Player 10,000 Year Later (Chainsaw Man / The Boys) Multiverse later

At the spectator seat within Hidden Wonderland, Makima opened her eyes, her yellow-ringed gaze as calm and unbothered as ever. The tranquil moment was shattered when she noticed Himeno standing alarmingly close, her blade drawn and positioned just inches from Makima's neck.

Makima didn't flinch. Instead, she turned her gaze slightly to Reze, who had been sitting beside her the entire time, seemingly indifferent to the tension. "How long were my eyes closed?" Makima asked, her voice calm, betraying no hint of concern.

Reze, her tone heavy with sarcasm, replied, "A few moments. Long enough for Aki's female partner to get this close with a blade at your throat. But hey, don't mind me—I'm just a waitress."

Kobeni, standing a meter away, finally reacted, her instincts kicking in late. She conjured an ice dagger and prepared to intervene, her stance tense and ready for a fight.

Makima raised her hand in a subtle but authoritative signal, stopping Kobeni in her tracks. "I've got this," she said coolly, dismissing any need for concern.

Himeno's grip on her blade tightened, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "Makima, tell Kang Woo to retract that White Devil and release Aki! He's going to die if he keeps getting choked like that. I can't stand seeing him tortured for no reason!"

Makima tilted her head slightly, her calm demeanor unshaken even with the blade so close. "You've already seen it, haven't you?" she asked, her tone almost too serene. "Aki came back. Even if Kang Woo killed him, the magic circle he implanted ensures—"

"Yes, I know!" Himeno interrupted, her frustration boiling over. "I know it can respawn Aki, but I'm not buying it! There's no way Kang Woo is 'training' Aki by putting him through this kind of torment!"

Makima's gaze remained steady, her presence unwavering. "It's not about believing, Himeno. It's about understanding that Kang Woo's methods are... unconventional. But effective."

Himeno's eyes flared with a mix of anger and desperation. "Unconventional? You're defending this? Aki's my partner—I've known him for years! I won't stand by while someone like Kang Woo treats him like a pawn!"

Before Makima could respond, a sudden explosion of fire erupted at the center of the magic circle, sending a shockwave through the arena. The White Devil, Mahoraga, released its grip on Aki's throat and stepped back.

Kang Woo, standing beside Mahoraga, made a subtle hand signal. In response, Mahoraga dissolved into shadow and returned to Kang Woo's form, disappearing as though it had never been there.

Makima's eyes shifted back to Himeno, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "The result," Makima said with a faint smirk, "is that Aki can now wield negative energy. And as for you, Himeno—if you want to threaten me, you'd better make sure your blade is enchanted with mana or has supernatural sharpness. Otherwise—"

Makima's hand shot out, gripping Himeno's katana with her bare hand. With a casual twist, the blade snapped, shards of steel falling to the ground.

Makima continued, her tone cold but tinged with an air of superiority. "It'll end like this every time. You still have a lot to learn, Himeno. And thanks to Kang Woo opening my eyes, I've realized something." She let the broken blade drop to the floor. "Devils won't be the only threat we face in the future. There's much more to prepare for."

Himeno stepped back, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and indignation.

Reze let out a soft chuckle, muttering under her breath, "Just a waitress, huh? Sure."

 Kobeni stood frozen, her ice dagger still in hand, unsure whether to intervene or retreat.

Makima's gaze shifted briefly to Kobeni. "Kobeni-chan, you can stay beside me. I'm fine."

Kobeni nodded, the tension in her shoulders easing as she sat beside Makima on her left side, her ice dagger dissolving into harmless mist.

At the center of the magic circle, Aki stood amidst the dissipating flames, his gaze fixed on the smoldering remnants of the Gun Devil's manifestation. He spoke softly, almost in awe. "Is this… my negative energy? It has flame properties."

Kang Woo stepped forward, his tone casual yet brimming with authority. "Negative energy is typically associated with devils, yes. But what I gave you just now—or, more accurately, what I vented on you—was my way of using a body bag to refine that energy in humans. It's no longer just negative energy. For humans, it transforms into something different: curse energy."

