I slowly walked towards the Aragami in front of us, carefully watching its every move. I know that Alisa is watching my back, so my priority for now is to save Soma and the others. I glanced over at Kota, who was still shaking in his boots. However, from the looks of it, he must be done recovering his bullets and could back me up as well.

The plan in my head is a little bit risky, but I think this is the best way to deal with this for now. This is also the perfect opportunity to test out the capabilities of this new technology.

"Listen guys! I'll be taking on this Aragami head-on." I can see that they're not liking the sound of my plan, knowing that I just recovered from a serious injury. I also want to test out the limits of my new body, so I think this much is necessary. "Kota, I need you to offer me support fire. Alisa, I need you to get and help Lindow and the others. I'll buy you as much time as you need, but you better hurry."

I can see subtle changes in the new Chi-You's movements, signs that it's probably going to attack us soon. This is a strange Aragami behavior, because I've always believed that they only react to their desire to devour. It's because of that trait that our God Arcs also have the desire to devour anything, and the only thing that's preventing that is our Armlets. However, this Aragami is strangely observing us, as if it's analyzing our patters as well. If all Aragamis are like this one, then our fight will only get harder from here on out.

"Now!" I shouted, before charging in straight on the Aragami.

Kota was firing his shots, trying to pin the Chi-You down to its place. However, as soon as I entered the Chi-You's range, it ignored Kota's shots and attacked me with a very fast swipe. I jumped over its arm and charged my blades straight to its belly.

The God Arcs managed to pierce through the Chi-You's body, but the pierce was not deep enough to inflict any serious damage. The Aragami's body is too thick and sturdy to slash it open through the pierce wound, so I just drew my God Arcs back and took a quick step back, and then to the left.

I saw Alisa tending to the Soma, who was now slowly getting back to his feet. This is good. It seems that I've completely hold the Aragami's attention. Kota stopped his support fire for a while. I observed the Aragami once again, all because it was doing the same. I'm starting to think this Aragami is actually thinking. It's going to be a scary fight if it manages to learn my patterns, so I have to keep my movements random.

However, the Chi-You caught me by surprise when it suddenly fired a fireball from its palm. It was a quick fire, so it wasn't that powerful. I made a quick step to my right, but I realized it was a bad move as the Aragami's left arm is quickly heading towards my direction.

I can't believe that the Chi-You actually had the intelligence to set up its attack like this.

I crossed my blades and caught the Chi-You's crashing claws. The force of its attack was so strong that I was forced to my knees. The Chi-You continued its attack with its other arm. The Aragami made a huge windup, and then swung its other claw towards me. From this position, there's no way I can defend myself.

I braced myself for the impact of the attack, but a shadow suddenly appeared and blocked the incoming claw for me. A moment later, I realized that it was the now-revitalized Soma defending me from the attack.

"Can't you stop being reckless?" He scolded me. We pushed off both the Aragami's arms and made a quick step back, while Kota blasted another barrage of shots against it.

"I'm out of bullets again!" Kota warned us. Soma clicked his tongue after hearing this. It's really bothersome that Kota tends to run out of bullets frequently, especially when it's in dire situations like this.

"Got any better plans?" Soma asked me. I glanced over Alisa, who was now tending to Lindow and Sakuya.

"For now, let's buy time for Lindow and Sakuya to recover." I told Soma this for now, but I have to come up with a better plan than this if we want to beat this strong Aragami.

I can't count on Alisa in this fight now, given the state her God Arc is in. Her buckler's pretty much out of shape now, and it's hard to imagine how long her shield could last in this battle. If only we have another God Eater or two here, then I could come up with something.

"Let's focus our attacks on its legs." I told Soma. "If we can unbound those cells, we can hinder it's movements greatly. I'll create the openings for you."

After Soma agreed to my temporary plan, I charged in once more. I can't count on Kota to pin the Aragami down this time, so I headed in carefully this time. This time, the Chi-You unleashed a barrage of fireballs against me -small and quick fireballs, as if it was trying its best to keep me away from it. However, it was easy for me to slash the fireballs down because of their small size.

After dodging the last fireball, I saw the Chi-You charging up a large one. The Aragami's barrage was another set to this attack. The Chi-You then fired the ball of condensed energy at my direction. I jumped up to avoid the huge fireball. I turned all of my momentum into an attack and aimed for the Aragami's head, but my blades were received by his claws. This opened up the perfect opportunity for Soma to attack its legs.

Soma unleashed his Charged Blade on the Aragami's legs. The Chi-You released my God Arcs from its hands and winced in pain after receiving Soma's attack. I made a twirled my body to my side and made a spinning slash against the Aragami's head.

The Chi-You covered its face after my attack, and was stumbling back because of its lost balance after Soma's attack. Soma and I continued to unleash a barrage of unguarded slashes against the Aragami's lower limbs. In no time, we were able to unbound its cells on its legs.

