Chapter 11
"C-can we just hear them out at least?" Izuku pleaded. "They did help us."
Katsuki and Saiko shared a look, both were uncertain about the action but decided to comply. They have the upper hand in terms of sheer numbers and should things turn south, they have a better chance of winning.
Turning to the band of criminals, Izuku wanted to ask so many questions. The why, when, how and so forth but he couldn't decide on which one. Scattered around them were hordes of undead summons he had brought back to life, standing at the ready whereas their torn and desecrated corpses lay across the battlefield.
Although Izuku knew his power has grown considerably and had stronger allies, he still couldn't help but be afraid of these three. Unlike him, these people can take another person's life without any remorse. Unlike him, these three are heinous criminals who would kill yet again.
Knowing with a simple command of his, the Summons under him would gladly rip the three scum into ribbons. He doesn't know the exact strength of the trio but he does have a rough estimate going by the rank alone. Although he must also consider that he doesn't know their full combat capability. A C-rank Mage can summon a familiar strong enough to take on an A-rank monster.
"I'm gonna make this brief; we didn't do what we'd done just for you guys. I'm only trying to help improve society." A noseless man who had introduced himself as Stain spoke up.
"Murdering random people doesn't count as helping!" Saiko responded heatedly. Stain only gave a baleful glare at the speaker who had begun to sweat slightly more than usual. But Saiko didn't give in and chose to stare evenly back. This in turn caused the man to snort derisively.
"Kid, do me a favor and shut that mouth. Or I'll gut you alive."
"Don't threaten Intelli-san or I'll have these guys tear you apart." Izuku barked. Only to be momentarily taken aback by how much bile he just poured in. Katsuki and Saiko shot a glance at his words but neither had their expression betraying their true thoughts.
The shark-man merely chuckled in amusement whilst Aka remained quiet, eyeing nervously at all three of them. Stain's only response was to roll his eyes in annoyance.
"Calm down, I'm not going to. Yet. Well, I wanted to but I had a change of heart." He stated.
"Why?" A simple question but one Katsuki needed answers for.
"Yeah, why? One moment you want to kill them and now you change your mind." Same growled. "What the fuck are you, some fucking bipolar retard?"
Aka only shot the criminal a scathing glare but decided not to say anything, not wishing to irk the psychopathic ninja. Izuku took note of the spiral-like pattern crawling across his hands. Having seen it in action, Izuku knew of its terrifying capability.
"M-me?" stuttered the greenette.
"Kid, it's the spear. It belongs to the savior." Stain groaned.
Somewhat frightened he dropped the spear out of fright only for Stain to leap forward and grabbed it. At the sudden shift, Katsuki lunged forward with one hand for the throat. He would've crushed the throat if it weren't for the sensation of a sharp dagger pressed against his belly.
Saiko quickly diverts her attention towards the freakish-looking assassin, rifle humming with energy. Izuku on the other hand realized how fast he had moved for a simple Elite-Grade potential summon. Only to remember that Awakened can train their body hard enough to surpass their initial rank.
"Don't drop it, you idiot! This thing could save humanity from the monsters of the Dungeon!" Stain roared, causing the boy to stumble back by the sheer volume and anger behind the words. Unable to stop himself, Izuku wounds up falling onto the ground on his very ass. Hurriedly he got up whilst gesturing to the familiars not to attack.
"I want to ask some questions." Several had their heads turned; Katsuki remained impassive and opted to pay attention to the enemies, while Same and Aka were eyeing the summons surrounding them. Stain, much to Izuku's amazement, remained calm and only gave a simple gesture to continue.
"Why do you think that Midnight can 'save' humanity? What do you mean by that?"
"It's...I don't know how to say this but I can see into the future. For as long as I remember, I kept seeing a future where horrible monsters like this come to life." Stain spoke, surprising the others. Almost everyone was understandably shocked by what he said.
"It's...not that far-fetched in all honesty," Izuku spoke, earning a baffled look out from practically everyone. Flustered at the sudden draw of attention, he coughed as he attempted to gather himself.
"Energy of the Gates are-at best-remains a largely unknown source of power. Some people developed abilities not too dissimilar to Quirks whilst a few do gain powers that are far above Quirks of similar function in potency," Izuku spoke, recounting the few talks he had with Saiko in the past.
