Appearing in the midst of a dark place made entirely of boulders, Wave couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with this place that only inspired death, as a red sky loomed overhead. from him.

'' So that's it ... the afterlife ? "

" Absolutely. " Mojito assured. " This is where we can find the people we're looking for! The first one is somewhere around here… in hell. "

" He ... Hell ? " Wave swallowed, looking around.

"I really don't want to spend eternity here, me. "

A great crash was suddenly heard.

" That ? " Wave wondered.

" Ah, our warrior is over there. " Mojito asserted, before teleporting again.

" It is out of the question that I stay here. " Roared a huge troll species, hitting a guard.

" Hey, I order you to calm down immediately. " Another guard ordered him, pointing a trident at him.

Simply punching the latter, the giant troll asserted.

" I'm Pouxis! I was the king of my planet! I could do whatever I wanted with my citizens, even kill them! A nobleman like me has no place here. "

Eventually seeing him, Wave wanted to know.

" What's going on ? "

" Oh, the usual routine. " Mojito assured him. " Damned souls always have a hard time getting used to the thought of spending eternity in hell. "

Preparing to strike a new guard, the huge troll finally hears a voice behind him.

" I order you to calm down immediately. "

" What ? " The monster wondered, turning to a newcomer.

" Him ? " Wave wondered, recognizing him.

" Who are you? " Roared the troll.

" My name is Budo. " The former general said simply, facing the man, without the slightest fear. " And if you don't want me to break your jaws to make you stop screaming, you better be quiet. "

" Who do you take yourself for? " Roared Pouxis, rushing at him.

Seeing the monster's fist pretend to hit him, Budo only had to bend down, before giving him an overpowering punch in the chin.

Feeling his body lift, the troll then fell on his back, knocked unconscious.

" I warned you. " Budo growled.

There was then a long silence, before finally cries of joy were uttered among the guards.

" Well done, Budo-san. "

" Awesome, as usual, Budo-san. "

Simply sighing, Budo was about to leave, when his gaze fell on Mojito, then on Wave.

" You? " He wondered, while noticing that he didn't have the slightest trace of a halo on his head. " But what are you doing here? "

" A tournament ? " Budo repeated, as he sat on a rock. " A universal tournament? "

" That's it. " Wave affirmed. " And if we don't win this tournament, our universe will be doomed! Everything will disappear, even the paradise and the hells of this universe. "

" And in order to win… " Budo continued, giving Mojito a suspicious look. " This guy could get me out of here to give our team one more chance to win. "

" Absolutely ! And in return for your help, your resurrection might be possible with the wishes we might earn. "

" And you ... do you really believe in all that? "

'' I… I know it's hard to swallow but… you have to believe me, Budo-san! I've seen enough of the God of Destruction's powers to know it's serious! We need your help. "

Turning around then, Budo stared into the underworld where he had now lived for a few years.

" You know, soldier, the dead of our world arrived here after me and explained to me the situation of our kingdom! Apparently, it looks like you and Night Raid saved our empire! Even though I regret to say it, I was wrong, wasn't I? Why do you want me on the team? "

" Budo-san… we really need your help. ""

" Here too ! They need my help! Since I landed here, there have only been problems as newcomers have always tried to wreck everything to be able to leave this place! It was I myself who decided to take care of calming them! And since then, I have the impression of really serving! Coming back to life doesn't really interest me. "

" What? But ... but … "

Suddenly, Wave bowed to the former general.

" I took you, general! It's not just about you or me! The fate of all the inhabitants of the universe is in our hands! We need your legendary strength. "

" What legendary strength? I remind you that I lost before I died. "

" Not matter. " Wave retorted. " The fact remains that you are a mighty warrior! The proof, if a god himself wants you to be on his team, it's because your power is phenomenal. "

Simply sighing, Budo continued to stare at the underworld, before finally declaring.

" Well, I'll help you. "

Preparing to thank the general, Wave was silent as he heard him say it.

