Chapter 9: Persona Non Grata

The sky over Tokyo, which had been grey, now truly darkened. Thick, black clouds swirled above the Tokyo Dome, spewing bolts of lightning that flashed, tearing through the tense atmosphere. In the midst of that artificial storm, two figures emerged with soul-shaking auras. Lucifer, with vast black wings spread proudly, radiated the power and arrogance of a demon. Beside him, Mephisto, with a perpetual cunning smirk, his energy pulsating like an illusion ready to deceive.

Below, in the empty arena of the abandoned Tokyo Dome, Tendou stood beside a demonic figure. Tendou was still in his usual clothes, staring straight at the sky now filled with threats. He clenched his fists, feeling the biting cold from the aura of the two Generals.

This is it. This is the beginning of everything. There's no turning back. Staying silent is useless.

Ayano's smiling face flashed in his mind, followed by Emmy's determined message. He took a deep breath, steeling his heart. As his eyes met the arrogant figures of Lucifer and Mephisto, a quiet but meaningful sentence escaped him, like an oath sworn to bind destiny:

"Bonds are Nexus."

Simultaneously, an intense blue light radiated from Tendou's body. Particles of energy and metal converged around him, forming the sleek and sturdy Exo Suit Mark III Nexus. He was no longer just a human, but a manifestation of the bonds he held so dear.

Lucifer laughed, a booming sound reverberating throughout the stadium. "Foolish humans. Do you think with cheap tricks like kidnapping a hero, you can challenge us Demon Generals? You are merely dust that will soon be blown away."

Mephisto added with a mocking tone, "And this traitorous demon... what a pathetic sight, Belial. Joining weaklings like humans? You have truly fallen."

Belial replied coldly, "My biggest mistake was following your empty ambitions back then, Paradox. Now, I stand to protect what is precious." He briefly glanced at Tendou, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "Why are you so steadfast on humans, Tendou? They always make mistakes."

Tendou looked at Belial, the spark of determination in his eyes brighter than the Nexus light. He recalled everything he had been through, everything he wanted to protect. With a firm voice, he answered: "Humans always make mistakes, but they are also capable of change. That is why I will continue to protect them."

Tendou's Perception: I cannot let history repeat itself. This is the final gamble. He activated the Nexus combat system, magical energy from another world flooding every fiber of his suit, ready for battle.

Lucifer's Perception: This human... his aura is different from ordinary humans. There's a strange energy mixed with their primitive technology. And Belial... his hatred for me and Paradox feels real. Both of them must be destroyed quickly and mercilessly. An arrogant smirk spread across his face. I will show them the chasm of power between a Demon General and a lowly creature.

THE BATTLE BEGINS:

Tendou stepped forward, his fists clenched. His eyes were fixed on Lucifer and Mephisto, his expression behind the Nexus helmet one of steel resolve. With a heavy voice amplified by the Nexus sound system, he declared:

"All right, it's time to account for your sins!"

Lucifer lunged swiftly, a dark energy blast shooting from his hand towards Tendou. With trained reflexes, Tendou activated the Nexus force field, blocking the attack with a trembling blue energy shield.

"You're too slow!" Tendou exclaimed, then dashed forward with the Nexus rocket booster, leaving a trail of light behind him. He swung his magic-infused fist, striking Lucifer's chest.

BOOM!

Lucifer was pushed back, startled by the force of the blow. "How dare you!" he roared, anger beginning to emanate from his glowing red eyes. His wings flapped powerfully, creating a devastating wave of wind.

On the other side, Belial and Mephisto faced each other with cold stares.

"You will never atone for your betrayal, Belial," Mephisto hissed, his hands beginning to emit a suffocating purple mist. "Death is the only way for you."

"I don't seek atonement from you, Mephisto," Belial retorted, his demonic aura flowing more intensely, his eyes glowing with determination. "I am here to stop your insane plan and Paradox's."

Mephisto chuckled sinisterly. "Insane plan? We will bring order to this chaotic world! And you, the traitor, will be the first to experience our 'order'!"

Belial's Perception: Mephisto is trying to stay calm, but I can feel his hesitation. Memories of the coup, his guilt towards his father... I will use that to destroy him from within. His smirk widened. That foolish human... he relies too much on this weak demon.

Mephisto's Perception: Belial tries to stay calm, but I can feel his hesitation. Memories of the coup, his guilt towards his father... I will use that to destroy him from within. His smirk widened. That foolish human... he relies too much on this weak demon.

