akira: I’m going after Rikau.

Elderly Woman: I’m sure you’ll have fun with them.

Akira: What did you say?

Elderly Woman: Oh, I was merely speaking to myself, dear.

A few minutes later, they all arrive outside the city and stand in an open field.

Kasumi: This should be enough space.

Himitsu: I wonder how long it will take for the person to arrive.

Kono: Well, Fin did mention a few minutes, so it shouldn’t be much longer.

Kasumi: Before you leave, I just want to say thank you for helping us with the operation. I know Akira couldn’t get exactly what she wanted, but at least we saved those innocent people from those scumbags. That means a lot to me.

Kono: No problem, Kasumi. I also want to thank you for helping us avoid further trouble and for educating us about your community.

Kasumi: It was still kind of my fault for bringing you into that tribe, but no worries. I’m glad to have met you all. If you ever need anything else, I’ve got you covered!

Just then, they hear a loud sound coming from the sky. When they look up, they see a large black ship approaching, startling them.

Himitsu: What the...?

Gram: Whose ship is that!?

Kono: I—I have no idea!

As the ship nears, it lands in front of them. The hatch door opens, and Mizuda steps out.

Mizuda: How’s it going, everyone!

Himitsu: Master!

Himitsu runs up to Mizuda and embraces her, and she returns the gesture.

Mizuda: Hey there, Himitsu.

Kono: You were the one picking us up!?

Mizuda: Yep. I planned to meet you today, but I couldn’t find you anywhere, so I had to ask Fin.

Daru: That makes sense.

Mizuda: (Looking at Zodiac) Hey there, my sweet Zodiac.

Zodiac: (Annoyed) Can you stop calling me that? I’m not a kid anymore.

Everyone laughs.

Kasumi: Awww, that’s so cute!

Zodiac: Puff...

Mizuda: (Turning to Kasumi) I’m guessing you’ve been helping them out.

Kasumi: Yes! I’m Kasumi!

Mizuda: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kasumi!

Zodiac: Can we hurry up and get out of here? I’m tired of this place already.

Mizuda: No rush, hun. I just want to make sure everyone is okay.

Gram: Yeah! I still want to resume my vacation!

Mizuda: Okay, if everyone is ready, then hop on my ship.

Akira: Hold it.

Everyone turns to see Akira approaching.

Kasumi: Akira?

Akira: Whose ship is this?

Mizuda: That would be mine.

Akira: So, is it true you travel through dimensions with this thing?

Mizuda: Yes, that is correct. How do you know this?

Kono: Oh, that’s Akira. She was the first person we encountered here.

Gram: (Drooling) Isn’t she beautiful...

Daru hits Gram on the head.

Gram: OUCH!

Daru: Shut up!

Ohma: She even killed a big lizard too!

Mizuda: Oh, wow. It’s a pleasure to meet you!

Akira: Whatever. I’m coming with you guys.

Everyone is taken aback by Akira’s declaration.

Kasumi: Huh!?

Kono: Uhhhhhh.

Daru: Um, no you’re not.

Akira: Yes, I am! I need to find my brother!

Zodiac: Yeah, that’s not happening. You’re on your own with that.

Akira: I don’t care what you think. I’m coming.

Gram: (Smiling) I wouldn’t mind her coming along.

Daru: Sorry, but you’re not coming with us. You don’t get to decide.

Akira: Well, I do now!

As Akira approaches the ship, Kasumi grabs her arm.

Kasumi: Wait!

Akira: What is it, Kasumi? I need to go after him!

Kasumi: I know you do. But aren’t you going to say goodbye first?

Akira: W-well...

Kasumi hugs Akira tightly.

Kasumi: (Tearing up) Please stay safe! I don’t want to lose you!

Akira: Uhh, yes, I will. Don’t worry.

Akira returns a brief hug to Kasumi.

Kono: Wow, she’s not yelling for once.

Akira: (Turns around) What was that?!

Kono: N-nothing!

Akira: (Releasing the hug) I’ll see you later.

Akira boards the ship.

Mizuda: Oookay then. I guess she’s coming with us.

Daru: What! Why don’t you kick her out!?

Mizuda: She wants to find her brother, right? So why not?

Daru: (Annoyed) Great...

Kono: Are you sure you don’t want to come with us, Kasumi?

Kasumi: It’s alright. As much as I would love to accompany you, I need to remain here and address other matters.

Kono: Oh, I understand. I’ll see you next time, then, Kasumi!

Kasumi: Take care, everyone! And make sure Akira doesn’t get into trouble!

Zodiac: (sarcastically) Sure, okay...

Ohma: It was a pleasure meeting you.

Himitsu: Until next time.

As everyone boards the ship, Kasumi waves goodbye. Once aboard, they are awestruck by its size, featuring numerous rooms and a luxurious design.

Kono: Your ship is amazing, Mizuda!

Gram: And there’s no unpleasant odor!

Mizuda: Thank you! My crew worked hard to make it look this good. Now, come this way.

They follow Mizuda to the front deck, which boasts more than ten seats.

Mizuda: Grab a seat. We’re about to take off.

Everyone finds their seats, and Gram turns to Akira.

Gram: (smiling) Want to sit next to me, Akira?

Akira: Hell no. I’m sitting by myself.

Gram: Awww, man!

Himitsu: Maybe next time.

Gram: (sighing) Yeah...

Akira selects a seat far from the group.

Mizuda: Alright! Let’s get out of here!

Mizuda inputs the coordinates for their vacation as the ship ascends. Kasumi waves one last time as the ship disintegrates into particles, entering a portal. The scene then shifts back to the Zarrack base, where guards outside the fortress kneel as someone approaches.

Zarrack Guard 1: Welcome back, sir.

Zarrack Guard 2: We apologize for our failure, sir.

The individual surveys the surroundings and smiles.

???: No need to apologize. This is just the beginning.