NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: The Calm Meeting And Tension
Oh Kang Woo stood on the barren field in the dead of night, his wings of darkness retracting as the eerie silence of Japan's countryside settled around him. The air was thick with the scent of blood and decay, the remnants of his battle with two low-class devils lingering at his feet.
He glanced down at the twisted corpses of the devils he'd just slain. The first, Gomi, was a bloated, grotesque figure, representing the Garbage Devil—a pathetic creature formed from humanity's fear of waste and filth. Its body was covered in scraps of metal, plastic, and rot, oozing toxic fluids. The second, Inu, the Dog Leash Devil, was a hunched, snarling beast with a grotesque collar that constricted it, symbolizing mankind's fear of being controlled and restrained.
The fight had been embarrassingly easy for Oh Kang Woo. With a single swipe of his Hellblaze, the creatures had crumbled to burn corpse , leaving behind only their twisted remains. Now, dragging the corpse of the Garbage Devil through the forest, he perched on the thick branch of a tree, the moonlight casting long shadows across his muscular form.
He tossed the body aside and leaned back against the tree trunk, folding his arms. His eyes glinted with mild amusement as he watched the corpse of the Garbage Devil beside him. "Low-class devils..." he muttered under his breath, "I expected more."
The sound of the wind rustling through the trees was the only response he received, and it made him think. What was next? Hunting these insignificant creatures hardly scratched the surface of what he wanted. After finishing his first quest, defeating Homelander, and proving his superiority, Oh Kang Woo felt the gnawing hunger for more. More power. More conquest. More excitement.
But where? The world of The Boys had proven to be lacking. Their Supes were laughable compared to his demonic power. Even the strongest among them—Homelander—had fallen easily. These low-class devils in Japan weren't enough to satisfy him either.
As Oh Kang Woo sat against the tree, his dark wings dismissed, the eerie calm of the forest was suddenly interrupted by a familiar ping. His eyes flickered with curiosity as a System Quest Window materialized in front of him, its glowing letters shining ominously in the moonlight.
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System Quest: "The Choices That Will Go Down in History"
Objective: You now stand at a crucial crossroads. Your actions will define not only your power but the very fate of this world. You must decide the fate of a key figure in this realm: Denji, the Chainsaw Devil.
Choice 1: Kill Denji
Description: The Chainsaw Devil, known as Denji, holds an unpredictable and uncontrollable power, capable of destroying even the most powerful devils with little effort. By killing Denji, you will eliminate one of the most chaotic and dangerous threats to your dominance in this world. His power, tied to his heart and Pochita, would cease to exist, ensuring that no one could rise to challenge your supremacy. The world would fear your name, and the devils who lurk in the shadows would bow to your unchallenged might.
Reward:
Commandment of Faith: Anyone that shows a lack of faith will have their eyes set ablaze.
Commandment of Pacifism: Anyone that kills in the wielder's presence will have their timestolen from them.
Commandment of Truth: Anyone who tells a lie in your presence will be petrified instantly.
Commandment of Reticence: Anyone that expresses hidden emotions will have their voice taken away.
Choice 2: Spare Denji
Description: Sparing Denji in this cruel world is not an act of mercy, but of strategy. Denji represents the chaotic, raw energy of the Chainsaw Devil, a force that even the strongest devils fear. By sparing him, you ensure that he becomes your pawn, a weapon to unleash upon greater threats when necessary. However, the cruelty of this world ensures that mercy does not go unrewarded. His power, fueled by a desire for human connection and his bond with Pochita, may be manipulated to serve your own goals, giving you an ally in times of great need.
Reward:
Sunshine Grace: The Grace of the Sun itself. Your power increases exponentially with the rising of the sun, reaching divine strength at noon.
Time Limit: 48 hours
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Oh Kang Woo's eyes narrowed as he read through the quest. The choices laid before him were stark, each with its own allure. Killing Denji would cement his control over the devils and remove one of the few beings capable of opposing him. The power of four commandments was undeniably tempting; the ability to bend faith, enforce truth, and kill his enemies' with them just randomly kill would be invaluable in the battles to come.
On the other hand, sparing Denji could serve a more subtle purpose. With the power of the Chainsaw Devil at his disposal, Kang Woo could manipulate Denji to act as his pawn, and the Grace of Sunshine—Escanor's fabled power—offered an almost god-like boost to his already overwhelming abilities. The thought of wielding a power that made him stronger with each passing hour, peaking at the zenith of the sun, was enticing.
