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As Yuki and Ayano arrived on the surface of the Moon, they quickly scanned their surroundings, searching for any sign of Masachika. Yuki recalled that he had planned to explore his new base, so they made their way toward the entrance.
When the doors slid open, they were met with the sight of an elevator. Stepping inside, they noticed the panel displayed five floors. Yuki turned to Ayano and said,
"Ayano, we'll split up and search separately, alright?"
"Understood." Ayano nodded.
Without wasting time, the two began a thorough sweep of the base, meticulously checking every corridor, room, and hidden corner. However, as they moved from floor to floor, they found nothing but empty space. The base was vast, but it lacked any sign of life.
After completing their search, they regrouped at the entrance. Yuki crossed her arms, her expression slightly tense.
"Did you find him, Ayano?"
Ayano shook her head. "No, Yuki-sama. There was no trace of him."
"I see…" Yuki muttered, scanning the area once more. "Then where could he be?"
Not wanting to waste any more time, she raised her hand, summoning multiple drones forged from Soulium. Each was equipped with thermal imaging and X-ray vision, all linked to a single control system for precise maneuvering. With a firm grip on the controller, she guided them manually, methodically sweeping every inch of the base.
Minutes then passed as she monitored the feeds, carefully analyzing the data. The two then Then, one of the drones detected a faint heat signature. Yuki's eyes narrowed as she zoomed in on the feed.
"There!" she exclaimed.
The screen revealed Masachika lying on the ground, his body visibly exhausted.
Yuki and Ayano rushed toward Masachika's location. As they finally reached him, they found him lying on the ground, his breathing steady but his body visibly exhausted. Bruises marked his skin, evidence of an intense battle.
Beside him lay a white spear, its elegant yet formidable presence immediately catching their attention. Though unfamiliar with its exact appearance, both Yuki and Ayano instantly recognized its aura—it was Abyss Flower, a weapon they had heard of but had never seen up close.
Yuki's eyes narrowed with concern as she rushed over. "Brother, what happened to you? Why are you lying on the ground like this?"
Masachika gave a tired smile, his voice casual despite the situation. "Oh, Yuki. What are you doing here again? Is there anything I can help with?"
His tone was light, almost as if nothing was amiss, but the bruises and the strange spear beside him told a different story.
Yuki knelt beside him, eyeing the weapon before looking back at him with a mixture of worry and curiosity. "What happened to you, brother?"
Masachika let out a small chuckle, trying to ease the tension. "Ah, that…" he began, sitting up slowly with a slight wince. "It's a bit of a story."
He motioned for them to sit down as he started to explain, his words calm despite the situation.
<>
Shortly after Yuki and Ayano had left, Masachika decided it was time to examine his new base. However, before doing that, he felt an overwhelming urge to test his abilities. He had a strong sense that his powers had significantly grown since the last time he had truly put them to use, and he wanted to gauge just how much. He was hoping for a controlled environment in which he could properly assess his strength.
"Belfast, could I have a spar with you?" Masachika asked, his voice carrying both respect and eagerness. He was confident that Belfast would be able to give him a challenge without going overboard, helping him understand just where his current power stood.
"as you wish, Masachika-sama" Belfast replied with a nod, her tone calm and collected. She had no reservations about the request; after all, she was aware of Masachika's potential and had always viewed him as a worthy adversary.
Masachika paused for a moment, a thought crossing his mind. He took a deep breath before speaking again, his voice serious.
"One more thing before we begin. I want you to fight me with everything you've got, even if it means releasing that massive power you're holding back," he said, his gaze sharp. "I need to get a better understanding of how powerful you are, and more importantly, how powerful I am. If I'm going to assess my strength and make any charts for power levels, I can't do it with half-measures."
Belfast studied Masachika for a moment, sensing the genuine determination in his words. She had always known that Masachika wasn't someone to shy away from challenges, but hearing his request to push her to her limits showed how far he had come.
"Understood, Masachika-sama. I'll give it my all."
With a single, fluid motion, the two prepared for battle, each poised and ready to push themselves beyond their limits.
"On the count of three,"
Masachika said to Belfast, his voice steady but filled with anticipation. He could see Belfast nod in acknowledgment, her expression focused and serious.
"One..."
As the word left his lips, Masachika gripped the Abyss Flower tightly in his left hand, feeling the weight of the spear's power coursing through him. In his right hand, he summoned his Heart Tool, Γουνγνίρ, its familiar presence providing him a sense of security and strength. He clenched both weapons tightly, ready for what was about to come.
"Two..."
His ears twitched as they began to shift, their form elongating before the unmistakable shape of nine ethereal tails erupted from his back, each one glowing with a shimmering, otherworldly light. But that wasn't all. From his spine, a pair of platinum-silver draconic wings burst forth, unfurling with a display of raw power and fluid grace, their edges glistening in the light. His arms and legs were soon enveloped in a coat of fur-like scales, their platinum sheen reflecting his newfound strength. In that moment, it was clear—he had become a True Dragon.
Despite the dramatic changes happening to his body, Masachika paid no attention to them. His focus remained entirely on his target—Belfast. His eyes never left her, sharp and unwavering, fully aware of the battle that was about to unfold.
"Three!"
just as he was about to launch an attack, Masachika suddenly found himself on his knees. The sudden shift in his body caught him off guard, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.
"Wha—what just happened?" he muttered to himself, staring at Belfast, who stood there, unmoving and calm as ever.
He quickly activated his Universal Sense, scanning the area for any external forces or hidden abilities that could have caused this. But everything seemed normal. There was no attack, no trickery—nothing unusual.
He looked back at Belfast, his confusion deepening. She hadn't made a move, yet here he was, immobilized.