"Even now, they still don't have an in-depth understanding of these unknown elements. Hence it wouldn't be too absurd to say some people can per day, see the future." Izuku finished. Some of the Quirks of others allowed them to do just that with Sir Nighteye as an ideal example.
"Pff, is this kid for real?" Same remarked, jabbing the middle finger at Stain. "Y-you've said we shouldn't kill these heroes just because you saw some images? All the heroes and villains you killed were because you can see the future?! So, the few time you looked at that sword isn't to admire its rust but because you see some fucking images?!"
Aka only watched the exchange with growing curiosity but even the man couldn't help but crack a smile. On the other hand, Stain only slowly withdrew the knife back before gently putting down the sword-spear on the ground.
"Look, you guys want to get out and so do we. I say we help each other." Stain spoke. Katsuki glanced at them before turning towards Saiko and Izuku, wanting to know their stance. The young girl shook her head intensely whilst the greenette was deep in thought.
"No. Just no. You're a criminal. We don't work with people like you." Saiko spoke. Sparing a glance at her fellow teammates. "Besides, we can handle ourselves quite well."
"So, you're just gonna abandon us in this dump?! I thought you guys were heroes?" Aka asked.
"Do you want to know what is the true purpose of rehabilitation criminals Awakened like you? It's not to reduce your sentence by helping clear Dungeons. It's to make sure you guys die in them." Saiko stated plainly. This time it was Katsuki and Izuku who looked shocked.
"W-what?" Izuku stuttered, taken aback by what he learned. "That's just..."
"Look, we can talk about this whole thing later. But right now, we gotta think on what to do with these guys." Katsuki interjected. For a moment, the three made eye contact and eventually silently agreed with the blonde.
"Oh no, I'm not going back there again! You jackasses wouldn't kill us but you'll sure as heck send us back to that shithole for a prison." Aka scowled, spirals forming across his spread-out arms. The shark-man had the same thoughts, growing larger and more bestial looking as he growled. Before Stain could restrain either one, they had lunged forward with fury in their eyes.
Katsuki and Saiko immediately leaped away, wanting to maintain as many distances as possible. The opposite went for the resurrected monsters under Izuku's command, charging forward with gusto. A giant insect warrior brought down its fist only for Aka to spin around it. A simple touch had its entire limb violently contorting into a black thin line.
Baffled, the insect looked at its own damaged appendage before began healing. In that time, Aka quickly leaped upward and held onto its face. A baffled look crossed the poor Myrmidon's eyes before its vision turned at incredible speed, as its head had turned violently. Aka could only frown as another shadowy monster threw a haphazard punch to which Aka dodged effortlessly.
Several more came down upon the spiral user, wanting to annihilate him. However much to his surprise, the shark-man came to his defense, grabbing each one of the attacker's arms before violently ripping them off. Before they could regrow another limb, Same's gaping jaw filled with razor-sharp teeth tore their heads off.
"Focus on the summoner!" Same roared, shadowy wisp dripping out of the maw. Just as he declared it, the giant rushed forward with arms spread wide. Understanding dawned on Aka, grinning as he rushed forward only to get kicked in the shin by Stain. He swiped wildly only to miss by a wide margin courtesy of the hunched forward freak leaping over him.
"Get off me!" Aka yelled, flailing wildly as fast as he can. Stain drew his sword back, ready to knock out the man. However, the gesture was rendered needless as a powerful blast wound up blew the man's head up, sending ludicrous bloodied gibs everywhere.
Stain turned towards the source and caught a shaking pale-faced woman. Looking at the still smoking barrel of that rifle and anyone can tell what she had just done. However, Stain couldn't act when there were other pressing matters, choosing to dash for the rampaging man-shark.
Fear crept in as Izuku took in the image of the frenzied man-shark. He looked like a textbook definition of a monster. Black wisp flowed through the crack between its teeth, like blood out of a freshly killed victim. Before long, he quickly lunged forward with speed unbefitting its massive form.
Bellion whipped the blade forward and Same merely ducked underneath it. Grabbing onto the jagged extended whip, he tightened the grip all the while ignoring the prickly sensation as steel drugged deep into his flesh. Only a simple but powerful yank wound sends the monster straight to Same.