As he weighed the options, Kang Woo couldn't help but smirk. The system clearly knew how to tempt him. This wasn't just about strength—it was about legacy, about choosing the path that would shape the future of this twisted world. The clock was already ticking, but for a being like Kang Woo, 48 hours was more than enough time to make a decision.
But for now, Kang Woo decided to head to the nearest public safety devil hunter outpost, wanting to sell the corpses of the Garbage Devil and Dog Leash Devil. They might be low-class, but their bodies could fetch some local currency, and that would prove useful in navigating this world's human systems.
Oh Kang Woo made his way to the nearest public safety devil hunter outpost, the moonlight filtering through the trees, casting shadows on his figure. His appearance, rugged yet mysteriously refined, could easily be mistaken for that of a wanderer or someone with little means. His black, sleeveless shirt clung tightly to his lean, muscular form, with a cloak draped over his shoulders, giving him the look of a drifter. His dark, slightly unkempt hair framed a face marked by sharp, focused eyes that held an aura of otherworldly power. The simple white cloth wrapped around his waist, along with bandages on his feet, added to his appearance of an unassuming traveler. But the intensity in his expression belied the immense power he carried within.
Earlier, Kang Woo had already activated his Authority of Language, a skill that allowed him to understand and communicate in every language spoken on the planet. He had no intention of being misunderstood or taken lightly, regardless of where he found himself. And yet, it seemed some were too ignorant to sense the danger he carried.
As he approached the public safety devil hunter building, a local security guard, clearly tired and unmotivated, glanced at him and made a mistake common to those who relied too much on appearances.
"Oi! No vagrants allowed here! Go beg somewhere else," the guard snapped, waving his hand dismissively.
Oh Kang Woo paused, turning his head slowly toward the guard. His eyes, now gleaming with dark amusement, regarded the man with thinly veiled disdain. The guard's words and tone, though understood perfectly, meant little to him. In another world, such ignorance would have cost this man far more than a moment's embarrassment.
The guard, clearly not aware of whom he was speaking to, took a step closer. His bravado was as hollow as his insults. "Did you hear me? I said get lost! We don't need any trouble from you beggars!"
Kang Woo's smirk widened. The arrogance of weak men always entertained him. He had dealt with far greater beings and dismissed them just as easily.
Without saying a word, he clenched his fist, moving faster than the guard could react. A single punch connected with the guard's chest, sending him flying backward into the wall of the outpost. The sound of the impact was sharp, the guard's breath knocked from his body as he slumped to the ground, unconscious. The wall itself groaned from the force, though it stood.
"Pathetic," Kang Woo muttered, brushing off his fist as if the encounter had been a mere inconvenience. He stepped over the unconscious guard, making his way toward the entrance of the building, ready to sell the corpses of the devils he had slain.
Oh Kang Woo finally arrived at the reception desk of the public safety devil hunter outpost. The building was dimly lit, with worn furniture and a tired atmosphere. Behind the desk sat a young receptionist, who barely lifted her eyes from the magazine she was reading when she saw him approach. Her gaze quickly took in his rugged appearance, his cloak, and the simple bandages around his feet.
With a dismissive scoff, she muttered, "What is it with the beggars today? Sorry, but we don't hand out charity here. If you want help, try somewhere else."
Oh Kang Woo stood still for a moment, not replying immediately. His eyes narrowed slightly, the corners of his mouth twitching with faint amusement. These humans were truly blind to power unless it was flaunted directly in front of them.
Without a word, he raised his hand, and suddenly, the shadows around him shifted unnaturally. From those shadows, the grotesque forms of Gomi, the Garbage Devil, and Inu, the Dog Leash Devil, emerged, their mutilated corpses falling heavily onto the receptionist's desk. The force of their arrival cracked the desk in two, sending papers, pens, and other items flying across the room.
The receptionist's eyes went wide, and she jumped back in sheer shock, the magazine dropping from her hands as she gasped. "W-What the hell?!"
Kang Woo's smirk widened. He glanced at the wreckage of the desk, then back at her, his voice low and commanding. "Count it."