" Nevertheless, I will do it only on one condition. "

Looking at Mojito then, he asked.

" If our universe wins, I would like you to sign a contract with Enma! I want to become one of his right-hand men and work directly for him. "

" Work for Enma? " Wave wondered. " But then … ? "

" Yes. " Affirmed Budo. " I don't intend to come back to life! Managing souls in the hereafter has become my new reason for living. "

Getting up, hearing guards ordering a newcomer to calm down, he then left before screaming.

" I'm not like Esdeath! I no longer want to cause the death of innocent people! I have some business to take care of here! Come back and get me when you have found the other competitors. "

Proceeding at the speed of sound, Mojito could nonetheless turn his head, to notice Wave, thoughtfully.

" You still do not understand his choice? "

" Not really ! In fact, I… if he wants to work here, it's up to him to decide! But I had a hard time telling myself that someone would rather stay here than come back to life. "

" You know, Wave-kun … when a man understands that he made mistakes, it is sometimes difficult for him to retrace his steps! For Budo-san, he must tell himself that he no longer has his place among the living and that working for Enma-san is a way to redeem himself. "

Slowing down then, it ends up heading towards the ground, before crossing it. Being able to do the same, Wave closed her eyes, the time of the crossing, before opening them. In an instant, his heart made a false beat.

Clumping together, thousands of people were below him, their faces transformed with rage. Armed with stakes and other weapons of all kinds, they were simply piercing a body that was suspended above them, with a chain hanging from the ceiling.

First wanting to vomit, seeing the state of the body, Wave froze when seeing it heal as if by a miracle, and finally recognized the person who was being tortured like this.

" Se… Seryu? "

Getting stabbed again, the former soldier let out a cry of pain, before other stakes crossed her as well.

" S… Stop. " She sobbed. " Pity. "

" You are evil. " Hundreds of ghostly voices affirmed. " You are just a monster! Everyone hates you. "

Then, getting a hole in his stomach, Seryu spat blood, before screaming again in agony.

" What ... What ... What? " Wave wondered. " What is happening here ? "

" We are in hell, Wave, don't forget! This person is being punished for paying for all of the sins he committed during his previous life! And since a dead person is immortal, their wounds heal naturally, no matter what wounds they receive. "

" Pay ... his sins ? "

"Yes ! Despite having killed quite a few murderers, Seryu also killed countless victims, which got her condemned here, in the midst of this crowd of people, being mostly people she killed! It was established that she would stay here for several years, before her soul left her body and then reincarnated in the body of a newborn baby! Of course, his memory will be erased and his temper will be completely different. "

Swallowing upon hearing this, Wave remained speechless, while Mojito finally raised his hand in the air. Shining an intense light in this way, he blinded the crowd below him. And, as if the light were burning them, the bodies eventually cried out in pain before fleeing out of the cavity, leaving only their victim behind.

Seryu felt her body heal itself again, as it had always done since she had been here. In her old life, she would have been ecstatic to have such power, making her an immortal vigilante. However, today she hated that power. All she wanted was to die so she wouldn't feel pain anymore.

With a blank gaze, she did not even realize the departure of her tormentors. She only showed surprise in his eyes, when his chains disappeared, causing his body to fall to the ground.

" I ... I ... What ...? " The young girl wondered, realizing that she was free.

" Hello. " Mojito greeted her then, walking over to him, while his tall stature hid Wave behind him.

" Who ... Who are you? "

Then, thinking he was some kind of judge wanting to examine the state of his soul, Seryu immediately knelt before him.

'' For pity, kill me! I understood my lesson! I don't want to suffer anymore! Kill me, I beg you. "

" Seryu. " A voice called her that she immediately recognized. " We didn't come to kill you. "

Stopping begging, Seryu lifted his face a little, only to see Wave appear in front of her.

" W … Wave ? "

" Hello ... it's been a long time, Seryu. " Could only say Wave.

