Another Route

by RayneTDX

Everyone he cared about, dead. It has always been like this. Tatsumi tries his best to move on, but there are some things he just can't ignore. Being targeted by both Night Raid and the Empire, Tatsumi has to survive no matter the cost, all the while trying to live with the monster he has become. Major spoilers inside. PAIRING UNCONFIRMED.

22. Volume 2: Chapter 8

"Speech"

'Thoughts/Voices'

[Names of Equipment or Imperial Arms or Weapons/Title]

Flashback/Dreams

---

Volume 2: Chapter 9: Fall II

{Tatsumi's Perspective}

I stir from my nap.

Calling it a nap would be inaccurate. It might be better to say that I was engaged in a conversation with people in my head. 'In my head' is inaccurate as well. They don't specifically dwell in my head even if I am able to communicate with them telepathically. They dwell in a separate closed off space that my mind just happens to be connected to.

'Just so you know, there is a possibility that this isn't an [Imperial Arm]. We use it as a reference.' A voice spoke to me in my mind.

Judging from the tone and the way he speaks, he was the guy I met inside the hut.

"So it's not an Imperial Arm?"

'No, at least I don't think it is. From what little information we know, Imperial Arms refer to the 48 armaments forged under the direct orders of the Founder of the Empire - [The First Emperor]. There isn't enough evidence to support or disprove what you possess as an Imperial Arm.'

"If it isn't an Imperial Arm, why keep calling it like one?"

'Like I said, reference. You perceive Imperial Arms as a tool that allows normal people to create miracles should they be deemed suitable, a line of thought which isn't necessarily wrong. Using this perception of yours, we were able to easily explain the workings of this weapon to you. Whether or not it is an Imperial Arm isn't something we can prove with the amount of information we currently possess. Therefore, most of us use this term interchangeably. Just keep in mind that it might not be an Imperial Arm.' He calmly explained. 'Also, you should be more mindful. You have been talking to us verbally instead of telepathically. I know how you might not be used to it, but do be mindful. You're lucky no one was nearby or you would have been labeled as weird or insane by those who see you.'

'...sorry about that'

I pushed myself off the ground and patted the dust off my clothes. A numbing sensation plagues my body, a feeling probably derived from having lost control. Surprisingly, my body no longer hurts anymore. It was only numbness and nothing else.

'So I assume that this Imperial Arm is also capable of healing my wounds?'

'Yes. It can heal wounds. It can even replace limbs if your current one's cut off. It's pretty useful. However, you shouldn't rely on this power too much. There are some pretty nasty side-effects as well, increasing in scale the more you use it.'

'I see. By the way, how should I address you? Everyone inside seems to doubt their identities but it would cause problems for me if I don't have any way of recognizing who is talking to me. I can't always assume you are the only person talking to me.'

'A valid point. While I can't explain to you why we have doubts about our identities, I can at least give you a name for you to call me by and for me to respond to.'

There was a long pause. I couldn't fathom why he would hesitate on choosing a name. I could only surmise it to be related to his sentimentalities. Like how a name to call someone by should not be thought out randomly, but instead, have some meaning or should reflect his character… something along those lines.

'...'

'...'

'...Michael.' After a few seconds, he finally uttered a word. In the time spent waiting for him to choose, I took the liberty to survey the small cavern I was trapped in.

'So, that's what you want me to call you?'

'Yes. I would say that I did a good job choosing it.' His smug tone reflected his joy, like as if he has accomplished an impossible feat and couldn't help but boast about it.

'I see…'

My eyes darted around the cavern I was in for who knows how long. It was about time for me to leave anyway. I checked myself for whatever that I might have on me. I had lost my short sword, probably buried underneath the ton of rubble scattered everywhere. I also lack provisions and the only reason why I was still alive at this point was luck…as well as due to the Imperial Arm.

Maybe the other people that were once trapped here had items on them which might help me. I heard that the people around here aren't very fond of others looting from the dead, but it should be permissible if the act was done to save another person's life, right?

With that reasoning, I spent the next few minutes walking from one place to another looting whatever was useful. The corpses of anything in the area that was organic had already been devoured by the black sludge inhabiting inside of my body. Their worldly possessions, however, remained intact. I guess it was better the corpses had already been removed. God knows what I would experience if I were to loot from a corpse which had been brutally murdered. I might not even be able to stomach the pained look on their faces, reflecting whatever despair had been on their minds before their demise.

I unconsciously offered a silent prayer for the dead as I took each item away from their current resting place. Some of the equipment was still caked with layers of dried blood, allowing me to imagine what kind of horrors had been done to them.

There was quite a bit of item that the people trapped possessed. I had piled them together until eventually a small hill was formed. Not as large as I wished it to be, but definitely not an amount to scoff at either. It would make one of those lesser nobles within the Capital green with envy just looking at it.

Just how many people were trapped here?

'By the way, why did you start talking to me now? And why now of all times?'

'Tatsumi, there are various reasons why we decided to approach you. The most crucial one would be how that option was never available to us. We can see the things you experience through your eyes, but couldn't offer any form of help or aid to you. No matter how we were to shout or scream, you'll never be able to hear us.

Only recently did we realize that we could communicate with you, but when given the chance, we had no idea where or what to talk to you about. It's not like I could suddenly just speak to you as though it was normal. Your natural reaction would be to reject vehemently and dismiss it as a hallucination.'

'What changed then?' I questioned as I offered a silent prayer before removing a pouch strapped to a belt.

'Well, we found you in a situation which we couldn't ignore and decided to offer help. We have the means to help, so why not give it a try. It was more of making use of this chance to establish a way to contact you without worry.'

'I see.'

We spent the next few minutes engaging in idle banter.

Once I was finished looting, I began to list the things that could be useful.

The results of my looting are as follows：

Numerous melee weapons ranging from Swords and Axes to ranged weapons like Spears and Bows. those that require a bit more distance, like spears and bows. Just counting the number of weapons made me realize just how many people had been trapped in this Labyrinth. I was pretty sure the number of people on the road I was walking along wasn't this much.

Roughly 2 weeks worth of edible food and water, taken from the Adventurers and Mercenaries. No way am I eating the food the Orcs were carrying. I won't be surprised if some of their food have human flesh in it.

3 somewhat complete set of iron armor. The rest are all leather, durable but offers little protection against sharp weapons.

A lot of gold, jewelry and other miscellaneous items like pelts of fur, polished teeth of some Danger Beasts et cetera. Seriously, why would there be so many jewelry and other useless items? I understand the gold since it is used as a currency here, but why jewelry, and even those other items? Did some kind of shop collapse into this place as well?

'Tatsumi, take only what you need and ditch everything else.' Michael advised… commanded would be more accurate.

'Can't he just take everything? All the things here are pretty useful. If memory serves me correct, there was a function for storage, right?' A new voice spoke out this time. Confused, I remained silent as the two voices started debating amongst themselves.

'There is, but with his current capabilities, the best he can achieve is to store them and be unable to take them out. If he's unlucky he might lose everything and injure himself in the process. Even if this weapon has all kinds of functions, he lacks the experience necessary to wield it properly. Heck, he couldn't even get it to function properly without having it go berserk. If anything, I plan to teach him the ropes slowly so that his body could adjust to using it. Any skips in steps and we might find him either dead or permanently crippled.' Michael started explaining to the new voice.

'You know, there's a reason why everyone calls you stubborn. Your thinking is outdated. Take things a step at a time? When has what you said come to pass for any one of us.' The new voice teased. 'It isn't wrong to teach him how to use the weapon, but teaching him the right skills at the right point of time would be much more effective than your method. If anything, in the situation he is in, it would increase his chance of survival. Even if he can't use what we teach him skillfully, it would help him much more if he knows a larger variety of skills than simply sticking to the basics.'

'It might help, but it would also pose more dangers if half the time all the skills he learns has a small chance of success. Leaving things to luck isn't something I'm fond of, and I'm sure you of all people should be agreeing with me right now. If he was stuck in a dire situation, his odds of survival would increase if he could use what he was taught effectively.'

Sensing that their discussion might be approaching a dead end, the second voice spoke up once again this time, offering a solution to their problem.

'It seems we are at an impasse. Continuing this would get us nowhere. How about a bet instead? I teach him the skill he needs to store all of the things. Once everything's stored, we would have him take out something from within his storage space. If he succeeds in taking it out, I win and I get to decide what skills we would teach him from now onwards. If he couldn't bring out the item mentioned, you win and he would stick with your training regiment.'

'...'

Michael didn't speak for a period of time, silently contemplating the offer that was presented before him. After several moments, Michael spoke up in agreement. The second voice seemed more jovial than before as he directed his next words to me.

'Tatsumi, right? I'm sure you heard what was going on. I'll be teaching you a method to store all of these items. This weapon takes the form of your body or at least a part of your body. The weapon acts as an extension of your body and is controlled mostly by your mind through your imagination. From what I've observed, the weapon currently takes the form of your blood. I'm not so sure when you had registered to substitute your blood, but doing so was actually pretty smart. This way, your weapon is much more versatile and doesn't have any lingering effects on the surroundings. It is might be a bit harder to control, after all, extremely precise control must be used to wield it. Had it been in the form of your limbs, it might have been easier for you since it's on the outside rather than underneath your skin.

Now, using the weapon is much easier than you think. Simply visualize what you want it to do, and it simply enacts it. How effective the result depends on how much details you feed to the imagined scenario.'

'Are there any drawbacks from using this power?' I asked. Something didn't seem right to me. This power they mentioned inside of me seemed capable of doing anything as long as you can imagine a path for it to enact it. There is bound to be consequences for using something like this right?

A hearty laugh entered my senses as the voice that had been teaching me earlier starting laughing as if something that I've said seemed to have amused him.

'Now I understand why he started talking to you. That…'

'Michael. That's the name I decided to give myself.' Michael spoke out after realizing that his name was only known by the two of us.

'Okay. Now I understand why you approached this kid. I like him. He amuses me enough to keep me interested.' The second voice continued while stifling his chuckles. 'The consequences of using such power is really dependant on your limit. For most of us, we observed that using it without reaching our limit would bring out minor physical exhaustion and mental fatigue. You would find yourself reacting slower to the happenings in your surroundings. Most of these fade away with enough rest but do be careful. You might also develop the tendencies to take naps more often and your sleeping hours might drastically increase if you don't watch yourself and your health might deteriorate if your body can't recover from these side-effects. It might seem troublesome but you'll get used to it. Going past your limit would damage your body, something that even the weapon couldn't help you regenerate if you are unlucky. There are also other side-effects which aren't known yet. Do be careful when using it.'

So basically I have to imagine what I want the weapon to do… It sounds simple in theory, but not easy in application. Nothing comes to mind on how I want it to act.

'In this scenario, you would need to imagine a way to store the items. Of course, these items are stored inside the Imperial Arm. You simply need to imagine a door to that place. The key would be the shape of your door. Whenever you're ready, draw your blood by slitting your wrist and imagine what you want the black matter that flows out to do.'

Maybe, if I imagine an animal-

Picking up a dagger, I gingerly placed it on my wrist before dragging it across in one smooth and fast motion. I bit my lips as I resisted the pain that was brought along with me performing such an action.

Perhaps it was my imagination, but the instant I slit my wrist, the blood in my veins was crimson red before it turned black once it made contact with the air. The familiar black matter oozes out from the self-inflicted wound in large volumes and began pooling on the ground. Each second that passes gave more volume to the liquid black matter. Once it reached a certain amount, the black matter convulsed, as though some sort of abomination existed within the pool of black liquid, starting to stir from its long slumber.

I started feeling light, as though I was standing on the clouds and was about to lose my footing at any moment. Thinking also seems to have been much clearer. For now, I decided to ignore this comfortable feeling and focus on the task before me. I focus on the center of the black pool and imagined it swirling, swirling even more until a whirlpool formed. The whirlpool slowly grew in size and soon the entire pool was part of it. Once the whirlpool stabilized, I imagined the different layers of the whirlpool starting to split off, allowing gaps to form in between each layer as it continues swirling. I also increased the height of the swirling construct and distributed the volume evenly to every part of the construct.