The receptionist, still stunned, could barely take her eyes off the two corpses. She had seen devils before, but for someone to bring in not one, but two of them so effortlessly—and with such a casual display of power—was unheard of, especially someone who looked like they didn't belong anywhere near a devil hunter outpost.
After a moment of hesitation, she fumbled for her phone to call for her supervisor, her voice shaky. "S-Sir, w-we have... uh... someone here. Two devils... at the same time... they were... just... brought out of nowhere."
Kang Woo crossed his arms, waiting with a look of indifference. It didn't matter to him how long this took.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the upper levels of the building, growing louder as someone approached the lobby. A figure appeared at the top of the stairs and began descending, his appearance radiating an air of rugged authority. Kishibe, the renowned devil hunter, was instantly recognizable.
Kishibe's appearance was as sharp as ever: his light blonde hair, slicked back in an effortless manner, framed his chiseled face. He wore a black trench coat over a simple shirt and tie, with dark pants that completed his no-nonsense look. His expression was neutral, with a hint of weariness, as if he'd seen everything the world had to offer and was unimpressed by it all. In one hand, he casually held a flask, taking a small sip as he observed the scene before him—clearly unbothered by the chaos that had unfolded.
Kishibe's eyes immediately took in the unconscious security guard slumped against the wall, the destroyed reception desk, and the two mutilated devil corpses lying atop the debris. His sharp gaze then shifted to the man standing in front of the wreckage—Oh Kang Woo, whose powerful presence radiated in stark contrast to his deceptively modest appearance.
Kishibe raised an eyebrow, recognizing the situation immediately. His experience told him all he needed to know—this wasn't just some ordinary incident, and the man before him was far from a beggar.
"Well, looks like someone's been mistaken for a beggar. Sorry 'bout that," Kishibe said in his usual gruff tone, his words laced with a dry indifference. He gave a half-hearted wave toward the unconscious guard. "My name's Kishibe. You'll have to forgive the mess, but... it's a bit of a wild place around here."
Oh Kang Woo, using his impeccable acting skills, immediately took on a more composed demeanor. His voice, smooth and polite, betrayed none of the chaos he had just caused. "The pleasure is all mine," he said with a slight bow. "My name is Oh Kang Woo."
Kang Woo's polite exterior hid a calculating mind. Without showing any outward signs, he secretly activated his Authority of Beholder, his eyes briefly flashing with power as he analyzed Kishibe's stats. The status window appeared in his mind, giving him all the information he needed.
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Name: Kishibe
Level: 15
Abilities: Veteran Devil Hunter; Multiple Devil Contracts
Strength: 20
Dexterity: 20
Health: 30
Mana: 0
Intellect: 40
Wisdom: 40
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Kang Woo smirked internally as he assessed Kishibe's stats. Not bad for a veteran , he mused. He could pick a fight with any member of The Seven and probably take them down, except for Homelander himself. Kang Woo let the thought linger for a moment. Though even Homelander would fall... eventually.
Kishibe gave a small nod, his eyes still lingering on the devil corpses. His interest was piqued—someone new, someone powerful, had just strolled into his domain. It wasn't every day that two devils were dragged into a public safety outpost with such ease. He took another sip from his flask and sized Kang Woo up, his instincts telling him that this man wasn't someone to take lightly.
"Two devils at the same time, huh?" Kishibe remarked, clearly impressed but not showing it. "Let's get this sorted out then. Seems like you've got the place talking already."
Kang Woo shrugged nonchalantly. "They weren't much of a challenge," he said, glancing at the corpses of Gomi, the Garbage Devil, and Inu, the Dog Leash Devil. "Just some weaklings. I figured I'd see what their corpses are worth around here."
Kishibe chuckled dryly. "Well, they'll fetch you something, that's for sure." He glanced at the receptionist, still shell-shocked and fumbling with her phone. "Call it in and get these two processed," Kishibe ordered her, his tone relaxed but firm.
Kishibe gave a dry chuckle as he finished his drink, gesturing for the receptionist to process the devil corpses. He then turned to Oh Kang Woo with a curious glint in his eye.
"Are you Korean?" Kishibe asked casually, though his tone indicated more curiosity than suspicion.
Oh Kang Woo, keeping his nonchalant demeanor, simply replied, "I was."
Kishibe raised an eyebrow but decided not to pry further into what seemed to be a personal matter. He knew better than to push people who preferred to keep their pasts buried. If there was more to know, it would reveal itself eventually.
