Rising through the Omniverse as a Herrscher

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On a rainy day, during the middle of a lesson, Masachika could be seen resting his head on his hand. His expression was heavy with fatigue, his eyelids drooping as if weighed down by invisible chains. The exhaustion from the previous night's battle against an endless army of Titans still clung to him like a shadow, leaving him utterly drained. Even the sleep he managed to snatch afterward wasn't enough to recover his strength, and the weariness gnawed at him relentlessly.

He briefly considered reaching for an energy drink, imagining how it could instantly restore his energy and help him power through the day. But the thought of becoming reliant on it gave him pause. It wouldn't be good to always depend on something artificial to keep going, he reasoned. So, with a reluctant sigh, he held himself back, deciding instead to let his body adapt to the exhaustion and push through naturally.

While his strength and stamina had undoubtedly increased, that didn't necessarily mean his recovery speed had kept pace. His body still struggled to replenish its energy as quickly as it once had. Despite the enhancements, he found himself relying on Energy Drinks to restore his stamina to full capacity, a habit he'd come to rely on when he needed to push through exhaustion.

The combination of the teacher's monotonous lecture and his overwhelming exhaustion finally began to take its toll. Masachika's head bobbed slightly as he started to doze off, his eyelids growing heavier by the second.

That is, until Alisa, noticing his struggle, leaned in closer to him. Her silvery hair brushed softly against his shoulder as she whispered in a stern yet quiet voice, "Hey, don't fall asleep."

Her words were sharp enough to cut through the fog of his drowsiness, forcing his heavy-lidded eyes to open.

"Huh? Oh, sorry… *yawn*," Masachika mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he tried to shake off the drowsiness.

"Did you even sleep last night? You look more tired than usual," Alisa asked, her voice tinged with concern as she studied his weary expression.

Her sharp gaze lingered on him, clearly noticing how his exhaustion was more pronounced today. It wasn't like him to look this worn out.

"Ah, no. I just… forgot to sleep last night," Masachika said casually, though deep down, he was hiding the truth—how he'd gone on a rampage in Hell the previous night and earned himself the title of Doom Slayer.

"Huh? Forgot to sleep? Why?" Alisa asked, raising an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.

"Well, you know, the usual… watching anime," he replied, scratching the back of his head and trying to sound nonchalant.

"Unbelievable," Alisa muttered, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes. "You didn't sleep just to watch anime? That's so typical of you."

Her disapproving tone made him shift uncomfortably, though he wasn't sure if she was annoyed or just amused by his excuse.

"Well, you can't blame a guy for wanting to watch some anime," Masachika said with a shrug, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he tried to justify himself.

Alisa, however, wasn't having any of it. She looked at him with pure disbelief, her sharp gaze practically boring a hole through him. "Seriously?" her expression seemed to say, though she remained silent, clearly unimpressed by his reasoning.

Her unimpressed stare made Masachika shift awkwardly in his seat, but he simply chuckled under his breath, knowing he wasn't going to win this one.

Alisa let out a long sigh, shaking her head in mild exasperation. "Just don't fall asleep while the teacher is talking, alright?" she said, her voice softer this time but still carrying a hint of sternness.

"Yeah, I know," Masachika mumbled, stifling yet another yawn. "*Yawn* I'll stay awake… probably."

Alisa raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, choosing instead to focus her attention back on the teacher at the front of the room. Masachika followed suit, or at least he appeared to, his gaze fixed on the board as though he were paying attention.

For a moment, silence settled between them, the soft patter of rain against the windows adding to the drowsy atmosphere of the classroom. But it didn't take long before Masachika's resolve crumbled under the weight of his exhaustion. His head began to droop, his eyes fluttering closed despite his efforts to fight it.

Alisa, who had been glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, noticed almost immediately when his head began to droop and his breathing softened. She sighed again, this time quieter, her delicate shoulders slumping slightly as she let her eyes linger on him.

[Honestly, take care of yourself more,]

she muttered softly in Russian, her tone carrying a subtle mix of worry and frustration.

Her gaze flickered back to the teacher, and for a moment, she debated whether to nudge him awake again. But seeing how exhausted he looked, she hesitated, her hand faltering mid-reach. Instead, she let out another small sigh and turned back to the lesson, resigning herself to the situation.

Still, she kept an eye on him, silently hoping he wouldn't draw the teacher's attention. If he did, she'd have to think quickly to cover for him. Even if he was being careless, she couldn't bring herself to just leave him to fend for himself—not when he looked so drained.

[Idiot,]

She muttered again in Russian under her breath, shaking her head slightly before turning her attention back to the board.

Meanwhile, Mei, seated on the other side of Masachika, glanced at him with a curious expression. Noticing his peaceful yet tired demeanor, she quietly deduced that he must not have slept at all the previous night. Though she said nothing, her lips pressed into a thin line as she returned her focus to the teacher.

The lesson dragged on as the soft patter of rain continued to echo outside, creating an almost soothing rhythm that seemed to lull the entire class into a daze.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. The teacher clapped their hands lightly to get everyone's attention before addressing the class.

"I think that's pretty much it for today's lesson," the teacher said with a nod. "Now, I want you all to study this material at home. Make sure you review it thoroughly; we'll be building on it in the next class."

Chairs creaked, books shuffled, and faint murmurs spread throughout the room as students began packing up their things. Masachika, still fast asleep, stirred slightly when he felt someone shaking him. His eyes fluttered open, and he blinked groggily, trying to clear the haze from his mind.

It was Mei, gently nudging him awake.

