Ch. 8
We walked out of the library and into the forest behind the school. There I once more changed into my weapon form, and challenged each person to try and wield me. Black Star stepped up and swung me around forcefully. He'd swing and I'd exert extra force and power into every attack. One technique I demonstrated was called "Schädel Wind" (Skull Wind) which increased the speed of every attack to blinding speeds. After some time he began to tire and set me down. What I did not expect was for Maka to come up, lift me, and swing me seamlessly with ease. Impressed with her aptitude, I asked; "Are you ready to see something badass?" She nodded and said eagerly, "Tell me what I must do." At her statement, I chuckled and said, "Let us resonate first. Then swing me as hard as you can, and see." After our souls resonated, I growled before roaring: "SCHATTEN MÖRDER (Shadow Killer)!" As she swung down with utter strength, my blade emitted a pitch black wave of energy that traveled across the ground and sky, enveloping everything in its path. In a matter of seconds everything within 10 miles began to decompose and deteriorate. That display of power no doubt shocked everyone, including Black Star, who dropped to his knees while staring at the dead and fallen trees, and once massive rocks were now reduced to dust where once they stood.
I returned to my human form, and laughed at their stunned faces. "Geez guys, you act like you've just seen a ghost or something." A few seconds passed until Patty shouted as she leaped up in the air: "That was...AWESOME!" Everyone else remained appalled while Black Star asked curiously, thus breaking the silence: "Was that your strongest attack or is there some hidden technique you're hiding from your God?" I simply shrugged and said: "Who knows?" He insisted that I demonstrate it, but I flatly refused. I then changed the subject by asking each pair of Meisters and Weapons to demonstrate their abilities. The idea behind that was so I may also assess their strengths and see if they needed to improve in any way. Maka and Soul went up first and upon resonating their souls harmoniously, they performed Demon Hunter. I had seen that attack performed only once, so to see Maka and Soul capable of doing so astonished me. Kid, Liz and Patty then resonated together and launched their Death Cannon. Black Star and Tsubaki went up next and showed me their God Slaying Attack. Lastly, Crona and Ragnarok, who surprisingly was actually compliant, proceeded to demonstrate their Screech Alpha attack. By the time we each displayed our attacks and abilities, we had cut down maybe 500 trees all around us.
Wow I thought. These guys show tremendous promise. Perhaps these missions will go smoothly after all...I looked at each of them before addressing them with pride. "I gotta say, Lord Death definitely picked the best suited and capable people for this project. You've amazed me beyond description, so much so, that whatever fear or doubts I had before, have vanished." I saw the gratification on their faces, but their attention then shifted to Stein who walked from among the trees and towards our group. "Yes quite true indeed, Vladimir. They are undoubtedly formidable fighters with deadly weapon partners." Black Star walked up to Stein and asked; "Did you come to watch the real star shine among this crowd?" Stein shook his head and replied, "No. The purpose behind my arrival is to inform you that Lord Death is ready to give you your first mission. He requests that all of you report to the Death Room immediately." We didn't delay a moment further, and proceeded to collectively head for the Death Room.
We entered together and were greeted eccentrically by Lord Death. "Yo! Hey, what's up?! It's great to see you are working together as a team. I trust you know why you were asked to come?" Kid broke the silence by asking, "What are the details revolving our first mission, father?" "Glad you asked, Kiddo," Lord Death said. "There is a gang in New York City that has been running rampant in the last few weeks. They are responsible for the abductions and murders of men and women, and must be dealt with at once." I faced Lord Death and asked, "How many members are in this gang?" He placed a finger on his cheek in contemplation and replied: "Approximately 200. They're using the White Horse Tavern as their headquarters, and they are loyally devout to their leader named Jackal. The souls of the victims are his to consume while his army satisfies itself with bloodshed, rewards of money and drugs." It was my turn to address everyone, I looked at each of them and said: "Meet me at the airport at 10 A.M. We'll fly there, slay our foes, and be back by tomorrow night." They nodded in agreement, and I left the others in the Death Room while I was heading towards the exit and going home.