The Ground
Cracks spread slowly.
Thin at first—
Then deeper.
A low rumble.
Not loud.
But wrong.
Hiroto Stands Firm
Blade raised.
Breathing controlled.
Akari Moves Beside Him
"…This doesn't feel like anything we've faced…"
Kenzaku's Eyes Narrow
"…Because it isn't."
Goro Raises His Hand Slightly
"…Hold your ground."
No One Moves Forward
Not this time.
They wait.
The Ground Breaks
A sharp crack—
Stone splits open.
Darkness Beneath
Not empty.
Deep.
Endless.
Something Moves
Not fully visible.
Just—
A shift.
Yui Steps Back Slightly
"…I don't like this…"
Watcher Speaks
"…Presence confirmed."
A pause.
"…Multiple layers."
Confusion Hits
Akari frowns.
"…Multiple?"
Kenzaku Tightens His Grip Slightly
"…It's not just one…"
Suddenly—
A hand emerges.
From the darkness.
Not Human
Too pale.
Too still.
Then—
Another.
And another.
They Pull Themselves Up
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Three Figures Emerge
Bodies incomplete—
Like something unfinished.
Their Eyes
Empty.
But aware.
Hiroto Feels It
That pressure again—
But different.
Not overwhelming—
Unnatural.
The First One Steps Forward
Movements stiff—
But controlled.
Then It Speaks
Voice broken.
Echoing slightly.
"…Left behind…"
Silence
Akari Tightens Her Grip
"…What are they…?"
Kenzaku Answers Quietly
"…Remnants."
A pause.
"…Something failed to die properly."
The Second One Moves
Faster than expected—
It Charges
Hiroto Reacts Instantly
Step—
Angle—
CLASH
Steel meets flesh—
But—
It Doesn't Feel Normal
Too dense.
Too wrong.
Hiroto Pushes Back
"…These aren't like the last ones…"
Goro Steps In
Cuts one down cleanly—
But—
It doesn't fall completely.
It Twitches
Still moving.
Goro's Eyes Narrow
"…Persistent."
Kenzaku Moves In
Precise strike—
Targeting the neck—
Clean Cut
This One Falls Still
Kenzaku Speaks Immediately
"…Aim properly."
Akari Engages the Third
Fast.
Controlled.
She Strikes Clean
It Drops
Silence Returns Briefly
But—
The ground trembles again.
Stronger.
Hiroto Looks Down
"…There's more…"
Watcher Confirms
"…Yes."
The Crack Widens
Darkness spreads.
A Deeper Presence Emerges
Heavier.
Slower.
Not like the others
Kenzaku Steps Back Slightly
For the first time—
Cautious.
"…Now that…"
A pause.
"…is the real one."
From the darkness below—
A shape begins to rise.
Larger.
More defined.
And its presence alone—
Makes the air feel heavier.
"…So it begins…"
To be continued…