Chapter 78: Final preparations before the decisive battle × New threats and awakened powers
Bailan's Independent Operation and the Foundation's Mystery With light steps, Bailan moved through the Foundation's secret base under the cover of night. He had long since memorized every nook and cranny of this top-secret facility. Tonight, his mission was clear - to retrieve confidential files on the "Espers". Only by uncovering the Foundation's secrets could Dongyun Academy escape its growing crisis.
He approached a high-security office guarded by a lone guard. Activating his illusionary magic, Bailan shrouded himself in a visual fog and slipped past unnoticed. Within seconds, he hacked the security lock and accessed the computer, quickly downloading the data inside.
The files contained disturbing information about the "subjects". Not only was the Foundation experimenting on Espers, they were now studying how to amplify their powers with external forces. These subjects didn't just possess terrifying strength - they had mysterious abilities to influence their surroundings and even resonate with other Espers. Bailan realized that these experimental subjects could become the greatest threat to Dongyun Academy yet.
Pocketing the files, he prepared to leave - but the sudden sound of rushing footsteps echoed outside the room. Bailan's expression darkened. Without hesitation, he activated a teleportation spell and disappeared.
Black Godblade stood atop the arena of the Second Academy, his body still bearing the scars from his brutal battle at Dongyun Academy. But there was no trace of mercy in his eyes now - only a killing intent cold as steel. He was no longer the defeated warrior who had fallen before Yoru Mikasa. He had become a bloodthirsty predator.
Opposite him stood the ace of the Second Academy - a brawny warrior named Raes, wielding a massive sword and exuding raw power.
"You are no match for me," Black Godblade said calmly, his gaze devoid of emotion.
With a furious roar, Raes charged, slashing down with explosive force. The blade screamed through the air - but in an instant, Black Godblade vanished. He reappeared behind his enemy and slashed swiftly, his blade sinking into Raes' side.
Raes collapsed with a howl, blood staining the arena.
"You're too weak," Black Godblade muttered, shoving Raes aside as gasps erupted from the crowd. Not only was he terrifyingly powerful, he was unpredictable, a true killing machine.
"The Second Academy? Pathetic," he sneered, turning away from the stunned crowd. The air still crackled with the aftermath of his ruthless attack.
Yoru Mikasa's Esper Awakening and Emotional Conflict Yoru Mikasa sat alone in the training room, holding a simple magic card. On its face: a sinister black joker - Black Jack. He could already feel the strange power of the card - a violent aura pulsing deep within.
As he concentrated, Yoru's eyes turned crimson, his heartbeat quickened. The air grew heavier, thick with the weight of pressure. An uncontrollable urge rose within him, like a voice whispering from his soul:
"Let it go. Let it go."
"No..." Yoru whispered, shaking his head, forcing calm over chaos. He knew he couldn't lose control - not again. This power wasn't just a tool anymore. It was a threat.
He took a deep breath, pushing the dark force back into its depths.
But in the shadows of his mind, another self stirred - a being called Joker, who silently watched it all unfold.
Sayo Oudo's Rising Emotions and Inner Struggle Sayo Oudo stood silently behind Yoru Mikasa, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the pressure radiating from him - intimidating, almost frightening. But also... irresistibly seductive.
"What are you holding back, Yoru?" she whispered to herself, pain flickering in her eyes.
She began to realize the depth of her feelings for him - and how dangerous those feelings could become. Yoru's powers were no longer illusions or tricks. There was something darker now - something beyond control. And she didn't know if she could protect the one she loved from it... or from herself.
A seed of worry had already taken root deep inside her.
Mitou Karuma vs. the Ice Commander: A Second Duel The Ice Commander appeared in the parking lot of Dongyun Academy, his cold aura covering the room. The temperature dropped drastically. Standing in front of him was Mitou Karuma, his eyes burning with the fire of vengeance, a whip in his hand.
"Tonight, it ends," Mitou said coldly.
The Ice Commander didn't react. He crossed his arms with a grin before lunging forward, his blows laced with frost. Each attack froze the air, weighing it down with pressure.
Mitou countered fiercely, his whip slicing through the air like a beam of psychic energy, shattering each freezing blow.
Then came the Ice Commander's beast: a summoned ice wolf charged at Mitou.
Reacting instantly, Mitou's whip flashed and shattered the wolf. But the enemy wasn't done yet. A sudden blizzard swirled, forming a deadly blade of ice that slashed at him.
"I won't give in!" Mitou shouted, his whip forming a psychic shield just in time to block the attack.
At that moment, Mitou awakened a new ability - Psychic Strike - his mental energy now concentrated in each blow. Every movement of the whip could pierce through the enemy's mind and body.
"You won't suppress me again!" he roared, unleashing a powerful blow that slammed into the Ice Commander's chest.
The enemy staggered - defeated. Mitou stood, breathless, knowing that this battle was only the beginning.
The Eve of the Final Battle As the threat grew, the leaders of the Dongyun Academy convened an emergency meeting. Present were Yoru Mikasa, Sayo Oudo, and the heads of the five clubs - Kyōichi Tendō, Retsu Gōzanshi, Bailan, and Mitou Karuma.
Kyōichi remained calm and alert. His gaze swept the room. "This is our turning point. The Espers are no longer just a trial - they are a real threat. We must prepare for war."
Retsu clenched his fists. Recently recovered from battle, he growled, "I am ready. Whoever the enemy is, we will meet them head on."
Bailan spoke coolly, "I will support the mission. But we must all be prepared for the worst."
Mitou, gripping his whip tightly, nodded with newfound determination. "No more retreats. When the time comes, we will win."
Kyōichi ended the discussion with a solemn nod. "The time has come. Let us gather our strength for the final showdown."
As the room emptied, the atmosphere grew heavier. The final battle was at hand, and fate hung in the balance.
Kimarusatsu's Monologue As the doors closed behind the last of them, Kimarusatsu remained alone in the meeting room. The dim light cast his shadow across the floor. He did not follow the others. Instead, he stood there, lost in thought.
"Battle... is inevitable," he whispered. To outsiders, he was the ruthless weapon of the Spear Club. But he knew that his true goal wasn't to crush others - it was to face the edge of the challenge itself and surpass it.
He understood that Dongyun Academy stood on a fragile tower - one gust of wind and it could all collapse. As the club's leader, he carried more than a weapon. He carried the weight of destiny.