The angelic warrior launched a kick to which Same tanked. A sadistic grin spreading through its features, his jaw opened wide, and chomped down on the warrior's free arm, reducing it into a shadowy stump. Bellion tried to strike for the second time and received a powerful blow to the face, sending it reeling back. Unrelenting, Same delivered crushing blows after crushing blows, completely dominating the swordsman who was left on the defensive.
Saiko quickly fired more shots at the man-shark but all it does is simply annoyed the man who lifted the shadow angelic warrior. Only a single grunt escaped Same's jaw as he hurled the shadowy warrior with all his might towards the young spearwoman. Leaping to the side to avoid the crashing warrior, she recovered and aimed.
Frightened by the massive madman, Saiko aimed at the monster and shot as fast as she can. Blast after blast of energy and yet they still did nothing except give the man some burns. Several of the Myrmidon lunged forward to protect her but they were destroyed in a single blow by Same who plowed through them almost effortlessly. Several gets in a few good hits but wound up getting torn to shreds.
Izuku swiped at the air with the scaled gauntlet, firing off torrents of orange fires. The attack made contact but even then it proved to be rather ineffective. If anything it seems to make the murderous maniac even more maniacal. The earth underneath shook harder with every step as the man ran forward.
Shaking, he tried to swallow some of the bile down and tried to lunge forward with the spear. But Katsuki leaped past him, one leg extending forward in a flying kick. The speeding blonde's feet landed against the shark mutant's nose, knocking the man-shark straight into a tree. The collision left an impressionable dent as Same got up, looking more furious than before.
Getting up, he ripped a chunk out of the tree and brandishes it like a bat; throwing a come-on gesture.
The two rushed forward to which Katsuki slid in-between the main shark's legs, missing the overhead swing. Focusing on some of the sweats, the blonde unleashed a low-yield blast at the knees, sending the man-shark onto his knees. Getting up, Katsuki tried to deliver a kick to the back of the head but failed, courtesy of the Same spinning around with an elbow to the face. Rendered daze by the blow, Katsuki sees double whilst his head vibrated in pain.
Despite the injuries, Katsuki held his ground and any hints of damage weren't shown. Instead, Katsuki's enraged expression met Same's ecstatic grin. Same's right hand came down in a powerful hook but was blocked by the blonde brawler's free hand. Fingers digging deep into the massive limb of the man-shark.
"Die!" Katsuki cursed, igniting a powerful burst of orange flames. Sounds equal to Thunder's cracking and smokes of sulfuric smell exploded into the world. This time, however, Same roared in pain as he stumbled back, revealing both arms had been blown off. Bloodied stumps spurting blood as the pained man looked at them briefly in shock before crying out in pain. However, the pained cry turned to choked gurgling as a blade erupted out of the poor mutant's chest.
Looking down, Same helplessly tried to grab at it. With one flourish, Stain pulled out the katana and sent the dismembered man stumbling forward. Crimson red life-giving blood stained the ground.
Unable to fight it, Izuku rushed to the side and vomited. Contained bile came pouring out like water from a clogged-up drain. By the time he was done, Izuku shakily got up while wiping some of the bits of meat from earlier away. Simply looking at the ruined remains of the two criminals had the man throwing up yet again only for nothing to come out.
'Oh god, I-I just saw someone die. No, I helped kill someone!' Izuku cried.
"Fan-fucking-tastic." Cursed Stain, shoulders sagging as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Izuku's eyes traced downward, looking at the sword still slick and wet with the blood of the criminal. A criminal he may have been but he was still a living being.
"W-why?" Izuku croaked out. Stain gave a surprised look, glancing at the deceased corpse before turning to the young greenest.
"Those guys were trying to kill us. Wasn't that a good enough reason?" Katsuki's sudden words took the greenette by surprise. Turns to see Izuku's childhood friend sporting an uncharacteristically solemn expression. Whatever blood spilled had already disappeared courtesy of the explosion caused by Katsuki's Quirk.
"B-but we're heroes. We don't take lives. What separates us from the criminals if we kill them!? Tell me, Kacchan! What gives you the right to take a person's life!?" Izuku yelled, chest heaving up and down as he gripped the black spear tightly. Using it to prop himself upward and stared evenly at Katsuki in the eye who only remained quiet.