There was a moment of silence before Kang Woo broke it, his voice smooth but direct. "Do you know anything about the Supes? And Vought?"
Kishibe's expression remained neutral, though there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. He scratched his chin, considering how much he should divulge. Vought and its Supes were a dangerous business, but if Kang Woo was asking about them, it meant he already knew more than the average person.
"Yeah," Kishibe started, his tone casual but measured. "I've heard of 'em. Vought International. They're a company that essentially controls all the Supes. They create heroes, manage their public image, and make sure they're in the spotlight. It's all about marketing and appearances with them."
He took another sip from his flask before continuing. "Most of the Supes are celebrities, not much more than showboaters with powers. They're the ones you see plastered on billboards and starring in movies. But underneath all that PR, some of 'em have a darker side. You won't see that on TV, though."
Kang Woo listened intently, knowing full well that the public information was only the tip of the iceberg.
Kishibe continued, his voice still even but with a slight edge. "Vought's got its poster boys, but behind the scenes? They're a dangerous bunch. They don't operate by the same rules as everyone else. Word is they're even involved in shady experiments—creating new Supes, manipulating people... It's all about control."
He paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "As for the Supes themselves, the big names are part of a group called The Seven. They're supposed to be the strongest, the ones who represent Vought. But they're not exactly the righteous heroes they pretend to be. Word is, they're a handful, even for Vought."
Kang Woo smirked slightly, processing the information. He had encountered the members of The Seven before, but it was always interesting to hear how others perceived them. Kishibe's assessment matched what he knew: they were powerful but corrupt, tools of a corporate machine rather than true defenders of justice.
"You got Homelander at the top," Kishibe added, "strongest of the bunch. The rest? They've got their own abilities, but none are quite on his level." He took another sip from his flask. "This all sound about right?"
Kishibe's casual demeanor faltered for a moment as Oh Kang Woo's words hung in the air. He narrowed his eyes, taking a slow sip from his flask, trying to gauge whether Kang Woo was serious or just messing with him.
"What if I told you that you could be a Supe? Or anyone could, for that matter?" Kang Woo's voice was calm but laced with a sense of intrigue.
Kishibe's eyes flickered with skepticism. He'd seen plenty of shady characters and wild claims in his line of work, but something about this man made him feel that he wasn't bluffing. Still, Kishibe kept his guard up.
"Give it up, kid," Kishibe muttered, a dry chuckle escaping him. "That whole Supe thing? It's in America. Vought's got it locked down tight. And us Japanese? We lost the war, remember? Got too many restrictions and penalties after World War II. We can't mess around with things like that."
Kishibe took another sip and sighed, lowering his voice slightly. "I've heard the rumors, sure—about some blue substance used way back in the day to create some Supe. They called him Soldier Boy. He was supposed to be the first, but that stuff? That's beyond our reach. Vought doesn't let it slip out of their control."
Kang Woo's smirk widened, and without a word, he glanced down at the shadows near his feet. From within the darkness, two large gallon containers, filled with a glowing blue liquid, materialized before them. The light from the containers reflected in both their eyes, the faint hum of energy emanating from the substance.
Kang Woo's voice was casual, almost playful, as he said, "It's called Compound V. I happened to relieve Vought of a little of their stash. And now, I intend to sell it." His grin widened, amusement dancing in his eyes as he saw the shock register on Kishibe's face.
Kishibe's calm exterior finally cracked, his flask hanging loosely from his hand as he stared at the blue substance. His mind raced as he processed the gravity of what he was seeing. Compound V—the substance rumored to create Supes—right in front of him. It was something beyond anything he had ever thought he'd see in his lifetime.
"What?" Kishibe's voice was gruff but filled with disbelief. He took a step forward, eyes locked on the glowing liquid. "You... robbed them?"
Kang Woo gave a casual shrug. "Let's just say they weren't paying attention." His grin widened as if daring Kishibe to react.
Kishibe's instincts screamed at him to be cautious, but he couldn't deny the reality in front of him. This man had somehow obtained the most dangerous substance in existence. He glanced at Kang Woo, who seemed entirely too relaxed about the whole situation.
"You're playing with fire," Kishibe muttered, his voice low. "Vought's not the kind of company that'll let this go unnoticed."