Soma and I made a quick step backwards after unbounding the cells on its legs, and then stepped back in to land the finishing blow. However, we stopped midway after seeing the Chi-You's reaction.

The Chi-You slowly got back up to its feet, and the flames on burning on its wings and back just got brighter. This fight is longer from being over than we thought. What's more, this attack is awfully reminding me of the Hannibal's Firestorm attack.

"Isn't that...?" Soma noticed the obvious similarity as well.

"Yeah, this isn't good." I murmured. Soma and I decided to back away further from the enraged Chi-You.

The Chi-You floated up in the sky, and burned even brighter and stronger. After a few moments of gathering energy, the burning Chi-You released strong pillars of flame from its body that went on all directions.

We ran back and took cover behind the ruins of the destroyed building. It was notable that this version of the Hannibal's Firestorm is much more powerful than the original's. It took a few moments before the flames died down, and I took a peak at the destruction the Aragami's flashy attack did.

I can see Alisa and the others in the opposite direction from us, but they seem to be safe. For now, it seems that the Chi-You has not yet detected us. I gave Alisa and the others the signal to retreat for now, so we can regroup and think of a better strategy to beat this thing. Lindow might have ideas how to take this Aragami out.

We've managed to regroup successfully. I looked at the Chi-You, and it remained suspended in the air while being engulfed in its own strong flames.

"Lindow, do you have any ideas how to take this thing down for good?" I asked the former First Unit's leader for his ideas. "We should take this Aragami down as soon as possible, or it's just going to get tougher to beat."

"This Aragami, no matter where you look at it, it's just a variant of a Chi-You; the same basic strategy when fighting against Chi-You's should work." Lindow suggested.

Soma and I used the same approach earlier and managed to unbound the cells on its limbs, but this is how the Aragami responded with our actions.

"We've tried that before, and obviously it didn't work. We managed to deal some damage on its legs though; that should probably hinder its movements when on the ground." Soma pointed out. I've also thought of that, but that Aragami's intelligence is proving to be troublesome for us.

"As soon as we unbounded the cells on its legs, it responded by flying ten meters up in the air and unleashed those flames like there was no tomorrow." I told the others. "I don't think that thing will be down anytime soon."

"Then, why don't we force that thing down?" Kota suggested, out of the blue. I'm already thinking of that, but I don't know how to do it. "I mean, its legs are in a pretty bad shape, right? If we manage to get it down, then it's over for him!"

It's amazing how Kota can stay animated and lively like this, despite the dire situation we are currently in right now.

"What do you have for brains?" Alisa quickly shot Kota down. "You suggest on taking it down to the ground, but do you know how? That thing's engulfed in flames, you won't even be able to get close!"

That's not all, we still have to watch out for its Firestorm attack. Charging in recklessly would really be dangerous this time.

However, Sakuya caught my attention. Based from her expression, it seems that she came up with an idea but is thinking if she should bring it up or not. I think Sakuya came up with the same ridiculous solution I did.

"Let's focus our attacks on its wings." Sakuya suggested. "That thing is relying on its wings to stay afloat. If we can destroy those wings, it's going to be easy at that point."

Ah, I knew it. Sakuya did come up with the same solution as I did. It sounds possible, but this plan comes with a huge risk.

"The problem is how we get closer to that thing." Sakuya added.

"We can you that." I pointed on a ruined building near the Aragami. "We can use that to get high enough and take its wings out. However, we have to somehow force the Chi-You near that place."

I gripped my the God Arcs in my hand tighter. If I remember correctly, the Director said that my body is now stronger than any God Eater's. I should be able to prove that this time.

"I could probably launch an attack from that point." I told them. "If you can move the Chi-You to a little bit nearer to the ruins of the building, I could probably take its wings out."

"Are you out of your mind? That's the same as jumping in a sea of flames!" Soma exclaimed.

I looked at him with a faint smile. "We'll just get burned as well if just stay here anyway."

"Don't screw with me!" Soma grabbed me by my shirt. Alisa and Sakuya quickly got off their feet and tried to calm Soma down. "A month ago, you came back from your mission half-dead because you chased after an unknown enemy, and now you're willing to jump into a sea of flames? Do you want to die that badly?"

I grabbed Soma's wrist. "If I won't do it, then who will? Right now, it's our only chance of beating that thing."

"Hey, you two cut that out." Lindow stood up and broke us off. He then looked at my direction and gave me a serious look. "You're willing to do this because you know you're going to pull it off, right?"

I gave him a light smile. "Well, more or less."

Lindow let out a light chuckle. "I guess that's good enough. Let's go with this plan then."

Soma looked like he didn't want to go with the plan, but he's got no choice.

