Chapter 15: Fighters

They say war changes people—but what they don’t mention is that it also strips them bare. Not of clothes, nor of weapons, but of their masks.

When pain settles in and rage becomes habit, that’s when the true face of each person is revealed: the coward who trembles, the brave who steps forward, the wise who stays silent, or the reckless who shouts. Before the abyss, it no longer matters how grand your dream once was, or how noble your ideals. Only one question remains: are you willing to keep walking, knowing you might never return?

The city still breathed heavily, wrapped in the echo of recent tragedy. Beneath the rubble, hope still pulsed. But it was not the same as before. It was a broken hope—stained with blood and ash—fragile… yet more resolute.

And while many wondered if it was time to move on, others were already stepping forward. Because for some, fighting isn’t a choice. It is the only way to honor those who are no longer here.

And when wounds are still bleeding and the soul has not finished screaming, sometimes all it takes is to raise a hand and say: “I’ll go.”

The silence that hung over the plaza was unlike any other. It wasn’t respect. It wasn’t anticipation. It was fear. The students, gathered before Aphrodite and Zeus, carried on their faces the weight of the recent days. Some still bore visible bandages; others, deeper scars hidden from sight.

Aphrodite spoke first, her voice firmer than usual.
—I suppose you all know why you’re here. Only a few days have passed since that tragedy… and we understand this is a difficult time for many of you. Some of you have lost friends. Others, family. Still, we have made a decision.

She paused, scanning every face.
—The Tournament will continue.

A murmur of discomfort rippled through the group. Lux, arms crossed and eyes hardened, wasted no time raising his voice.
—Wait a minute… You can’t be serious. Do you really not care about what happened? About everyone who died? It makes no sense to keep going as if nothing happened.

Zeus stepped forward, his gaze as heavy as his voice.
—No one here is pretending to ignore what occurred. That’s why we will not force anyone. If we cannot find three willing participants to represent GODS, we will withdraw from the match against Nork. As simple as that.

Violet, quieter than usual, lowered her head. Her mind wandered unwillingly to the lifeless bodies, the blood-stained hands, the screams that still haunted her nightmares. How can we keep going after all that?

Yuki’s brow furrowed, her fists clenched tight. What if they come back? What if this is another trap?

Even Yohei, always defiant, trembled slightly. His knuckles were bone-white from clenching so hard. Zef noticed instantly.
He’s shaking? Just what the hell did he see that day…?

Sebastian stared at the ground in silence. I doubt anyone will dare raise their hand, he thought. Not even the strongest can speak…

Aphrodite felt it too. This silence was no longer respect. It was emptiness.

And then, a hand rose.

All eyes turned.

Eden stepped forward.
—I’ll go.

His words cracked through the silence like a whip. Shu blinked in surprise, almost in disbelief. Isaac smirked.
—I’ll go too, he said calmly, as though accepting a casual invitation. I like your courage, demon.

Eden raised an eyebrow at him.
—What?

—You heard me.

Shu sighed, equal parts resigned and proud.
—Fine. I’ll go as well. I can’t leave two idiots on their own. Someone responsible has to go with you.

—Who are you calling an idiot? Isaac shot back, smirking sideways.

Aphrodite did not hide her relief.
—Then it’s decided. Isaac Yoi, Eden Yomi, and Shu Sagesse will be our representatives. The rest of you may leave.

Most obeyed without a word. Some looked at the three as if they were heroes. Others… as if they were suicides.

When only they remained, Zeus approached.
—As you know, the format will be one-on-one. But you must understand one thing clearly: we cannot guarantee your safety if something like the other day happens again. You will be alone.

Eden didn’t hesitate.
—I wasn’t planning on asking for help. I’ll face them myself.

Zeus’s eyes locked on Shu.
—Make sure those two don’t do anything foolish.

—I will, Shu replied without hesitation.

—We trust you, added Zeus, before turning to Aphrodite.

She raised her voice with solemn resolve, like someone making a vow.
—I’ll go with you. I don’t know if I’ll be able to protect you—those people are a hundred times stronger than I am. But if necessary, I’ll give my life.

Shu narrowed his eyes.
—If you’re telling us all this… I’m guessing you’re certain they’ll appear in Nork.

Zeus nodded slowly.
—We’re ninety percent sure.

—Then why don’t all of you go? If the twelve members of the Council fight them…

—We can’t, Zeus cut him off. They have spies. If we all move, they’ll likely attack another city. We can’t risk that.

—And the leader? Shu pressed.

This time, Aphrodite answered.
—We can’t take him. Not even the twelve of us together.

Shu fell silent.

Zeus turned back to Eden.
—We place special trust in you. We know you’ll be key.

The boy clenched his fists.
—I won’t stop until I’ve hunted them down.

The perspective shifted.
The city, still wounded, struggled to rise amidst scaffolding, dust, and the constant hammering of workers. Among the rubble, Yuki’s voice rose, unable to contain her anger.

—What the hell were you thinking?!

Eden looked at her calmly, as though the question were already too familiar.
—What do you mean?

—Going to Nork! Yuki snapped, her fury unrestrained. Are you insane?

The boy let out a bitter laugh.
—Of course I am… Didn’t you know that already? You’ve told me so many times I’ve lost count.

—This isn’t a joke! Yuki shouted, her voice cracking. You’re walking straight into certain death!

—And wouldn’t that be best? Eden muttered, averting his gaze. I know you hate me, so why worry about my death?

Shu, who had been listening in silence, stepped in with a sharp tone.
—Eden…

—Idiot! I’m only worried about you! Yuki cried, her voice breaking.

