Chapter 10: Chapter 10 - Fight!
Just so you know, power scale is kinda debatable so don't expect it to be the outcome you want.
I won't go too far but I can't win a debate in power scaling.
I mean imagine Issei against Gojo, who would win? Personally, I say Issei with Penetrate that bypass defense like Infinity.
If you are thinking about Gojo Domain, then you have to give Issei Infinity and Dream, which means Issei can simply divide endlessly, making it useless.
What I'm trying to say is Zyon Vs Atomic Samurai.
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- Zyon -
The day continued as I moved from table to table, chatting with the different groups gathered at the restaurant.
Tomokui Kanata spoke about an upcoming mission, his tone calm but focused, the kind of demeanor that hinted at the challenges he frequently faced. Meanwhile, Touma and Jin Woo shared their progress, both visibly more confident than the last time I saw them.
"I've been able to fight a lot better in the dungeons," Jin Woo admitted, a proud yet humble smile on his face.
"I'm still not invincible, but I've come a long way from where I started."
Touma nodded in agreement, adding,
"Training has made my daily life more manageable too. I don't get caught off guard as much anymore."
Their words caught the attention of Hayato, Bang, and Bomb, who all praised the two for their dedication.
"Improvement comes with persistence," Bang said with a nod of approval.
"You're both living proof of that."
Bomb smiled gently, adding.
"Keep honing your skills, and you'll be even stronger before you know it."
I saw Atomic Samurai talking to Saitama and Suzuki, their conversation lighthearted yet meaningful. Saitama, with his usual laid-back demeanor, mentioned how he'd been spending his days casually training and looking for good sales at the supermarket.
Suzuki, who had a more composed yet friendly attitude, chimed in.
"You know, Saitama, if you focused as much on your training as you do on sales, you'd probably be unbeatable."
Saitama gave him a blank look and said.
"I already am unbeatable, though."
Suzuki blinked, unsure how to respond, and Atomic Samurai chuckled at the exchange, clearly enjoying the quirky atmosphere.
Shizuka approached the group then, her face etched with a hint of worry.
"Excuse me, have any of you seen Mikami recently? He hasn't been around, and I'm starting to get concerned."
The three exchanged glances, but none of them had an answer. Saitama shrugged and said.
"I haven't seen him. Maybe he's just busy."
Suzuki nodded reassuringly.
"Yeah, he might be caught up with work or something. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."
Atomic Samurai added.
"If anything, Mikami's the type who can handle himself. He'll show up when he's ready."
Their words seemed to calm Shizuka slightly, though the concern in her eyes didn't completely fade.
"I hope you're right. It's just not like him to disappear without saying anything."
As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Atomic Samurai turned his attention to me, a confident grin on his face.
"Speaking of promises, you remember that duel we talked about, right? I think it's about time we settle it."
His eagerness was evident, and I couldn't help but sigh with a small smile.
"All right, no sense in delaying it any longer. Let's do this."
The others began to gather around, sensing the excitement in the air, as the challenge between us was about to unfold.
At this moment, we were sent to a pocket dimension, a space void of any restrictions, where we could unleash our full strength without hesitation. Atomic Samurai glanced around, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings before he smirked.
"This is strange," he admitted, rolling his shoulders.
"But I'll admit, it's convenient. We won't have to hold back here."
I nodded, materializing a simple katana using my Sacred Gear. The blade shimmered faintly, a manifestation of my demonic energy and will. Atomic Samurai's eyes widened in mild surprise as he observed my creation.
"You're full of surprises. How skilled are you with a blade?" he asked, his tone more curious than condescending.
I shrugged, gripping the hilt firmly.
"Enough to hold my own."
Focusing my energy, I channeled both my Demonic Energy and Touki into the blade. The weapon gleamed with a dark, fiery aura, crackling faintly as the power infused it.
Atomic Samurai's expression shifted, his usual confidence replaced with keen interest. He adjusted his stance, his grip tightening on his katana.
"I like your spirit. Let's see if you can back it up."
We stood in silence, the tension between us building. Both of us took our stances, waiting for the slightest movement from the other.
And then, in an instant, we vanished.