"Masachika-kun… the school day's over," she said, her voice soft but firm.

Alisa, who had been watching from the side, couldn't help but feel a little too late to intervene. She let out a small sigh of relief that Mei had taken care of it, but a subtle wave of annoyance crept over her. Not only had she failed to wake him herself, but the fact that Mei had called him by his first name made her feel inexplicably on edge.

"Huh? Oh… Mei-san,"

Masachika murmured, still half-asleep, his words trailing off as he blinked slowly, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. He yawned widely, rubbing his eyes as he adjusted to the reality that the school day had ended.

"Did you get any sleep last night, Masachika-kun?" Mei asked, her tone laced with genuine concern as she watched him yawn yet again.

"Ah, well... I was watching anime until it was morning, Mei-san,"

Masachika admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Mei frowned, her worry deepening.

"Masachika-kun, you shouldn't do that. Staying up all night like that isn't good for your health. You'll burn yourself out."

"Yeah, I know," Masachika replied, laughing awkwardly. "But it was the good part, you know? I couldn't stop watching."

The two continued chatting with each other, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Mei's gentle concern paired with Masachika's casual responses created a comfortable, easygoing atmosphere.

Alisa, seated nearby, couldn't help but watch the exchange unfold. Her eyes narrowed slightly as an unexplainable pang of jealousy stirred in her chest. She tried to steady herself by slipping her notebook into her bag, but the irritation only seemed to intensify with each passing moment.

Just as her patience began to wear thin, Bronya entered the classroom, her usual composed expression in place. She approached Mei with purpose and said in her calm, no-nonsense voice,

"Mei-nee-senpai, let's go home now. Kiana, Bianka, and Sirin are already waiting for you at the entrance."

"Ah, right," Mei responded, standing up and gathering her things. She turned to Masachika with a warm smile. "Then, I'll be going now, Masachika-kun. Make sure you get some rest tonight, okay?"

"Alright. Take care, Mei-san," Masachika replied with a slight wave.

As Mei and Bronya left the classroom together, their footsteps fading into the hallway, Alisa let out a quiet sigh. The rain outside continued to pour heavily, the rhythmic sound filling the now sparsely populated classroom.

One by one, the remaining students began packing their belongings and leaving for the day. Alisa remained seated, her arms crossed and her gaze fixed on the rain-soaked window. Though her expression remained composed, a subtle tension lingered in her posture.

Masachika, having recovered just a tiny bit of energy from his brief nap, stretched and began packing his things, completely oblivious to Alisa's mood. The classroom gradually emptied, the faint patter of rain against the windows filling the silence, while unspoken thoughts lingered in Alisa's mind, refusing to fade.

"I guess I'll get going now. Aren't you going home too, Alya—ugh!"

Masachika's words faltered as he turned to look at her, only to be met with a piercingly cold gaze.

Alisa's usually soft and composed expression had hardened, her icy blue eyes practically freezing him in place. The temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees as she fixed him with a sharp, silent stare.

Masachika blinked, caught off guard.

"W-What's with that look?"

he asked, raising his hands slightly in defense, unsure of what he'd done to deserve the sudden chill.

Alisa didn't respond right away, her frosty demeanor lingering for a moment longer before she finally spoke, her voice calm but laced with subtle irritation.

"You're surprisingly talkative with Mei-san."

"Huh?" Masachika tilted his head in confusion. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Her eyes narrowed, and she let out a quiet sigh, leaning back slightly in her chair. "Nothing. Forget it. I'll be going home now," Alisa said coolly, standing up and grabbing her bag. Without sparing him another glance, she started walking toward the door.

"You don't have Student Council duty?" Masachika called out after her, trying to prolong the conversation.

"I already finished all of it," she replied curtly, her voice calm but distant.

"I-I see… Well, careful on your way home, alright," he added, his tone tinged with awkwardness.

Alisa didn't respond or even slow her pace as she left the room, her heels clicking softly against the floor. Just as she disappeared through the doorway, Masachika's sharp ears caught her muttering something under her breath in Russian.

[Idiot... why does he always have to be so oblivious? And with her, of all people.] Her tone carried a faint trace of both exasperation and frustration.

Masachika sighed, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back in his chair.

"Geez, is she jealous of Mei or what?"

he muttered to himself, scratching the back of his head. He knew Alisa well enough to recognize that she had a jealous streak, even if she'd never admit it outright.

The classroom was eerily quiet, the faint sound of rain tapping against the windows the only noise to accompany Masachika as he slung his bag over his shoulder. Everyone else had already left, and he was finally alone. With a deep sigh, he grab his bag and was about to head to the door.

Just as he was about to leave, a voice from his side stopped him in his tracks.

"Can I have some of your time, Kuze-kun?"

Masachika frowned, his hand freezing mid-air. The tone was familiar yet unwelcome. Slowly, he turned his head and, sure enough, saw Yuki Nonaka standing near the back of the classroom, her sharp, calculating gaze locked onto him.

A pang of irritation flared in his chest. Of all times, why now? He wasn't in the mood to deal with anything even remotely tied to the supernatural. All he wanted was to go home, collapse onto his bed, and let his body recover. Later, perhaps, he'd take the time to analyze his Heart Tool and the True Dragon Essence he'd obtained just yesterday. But right now? He had absolutely no patience for this.

"What is it?" he said, his tone colder than usual as he fixed her with a flat stare. "If you don't have anything important to say, get lost."

Yuki's gaze softened slightly as she took a small step closer, her expression sincere.

"Alright, I'll tell you. I want to become friends with you."