As for the final touches, I gave one end the features of a head, allowing it to look closer to the animal I visualized. Beads of sweat accumulated and slid down, landing on cold earth of the Labyrinth.

I took a few steps away to scrutinize my creation. Its dead eyes glared back at me fiercely, before slowly losing interest in me and darted around. Perhaps recognizing me as its creator, it closed the distance between us and slithered around me protectively, not caring for how much space its serpentine body would have taken up. It continued to circle around me as though it was chasing an unseen enemy only it itself could see. It possessed no free will of its own, just moving according to mine.

I marveled at my creation for a few seconds. An indescribable feeling welled up from within my chest. Was this what the inhuman entity that created life felt when he created his first living thing? I eventually decided to get back to the main reason why it was created. Looking towards the pile of items, I willed it to slither towards the pile of items and imagined that it was slowly swallowing each and every item. For the larger items, I had to manipulate the size of the snake to become larger just so it could swallow it easier.

'That's a first. I had thought you had wanted to conjure a portal to store all those items in an imaginary space or something. I didn't imagine you'd conjure a serpent of all things to carry it for you inside of its stomach.' Michael seems to be surprised, though he didn't seem to be very impressed with my work. 'Where did you get that idea from?'

'I remembered a story I've read when I was younger. Didn't remember much about the story. It was something about a dragon which hoards treasure and guards it zealously. I took the idea from that story and made some… adjustments.' That storybook still rests on the shelf in my house back in the village, though I won't be surprised if it was already sold or discarded. If I could only remember what the story was about.

'I see.' Michael replied.

'Have to give it to you, your imagination is really vivid. This snake of yours, and the method you adopted to conjure it was somewhat detailed, though most of it was redundant. Still, not the worst first attempt.' The second voice begins to give his thoughts. His voice was smooth and patient, not rushing me for anything and also not expecting too little from me. The very definition of a teacher. Though it doesn't conceal the minor amusement and excitement that lies beneath his words.

'Now, if you don't mind, I might need you to prove to Michael here that you are able to use what I have just taught you. So if you don't mind, how about pulling out a… sword?'

I think back to one of the swords that my snake that had eaten earlier and imagine it spitting it back out. My snake opened its mouth, but nothing seems to be coming out from its stomach.

'I presume I've won, seeing that he can't bring out the item that you had requested.' Michael's voice emerged again, announcing to the other voice his win in their bet.

For me, I ignored them and solely concentrated on the snake. Something doesn't add up. What the second voice said just now, the black matter acts to enact my imagination. If so, why isn't something coming out?

I squinted my eyes, looking at the snake closely. The size was feasible for it to spit out something like a sword. I am pretty sure the motion it made earlier resembles that of a snake regurgitating the contents in its stomach.

I looked closer. There was a visible bulge underneath the mouth of the snake. Through the opening in its mouth, I could see something there slowly making its way out of the snake. It was as if it was stuck on something. The dim light within the Labyrinth reflected off the mysterious object, and what entered my eyes was something shiny.

Reaching into the mouth of the snake, my hand landed on the familiar feeling of leather. There was also this slimy feeling, as though something was holding onto the thing tightly from within the snake. Gripping on the handle tightly, I pulled the object out of the snake.

Once it was out, my eyes turned towards the object that I was holding in my hands. A sword that seemed was about the same height, if not taller than me, yet the weight of the sword seemed surreal, as though I was carrying a spear instead. It was lighter than I had imagined, even for an authentic sword.

The argument between the two men inside of my head had stopped at some point when I was trying to pull out the sword.

'Kakaka, it seems like I won this time. Don't you think?' the second voice quipped. I could feel the frustrations coming off of Michael in waves, even though I couldn't physically see him. 'With this, I shall be allowed to teach Tatsumi whatever skills he might need!'

'Oh right, I have yet to introduce myself. You may address me as Alim, or Al for short. Whichever you prefer. Nice to meet you, Tatsumi!'

'Nice to meet you too.'

…

I kept walking, no direction in mind other than finding a way out of the Labyrinth. An occasional Danger Beast that I encounter every now and then during my time here would be quickly eliminated. Either by my sword or with some advice from Michael or Al.

'So as I was saying, you don't need to focus on your snake all the time to keep its shape. Once it already has a fixed physical form, everything becomes easier. You only need to focus on it when you want to change its shape or size or when you want to make something new.'

During the journey, I was given more information about the Imperial Arm by Al, who constantly blabs about the features of the weapon. Michael would occasionally give his input when we start discussing complex terms, making them easier for me to understand. Like how dispelling the snake which I used to store things back to liquid form would result in the items themselves being fully dematerialized and absorbed by the Imperial Arm. For now, I was advised to manipulate the size of the snake to make it smaller and keep it on me until I wish to take something out. The small snake now rests around my neck, doing nothing but coiling around my neck snuggly. Since it hides around my collar, anyone who doesn't see it up close would think I have a scarf around my neck.

I looked around again, drawing in more details to the vague map inside of my head. Frustratingly, It didn't seem there is a clear way outside by trying the roads which lead upwards. Most of the roads that lead upwards had collapsed and there seems to be a very slim chance that I might be able to make it back to the surface.

'We could always go downwards.' Al started giving suggestions.

'I don't see how that was a good idea. If anything, going downwards seems counterintuitive. We are trying to go back to the surface, not get more lost going downwards.' I remarked. I'm pretty sure Al's intentions lie elsewhere. If anything, I'm certain that he-

"Seeing as how we have been walking for so long, why not we make our way down this Labyrinth?" Al cheerfully spoke. 'I was kind of interested in what lies at the bottom of this Labyrinth. Back when I was alive, these Labyrinth usually contains eldritch terrors the likes of man finds impossible to slay or some secret weapon or information which might topple the current world order. At least that's what they tell each other to keep morale up.'

I knew it! Al had never once considered going back to the surface.

'If such a powerful monster as you claim really exist at the bottom, why are we even going to send him down there anyway?' Michael replied, annoyed. 'Won't we be sending Tatsumi here to an early grave, with the amount of skill that he possesses and the experience he has?'

'Yes, but aren't you curious how Tatsumi here would fare? We haven't been able to find a suitable trial to gauge his abilities and this Labyrinth is too good a chance to pass up.'

'...'

'Come on, it could also serve as training for Tatsumi here.' Al continued to convince Michael.

'Let's be real here. Tatsumi is above average in terms of combat prowess, but he isn't formidable. Remember that chick back at the Capital? Or that string master? Or even that bandaged freak? I'm pretty sure either of them could have beat him hands down, and you expect him to fight something that even those guys can't handle?' Michael argued. 'What we should be doing right now is to gauge his limits and slowly expand it.'

'Actually, I would like to see what's at the end of the Labyrinth as well.' Seeing their conversation going nowhere, I decided to add in my opinions. 'I'm interested in what could be beneath this place.'

'Kid, listen to me. If another earthquake were to occur, you would be buried under a ton of rock. You'll never see the light of day ever again. Are you sure you want that?'

'Well, it's not any different from my current situation. We'll just cross that bridge when we get there. Besides, I would get some good experience in using this Imperial Arm of mine."

'Fine. Don't regret your decisions later.' He finally relented before going silent.

And so I embarked on a journey to the bottom of the Labyrinth. Unknown to the dangers which await at the bottom.

…

{Third Person's Perspective}

Multiple rapid footsteps resounded across the cavern.

"Hurry, only a bit more before we reach."

Someone from within the group shouted to the others, spurring each other on. Each of the members in the group wore matching outfits in black, made for the specific purpose to blend into the night yet to not restrict their movements.

None of them responded, but their footsteps did increase in frequency.

Under normal circumstances, all of them wouldn't have been able to venture inside the Labyrinth. However, the earthquake had given them the best opportunity to freely roam inside the Labyrinth without worry. There was no form of lighting anywhere in the dark cavern and the only light came from the small cracks in the ceilings and from the small lamps that hung on their waist.

Yet what pursued them doesn't require light to find them.

Every one of them was trained in harsh environments and put through tests that would have killed a weaker man. By relying on their sharp wit and their strong will did they pull through, ensuring that they were molded to become capable assassins. Their training was all so they would become one of the numerous pawns that would bring about the fall of the Empire. Each one of them knew what kind of a role that had to accept, but there was no other role they are more willing to throw themselves into if it meant the collapse of the corrupt Empire.

They had arrived this morning, and upon their arrival, were sent in to carry out their mission. No rest was allowed for these assassins, given how time-sensitive their mission this time was. A second late in their delivery would mean a lot more things having to be sacrificed later on, taking into account the schedule they are on.

Their mission?

Escorting an important figure in the Revolutionary Army, who would be one of the many that becomes instrumental in bringing about the downfall of the Empire, from the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army to the city of Thiriom and back, as well as other miscellaneous duties like acting as bait. Bait for what was currently pursuing them. Given how fervently it was chasing them, they don't even have the time to slow down to catch a breath. One less step and their game of playing mouse would end. One less man meant one more for the living to mourn.

"Keep left and take the left entrance in front."

Again, none of them said anything. They had enough trust in each other to understand each other simply with a glance. The frequency increased again, and slowly the gap between the cat and mouse widened.

The pursuer has no visible body as it continues its chase. It only kept moving forwards, leaving behind a trail of broken rock and debris in its wake. Several times a downpour of rubble and dirt would crash down on it. Neither one of those times was it halted for a single second longer. It just kept charging, ignorant of everything that stood in its way. Its goal was to eliminate the culprits which had defiled its sanctuary. Any twist and turns its prey makes were of no use to them. It simply charges, guided by the sound of their footsteps, the warmth emanating off their bodies and the smell of their sweat. Any passageway too narrow or small would be reshaped as it comes charging through.

It lives up to its title as one of the few which dwells at the bottom of the Labyrinth. Too bad it isn't smart enough to predict traps or ambushes, not that it ever had to worry about those. Its prey and their predecessors all fell to its charge.

As soon as the assassins turned the left corner, they made a mad dash for the group of people in the clearing. All of them were huddled together defensively. Their shields were lined up and ready to block anything that comes through. Behind the row of shields stood a man dressed in white robes.

However the key feature isn't the man, but what was on his left arm. Golden chains wrapped tightly around his arm from his forearm to his shoulder. The only visible part of his arm would be his hand. The golden chains would every now and then pulse with a soothing golden light before. With his other hand outstretched, he began chanting. It was soft and muttered under his breath, but none of its words mattered. Its purpose was to only allow the robed man to clear his mind of whatever was unnecessary and focus. The chains wrapped around his left arm glows a soft golden hue, signaling to his allies that his preparations are ready.

The assassins ran past the row of shields before sliding to a halt. Each one of them has their weapons out, ready to intervene as fail-safes if things go awry. Sweat accumulated on the faces of the shield-bearers as their legs began to tremble in resonance to the trembling earth caused by the incoming monstrosity.

The Danger Beast kept charging, not caring nor concerned for what would happen to those caught in its charge. The robed man started dashing towards the shield-bearers before he jumped, elevated even higher by jumping off the shoulders of a fellow shield-bearer.

"Steady! Hold your shields up and brace yourselves for impact."

Once the robed man was high in the air did the Danger Beast collided into the line of shields with deadly force. It tore through their measly defenses, sending everyone flying off the ground.

Yet those measly defenses had served their purpose. It managed to slow the beast significantly, allowing the robed man who was on his way down to land onto the thick hide of the Danger Beast. With his left hand wrapped in golden chains, he stretched it out in front of him to touch the thick hide.

"BELLEROPHON!"

And with that word resonating in the air, the Imperial Arm started to take effect. Blinding gold light entered the Danger Beast's eyes, mesmerizing it before falling into a deep slumber, no longer in control of its motor functions. Just before its consciousness faded away, it could feel its body constricted painfully by chains and its head crashing into the earth. In the corners of its fading sight, it could see other Danger Beasts wrapped firmly in golden chains.

For the first time, its charge was brought to an abrupt halt.

...

The situation on the surface is in absolute chaos.

Panic was etched on the face of every citizen in the city. Adventurers and Mercenaries were in disarray. No matter how experienced they are, all of them were shaken by the events which befell the city.