To the spectators, it would have seemed as though we had become nonexistent, but within the pocket dimension, our blades clashed with fierce precision. Sparks erupted with each parry and strike, the sound of metal ringing out like thunder.
Atomic Samurai's speed was incredible, each movement fluid and precise. His blade seemed to slice through the air effortlessly, a blur of motion.
I matched his speed, my movements deliberate and calculated, focusing on exploiting any opening he left. Our skills were different, yet our intensity was equal.
He launched a slash toward my neck, a strike that could have ended the match in an instant. I narrowly avoided it, leaning back just enough to dodge, and countered with a diagonal slash aimed at his torso.
Atomic Samurai twisted his body, his reflexes allowing him to evade my counter. He grinned, the excitement of the fight evident in his expression.
"You're better than I expected," he said mid-clash, his voice carrying a mix of respect and exhilaration.
We continued, our strikes and parries reshaping the very landscape of the pocket dimension. The ground beneath us cracked and shattered, the air around us rippling with the force of our energy.
Every clash of our blades was a testament to the intensity of the duel, neither of us willing to yield.
I took a moment to steady my breathing, my chest rising and falling as I faced Atomic Samurai. He studied me with a sharp gaze, sensing something had shifted.
"Are you even taking this seriously?" he asked, his tone half-joking, half-challenging.
"I want to see you go all out. Don't hold back."
I sighed deeply, running a hand through my hair.
"Are you sure about that?"
He nodded, his resolve unshaken.
"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't."
With another sigh, I relented, and the air around us shifted. The pocket dimension seemed to grow heavier as my energy surged. Atomic Samurai instinctively staggered back, his eyes widening as he felt the change emanating from me.
"What... what are you doing?" he asked, gripping his katana tighter.
I adjusted my stance, subtly mimicking his posture. He squinted, his confusion apparent.
"Wait a second... Are you trying copying my style?"
A small smile tugged at my lips as I met his gaze.
"Something like that."
The truth was simple: I was adept at copying combat skills. Whether it was hand-to-hand techniques or swordsmanship, I could replicate them to near perfection. However, it wasn't something I invested much time in—I preferred cooking over fighting. But when needed, I could use this skill to its fullest potential.
Atomic Samurai frowned slightly, his intrigue growing.
"Can you even properly use my swordsmanship?"
I shrugged, raising my blade.
"There's one way to find out."
He didn't hesitate. In a flash, we clashed again, the sound of steel on steel echoing through the pocket dimension.
At first, he thought I would merely imitate his movements, but he quickly realized I wasn't just copying him—I was using his style with the same precision and finesse as he did. Every slash, every parry, every strike—it was as though he were fighting a mirror image of himself.
"This... this is insane," he muttered mid-battle, his excitement and disbelief clear in his voice.
The intensity of our duel escalated, each strike more forceful than the last. Atomic Samurai grinned, his earlier confusion replaced with genuine admiration.
"You're not just mimicking me," he said, his voice carrying a mix of challenge and respect.
"You're perfecting it."
I didn't respond, my focus entirely on the battle. My blade moved with precision, countering his every move and pushing him to his limits. The pocket dimension trembled with the force of our clash, the air around us crackling with energy.
- Narrative -
Meanwhile, outside the pocket dimension, everyone in the restaurant gathered to watch as the fight unfolded. The translucent barrier separating the dimensions allowed them to witness the intense exchange of blows between me and Atomic Samurai.
Bang crossed his arms, a faint smile on his face. "It's been a while since I've seen my old rival fight someone like this. Atomic Samurai seems to be enjoying himself."
Hayato nodded in agreement, his keen eyes analyzing every move. "That Zyon kid has remarkable skills. His movements are refined, almost effortless. It's rare to see such natural talent."
Netero, seated with a serene expression, chuckled softly. "It's not just skill. Look at how he's utilizing his aura—it's as if he's dancing in harmony with the flow of the fight. Remarkable control."
In the background, Kunou and the other children cheered loudly for me, their voices echoing with excitement. "Go, Zyon! You can do it!" Kunou exclaimed, jumping up and down with enthusiasm.
Kie, watching with concern, leaned closer to Hancock. "Is it really alright for them to fight with actual swords? It seems so dangerous."
Hancock, though sharing a hint of worry, nodded. "It's intense, but they're skilled. Still…" She trailed off, glancing at Yasaka.