Eden fixed his gaze on her, his dark eyes burning with restrained rage.
—Why? Why should you care? Give me one reason.

—I… —she faltered.

—Go on. Say it.

—I…

Eden clenched his fists.
—See? You don’t have a single reason. So leave me alone. You don’t need to care about a demon like me.

—Eden! Shu barked.

Suddenly, the boy’s gaze shifted. His eyes gleamed a violent red, reflecting something dark that did not belong to this world.

—Get out of here, he spat with venom. I hate you.

—Eden, stop! Shu shouted.

But Yuki was already running, unable to hold back her tears.

The silence that followed lasted only a heartbeat before Shu’s fist cracked against his friend’s face.
—You damned fool!

The blow seemed to tear Eden out of his trance. His eyes returned to their normal color, and his body trembled.
—What… what the hell did I just say? he murmured, staggering back.

He wandered aimlessly until he reached the edge of the harbor. There, he collapsed onto the damp wood, staring at the fractured reflection of the water.

I’m losing control… he thought. I’m letting my impulses drag me under. If you were here, Grandfather… what would you say to me? I really don’t know what to do. I don’t want my friends to suffer what I went through. No one should carry that weight. They… those monsters… they have no soul. They kill for pleasure. And I have to make them pay.

A sudden movement made him unsheathe his sword in an instant, pressing its edge firmly against a stranger’s neck.

—Easy, boy, a calm female voice said. Lower that blade.

Eden blinked in surprise at the woman before him.
—Sorry… I thought you were an enemy.

The woman, imposing yet serene, did not take her eyes off the weapon.
—That sword… she murmured.

Eden held it steady, though his voice softened.
—This sword? It’s the only memory I have left of my grandfather.

The woman’s eyes shone with recognition.
—Was your grandfather’s name… Gen?

Eden’s heart stopped for an instant.
—Huh? How do you know that? Do you… know my grandfather?

The woman smiled faintly, with a trace of nostalgia.
—Yes. I met Gen… many years ago.

The woman’s words still lingered in the air, heavy enough that Eden could barely hold their weight.

—My grandfather never told me about gods… or anything like that, Eden said, slowly lowering his sword. Why would he keep it from me?

The woman didn’t answer right away. Her eyes flickered with memories too distant, even for a goddess.
—I don’t know, she confessed with honesty. But he must have had his reasons. Gen was never one to speak much about his past.

—What happened to him? Eden asked, his voice dropping to a whisper. He was taken by members of Black Lights… the same day I met Shun.

Her reaction was immediate. She stepped closer, tension in her face.
—Who was it? Their leader?

—No… Eden shook his head. Just two of their members. But they were unbelievably strong.

—Impossible, the goddess muttered, her brow furrowing.

Eden studied her carefully.
—What’s wrong?

—Gen should never have lost. Not against mere subordinates. He could have defeated them easily.

Silence fell between them like a stone.

—Don’t tell me that…

—You weren’t to blame, she cut in firmly. If Gen was defeated, it was because he was protecting something more valuable than his own life. You.

Eden lowered his gaze, fists trembling.
—Why do you have so much faith in him? Who was he really?

She looked at him with a mix of pride and melancholy.
—Your grandfather was Gen Yomi—the legendary Lion of Fire.

Eden’s heart jolted.
—The legendary Lion of Fire? Are we talking about the same Gen? The same one who made ramen with his eyes closed?

—The very same, she said with a faint smile. I have no doubt. Because I was the one who gave him the sword you now carry.

Eden staggered back half a step, disbelief painted across his face.
—All my life I thought my grandfather lived quietly in Japan during his last years, far from all this. I never understood how he suddenly appeared in that battle.

—There’s much you still don’t know, the goddess admitted. And much he chose not to tell you. Perhaps to protect you… or perhaps because he knew one day you’d search for the answers yourself.

Eden stared at her, a silent plea in his eyes.
—I need to know everything. Please.

—Amaterasu, a man’s voice called from a distance. It’s time to leave.

A tall man with dark hair approached with steady steps.

—Right now? she protested, turning with a frown. Can’t you wait a little longer?

—I’m sorry, he replied gravely. We must return.

She sighed with resignation before looking back at the boy before her.
—I’m sorry this has to end here. But if you truly want to learn more about Gen, come to our lands. I’ll tell you everything. And I’ll do what I can to help you get him back. I owe that stubborn old man a great deal.

Eden nodded, gratitude and unease blending in his chest.
—Thank you. By the way… what’s your name?

The woman’s smile was warm as dawn itself.
—My name is Amaterasu, goddess of the sun.

The boy froze.
—Amaterasu…? I—I’m sorry! I didn’t know—

—Relax, she cut him off with a laugh. It’s been a long time since I had a normal conversation with a human. I’m glad it was with you.

She turned, and just before both figures vanished in shimmering light, she whispered one last thought:
—You really are just like him, Gen.

And then they were gone.

Eden remained alone beneath the purple sky, the sea breeze brushing against his face. He closed his eyes for a moment and murmured to himself:
—Who are you really, Grandfather?

Days passed. The sun rose once more over a city still rebuilding. The wounds had not closed, but the will to move forward burned stronger than ever.

Eden stood at the edge of a hill, the morning air fresh, filled with hope and resolve.
—The day has come, he whispered, gazing at the horizon. Today we travel to Nork. And I’ll be one step closer to both of you.

The breeze tugged gently at his clothes as he unsheathed the inherited sword.
—I swear I’ll find you, Grandfather. And I’ll destroy every last one of those who hurt us.

His eyes gleamed—not only with power, but with purpose.