Chapter 5: No Sacrifice, No Victory

The ambulance sirens wailed, tearing through the chaotic night air. Amidst the still-smoking urban ruins, a group of military paramedics moved swiftly, carrying a stretcher bearing an unconscious figure—Tendou, or more precisely, the mysterious hero. His Exo Suit was shattered in places, his helmet cracked, and now his bloodied, heavily wounded face was clearly visible. The critical alarm from his suit blared, emphasizing the urgency: its user was dying and needed immediate medical attention. Without delay, he was rushed to a secret military hospital that had been prepared.

Soon after Tendou arrived, Ayano, his younger sister, followed. Her face, pale and ashen, expressed horror and desperation. Her eyes stared blankly at her brother, lying stiffly, surrounded by busy medical staff. There, in the sterile yet chilling hospital corridor, old memories flashed through her mind—similar events, the same panic, and a deep fear of loss. She still couldn't believe it, as if a past nightmare was repeating itself.

Not long after, the automatic sliding doors opened again, and an elderly man with steady steps but a face full of worry strode in. It was Hotaro, Tendou's grandfather, a man with an undeniable aura of authority, a highly respected figure with extensive connections in Japan. Seeing his grandson's condition, his expression hardened, but his eyes showed deep sorrow. Without a word, he went straight to Ayano, embracing his granddaughter tightly. Ayano's sobs broke in her grandfather's arms, and Hotaro himself closed his eyes, holding Ayano even tighter as if trying to transfer strength amidst the unspoken storm of grief.

In the distance, Emmy stood frozen, her Exo Suit still showing damage and her right arm feeling broken. Her watery eyes stared at the heartbreaking scene before her. Her dream prince, who she had just learned was Tendou, now lay helpless. A mix of guilt, shock, and sadness enveloped her.

Beside her, Aura stood tall, but there was a faint tremor in her shoulders. Her clear eyes observed the scene, her usually stoic expression now displaying something unreadable—a mix of shock and a rare, deep sorrow. Her friend, whom she had thought was an "ordinary human," was now fighting between life and death.

And finally, Otoya, stood slightly behind them, clutching the Railgun he had just used to end the threat. Victory felt hollow. His eyes were red, staring at his mentor, the figure who had protected him and was now paying a heavy price. He gritted his teeth, a desperate resolve mingling with a burning determination to protect Tendou in the future. The three of them, Emmy, Aura, and Otoya, could only witness the profound grief that enveloped Ayano and Hotaro, a stark reminder of the heavy cost of victory.

Time seemed to stand still. Tension gripped the hospital corridor. Not long after, the operating room door opened with a soft click, and a doctor emerged, his face tired but calm.

"He's stable," the doctor said, his voice quiet but clear, bringing a little relief to Ayano and Hotaro. "However, he suffered very serious injuries. His body experienced severe trauma, and he is still in critical condition. We've done our best, but he'll need extensive recovery time in the intensive care unit."

Ayano let out a sigh of relief, tears flowing again, this time tears of gratitude. Hotaro nodded at the doctor, his face softening slightly, though worry was still clear in his eyes. They both sat in the waiting chairs, hoping for the best.

At the same time, Tendou's mind and spirit drifted between realms. He found himself in an unfamiliar dimension, a bridge between life and death. There, only an endless, empty darkness stretched out, with a faint shimmering path leading into the distance. Instinctively, he felt pulled forward, slowly stepping towards what felt like death, an emptiness he couldn't comprehend.

However, before his foot truly touched that threshold, an unseen force seized him. In the blink of an eye, he felt as if he was thrown, flung across the void, and landed in an astonishing place.

He was inside a magnificent palace, made of shining crystal and gold that emitted a soft glow. Pillars soared high, adorned with intricate carvings that radiated cosmic energy. The ceiling was a swirling galaxy of stars, as if he were at the heart of the universe. The scent of ethereal flowers filled the air. In the center of the main hall, on a throne crafted from light, sat a female figure.

She possessed a radiant aura, long silver hair that flowed like a waterfall, and piercing eyes, as if seeing into the depths of his soul—a pair of gems that radiated millennia of wisdom. She was a goddess.

"Welcome, Oscar," the goddess spoke, her voice melodious yet powerful, echoing throughout the hall. "My name is Algeist. I am the one who brought you here, and I am the one who guided you, Oscar, to come to my world. You are here to save us from the clutches of Demon King Paradox."