He smirked, clearly enjoying the unfolding realization. "You've also developed a curse technique, Aki. 'Blazing Courage,' something that once belonged to Ogi Zenin back in sorcery world. Fascinating, isn't it? I've been using my Ten Shadows Shikigami extensively, and that influence has granted you this power."

Aki frowned slightly, processing Kang Woo's words. "Curse energy… and a technique?" His voice trailed off, but before he could ask more, a familiar voice interrupted.

Taiyo materialized beside Aki, his small form looking around in wonder. "Wahhh! The environment… it's just like the day we played snowball! But now, there are castles everywhere, and we're in the middle of—"

Before Taiyo could finish, an ice platform began forming, extending from the magic circle toward the spectator seat where Himeno stood. The smooth, crystalline surface gleamed as it connected the two areas seamlessly.

Kang Woo crossed his arms, his smirk deepening as he observed Aki's reaction. "Do you want your brother involved in your quest to punch my face, or not?" His voice carried a teasing edge, though his crimson gaze remained sharp, assessing.

Aki glanced between Taiyo and Kang Woo, his frustration barely masked. "You really have to turn everything into a damn game, don't you?"

Aki then crouched down slightly to meet Taiyo's gaze. "Taiyo, listen to me. Walk across that platform to the woman with the eyepatch. Her name is Himeno, and she'll look after you for a while. Or, if you're feeling bold, you can stay near the red-haired woman. Her name's Makima. She's… dangerous, but she keeps her word and can be trusted. Unlike this heartless bastard standing here."

"Hey!" Kang Woo interrupted with mock indignation, raising a hand in protest. "I do keep my words! You've got your own power now, don't you?"

Taiyo blinked at both of them, then nodded and began walking toward Himeno via the ice platform Kang Woo had created. As the boy made his way across, Himeno's sharp gaze flicked between Kang Woo and Aki, her grip on her blade tightening. The moment Taiyo reached her, instead of staying by his side, she lunged forward, dashing toward the center of the magic circle where Aki stood.

Taiyo stopped abruptly, his confusion evident as he glanced back at Makima. Makima knelt down beside him, ruffling his hair in a rare display of warmth. "Don't worry," she said softly. "Himeno has some… unresolved issues with my King, much like your brother does."

Taiyo tilted his head, still puzzled, but eventually nodded, comforted by her words.

Meanwhile, Himeno reached the center of the circle, her movements deliberate. Aki turned toward her, his voice tentative. "Himeno-senpai, are you—?"

"I'm fine," she interrupted, her tone firm. "I'm not drunk, Aki. I'm perfectly clear-headed. And as your senpai, I won't stand by and watch my kouhai get tortured like that." She shifted her grip on her weapon, her eyes narrowing at Kang Woo. "Someone needs to teach this narcissistic jerk that our lives aren't just a game for him to play with."

Makima's voice rang out from the spectator seat, her tone teasing as she called to Kang Woo. "Looks like you've been promoted, my King. 'Heartless bastard' and 'narcissistic jerk.' Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

Kang Woo let out a laugh, spreading his arms theatrically. "I'm flattered! Truly! Maybe I should have those titles engraved on a plaque." His grin widened as he glanced at Himeno, unperturbed by her hostility. "Though I have to say, you're pretty bold for someone about to pick a fight they can't win."

Himeno unsheathed her blade, her expression unyielding. "Whether we can punch your face or not is not for you to decide."

Aki's attention snapped to her blade, his eyes widening as he noticed its broken state. Before he could speak, Angel Devil's calm but determined voice cut through the tension. "Usage: 100 years." A radiant halo materialized beside Aki, and from it, a single-edged, red-hilted, cleaver-like longsword emerged. Its aura exuded a sense of power and finality.

Angel Devil turned to Aki, his tone resolute. "Aki, you've got to punch Kang Woo's face. That eye of his—it looks down on everything. He calls us devils invalids, worthless. Prove him wrong. Break his expectations. And if possible…" Angel Devil's gaze flickered briefly with hope. "Learn mana, even without his help."

Aki hesitated for only a moment before handing his katana to Himeno. His voice was calm but carried a hint of determination. "Here, Himeno-senpai. Use this for now." He then looked back at Angel Devil. "How much of my lifespan will your blade take? Not that it matters—I'm willing to pay the price, especially since this circle keeps us from dying anyway."

