Disclaimer: I don't own everything.
.
Three years had gone by since Naruto first encountered the Seraphs. Under Griselda and Ewald's guidance, he had grown into a skilled Exorcist, mastering his Sacred Gear through rigorous training.
Together with Dulio and Lint, Naruto formed a close-knit team, facing various missions with determination and skill. Their collective efforts had earned them recognition as promising newcomers among the Exorcists.
Reflecting on his journey, Naruto felt grateful for the support of his mentors and the camaraderie of his teammates. Each challenge they overcame strengthened their bond and honed their abilities.
.
In the bustling capital city of Rome, nestled amidst the vibrant streets and historic landmarks, stood a quaint pizza restaurant. Its rustic facade and inviting aroma of freshly baked dough drew in a steady stream of patrons, eager to savor the flavors of Italy.
Inside, the cozy interior buzzed with lively chatter as diners savored their meals. Tables adorned with checkered tablecloths filled the space, each one occupied by diners delighting in the delectable offerings of the menu.
Among them sat Naruto, tucked away in a corner table, completely immersed in his meal. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he savored each bite of the piping hot pizza, savoring the perfect blend of savory toppings and melted cheese.
Around him, the ambiance was alive with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of fresh tomatoes and basil hung in the air, adding to the sensory delight of the dining experience.
As Naruto continued to enjoy his meal, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Italy's culinary delights, he was reminded of the simple joys of good food and good company in the heart of one of the world's most iconic cities.
Amidst the savory indulgence of his pizza, Naruto found himself drawn into the electrifying atmosphere of the restaurant. As he savored each flavorful bite, his gaze flickered between his meal and the television screen mounted on the wall.
The Serie A match unfolded before his eyes, the cheers and groans of fellow patrons echoing throughout the establishment with each twist and turn of the game. Naruto couldn't help but join in the collective excitement, his heart racing as AS Roma launched a daring attack against Juventus.
"Goaaallll...!!!"
With bated breath, he watched as the tension mounted, the air crackling with anticipation. And then, in a thrilling moment of triumph, AS Roma found the back of the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy of jubilation.
Amidst the roar of celebration, Naruto couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. In that exhilarating moment, surrounded by the camaraderie of fellow fans, he felt a sense of belonging that transcended language and culture. It was a feeling of unity, of shared passion, that bound them together in their love for the beautiful game.
Naruto found himself swept up in the fervor of the moment. Alongside his fellow patrons, he joined in the spirited chants honoring Il Capitano, Francesco Totti, whose heroics had propelled AS Roma to victory over Juventus.
Amidst the joyous chorus, Naruto's heart swelled with pride as he raised his voice in tribute to the legendary player. The chants reverberated through the restaurant, a testament to the deep-seated passion and loyalty shared by fans of the Giallorossi.
However, Naruto's euphoria was short-lived, as the shrill ringtone of his phone pierced through the jubilant atmosphere. With a sigh, he reluctantly tore himself away from the festivities, slipping out of the bustling restaurant to answer the call.
As he stepped outside into the cool Roman night, Naruto's mind raced with anticipation, wondering who could be calling him at such a momentous occasion. With a sense of urgency, he answered the phone, eager to discover the reason for this unexpected interruption.
"Naruto, where are you?" Lint's voice echoed urgently through the phone.
Surprised by the unexpected call, Naruto replied, "I'm at the pizza place. What's up, Lint?"
"We have a mission," Lint explained hurriedly. "Meet us at the rendezvous point in twenty minutes."
Naruto's heart skipped a beat at the mention of a mission. "Got it," he responded, his mind already racing with anticipation. "I'll be there."
With a quick exchange of farewells, Naruto ended the call and hurried back into the restaurant, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming mission and the challenges that lay ahead.
Naruto sighed deeply, torn between the joy of celebrating with fellow Romanisti at the pizza restaurant and the responsibility that awaited him on his mission. Despite his reluctance to leave, duty as an Exorcist compelled him to prioritize the task at hand.
Hailing a taxi from the curb, Naruto made his way, where Dulio and Lint were already waiting for him at the designated rendezvous point. As he settled into the backseat of the cab, his mind raced with anticipation for the mission that lay ahead.
.
The Strongest Exorcist
.
After a brief journey, Naruto's taxi pulled up at the rendezvous point, a majestic structure nestled in the heart of Rome: the Pantheon. Stepping out onto the bustling street, he scanned the area until his eyes fell upon Dulio and Lint, standing alongside Griselda, who greeted him with a nod of acknowledgment.