Tendou looked around, his brain still trying to process all of this. "Am I... am I dead?" he asked, his voice sounding foreign to his own ears, barely a whisper.

Goddess Algeist smiled, a gentle smile that made the entire hall feel brighter. She then giggled softly, a laugh almost like a beautiful melody. "No, Tendou," she replied, her voice full of warmth. "Your time has not yet come. Your path in that world is still long. A great destiny awaits you."

Algeist rose from her throne, floating gently closer to Tendou. "You are the light of hope for humanity, Tendou. Continue to guide them, continue to be a beacon in the darkness that is to come. Do not falter, for within you, there is power that will transcend all limits."

As Goddess Algeist spoke, her hand reached out and touched Tendou's forehead. Instantly, a pure, immensely powerful surge of energy flooded him. Tendou felt an incredible sensation, as if every cell in his body was illuminated and reconstructed. Unlimited power flowed into him, filling every void, healing every wound, and granting him new strength he had never felt before—a healing energy and speed that surpassed mortal limits. It felt like he was reborn, ready for his destiny.

Suddenly, Tendou's eyes snapped open. He gasped, taking a deep breath, his lungs feeling full for the first time in what felt like ages.

In the military hospital's intensive care unit, the life monitoring machines that had shown flat lines or weak signals now blared loudly, indicating strong and stable heart and brain activity! The previously silent alarms were now deafening, signaling a miracle. All the medical staff in the room immediately bustled, rushing to check the monitors and Tendou's condition, disbelieving of this drastic and sudden change. They witnessed an awakening that defied medical logic.

Meanwhile, Emmy, Aura, and Otoya had returned to their respective residences, still processing all the events they had witnessed and the bittersweet relief over Tendou's fate. Tendou's grandfather, Hotaro, after ensuring his grandson was in good hands and stable, also returned to Okinawa, entrusting Tendou's supervision and all related details to Morgan, Tendou and Ayano's trusted and highly capable martial arts teacher. A new era, with an unforeseen destiny, had begun.

Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye. Under the strict supervision of the medical team and his mysterious recovery, Tendou had significantly recovered. Although the doctors still wanted to perform many more health examinations to understand his extraordinarily fast and almost miraculous recovery, they could not deny that Tendou was already active. The severe scars on his body had dried and faded drastically, leaving only faint marks. Apparently, he had used the healing magic he had just obtained from Goddess Algeist, accelerating his recovery beyond normal medical capabilities—a secret he kept tightly guarded.

When Tendou was finally discharged, Ayano was already waiting for him with a wide smile and teary eyes at their home's doorstep. Her face beamed with joy. Seeing her brother healthy and standing tall before her, Ayano couldn't contain her overflowing happiness. She immediately jumped and hugged Tendou tightly, burying her face in his chest as if she never wanted to let go.

"Brother!" Ayano exclaimed, her voice filled with pure joy. "I'm so glad you're well, Big Brother! I promise, I'll cook all your favorite foods after this, until you're sick of them!"

Tendou could only smile faintly, a rare smile that showed warmth in his eyes. He returned his sister's hug, somewhat resigned to Ayano's overflowing excitement, but feeling at peace in her warm embrace.

On the other side of the city, Emmy received news from someone at the hospital that Tendou had returned home. The phone in her hand vibrated, and her usually confident and proud face now showed a typical tsundere expression—a little confused, a little awkward, unsure what to do. Her heart pounded with a mix of relief and embarrassment. Her hero, her prince, was back. After a moment of wrestling with her feelings, running her silver hair through her fingers, she finally decided to go to a cake shop, choosing Tendou's favorite cheesecake with a serious expression as if she were selecting a national treasure.

Not long after, Emmy arrived at Tendou's house. To her surprise, she saw Aura who had already arrived at the front door earlier. Aura stood calmly on the porch, holding a neatly wrapped package that Emmy didn't know the contents of, but a competitive aura between the two of them was immediately palpable, even without a word. Aura's stoic expression seemed to challenge her silently, "I was here first."

As the two of them were still glaring playfully at each other, a rusty pickup truck stopped in front of the house, and Otoya jumped out. This time, he arrived in a completely different style. With a proud smile and panting breath, he carried an incredibly long and thick large fish, a result of his own catch—its tail even dragged on the ground! Its striking size, almost as long as his own body, made Emmy and Aura gasp and simply stare in disbelief, momentarily forgetting their rivalry.