Kang Woo leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming. "I don't care about Vought. I care about power. And right now, that power is in my hands."
Kishibe stared hard at the blue substance for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. He took another slow sip from his flask, and when he spoke, his voice was low, measured. "I don't want it. Take it away from here," he said, sounding as though he was dismissing the whole thing. "You're probably bluffing, and I hate when people lie to me."
But as he said this, his palm subtly opened, revealing something written hastily in small letters: "Someone is listening. We need to talk in a more quiet place."
Kang Woo's eyes flicked down, taking in the message instantly, and his sharp mind pieced it together. Makima. She was a constant watcher, always keeping tabs on everything within her grasp, and Kishibe knew that they were being observed. Kang Woo's smirk widened. It was an interesting game of cat and mouse they had fallen into, but it wasn't the time for recklessness—not yet, at least.
"Oh, all right then, old man," Kang Woo said with a sudden shift in tone, waving his hand dismissively. His grin now carried a mischievous edge. "I was just messing around. You caught me. It was a prank. I thought it'd be funny to freak you out a little." He gave a light-hearted laugh, though his eyes still gleamed with cunning.
Kishibe gave a gruff grunt, his face remaining stern, but there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. He casually slipped his flask back into his coat pocket and nodded, playing along with Kang Woo's act. "Yeah, well, don't mess with an old man's nerves like that," he muttered, though his body language had relaxed slightly, showing that he had picked up on Kang Woo's awareness of the situation.
Kang Woo retracted the containers of Compound V back into the shadows, making it seem as though nothing had ever appeared in the first place. "Sorry for the trouble. I'll keep the pranks light next time," he said smoothly.
Kishibe grunted, his sharp eyes never leaving Kang Woo as he casually reached down and handed him several heavy briefcases. The metallic snap of the locks opening echoed briefly as Kishibe said, "Here. That's 58 million yen—consider it payment for the public service of cleaning up two devils and, well... for daring to make a prank in front of me." Kishibe's eyes narrowed, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. "Usually, someone who pulls that kind of stunt in front of me might find their neck broken."
Kang Woo chuckled inwardly at the thinly veiled threat. A good bluff, he thought, though he couldn't deny Kishibe's capability to follow through with such a promise. But more than that, Kang Woo recognized it for what it was—a gesture of mutual respect, and perhaps, an opening for a future partnership.
In Kang Woo's mind, the pieces clicked together. Good faith, more like. Kishibe wasn't just offering the money; he was extending an olive branch, a sign that he was willing to play ball. That, combined with the quiet message earlier about Makima, spoke volumes about how Kishibe operated.
The mention of the prank and its repercussions didn't faze Kang Woo at all. If anything, it solidified his thoughts on the devil hunter. A good man to have on my side. And the discount on Compound V for public safety devil hunters and Japan? Well, that's just smart business. Kang Woo had never been one to underestimate a potential ally.
"I appreciate my services being recognized," Kang Woo said, his voice smooth, as he closed the briefcases with a snap. His smirk was one of amusement, but there was an underlying sense of strategy. He knew Kishibe's gesture wasn't just about the money—it was about future dealings, something more valuable than any sum of yen.
Kang Woo met Kishibe's eyes with that same calm confidence. "And who knows? Maybe we'll be able to strike a more... beneficial deal in the future. Let's just say, I'm open to providing more... services for the right price."
Kishibe grunted again, taking another sip from his flask. "We'll see about that, kid. Just don't get cocky. Japan's a different beast from Vought's playground. If you're gonna play the game here, you better know the rules."
Kang Woo nodded, understanding the hidden meaning in Kishibe's words. Japan might not have Supes like the U.S., but it had its own power structures—devils, hunters, and things lurking in the shadows.
"Don't worry, old man," Kang Woo said with a grin. "I always learn the rules before I break them."
As Kang Woo smoothly put the briefcases into his shadow, a status window appeared before his eyes, floating faintly in his vision:
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Status Window
+20 Relationship with Kishibe (20/100):
Your willingness to support the Public Safety Devil Hunter agency with your 'stunt' has improved your relationship.
+60 Reputation with Kishibe (60/100):
Kishibe thinks, "Another crazy bastard to work alongside is very nice in this cruel world."
The system announcement flashed once more:
System Upgrade:
Every relationship that reaches 100 or falls to -100 with a person will grant you access to the unique abilities or power that person possesses.