Suddenly a missile hit him. Taking his breath away, Seryu dropped him onto his back, as his arms wrapped around him. Then, the sounds of sobs could be heard.

" Wave ... I beg you ... make me leave this place! I don't want to stay here anymore! I want to go home. "

" Seryu, I… "

" I will never kill anyone again. " She swore. " I would no longer touch any weapon! But please bring me back to empire. "

Wave was stunned. Even though he looked at the girl in front of him, he didn't recognize Seryu. For him, Seryu was a girl almost always playful, endowed with a strong temperament and above all psychopathic towards her enemies.

Outside there, he saw only a frightened girl, in tears, who had almost sworn to him that she would not kill any more anyone, criminals included. His mind had been broken. Because of this, Wave wanted to ask her questions, tell her the reason for her visit, make her understand that he needed her… If Seryu was no longer able to fight, Wave had no interest in stay with her and could leave by leaving her there.

The first thing he did, however, was to run his hand over Seryu's head, while starting to comfort her.

" Its good ! It's finish ! "

" Wave. " Sobbed his old comrade, hugging him tighter. " I want to go home ! I want to go home, please. "

" Yes ! I'll take you with me! We're leaving this place, I promise. "

Seeing this, Mojito ends up turning his back on them. So he was able to smile a little, without anyone being able to see him. The camaraderie that Wave had just displayed was something rare in this universe. For many, think only of him or betray his own were commonplace.

Yet here, Wave had thought above all to reassure Seryu, rather than to make sure that she was still fit to be able to participate in the tournament.

" A tournament ? " Seryu repeated, as she spoke most quietly, despite Mojito making them move at the speed of sound. " A tournament that will determine which universe will survive ? "

" Yes, if we lose it, everyone will die. "

Swallowing then, Seryu showed some fear that Budo hadn't really expressed.

"But then… the Jaegers are going to die?"

Looking away from her a little, Wave confessed.

" Seryu ... the Jaegers no longer exist. "

" What ? "

" Since you died, Run has also passed away, as has General Esdeath! Only Kurome and I are alive! We lost to Night Raid! They managed to overthrow the Emperor. "

" But then the blood of the citizens of the people must have flowed because of these rebels. "

" Seryu… in the end, we were in the wrong. "

" What ? "

" Night Raid was not bad! It was the evil empire itself. "

" What are you talking about ? " Seryu roared. " Empire, evil? Impossible ! I refuse to believe it. "

" Believing it or not won't change anything, Seryu. " Wave retorted. " Anyway, the remaining Night Raid members, as well as Kurome and I are going to participate in this tournament! However, we are missing a few people to complete the team. "

" And what would I gain from it, apart from helping the enemy? "

" The right to leave hell. " Mojito replied immediately.

" What ? " Seryu wondered, looking at him.

" As far as I could see, Seryu, you were condemned to be tortured by your former victims, for eternity! unless Enma is lenient with you and ends up making you lose your memory and your bodily envelope and then plant your soul in the body of a newborn! If you help us, wishes will be granted, as a reward, for the universe that will win the tournament! Your resurrection will then be possible. "

Hearing this, Seryu was stunned.

" I ... could I come back to life? But ... But if the rest of the team is against this idea and decides to let me languish in hell? "

" Well, I'm sure Sidra can at least do something for you, if you win! Like putting pressure on Enma to allow you to leave hell to go to paradise! After all, he will be able to make forgiveness for all your crimes, knowing that you will have helped save the universe and him with it. "

Suddenly lowering his gaze, he declared.

" Of course, if you are against it, it's your right! But that means that I should drop you back where I found you. "

Hearing this, Seryu began to cry out in horror.

" NOOOOOOO, please! I never want to go back there again! I will participate, I swear. "

" Very good. " Giggles Mojito. " On the other hand, I warn you right away, if you dare to kill one of the members of the team, you expose yourself to serious trouble! So, a word of advice, as soon as you see your old enemies again, be quiet. "

" Oh yes ! But ... uh … "

Hesitant for a few moments, Seryu finally asks.