Angel Devil smirked faintly, a glint of approval in his eyes. "I've resolved my problems thanks to Kang Woo, but even I can't stand being mocked like that. Words like 'invalid'… 'worthless'… Those hit harder than any blade. Prove him wrong, Aki. Show him that resolve matters, even in a world he thinks he controls."

Kang Woo clapped slowly, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "Nice resolve, Angel. Nice speech, too. But empty words are useless around here."

Kang Woo's smirk deepened as he extended his right hand. Energy began to coalesce, forming into a massive reishi broadsword with two jagged protrusions jutting out diagonally from either side, creating a cross-guard that, along with the hilt, resembled the Wandenreich insignia—eerily similar to the weapon Yhwach once wielded. The blade shimmered with an ominous glow, radiating a sense of supreme authority.

With deliberate calmness, Kang Woo planted the sword into the ground, its impact sending subtle vibrations through the icy expanse. He closed his crimson eyes, exuding an air of indifference. His voice, soft but cold, echoed. "All dreamers wake up eventually. And when they do… their dreams end." He stood motionless, his stance almost mocking as if daring them to make the first move.

Aki glanced at Himeno, his voice sharp with urgency. "Himeno-senpai, how much do you actually know about RPGs? Kang Woo's powers—they're built like one. Magic, mana, abilities… everything he does follows that system."

Himeno's grip on the katana tightened, her brow furrowing. "RPGs? Well… let's just say I've played a few. Still do sometimes to unwind." She glanced at Kang Woo, her eyes narrowing in disbelief as she gestured toward the massive broadsword he had planted in the ground. "But there's no way magic like that can manifest into something so absurd. That weapon—it's not just any sword. It's the kind of primary weapon you'd expect a boss to wield."

Taking a cautious step back, Himeno continued, her tone more measured. "If this were an RPG, we'd be the low-level bandits in the tutorial. And Kang Woo?" She gestured to him, her voice laced with grim acknowledgment. "He's the final boss. Charging at him head-on? That's suicide. Instant game over."

Aki's jaw clenched, frustration evident in his voice. "Himeno-senpai, what's your plan then? Just sit here and wait for him to wipe us out?" His eyes flicked toward Kang Woo, who still stood motionless, his crimson eyes closed, radiating an air of absolute dominance.

Himeno let out a long breath, her gaze unwavering. "From what I can tell, Kang Woo won't attack us first. He'd probably stand there for an hour if we let him, just waiting. And after our so-called resolve speeches? Keeping him waiting would be… embarrassing." She smirked faintly, though tension lingered in her expression. "Let's die first."

Aki's eyes widened in disbelief. "Die first?! Are you serious?"

Himeno nodded, her voice calm but firm. "If we want to beat him, we need to figure out his attack patterns. And this magic circle prevents permanent death, right? Even if he kills us, we respawn. Isn't that right, Kang Woo?" She turned her gaze to Kang Woo, awaiting a response.

Kang Woo remained silent, his posture unchanging, as if their presence barely registered.

Aki sighed, gripping Angel Devil's blade tighter. "Fine. Let's see what happens."

With their resolve steeled, Aki and Himeno lunged forward, their weapons aimed directly at Kang Woo. The fiery determination in their movements seemed almost tangible.

But Kang Woo didn't even flinch. Without opening his eyes or moving from his position, he beheaded them both in one seamless motion. Neither of them even saw how it happened. One moment they were charging, and the next, their heads were gone, and their bodies crumpled to the ground.

Moments later, Aki and Himeno respawned within the magic circle, their forms whole once more. Himeno sat up, a mix of awe and disbelief on her face. "That's… the first time I've died and come back."

Aki exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck as he stood. "Second time for me." He glanced toward Kang Woo, who remained in the exact same position, as though nothing had occurred. "And he's still not even trying."

Himeno grumbled, standing and brushing herself off. "Oy, narcissistic jerk, move your fat ass!" Her voice rang out in a deliberate attempt to provoke Kang Woo.

Kang Woo remained utterly still, his eyes closed and his posture unchanged. His silence was infuriating.

Aki sighed, shaking his head. "On second thought, his rants and bizarre nature are better than this cold-blooded act."

