The situation at DV Army headquarters was indeed complicated, but all the soldiers were busy with their own affairs. Some were resting to recover from their injuries, while others were gathering as much information as they could about Alber. Even Sizhi was taken immediately to a special room to learn everything about his grandfather.
Master Jenna and Jyu headed to the training grounds to test just how strong Jyu had become. Jyu was confident, though he couldn't deny feeling a bit of fear regarding Master Jenna's power.
According to rumors, Master Jenna possessed terrifying demonic power. Her rank was clearly at the Supreme level, yet few DV Army soldiers had ever witnessed her demon form. Perhaps today, Jyu would get that chance.
When they arrived, the DV Army training area was completely deserted. Only Master Jenna and Jyu were present; this would be a nerve-wracking training session for Jyu, facing his own teacher—the strongest warrior in the DV Army.
"Now show me your strength!" Master Jenna commanded.
Jyu didn't want to waste any more time. He walked a little way away so he'd have more room to transform. Jyu concentrated, and a second later, he transformed into a bear demon whose body was covered in muscle.
"Fufufufu! Not bad. Alright, attack me."
In his bear form, Jyu looked bored. He felt underestimated by Master Jenna. His teacher should have taken this seriously right away by summoning her demon. Jyu began to get interested in this training session; two Supreme-level warriors were about to fight—it was certainly fascinating to watch.
"Why aren't you summoning your demon?" Jyu asked in a deeper voice.
"I'll take this seriously if you're truly strong."
Although this was the first time Jyu had fought in his giant bear form, his confidence overcame all his doubts. With a loud roar, Jyu immediately launched a full-force attack.
His running wasn't particularly fast, but his footsteps were so heavy they shook the training floor. Jyu's two claws were ready to tear, and his fangs were poised to rip through his enemy's flesh.
Master Jenna was no less enthusiastic. As usual, she remained relaxed, walking slowly toward Jyu as he approached in a rage. So relaxed, in fact, that she had both hands tucked into her pants pockets.
Jyu approached.
His attack was ferocious; his claws swung relentlessly in search of prey. But to no avail—Master Jenna dodged them with ease. Her movements were as soft and serene as a piece of cotton dancing in the wind.
"What's the difference in our levels so far? Come on! I've evolved now."
Suddenly, Master Jenna's movements halted, and her smile vanished. Jyu had succeeded; he'd managed to trap Master Jenna within his own illusion.
"I've won!" Jyu declared confidently as he prepared to deliver the final blow.
It wasn't that easy.
Master Jenna had revealed her true power. Slowly, a mysterious aura emanated from her body, eventually taking the form of a female demon with a terrifying mask, a long white cloak, and a knife in her hand.
Yet she wasn't like a demon; she resembled a soul-reaper. Her form was truly terrifying, hovering above Master Jenna's body.
When Jyu's attack came, the spirit immediately parried it, sending Jyu flying backward quite a distance.
"What was that?" Jyu was utterly shocked upon seeing that terrifying figure.
"Is that… is that Master Jenna's demon?"
Master Jenna smiled smugly as she watched her student grow increasingly frustrated. "Are you scared?"
Master Jenna walked closer. Each step brought news of death. The closer she got, the more suffocating the fear became in Jyu's heart. Now, Master Jenna was truly different; she seemed to have transformed into the god of death.
Jyu couldn't move; his body refused to obey his mind's commands. Even his tongue felt stiff, like a meter-thick slab of iron.
But slowly, the terrifying spirit hovering above Master Jenna vanished. "Wake up! You won't die today," she said with a wide smile as she watched Jyu tremble with fear.
Jyu then transformed back into a human. Only in this form could he move and breathe freely. In fact, his breath was now ragged because he'd been holding it in out of fear all this time.
"What is the nature of your demonic power?"
Master Jenna paused for a moment upon hearing the question. "Call him the God of Death."
Then Master Jenna leaned in to look at Jyu more closely. She whispered, "This power is only for fighting enemies. If you get hit by his attack, you'll be sealed away forever right then and there."
"Fufufufu! Relax, I'm your friend, so you don't need to be afraid."
"Stand up!"
Jyu immediately stood up, straightening his tattered clothes from the brief battle.
"As you said, your power is indeed terrifying. But there's one weakness: your movements are extremely slow. If you want to win in battle, rely more on your illusory powers. Also, make use of your three forms—you must assess which form is best suited to fight your enemy."
Master Jenna paused for a moment, gazing at Jyu.
"So that you know, you have a chance to win against me if you transform into a doll. Because you're small, your movements will be easier and faster. Unlike your monster form—I can attack you easily."
Jyu listened intently; what Master Jenna said was true. Each of Jyu's transformations has its own strengths and weaknesses. However, if Jyu truly masters his powers, he can defeat anyone. Especially since he possesses a super punch—no one would survive receiving it.
"Ready!" said Jyu as he raised his hand to salute, like a soldier to his superior.
Master Jenna seemed pleased with Jyu's progress. "Thank goodness! Now the DV Army has a competent soldier like you. Keep training!"
***
Now all the members of the DV Army anxiously await what attack Alber will launch. The safety of the citizens from the demon's assault rests in their hands. That is why security throughout the city has been tightened. All soldiers have been assigned their respective duties with increasingly intense guard rotations.
As before, Jyu is on guard duty with Sizhi, guided by Taffie. Even though she is missing one arm and one leg, Taffie's strength remains formidable. Her movements are still swift, as if unaffected by her physical disability.
Sizhi was still shy when meeting Taffie. He still felt a sense of guilt—understandably so, since the severe injuries Taffie suffered were, indirectly, his doing.
"I'm sorry!" said Sizhi upon arriving at the base camp with Jyu and Taffie.
Taffie snorted in annoyance, "Enough! You're free now and back as a DV Army soldier. Forget the past and focus on facing the enemies that are appearing."
"Enough! He's right—let the past be the past. Life shouldn't be filled with regret," said Jyu, trying to comfort his friend.
"Now let's move out! The radar shows several mystical creatures have already appeared," explained Taffie.
This is what confuses the DV Army. The radar shows mystical creatures have already appeared and begun attacking humans. Yet until now, the appearance of mystical creatures has always been marked by the opening of a dimensional portal.
So where did they come from?$3!