The earth beneath the city had opened up, letting loose dozens of Danger Beasts from below. Some of the people had fallen victims as well, falling into the dark abyss below. Whoever was able-bodied grabbed their weapons and rushed headfirst into the frontlines to repel the invaders from below.

Had anyone paid attention, they would have noticed the other sounds of fighting echoing throughout the city, blending in with the shouts and roars everywhere. Most of them were caused by the adventurers or mercenary fending off against the Danger Beasts.

The other sounds, to those that knew what was going on, would have sparked an idea that there are much more things going on. Dark Alleyways were filled with sounds of metal clanging against each other and rooftops were occupied by the sound of rapid footsteps of pursuit.

There would also be the occasional scream that seems to follow, but all of those was camouflaged by the other sounds that echo throughout the city. Sounds of metal on metal and metal cutting through flesh could be heard.

Simultaneously, while the earthquake had happened, Oda's subordinates had issued an emergency quest, where they would be storming the various hideouts used by Revolutionaries. It was their luck that they were still around and were mercilessly hunted down. It seems that the earthquake had temporarily forced these group of people to have lost their bearings, and everyone gathered capitalized on this opportunity to eliminate them.

Revolutionaries experienced or skilled enough are able to fend for themselves, though it was a matter of time before they too joined the rest of their weaker comrades after a few exchanges of blades, realizing how they lack the strength to face against these unknown attackers.

"This is simply unfortunate." Blade whispers to himself emotionlessly. "Having to abide by this emergency order to capture or kill Revolutionaries, while the guy who made such an order himself is nowhere to be seen. Tatsumi was missing too. Must have snuck out of our room when I went outside to procure materials."

His katana propelled by condensed air shot out of its sheath and cleanly tore through the body of a Revolutionary soldier. His eyes were wide opened and taken aback by the speed of his sword. Another tried to keep her distance from him, throwing knives at him from where she was.

Blade simply moved out of its trajectories, before slicing the air in front of him vertically. The katana sliced through the empty air, but something shot out from the tip of his katana, and seconds later the Revolutionary Assassin fell to the ground motionless, a small hole present on her forehead.

'If you're gonna fight against us, at least not tie a symbol of your cause to yourselves. You might as well just tell everyone that you are our enemy.' Blade scoffed. 'It only makes your cause look bad. Are your members even capable assassins?'

Looking around, each of his allies was mercilessly killing off the revolutionaries. Those which surrendered were given a hard knock to their temples and effectively taken off the battlefield to be questioned later.

Sensing that his presence was no longer required, Blade began to make his way towards the closest entrance to the Labyrinth below.

Occasionally, Blade had to avoid a stampede of civilians and adventurers running in all directions. The knights despatched by the Earl governing the area were still on their way, and the ones that had been stationed here are too few in numbers. It would be best to recover Tatsumi and leave the city before they arrive. As of now, the local police force - volunteers from various mercenary corps and adventurers, forming the Vigilante Corps were doing their best to maintain order. Evacuating people to the outskirts of the city walls as well as escorting the governing officials of the city to safety and a myriad of other duties.

In some areas the ground had opened up, allowing Danger Beasts from the abyss below to climb their way up. Eyeing the opening to the Labyrinth, Blade jumped in, uncaring for what might happen to him.

'This might hurt.'

…

{Tatsumi's Perspective}

I descended the steps to the next floor below. Halfway through I had to light a torch so that I could see what was in front of me. The sunlight from above was simply not enough to see clearly. It would have been convenient if torches could be hung on the wall, but I rebutted myself a second later. If it were to be hung on the walls then it could become a possible weapon for the Danger Beasts here to use.

Each floor was different. From what I've discovered, each floor has one Danger Beasts which has abilities above the rest. It lords over the other Danger Beasts of the floor and acts like the King of that Floor. This was common knowledge to all Adventurers and Mercenaries who comes to challenge the Labyrinth.

However, maybe because of the earthquake, all of them seems to have vanished. Since there is no 'King', the subjects began to act out of line and started moving to other floors above. The other anomaly is how the occasional vibration coming from the lower floors would sometimes stop abruptly, only to pick up again moments later.

Dislodging my weapon out of the back of a fallen Minotaur, I began advancing towards the entrance of the next floor. This time, there was no staircase or any steps for me to make my descend downwards. Just a relative smooth slide all the way to the bottom.

Ensuring that my legs are bent, I allowed myself to slide all the way to the bottom.

What greeted me on the next floor was a vast expanse of rock. The entrance leads to the top of a mountain, overlooking a large empty clearing. Or at least it should have been empty...

'Ah. This is nostalgic.' Al commented. 'Takes me back to one of those numerous missions back in my prime. Leading armies to take on a large horde of monsters. At times a fortress would be involved and my troops would be holed up inside trying our best to just fend them off.'

'They aren't that frightening.' Michael rebutted. 'I have personally dealt with monsters far more numerous than the ones before us, and that was when someone experienced was actively controlling those monsters. Those hordes were more coordinated and fearless, unlike the current mindless monsters before us. Each of those monsters was working in sync with each other and complementing each other's abilities. It would be worse if the people controlling these monsters weren't alone. Occasionally they would appear to harass you while you were busy with the monsters they control, appearing in your blind spots while you are tired. These monsters behave more like children compared to them.'

'No matter what ridiculous feats you people have achieved, please keep in mind that I barely have any form of training. I'm pretty certain that I myself wouldn't be able to go up against them in my current state. I would be lucky if they don't trample me under their heels Their numbers are just too great.'

'Come on Tatsumi, don't sell yourself short. These numbers are no big deal, especially with that meager amount of experience you already possess with this weapon of yours.' Al reassured.

'I agree with Al here. Even a newbie like you is more than enough to handle these numbers now that you understand how the power works.' Michael spoke up.

It seems they have some sort of confidence in the power of this Imperial Arm. I wonder if it really is as omnipotent as they make it out to be.

'Tatsumi, you may not have realized but there have been instances which you have been using this Imperial Arm with you yourself unknowing. Think back. How many times have you been in a near-death scenario recently?'

I thought back to the time when I fought against Zank - [The Executioner], or even the time when I was almost captured by Akame from Night Raid. Each of those times I was unable to fight back against them and neither of them was using their full abilities during our encounters. I would find myself waking up later to find that the battle had already finished, without having any memory of how this happened.

'During those times, you have been using the Imperial Arm to escape from those tight situations. You might not have been conscious during those times, but the fact remains that you had been using it. Maybe even in instances, we don't expect...'

'But in all those times, it wasn't me who was actively using it. I have no form of experience when it comes to using it.'

'I hate you break you out of your conversation, but the monsters are moving upwards to the floors above. Specifically, to where we are right now. Within the next few minutes, we will be in their direct path. I would ready myself if I were you.' Al's excitement was seething off of his words.

'Then I guess we can start our first lesson for him.' Michael mused. 'Tatsumi, the best way for you to gain experience within a short amount of time would be through actual combat. For now, survive against the incoming horde of monsters and we'll teach you something useful.

Using the same method as before, retrieve a weapon that you feel comfortable with. Know that if you run, they'll continue chasing you till your grave. Good luck.'

'W-Wait, can't I do this another time? The number of Danger Beasts here is just too great. I don't think I can even last long against them. If anything, I could escape without any problems.'

'Tatsumi,' Al's voice spoke out, this time I could literally feel the thirst for blood soaking every word he says. 'when a challenge presents itself before you, sometimes it's better to just brandish your sword and charge headfirst into them.'

'Don't worry about it. We'll guide you along. If you were to sustain any injuries, we'll simply assist to heal your wounds. Now, you better draw your weapon now, or you might have a hard time later on.' At least Michael was somewhat composed.

I had my snake spit out a sword from the space inside of its belly. I reached my hands into the mouth of the snake snuggling into my neck, pulling out another sword. This one was heavier. It wasn't as long as the one I had before, but this one was way heavier. I struggled to try and hold it in one hand. My other sword was still inside its sheath around my waist.

Holding my sword firmly, I stood my ground against the incoming horde.

At the last possible moment, I jumped into the air to avoid being trampled and landed on one of the Danger Beast in front of me. Putting my sword into a reverse grip, I stabbed it firmly into the hide.

The Danger Beast let out a pained cry, calling the other Danger Beasts around me who had previously ignored my existence to direct their hostilities towards me. Removing the sword, I jumped off the Danger Beast and seconds later it crashed head-first into the ground. Its labored breathing signaled to me that the damage I dealt was not enough to kill him, but it was enough to put it out of the fight.

Every single Danger Beast in the vicinity came towards me. The bigger sized ones were harder to avoid and I could only use my sword as a temporary shield to prevent myself from being skewered by their tusks. In doing so, the blade of my sword snapped, unable to withstand the pressure pressing on it.

I willed my snake to retrieve a shield for me while I drew my existing sword by my waist, but in doing so I was unable to avoid the next attack in time. Using pure reflex and survival instincts embedded within my mind and body, I twisted my body into an abnormal angle. I had survived, but my right hand was forcefully pulled out of its sockets.

I bit down on my dry lips, desperately enduring the pain of losing an arm. The arm holding the only possible means for me to fight back fell to the ground. I was now defenseless. The other Danger Beasts in the vicinity, sensing an opportunity, started making their move.

Some of the faster ones pounced on me, claws digging into my flesh as their jaws took a piece of my body. Pinned down, another larger sized Danger Beast came charging towards me, uncaring for the well-being of the other Danger Beasts that currently have their claws digging into me. Using what strength I have left in my one good arm, I gripped onto the fur of a Danger Beast and used it as a shield against the other Danger Beast charging towards me. The charge didn't injure as much, but I was knocked-back a good distance away due to the impact.

'Tatsumi, I'll take care of regenerating your missing arm and wounds. Do something about surviving in the meantime.' Michael's calm and composed voice echoed in my head. He seems to have nerves of steel, or at least that's how even I would be like if I wasn't currently in my current predicament.

'Grab a weapon quick! I can guide you on what to do, but for now, grab a weapon from your storage space.' Al's eager voice resounded. He seems to be excited that there was a fight that I might potentially lose in.

Landing safely onto the ground, I reached into the mouth of the snake for the shield I had yet to take out. It was one of the smaller shields that were circular. A gem lies fixed in the center of the shield. It wasn't heavy, yet wasn't light as well. At least I can use it without difficulty with my less dominant arm. The Danger Beasts in the area began making their way towards me once more.

'Tatsumi, I managed to restore your right hand. Give it a feel and see how it's like.'

I rapidly clenched and unclenched my hands into a fist. It was perfect. Like as if the arm that was missing before was never torn off at all. If anything, my arm feels lighter now as though there was some hidden strength lying dormant that I had not known about before awakening. It was… a really good sensation. Like as though I could accomplish anything. Michael seemed to be very proficient restoring body parts and healing wounds, I should probably thank him later once the battle is over.

Looking towards the oncoming army, I reached for a sword within the storage space in the snake. This time, I thought of a bastard sword. One with a longer reach and wouldn't break with just a few hits.

My palms are sweating, making gripping onto the sword and shield harder than expected. I resolved myself and clutched the handle tighter so that my grip wouldn't slip. My heart constantly beats against my chest. I could taste the blood on my dried lips, and slight pain from when I licked it.

Round 2, Start!

...

I took another step forward, using a sword as a walking stick. Each step more painful than the last, as though my legs would give in on itself. Each labored breath coming from my lungs threatens to be my last. My lungs ache, having worked extra hard to provide me with air to regain my stamina.

The horde of Danger Beasts now scatters everywhere. Their remains and corpses littered everywhere in parts and pieces around me. Amongst the bodies, numerous shards and parts of swords, axes and even clubs lie scattered. The sword I was using as support was already chipped and threatens to break at any moment. My fingers clenched the hilt firmly, ensuring that I would not pass out from exhaustion. The sword groaned, threatening to snap and fall apart from my weight.

'You did great. Even with the immense amount of pain of your arm and legs being torn off repeatedly, you were still able to continue fighting long enough for us to regenerate your arm. I guess the day where we do nothing but watch you fight is coming earlier than we expect.' Al seemed excited. Perhaps he was pumped up by the amount of fighting that had just taken place.