Himeno crossed her arms, exhaling in frustration. "Plan failed. We can't even provoke the boss, and he's not moving from his spot."

Suddenly, a dark, ethereal wing materialized in the air. Makima descended gracefully, her single wing casting an ominous shadow. Angel Devil was being tugged gently along by her hand as they floated toward Aki and Himeno.

Aki blinked in surprise. "Ms. Makima, are you here to fight against Kang Woo?"

Makima shook her head with a small, knowing smile. "No. I'm just here to deliver Angel Devil to your position. He asked for it." She gently released Angel Devil beside Aki. "He's decided Kang Woo is currently nigh impossible to beat, and he's offering his manpower to aid you."

Angel Devil adjusted his coat, his expression calm but resolved. "Consider it backup. You'll need it."

Makima looked at Aki and Himeno, her tone measured but slightly amused. "As for me, I'll move only once you either give up or succeed in punching Kang Woo's face."

From his unmoving stance, Kang Woo finally spoke, his voice carrying a playful edge. "Shame. If you were to join them, Makima, they might actually have a chance at raiding this final boss."

Makima glanced over her shoulder as she began to ascend back to the spectator seat. "The main star dances with the main event. No need for other actors or actresses, right?" Her tone was laced with mockery and assurance, as if the outcome was already set.

Kang Woo's lips curled into a faint smile as he remained still, his presence unyielding. "You're learning, Makima."

Angel Devil seized the moment as Kang Woo remained motionless, seemingly distracted by Makima's departure. "Usage: 1,000 years!" Angel Devil's voice echoed with resolve. His body trembled as his lifespan was drained significantly, and he collapsed to his knees, his breath ragged. "Aki, kill me now!"

Aki didn't hesitate, his blade flashing as he beheaded Angel Devil. The devil respawned instantly within the magic circle, standing strong once more. "Kang Woo," Angel Devil said, his voice sharp with determination, "you shouldn't have shown me how to use my power properly when you borrowed it. Now, you'll eat your own teachings."

Suddenly, 1,000 red, radiant spears materialized in the air, their forms pulsating with power. Angel Devil commanded the final spear, aiming it directly at Kang Woo. The spear passed through a black, starlit portal held open by three golden, humanoid effigies floating in the air with their arms spread wide.

Kang Woo, still unmoving and with his eyes closed, muttered calmly, "Blut Vene Anhaben." In an instant, blue veins of energy extended outward from Kang Woo's body, forming a protective spherical barrier that shimmered with a brilliant, otherworldly glow. The incoming spears collided with the barrier, which held firm—except for the final spear, which caused a visible crack to form.

Aki saw his chance. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, combining his flame-imbued power ( blazing Courage )  with Angel Devil's cleaver-like sword. The combined power shattered the weakened sphere. Yet, as he breached Kang Woo's defense, Aki felt a strange sensation take hold of him. Blue veins began to creep along his body, glowing ominously.

Kang Woo's voice broke the tense silence, calm and almost amused. "Blut Vene Anhaben isn't just a barrier. Its true power isn't in blocking attacks. It's in its consumption." His tone darkened, laced with a hint of menace. "It absorbs everything that makes contact with me and the ground around me. And this time… I've modified it."

Aki's body froze mid-strike, and his movements turned erratic. His blade shifted course against his will, aiming toward Angel Devil. Panic filled Aki's voice as he struggled to regain control. "I… I can't move my body! It's not obeying me!"

Without hesitation, Himeno acted. She lunged forward, her katana slicing cleanly through Aki's neck, beheading him before he could harm Angel Devil. Aki's body crumpled to the ground, only to respawn moments later, standing within the circle again.

Aki rubbed his neck, exhaling in frustration. "Third time now. I've died three times already."

Himeno glanced at him, her tone dry but edged with grim humor. "At least you're keeping count." She turned her focus back to Kang Woo, analyzing his previous move. "Magical blue sword, and then that… Blut Vene Anhaben. That's what he called it, right? It's not just a barrier—it's a trap. The ground around him… it's like a weapon or a giant landmine waiting to consume us."

Angel Devil nodded, his expression grim. " It's a battlefield he controls completely. Every step closer is a gamble."