BELIAL VS. MEPHISTO DUEL (Continued):

Mephisto launched a series of rapid illusions, shadowy images of Belial's dark past appearing around them, trying to disrupt his concentration. Belial groaned, but he closed his eyes, focusing his demonic senses to feel Mephisto's true energy behind the illusions.

Suddenly, Belial opened his eyes, a thick black aura enveloping his body. He stretched out his hand, and chains of demonic energy emerged from the darkness, moving swiftly towards Mephisto.

Mephisto was surprised, quickly vanishing into a purple mist, only to reappear behind Belial, ready to launch a surprise attack. However, Belial had anticipated it. He turned quickly, parrying Mephisto's attack with his sharp claws, leaving scratches on his opponent's demonic armor.

CRACK!

Belial's claws, now extended and hardened, struck directly into Mephisto's abdomen. Mephisto's demonic armor cracked, and he was violently thrown against the stadium wall, creating a large crack.

Mephisto coughed up blood, his smirk fading, replaced by an expression of shock and pain. "Impossible... you... you've truly become stronger, Belial!"

Belial showed no mercy. He leaped, launching a final attack, firing a concentrated blast of dark demonic energy directly at the prostrate Mephisto. The energy pierced Mephisto's body, and the demon roared in agony before finally vanishing into ash, leaving only a fading trace of darkness in the air.

TENDOU VS. LUCIFER DUEL (Continued):

Tendou continued to corner Lucifer, relying on his knowledge of his core weakness. He moved nimbly, dodging every energy blade and dark fireball. Tendou knew, this fight wasn't about raw power, but about strategy and exploiting every opening.

Emmy, after ensuring Caine was safe enough and fully regaining consciousness, joined the fight. She launched a series of energy blasts from her Exo Suit Mark II, trying to distract Lucifer, creating an opening for Tendou.

"Get out of my way, lowly human!" Lucifer roared, batting away Emmy's attack with one of his wings. However, Emmy's distraction was enough for Tendou.

Tendou saw the opening. Lucifer was distracted, and his chest was slightly exposed. Tendou gathered all his magical energy into his right hand. Golden and blue light swirled, condensing the energy to its peak.

He lunged forward, with speed that surpassed Lucifer's vision. Lucifer, surprised, tried to parry, but it was too late.

With all the strength and determination he possessed, Tendou unleashed his ultimate blow, the Nexus Punch (or a concentrated finisher attack), directly into the magical core in Lucifer's chest.

CRACK!

Lucifer's armor shattered at the point of impact. A large crack appeared in his magical core, and dark energy emanated uncontrollably from his body. Lucifer staggered, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"How... how could a human like you possess such power?!" Lucifer roared, his body beginning to fade into particles of darkness.

Tendou stood tall, his breath heavy, but his eyes full of calm. He watched Lucifer vanish.

Lucifer completely disappeared, leaving behind nothingness and a pungent ozone smell in the air. Silence suddenly enveloped the Tokyo Dome, leaving only Tendou's and Belial's heavy breathing.

THE ARRIVAL OF VALKYRIE, CONFRONTATION, AND GLOBAL SPEECH:

Sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder. Helicopter searchlights began to sweep the arena. The Special Forces and Valkyrie Force had arrived, surrounding the Tokyo Dome, now ruined in places.

Belial landed beside Tendou, his gaze a mixture of admiration and surprise. He glanced at the approaching helicopters, then with an almost imperceptible movement, positioned himself slightly behind Tendou, his shadow seemingly merging with the darkness of the stadium's cracks. He knew, in the eyes of the world, he was just another threat.

Emmy turned towards the sound, her expression serious. "Tendou... they're coming." She briefly glanced at Belial, as if signaling him to stay calm and not draw further attention.

Caine, now fully conscious, stood with a sharp, angry gaze. He stared at Tendou and the demon beside him, then at the approaching helicopters. "You... what exactly have you done?! I demand an explanation!" His anger still burned, the pain from his abduction and the confusion of these events not yet fully gone.

At the main gate of the stadium, a Valkyrie tactical vehicle stopped abruptly. From it, Commander Hikari jumped out, followed by Aura Hoshimi and elite, heavily armed Valkyrie troops. Hikari's eyes swept over the destruction around them, then fixed on Tendou, still in his Nexus suit, the mysterious demon beside him, Emmy, and the now-released Caine.