'You had also become proficient with the instantaneous, intermittent and simultaneous usage of the Imperial Arm. Drawing one weapon after another from your snake the instant your current one broke. You have shown significant improvement.' Michael mechanically analyzed. He didn't show any form of happiness or disappointment, though I could tell from his tone that he was impressed.

'Thanks.' I gasped. It was more like I had no choice but to improve. Fighting against a few hundreds of Danger Beasts with a limited arsenal of weapons. Not to mention the hundreds of times one of my arm or leg was forcefully ripped out from their place on my body. Even if my limbs eventually regenerated, the physical pain I experienced lingers on and constantly haunts me. It was so immense that I had to support myself with my sword to even stand, hence my current state. Fatigue mixed with trauma. I was also pretty certain that my entire stockpile of weapons has dwindled down to only a few remaining. Perhaps I only had bows and arrows left inside.

At least the horde of monsters was wiped out. Some of the smarter ones had escaped above, but the majority of them was killed off.

'Tatsumi, here's another use of this Imperial Arm. From what we had learned, this Imperial Arm is just as alive as you are. This means it requires some source of energy to thrive. Usually, it is capable of devouring every kind of matter. From the corpses of monsters to even broken swords. As long as you give it something, it will happily consume. However, only through consumption of organic matter would it increase in mass and volume.' Al continued his lecture. 'However, you have to tell it what it has to consume and what you wish to store in your storage. Your imagination would play a big part here. Now, if you don't mind, I'll like you to try to devour whatever that can't be sold for gold and store whatever you might need for later.

'Like what you did with the Orcs.'

'Yes'

Reaching for a dagger that my snake had puked out, I gingerly placed it on my wrist. Another slit causes sharp pain, but I promptly ignored it. As usual, black fluid burst out from my veins, before promptly accumulating on the ground. Once it began to gain more volume, parts of the fluid begin to convulse and started to form shapes. However, without my mind giving instruction on what it should become, it remains as a shapeless fluid. I commanded it to devour and willed it to swarm towards the nearest thing that was around. The broken swords and shards of the once pristine blades were the first few things to be engulfed, followed by the different Danger Beasts that was nearby. It slowly devoured everything, its flesh, muscles, bones, brain, blood.

It was only a matter of time before what evidence was left of the fight was slowly erased.

'STOP! You're making it devour too much.' Michael raised his voice once he realized what had transpired. I instinctive had the black fluid stop what it was doing and placed it on standby. 'You should've left out the teeth of that species of Danger Beast. It's used as a material for making useful accessories and even weapons.'

'Oh. I see.'

There was no use crying over spilled milk. What's done has already been done. I'll just make a mental note to pay more attention to these things…

Needless to say, Michael is pretty nit-picky when it comes to these things. I was chided somewhat harshly by Michael, and throughout the whole time, I was simply staring into empty space and doing nothing.

It took a few more minutes longer than what I had anticipated finishing cleanup, and another few more for me to store whatever's left of the valuable materials inside of my snake, adding more things to my mental list of items stored.

I should probably write it down somewhere on a piece of paper.

Once all is done, the entire battlefield no longer looks anything like what it was formerly. Gone were the countless pieces of broken metal and lifeless corpses. The scenery now looked similar to how the entire place was like when we first stepped foot into this floor.

In the next moment, I allowed my body to fall to the ground, not even bothering to stop my fall or at least protect myself. Exhaustion hit me pretty hard and my senses are now distant. It reminds me a little of being in a sleepy state. Able to think but not very clearly.

Perhaps it's safe to sleep a little.

I could hear Al and Michael speaking something inside my mind, but I simply ignored them.

I'm a little too tired.

If they ever need me, I'm sure they'll know to just drag me into that place like last time.

Slowly, my thoughts blurred. No longer was I awake. I was once again drifting inside the black void, without direction or purpose.

Of course, things simply won't go the way I want to.

I woke up to the face of another stranger. Her amber gold orbs peered into mine. Within those amber orbs lies a fire so strong that I could feel its intensity just by being under her stare.

A petite figure hugged tightly by her red militaristic uniform decorated with golden epaulet and buttons. Black boots shined to the point it was a mirror. Her every movement embodies grace, as though she was in performance. A black metal rapier strapped by her waist made me wonder if it was a decorative piece or one meant for combat. Her pale complexion made her look frail. Yet the aura that oozes off her tells a different story. Her very appearance demands respect, the kind you direct towards a person who is of higher standing than you. Plastered onto her face is an emotionless glare. Her grey hair was tied up into a braid, extending past her shoulders and down to her waist.

Somehow I feel as though she is looking down on me as a person.

A small question pops into my head. Just how many of these people are there in this place?

Seeing that I am now awake, she uttered a single word before turning around and walking off.

"Follow."

I silently obeyed. Throughout the journey, I was unable to engage in any form of conversation with her.

Like last time, the mountain of blades started appearing on the horizon, before appearing closer and closer as each minute passes. It still confuses me to no end how a distance that would take an hour was completed in less than a few minutes.

The distance between two points is not fixed…so I was told.

Once again, I scaled to the top of the mountain, following the path of countless blades embedded into the black swirling soil. Frankly, looking at the ground here causes a sense of vertigo. It's as though I'm standing on a thin sheet of glass above an ocean of the black fluid. At any moment the glass could break and devour me whole without my knowing.

Turning my attention away from the ground, I faced towards my destination. Somehow the trek upwards took longer than the last time. The lady guiding me brought me before a door. Like last time, the door connects to a cottage. I turned the doorknob and promptly opened the door. Sitting at the dining table was Michael and who I presumed was Al. Their attention was turned towards me the moment I entered the house.

"I'm sure this is the first time we've met face to face, so I suppose I should introduce myself again formerly," Al spoke up. "I am Alim, but you can call me Al.

I took a good look at his features. Brown hair with a red eye. The light reflecting off his pale skin makes him glow under the light. He emanates an aura of kindness and understanding, a huge contrast to the impression I have of him from moments earlier. What made him more noticeable was the eyepatch which covered his left eye. My attention was more focused on his eyepatch, something that didn't go unnoticed.

"This came from a small incident that I had during my life. I overworked myself and had to reluctantly sacrifice one of my eyes." He pointed to his left eye. "But at least now I look cooler with an eyepatch. "

I walked over to take a seat across from them at the table. It didn't go unnoticed that the girl who had escorted me here didn't turn to leave, but instead took up guard duty at the entrance of the cottage.

Once I was seated comfortably, Michael started speaking.

"I guess that in every lesson, there must be time to review what we have learned and plan for what's next." Michael started his lectures. "You have become more proficient with manipulating the black matter."

"But I was still unable to control it properly."

"That is something that you can rectify with time," Al said. " as long as you keep using the weapon, your control over it would one day reach a stage where it becomes second nature. So far, we taught you a few of the many uses of the black matter. Through the manipulation of said black matter, you are able to create simple objects by controlling the different states of the black matter. An example would be your snake.

We classify this as [Creation]. This is actually very commonly used by the previous users since it holds infinite potential. Another common use would be using black matter to consume organic matter to increase its own mass. I like to call this usage as [Decomposition]."

"Isn't Decomposition the process of rotting? I don't think this name fit." I responded to Michael's lecture with my own question.

"[Decomposition] here doesn't just mean rotting. It's more of 'breaking down' than 'rotting'. Some might disagree with the names, but unless you have a better name, we'll be using it." Al cheerfully quipped. "Leave the name-calling job to us while you just use them without worry."

"Continuing on. As of right now, you are able to use 2 primary skills of this weapon. Of course, everything that you experiment and use is a derivative of these primary uses. If anything, your snake is a derivative of the [Creation] skill. You don't even know what kind of amazing feat you had achieved when you created that snake of yours." Michael's features turned to disbelief. "A beginner like you shouldn't have picked up that skill so fast."

Was what I had done really that amazing? I'm pretty sure what I've achieved was pretty simple with all the advice they had given me.

"However, simply using the weapon isn't good enough. Although you can become powerful, you would become more powerful only because of the Imperial Arm. There would eventually be a time where you can't rely on it to fight your battles." Michael started to explain. "That is why we have decided that you shall be trained on things other than the use of the Imperial Arm whenever you are in here."

Michael started to look past my shoulders towards the lady stationed at the door.

"So, do your best." Al cheerfully encouraged.

"What?"

Maybe because of exhaustion, the gears in my mind has yet to turn. Confused as to what their words meant, my answer was only shown to me in the next few moments when a hand landed on my shoulders and tossed me towards the door.

My body flew across the room, crashed on the door. The door held and I grunted from the impact. I picked myself up but a firm kick on my chest shortly after sent me through the door and flying out of the cottage before I was even able to defend myself.

I landed on my back and twisted my body so that I am facing down, ensuring that I could recover faster. A few rolls on the dirt later and I was up, readying myself for whatever was coming. The lady from before calmly walked through the now broken door and unsheathed her rapier. Flustered, I reached for my sword strapped at my waist, only to realize that there was nothing there.

"In here, whatever items you need can be conjured by your imagination." The lady spoke out to me. Her voice was soothing, like a soft lullaby. However, the way she speaks to me is reminiscent of a military drill instructor yelling commands to his troops. I thought back to my Gladius, the one which I had used all the time. I imagined that it was once again in my hands. Tiny, unseen black particles in the air slowly gathered, gaining in mass and becoming more visible. In about a fraction of a second, my Gladius was held firmly in my hands.

Wetting my lips, preparing myself for the imminent battle. My eyes blinked and in the next moment she was already before me, her rapier poised and ready to stab into me. What had surprised me was not the fact that she had just crossed the distance of 10 meters in the single moment it took for me to blink, but the fact that she performed said feat without making any noise. There was no stamping of her boots as she ran across the ground towards me. Nothing. Not a single sound.

I moved my sword, positioning it to redirect the trajectory of the rapier's tip, making sure that it would stab empty air beside me. I took a few steps back away from her, hoping to gain some space between us to allow me more time to react and fight back.

She pressed on, not allowing me a chance to regain my bearings. Her flurry of stabs increased in frequency and I find myself struggling to avoid being hit. I was barely even able to defend. A cut on my cheeks, another on my torso and multiple more on every part of my body.

I was not able to return a single strike. The entire time I was on the defensive.

If only there was an opening which I can use. I can go on the offensive if there was an opening. However, her constant onslaughts were not letting up, not giving me even time for me to catch my breath.

An idea popped into my head. It was a suicidal move, one that must have been born out of desperation and the stress I was put into. For some reason, I have no idea why I even decided to follow through with it.

At the instant she drew her arms back, I rushed towards her. As the well-seasoned veteran that she appears to be, she calmly brought the tip of her rapier forwards to meet my reckless charge.

The blade pierced into my gut, and I had to clench my teeth tighter to resist the pain. I moved closer towards her, letting the rapier stab deeper into my body. My left hand lashed out and clutched her wrist in a vice-like grip. With her rapier locked in place, I swung my sword at her.

For a single moment, I could see her eyes filled with shock, before it was replaced with the cold glare once again.

Before my sword could reach her, her other hand was brought up and latched itself onto my wrist, stopping the hand and in extension the sword from coming anywhere close to her. Following that, she pushed her knee upwards towards my left hand. The impact allowed my hand to loosen just enough for the sword in my hand to remove itself out of my grip. Without any form of hesitation, she dislodged the sword from my gut with one swift motion.

Once it was out, she delivered a roundhouse kick to my face and I find myself sprawling on the floor. She pointed the rapier at my face, signaling to me that I have lost.

"I give," I said with both my hands up. It was a fight I was unwillingly thrown into and not able to win. The difference in her skill, as well as my lack of preparedness, was taken advantage of and the obvious result was my defeat.

She withdrew her black rapier and proceeded to wipe the blood off with a handkerchief she produced from her pocket. Even though the dark material of the blade made the blood on it less obvious, and the fact that she could have just make another one with her mind instead, she still diligently wiped the blood off. Perhaps it was some kind of sentiment?

Once she was satisfied, she sheathed the slim rapier. Al and Michael had decided to come close, now that the spar has ended.

"You didn't last long." Michael was the first one to comment on my performance. He did not sugarcoat anything, which was one of his traits. "Hardly surprising considering who you're up against."