"Glad you could join us, Naruto," Griselda greeted him warmly. "Now that we're all here, let me explain our mission."
Naruto nodded attentively as Griselda continued, her voice steady and composed. "We've received reports of strange activity at an abandoned church in the city of Pisa, Toscana."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in before elaborating further. "Over the past week, several cargo trucks have been seen transporting goods to the abandoned church."
Griselda's expression grew serious as she met each of their gazes. "Our task is to investigate this activity and determine its significance."
"Could this mission be related to stray devils?" Lint inquired, her brow furrowing with concern.
Dulio considered the question thoughtfully before responding, his tone measured. "Lint, the duties of an Exorcist extend beyond dealing with stray devils or other supernatural phenomena. Like firefighters, their task is not limited to extinguishing fires."
His words resonated with a sense of gravity, reminding them of the diverse challenges they faced in their roles as guardians of the church.
"With that settled, you'll depart tonight," Griselda announced with a smile, her tone resolute. "As luck would have it, today happens to be one of the days when the convoy of cargo trucks sets off for Pisa."
"Yes, Sister Griselda" Naruto, Dulio, and Lint nodded in understanding, their determination evident as they prepared to embark on their mission.
With their preparations complete, they hastened to Roma Termini station, where they boarded a train bound for Pisa. Anticipating a journey of less than 2 hours, they were mindful of the ticking clock as night descended upon the city.
.
.
.
Upon their arrival in Pisa, the streets were eerily quiet and tranquil, the clock striking 9 in the evening. The hustle and bustle of daytime activities had given way to a serene stillness, with civilians already nestled in their beds, their daily toils behind them.
Strolling through the deserted park streets en route to their destination, they engaged in conversation to break the silence.
"What do you think could be in that abandoned church?" Lint inquired.
Naruto speculated, "Perhaps it's a hideout for a mafia group or something."
Dulio interjected, his tone serious. "Whatever it is, we must be prepared for anything, even the worst-case scenario."
Continuing their stroll and conversation, Lint brought up the topic of Pisa, admitting she was unfamiliar with the city.
"I've never been here before," she confessed, turning to her companions.
Naruto shook his head. "Same here. This is my first time."
Dulio chimed in, adding some local trivia. "Well, Pisa is home to one of the world's seven wonders, the Leaning Tower of Pisa."
"Did you know," Dulio interjected, "that Pisa is the birthplace of a scientist who's incredibly famous in the world of science? Galileo Galilei."
"Wow, really?" Lint exclaimed, her interest piqued.
"Yeah," Dulio confirmed with a nod. "He's one of the giants in history, known for his groundbreaking contributions to astronomy and physics."
"Does that also explain why the tower leans?" Naruto asked curiously.
Dulio chuckled. "No, that has nothing to do with it. The leaning of the tower is due to a construction error."
"Oh, I see," Naruto nodded, taking in the explanation.
As they continued on their path, the sound of rumbling engines grew louder, gradually drowning out their conversation. Naruto, Dulio, and Lint exchanged curious glances, their anticipation rising as they anticipated the arrival of the convoy.
"Wait, look at that"
Suddenly, the dimly lit street ahead came alive with the glow of approaching headlights, casting eerie shadows across the deserted park. The trio instinctively ducked into the cover of nearby bushes, their hearts pounding in anticipation of what they were about to witness.
The convoy emerged from the darkness, a line of imposing cargo trucks rolling steadily down the road. Each vehicle was shrouded in darkness, their massive frames casting ominous silhouettes against the moonlit sky. The air was thick with tension as the trio watched intently, their senses heightened in anticipation of what was to come.
As the convoy passed by, the trio held their breath, their eyes darting from truck to truck in search of any sign of suspicious activity. The night was still and silent, broken only by the steady hum of the engines and the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Finally, as the last truck disappeared into the distance, the trio breathed a collective sigh of relief, their tense muscles relaxing as they emerged from their hiding spot. Though the convoy had passed without incident, they remained on high alert, knowing that their mission had only just begun.
"Come on, let's move"
"Yeah/ Alright"
Under Dulio's command, the trio stealthily trailed the convoy of trucks, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath their feet. Each member of the team remained alert, their senses heightened as they approached their destination.
As they reached the outskirts of Pisa, the convoy came to a halt in front of an abandoned church, nestled amidst the quiet solitude of the countryside. The building stood silent and imposing, its weathered walls bearing the scars of time and neglect.