"Because-"
"Same Ago was a founding member and destroyer of the Sea King gang, a small-time gang notorious for consisting of aquatic or amphibious hoodlums." Everyone's attention turned towards Saiko, who looked positively pale. If the trace of colorful substance on the cheek were anything to go by, the young gal must have vomited as well.
"Destroyer? Wait he destroyed it?" Izuku was surprised to hear about it. "S-shouldn't that mean he's a good guy? Or at least a vigilante."
"They didn't do much besides small-time robbery and assaults on non-mutant Quirk carrier. He was found consuming the flesh of all thirty members of the Sea King gang, reasoning that he was furious at how his subordinates had wished to turn over a new leaf." Saiko stated, staring defiantly into Izuku's eyes.
Hearing that man's horrible crimes was just...jarring, to say the least. It isn't the same as taking the life of a monster, where it's only done in self-defense.
"T-then what about Uzumaki-san? Surely, he's not bad-"
"Aka Uzumaki, also known as Human Contortionist, was a serial killer known for his highly gruesome and unorthodox manner of killing via violently twisting their organs from the inside out," Saiko spoke in an even tone, despite the obvious fear. Shakily she jabbed a thumb at the third and still alive criminal, Stain who remained stoic.
"And you, Chizome Akaguro are the worst one by far. Former vigilante by the name of Stendhal is known for killing and crippling Pro Heroes simply out of hatred for those who work as Pro Heroes. You have a confirmed kill count of 30 Pro Heroes and countless crippling of others including enforcers of the law in your insane pursuit of justice." She spat out in a venomous tone.
"You done?" Stain asked.
"No."
"Good, cause I don't care." Stain retorted. "I've dedicated myself to one goal in mind and I don't care who I kill to make it true. Children, women, and even the elderly, they'll meet the end of my blade if I can help humanity."
"You see, this guy is just...plain insane. Everything he says is ridiculous. Can't we just leave him here?!"
"What does that mean?" Katsuki asked, crouching forward as firecrackers popped to life. Saiko also did the same thing, preparing for an attack. Izuku nervously glanced at them whilst the familiars under him remained quiet, waiting for their master to react. Only Bellion remained impassive, watching and waiting much to Izuku's realization for him to act in any way.
Before anyone could move, a great gust of wind blew suddenly, startling everyone and disrupting their focus. Through their blurred vision, they make out the visage of a massive eagle's underbelly. A quick use of Soul Observe notified Izuku that it was the Runaway Construct Garuda. But something about it struck Izuku odd as its chest area was glowing. In addition, the intensity was growing with each beat of the wing.
Oddly enough, that giant bird didn't come down and tried to attack him. Heck, it didn't even notice them which Izuku notes as odd. Silently, he commanded the other birds to pursue their former leader before refocusing on Stain.
"Where the fuck is it going?" Katsuki snapped, glancing at the lone criminal. Stain merely glanced at it with intrigue before focusing on the trio of Awakened.
"You want to focus on me or that thing? I'm willing to fight by your side if we can settle our scores later. I don't know about you three."
Bellion tapped Izuku's side before gesturing to the direction where Garuda had flown only to follow it up with a pointed thumb towards Stain. The final touch came in the form of a pair of hands coming together for a handshake. Realization struck Izuku as he understood what his first summon had tried to deliver.
"You want us to work with him?!"
Izuku turned towards Saiko who had a downright furious expression. The greenest on the other hand doesn't know what to say or express. if anything he wasn't expecting to look so disgusted.
"We can deal with the trash later," Katsuki spoke, eyeing Stain who in turn gave an unsettling grin.
"I'll move ahead first if it helps." Stain offered, glancing at the trio and hordes of shadowy monsters surrounding them. Seeing how they aren't responding, the hideous noseless man took off, leaving them by their lonesome.
Taking a deep breath, Izuku ordered the others to pursue the monster and kept a close eye on the criminal. Flight-abled familiars were tasked to track Garuda the Construct but maintain their distance while making sure it didn't take notice of them. Land-based familiar are tasked to keep up with Katsuki and Stain, escorting the duo to act as protection.
Turning towards Bellion who only stood quietly by his side. The said warrior bowed slightly, just enough for the towering swordsman to look subservient to Izuku.
"Protect Intelli-san from any possible harm. Please." Izuku's words were greeted by a small nod before his physical form turned into a shadowy wisp, traveling into the young girl's shadow. Saiko in turn merely focused on her friend who gave a nervous smile.