Masachika froze, his tired eyes narrowing as he stared at her. The words didn't compute at first, and when they finally did, irritation flashed across his face.

"Why?" he asked sharply. "You know that I'm quite hostile toward you and the Hero Clan. You should've figured that out by now."

Yuki didn't flinch at his response. Instead, she stood her ground, her calm demeanor unwavering. "I know," she replied, her voice steady. "But that doesn't change my decision. I want to become your friend that's it."

"Oh, really? Is that the order from the Elders you were given? Because I'm not stupid, Yuki Nonaka," Masachika said sharply, his tone laced with suspicion. He already knew what the Elders were scheming. If they could win his trust, it would tie him to the Hero Clan by association, giving them a way to control him—or, at the very least, keep him on a leash. And Masachika had no intention of letting that happen.

Yuki's expression faltered for the briefest moment, a crack in her otherwise composed demeanor. But she quickly recovered, her face calm and unreadable once more. "You're wrong," she replied firmly, her voice steady despite the weight of his accusation.

"Oh, really?" Masachika smirked, his gaze shifting toward the corner of the room where he could feel another presence. "And I suppose Kurumi hiding over there is just a coincidence, huh? She's here to make sure her precious sister doesn't get hurt by the big, bad 'enemy,' isn't she?"

At this, Yuki's calm demeanor cracked slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Kurumi isn't here to interfere," she said evenly, though there was a faint edge to her voice. "She's here because she cares about me. This has nothing to do with the Elders or the Hero Clan."

Masachika rolled his eyes. "Right. And I'm supposed to believe that you just decided to stroll up to me out of the goodness of your heart? Spare me."

Yuki took a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "Believe what you want, Kuze-kun. But I came here on my own. No one told me to do this. No one ordered me to befriend you." She took a step closer, her voice softening slightly. "I'm doing this because I think there's more to you than what you show. And I'm not the only one who thinks that."

Masachika let out a dry laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "More to me? That's rich," he scoffed. "You already have that boy you love—Basara. Are you really going to tangle yourself with me just to keep the Hero Clan and the world intact?"

His tone was sharp, his words cutting to the heart of the matter. He knew full well that Yuki's feelings for Basara ran deep, and she wasn't the type to involve herself with another man unless it served some greater purpose, like the mission from the Elders.

 Yuki and Kurumi's eyes widened in shock, both caught off guard by Masachika's words. The fact that he knew Basara's name, and so casually, left them momentarily speechless. How could he possibly know of Basara, especially since he had no apparent connection to him?

A wave of confusion and unease passed between them. Yuki's mind raced as she tried to make sense of it. Masachika shouldn't have had any reason to know Basara's name, let alone speak of him as if they were acquainted. Yet there it was, as if Masachika had read their minds and exposed a secret they hadn't shared.

Kurumi's gaze flicked nervously between the two, her curiosity piqued, but the question remained unspoken. How much did Masachika actually know? And what did it mean that he seemed to know Basara, even without having met him?

"you know what...Do whatever you want," he muttered, pushing off the desk and slinging his bag over his shoulder. "But don't expect me to make this easy for you."

Without another word, he turned and made his way toward the door, leaving Yuki standing there, her resolve unshaken.

Kurumi stepped out from her hiding spot once Masachika was gone, a worried look etched on her face. "Yuki-nee, what do we do now? The Elders told us to befriend him, but he's not exactly... the friendliest person. At least, not to us."

Yuki sighed, her gaze lingering on the doorway as though she could still see Masachika walking away. "I know," she said quietly, her tone thoughtful. "But that doesn't change our mission—or the fact that we need to try."

Kurumi frowned, crossing her arms in frustration. "I get that it's a mission from the Elders, and yeah, he's strong—he wiped out four of us without even breaking a sweat. But still…" She trailed off, her eyes narrowing as she thought it over. "I just don't get what the Elders are thinking. He doesn't seem like the type who'd want anything to do with us, let alone become friends."

Yuki turned toward her younger sister, her expression calm yet resolute. "That's exactly why we need to try, Kurumi," she said firmly, her voice steady with conviction. "The Elders are ordering us to befriend him because, if he becomes an enemy, it could be catastrophic for everyone—not just the Hero Clan. But if we can bring him to our side, even just a little, it could change the entire course of everything."

Kurumi hesitated, her frown deepening. "And what if he doesn't want to be on our side? What if he just keeps pushing us away?"

Yuki's eyes softened, and a small, wry smile tugged at her lips. "Then we'll keep trying. It's not about forcing him to trust us or like us—it's about showing him that we're not all the same as the Elders or the people who treated him like an enemy."

Kurumi let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing the back of her neck. "You make it sound so simple, Yuki-nee. But I can't help feeling like he sees right through us. Like he knows exactly what we're trying to do."

Yuki chuckled softly, her smile growing a little warmer. "He does. Masachika Kuze isn't someone who can be easily fooled. That's why we have to be honest with him—completely honest. It's the only way he might even consider letting us in."

Kurumi tilted her head, still unsure. "Honest, huh? Well, good luck with that. He doesn't seem like the type to appreciate sincerity, either."

Yuki's gaze turned resolute, a spark of determination lighting up her features. "We'll see. For now, let's just focus on showing him that we're not his enemies. Even if it takes time, we'll earn his trust."

Kurumi sighed again but nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Yuki-nee. But don't say I didn't warn you when he shuts the door in our faces—literally or figuratively."

Yuki gave her a small, reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I'll handle it, Kurumi. Don't worry. Just keep an open mind—and an open heart."