The trio observed in silence as the crates from the trucks were unloaded and carried into a nearby warehouse. The rhythmic clanking of machinery echoed through the stillness of the night, sending a shiver down their spines.
As Naruto's keen ears picked up the distinct mechanical whirring, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. "Sounds like an elevator," he murmured, his brows furrowing as he observed the crates being swiftly lowered into the depths below.
Dulio's gaze narrowed, his mind already piecing together the puzzle. "Indeed," he responded, his tone tinged with gravity. "Transporting goods underground raises more questions than answers." He glanced at Lint, whose expression mirrored their shared apprehension. "We need to proceed with caution."
Following Dulio's lead, they entered the church through the front door. The interior was a haunting reflection of its abandoned state, with broken pews and dust-covered relics scattered throughout. Yet, amidst the desolation, their attention was drawn to the shattered altar, its significance juxtaposed with a staircase leading downwards.
Naruto's intuition pricked at the sight. "That must be the way to where they took the crates," he speculated, his voice barely above a whisper, wary of disturbing the eerie silence that enveloped the space.
Descending the staircase, the trio was met with three diverging tunnels, each leading to a different destination. Pausing for a moment to assess their options, Dulio made the executive decision to split up.
"We'll cover more ground this way," he reasoned, his voice firm and resolute. "I'll take the left tunnel. Naruto, you take the middle. And Lint, you take the right."
With a nod of agreement, they ventured forth into the unknown, each disappearing into the depths of their respective paths, their resolve unwavering in the face of uncertainty.
.
The Strongest Exorcist
.
The scene shifts to a dimly lit room, illuminated only by the faint glow of overhead lamps and the soft hum of scientific equipment. This is a research chamber, evident from the rows of glass tubes containing various fluids and the presence of human specimens preserved in formaldehyde.
Within this eerie ambiance, shadows danced across the walls, casting an ominous aura over the space. The air was thick with the scent of chemicals, mingling with the faint odor of decay. It was a place where the boundaries between life and death blurred, where the pursuit of knowledge treaded on the fringes of morality.
In the midst of this somber setting, the sound of footsteps echoed faintly against the sterile walls as figures moved about, their movements purposeful and calculated. The atmosphere was charged with an air of anticipation, as if the very walls themselves held secrets waiting to be unveiled.
"Damn it! Damn it all!"
A middle-aged man with a short stature, gray hair, and spectacles stormed into the room, his face contorted with frustration. He vented his anger by slamming his notebook onto the nearest surface, his actions fueled by a torrent of expletives as he expressed his dismay over the failure of his research endeavors.
His voice reverberated off the walls, punctuating the air with a string of profanities as he lamented the fruitlessness of his efforts. Each word dripped with bitterness and disappointment, reflecting the depths of his frustration and the weight of his unmet expectations.
"Why did only one succeed?! Is there something missing?!"
Despite his outward appearance of composure, his demeanor betrayed a simmering rage, simmering just beneath the surface. His clenched fists and furrowed brow spoke volumes of the inner turmoil he grappled with, a silent testament to the relentless pursuit of knowledge that had eluded his grasp once again.
The priest slumped into a chair, heaving a heavy sigh as he rubbed his temples in an attempt to calm his frayed nerves.
Meanwhile, in the research room, a designated prison area housed a young boy with wispy blonde hair, approximately twelve years of age. He lay there, gazing weakly at the priest. He was just one of many experimental subjects in the priest's research endeavors.
Despite the boy's frail appearance, there was a glimmer of resilience in his eyes, a silent defiance against the injustices inflicted upon him in the name of scientific advancement.
The priest walked briskly towards the restroom, his frustration evident in the way he clenched his jaw. With each step, he muttered to himself, his voice a low grumble against the quiet hum of the laboratory.
"Starting from scratch again," he muttered, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Until I find the right match, nothing seems to work."
He disappeared behind the door, his footsteps echoing faintly in the corridor, the weight of his disappointment hung heavy in the air.
As fate would have it, there's a new figure. The figure who stepped into the dimly lit research chamber was none other than Naruto. The path he chose, the middle tunnel, guided him to this very spot, away from his companions Dulio and Lint.
His eyes swept over the room, taking in the array of scientific equipment and the eerie glow of the dim lights. It was a stark contrast to the world above, where the bustling streets of Pisa lay silent under the night sky.