"Good heavens, Otoya! Is that a fish, or a torpedo?" Emmy blurted out, her eyes wide.

Aura merely raised a delicate eyebrow, silent.

Finally, Ayano, hearing the commotion outside, opened the door for the three of them. A warm atmosphere greeted them inside the house. In the now-crowded living room, they began to present their gifts one by one.

Otoya proudly presented his large fish. "Sensei! This is your favorite fish, Tuna! I caught it myself straight from the open sea!" he exclaimed excitedly, dropping the fish with a loud thud.

Tendou could only stare at the giant fish with a wry smile mixed with awe. "Thank you, Otoya... but isn't this a bit... too big for one person?" he murmured, though inwardly he appreciated his student's hard work.

Then it was Emmy and Aura's turn. They both immediately vied to give their respective gifts to Tendou. Emmy, her face slightly flushed, tried to hand over her cake box in a hurry, pushing forward. "This is for you! Don't let it run out!" While Aura, with her characteristic composure, tried to push Emmy's hand away to present her elegantly wrapped package. "Mine is more useful."

Tendou could only smile faintly, an expression of resignation mixed with amusement on his face as he received their gifts, full of rivalry. It felt like he was being pulled back and forth by two equally determined forces.

Ayano, observing the scene with amusement and sparkling eyes, didn't miss her chance. She nudged Tendou's arm gently. "Wow, Big Brother has been single for a long time, you know," she teased, with a mischievous smile and a playful tone. "I really want to have a sister-in-law to cook with soon! If possible, two at once!"

Hearing Ayano's teasing, Emmy and Aura gasped, their faces flushing crimson up to their ears. Glaring at each other with fiery glints in their eyes, they once again showed signs of competing for Tendou's affection, filling the living room with a sweet and amusing aura of competition. Tendou could only sigh, realizing that his life might never be truly quiet again after this, and perhaps that wasn't a bad thing at all.

While joy and relief enveloped Tendou's residence, in a minimalist office filled with holographic monitors, Hikari Kurushima received the latest report. The thin smile that usually graced her lips now widened into a genuinely satisfied grin as she read Tendou's recovery status.

"So, Oscar is back to prime condition," Hikari muttered, a sharp glint in her keen eyes. "It seems Goddess Algeist's power worked remarkably well. Impressive."

She swiped the screen, and an ancient scroll report appeared, emanating an old yet powerful aura. Hikari's slender fingers touched the surface of the scroll, reading the details carefully. The information within was highly confidential, detailing ancient prophecies and the approaching threat of Demon King Paradox, as well as Tendou's role as the 'Hero from Another World' who was now active. A small smirk appeared on her lips. Her plan began to form, grander and more ambitious than ever before.

Right in the middle of the lively living room, as Ayano was still playfully teasing and Emmy and Aura were silently glaring in competition, a holographic call suddenly materialized in the middle of the room. The hologram projected the figure of a dignified middle-aged man with neat black hair and eyes that radiated intelligence—Amamiya Kei, Tendou and Ayano's father, who was currently overseas on important assignments.

Kei's face immediately showed deep concern upon seeing Tendou. "Tendou! Son, how are you?" his voice, though heard through the slightly distorted projection, was still full of anxiety. "I heard about the incident... are you really alright? I couldn't come in person, but..."

Tendou sighed, slightly awkward with his father's overwhelming concern that seemed to transcend distance. "I'm fine, Dad. Fully recovered. No need to worry."

Kei's gaze then shifted, and he noticed the presence of Emmy, Aura, and Otoya, who now stood awkwardly, a little surprised by the sudden appearance of the hologram. A warm smile slowly formed on Kei's face. His eyes softened, filled with warmth and pride. "Oh, Tendou... I see... I'm truly touched," Kei said, his voice slightly trembling, "Finally... finally my son has friends... and even..." He glanced at Emmy and Aura, a meaningful smile gracing his lips, "...some girlfriends!"

Tendou gasped, his face flushing crimson up to his ears. "Dad! What are you talking about?!" He immediately denied it, waving his hands frantically. "They're just friends! Nothing more!"

Hearing Tendou's firm denial, Emmy's face, which had been red with embarrassment, now slightly furrowed. She let out a small huff, her tsundere expression clearly showing a hint of anger. This idiotic Ice Prince! After everything, he's still so dense! she thought, though she didn't voice her complaint. Aura just stared at Tendou with her usual stoic expression, but there was a strange glint in her eyes that didn't escape Ayano's notice, as if she was considering something serious.