"He did put up a good fight." Al comforted. Al tried to cheer me up, which was one of his better points as compared to Michael. "Not many people could surprise little Luna here and I say Tatsumi's little stunt just now had definitely taken her by surprise."

"That doesn't change the fact that he is still weaker than what I had expected." Michael didn't seem to be impressed.

"I guess he does have a lot to work on…" Al was slowly converted to support Michael's stand and I could only helplessly watch.

Luna, so I have been introduced, coolly watched their exchange. She had been silent before and after our spar. The last female that I have met in this place was also incredibly silent… Is there a correlation?

"You fought well. Too reckless." Luna turned to me and spoke out, breaking her silence. I was unsure whether she meant it as a compliment or an insult. Her words meant well but her features tell me that she isn't happy.

"Thanks? I guess?"

I assessed the wounds on my body, only to realize another strange phenomenon. White particles are coming out of my injuries. Slowly, the flesh close and scars fade. The white particles seem to heal my wounds. That isn't correct, it's more like they are restoring things back to its initial state. Though wounds heal in this place, the pain that comes with the injury wouldn't fade away as fast. This world is really weird. I wonder how it is able to exist.

"I'm Tatsumi." I introduced myself to the lady who had been toying with me in the spar. She gave me a dead-panned stare.

"Luna." She extended her hand towards me, which I graciously shook.

"Then, shall we start Round 2?" She asked me as her hand tightened around mine.

"Eh?"

…

{Third Person's Perspective}

"I thank you for your assistance this time around. Frankly speaking, my team had been really hesitant whether or not we could even pull off this operation with the numbers we have."

"I would have appreciated if the higher-ups disclose more information about what they're planning instead of just expecting us to do as we are told."

The two men conversed amongst themselves, ignoring the unnerved expressions of the people around them. The two had met prior to this meeting, allowing them to strike up a conversation much easier than the others. The times they had met during all of those meetings inside the General's Tent gave them all the time they needed to get to know each other, to the extent where they are able to know what the other person could be thinking. The same couldn't be said for their men. There was an awkward silence and tensed atmosphere outside of some conversations, a miracle that they could even have the time to talk.

Everyone was hastily placed into an operation where no two people in this team had the same amount of information, and none having all.

"Still, to have us destroy a city. Doesn't it sound kinda impossible?"

"That's what he's here for." A finger pointed to a man in robes. Chains emitting golden light constricts around his arm tightly, allowing evident discomfort to clearly present itself on his face. His eyes would dart from one place to another, lost in his own world. Perhaps it was their imagination, but the golden chains seem to wrap tighter, only for it to be released moments on. Sweat dripped down from his face. "We just need to focus on protecting him, the rest would be done by him."

He wasn't walking together with them, but rather sat on top of a Danger Beast, followed closely behind by a small army of other Danger Beasts which had been marching together with the Revolutionaries.

None of the famed aggression of Danger Beasts towards humans could be seen. Instead, these Danger Beasts are keeping their distance while following along. A distance close enough to not lose sight yet far enough to not cause any harm. Their pupil-less eyes stared into the space in front of them.

Hurried footsteps entered their ears. A scout was running towards them. Once he was closer, he stopped to catch his breath.

"Sir, I belong to the Second Escort Team. The second and third package we were tasked to send up to the surface and hand over to the Surface Teams had gone missing. We are still currently trying to determine its whereabouts."

The commanding officer of the teams stared at the scout, struggling to process what he had just reported.

"You meant the package we sent together with your team?"

"Yes."

"The Danger Beasts amounting to 300 in strength?"

"Y-Yes."

There was a still silence as the gravity of the situation was suddenly brought down onto their shoulders. The commanding officer placed a hand to his temples, massaging vital points to alleviate a splitting migraine that had developed. It didn't improve the situation that he has yet to take a nap ever since arriving in the city.

"What were your teams doing? Weren't you people suppose to follow them up to the surface?"

"Sir, we encountered numerous survivors and had to send the package ahead to deal with them. By the time we tried to relocate the package, they had already disappeared."

"Have the Second Escort Team request assistance from Surface Teams. I want them to investigate and find out what had transpired. I want half of the Third Escort Team to stationed themselves at the locations where the packages were last seen. The other half shall regroup with us. We shall be going further downwards as according to the plan."

"Sir, the commanding officer of the Surface Teams is that guy. You are aware of that right?"

"That wet blanket? Tell him that it is a direct order from the person in charge of this operation. That'll shut him up. I doubt he has the balls to refuse if he was informed that his refusal would mean going against that person. Anything else, soldier?"

"Nothing, Sir."

The scout scurried away, back to his team who were still awaiting instructions. The commanding officer could only sigh.

"Is it wise to continue downwards? We already have confirmed hostiles targeting us. It would be risky to continue as per normal."

"That is a risk I'm willing to take. I rather we perish trying to achieve our goal than perish because we were too scared of failure."

"Nothing seems to be going well with this operation, huh." His conversation partner quipped.

"When has it ever?" The response brought forth a chuckle from both men. An inside joke to the tasteless work that they had to do.

"Fair point."

…

The people within the barracks were moving around hurriedly.

The squires preparing the various equipment required for the long journey. The porters preparing ample amounts of rations and baggage space for everyone, including the excess portion for survivors. The Knights of higher ranks and experience were called by their masters to assemble, briefed on what they are expected to do and what they might be facing. The medically trained were preparing their tools, ensuring that there is enough for everyone.

A rumor had been spreading like wildfire within the camps.

The Earl has finally decided to dispatch his prized knights for the task. Prized Knights that not many knew who they were and even fewer ever seen their faces. The only indication of their existence was their tales spoken from the mouth of others, telling everyone listening of their appearance and feats.

Speculations from many of the other nobles claimed that it was simply a ruse, created to simply deter the Prime Minister from ever laying hands on the Earl's life and territory. It was all common tactics the nobles play ever since the founding of the Empire, made more prevalent ever since Honest stepped up to the position of Prime Minister after quelling the ambitions of the Dukes.

Once the previous Emperor succumbed to his waning health, the Dukes were appeased or killed off shortly after. Whatever wealth and titles they amassed were stripped, with approval from himself in lieu of the Child Emperor Makoto who left a majority of his powers as an Emperor to the Prime Minister until his official Crowning when he becomes older, making Honest the acting Emperor.

Politics is easy when you are in charge. People who can oppose you are lesser than the fingers on your right hand and everyone agrees with you.

One of those people, however, lies within the Fleurbreme Household.

"First Legion, assemble at North-West Gate. We set off in 30 minutes." A shout issued the deadline that everyone had been waiting for.

People all around began picking up their paces once again and started moving towards their respective destinations.

It would be some time before they can return home.

…

Moving downwards was frustratingly hard. Most of the known routes downwards as remembered from prior ventures had already been blocked off. Alternate routes take too much time.

All that did nothing to hinder Blade. Ignoring the warnings of everyone who he passes, he continued downwards at a fast jog. More than once did he had to turn back because of a blocked route downwards.

It didn't help for there to be an abnormal number of Danger Beasts lurking on each floor where they shouldn't belong. At least the Danger Beasts were able to distract the adventurers from stopping him. Who knows what he would have done just to get things going his way.

Blade kept pushing downwards. Occasionally stopping to eliminate a Danger Beasts that starts becoming a nuisance by blocking the only way down. Though Blade couldn't express or actively feel any emotion, he was still very expressive with his actions.

Severed body parts of Danger Beasts were the only remnants of the short battles. Had the calamity not befallen this city, Blade would have found himself constantly harvesting the valuable parts of the Danger Beasts. For now, he would be pleased just being able to go downwards smoothly.

Every path in this Labyrinth was already mapped out inside his head. His mind constantly going over the different possible routes and alternate routes should the route he chose be blocked.

This wasn't the first time he was here in this Labyrinth. It was only natural to be able to remember all of the roads when you traverse it every day for a good portion of your life.

He misses those days where raw precious ores, as well as Danger Beasts possessing rare materials in the Labyrinth, was the most common thing in his everyday life.

Life had other plans for him. Having to be dispatched somewhere else, having to join Hikari on his missions, having to force himself to work with much simpler materials, having to make do with life being drastically different from before and having to find new places to shut himself in to forget his past. The list could go on for hours.

He would, however, prefer to be stuck with these problems over being in close range of Oda… or even back in that mansion. Life whilst under him wasn't bad. In fact, it's not an exaggeration to say that he was more… open. He enjoyed every moment of his life here.

Which was why he does not like being in close range of Oda. He doesn't hate Oda. His intentions are good, but something just feels off about him. He is able to bring out something from within him that, frankly speaking, makes him feel more… vulnerable.

He was wary of Oda.

Oda gives the vibe that everything was simply for his amusement like they were puppets on a string and he was the meister. He was the one that made him more open, something he was never able to avoid no matter who he was around and the number of times he tried.

His impression of Hikari was less of an opened book yet not a fully closed one either. His intentions are simple and predictable, even if he tries to hide them with clever tricks. The only person Hikari is able to fool would be Manic and Tatsumi, but even Manic knows something's up with Hikari.

If Hikari is a semi-opened book with a hidden title, then Oda would be a closed and gift-wrapped book.

Tatsumi is simply too naive for believing them.

Tatsumi isn't simple as well. He seems normal, but he could be-

Had Blade not paid attention to his surroundings, he would have been crushed underneath a mound of rubble.

The ceiling of the cavern in front of him collapsed onto him. Blade didn't stop. He increased his pace, adding more strength to his legs. He didn't stop to think whether the rubble would fall onto him. He didn't stop to think about his possibility of dying. He didn't hesitate to make this daring choice. He simply ran forwards, confident and assured of his odds.

Not a second before clearing the danger zone was he assaulted by a rain of throwing knives and sharp projectiles.

Hostile enemies positioned at every possible angle of the space he was in. Looking at the standard attire of an assassin, it wasn't hard to spot a faint symbol of the Revolutionary Army embedded onto their chest.

His katana met every single projectile with the chance to hit him. Sparks flew and every projectile he hit landed on the ground with multiple 'clangs'.

If it was any consolation for them, they did manage to stop him.

"Halt. Move another step and we'll strike you down where you stand."

Blade simply rolled his eyes. They weren't really smart, are they? Just standing here, there are already 3 possible ways for him to take them all down without even having to move from his position. Glancing around, Blade was able to determine that their numbers were smaller than what he had expected, but still at a number that he couldn't take easily.

Naturally, Blade ignored their warnings and continued rushing forwards. A mixture of response including more thrown projectiles and people rushing towards him to stop him via melee combat.

Blade switched to his broadsword and used it as a makeshift shield against the projectiles. Drawing his katana in another hand, Blade sliced through whatever attacks these revolutionaries could throw at him.

Placing the broadsword back onto his back, Blade parried a strike meant for his torso.

'I need to find the one issuing orders.' He thought to himself as his eyes darted around. 'The rest will fall eventually when he's taken care of.'

His eyes darted around as his katana averted any swings meant for his life. None of them were good enough to be considered deadly, but two or more of these swings could pile up which would lead to his demise.

'There!' His blue eyes landed on a single assassin in the back row of assassins throwing projectiles. He was busy yelling commands to his subordinates, furious that he was still not dead.

There were less than 100 meters between them as well as him being on higher ground. Crossing that distance can be done in 5 seconds, but it would give them ample time to fend against him.

"Guess this would do as a test run," Blade muttered to himself.

Dodging a downward slash, Blade ran and jump off the shoulders of an assassin. Ensuring that he was at a good enough height, Blade took the broadsword and pointed it tip down. The broadsword stabbed itself firmly into the earth as he came down into the ground. Ensuring he was well balanced, Blade climbed onto the sword. Legs placed on certain protrusions and fingers inside certain depressed space on the sword, Blade made himself comfortable before pulling the trigger at the hilt.

A loud boom emitted from the tip of the sword, startling everyone and Blade was sent flying through the air towards the enemy leader faster than what was expected possible. His heart race at the sudden acceleration and the rush of wind pushing against his face. It took everything for him to not keep his eyes close. Everyone else could only stare dumbfounded as Blade flew across the room they were in. It was proven that when something unexpected and somewhat impossible occurs, the human brain tends to process information at a much slower rate due to shock.