Curiosity brimming within him, Naruto couldn't help but wonder about the nature of the research conducted in this abandoned church. Were they delving into genetic engineering? The sight of numerous glass tubes containing human specimens hinted at possibilities both fascinating and unsettling.
With a gaze full of curiosity, Naruto found himself pondering the nature of the research conducted in this abandoned church.
Naruto muttered to himself, his brows furrowed in contemplation, "What kind of research is being conducted in this abandoned church?" His gaze wandered over the rows of glass tubes containing human specimens, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be hidden within them.
"Holy Sword Project 2.0?" He muttered to himself, his eyes widening in surprise as he read a note on the desk.
"But I thought this project was stopped by the Church long ago due to its failures and the casualties it caused"
He pondered silently, his mind swirling with questions about why this project was being revived.
Naruto continued to read until the very bottom of the note, where he found a signature. It was signed by the leader of the project.
"Valper Galilei?"
The name struck a chord within Naruto, evoking a sense of familiarity and curiosity. Who was Valper Galilei, and why did his name resonate with him? Questions swirled in Naruto's mind as he tried to make sense of the situation.
KIEET
As Naruto's curiosity intensified, his attention was drawn to the sound of metal scraping coming from the prison where the boy was confined. The boy appeared to be attempting to open the cell door discreetly, but the action produced a distinct noise.
Naruto swiftly approached the boy, ensuring him that he meant no threat. "Hey, calm down, don't worry. I'm not here to harm you," he reassured, his voice calm yet earnest. "I'm just... curious. What's going on here?"
The boy, still wary but sensing a genuine sincerity in Naruto's tone, sighed deeply before responding. "I'm Isaiah," he began, his voice tinged with resignation. "I'm part of the subjects involved in this Holy Sword project. It's... complicated." He hesitated, as if unsure how much to reveal.
Naruto nodded, his brow furrowing with empathy. "I get it. Projects like these can be... messy. Is there anyone else besides you?"
Isaiah glanced around the dimly lit room, his eyes lingering on the various scientific equipment scattered about. "No. There's only me, all my friends have died because of this project. Actually there is another one that survives, but I don't know where she is," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I want my freedom back. I want to get out of here"
As the weight of Isaiah's words settled between them, Naruto felt a surge of determination. "Then let's get you out of here," he declared, his voice firm with resolve. "Together."
Isaiah's words hung heavy in the air, laden with both fear and urgency. "The man who leading this project is still in this room," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "He's in the toilet right now. If he sees me out of the cell, I'll be in big trouble."
Naruto's brows furrowed in concern as he processed the information. "Valper Galilei, right?" he asked softly, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. "Don't worry, Isaiah. I got this"
With a reassuring nod, Naruto took a step forward, his gaze fixed on the door leading to the restroom. His mind raced with thoughts of how to approach the situation, but one thing was clear: he couldn't let Isaiah face this alone.
STEP
STEP
The footsteps behind the restroom door grew louder, signaling Valper's imminent return from his break.
Without wasting a moment, Naruto gestured for Isaiah to feign sleep in the cell, while he himself slipped under the table in the corner of the room, concealed from view. They both held their breath, anticipation hanging thick in the air, as they awaited Valper's entrance.
Valper returned from the restroom, his attention immediately consumed by the equipment and glassware scattered across the laboratory, each vessel containing colorful liquids of unknown composition. He moved about the room with purpose, his demeanor a mix of anticipation and agitation, as he tinkered with the apparatuses before him.
Valper's mind swirled with conflicting thoughts as he pondered the fate of the Holy Sword Project. "Should I abandon it entirely, considering its history of failures and the toll it took on the lives of the subjects?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
His attention drifted to the glass tubes containing the remnants of past experiments, each one a testament to the trials and errors of his research. "But what of these specimens?" he wondered aloud, his tone reflective. "Are they merely failures, or do they hold the key to something greater?"
Lost in thought, Valper's gaze lingered on the glass tubes, they represented his new project, a product of the failed genetic engineering experiments of the Sigurd Institute. He had salvaged and continued their development independently. However, he had postponed it when tasked by the Church with the Holy Sword Project, before it was ultimately halted.
Their contents silent witnesses to the unfolding drama of scientific ambition and moral reckoning. And as he weighed his options, a sense of determination welled within him, driving him forward on the path to discovery, no matter the cost.
CRACK
CRACK
Valper's brows furrowed in confusion as the glassware containing the colored liquid suddenly shattered one after another. The unexpected turn of events caught him off guard, leaving him bewildered and at a loss for explanations.