Kurumi rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling faintly. "You're way too optimistic sometimes, Yuki-nee."

With that, the two sisters left the classroom, the weight of their mission still hanging heavily in the air. Yuki's resolve remained unshaken, but as she walked, her thoughts lingered on the mention of Basara. Masachika had brought him up so casually, and it had struck a nerve.

Yuki couldn't help but feel a flicker of guilt—betrayed him a little, she thought. The idea that her connection with Basara was something Masachika could so easily recognize made her question the choices she'd made. She had always been so focused on the task at hand, but now, in the quiet of her mind, doubts crept in.

She pushed the thoughts aside, steeling herself once again. There was no time to dwell on it. But for the first time, the lines between duty and personal feelings felt just a little too blurry.

As Masachika walking down the hallway and was now nearing the School Building Entrance, he then saw some student there standing by, he thought that they didn't brought an Umbrella since this morning it wasn't training until it was around afternoon that it started to rain.

He then change his indoor shoes to his outer shoes and go out of the building, and when he was walking he then caught sight of Alisa.

"Alya, not going home?"

Masachika called out as he approached her, his voice casual but laced with mild curiosity.

Alisa turned her head slightly, her silver hair shimmering faintly under the soft gray light. "Kuze-kun," she acknowledged, her tone neutral. Masachika who see this thought that she already calm herself down from that earlier.

"Hmm, what's up? Forgot your umbrella?" he asked, his gaze shifting briefly to the steady rain outside.

Alisa flinched ever so slightly at his question, a subtle reaction that didn't go unnoticed by Masachika. His brow quirked, and a knowing smirk played on his lips.

"You didn't bring one, did you?"

"I-It can't be helped!" Alisa huffed, crossing her arms defensively. "It wasn't raining this morning, and it was very much sunny."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Classic weather switcheroo," Masachika said with a light chuckle. "So, what's the plan? Gonna head back now or just wait here?"

Alisa straightened her posture, trying to regain her usual composed demeanor. "I'll wait here until Masha finishes her duties. She probably brought an umbrella with her."

"Maria-san, huh?" Masachika said, rubbing the back of his neck. "How long is that gonna take? I mean, even though you've already wrapped up your Student Council work, Maria's always buried under a mountain of tasks as the secretary, right?"

Alisa sighed lightly, glancing toward the rain. "It's hard to say. Masha can be meticulous, and she doesn't like leaving things unfinished. But she should be done soon... hopefully."

Masachika raised an eyebrow, a faint grin forming on his face. "Hopefully? Sounds like you're not too confident about that."

Alisa shot him a brief glare, her cheeks faintly flushed. "She will finish soon. And besides, it's none of your concern."

"Fair enough," Masachika said, shrugging. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and leaned casually against the wall.

"Look, how about I give you a ride home? I brought an umbrella with me," Masachika said, pulling an umbrella out of his bag with a casual motion.

Unbeknownst to Alisa, the "bag" part was a convenient lie—he had actually pulled it straight out of his Inventory, a perk he wasn't planning to mention.

"You will?"

"Yeah, it's not good for you to stay here, especially with this storm brewing."

Masachika said, his words carried by the increasingly fierce wind, which seemed to grow unnaturally strong. The air felt charged, and he could sense something off about the weather.

"Alright... but let me text Masha first."

Alisa nodded, agreeing that it was better for her to head home sooner rather than later.

"Yeah, go ahead and text her," Masachika replied, watching as Alisa quickly typed out a message to Maria.

"There, done."

"Alright, let's go."

Masachika said as he raised his umbrella. Alisa stepped closer to him, slipping under the umbrella's canopy to avoid the rain. The closeness made her heart pound loudly in her chest, a warmth spreading through her despite the cold drizzle around them.

As they walked through the school gate and onto the quiet, rain-soaked street, an uneasy silence settled between them. The only sounds were the rhythmic patter of raindrops on the umbrella and their footsteps splashing against the wet pavement.

Alisa stole a quick glance at Masachika, his expression calm and focused on the path ahead. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she tightened her grip on the strap of her bag, the subtle tension between them leaving her both flustered and comforted by his presence.

But there was something on her mind that she couldn't ignore. After a brief moment of hesitation, Alisa called out to him, her voice cutting through the quiet.

"Kuze-kun."

"Hm? What is it, Alya?" Masachika glanced at her curiously.

"What's your relationship with Raiden-san?"

He blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Hmm? Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Alisa replied nonchalantly, though her tone carried a hint of something else he couldn't quite place.

Masachika scratched his head, trying to think of how to respond. He felt it would be better to keep the fact that Mei was his neighbor to himself. If he let that slip, he wasn't sure how to explain it without making things awkward.

Masachika considered her question for a moment, then decided to give a simple answer.

"Just friends, you know. Like you and me, Alya."

Alisa's steps faltered for a moment as she processed his words. "Like... me?" she asked, her voice tinged with a subtle uncertainty, as though she wasn't quite sure how to interpret the unexpected simplicity of his response.

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of it. "R-really? There was nothing going on between you two?" She couldn't help the hint of disbelief that laced her words, her curiosity and emotions tangled together in a way that made it hard to keep her composure.

"Yeah," Masachika replied casually, though a flicker of something else flashed in his gaze as he watched her closely. The tone of his voice was nonchalant, but the glint in his eyes suggested there was more beneath the surface than he was letting on.

"I see..."

Alisa repeated quietly, almost as if she were trying to convince herself. Her steps slowed, then came to a halt entirely. Her eyes dropped to the wet pavement, her expression unreadable.