Without any method of slowing down, Blade crashed face-first into the enemy leader. The momentum he carried with him was so great that it knocked the wind out of the poor guy, reminiscent of a bull charging into him at full speed. So hard that it was enough to render him unconscious just from impact and send him flying.

Blade groaned at the impact. Ear ringing and his entire body in pain due to the force he had received in return to slamming into a person. He will survive, but it might take some time to recover.

At least he received good data from this test.

Hopefully, the other lackeys would know to stay back. Struggling to stand up, Blade unsheathes the katana and gingerly placed the tip above the unconscious leader. Letting go of all of his strength, Blade plunged the katana straight into his neck, having him drown in his blood.

'At least he dies in his sleep.' Blade thinks to himself. The broadsword that he had used to launch himself with explosive force was already tossed aside once he had set his course straight for the enemy leader.

The once functional broadsword was now cracked and broken. The amount of gunpowder Blade had pumped into the weapon to launch himself off the ground was more than what the material of the barrel inside the weapon can handle. Shrapnels from the barrel was forcefully detached and scattered in random directions.

It was pure luck that none of the shrapnel had found itself lodged in Blade. Only a temporary loss of hearing due to the sound released inside confined space.

Confirming that the enemy leader is now dead, Blade couldn't help but allow himself to relax. The remaining forces have now lost their direct superior, which meant that they no longer have anyone capable or experienced enough to command them and tell them what to do next. He could allow himself to relax. The rest of the lackeys would be easy to handle if they were to confront him.

"Don't you think it's too early to celebrate?" A feminine voice cooed from behind him. Whoever it was, she had allowed herself inside his personal space without his consent and knowledge. Her hands were placed right where his Adam's apple is, allowing her to crush them at any point of time she felt like doing so. More pressing was the needle placed at the back of his neck, where a tiny push forwards would end his life. His life was dangling on a string, a string which her hands could release on her whims. Her honey-smooth voice purred beside his right ear.

"You are smart to aim for the person at the top, but sadly, he wasn't the only one you should target. This group here is made up of people from different teams, put together for the purpose of stopping you." She continued whispering in his ear, all the while her hands slowly tightened around his neck. "I guess you were...half-correct? It was too bad you are our enemy right now. Else you would have been a much-welcomed asset on our side. Many would love to have you among our ranks."

"I was kind of thinking the same thing." Blade allowed his emotionless voice out, somewhat pleased that the response he gave caused her to flinch. "But I rather not. You guys aren't very smart. Plus, did you think I'm so dumb as to leave myself open?"

"Eh?" That was the only sound the female assassin could make before the cavern they were in started rumbling.

"This place was made up of loose rubble and dirt after the earthquake, held together by pure luck and coincidence. So what do you think will happen when you cause a loud explosion like I just did in an enclosed environment like this?" Blade explained, savoring the variety of emotions displayed by everyone in his surroundings. "Know that even sound can move things."

Eyes start to widen and bells started ringing inside their heads. Another moment of dumbfoundedness occurred before gears began to turn. Sweat started pouring from their heads as their heart started pounding against their rib cage. Everyone started running in all directions.

Blade simply made use of this moment and pry himself out of the girl's grasp. The needle pressed against his nape lost its power and he simply moved away far enough for it to not pose a threat to his life.

Picking up the lump of metal that was once his broadsword, Blade strapped it to his back before turning to the female assassin that had threatened his life earlier.

"You're lucky I'm busy. Else your head would have been rolling, girl."

Leaving behind his words, Blade turned and continued venturing downwards, confident that the collapse would have hindered anyone from chasing after him. Had he looked behind, he would have realized that his predictions were off the mark.

The girl with auburn hair simply took out a box filled with makeup. With a fearless smile and experienced hands, her appearance had changed from what it was moments earlier. In a puff of smoke, she had transformed herself into a small Fire-Fox pup.

With her now smaller frame, she was able to swiftly weave and dodge around the falling rubble, chasing after Blade at speeds faster than what a normal human could run at. Not giving single care to the other Revolutionary Assassins who were busy running for their lives, she darted after the blue-haired youth.

…

{Tatsumi's Perspective}

It was the weirdest feeling. Knowing that you are injured yet not a single wound on your body. The experience from the battles fought during my time inside the Imperial Arm still lingers inside my mind and body. I could say that being beaten to a state of near-death did have its use in training me.

And since injuries from inside the Imperial Arm does not reflect onto my physical body, Luna eventually disregarded the concept of 'holding back' and mercilessly beat me into the ground. Several times I found myself with broken bones and deep cuts on my body as well as a disability of some kind. These would heal, which eventually prompted Luna to stop giving me time to heal as well, making the breaks between our fights shorter and each fight more painful than the last.

At one instance I had to fight her with a broken leg and my dominant arm missing. It was harder than I had anticipated and frustrating whenever my attacks fail to hit her because of me not adjusted to wielding my sword with my weaker hand. Since I was at a disadvantage, Luna took the chance to beat me down even more than before.

Michael and Al simply watched a good distance away, enjoying the view of me suffering and groaning. They did give me pointers to fight better, but they never spoke a word to Luna about holding back either.

Well, not that I wanted them to say those words. It's a form of courtesy, something that they evidently lacked. I could have said something, but it would reflect poorly on me.

I resumed my trek downwards, no doubt I have wasted several hours when I pass into unconsciousness. I tried running downwards, hoping that my increased pace would make up for the lost time.

The route downwards is suspiciously clearer than the way upwards. I was fortunate, I guess. A clear and unblocked path downwards without much resistance. It was more than what I could have hoped for. With this unexpected advantage, I had no trouble moving to the bottom of the Labyrinth. Danger Beasts sightings have also significantly reduced in numbers. No longer do I have to be wary against their large bodies at every turn of a corner or the entrance to a cavern.

The lack of Danger Beast has a reverse effect on myself, making me more paranoid than usual. My body might be unnerved by the constant lack of danger within the Labyrinth. During my trek down, I had stopped somewhere and had a quick meal. I had hurriedly wolfed down the food, not allowing myself to stop for too long. The occasional rumbling has stopped, only picking up at random moments.

All in all, I could say that the calamity was over. Yet, here I am, unable to get out of this Labyrinth after finding myself shut inside. I am currently doing the one thing that wouldn't get me out - going down.

'You were on board with the idea of going down as well,' Al's cheerfulness did nothing to lighten the mood. 'Don't try to make it seem like it was forced on you.'

'Remember that I am still against going downwards. It's literally a death trap. Even till now I think this is a bad idea. Correction, it is the worst idea I have ever seen someone make.' Michael didn't seem to be supportive even though we're already this far ahead in the idea.

'No comment.' Luna monotonously put in her thoughts.

'So there's no turning back, huh?' I sighed.

To be honest, I'm pretty sure some part of me wants to turn back right now and get to safety. Though I'm skeptical if the surface is even safe right now, some part of me believes that the surface would be safer than where I am. The remaining parts of me wanting to explore the floors below convinced me to press on.

'Nope~'

'Not anymore.'

'...'

With unanimous approval, we didn't stop to turn back. Just straight road downwards and nothing else.

'Tatsumi, you might wanna prepare your weapons. I sense movements ahead. Best be careful.' For someone who disagrees with my decision, Michael seems to be giving helpful advice more often than not. 'We never know if they're friendly or not.'

'Yea, learned that lesson back when I first started fighting in the wild. Trust someone too much and you'll lose more than you can afford to lose.' Al seemed sentimental now, reminiscing his days when he was in my place.

'He should be able to handle these kinds of things now. My warm-ups with him were enough to prepare him for surprise attacks from unknown enemies. If he wasn't, I would have to kill him to cover my shame.'

I could only gape at what Luna said. 'All that was just a warm-up to you? Half the time I felt like I was dead.'

'You were. How long did you think it took for you to regain your consciousness whenever you passed out from exhaustion?' Luna calmly replied. If anything she was now amused. An amused Luna would eventually lead to an excited Luna. An excited Luna, from what little I've learned, is never a good thing.

'Aren't you saying more words than usual?'

'... you're thinking too much.'

Placing a hand on the handle of my sword, I slowly walked forwards. Several human-like figures were hiding among the rocks above, camouflaged within the darkness. I would have assumed they were friendly, but the fact they were hiding was already a clear indicator they were suspicious. I gripped my sword tighter. My heart race, anticipating the coming battle.

A flash of metal emerged from the far corners of my eye, and seconds later my sword had to bat away a throwing star that was close to hitting me. I watched as several more shone and my sword had to be used as a makeshift shield of some sorts. One of the throwing stars landed on the ground near me, and I could see fluid of some kind trickle down the star.

Poison. Great.

'You do know that poison has a reduced effect on you, right?' Michael voices out his doubts.

'Wait, what? Since when?' I could literally feel his disappointment.

'Since your blood has been converted to become a weapon, it is now much harder for you to be poisoned by liquid-based poison. As long as you're blood doesn't have poison in large doses, you should be fine.'

'So that means I shouldn't even be concerned about the poison. Got it.'

'How about this. You get hit even once by those throwing knives, I'll increase your training. I'm sure Luna won't object. If you can pass this challenge, we teach you a neat trick. How about that?' Al challenged me. I didn't realize how much they liked to gamble until now. Or maybe they just didn't like backing down from challenges.

I narrowly missed a throwing knife aimed for my neck while I was talking to them.

'Fine. It better be some cool trick.'

'You can count on it.'

Catching a throwing knife by the handle, I attempted throwing it back, only for it to hit another projectile and fall uselessly to the ground. I guess the only other option would be to wait until they ran out of ammo.

Placing my back against a wall, I put myself into the defensive. Any projectile thrown towards me would have to be blocked. My hands were a blur, forcing my blade into the path of every projectile aimed at me. It didn't take long. Within a few minutes, I caught sight of some of my assailants sliding down from where they stood with their melee weapons in hand. Still, the amount of projectiles shows no sign of decreasing. They must have been taking turns. How sly.

I simply stood my ground.

When my enemies neared, I ran towards them and threw a single paralysis throwing knife towards the one leading. It flew in a neat line and stabbed itself into his arm, which he proceeded to take out moments later before throwing it aside.

I reached for another throwing knife and this time held it in my other hand, having it act as a secondary weapon. Once I was near enough, I forced my sword firmly into someone's gut, only to have it removed from his body to block against a strike aimed at my head.

Several swords swung towards my body and each one hit empty air as I parried or blocked. They might as well be not moving. Each one of their swings seemed so slow that I could have literally done anything else before they could even hit me. All of the fights I had with Luna seem to be paying off. Everything was moving in slow motion, giving me ample time to stab or slash them anywhere on their bodies before I had to dodge a sword swing by someone else. Not forgetting the throwing knives. They seem to fly at me anytime their comrades were not in the way.

"How did you get down here?" Someone finally started talking for the first time since I met them. I feel like this should have been the first thing they do when they saw me. Isn't the policy of 'Do first, talk later' somewhat ineffective nowadays? Like no one seems to be doing this anymore.

"I was stuck down here." I had to shout to everyone in the room, unsure who had been talking just now. My assailants had the courtesy to stop their attacks and allow me to reply to their questions. However, they had used this opportunity to encircle me, trapping me within their sheer numbers, making escape a harder task than before. "With the ground on the surface caving in, I have been stuck here for quite some time and there wasn't even a way out."

I could hear some mumbles and whispers being passed around. It was all hushed once a decision seems to have been made. A gruff voice spoke out to me, silently issuing new commands to his comrades and potentially sealing my fate. I could have sworn I flinched at the sheer roughness of his voice, speaking of the number of trials and hardships he had weathered throughout the years.

"I guess you were unlucky then."

The attacks resumed.

They seemed to have adapted to my way of fighting. Two or more of the assailants would attack me together, preferably at places where I couldn't defend myself. If one were to launch an attack in front of me, the one behind me would use this opportunity to attack me together. Their strength in number starts getting on my nerves. I had suffered more wound on my body. Thankfully, because of the makeshift armor underneath my clothes courtesy of Oda, the injuries weren't as bad as I had thought. Still, because of the numerous cuts, the bandages had become loose and some parts of it had already unwrapped and dangled loosely from my body. Bandages were slowly dyed red, soaked in my blood.