"Wha- What's happening?" he stammered, his voice tinged with disbelief as he surveyed the scene before him. "I didn't do anything to trigger the reaction."
Valper's mind raced with possibilities as he tried to make sense of the situation. Was it sabotage? Or perhaps an unforeseen consequence of his clandestine research? Whatever the cause, one thing was clear: their work had been compromised, and they needed to act quickly to contain the damage.
Valper's breath caught in his throat as the voice echoed through the dimly lit room, sending shivers down his spine. With a trembling hand, he reached out to steady himself against the nearest table, his eyes widening in fear as he tried to make out the figure emerging from the shadows.
As Naruto stepped into the dim light, his features illuminated by a cold, steely resolve, Valper felt a surge of panic grip his chest. The intensity of Naruto's gaze bore into him like a lance, stripping away any pretense of innocence or ignorance.
"Valper Galilei," Naruto's voice cut through the tense silence like a blade, each syllable dripping with condemnation.
"Who are you?! How do you know this place?!" Valper suddenly broke out in cold sweat.
"Who I am is none of your business, you heretical priest. You will answer for your crimes against humanity. For your reckless pursuit of power at the expense of innocent lives."
Valper's mind raced as he struggled to find words to defend his actions, but the weight of his guilt pressed down on him like a suffocating blanket. He had thought himself untouchable, hidden away in his clandestine laboratory, but now he faced judgment from a force far greater than himself.
Valper's voice resonated with a false sense of bravado as he retorted, "Against humanity? On the contrary, what I do is for the betterment of humanity itself. By creating wielders of holy swords, I seek to empower humanity, making it strong and formidable in the face of supernatural threats. The loss of a few lives is but a minor sacrifice on the path to greatness."
Naruto remained stoic, his expression betraying none of the turmoil that churned within him. "Your misguided actions only lead to further suffering and chaos," he countered, his voice firm and unwavering. "True strength comes from unity and compassion, not from sacrificing the lives of the innocent."
Valper's facade of confidence wavered for a moment, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes before he swiftly masked it with a scornful sneer. "You speak of unity and compassion, yet here you stand as judge and jury, imposing your own version of justice. Who are you to decide the fate of others?"
Naruto's gaze hardened, his resolve unyielding as he met Valper's challenge head-on. "I am the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the innocent, and the sword of justice," he proclaimed, his words cutting through the tension like a blade. "And I will not allow your crimes to go unpunished."
WOOSH
BREAK
"Aaarghhh!"
As if defying the laws of physics, Valper was suddenly yanked backward, crashing forcefully into the wall with a resounding thud, sending cracks spiderwebbing across its surface. It was as though an invisible force had seized him, pulling him inexorably toward the unseen depths of the room.
"Wh-what the hell?!"
The impact left Valper stunned and bewildered, his mind reeling with disbelief at the inexplicable turn of events. He struggled to comprehend the unseen force that had ensnared him, his heart pounding in his chest as he grappled with the unsettling realization that there were powers at play beyond his understanding.
Valper lay sprawled on the floor, wracked with pain as his aging body struggled to bear the brunt of the impact. With a grimace of agony etched across his features, he raised his gaze upward, his eyes meeting the piercing blue orbs of Naruto's gaze, illuminated amidst the darkness.
"Y-You...those eyes...N-No way?!"
The sight of those luminous blue eyes sent a shiver down Valper's spine, triggering a sudden rush of memories from his past. Recollections of a distant rumor he had heard during his time at the Vatican, whispered tales of a child blessed with the rarest of God's gifts—the Six Eyes.
As realization dawned upon him, Valper's heart clenched with fear and apprehension, for he knew all too well the significance of those legendary eyes and the power they wielded. In that moment, he understood that he was facing not just an ordinary adversary, but a being touched by divine providence, a force to be reckoned with.
.
The Strongest Exorcist
.
The scene transitions to a room resembling a storage facility, its dimly lit interior cast in shadows. Standing amidst the racks of shelves and crates is Lint, who had ventured down the right tunnel earlier.
Before her lay an array of sacred weapons, each imbued with divine power and significance. These were the stolen relics, hidden away in this clandestine storage facility.
"Staggering... the sheer number of stolen sacred weapons is astounding," she murmured, her eyes scanning the rows of artifacts with a mix of astonishment and concern. "Most of these seem to originate from the Church of England and the Eastern Orthodox Church."