" Can you just… you could find a way… to give Koro back to me,… please ? "

" Your teigu. " Mojito understood. " Well, giving it back to you is not impossible! But, if you want it, you have to earn it. "

Gaining in altitude, Mojito moved towards a sky completely covered with clouds, and crossed the white layer without the slightest problem. Passing then from a dark and rocky place, the small group found themselves in a bright and welcoming sky.

" Here we are ! This is Heaven. "

Suddenly moaning, Seryu felt like his eyes were burning. Surprise, she looked up before she saw something she hadn't seen in years: the sun. Looking at him for a few seconds, she finally confessed.

" I had forgotten how bright it was. "

Flying over a gigantic continent covered with flowers, Mojito allowed Wave to see some clouds floating here and there.

" What is that ? "

" The souls of the people who deserved to spend eternity here. "

Scanning the horizon, Wave asserted, seeing nothing but flowers as far as the eye could see.

" I wouldn't want to be a bad tongue, but spending eternity here didn't sound like much fun to me. "

" You laugh ? " Cried Seryu. " I would give anything to have the right to be here. "

Then ending up capturing a particular energy, Mojito went down and ended up finding himself in front of a soul.

" Here is our next recruit. "

" Who is it ? " Wanted to know Wave, inspecting the ball of smoke.

Shaking his staff, Mojito made its end glow before sending it towards the soul. Shining in its turn, the soul began to convulse. Then, it expands before it begins to transform. Taking a human form, she grew limbs, while a head formed. White skin then covered her body, as a cascade of blonde hair fell on her face. Then, finally opening his eyes, the newcomer seemed surprised to find the use of his body.

" What … ? " He wondered, looking at his hands.

Barely having time to lift his face, he felt two pairs of arms surround him as two bodies jumped over him.

" RUN. " Wave and Seryu shouted.

Falling backwards, the trio quickly lifted leaf petals all around them.

" That … ? " Run repeated again, looking around. " Wave? Seryu? What are you doing here ? "

" The Jaegers are back in service. " Wave told him, teary eyed, seeing his old friend again.

" You will discuss on the way. " Taught them Mojito. " Let's go back to find Budo, and let's go. "

Meanwhile, Sidra also appeared in the Hereafter, and faced a huge prison.

" Here is the place where the person is who will become our best chance of victory. "

Appearing behind him, Tatsumi began to inspect the cell, before swallowing. Truth be told, if Sidra was telling her about such a powerful person, then it could only be… her.

Walking then, Sidra waved her hand to bend the bars in front of him and entered the cell. Following him quietly, Tatsumi glanced around the huge room, only to be surprised to see hundreds of people there.

His eyes widened, he immediately stepped back, while most of those people were just… himself.

" That … ? " He wondered, feeling like he was surrounded by clones.

Ignoring his presence, as well as that of Sidra, each of his clones were in the company of a beautiful girl, as they displayed lustful smiles while touching them.

" This girl is too beautiful. "

" No, this is the most beautiful. "

" No, this one. "

Finally stepping forward, in front of the other clones, one of them said in a loud voice. "

" All these girls are prettier than you! You have no chance that I can love you, poor fool. "

It was then that Tatsumi could see someone, sitting on the floor, with chains on his wrists and ankles. Looking down, this person seemed to be trying to ignore each of the Tatsumi in front of them, while meditating. Identifying his face made Tatsumi swallow again, as he took a step back.

" Esdeath. "

Suddenly opening her eyes, the former general stared the newcomer straight in the eye. Since arriving here, she had been able to meet thousands of Tatsumi's lines, being here just to mentally torture her. At first, she had felt a real jealousy as well as a deep hatred towards all the girls who were with the lines.