Masachika instinctively tilted the umbrella to shield her from the rain. He paused as well, observing her, the quiet stretching between them. There was something about her posture that seemed different—more relaxed, almost relieved.

"What's wrong?"

he asked carefully, his tone softer now, sensing that there was more beneath the surface.

"Nothing,"

Alisa replied quickly, but her voice held a hint of something unspoken. She lifted her chin and began walking again, her pace slightly quicker than before, as if trying to escape the moment.

Masachika stayed right beside her, making sure the umbrella stayed over her as the rain picked up again. His longer strides allowed him to easily match her pace, keeping her shielded from the downpour.

"You're going to get soaked if you keep walking like that," he said lightly, half-teasing but genuinely concerned.

Alisa didn't respond right away, but Masachika noticed the faint blush on her cheeks. She kept her gaze fixed straight ahead, though her steps softened, and she slowed just enough for him to fall into step beside her.

As they walked in silence, Alisa muttered something under her breath in Russian. The soft patter of rain nearly drowned out her words, but Masachika's sharp hearing caught them clearly.

[Why do I feel so relieved after hearing there was nothing going on between them?]

Masachika couldn't help but smile wryly. He could hear the subtle conflict in her voice, the way she was trying to reason with herself, but it was clear she wasn't quite there yet.

He knew better than to press her on it. She was still figuring things out—about herself, and maybe about him too. Instead of saying anything, he let her have the space to make sense of her own feelings. After all, some things couldn't be forced, and he knew that sometimes the best thing to do was simply let time and experience guide the way.

They walked in silence for a while longer, with Masachika holding the umbrella steady over them both. Neither of them spoke, but the quiet was comfortable, a moment of unspoken understanding between them.

After a few minutes, they finally arrived at Alisa's apartment. She stopped at the front door, turning to face Masachika. Her eyes were soft, and her voice was quieter than usual.

"Thanks, Kuze-san," she said, a hint of warmth in her tone.

"Un, you're welcome. Take care, alright?" Masachika responded with a nod, starting to turn away to head back to his own place.

But just as he was about to take his first step, Alisa's voice called out to him.

"Wait!"

Masachika stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. "What is it?"

Alisa hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the door nervously. She looked down briefly, then back up at him, her gaze a mix of uncertainty and something else.

"C-c-can I... call you... Masachika?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if the question itself held more weight than the simple words.

For a moment, Masachika was silent, his eyes lingering on her. He wasn't sure why the question felt so significant, but the way she said it—timid yet hopeful—struck something inside him.

He gave a small, easy smile. "Yeah. You can," he said simply.

Alisa's expression softened, the tension in her shoulders easing. She gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod before disappearing into her apartment. Masachika stood there for a moment longer, feeling a strange satisfaction in her request, before he finally turned and made his way home, the rain continuing to fall softly around him.

"It seems like she's moving faster than in the novel and manga,"

Masachika muttered to himself, watching Alisa disappear into the building. There was something about her today—something more decisive, like she was making up her mind faster than usual. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was definitely different.

"I guess that's probably because of Mei's presence, huh?"

he added with a faint chuckle, shaking his head. Mei's influence was undeniableIt seemed like her subtle pushes were doing wonders, even if Alisa didn't fully realize it herself.

Masachika stood there for a moment, the rain lightly tapping on his umbrella, before he sighed and smiled to himself.

"But I guess that's fine,"

he muttered, feeling a bit of amusement at how things were unfolding. It wasn't every day that he got to watch a situation like this develop.

Masachika continued walking, his footsteps slow as he let his thoughts drift. As he passed by the playground, something caught his attention. A figure sitting on one of the swings—a girl, her posture slouched as if the weight of the world was bearing down on her. The rain seemed to envelop her, as if crying in her stead, yet she didn't seem to mind the cold or the wetness.

The girl was undeniably beautiful. Her straight, flaxen blonde hair, silky smooth and shining despite the dreary weather, cascaded down her back in soft waves. Her large caramel-colored eyes were framed by long lashes, giving her an almost ethereal look. Her skin was pale and flawless, a smooth, milky white that seemed to glow in the dull light of the overcast sky. She was the picture of delicate beauty, yet her expression was distant, as if lost in some sorrow of her own.

Masachika didn't need to look any closer to recognize her. It was her—the other heroine from an anime he had watched. A strange sense of déjà vu washed over him. His neighbor.

He almost even want to say "coincidence? I think not." But really, He couldn't help but wonder if the gods were playing with the threads of causality, weaving strange connections.

"Just my luck,"

he thought to himself, shaking his head. It seemed like things were getting more complicated than he could have imagined.

She was Mahiru Shiina, a girl from a different class, and despite living side by side with her, Masachika had never spoken to her. They shared the same building, yet their paths had never truly crossed beyond mere familiarity. He had read about her in the novel and manga, and something about her story resonated with him. She, too, had been abandoned by her parents, a deep and painful experience that left its mark.

Masachika couldn't help but sympathize with her, knowing how it felt to be left behind by those who should have cared for him. Yet, there was something about her situation that felt different from his own.

The main difference between them was the timing of their abandonment. Mahiru had been left behind in her teenage years, a vulnerable stage where the wounds of abandonment could leave deep scars, shaping her into someone who had to learn how to fend for herself at a much later age. Masachika, on the other hand, had been abandoned as a baby in his previous life. He was thrust into a harsh, ever-changing world from the very beginning, forced to adapt and survive at a young age.

