Darkness crept into Kenji's vision.
The monsters closed in, snarling, sensing weakness.
Baran roared inside his mind.
"Get up!"
"If you die here, the contract ends!"
Kenji tried to move.
His body refused.
Claws were inches from his throat—
And then—
Lightning tore through the alley.
The monsters didn't even scream.
Their bodies were reduced to ash in an instant.
The air shook.
Kenji's eyes widened.
A woman stood before him, lightning dancing around her like a living crown.
Yumi Imoja.
She didn't look at the monsters.
She looked at Kenji.
"You're reckless," she said calmly.
"But you didn't run."
She turned, releasing another surge of thunder that erased the remaining threats in the area.
Kenji struggled to sit up.
"…You saved me."
Yumi shook her head.
"I didn't save you," she replied.
"I stopped the interference."
Kenji frowned.
"Interference?"
She looked toward the sky, where dark clouds churned violently.
"The ones truly responsible for this," she said quietly,
"are watching."
She extended a hand—but stopped short.
"You're not ready yet."
Kenji clenched his fist and forced himself to stand without help.
"I don't need protection."
Yumi studied him for a long moment.
Then—she smiled faintly.
"Good," she said.
"Then survive."
Lightning surged, and she vanished into the storm.
Kenji stood alone once more, heart pounding.
Baran spoke softly now.
"Human… you just stood before royalty."
Kenji looked at the empty street.
"…Then I'll become strong enough," he whispered,
"that even royalty won't have to watch from afar."
Above Tokyo, thunder roared.
The battle was far from over.
Next Chapter coming soon.....
To Be continue.....