Then, little by little, letting her anger fade, she just let it go, taking advantage of the fact that this torture gives her at least one advantage: seeing Tatsumi's face for all eternity.

Yet she never thought she would ever see a replica that looked even more like Tatsumi. Fixing his gaze, Esdeath really felt that the emotions in his eyes were the same as the real Tatsumi's. Therefore, she dared to smile, while affirming.

" I'm surprised that a great warrior like you is here, Tatsumi. "

Seeing her smile, instead of suffering, the aftershocks began to cry.

" No, I'm Tatsumi. "

" No it's me. "

" I am the real Tat … "

Suddenly disappearing, by Sidra's force, all the aftershocks were destroyed, leaving the god alone with Esdeath and the real Tatsumi.

Staring at the young woman, too, Tatsumi cried out.

" Well, from what I see, the owner of the place has managed to find you a punishment for your sins! I'm flattered he thought of me. "

" You always have the word to laugh, Tatsumi. " Chuckled Esdeath, defiantly. " If you think a few lines of you make me mentally crack, you're totally wrong. "

Then, deciding it was time to ask her real question, she wanted to know.

" What are you doing here ? "

'' Would you like to come back to earth for a while?

If Esdeath was surprised, she didn't show it. Instead, glancing at Sidra, she wanted to know.

" What is the relationship with this guy? "

" He is a god of destruction. "

" A God ? "

" Yes ! He's the one who came to us to recruit us. "

" Recruit? Why ? "

" No time for questions. " Sidra retorted. " I want your answer now! In exchange for an exit from the underworld, are you ready to cooperate with us? "

" Cooperate? Can I at least know what mission you plan to give me? "

" Participate in a battle royale to save our universe. "

Recording her request, Esdetah narrowed her gaze. Finally, after a few seconds, she asked.

" Who will be the other competitors? And what would be their number? "

" Eighty warriors from eight universes will fight! Each universe will have the right to have ten warriors! The goal for these warriors is to fight and survive until only one universe remains in play. "

" I guess that there will be strong people. "

" Oh yes. " Sidra said, remembering Goku and Toppo's performance. " Right now, I know of at least two who are hundreds of times more powerful than you. "

Hearing this, Esdeath narrowed her eyes, showing that she took it for an insult.

" And how much time do we have before the tournament starts? "

" Barely ten days. "

" And you think you can multiply my fighting force by a hundred in ten days? "

" Forget this detail, and give me your answer! Are you ready to cooperate? "

" What would I have in return? "

" The right to have a wish, like being resurrected, for example! You too will gain a lot in this situation. "

Raising an eyebrow, Esdeath looked thoughtful, before finally asserting.

" I could let myself be tempted, but on one condition. "

" Which ? "

" I want my resurrection to be like a reward for agreeing to cooperate! And if I ever manage to be the central element of our universe's victory, I want to be able to make a second wish. "

" Which ? "

Staring at Tatsumi, she smiled tenderly at him, which made the boy shiver.

" I want to have Tatsumi. "

" Heard. " Sidra asserted.

" What? " Tatsumi scared. " Disagree ! I already have a family. "

Frowning at hearing this, Esdeath repeated.

" A family ? Well, it really looks like it's time for me to re-enter the stage. "

" Minute. " Sidra stopped him. " You also need to know something: if you ever kill someone, during your training period, you will automatically come back here, without having a second chance. "

" Why would I want to kill someone? " Esdeath asked innocently.

" Because the other fighters in our universe, who will therefore be your teammates, are mostly members of a group that you once knew: Night Raid. "

Hearing the old name of Najenda's group, Esdeath smiled. Then, finally, she cried out, with a sadistic smile.

" Forget my second wish! Resuscitating me will be more than enough! Fighting against Narenda's group again, once this tournament is over, is going to be a lot of fun! Much more than this place. "

Hearing this, Tatsumi swallowed, wondering if releasing Esdeath was such a good idea.