Masachika glanced around, extending his senses to check for anyone nearby. Finding no one, he felt a twinge of guilt for leaving her there alone. Sighing, he walked over to her and called out.

"Hey, it's raining. Are you trying to get yourself sick?"

Mahiru looked up in surprise, her caramel eyes meeting his as she saw him standing in front of her.

"Kuze-san, is there something you need?"

Masachika raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting slightly as he replied. "Hm? You know who I am, even though I look so different?"

"Yes, I heard from the rumors, but I didn't expect you to look like this. So, what's up?"

He shrugged lightly, his tone casual but concerned. "Nothing, just curious as to why you're sitting out here in the rain. Are you trying to catch a cold?"

At his words, Mahiru closed her eyes, a frown tugging at her brow. "I'm grateful for your concern, but I'm fine. I'm here because I want to be. So please don't worry about me."

Masachika paused for a moment, considering her response. He moved closer, extending the umbrella toward her.

"What are you—?" Mahiru started, taken aback by his sudden gesture.

"I'll be going now, so see ya," Masachika said, turning to leave. "Oh, and you can keep the umbrella if you want."

Mahiru watched as Masachika walked away, his figure gradually disappearing amidst the falling rain. Her caramel eyes lingered on him, her thoughts a mix of confusion and something she couldn't quite place.

The umbrella in her hand, now shielding her from the rain, felt unexpectedly warm despite the cool metal of its handle. It wasn't just an umbrella—it was a gesture that spoke louder than any words. The gentle patter of rain against the fabric above her seemed to echo the quiet comfort it brought, wrapping her in a small sense of solace she hadn't expected.

As she stood there, her fingers tightened slightly around the handle. For the first time in what felt like ages, the cold rain no longer felt as oppressive. Instead, she felt an unfamiliar warmth begin to bloom in her chest.

And Masachika, who had been running through the rain, he stretched out his hand, and an umbrella materialized from thin air—a faint shimmer of energy marking its creation. He opened it with a quiet snap, the rain immediately bouncing off the surface.

"Phew," he muttered to himself, adjusting his grip on the handle. "Can't let myself catch a cold either. That'd just be annoying."

As he resumed walking, his pace steady and unhurried now, a faint smile played on his lips. Leaving his umbrella with Mahiru felt right, even if he didn't fully understand why he went out of his way for her. Maybe it was sympathy, or perhaps just a fleeting whim.

"Guess I'm too soft sometimes," he said with a wry chuckle, the rain continuing to fall as he disappeared into the distance.

"Well, whatever. Let's go home and have some re—"

Masachika's words trailed off as a glowing interface suddenly materialized in front of him, floating ominously in the rain. His steps halted, and his eyes narrowed as he read the text displayed:

[New Urgent Quest : Spillting the Sea and it's God]

[Objective : Defeat/Kill Heretic God Poseidon (0/1)]

[Bonus Objective : Protect Maria Mikhailovna Kujou]

[Bonus Objective : Protect Mahiru Shiina]

[Reward : Authority of Water Unlocked]

[Bonus Reward : ???]

[Bonus Reward : ???]

Masachika finally realized the source of the storm.

"So, it's a Heretic God... But how? There shouldn't be any Heretic Gods here—this isn't Campione," he muttered, his expression darkening as he grasped the situation.

His gaze shifted to Maria and Mahiru, and his resolve solidified. He knew he had to protect them. Turning his attention toward Mahiru's location, he felt a sense of urgency. This had something to do with Poseidon, and the fact that Maria was there as well meant Mahiru was somehow involved in this chaos.

"I hope I make it in time," he said under his breath, gripping Abyss Flower tightly in his hand. The white spear glowed faintly, radiating an otherworldly light.

Without wasting another second, Masachika increased his speed. He had already put some distance between himself and Mahiru when they parted ways, but he was determined to reach her before it was too late.

==============================

At the playground, Mahiru sat quietly on the swing, holding Masachika's umbrella in her hand. The steady rhythm of the rain drumming against the umbrella matched the swirl of her thoughts. She stared at the gray haze around her, murmuring softly to herself.

"What's with him...?" she whispered, her eyes briefly flickering to the umbrella that now shielded her from the downpour.

The stillness of the deserted playground was soon interrupted by a calm, melodic voice.

"Ara, are you Shiina-san?"

Startled, Mahiru glanced up to see Maria standing nearby, her posture relaxed but her light hazel eyes sharp with curiosity.

"Y-yes, that's me," Mahiru replied hesitantly, her voice barely audible over the rain.

Maria's lips curved into a polite smile as she tilted her head slightly. "I see. But why are you sitting out here in the rain all alone?" she asked, her tone kind yet probing.

Mahiru's grip on the umbrella tightened, her caramel-colored eyes dropping to the ground as she struggled to find the words. "I... just needed some time to think," she finally said, her voice quiet but laced with an unspoken weight.

Maria studied Mahiru for a moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she spoke, her voice laced with quiet empathy. "I understand the need for solitude," she said gently. "But sitting out here in the rain like this... you'll only end up sick."

Mahiru lowered her gaze to the umbrella in her hands, the memory of Masachika's unexpected kindness flashing briefly in her mind. She nodded slightly, pressing her lips into a thin line.

But then Maria's gentle demeanor shifted. The air seemed to grow colder, and her posture stiffened. Her light hazel eyes sharpened, scanning their surroundings with a focused intensity. "We shouldn't stay here," Maria said, her tone firmer now. "Something feels... wrong."

Mahiru blinked, startled by the sudden change. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.