Yasaka, ever calm, smiled reassuringly at the two women. "It's fine. Zyon and Atomic Samurai both know what they're doing. Besides, this pocket dimension is designed to keep them safe, no matter how fierce their battle gets."
Her confidence seemed to put Kie and Hancock at ease, though their eyes remained glued to the fight. As the clash continued, the air in the restaurant buzzed with anticipation, everyone captivated by the display of skill and power unfolding before them.
Touma watched the battle unfold with wide eyes, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. "This is the first time I've ever seen Zyon fight. I thought he was just a chef… Who knew he could hold his own against someone like Atomic Samurai?"
Jin Woo, sitting nearby, nodded thoughtfully.
"If this is how Zyon fights, it makes me wonder—are his abilities comparable to an S-rank hunter? The sheer precision and power… it's incredible."
While most of the group was engrossed in the fight, Saitama remained at his table, completely absorbed in finishing his meal.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, they're strong," he mumbled absentmindedly, barely looking up as he reached for another bite.
Meanwhile, Tomokui Kanata, sitting off to the side, muttered to himself, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
"What kind of ability would I gain if I ate Zyon?" His voice was low, but those nearby could hear the strange fascination in his tone.
Bang raised an eyebrow at Kanata but said nothing, his focus returning to the battle. The room remained abuzz with chatter and excitement as the fight in the pocket dimension raged on, a spectacle none present would soon forget.
Back on the battlefield, both of us were breathing heavily, scratches and shallow cuts lining our bodies. The fight reached its climax as our blades stopped just inches away from cutting each other's heads. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, and then we both smiled, chuckling at the intensity of it all.
"That was exhilarating," Atomic Samurai said with a grin, lowering his blade. "It's been a while since I've had this much fun in a fight."
I nodded in agreement, releasing the tension in my stance. "Same here. It's not every day I get to test myself against someone of your caliber."
We stepped back, sheathing our weapons as we shook hands, a mutual respect forming between us.
Upon returning outside the pocket dimension, my harem immediately surrounded me, checking for any injuries. Yasaka was the first to speak, her voice filled with concern. "Zyon, you're hurt! Let me see."
"It's nothing serious," I reassured her with a smile, though she wasn't convinced.
"Nothing serious? Look at these cuts!" Kie exclaimed, her hands fluttering as if unsure where to start. "You shouldn't take these lightly."
Rias stepped forward, crossing her arms. "Honestly, you need to stop downplaying these things. What if he had aimed for something vital?"
"Don't be too hard on him," Akeno interjected with her usual teasing tone, a small smile on her lips as she inspected one of my wounds. "Though, Zyon, you do have a habit of worrying us like this."
Hancock, who had been silently watching, finally spoke, her tone calm but firm. "Hold still. Let me clean that cut on your cheek." She gently dabbed at the wound, her touch surprisingly tender.
I chuckled, looking at them with gratitude. "You all are overreacting. It's just a few scratches. You know I've been through worse."
"That's exactly why we're worried," Yasaka said, her tone softening. "You always brush these things off. Let us take care of you for once."
Kunou tugged on my sleeve, her eyes wide with concern. "Nii-san, are you really okay? You looked so cool out there, but... you got hurt."
I crouched down to her level, ruffling her hair with a smile. "I'm fine, Kunou. I promise. It's just part of training."
"Training or not, you're going to sit still and let us handle this," Rias declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Atomic Samurai chuckled at the sight, crossing his arms as he observed the scene. "You're quite the lucky guy, aren't you?"
Bang stepped closer, his hands behind his back. "So, how was it?"
Atomic Samurai rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "He's skilled. No doubt about it—a prodigy in battle. But there's more to it. It's like he's holding back something even greater."
The group listened in awe as Atomic Samurai praised the fight, while I leaned back, letting my companions fuss over me, feeling both satisfied and humbled by the experience.
"Alright, alright," I finally said, raising my hands in surrender. "I'll let you all patch me up, but don't overdo it, okay?"
Yasaka smirked. "We make no promises."
The others laughed softly, the tension easing as we settled into a lighthearted mood.