"Tendou Amamiya!" Hikari's voice boomed through the loudspeaker, filled with authority and anger. "What happened here?! Why are you with that demon?! And where is Caine?!" His tone clearly showed disbelief and a demand for answers.

Tendou looked at Hikari, then at the media, who were now swarming closer, camera flashes and microphones aimed at him. This was his moment. The moment to reveal the truth, to explain his actions, even if it meant becoming an enemy in the eyes of the world.

Tendou's Perception: This is the choice I've made. I cannot back down. I must face the consequences. He stepped forward, removing his Nexus helmet. His face looked tired, but his eyes radiated a strange calmness.

"Hikari-san," Tendou began, his voice clear and firm. "I know this is hard to believe, but I did this to protect all of you. To protect the future." He then briefly explained about the approaching Demon King Paradox and a threat greater than they could imagine. "This demon beside me is my ally against Paradox. He is the only one who knows Paradox's weakness." He provided no further details, letting the mystery shroud Belial's figure. Hikari could only frown, skeptical of this 'demon ally,' but the truth in Tendou's eyes prevented him from outright refuting it.

Aura Hoshimi stood beside Hikari, scanning Tendou and the demon with a sharp gaze, trying to analyze this absurd situation.

"Tendou," Hikari's voice came, as he stepped forward through the startled Valkyrie crowd. His clear eyes met Tendou's, devoid of anger, only concern and deep curiosity. "Are you sure about this decision? Revealing yourself... becoming a target for all sides... Are you ready to bear this burden?"

Tendou returned Hikari's gaze. He knew this was a question about the heaviest consequences of his path. But he did not hesitate. He had seen the worst future, and he had chosen his path. With a firm voice, full of conviction, echoing the spirit of heroes who had inspired many:

"I will be a light of hope for everyone."

A small smile appeared on Hikari's face, as if he had found the answer he was looking for. He nodded slightly, letting Tendou face the other crowd.

Moments later, microphones from the media crews were thrust towards Tendou, camera flashes exploding incessantly. The questions showered Tendou like bullets.

"Mr. Amamiya! Why are you doing all this?!" "Are you a Uroboros terrorist? What's your motive?!" "You're working with a demon?! What's your real goal?!"

Tendou looked at the sea of faces before him, filled with fear, confusion, and anger. Beneath all these accusations and bewilderment, he knew there were millions of people now living in terror. There was a fragile hope he had to protect. Tendou took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, staring directly into the cameras pointing at him. With a calm voice, he answered the question about his motive, a simple sentence yet containing all the reasons behind his sacrifice:

"I want to make people smile."

For a moment, silence fell over the stadium, broken only by the intensified clicking of cameras. That sentence, so simple yet so profound, hung in the air.

Tendou did not stop there. He knew this wasn't just about himself or his past actions, but about the future of all humanity. Taking a microphone from one of the reporters, he aimed it at the stadium crowd and the cameras connected worldwide. His voice, amplified by Valkyrie technology, now echoed in every home, every city, every continent.

"Citizens of the world," Tendou's voice resonated, reaching every corner of the earth. "You have witnessed this destruction. You have heard of the coming threat. Demon King Paradox will arrive. He will bring unimaginable destruction, just as he once did in my world."

Giant screens in various cities began to display Tendou's face, then switched to footage of cities destroyed by demons in the past, including images Tendou brought from his grim future. Fear spread. Sounds of despair were heard in various parts of the world.

"I know you are afraid," Tendou continued, his tone softening, yet full of authority. "I know what it feels like to face unimaginable power. But, we cannot simply give up."

He took a deep breath, looking into the camera as if speaking directly into the eyes of every individual worldwide. "Paradox's power is indeed immense. Perhaps stronger than anything we have ever faced. But, we have something he never did: bonds."

Tendou clenched his fist. "I won't lie. This struggle will be difficult. There will be many sacrifices. Many of you may feel you have nothing left to give, no hope. However..."

His voice rose, filled with burning passion, igniting a spark of courage in the hearts of billions listening.

"Fight! Those who do not fight will not survive!" That resolute cry, like a lightning strike in the suffocating silence, pierced the consciousness of every soul. It was a bitter, unavoidable truth. Tendou paused for a moment, letting his words sink in, staring directly into the camera with burning determination.

"Perhaps I am a 'persona non grata' in the eyes of some of you, someone you fear. But I swear, I will stop Paradox. I will defeat him myself!"