Weird. Didn't Michael and Al mention that the Imperial Arm is my blood? If so, why do I still bleed red?

I moved towards the closest opponent. He made a downward slash, which I had blocked by placing my right hand in the way of his wrist, stopping his sword from moving. Seconds later, he lost strength in his body and he slumped towards the ground.

The paralysis worked perfectly. I proceeded to hoist him up and turned him around. No way am I going to leave him there. Using him as a human shield, I turned and faced him towards anyone who was throwing things at me or was close enough to knife me. It was effective in stopping them from throwing any more projectiles in the event that they were to injure their comrade on accident. The opponents wielding melee weapons didn't falter and continued attacking me at every opportunity. I could hear people shouting orders, informing everyone to continue shooting as well as to keep me from going downwards.

'Stopping us from going down. I smell something fishy here. We're going down anyway.' Al seems interested now.

'They're not even capable of eliminating Tatsumi, let alone prevent him from going down.' I have my suspicions that Michael actually wanted to go to the bottom of the Labyrinth, even if he claims it's better to not go downwards.

The volley of projectiles continued, though not as accurate as before. Each of them was making the effort to avoid hitting their comrade whom I've taken hostage. The melee fighters continued encircling me, careful of my movements. It was a blessing that I now have lesser worries because of this hostage. I was lucky that the paralysis didn't allow my hostage to spew things that would have caused the wrong ideas in my opponents. The last thing I needed from him was his self-sacrifice giving me a harder time.

After a few rounds of circling around me, all of my opponents came at me at once, surprising me.

'Tatsumi, throw your hostage towards them and get ready to use it.' Michael's calm and analytical voice wasn't what I expect to hear in the situation I'm facing, but as a veteran who is more experienced in these situations as well as a former user of the Imperial Arm, his advice still possesses some form of aid to relieve me of my burden.

Putting my weight onto my legs, I flung my hostage towards my opponents. However, my opponents from the other direction had used the opportunity to close the gap between us and mercilessly stabbed me from all directions. Using my sword, I forcefully swung it in a wide arc, making sure my opponents would step back away from me. They abandoned their weapon, leaving them still attached to my body.

Through all this, my mind, however, was calm. I wasn't panicking like I used to. After all, this doesn't hurt as much as all the beatings I received from Luna during our spars. The red blood slowly turned to black and began to wrap itself around all the weapons that were stabbed into my body. Slowly, the blades started to inch into my body, slowly devoured by the black matter.

I could see shock and disbelief etched clearly on the faces of each and every person who witnessed such a phenomenon. There was a long unnerving silence that permeated across the room. A few of them who were more experienced came at me with newly-devised plans to stop me.

Some tried to stab me, others aimed at my head. None of them were successful. A good amount of black matter coated around my arms and my sword. Once the black matter stopped moving, I lashed out my sword towards them. The black matter assisted my arms to exert a strength that I wasn't able to before and sharpened my sword to cleanly cut through everything.

My enhanced sword cut through the sword and body of my opponents, who screamed upon realizing their body is now in two parts. That wasn't the end. Their body slowly turned black, sharing the same fate as their broken blades moments ago. The others who didn't act slowly awaken from their shock and started yelling all sorts of orders.

"Target possesses an Imperial Arm." That was the main message that spread through their numbers. It seems it wasn't as hard for them to come to this conclusion and they changed their strategies accordingly.

They tried planning countermeasures against me, thinking of all kinds of methods to either catch me off guard or to simply restraint me. All of their plans were based on the fact that they couldn't win.

'Tatsumi. Now that they are fearful, we can exploit this chance to finish them off for good.' Al's playful voice echoed inside my mind. 'Do as I tell you to and they should no longer be a problem for you.'

'Ok.'

'Similar to what you did just now, only this time try wrapping the weapon around your entire body. Imagine it as an armor that could protect you against all forms of attacks and enhances your physical capabilities at the same time.' Al began to dish out instructions, making things as easy as possible for me to understand.

Following what he said, I willed the black matter to cover every part of my being. I imagined Juggernaut, with his/her impenetrable armor that seems to have no sort of weakness. I made it fit me instead. No way would I want to look bulky and large.

The black matter twisted and turned, wrapping itself around my hands and limbs. Its movements completely powered by my thoughts and will, not wasting any sort of movements to achieve something more. Slowly, the armor took shape, becoming more defined with each passing moment. I had no idea how I would look, even though I did shape it to look like the full body armor of Juggernaut. There was just a vague and blur image I had formed inside my head.

'Now, have it form the look you want and let it do the rest of the work. Harden it, and harden it some more so that it won't break easily.' Al seems to be getting more and more excited by the minute, as though he was seeing the result of something he desired.

My armor started to harden. I willed it to maintain its solid state and made it harder and harder so that it wouldn't crumble or break. The black matter surrounding my sword has also begun to take shape. What I had assumed to be a sword initially turned into a bastard sword post-transformation.

'This is another ability, Tatsumi - One of the ways to use this weapon. This was what I had once used back in my prime. Using the black matter to enhance your physical abilities - [Reinforcement]. Adding this together with [Creation] and you get a perfect armor that boosts your physical abilities while protecting yourself from any form of physical attack, a perfect mix of defense and offense.' Al started preaching. It's kind of different from how I viewed him to be. He seemed more proud. 'This is the culmination of experience and knowledge that our predecessors achieved and passed down. Something only possible because of this weapon.'

I could feel the black matter soundlessly attach itself around me, encasing me in a firm layer of armor. It was like a dried shirt, but much thicker. It seemed natural to be wrapped around my skin, yet I know it foreign.

Everyone else in the room stared in mute horror as my transformation concludes. No one dared to move after what they had just witnessed. I could see how their expressions started turning grim as each second passes. They continued being spectators even after I began to move. Not wasting time, I swiftly moved towards the closest enemy and brought the sword down onto him, cleaving him cleanly into unequal halves.

His eyes wide open and mouth hanging open. He didn't even register that he was dead until his body started dropping to the floor moments later. The light within his eyes slowly burned out.

I moved on to the next, not stopping to think too much about what I had just done. I was in some form of a trance, moving without a clear reason guiding me. It was like a lucid dream - still able to differentiate fantasy from reality yet not fully awake to know how different it was. It was only until I reached my third victim that the others started to react. Some remained rooted in their spot, haunted by fear while others put up a brave front. My current taller physique and intimidating aura inspired fear into their mind. I simply mowed down every person within the room. A man cleaved, another stabbed, another beheaded…

The list goes on, each one powerless against my merciless assaults. None of the defenses they put up in their fear-ridden state were even effective. I moved towards the next person. Everyone is now scattered, escaping through exits that I didn't know were there before. One had peeked back while he was running and started running faster when he saw me approaching him. My sword had reached him before I did, cutting into his back.

I wasn't able to kill every single one of them. Despite my abilities, the leader of the group, as well as some of the fighters were able to escape before I had even reached them.

With my enemies scattered, I could now proceed onwards without any hindrances. I should probably dispel my armor. It would be a hassle to have it constantly on my body while I move downwards. There was also a constant migraine that plagues my head. It was the kind that messed with my sense of direction, making me more immune to my perception of my surrounding. It was muffling every sound that my ears receive. Even Al and Michael's voice were like soft murmurs that I couldn't pick up. I was feeling light-headed.

'Tatsumi. You listening?' I was now struggling to pick up the words he was saying. I couldn't make it clear what he had been saying.

'TATSUMI, DISPEL THE ARMOR RIGHT NOW!' Al had shouted something. I couldn't pick up. It was now a soft whisper.

'It's no use. Michael, you have to forcefully control him and get him to dispel the armor. Any longer and his body might collapse.'

I couldn't hear anything anymore. My entire body feels numb. I couldn't feel anything. It was just cold. Very cold.

'I managed to revert the armor's structure back to liquid. Anything else is no longer something I can control. It had been harder ever since Tatsumi started actively wielding it.'

I wasn't sure if I'm awake anymore. A strange feeling has taken over my body, forcing me into a lucid vegetative state. I couldn't even tell if I'm moving or lying still. My senses are failing me, throwing my perception of the surroundings into disarray. I couldn't even tell if I'm facing up or down.

'Tatsumi.…..…me right…...out…..'

Someone was saying something to me. Probably Al or Michael. Couldn't tell. Too blurry. Their words were fading in and out.

I should still be awake. I think. It's kind of hard to tell. The only indicator would be the bright stars that I am seeing in my vision. A strange wave of electricity began spreading throughout my body, causing tiny vibrations and jolts inside my body that makes it seem as though my body is moving.

This weird sensation continued until I started coughing. The coughing became an addiction, my body not willing to stop. It was the only thing I could do, as though my body craves this sensation. I tried controlling my body, purposefully stopping myself from coughing. The feeling that I receive in return was like I was denying myself of my lifelong purpose. It was unbearable and excruciatingly uncomfortable. I gave up, allowing my body to continue its efforts to expel whatever substances were inside my system.

I eventually stopped, throat hurting from all the coughing and the numerous times I had to spit out something from within my lungs that my body deemed as useless only to continue coughing when my body registered that not all of it was expelled. My throat felt extremely dry. I think I might have some water inside my backpack I could use as relief for my sore throat. I'll take a sip from it whenever I could recover enough to move.

My senses slowly came back to me. Sounds started getting louder, eyes being able to focus, skin feeling the thin layer of cold sweat the coats my body and my tongue able to pick up weird tastes that didn't seem to be blood.

I got up from where I was and fished for the canteen in my bag. Clear lukewarm liquid entered my throat, alleviating my thirst yet causing a stinging pain inside of my throat.

'Seriously, what's happening to my body?'

'A form of backlash for being unsuited to your powers. These were minor. If it got serious you would have been literally torn apart and pieced back together, not guaranteed to be perfectly assembled.'

'There's just all kinds of complications. I won't be surprised it could erase your existence from this world."

'That's just death, isn't it?' I replied.

There was a short pause before Al spoke.

'Let's just hope that how it would become.' Al's tone became more tense and serious, succeeding in bringing along a grim atmosphere between the four of us. This silence gave me the time I needed to process what I had just been told.

Putting my sword back into its place, we continued my venture downwards in silence.

It took no longer than a short nap and some rations for meals to reach the bottom. The lack of any form of danger was still unnerving, making me uneasy about what could possibly be at the bottom.

It wasn't what I had expected and definitely not what I wanted.

…

{Third Person's Perspective}

Blade kept running. Pacing himself so that he would have no need to stop and catch his breath. All his time here in the past running away from hordes of Danger Beasts to the sadistic training that Oda gave was enough to put his fitness above that of a normal man.

Up ahead, a lone figure stood among a dozen corpses inside the dim cavern, motionless. Blade slowed himself down, his instincts yelling at him over the odd sensation of wrongness coming from this cavern. A closer inspection of the person revealed a red cloth tied around his arm.

A soldier of the Revolutionary Army.

One hand gripped firmly on the handle of his katana, Blade approached the Revolutionary, eyes peeled for whatever action that he may take. Taking a step forwards allowed Blade to see more of this person. Looking past the attire that he was wearing brought about a horrific revelation. Black substances clung to his skin like maggots on a half-rotten corpse, slowly dissolving whatever remaining flesh that the person had on him. There was not a single reaction coming from this person, as though being eaten was no different from taking a shower.

His footsteps attracted the attention of the Revolutionary, who turned his melted features towards him. Face partially covered by black substances, eyes already melted and white bones underneath already exposed.

Blade wasted some time to gasp at the sight before him before he steel his resolve when the corpse ran towards him. Bending his knees and placing himself in a comfortable stance, his hands smoothly dragged the katana out from its sheath. The silver blade attached to his hilt became a blurry streak of light as it went through the body of Revolutionary and back into its sheath, not a single drop of blood staining the blade in the entire process. It took a moment, but the corpse collapsed onto the ground in two pieces. As it lay on the floor motionless, the black fluid continued eating away at its flesh. Blade prodded at the black fluid with his sheath but quickly retracted when a portion of the fluid attached itself to the sheath and began eating away at it. A swift swing detached the fluid from the sheath.