"I have no idea why you try to mimic All Might so hard," she spoke, pulling back her hair and flipping it over to the side.
"It's because he's y'know, the Symbol of Peace." Hearing his words, Saiko uncharacteristically snorted in amusement.
"Hmph, Uncle Reid is more competent than that muscle head. But whatever." She waved off.
"I'm sorry." Izuku apologized. Hearing those words Saiko paused momentarily, looking at him in bafflement.
"For what?" Saiko questioned.
"For everything I guess," laughed the greenette, scratching the head's back nervously. "I mean, the only reason why we got into this mess is because of this item I had. It can lead me to Gates that turn red."
At least that's what it can do on paper. But taking account of what he had been encountering, he's starting to have second thoughts. He had given this some thought.
"But after some time, I think that isn't the case anymore." Noticing her surprised look, he continued. "It's because of their names. All of the Construct I'd faced was called Runaway. From who, I don't know. But these maps keep leading me into Gates with these Constructs inside them."
"So, you're suggesting the map might have been designed for you to vanquish these Constructs?" Izuku merely nodded to which Saiko hummed in thought.
"Their powers are certainly odd. No doubt they must've come from a creator and whoever they are must want their creation to pay for running away," Saiko replied, lips pursed in annoyance as she made a passing glance at the corpses laid nearby. Izuku followed where her eyes went and realization dawned on him.
"Yeah, it might be that. Sorry, Intelli-san, I don't know why you hate criminals so much but I'm not going to make them my summons." Izuku spoke before she could even impose such a request.
"Why not?"
"Because they're living beings," Izuku stated. "I just... don't want to do that to a human being."
Truthfully, he can't stand forcing human beings to become his soldiers. They deserve to rest after all they went through. No matter how bad they are, a criminal by the end of the day is a human being. No one deserves to have their rest disrupted.
"But what about those Salamanders, Myrmidon and Garudas? They're not living beings?" Saiko's question caused Izuku to pause. Whilst he wouldn't per se disagree with her statement, she is also forgetting something else.
"They're not human. They're monsters whom we must prevent from attacking humans. After all, they're mindless." Izuku's words earned a surprised look from Saiko. The young intellectual merely raised an eyebrow in a subdued display of surprise, slowly nodding in understanding.
"Then, you choose to use monsters because they're monsters? Or because they lacked human-level intelligence?" Saiko's question caused Izuku to sputter in indignation at the question.
"What is this actually about? I mean, now doesn't seem the right time." Izuku pointed out.
"You're right, my apology. We'll talk about this later." After finishing her piece, the young girl took off. Leaving the young greenette by his lonesome.
He watched her retreating slowly disappearing amongst the tree's foliage before turning towards the two corpses. Lips pursed as he imagined the very possibilities. Their Quirks aren't the rarest but the raw strength behind them is an undeniable aspect.
Hands twitched as he felt tempted to call forth the two as summons. One may argue their power level are rather middling at the start, it isn't a very difficult issue considering he can just simply subdue more monsters with the two summons. In time, they will grow stronger. The only question is how long will it take to reach the desired level.
"No," he snapped, pulling the outstretched hand back to his side. Shaking those cruse thoughts as he attempted to regain his composure. A true hero would never desecrate the corpses of their enemies. Dad wouldn't stop at something so low either.
"Sorry for not getting you guys out of here. The least I can do is give you people a proper burial." Izuku spoke, hefting up Midnight. A small part of him hoped Katsuki and the others would be able to take care of Garuda on their lonesome. Digging up graves for a pair of criminals might be a little excessive when he can just burn them but he doesn't feel like disrespecting them.
(Linebreak)
"Where the fuck is Deku?!"
Katsuki Bakugou yelled in frustration, realizing the punk hasn't even caught up to them. The dozens of insect and lizard shadowy followers were keeping up, running as fast as their new bodies allowed them. He also swore that he felt their presence-if it's the right term-had grown stronger hence the explanation behind the change in abilities. Despite that, he couldn't see the hair of the greenette!