On the screens, fleeting images of Ayano, Emmy, and all those he loved flashed in his mind, providing boundless strength.

"I am willing to sacrifice myself, whatever it takes, as long as the people I love are protected, and this world is safe!" Tendou declared, his voice now filled with deep, yet controlled, emotion.

He stepped forward to the podium, closer to the camera, as if wanting to touch the heart of every person. His face radiated a combination of sincerity and power.

"Remember this: The future is ours to shape with our present actions." Tendou took another breath, letting each word carry its weight. "Every choice we make today will determine tomorrow."

"I know you all have goodness within you. A light that cannot be extinguished." Tendou continued, his eyes gleaming. "When we act with kindness, we will always be the true winners." He paused briefly, as if waiting for the resonance of his words. "Kindness is our foundation."

"We may be different, from various countries, various backgrounds. But in the face of this threat, we are one. When we unite, nothing is impossible." A wave of hope began to be felt. "We can overcome anything."

"There may be many bad things that happen, things we don't expect. There will be obstacles that feel impossible. But we must never give up, even when facing the worst surprises." His voice became firmer. "We must keep rising, stronger than before."

"Every wound, every drop of sweat, every pain we endure, will not be in vain. Every struggle of ours is a step towards victory." He clenched his fist. "This is our path, the path to a better tomorrow."

"Do not let fear dominate. True courage is when we face our own fears." A whisper of bravery from a hero, flowing with spirit.

"We have the power to make the world a better place. We have the power to make the world a better place." Tendou repeated, emphasizing the limitless collective potential.

"True strength is when we use our power to protect the weak." His voice gradually softened, filled with empathy.

"No matter how dark the night, the sun will rise again." He spoke these words with infectious conviction, as if pointing to hope on the horizon, promising a new dawn.

Around the world, in homes, on streets, in military bases, millions who had been gripped by despair began to feel a spark ignite in their chests. Their empty gazes began to glow again.

In London, a small child who had been hiding behind the sofa now peeked at the screen, eyes sparkling as he watched Tendou, as if seeing a hero from a fairy tale.

In New York, a veteran general who had been rubbing his temples in frustration now straightened his back, clenching his fists with burning, new determination.

In a remote laboratory in Siberia, scientists who had almost given up on their research returned to their workstations, their spirits rekindled with unseen energy.

In rural Africa, an isolated tribe listened to Tendou's speech on an old radio, their eyes radiating a hope they had never felt before, a light in the darkness.

In Tokyo, among the bustling crowd, an office worker who had been slumped in despair now raised his head, tears streaming down his face, but a faint smile began to form.

Tendou's words broke through doubt, broke through fear, and reignited the flame of hope.

The shouts of "Tendou! Tendou!" began to be heard faintly from the crowd outside the base, slowly growing into a roar that resonated in every heart. All of humanity, previously fragmented by fear and questions, now seemed to unite in a single purpose. They might still see Tendou as a controversial figure, a "persona non grata," but beneath that, he had become a beacon of hope and inspiration for them.

Seeing the sea of faces now filled with spirit, and hearing the growing cheers, Tendou felt a great burden lifted, but another, even greater burden now landed on his shoulders. He raised the microphone once more, his eyes radiating profound vulnerability yet also unwavering strength.

With a softer voice, yet still echoing in every heart: "I beg you, lend me your light's power once more."

And then, with a gaze that showed hidden past wounds but also eternal resolve, he added, as if speaking to himself and to all that was lost from his world: "I will continue to protect your dreams, even though in my old world, there are no dreams left."

Hikari looked at Tendou, then at the demon beside him, and back at Caine. Caine still stood tall, his jaw set, anger still clear in his eyes. However, there was a furrow in his brow, a sign that Tendou's words, though he might not want to admit it, had slightly disturbed his wall of hatred. He no longer looked at Tendou with just anger, but also with confusion at the new potential he saw.

The Valkyrie forces remained on high alert, but there was a shift in their aura. Tendou had declared himself. He had become a "persona non grata" in the eyes of many, a hero acting as an enemy to save everyone. The battle against the Demon Generals might be over, but Tendou's fight against the world's perception and the destiny he wished to change had just begun with a public speech that would alter the course of history.

The world now knew. Demon King Paradox was coming. And they, thanks to a man named Tendou Amamiya, were ready to fight.