Kei chuckled from the hologram, seemingly pleased with their reactions. "Alright, alright. The important thing is that you're well, Tendou. Take good care of yourself. I'll be back as soon as my duties are finished." With that, Kei's hologram flickered and then disappeared, leaving a brief silence that was soon broken by Ayano's renewed teasing.

The next day dawned. The morning sun illuminated the city, which was now beginning to rise again, as if welcoming a new beginning. Tendou, with a burning new determination—the resolve of a hero who had tasted divine power—spent his time in his secret workshop. He tried to rebuild his severely damaged Exo Suit from scratch. However, this time it wasn't just a repair. With the new knowledge and power gained from Algeist, he added a complex and unprecedented new system, perfecting every part with touches of ancient magic and futuristic technology. The weapons and swords were also enhanced, their blades now emitting a faint light. Most significantly, he integrated the magic of Light of Speed into his suit, a power that would grant him incredible velocity, surpassing any human speed ever known. After hours of relentless work, the suit was finally complete, radiating a stronger and more menacing futuristic aura than before.

Tendou immediately brought the newly completed suit to his isolated private training area, a secret facility he and Morgan used. Carefully, he put it on. The sensation of new power and speed flooded him, filling every inch of his body. He tried some basic movements, dashing and spinning with impossible agility, leaving faint trails of light behind him. This far surpassed his old Exo Suit's capabilities; this was an evolution.

However, he knew he had to test its limits. He needed a true challenge that could push him to the extreme. His eyes fell upon the high-speed rail tracks stretching into the distance, an icon of modern speed. A crazy idea flashed through his mind.

With resolute determination, Tendou decided to challenge Japan's fastest bullet train. On a secluded track, far from the crowds, he stood ready to race against the steel monster. The rumble of the approaching Shinkansen grew louder, making the ground vibrate and a cold wind whip across his face.

Light of Speed Mode activated. A brilliant golden light enveloped Tendou, and his body felt an extraordinary acceleration. He shot forward, running parallel to the train, the sound of his footsteps barely audible, only the whoosh of the air he displaced. The wind roared, trying to tear at his body, but his new suit withstood everything, slicing through the air like a hot knife through butter.

The bullet train sped at its maximum velocity, almost like a lightning bolt streaking across the rails. Tendou, with a little extra speed boost from the Light of Speed magic integrated into his new suit, pushed himself to the absolute limit. Sweat beaded on his face beneath his helmet, but he didn't care. Every muscle screamed, but he pressed on, his focus unwavering. Finally, with a last push that made his heart pound, he succeeded! He won, leaving the fastest train behind him, almost like an illusion that never existed.

Pantling, Tendou stopped at the end of the track, the Light of Speed aura fading. A sense of satisfaction swelled in his chest, mixed with a hint of exhaustion and exhilaration. This power, this speed... this was something new, something greater than he could have ever imagined.

There, in the silence after the speed-fueled madness, Tendou pondered. A name flashed into his mind, representing connection, interconnected power, and the meeting point between two worlds now united within him.

"From now on," he whispered, looking at his new suit that now reflected the morning sun, "I shall name you... Nexus."

With a new name for his suit, and the power he now fully wielded, Tendou was ready for the destiny that awaited him—a destiny that would change the world.

Deep within the profound darkness, on a towering throne in a world filled with mist and desolation, Demon King Paradox observed. His fiery red eyes burned with wrath and impatience. The defeat of his previous general had infuriated him.

"Failure is a luxury I can no longer afford," Paradox's voice boomed, shaking the foundations of his demonic palace.

Before him, a colossal shadow knelt. A thick, dark aura enveloped him, radiating a chilling, deadly power. This was Lugiel, the Third General of Paradox's demonic army, a figure known for his merciless cruelty and efficiency.

"My liege, Paradox," Lugiel's voice was hoarse and deep, "Just give the command. This time, nothing will be left standing."

Paradox smirked, revealing his sharp fangs. "Go, Lugiel. Go to that mortal world. Crush their hope. Bring me the head of the Hero they boast about."

Without another word, Lugiel rose. With one fluid motion, he vanished into a dark portal that opened behind him. His destination: Earth. His mission: Destruction.