Lint's gaze swept over the assortment of blades, staves, and artifacts, her heart heavy with the weight of their significance. These were not just mere weapons; they were symbols of faith and power, now desecrated by those who sought to exploit them for their own ends.
Lint started to feel uneasy, pondering the possibilities. Could there be an evil group plotting something big with these holy weapons? Or perhaps someone was trying to exploit them for personal gain?
In the darkness of the storage room, Lint sensed the tension mounting. She felt responsible for uncovering the truth behind all this, no matter the risks. As an Exorcist, it was her duty to protect people from any threat, even from within the Church itself.
With cautious steps, Lint began examining each weapon stored in the room, searching for any clues that could help her unravel this mystery. She had to stay vigilant, as whoever did this might still be nearby, ready to thwart her efforts. But she wouldn't back down.
"Naruto and Dulio must know about this. After that, just report it to Sister Griselda."
She decided to contact Naruto and Dulio about this. However, as she reached for her phone, there was no signal. Being underground, it was impossible for the signal to reach their devices.
"Oh come on, really?"
She cursed under her breath, frustrated that she couldn't do anything in a situation like this. With a sigh, she realized she had no choice but to rely on her own instincts and skills to navigate through this predicament. Gathering her resolve, she pressed on, determined to find a solution to the mystery on her own.
"Fine, i'll do it myself"
.
.
.
The scene shifts to another room, this time to the chamber hidden within the left tunnel, which was taken by Dulio.
"What kind of place is this, exactly?"
Inside, he discovers a girl with white hair tied into braided twin tails, adorned with a hair clip on the right side of her bangs. The girl lays unconscious, protected within a barrier that appears quite formidable.
"Huh? A girl?"
Dulio approaches cautiously, studying the barrier with furrowed brows. He wonders who this girl is and what secrets lie behind her unconscious state. With a determined expression, he begins to assess the barrier's strength, searching for any weaknesses that might allow him to break through and uncover the truth hidden within.
BZZT
Dulio reached out tentatively, his hand hovering just inches from the shimmering barrier. As his fingertips brushed against the surface, a sudden force pushed him back, sending him stumbling several steps away. He steadied himself, his gaze fixed on the barrier before him.
"This barrier is formidable. I can't even touch it."
Its translucent surface seemed to pulse with energy, a silent guardian protecting whatever lay beyond. Dulio's mind raced with questions, his determination unyielding despite the setback. With a deep breath, he focused his thoughts, searching for a way to breach the barrier and uncover the secrets hidden within the chamber.
"Hmm? What is this?"
As Dulio scanned the room, his eyes fell upon a desk tucked away in the corner. Upon it lay a single sheet of paper, its edges slightly yellowed with age. With cautious steps, he approached and lifted the note, his eyes quickly scanning its contents.
The words on the page revealed the identity of the unconscious girl before him—Tosca. Dulio's brow furrowed in concern as he absorbed the information. According to the note, she, too, was one of the test subjects of the Holy Sword Project, much like Isaiah.
"Holy Sword Project?I thought that project was stopped a long time ago?"
With a sense of urgency, Dulio folded the note and tucked it into his pocket. He knew that uncovering the truth about Tosca's condition was crucial, not only for her sake but for the safety of all involved. Determination etched into his features, he turned his attention back to the barrier, his mind racing with strategies to overcome it and reach the girl trapped within.
"Hmm?"
Dulio's senses snapped to attention as he heard the voice, cold and menacing, echoing through the chamber. He turned swiftly to face the source, his muscles tensing in anticipation of danger.
"Who are you?" The voice rang out, dripping with suspicion and hostility. "Intruder!"
The arrival of the guards sent a chill down Dulio's spine, but he refused to yield to fear. With a steely gaze, he squared his shoulders, ready to defend himself and the girl he had discovered.
"I am here to uncover the truth," Dulio responded, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "And I will not be deterred by your threats."
FREEZE
In a flash, Dulio unleashed the power of his Sacred Gear, Zenith Tempest. With a commanding gesture, he wielded the forces of weather and elements, freezing the guards in their tracks.
The chamber echoed with the crackle of ice and the howl of wind as Dulio exerted his control, his eyes blazing with determination. The guards stood frozen, their forms encased in shimmering ice, rendered powerless by the might of the Zenith Tempest.
"I don't know how to free her. I can't contact Naruto and Lint. What else can I do? I have to go back and tell Sister Griselda about this."