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Kang Woo smirked, satisfied with how things were progressing. He knew building alliances—or manipulating them—would only further his goals, and the potential to inherit unique powers from others as their relationship shifted was an opportunity too tempting to ignore. Gaining Kishibe's trust could very well lead to acquiring some of his devil-hunting skills, and in a world filled with devils and powerful Supes, every edge counted.
Kishibe, noticing the shift in Kang Woo's expression, felt the need to probe further. His curiosity, honed from years of devil-hunting and dealing with dangerous individuals, gnawed at him.
"You know," Kishibe began, his voice gruff yet intrigued, "I've seen all kinds of devils and hybrids, and I've made my fair share of contracts, but the way you use shadows... It's different. Are you contracted with the Shadow Devil? Is that where your power comes from?"
Kang Woo gave a low chuckle, shaking his head slightly. "Nope," he replied, his tone playful, yet mysterious.
Kishibe furrowed his brow, not entirely convinced. "If not that, then what? Are you a rogue Supe? One who escaped Vought's control?"
Kang Woo's grin widened but offered no direct answer. He simply tilted his head, letting the silence speak for him. The mystery was half the fun, and letting Kishibe come to his own conclusions was part of the game. Keeping things ambiguous ensured his advantage, for now.
Inwardly, Kishibe's mind churned, running through the possibilities. He'd worked with countless devil hunters, made deals with devils, and fought against Supes, but Kang Woo didn't fit into any of those molds. He wasn't bound by a devil contract—that much was clear from how freely he used his abilities—and he didn't have the usual aura of a Supe. There was something else, something deeper, at play here.
He's neither a Supe nor contracted with a devil... or even a hybrid, Kishibe thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. His power comes from somewhere else—something of his own.
Kang Woo could sense Kishibe's internal musings and chose to feed into them without giving away too much. "Let's just say," Kang Woo said, his voice low and dripping with amusement, "my power isn't something you can classify in your little categories,--------
Kang Woo was about to continue his cryptic response when the sound of the door creaking open interrupted him. His attention shifted as two figures entered the room, the atmosphere changing instantly.
"I'm home!" came the cheerful voice of Himeno, her usual carefree attitude lighting up the room as she strolled in with a relaxed smile.
Behind her, Aki, ever the serious one, followed closely, his hands in his pockets. "This is not your home, Himeno," he muttered in his usual deadpan tone, though there was a hint of fond exasperation in his voice.
Kishibe glanced at them with his usual composed expression, acknowledging their presence without much fanfare. "How's the job?" he asked, his voice as gruff as ever.
Himeno shrugged, casually adjusting the eyepatch covering one of her eyes. "The job was fun and easy," she said with a grin, though the words carried an underlying confidence that spoke to her skills.
However, before anyone could respond, a new voice sliced through the room like a cold breeze, calm and commanding. "You've grown, Aki-kun. I hope you continue to grow stronger. I can always add more partners for you, if needed."
The voice was unmistakable. Makima.
Kang Woo's eyes narrowed slightly, his smirk fading as a subtle tension settled in the room. He knew that voice anywhere. And it seemed Kishibe did too, as his usual calm demeanor gave way to something more... wary.
Kishibe scoffed, his lips twitching into a dry smirk. "Oh, the liar is back, huh?"
Makima's form entered the room, her presence demanding attention with every step. Her long, flowing red hair framed her face, her expression unreadable as always, but her eyes… those eyes seemed to see right through everyone. "How rude, Kishibe," she replied in her usual soft yet authoritative tone. "You've grown old and..."
Her words trailed off as her gaze finally settled on Oh Kang Woo.
A sudden, intense silence filled the room. The air between Kang Woo and Makima crackled with unseen energy, as if both were sizing each other up. For a brief moment, no one else existed in the room but the two of them, locked in a silent standoff.
Kang Woo met Makima's gaze with a calm yet predatory gleam in his eyes, not backing down in the slightest. He could sense her power, her control, but there was no fear in him. If anything, his lips curled into the slightest hint of a smirk, as if silently daring her to make the first move.
Makima's expression remained unreadable, but her eyes… her eyes were calculating, studying him like a puzzle she had yet to solve. For a moment, it felt as though time itself had slowed, the tension building as the two powerful beings stared each other down.