- Clare -
It's been a couple months or more ever since I became a devil. Not only did I become stronger than ever, I was also able to be reunited and communicate with Teresa who had died long ago. I never expected that a chance encounter would result in this way.
My new king, Zyon, was an interesting man who selected me simply because he saw a potential in me and told me that among anyone that he had seen I was someone who needed power the most and amazingly I did.
I was able to combat Yoma a lot easier than before and kill Awakened Being with minimal effort. Zyon told me my strength was equal to a peak low class to Mid class devil as the standard of power in his world was way above ours.
Another world is an interesting thing. I prefer to leave this life behind but I intend to eliminate the one who killed Teresa first.
I had teamed up with other claymore named Deneve, Miria and Helen who were clearly taken aback by my abilities. I couldn't tell them the truth and simply lied that I was awakened and managed to pull through. Somehow, Deneve tried it and managed to pull through being an awakened being without succumbing to its effect.
We became allies as Miria told us about a secret that the organisation is hiding. She didn't tell me but I'm sure it's something I'll have to face.
She warned us about the single digit claymore that might become a threat and when we departed I encountered Ophelia, a no.4. We had fought and I killed her with ease.
During the fight, I sensed someone familiar and found Irene, a no.2 from Teresa's generation. She was impressed by my skill and willingly taught me her skills.
When we departed, I knew she would be killed soon after and I can't do anything about it. She is being targeted by the organization and would eventually die.
Then my luck once again showed its misfortune as I encountered an Abyssal, Riful the Abyssal of the west who I fought in standstill. She was shocked by my abilities and let me go along with the other claymore named Jean who survived becoming a Awakened Being and was helped by Galatea, another claymore.
We parted ways but Jean seems fixated in serving me. I let her be and the two of us heading north to fight awakened beings that were being led by another Abyssal one.
There were a large number of claymores when we arrived and I knew their chances of survival were slim. Perhaps I could lessen the casualties but even how strong I am now doesn't mean I can protect everyone.
Miria, Deneve and Helen were also part of this battle with Miria leading and brief the teams. Once that was done, I went to check on them and jean join us as I began to tell them what happened recently.
Helen stared at me, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to process what I had just said.
"You fought Riful to a standstill?!" she finally exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief.
"How are you even standing here?!"
Deneve crossed her arms, her expression skeptical yet intrigued.
"If that's true, then maybe... maybe we actually stand a chance here."
I shook my head, my tone firm.
"I'm just one person. No matter how strong I've become, I can't guarantee that everyone will survive this. We still need to work together, and we still need to be cautious."
Miria, standing a few steps away, nodded in agreement.
"She's right. Clare's strength will be a critical advantage, but we need to stay focused and disciplined if we're going to minimize casualties."
As the others digested our words, the tension in the air suddenly thickened. A collective shiver ran through the group, and all eyes turned toward the inexplicable sight before us. A door—an ornate, otherworldly structure—had appeared out of nowhere, standing tall and immovable amidst the chaos.
"What in the world is that?" Helen muttered, her hand instinctively going to the hilt of her sword.
Deneve's eyes narrowed. "I don't sense any Yoma energy from it... but it's definitely not normal."
The others murmured in confusion and suspicion, their weapons drawn as they prepared for the unknown. But I remained calm, my gaze fixed on the name engraved at the top of the door.
"Zyon," I whispered.
"Who?" Miria asked, her tone sharp.
Without answering, I stepped forward, my movements steady despite the murmurs and questions from my comrades. Reaching the door, I placed my hand on its surface. The cool, smooth texture was familiar, a sign that I was stepping into a world I had come to understand over these past weeks.
As I pushed the door open, light spilled out, momentarily blinding everyone. When my vision cleared, there he was—Zyon, standing at the center of the room, his calm demeanor as unshakable as ever.
"Welcome back, Clare," he said with a small smile, his voice steady and reassuring.
Behind me, the others hesitated, their confusion and unease palpable.
"What is going on?" Miria demanded, her tone a mix of curiosity and command.
I glanced back at her, my expression unreadable.
"This is Zyon," I said simply, stepping through the threshold.
Zyon extended a hand toward the group.
"You're all welcome to join us."
The others exchanged uncertain glances, their tension evident, but one by one, they followed me through the door, stepping into a new chapter of our journey.