Before Maria could answer, a low, guttural rumble reverberated through the playground, an unnatural sound that sent a chill racing down their spines. The noise seemed to crawl through the air, heavy and foreboding.

Maria's grip on her umbrella tightened, her instincts kicking in as she scanned the area with growing unease. "We need to leave. Now," she said, stepping closer to Mahiru, her voice steady but urgent.

Mahiru's pulse quickened, a wave of unease rising in her chest. Whatever was happening, it wasn't normal. Something dangerous was lurking in the shadows, and they could both feel it.

But just as the two were about to leave, their bodies froze, unable to move. A chill ran down their spines as the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed in the distance, growing louder with every beat. With each approaching step, a deep, gnawing dread settled over them, tightening its grip on their chests.

They turned their heads and saw a tall, muscular man standing before them. His face was a mask of apathy, devoid of any emotion, yet somehow exuding an aura of menace. Golden-blonde hair framed his chiseled features, while piercing light blue irises encircled by dark pupils bore into them like a predator's gaze. Around his neck, he wore an ornate, patterned golden choker, and his dark blue garments, trimmed with intricate golden borders, cloaked his upper body but left his chest and abdomen exposed. Golden rings encircled his powerful biceps, gleaming faintly in the dim light.

As Maria and Mahiru locked eyes with him, an overwhelming wave of terror gripped them, paralyzing their bodies despite their instincts screaming for them to run. Their breaths came in shallow, uneven gasps as if the very air had thickened around them. Without realizing it, their fingers slackened, and the umbrellas they clung to slipped from their grasp, falling to the ground with a soft splash. Rain poured down relentlessly, soaking them to the bone, yet neither seemed to notice—their focus entirely consumed by the ominous figure before them.

"So, there are still humans here… No matter. I shall eliminate them,"

the man said, his voice cold and unyielding, each word carrying the weight of divine authority.

With deliberate steps, he began closing the distance between them. When he was finally near, he cast his gaze down at them, his expression as devoid of emotion as ever, an unsettling calm that only deepened the fear gripping their hearts.

As he drew closer, the man raised his Trident, its gleaming prongs catching the dim light, poised to strike them down. The two could see the fatal blow coming, and their terror paralyzed them. With no way to escape, they shut their eyes tightly, bracing for the inevitable end.

'Saa-kun!'

That was the final thought that crossed her mind before everything seemed to stop.

But just before the Trident could strike and tear the two apart, Poseidon halted his attack. His sharp instincts kicked in, and he swiftly stepped back, dodging an incoming projectile that hurtled toward him with lethal precision.

His eyes locked onto the source of the interruption—a white spear faintly glowing with an otherworldly light. It was none other than the Abyss Flower.

The two, bracing themselves for death, slowly opened their eyes when no blow came. To their astonishment, a spear stood embedded firmly in the ground, mere inches from where they stood. Its faint, otherworldly glow illuminated the stormy air around it, defying the relentless rain.

Before they could process what had happened, a voice rang out. Steady and composed, it cut through the chaos like a lifeline.

"I see I made it just in time," the voice said.

Both girls turned toward the source of the voice, their eyes widening as someone landed gracefully between them.

Mahiru's heart skipped a beat as realization dawned.

"Masachika-kun…"

she whispered, her voice trembling with relief. She hadn't even noticed she had called him by his first name.

Maria's gaze, however, lingered on him, her expression a mixture of shock and confusion. Memories stirred deep within her, faint yet undeniable. The rain blurred her vision, but it couldn't dull the sudden flicker of recognition. Her lips parted as she murmured, almost inaudibly,

"Saa-kun…?"

Even amidst the downpour, Masachika caught her whisper, his sharp hearing as reliable as ever. A faint smile flickered across his face, as if the nickname had stirred something within him as well.

Mahiru's voice rose above the rain, filled with emotion as she repeated, "Masachika-kun!" Relief and disbelief were evident in her tone, her eyes shimmering with gratitude.

Maria, who had been silent until now, glanced briefly at Mahiru. Her reaction confirmed everything Maria had suspected. What had once been doubt was now undeniable clarity.

Masachika turned to Mahiru with a calm smile, his tone surprisingly lighthearted given the situation.

"Yo, Mahiru. We meet again. Looks like you're in a bit of trouble, huh? And I see Kujou-san is here, too."

The casualness of his words, paired with the faint smile on his face, caught both girls completely off guard. For a moment, it felt as though the danger around them had lessened, his unwavering confidence acting as a strange kind of shield.

The being before them, however, wasn't as easily swayed. Narrowing his piercing eyes, he examined Masachika with a growing sense of unease. His deep voice cut through the downpour, carrying an edge of wariness.

"Who are you? No… what are you?"

The question hung heavily in the air, as though the storm itself had paused to listen. Mahiru and Maria instinctively held their breath, their attention fixed on Masachika. Even Poseidon, for all his divine authority, seemed momentarily unsure, his rigid stance betraying a flicker of doubt.

Masachika let out an exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his damp hair in mock frustration.

"What is it with people these days always asking me what I am?"

he muttered under his breath, sounding more annoyed than anything else.

Then, with a faint smirk, he leveled his gaze at Poseidon, meeting the god's intensity head-on. His tone turned sharp and defiant as he answered,

"Of course I'm human, you dumbass."

Without hesitation, Masachika reached down and grasped the Abyss Flower, pulling it effortlessly from the ground. The spear's ethereal glow flared as though responding to his will. Holding it with practiced ease, Masachika pointed the weapon directly at Poseidon, his eyes unwavering and filled with quiet determination.