'He sure called forth a lot of those Myrmidons.' Katsuki thought, catching one who glanced at him before running as fast as its two legs can carry. Myrmidons, much like the term canine, is an umbrella term for all humanoid insectoid monsters. Similar to how there are variants of Orcs, the same went for the Myrmidons and Blue Myrmidons are the worst bunch; recognized for their fierceness in battle and unwillingness to back down from a fight.
From his three years of experience as a Pro Hero, he had fought Myrmidons only on several occasions. Watching them fight is like watching a fighting movie. Even down on their last leg, these things wouldn't cower in fear.
Hence it struck him odd how many of them during the fight against Izuku's smarmy friend looked visibly frightened. In that first encounter, they only showed that particular emotion when All Might appeared.
To see the Quirkless former punching bag commanding these monsters is simply just terrifying. It doesn't help there are 18 of them under his command and 12 Garuda's pursuing the larger Garuda. Now that number seems to have doubled courtesy of the recently slain.
"What the heck is up with you?" Katsuki muttered.
"It's because he might be the savior." Stains' word angered him slightly but Katsuki kept his cool. Someone like him doesn't pose much of a threat. His words don't even make sense and his actions are more so.
"What the fuck does that have to do with anything?"
"It means what it means," Stain's words made the blonde brawler wish he could strangle him. "Humanity's power may have grown due to the magical energy of these Gates but there is a far greater threat than meager monsters."
"Meager monsters? You're saying Kamish, Nagas, Arch Lich, and so forth are just meager monsters?" Katsuki's eyes twitched at the man's words.
"It is your choice to believe me. And I simply don't care." Stain retorted.
"Shut up," Katsuki gnashed, putting more strength into running. Chizome glanced at the Pro Hero before speaking up yet again.
"My sense of smell is slightly higher than the average Awakened. I can tell something about you is off." Stains' words caused Katsuki to tense up slightly but forced himself to act like it was nothing. Awakened having one of their senses sharpened to a superhuman degree, more so than individuals with Quirks aren't a rare thing. South Korea's Cheonsa Ip is known for having an uncannily sharp sense of smell.
"Maybe it has to do with the blood you've been sniffing." Snarked the explosion user, only keeping track of the Garuda's flying above them. Wherever it's going, that giant bird seems focused. It couldn't even be bothered with the small little shadow Garuda belonging to Izuku. They pecked at it but with a single aerial maneuver, it'd managed to reduce them into nothing only for them to come back to life.
"They're going to the ocean." Saiko's sudden words took him by surprise. Said young woman is beside him now. But what made her stand out was how Bellion was carrying her in a bridal style. With one look at the slight glow on the cheek, the blonde could tell she was not particularly happy about it.
On the other hand, doesn't seem particularly annoyed or upset. Simply retaining an emotionless expression on the face. When it noticed Katsuki, the warrior gave a brief nod before continuing flying. Instead of overcoming either one, it was keeping up with the two of them.
"Ocean? To eat fish or something?" Katsuki asked, slightly baffled.
"Garuda is known for preying on smaller land prey but cannibalism is a thing and depending on the breed, prefers sea creatures. But considering what kind of creature that is, this behavior might be caused by an entirely different reason."
"What do you mean by that?"
Instead of an answer, the young genius remained silent. Annoyed, he imposed his question for a second time.
"I...the monsters in a Red Gate isn't the standard one we'd often fought," Saiko spoke.
"Yeah, what about it?" Katsuki asked, recalling the lack of crystals in any of the monster's bodies that they slew.
"According to Izuku's, the monster in the first Gate he'd fought had introduced himself as a Construct. He was fairly certain that thing," she pointed at the large Garuda. "Is one of the Constructs."
Saiko's words sated some curiosity but wound up opening more. His mind swirled as he attempted to grasp the current situation.
"If it is truly made by someone or something, then who made it and why? Do Freckles know who their creator is?" Stain asked. At his inquiry, Saiko only remained steel-faced and looked forward. In a single beat of its wing, Bellion took off, leaving the two and the others in the dust behind them.
They kept running until they got out of the forest, encountering a large blanket of water. The massive bird had only begun to fight fiercely against a shark-like monster. Piercing cries that can cause one's eardrum to rupture rang like thunder in a heavy thunderstorm as it swooped down and clawed at its belly. The massive shark-like monster flew across the air, highly pressurized steam pouring out of its body as it flew up, trying to take a bite out of Garuda.