"Listen up, people!" Lindow exclaimed after formulating a plan inside his head. "Rookie, climb up that ruined building, and once you're in position, give us a signal. Sakuya, Alisa and Kota will unleash a barrage of shots to force and pin that Aragami as near as possible to that ruined building. When it's close enough, take out its wings. When the wings are off, it should fall to the ground. Once that thing is grounded, Soma and I will take care of it."

It's amazing how Lindow can come up with a detailed plan like that inside his head in a short amount of time. It must come from his vast experience.

After getting our orders, we went to our designated positions.

I turned around and decided to head to my position, but I suddenly stopped as I felt a tight pain around my chest. I gripped my God Arcs tighter, but the pain is making me unable to move.

"Is there something wrong?" Alisa suddenly asked me. She's really sharp when it comes to things like this.

I turned around and flashed her a forced smile. "It's nothing."

However, that didn't take the worry off her face. I'm sure she knows that something is wrong with me, but decided to keep it inside her. I turned around once again and headed towards the ruined building.

So this is what the Director meant when he said that I'll be unable to fight as long as I used to. Basically, there's a time limit as to how long I can fight.

This isn't good. We have to succeed with this plan no matter what, or we could be in trouble.

I reached my designated position and gave the others the signal. I looked down and saw Soma and Lindow drawing the Aragami's attention to themselves. After the signal has been fired, the two backed away and the others started their barrage of shots at the Chi-You.

I looked at the trigger in the Long Blade God Arc in my right hand. I'm pretty much relying on these that I have no experience using. Basically, I'm staking my life in this feature that I haven't tested out. I looked back at the Aragami, and it was being forced at the direction we want to, as we planned.

It's almost time for me to play my part now.

Soon, the Chi-You was in a reasonable distance for me to connect an attack. I ran as fast as I can and jumped towards the Aragami. Sakuya and the others stopped their shots as soon as they saw me jump off the building's edge. I focused my eyes on the Chi-You's wings. After setting my target, I pulled the trigger of both God Arcs and unleashed a strong slash against the Aragami's wings.

"CUT THROUGH!" I shouted. I can see the blades deep inside the Chi-You's right wing, but it's not deep enough to cut the whole wing off.

I defeated the new-type Ogretail with ease. Surprisingly, this prototype God Arc is easy to use. I looked at it and observed it once more. I noticed that there was a trigger. This prototype God Arc doesn't have anything else besides its blade, so I wonder what does this trigger do. I checked the smaller God Arc inside the metal case, and it had the same trigger.

"Can you read me?" I heard a voice trying to reach me through the communicator on my left ear.

"Hibari?" I quickly noticed the voice. "I can hear you loud and clear. What's the matter?"

"Licca says she forgot to tell you something important regarding the prototype God Arc. She needs to speak to you ASAP." Hibari informed.

Licca forgot to mention something important? I knew it. She didn't tell me how to use this God Arc because she doesn't want me to use it in the first place! I bet she's still angry at me for busting my God Arc so bad it makes her cry, and she thinks that I'll do the same to this one.

"Leader, can you hear me? This is Licca." She introduced. "I forgot to tell you something important about the prototype God Arc because I was still angry at you, I'm sorry!"

Ah, I knew it. Oh well, at least she managed to reach me anyway.

"Have you noticed the triggers on both God Arcs?" Licca asked. "Have you tried using them yet?"

"I only noticed them now. What does those triggers do?" I asked back.

"Those God Arcs have no way to release the Oracle Cells they store because they lack the gun parts necessary to do so, right?" Licca pointed out. I already noticed that, and while it's a waste, I don't think it's a problem. "When the triggers are switched, the stored Oracle Cells will force micro-level vibrations within the blade."

Did I hear that just right; micro-level vibrations induced by Oracle Cells?

"Basically, if I store enough Oracle Cells and pull the trigger, it's going to be easier to cut through Aragami flesh?" I cleared out.

"In theory, yes." I clenched my fists after hearing that. This prototype God Arc is something else. "However, the system is still in its working stages, so I strongly suggest not to use it, unless extremely necessary."

"Is something bad going to happen if the system fails?" I asked Licca.

"Well, it's a matter of whether the prototype God Arc can handle the system or not; worst possible case is that your God Arc will melt down." She replied.

The risks are too high. I think I should listen to her this time. "Alright, copy that."

"Good luck and stay safe!" Licca told me, before handing the communication back over to Hibari.

I suddenly heard a loud growl coming from a distance. I have a bad feeling about this. I quickly rushed over the direction of the noise.

I can hear the Aragami wincing in pain as I forced my blades to dig down deeper against its wings. However, the heat from the Chi-You's body and the heat being emitted by my God Arc is starting to become too much to handle. The Aragami started to shake me off its wings, but I landed my legs on its wings for more balance.