The subtle hum of power emanating from the Abyss Flower was palpable, its energy cutting through the oppressive weight of the storm. Masachika stood firm, radiating a presence that even a god couldn't ignore.

"what about you? Who are you?" he demanded, his voice cool but sharp.

The being met his gaze without flinching, his voice carrying an overwhelming authority.

'"I am Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Now, Bow before me, mortals."

The name Poseidon echoed in the air, causing Mahiru and Maria to freeze in shock.

"Poseidon…"

"The God of the Sea…"

Masachika, unfazed by their reaction, smirked and tilted his head. "Heh, is that so? Then what if we don't bow before you, hm?" His voice dripped with provocation.

Poseidon's eyes narrowed dangerously, his tone turning icy. "Then die."

In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his position. Before anyone could react, a violent force slammed into Masachika from the side, sending him hurtling across the ground. He crashed into the wall of a nearby building with a deafening impact, the sound of stone cracking echoing through the air.

Mahiru and Maria stood frozen, their eyes wide in disbelief, unable to process what had just happened. The sheer speed and force of Poseidon's strike left them momentarily paralyzed.

"Masachika/Saa-kun!"

The two cried out in unison, their voices filled with shock and fear as they turned toward where Masachika had been sent crashing.

The sight before them was horrifying. Masachika had been thrown clean through the wall and into another building, the force of the impact shattering the stone. Dust and debris filled the air, hanging heavily and obscuring him from view. They couldn't tell if he was okay, but their hearts sank as a crushing realization began to settle over them—there was no way anyone could survive such a devastating blow. He had to be dead.

Their thoughts were shattered as an Abyss Flower spear shot toward Poseidon with incredible speed. The air seemed to crackle with energy as it closed in on him, but Poseidon, acting on pure instinct, raised his trident to block it.

"Kugh!" he grunted, straining under the sheer force behind the throw. The power of the spear was so overwhelming that it forced him to take several steps back, his muscles straining to hold it off. For a moment, it seemed as though the trident might snap under the pressure.

With a guttural snarl, Poseidon summoned his divine strength, channeling the full force of the sea itself. With a mighty swing, he deflected the spear upward, sending it spiraling into the stormy sky, where it disappeared into the black clouds above.

The spear hurtled back down, spinning through the air with deadly precision, and embedded itself firmly into the ground a few paces away.

"Damn, that was a cheap shot, Poseidon," Masachika's voice cut through the air, sharp and casual, as he emerged from the rubble where he had been thrown. His clothes were slightly torn, but there was not a scratch on him. He brushed himself off, his expression unfazed. "Are all gods so weak they have to rely on sneak attacks?"

Mahiru and Maria, who had been holding their breath in fear, couldn't help but release a collective sigh of relief as they saw Masachika standing tall, unscathed. The tension in their chests eased slightly at the sight of him, and they were left awestruck by the sheer audacity he had to taunt a god in the midst of such danger.

But Poseidon, unlike the girls, was far from relieved. His eyes narrowed into a glare, a dangerous storm of fury brewing within them. The insult had stung his pride deeply. A mere mortal, no less, had dared to belittle him so openly.

The storm above them, already fierce, seemed to grow even more violent in response to Poseidon's rage. The rain turned into a torrential downpour, drenching everything in its path, while lightning streaked across the sky with deafening thunder that seemed to shake the very earth beneath their feet.

Masachika turned toward Mahiru and Maria, his voice firm but calm.

"Shiina-san! Kujou-san! Get out of here! I'll handle him."

He cracked his knuckles, the sound sharp against the storm's roar, and the Abyss Flower responded to his will, flying back into his hand as if drawn by an invisible thread.

Mahiru and Maria hesitated for a brief moment, concern etched on their faces, but they nodded in acknowledgment. Before leaving, Maria glanced back at him, her voice soft but earnest.

"Please, come back safely… Saa-kun…"

Masachika's faint smile broke through his otherwise serious demeanor as he watched them go. Hearing her call him "Saa-kun" stirred something in him, but he quickly refocused.

Using telepathy, he reached out to Belfast.

(Belfast, please lead Mahiru and Maria to safety.)

(As you wish, Masachika-sama,)

Belfast responded, already moving to locate the two girls and ensure their protection.

Masachika shifted his attention back to Poseidon, who glared at him with unrestrained fury.

"You damn… mortal…" Poseidon spat, his enraged voice cutting through the storm.

Masachika smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. "What? Are you mad because I provoked you a little?"

Masachika's expression suddenly shifted, his usual smirk fading into a cold, unyielding glare as he locked eyes with Poseidon. His voice was low but filled with unmistakable menace.

"If anyone has the right to be enraged here, it's me," he said, his tone like ice. "You nearly touched something you never should have."

As he spoke, his ears and nine tails emerged from his body, glowing faintly with an ethereal white light. The energy radiating from him was both beautiful and terrifying, a stark contrast to the storm raging around them.

Poseidon, upon witnessing this transformation, grew even more wary. His grip tightened on his trident as he pointed it toward Masachika, preparing for whatever was to come.

=====================

this is the Author i don't know if the first part of the Chapter is good or not but as long as the Reader enjoy reading it then its fine by me.

as for Poseidon, if you are wondering what he looks like, he just look like the one from Record of Ragnarok. and as for why i choose him, it's because why not he hates humanity so its fine. it's very ironic really as Herrscher are someone who destroy everything while God are the one create and protect, but right now, the those two people who are like that are now switch.

and thank you for the 100 Power Stone and as always thanks for reading my Fanfic