The fluid landed on the ground with a 'splat' and moved to rejoin its friends feasting on the corpse. The other corpses in the area also began moving, suffering a similar plight as the corpse earlier. Bringing the tip of his sheath to eye level, Blade observed that the part where the black fluid had touch shows visible cracks.

Placing his hands on the handle of his katana, Blade once more got himself into a stance, knees bent and posture sideways.

'Just as what Hikari has said it was like. Black Matter and Walking Corpses.' Blade thinks to himself. 'Which means Tatsumi was here. Following this trail would lead me to him.'

As the corpses neared, Blade dragged the katana out of his sheath and began moving forwards, slicing through everything obstructing his path. None of these corpses with their dull reactions could stop him as he made his way forwards, mowing down each and every corpse that got too close.

With a few precise strikes and slashes, the undead bites the dust. The black matter constantly ate away at the cold flesh, picking up speed as the second passes. Blade gave one last reluctant look at the fluid, before turning his attention towards his destination.

'Experiments can wait. Finding Tatsumi takes precedence.'

…

"How is the situation in the city?"

"I don't know. For now, the Mercenaries and Adventurers within the city are helping out with disaster relief. God knows how much longer do we have to wait until we confirm that everything is safe."

The two knights standing guard outside the tent continued conversing, oblivious to the situation inside the tent. Tensions within the tent were heavy, so heavy that it weighed down onto the shoulders of everyone, causing hunched backs, downcast glances, and exasperated opinions.

None of them would say it outright, but all of them wished they were anywhere but here. Dealing with disaster relief was already taxing on their limited manpower. Adding in the constant complaints coming from the nobles about how they weren't doing their jobs properly and the numerous threats coming from said nobles that they would be removed from their position as Knights. Headaches are more common than ever.

The light reflected off of their silver armor did them no good in alleviating said headache. If anything, the lighting only served to worsen it and several times some of the younger knights fidgeted and had intended to move outside, only to realize that they shouldn't and tried their best to calm themselves down. The more experienced knights split themselves into two groups. Those that voice out their thoughts and what they think would work as a next step and those that kept silent, listening to others and choosing not to speak of anything that wouldn't help.

"As reported by our scouts, the westerns region and the northern region of the city has the most numbers of fissures. Through these fissures, Danger Beasts has been crawling up from below and rampaging throughout the city. All the various guilds have already deployed their numbers they could muster and sent them to subjugate them. Our next step should be to assist in the rescue of civilians who might have been trapped inside the Labyrinth. I propose we send a small unit down into the Labyrinth."

Someone within their ranks raised an idea. Only for it to be rebutted no sooner those words left his mouth.

"Not possible. Our numbers were already stretched thin. Leading a small force down at this point is practically suicide. Or have you forgotten that the neighboring bandits are already on the move towards this location as we speak? What numbers would we be up against?"

"Edward, do you remember where we are. This is the city where adventurers and sellswords gather."

"And just what would you use to convince them to help out. These are the kind of people who listen to the voice of money. Not some altruism inside their hearts or the common intent of helping another. Don't tell me that you wish to use your own wages to hire them?"

Voices of ideas and objections were raised inside the tent. It was total chaos comparable to the one within the city. The knights here fight a different foe. It was a battlefield where everyone tries their hardest to sell their opinions, to convince the majority that their plan is much better than the other.

'We're getting nowhere at this rate.' was the common thought shared by everyone inside the tent.

Every single one of the Knights inside the tent wishes that news of the reinforcements would just walk i-

"Report!" A fellow knight rushed in, bearing news. "Sir, there's someone outside who wishes for an audience with you."

"Tell whoever it is that I'm busy." The commander of the knights despatched here briefly replies before his attention moved back onto the various plans drew up by his men.

"Sir, you might wanna see this." A medal now rests within the palm of his hands. Brought up to him by his men. The dim lighting from whatever opening within the tent reflected a symbol of a golden dragon coiling around a dazzling white sword. The medal was decorated nicely, with the sides layered with steel on a wooden board.

The commander rubbed his eyes, trying to clear away the fatigue clouding his mind. He glanced back to the medal resting in his hands. Confirming that his eyes weren't playing tricks on him, he hurriedly stood up.

"Where is this person who wishes to speak to me?"

"She's waiting outside the tent."

"Escort her in." The commander said as he passed the medal back to the news-bearer. The scout hurriedly left the tent, only to return moments later with the said guest in tow.

Sleek silver hair drifted across the air behind her as she entered the tent. Her warm amber eyes scanned the interior of the tent, as though looking for something. She was dressed in her signature silver armor, though with a feminine touch that seems to accentuate her figure. The first thing that all the other knights in the room noticed was the symbol etched into the breastplate. A gold dragon coiling itself around a white sword, representing the House which they serve.

Their gazes lingered on the symbol before everyone knelt before the newcomer.

"Mistress, it's good to see you in good health." The commander greeted. "If I may ask, why are you here before the reinforcements."

"My whereabouts are none of your concern, Captain." the lady spoke. "You all may rise, by the way."

"Mistress, for what reason have you come today?"

"Reason? Isn't the current situation the exact reason why I'm here?" She replied as though the very circumstance justifies her presence here. "From this moment onwards, I'll be assuming control of all the troops stationed here. I pray there are no objections?"

"None."

"Very good. I'll be enacting some changes to the current allocation of manpower. First and foremost, I'll have all the troops in charge of the protection of nobles transferred to guarding the relief zones and supplies while we move them back inside the city."

"Mistress, I'm sure you're aware that the city is still unsafe. Danger Beasts had crawled out from the Labyrinth after the earthquake. Even as we speak the Adventurers and Mercenaries are engaging them and holding them back but more Danger Beasts are emerging from below every second. Not to mention the Nobles would be very displeased if our knights were removed from guarding their safety."

"Oh? So what if the city is unsafe. Are we not knights? Isn't the task of slaying Danger Beasts originally ours? Do we not have the means of protecting civilians within a danger zone? By moving the relief zone inwards, we are potentially allowing survivors to receive aid faster while also eliminating the threat of bandits robbing us of our supplies."The lady glanced across the room, eyeing for anyone who dares speak out in objection. "And since the Mercenaries and Adventurers are already subjugating Danger Beasts inside, I doubt they mind if we added more people help them out. If they demand payment, tell them that they will be handsomely rewarded once everything is resolved.

As for the nobles, tell them that if they have any sort of grievances or displeasure with my decisions they are free to bring it up to my father, the Earl."

---

Hello!

Let's talk for a bit. Firstly, I shall talk about the key things in this story.

So I named an Unknown Imperial Arm from the original story after the mighty Noble Phantasm of Rider of Fate/Stay Night. The Nasuverse and Fate Series is just so amazing. I could fanboy at how detailed their system of magic is, but that's something for some other day.

[Bellerophon] - One of the 48 Imperial Arms with the ability to control Danger Beasts. The name came from a hero within the Greek legends telling of his achievement of riding a Pegasus which had emerged from Medusa when she was brought down.

A big difference as compared to the original power used by Rider. Of course, I'm open to suggestions to make the Imperial Arm better. Just leave a review or PM me if you're shy.

I kinda wanted to make 72 Imperial Arms instead of the 48, since it would give me more room to work with. However, since I don't wish to drag on the story for any longer I decide to stick with 48. As for why 72 even comes into my mind… well, have you heard of D Gray Man?

Man, I have to say, even if the writers of Akame Ga Kill said that there are Imperial Arms which are destroyed or lost, they revealed a majority of them in the manga for us. If I were to count the ones not revealed, it would be like… 5 at most. And there are roughly about 7 revealed Imperial Arms without official names. And of the seven there are 3 that have already been revealed with no names. So… you know what kind of things I'm working with here. My only hope left is the Shingus, which I can't make it overpowered. My impression of them is a cheat weapon without any sort of trump card, and it only makes things easier, not do the impossible. My only other hope is to introduce craftsmen able to make Imperial Arms, like in the sequel 'Hinowa ga Yuku', but that is for when I decided to make a sequel. What do you guys think? Should I make a sequel?

Now, I know you could be saying: 'Why not just change it and write it however you like? It's your fanfiction, you make the rules.' Well, I had rules laid out for myself when I even began this story. Along the way, it may have changed. For this story, the one unchanging thing would be the Imperial Arm. It is unique to this series and I don't wanna take it away. It would ruin the story since my imagination would run wild and make this story something else. Trust me, I have a total of 87 different drafts of all the chapters I've written. I have saved and archived them for use in my other stories. My worst attempt turned Akame Ga Kill into… the Fate Series. Or even turn the story something like those World War kind of Stories. Something which I find amusing but really destroys the story. By the way, I'm not sharing any of these drafts. I cringe everything I read them, so you know how bad it is. I was as bad as when I wrote the first chapter of this Fanfic.

Now let's talk about other things. I would like to apologize for the very late release of this chapter. I had quite a bit of content I had to cover in this chapter. This current arc is called 'Fall'. I will leave it up to you to interpret what it means. My initial plan for this arc is to have only two chapters. After all, I didn't want to drag this part out any longer. Plans changed a little. I realized that the amount of content I wanted to squeeze into this arc was simply too much as time goes on and since my first chapter of the arc was already released with around 10k words, which covered too little content, I am simply at wit's end. I admit it was my miscalculation, giving me a learning lesson.

So I delayed the release, improvised and altered the content that is supposed to be covered in this chapter. My current plan is to have the next chapter, which will be the epilogue to this volume, summarise their adventures here and continue the main plot. So that leaves, 'Stylish Raid', 'Jaegars vs Night Raid', 'Path of Peace', 'Rakshasa Four Demons', 'Imperial Castle Raid', 'Wild Hunt' and 'Revolution' arcs left. Of course, I'm still missing some more arcs and even might add more interesting non-canon arcs like the current one. Any feedback regarding these non-canon arcs? Should I do more? Or should I just stick to the main plots?

While I'm at it, I also changed the way I will be writing this story.

What it means is this. For each volume, there will be a prologue, epilogue and the chapters required to cover 2 arcs, less if I feel the need to. Which means from this chapter forth, things might be a little different. I really don't care anymore about my previous chapters and can't be bothered to change them again. Trust me I rather work on other things than edit an already finished chapter, even if the said chapter isn't up to standard. I reread my story every day to ensure my future chapter stays coherent and not have any plot holes. That means enduring the cringe from reading and the plot that my immature and delusional brain has conjured 2 years prior. Still, it made me realize how much I have improved and how much more I still need to learn.

Another issue with me writing stories is the lack of time. I complain too much about my constraints of time. I'll not rant about this anymore. I think I already did that once.

I can go on for minutes (not hours) about time, but that's no good. I'm wasting time by doing so. The result of this rant is that I will now be challenging myself to write. Like those 30-day challenges, I challenge myself to finish a good quarter of a chapter in a single week. Though it will still take longer to publish, it won't be like how long this chapter took. Of course, I can't promise you consistent release every week, but I'll at least promise that the content, hopefully, is good.

Now, on a side note. I recently decided to take up another hobby, outside of my games on my PS4 and switch. I have a bit of time aside from juggling writing and other duties. Maybe 2 hours is good enough. On some days I would spend that 2 hours playing the Spider-man on my PS4 (Bought the game ages ago but only started playing recently as I had more free time), while on other days I would be indulging in this hobby. So to assist me with this hobby, I got myself a graphics tablet. Now I gonna learn drawing on my computer. I intend to start by being a translator. Basically, I will be a translator for Chinese Manhua which I have to learn the language throughout my life as a Mother Tongue.

Also, I'll be creating a website for all my fanfics. The purpose of that website would be to connect my stories as well as my work together so that everything is connected on a platform. It's more for my sake than anything else. Everything is all over the place. Might give you guys access as a form of keeping things more updated. Since once the website becomes active, I'll be updating things there first before anywhere else.

Well, time is ticking, and I have to make do with it.

On that note, I apologize for the roughly 1-year break.

Thanks for reading this chapter. I say this every time but please leave a review. I really like reading them. It makes my day.

Thanks and have a nice day!