The smaller ones; belonging to Izuku were fighting against both. But whatever attack they landed proved ineffectual as none of them are strong enough to deal any significant damage.
"A Megalodon and Garuda fighting? That's a rare treat." Stain snorted, a grin itching its way to his face. Two species reputed to be incredibly fierce in their respective domains are now duking it out right before their very eyes.
"What the fuck are they doing that? Why the fuck are they doing that?" Katsuki snarled at the young genius.
"I-I have no clue," stated the lavender-haired girl. Studies on monster behavior had never been her best. Although if she were to go by the documented understanding of animals and the little information about Garuda's and Megalodons, the most likely conclusion would be a territorial dispute.
"Whatever the fucking case, I'm not gonna sit around and do nothing." Katsuki spat, leaping up to the sky. 50 feet high into the sky, Katsuki released a series of explosions to propel himself forward. More and more explosions to cover the distance. A strong wind presence blew past him and he saw Bellion along for the ride.
"You, argh, whatever. Stay out of my fucking way. I want to test something out," he stated, recalling the wonderful sensation of leveling up, and whilst he couldn't get any items, he doesn't mind it. He can go to Izuku for those objects later. So much power and he can earn more and if what Izuku says is true, there's a chance he might hit the jackpot soon.
'Runestones, here I come,' Katsuki grinned, firing off more explosions. Upon seeing the two monsters coming close to one another, he decided to utilize one of his aces in the hole. One inspired by the lightning Ninja-wannabe's impressive speed. In an instant, a series of explosions combust to life out of the palms, far beyond the normal rate. The very air shook at the powerful explosion and despite the ringing in the air and wind blowing on his face, Katsuki couldn't prevent a grin crossing his very features as he sailed through the air like a bullet of a railgun.
"Rragh!" A battle cry of the most ecstasy rang throughout the sky as the crier flew closer to the two monsters.
(Linebreak)
It took a while for Izuku to get out of the forest but he manage to do so courtesy of two of his familiars. Relief washed over him as he caught sight of Saiko's back, surrounded by a handful of Myrmidons. Stain the criminal wasn't far away although there were several of the summons standing beside the man far too close for comfort.
And standing far away in the distance was a sight taken straight out of a kaiju movie. Darting effortlessly across the sky was a black shadow and a bright orange flame, dealing painful blows that rung all over the little island they were on. The powerful cacophony of sounds erupted like an active volcano as a bright orange explosion detonated.
"So, how long has it been?" Izuku asked.
"It just started actually. So you didn't miss much." Saiko answered. For a moment, he saw Saiko's hand twitch and her face contorted into uncertainty before she shook her head.
"Is there nothing we can do?" Izuku asked although he already knew the answer. Myrmidons and Salamanders can't fly whilst all the Garuda familiars are engaged against those two giant monsters. It frustrates him to no end.
"So. Anyway, what took you so long?"
"I gave those two a proper burial." Izuku's words earned a surprised look from the duo although Stain's reaction was more subdued, consisting of a simple eyebrow rising in intrigue.
"You what? Why would you do that?" Saiko asked.
"Look," Izuku sighed, rubbing the back of the hair as he tried to find the correct words. "I just...I mean, they're horrible people that had done a lot of horrible things but... i-I just can't let their body gets desecrated." Izuku stated.
"I...see" Saiko spoke, at last, having fully digested what her friend had stated before forcing herself to smile.
"Well, what's done is done, not much else to do besides that." Saiko shrugged.
"Oh but there is." A familiar voice spoke. Instantly, all three Awakened, and the other familiars stood at attention.
The source happens to be a monster but a highly unfamiliar creature. A tall, dark-black creature whose body resembles a well-sculpted statue of a Greek god, muscles that are well-defined but aren't particularly large nor small. The most notable part of this creature was the exposed brain and the slasher-like grin. Aside from those, the muscles of his legs are incredibly defined far more than any part of the body.
"Hello, there." He spoke in Daigo's voice.
"Nise-san?" Izuku asked, surprised to hear the voice coming from him. Casting Soul Observe, a different result appeared.
[Perfect Construct: Vidar, Vengeful Stomper of Yogumunt]
[Level: 90, Rank as a Summon: Seneschal]
"Aah, sorry, I would prefer if you call me by my first given name. Daigo Nise was one made by Master Yogumunt but I prefer the original name. Vidar. A lot more terrifying if you think about it." Vidar bowed courteously, giving a disarming and genial smile.
