The crash downstairs was loud enough to rattle the walls of the inn, and the muffled screams of other guests added to the chaos. Makoto gripped his Innocence wheel tightly, his heart pounding. Timcampy chirped nervously, fluttering beside him as if urging him to move.

"Master," Makoto said, glancing at Cross. "What do we do?"

Cross adjusted his hat, a smirk playing on his lips. "What do you think? You go fight it, of course."

Makoto gawked at him. "You're just going to sit this one out?!"

"I've done my share," Cross replied nonchalantly, leaning against the doorframe. "Consider this another test. Timcampy will keep me updated."

"Another test?" Makoto groaned. "You're unbelievable."

Cross chuckled, blowing out a puff of smoke. "You're welcome. Now go on, don't keep the Akuma waiting."

With a resigned sigh, Makoto ran down the hall, Timcampy zipping ahead of him. The cursed eye's burning sensation grew stronger, the throbbing pain guiding him toward the source of the disturbance. He stumbled down the stairs, nearly tripping over his own feet as another crash echoed from the lobby.

The lobby was a mess. Furniture lay overturned, shards of glass littered the floor, and the innkeeper cowered behind the reception desk. Standing in the center of the room was an Akuma—a Level Two, its insectoid body glinting in the dim light. Its claws dripped with black ichor, and its glowing red eyes locked onto Makoto as he entered.

"You're late," the Akuma hissed, its voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you."

Makoto's cursed eye flared, revealing the soul trapped within the creature. It was a woman this time, her expression filled with despair as she reached out toward him.

"Please..." the soul's faint voice echoed in his mind. "Help me..."

Makoto swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his Innocence. "I'll free you," he whispered. "I promise."

The Akuma let out a shriek, lunging at him with its razor-sharp claws. Makoto barely dodged, stumbling over a fallen chair as he sent his wheel spinning toward the creature. The glowing green weapon struck the Akuma's arm, slicing it clean off.

The creature howled in pain, but it didn't slow down. It swung its remaining claw toward Makoto, who ducked just in time, the attack slicing through the air above his head.

Makoto's usual bizarre luck began to kick in at the most unexpected moments. As the Akuma lunged again, he tripped over a broken table leg and fell to the ground—just as the creature's claws slashed where he'd been standing.

"Are you serious?!" Makoto groaned, scrambling to his feet. "Why does this always happen to me?"

Timcampy darted around the Akuma's head, chirping loudly as it distracted the creature. The Akuma swiped at the golem, but its attacks missed by inches. Makoto seized the opportunity, summoning his wheel again and sending it flying toward the creature's chest.

The attack landed, leaving a deep gash that caused the Akuma to stagger. "You little pest!" it screeched, glaring at Timcampy.

"Nice work, Timcampy!" Makoto called, a grin tugging at his lips. "Keep it up!"

The golem chirped triumphantly, zipping through the air as the Akuma flailed in frustration. Makoto used the distraction to reposition himself, his cursed eye glowing as he focused on the trapped soul.

"Almost there," he muttered, pouring more energy into his Innocence. The wheel spun faster, glowing brighter as he prepared for a final strike.

The Akuma, realizing it was losing, unleashed a desperate flurry of attacks. It slammed its claws into the ground, sending debris flying as it charged toward Makoto.

Makoto braced himself, his wheel spinning at full speed. "Come on," he whispered, his voice steady despite the fear racing through him. "Just a little closer..."

At the last moment, Makoto dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the Akuma's attack. He sent his wheel hurtling forward, the glowing green blade slicing cleanly through the creature's chest. The Akuma let out a deafening screech as it disintegrated into ash, its soul freed at last.

The woman's soul lingered for a moment, her expression softening as she looked at Makoto. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice faint but filled with relief.

Makoto sank to his knees, his chest heaving as the soul vanished into the air. Timcampy landed on his shoulder, nuzzling against his cheek as if to say, "Well done."

"Thanks, Timcampy," Makoto said, smiling faintly. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Makoto trudged back upstairs, his body aching from the battle. Cross was waiting for him in the hallway, his arms crossed and his ever-present cigarette dangling from his lips.

"Not bad, kid," Cross said, his smirk widening. "You're still alive, so I'd call that a success."

Makoto glared at him. "You didn't even help! I could've died!"

Cross shrugged. "And yet you didn't. You're learning."

"Learning?!" Makoto threw his hands in the air. "I tripped over a table leg! Twice!"

"And it worked, didn't it?" Cross said, chuckling. "You've got some ridiculous luck, kid. Use it."

Makoto sighed, slumping against the wall. "You're impossible."

Cross ruffled his hair, his smirk softening into something almost kind. "Get some rest, Makoto. You earned it."

Makoto blinked, startled by the rare show of affection. "Master... thanks."

Cross waved him off, already walking away. "Don't get used to it."

Later that night, Makoto sat by the window in their room, gazing out at the quiet street below. Timcampy perched on his lap, chirping softly as Makoto stroked its smooth surface.

"You're not just a golem, are you?" Makoto said quietly, his eyes thoughtful. "You feel like... more than that."

Timcampy tilted its head, as if considering the question, then nuzzled against Makoto's hand. The small gesture brought a smile to Makoto's lips, and for a moment, the weight of his journey didn't feel so heavy.

"Thanks for sticking with me, Timcampy," he whispered. "I don't think I could do this without you."

The golem chirped in response, its wings fluttering gently. Makoto closed his eyes, letting the soft hum of Timcampy's presence lull him to sleep.

To Be Continued...