Ashes of the Forgotten

Toshi stood still, his breath steady, his fists faintly trembling from the aftermath of battle. His eyes, now colder than before, locked onto Ikaris, awaiting the next command.

"Where is my next target?" His voice was devoid of hesitation, sharp like a blade.

Ikaris, however, remained silent. He observed Toshi for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a faint exhale, he shook his head.

"There isn't one."

Toshi's brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

Ikaris crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "Right now, there's no battle for you to fight. No enemies to kill. For now… your task is simple."

He paused, then said, "Explore this world."

Toshi remained motionless, processing the words. Explore? The concept felt foreign to him. He had been born into battle, thrust into carnage before he even had a chance to understand his own existence.

"I don't understand," he admitted finally. "If there is no fight, what am I supposed to do?"

Ikaris smirked slightly. "You think you only exist to fight?"

Toshi didn't answer.

"Listen," Ikaris continued, his tone carrying an unusual sense of patience. "This world is new to you. You know nothing about it. Before you can claim to be a hunter, a warrior, or anything else—first, you need to see what you're fighting for."

Toshi remained silent, his gaze shifting slightly.

Ikaris sighed. "Go. Walk through this world. Learn its ways. When the time comes, I'll call you."

Finally, he nodded. "Fine."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his steps soundless against the cold ground.

Ikaris watched him go, his smirk fading into a contemplative expression.

Then, without turning, he spoke.

"How long will you keep hiding from him? He has already forgotten you, Rikus… or should I say, Ru's 'dear dad'?"

For a moment, there was no response.

Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged. A tall man with an aura that bent the very fabric of space around him. His golden eyes, vast as the cosmos itself, met Ikaris's gaze.

"My duty is fulfilled." Rikus's voice was steady, unwavering.

Ikaris raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Rikus crossed his arms. "The oath I took was for one purpose only—to protect Ru until the seal was broken." His voice carried neither warmth nor regret. "That has now been accomplished. What happens next is none of my concern."

Ikaris chuckled. "I knew you'd say that."

Rikus ignored his amusement and continued, his tone firm. "I never considered that boy to be mine. He was just a duty, and now that duty is over."

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then, Rikus turned away. "Don't expect me to guide Toshi or interfere with your schemes."

Ikaris smirked. "You're free to leave, then."

Rikus didn't respond. Without another word, he vanished into the vastness of space.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the land, Toshi stood atop a towering mountain, gazing at the vast landscape before him. The wind howled, rustling his cloak as he observed the world below.

"Back in that cave, it felt like this planet was nothing but ruins… but it's not that bad." His voice was calm, lacking any excitement, yet there was a hint of curiosity in his words. "It's actually… quite beautiful."

[Few Days Later]

Toshi was once again standing in front of Ikaris. The same impassive face. The same blank eyes.

Ikaris watched him for a moment before finally speaking.

"Now… what you have to do next is far more dangerous than anything before." His smirk was subtle, but there was something unsettling behind it. "But you have no choice. You must do it."

Toshi remained unfazed. "And what exactly do I have to do?"

Ikaris's smirk widened. "You will go to Hell… and slaughter the devils."

Toshi blinked. "And how long am I supposed to do this?"

Ikaris's eyes darkened. "Until I tell you to stop."

Toshi's gaze didn't waver. "So, that means you're coming with me?"

Ikaris chuckled. "No. I'll be watching from here. And when the time comes, I'll send you a signal to return."

Toshi turned away, looking towards the distant horizon. "Alright. Not like I have anything else to do."