With a sense of triumph, Dulio turned his attention back to Tosca, the girl trapped within the barrier. He knew he had to find a way to free her from her captivity and uncover the secrets hidden within this chamber.
.
.
.
The Strongest Exorcist
.
.
.
The scene shifted back to the laboratory room where Valper, the wayward priest, found himself confronted by Naruto.
The laboratory was shrouded in a dimly lit ambiance, with various scientific apparatuses scattered around the room. Valper stood in the center, a look of disbelief etched onto his features as he faced Naruto, who stood before him with an air of determination.
The flickering light cast eerie shadows on the walls, adding to the tense atmosphere of the confrontation. Valper's eyes darted nervously between Naruto and the scattered equipment, his mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
Naruto's presence seemed to fill the room with an unspoken intensity, his gaze unwavering as he awaited Valper's response. The air crackled with anticipation, each moment stretching out in suspense as the two figures stood locked in a silent standoff.
Valper felt a chill run down his spine as he locked eyes with the blonde young man before him. "You... You're the one they spoke of... The boy with the Six Eyes."
"That's right. And now, it's time to put an end to your twisted experiments," came the firm reply.
Valper's hands trembled slightly as he tried to gather his thoughts. "Twisted? You dare call my work twisted? I am advancing humanity, unlocking its true potential!"
"At the cost of innocent lives? That's not progress. That's madness," countered Naruto.
Valper's voice rose with desperation. "You don't understand! With the power of the Holy Swords, we can protect humanity from the darkness that lurks in the shadows!"
"Protecting humanity by sacrificing it? That's not protection. It's tyranny," came the unwavering response.
A flicker of defiance crossed Valper's face. "You'll never stop me, I'll see my vision realized, no matter what it takes."
In a startling move, Valper reached for a trigger device concealed beneath his clothing, swiftly activating it with a resolute motion.
"Rise and Shine! My holy knights!"
With a chilling command, the glass tubes containing the preserved human specimens shattered into a cacophony of splintering glass.
From the shattered remnants emerged a horde of mutant exorcists, their grotesque forms looming menacingly in the dimly lit laboratory. Their eyes gleamed with a feral intensity, poised to strike at Naruto at a moment's notice.
Naruto glared at Valper. "You're insane," he said. "You've lost your mind."
Valper grinned back. "I don't care what anyone thinks. My actions speak for themselves. I am a genius."
As Naruto braced himself to face the mutant exorcist forces, Valper saw his chance and bolted through a concealed doorway. In that moment, he cared little for the unfolding chaos in the hidden facility. His only concern was escape, perhaps to another city or even another country, where he could begin afresh.
"Goodbye, kid," Valper called out mockingly before disappearing through the secret exit, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Enjoy the show." With those words, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Naruto to deal with the consequences of his actions.
"Son of a bitch..."
With an exasperated snort, Naruto brushed aside his frustration. His immediate concern lay with the mutant forces and Isaiah, still hiding in the prison.
"Isaiah," Naruto urged firmly, his voice tinged with urgency, "you need to get out of here. Now."
Isaiah nodded and stepped out of the cell. However, he was intercepted by one of the mutants. "Aaaagh!"
WOOSH
BREAK
Quick to react, Naruto sprang into action, immobilizing the mutant with a surge of Infinity. The mutant was drawn towards a single point, crashing into the wall with the force of the Infinity.
Naruto had executed his Technique Lapse: Blue flawlessly, manipulating Infinity with the concept of attracting everything to a single point. And in this case, it was the mutant.
With Isaiah now free to escape, Naruto focused on dealing with the mutants one by one.
They attacked Naruto from all directions, wielding swords of light that grew from their hands. But no matter how hard or how many times they struck, none of their attacks landed on Naruto. Everything was blocked by the power of Infinity.
Infinity, an enigmatic force field by Limitless, pulsated around Naruto like an ethereal shield, its presence barely perceptible yet undeniably potent. It formed a protective cocoon around him, rendering him impervious to harm from any source.
As the mutant exorcists lunged at Naruto with their glowing swords, the barrier of Infinity shimmered with an otherworldly light, repelling their assaults effortlessly. Each strike dissipated into nothingness upon contact with the barrier, as if swallowed by a void of infinite depth.
Naruto stood amidst the chaos, his form surrounded by a faint, shimmering aura as Infinity deflected the onslaught of attacks. The mutants, frustrated and bewildered, found themselves unable to breach the formidable defense that shielded their target.