None of them said anything, surprised to see this creature talking. Especially Izuku considering what he had just learned. When the System notified him about Daigo's possibly unknown nature, Daigo as a Construct wasn't something he had believed in.
In addition, Vidar is a Perfect Construct which meant he is possibly just as powerful if not more so than those he had fought. But what powerset does this guy have is beyond him although the hint is in the title. At least based on the trend so far that should be the answer.
"What are you?" Stain asked. Vidar took notice and smiled.
"Aah yes, you," Vidar spoke, raising the left leg high. And by that, the appendage rose far beyond any normal humans are capable of. It stretched endlessly into the sky until becoming a thin line of black. Sensing something awful, Izuku commanded those who are nearby to attack him.
"Both of you, dodge!" Izuku yelled, running to the side. Doing the same, the other two followed suit except for Stain who had decided to charge head-on. Just in time to watch as the long-legged man brings the appendage down at incredible speed. The very limb heated up and burst into flames as it came back down, crashing into the many familiars, destroying them almost instantly.
The ground shook greatly under that powerful blow, causing the two to fall. The opposite went for Stain who had managed to leap up, using one of the summonses as a springboard before it died. Unsheathing the katana in one smooth, perfect QuickDraw, he slices at Vidar's neck. A speeding blur pulled up and a resounding crash echoed as steel met hardened limb. Stains' eyes widened in shock as he found the blade's edge drugged deep into the muscular flesh of Vidar's calves.
"Tsk, tsk, I had expected more out of some Hero-Killer. But that's to be expected out of a measly Servant of Light." Stain grew baffled at his words but wasn't able to inquire when something heavy and impactful slammed into his family jewelry. A soft and wet sensation flooded his lower region as he fell to the ground, a dark red stain covering the lower garment.
Izuku, who watched from afar, winced uncomfortably and instinctively couldn't help but covered his. private area. That particular injury is something no man should ever endure. Weakly groaning in pain, Stain collapsed to the ground. Vidar admired his other foot, the one that destroyed Stains privates.
"Weak little shits." Vidar talked, raising it. Knowing what he wants to do, Izuku hurled Midnight without thinking. Noticing the incoming projectile, Vidar swiped at the massive sword-spear using one foot, sending it crashing into a nearby tree.
"Is that all you got?" Vidar asked, a faux smile on their face. Growling, Izuku lunged forward whilst ignoring Saiko's warning call. Several of the familiars had already fully repaired themselves, ready to fight. Salamanders shot powerful balls of fire to which Izuku and the Myrmidons dodged skillfully. Opening the mouth, Izuku shot a ball of flames of his own, fusing with the others resulting in a far larger ball of flame.
Vidar merely squatted down and leaped over it. A simple gesture that sent him flying high into the sky. A single, simple albeit slightly cartoonish jump sent off a large cloud of dust in its wake and shook the earth.
The gaseous ball of flame missed its mark and exploded, consuming the trees and reducing them into ashes. Smokes and smog rose into the air and filled their nostrils. Looking up, Izuku growled as he charged up another fireball and commanded the other Salamander to do the same, unleashing them rapidly.
Far up in the air, Vidar was nothing more than a tiny dot. One that continues to grow at a rapid pace as he came plummeting down. He couldn't see what happened but those flaming gas balls were cut down to pieces. With what he has no clue but whatever the case, this thing needs to be stopped.
Perhaps Garuda's sudden aggression was caused by him. Daigo, no, Vidar is associated with this Yogumunt. Who in turn might have to do with some calamity or evil. Yogumunt's role is unknown to Izuku but whatever they are, it can't be good.
'Answers. I need answers, not endless theories,' Izuku snapped.
Despite the intense heat prickling the greenest Awakened, he chose to throw a couple of fiery slashes of mana whilst activating Reinforcement and Darkness Transfer, pouring as much energy as possible into himself and the other Summons.
Feeling the familiar cold sensation washing over him, Izuku charged forward; emboldened by the power boost. Leaping high up into the sky, Izuku poured more Mana into his fist, congregating the dark energy into the appendage per the instruction about Bladefist. Upon getting closer to the intended target, he unleashed his attack.