With my last ounce of strength, I pushed my God Arcs through the Chi-You's wings, ripping the whole arm off its body. I kicked myself off the Aragami and launched myself against the ruined building.

I landed back-first to the ground hard, but I'm still fine. The Aragami and I crashed almost at the same time, and as soon as its body touched the ground, Lindow and Soma started their attack.

Soma unleashed another one of his devastating Charged Blades on the Aragami, while Lindow let out a flurry of slashes on the Chi-You's key parts. Alisa changed to her melee form and assaulted the downed Aragami, while Kota and Sakuya resumed their barrage of shots.

I remained lying on the ground while I watched them finish the defenseless Chi-You off. Lindow readied his God Arc and devoured the Chi-You's core.

At last, it's over now.

I looked at the God Arcs on my hand, and they're in partially-melted state. I'm sure Licca's going to blow off after seeing the state this prototype God Arc's in. Alisa and Kota quickly rushed to my aid. Kota helped me get up. My body is still numb from the fall, but I can stand up, barely.

Suddenly, I had an eerie feeling. I suddenly remembered the first time we encountered the Hannibal. We thought it was all over after extracting its core, but it the Aragami was able to regenerate its own core.

The Chi-You then moved its left arm. The core-less Aragami slowly got back up to its feet. Soma and Lindow quickly backed away from the returning Aragami and lifted their God Arcs once again.

"What the hell? It's also capable of regenerating its core?" Soma exclaimed.

"Watch out, it's not yet over!" Lindow shouted.

The Chi-You let out an enraged growl. The fires that enveloped its body started to burn once again, only this time, they're burning brighter.

I can't believe this is really happening. I clenched the battered God Arcs in my hands, and at this point, there's only one thing I can think off.

It's a good thing that the others were not present when the Director, Tsubaki, and I continued our conversation about my current state.

Right now, the only chance we have on beating that thing is if we enter Burst Mode. Unlike the Hannibal who regenerates completely after regenerating its core, this Chi-You was unable to heal back the damages we've inflicted on it. Unlike the Hannibal, if we dismember this Aragami down, it's going to be over for it, no matter how many times it regenerates its core. Entering Burst Mode is going to help us achieve that faster.

I rushed towards the recovering Aragami and ran towards its back. I plunged the Short Blade God Arc deep against its back, while the Long Blade God Arc devoured part of the Aragami's flesh.

I can feel the power rushing inside me, now that I'm in Burst Mode. I slashed the Aragami flesh from the inside with the use of the Short Blade God Arc plunged against its back, chipping away a large portion of its flesh.

I jumped away from the Aragami and ran towards to its left. After dealing a couple of quick slashes on the Chi-You's body, I jumped up and slashed the Aragami's head, aiming for its eyes. The Aragami backed away after being blinded, its right hand covering his head once again.

I dug the Short Blade against the Chi-You's right shoulder this time, and then tried to slash off the Aragami's right arm, but the Long Blade shattered after the strong impact of the blade against the Chi-You's hardened body. The Chi-You managed to grab my leg and threw me away from it. I wasn't able to pull out the Short Blade God Arc in the process.

Right now, I'm practically armless.

I looked at the broken God Arc on my right hand, and after deeming it unusable, I tossed it to the side. My priority now is two retrieve the Short Blade God Arc and finish this fight.

I rushed back against the blinded Aragami and jumped up, reaching for my other God Arc. I managed to reach it and pull it out. I then circled around to its back and jumped on the Chi-You's back, digging my blade against its nape. From that position, I was able to sever the Chi-You's head off of its body.

I looked at the Chi-You's back, and the place where the core was extracted from is starting to close up. I quickly got down and plunged the Aragami's core with my blade. I held the closing wound on both sides and forced it to open once again with my bare hands. The Aragami was trying to reach me from its back. I pulled out the Short Blade from its core and slashed the other arm off. I tossed the severed arm to the side and the Aragami collapsed to the ground.

I extracted the damaged core and tossed it away. And then, I plunged my God Arc at the spot where the core is regenerated, hoping it would stop the core from regenerating back.

And then Burst Mode ended. I was breathing heavily as I slowly backed away from the Aragami remains. I looked at my comrades, but I was surprised with what I saw.

They all had horrified expressions as they were looking back at me. Why are they looking at me like that? Why are they looking at me like I did something horrible? Why are they looking at me like I'm some sick monster.

"Who...you're not our leader..." Alisa murmured. I tried to approach her, but the moment I took a step forward, she instantly took one step back. "You're not our leader...who are you?"

I can't quite understand what the question was for.

Suddenly, I felt something rushing back to me. I fell down to my knees as I coughed up a huge amount of blood on my hands. After seeing all the blood, I looked back at my friends, and then passed out.