"Is that all you've got?" He smirked.
RUMBLE
"Technique Lapse: Maximum Output...Blue!"
BOOM
Naruto unleashed a retaliatory strike, moving both hands to form a swirling blue force, spinning it in a 360-degree rotation. The mutants were drawn towards the swirling blue force like magnets, then shattered into pieces, leaving nothing behind, along with the laboratory room.
SSSH
As Naruto's attack tore through the enemy ranks, a sense of triumph washed over him. However, his victory was short-lived. In the chaos of the destruction, a crucial detail escaped his notice. The force of his assault had ruptured a concealed pipeline, unleashing a deadly gas into the air.
"Oh, come on..."
The toxic fumes spread rapidly throughout the laboratory, filling the room with a noxious haze. The pungent odor assaulted Naruto's senses, signaling the danger lurking in the air.
With a sinking feeling in his gut, Naruto realized his mistake. The gas was not only lethal but also invisible to the naked eye, making it impossible to evade without prior knowledge.
Fortunately, the protective shield of Infinity enveloped Naruto, shielding him from the deadly effects of the poison. As the gas swirled around him, unable to penetrate the barrier, Naruto felt a surge of relief wash over him. Yet, amidst the relief, a sense of urgency gripped him. He knew he had to act swiftly to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of those around him.
Having dealt with the mutant threats, Naruto emerged from the chamber, his senses on high alert. However, Isaiah was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was greeted by the lifeless bodies of the facility guards strewn across the floor, victims of the toxic gas that permeated the air.
"Isaiah! Where are you?!" No response.
Despite the uncertainty looming over him, Naruto held onto the belief that Isaiah was still alive. Perhaps he had managed to escape amidst the chaos.
.
.
.
Exiting the clandestine facility disguised as a church, Naruto's eyes fell upon Dulio and Lint seated outside the building. Their presence brought a sense of reassurance amidst the turmoil that had unfolded within those walls.
"Where have you been, Naruto? You took quite a while," Lint inquired with a furrowed brow.
Dulio chimed in, "I heard some loud bangs and tremors. Did something happen?"
Naruto proceeded to recount everything he encountered in the hidden laboratory. From the human specimens to the notes about the Holy Sword Project and its leader, Valper Galilei. He also mentioned meeting one of the test subjects, Isaiah.
He described the eerie atmosphere, the shocking discoveries, and the dangerous encounters he faced. As he spoke, his companions listened intently, their expressions alternating between concern and intrigue.
"Holy Sword Project?" Dulio's voice betrayed a hint of surprise. "I stumbled upon some notes about that too, along with a girl whom I suspected to be one of the test subjects. But I couldn't get her out; she's protected by some kind of barrier," he explained, his brow furrowing with concern.
Naruto asked, "You left her there?"
Dulio nodded, "Yes, but I'll inform Sister Griselda about this."
Naruto's brows furrowed in concern as he pressed further, "But why didn't you try to bring her out?"
Dulio sighed, his expression troubled. "I wanted to, but there was this impenetrable barrier protecting her. It seemed futile to attempt anything without knowing how to breach it."
Naruto turned to Lint, his expression curious. "Did you find anything related to this project too?"
Lint nodded, her gaze serious. "I stumbled upon a cache of stolen holy weapons, mostly from the Church of England and the Eastern Orthodox Church. There were too many to carry out."
Naruto took a moment to absorb the gravity of their discovery, the weight of each word hanging heavily in the air. They had unwittingly stumbled upon something far more sinister than they had anticipated. It wasn't just about uncovering foreign activities; it was about exposing a dark web of deceit and exploitation that had been concealed within the abandoned walls of the church.
As he looked around at his companions, Naruto could sense the tension in the air. Lint's expression mirrored his own concern, her eyes reflecting a mix of shock and determination. And Dulio, ever the stoic leader, seemed to be processing the situation with a solemn resolve, his jaw set in determination.
It was clear that they were now faced with a moral imperative, a duty to bring justice to those who had been victimized and to ensure that such atrocities never happened again. And as they stood there, united in purpose, Naruto knew that they would stop at nothing to see it through to the end.
.
.
.
To be Continued
.
Yo, chapter 2 is here.
Gosh, I never thought that this abandoned project would get a positive responses. At first I was completely pessimistic about this, but apparently not.
I am very grateful for all the responses you gave. I realize that there are still many shortcomings in my writing which is too novel in style. I will try to develop better from chapter to chapter.
That's all, thank you.