"Belfast," Masachika said, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "Did you do something to me?"
Belfast simply gave him a small, unreadable smile. "No, Masachika-sama. I didn't do anything."
His brow furrowed as he tried to analyze the situation further. Something felt off, but he couldn't pinpoint what. His body, despite his will, wasn't responding the way it should.
A sudden realization hit Masachika like a bolt of lightning, and his expression shifted to one of disbelief. He stared at Belfast, his mind racing to recall something important.
"Ha... haha... you truly are something, Belfast..."
He muttered, a bead of sweat rolling down his face. His thoughts flashed back to Alice's training session with Makina, where the mere presence of a battle stance had been enough to force Alice's body into a kneeling position.
Now, Masachika understood—Belfast hadn't used magic, nor had she released any visible energy. She hadn't even moved, yet his body had reacted instinctively, as if his very cells were responding to her presence and posture alone.
Musashi's voice echoed in his mind, laced with confusion.
(What? What did she do? Did you notice something?)
Masachika's response was sharp with realization.
(Yes. She didn't do anything...)
(Huh? What do you mean she didn't do anything?) Musashi asked, even more bewildered by his words.
(I mean exactly that. I saw her—she didn't move, didn't release a single trace of magic or energy... but somehow, just a mere glance at her battle stance was enough. My body... it yielded on its own. I couldn't control it.)
Musashi was taken aback. She had always known Belfast was powerful, but this level of influence...
(I knew Belfast was strong, but to immobilize you with just a glimpse of her stance… I didn't expect it to be this overwhelming,)
she murmured, her voice heavy with shock and concern as she frowned deeply in the Stigmata Space.
Masachika clenched his fists as the weight of what had just happened sank in. The sheer presence she exuded—it was enough to overpower him, a Herrscher of Finality and a True Dragon, with nothing more than a mere battle stance.
This was a whole new level of combat.
Belfast, standing on the opposite side, heard Masachika's words and smiled, clearly pleased that he had figured out what had just happened.
"As expected of Masachika-sama. You figured out what happened to you," she said, her tone calm yet approving.
Masachika gave a wry smile, acknowledging her compliment. "Yeah, thanks," he replied, his voice still tinged with the lingering effects of the earlier surprise.
In a swift motion, Masachika stabbed his left thigh with Γουνγνίρ, grimacing slightly as the sharp tip pierced through the fabric and skin. The pain jolted him back into focus, forcing his body to respond. With a steady breath, he pushed himself up from the ground, his muscles screaming but his resolve firm.
"Shall we go now, Belfast?" he asked, standing tall once again.
"Anytime," Belfast answered, her smile never fading. She was ready for whatever came next.
And Just as Masachika was about to lunged forward, his body ready to spring into action, a sudden and disorienting sensation hit him. In the blink of an eye, he found himself lying flat on his back, the cold surface of the ground pressing against him.
"Huh?"
Looking up, he saw Belfast standing above him, her hand still holding the Abyss Flower, the spear's tip pointed directly at him.
"What just... happened again…?"
Even Musashi, who resided within the Stigmata Space, was momentarily taken aback by the sudden turn of events again.
"It seems that this is my win, Masachika-sama," Belfast said calmly, her posture composed as she kept Abyss Flower pointed at him.
Masachika blinked, still processing what had just happened. "Y-yeah… then, is it okay if I have another try?" he asked, pushing himself off the ground.
"Of course, Masachika-sama," Belfast responded with a small nod. With a fluid motion, she handed Abyss Flower back to him. Masachika carefully took hold of the spear, gripping it firmly. As soon as he was ready, Belfast vanished from her spot, repositioning herself at the starting point of their spar.
"Alright, let's do this again. On the count of three," Masachika said, determination clear in his voice.
Belfast gave a slight nod, acknowledging his request.
This time, Masachika activated Auto Counter through the Authority of Consciousness, allowing his body to react instinctively without requiring direct input. He also reinforced his body with Honkai Energy to its absolute limit, determined to perceive what had just happened and ensure he wouldn't be caught off guard again.
"1… 2… 3…"
The moment he finished counting, he surged forward—only for everything to blur once more.
Despite activating Auto Counter and pushing his Honkai-enhanced body to its peak, he still couldn't keep up with Belfast's sheer speed. Before he could even process what had happened, he was once again lying on the ground, staring up at the Earth.
Belfast stood over him, her stance unchanged, Abyss Flower's tip pointed at him once more.
"Ah…" Masachika exhaled in disbelief.
"It seems that I win again, Masachika-sama," Belfast said, her voice as composed as ever.
Masachika let out a small, exhausted chuckle before pushing himself back up. "Y-yeah… Can I have another spar?" he asked, refusing to back down.
Masachika and Belfast continued their sparring, each round ending the same way—Masachika on the ground, unable to keep up with Belfast's overwhelming speed. No matter how many times he tried, his eyes and body couldn't follow her movements, and even with Auto Counter reacting for him, his body simply wasn't fast enough to match her.
Yet, despite the repeated defeats, Masachika refused to stop. Each time he fell, he pushed himself back up, gripping Abyss Flower tightly, determination burning in his eyes. He knew that if he wanted to grow stronger, he had to understand the gap between himself and someone as powerful as Belfast.
With each defeat, Masachika's Reactive Evolution continuously adapted, pushing his body beyond its previous limits. His muscles, reflexes, and perception sharpened—bit by bit, he was catching up.
Then, in one of their exchanges, he finally managed to react.
As Belfast moved in, her speed still blinding, Masachika's body instinctively shifted. His vision blurred from the sheer motion, but he barely managed to avoid a sweeping leg strike from behind. His heart pounded as he immediately countered, thrusting Γουνγνίρ toward Belfast.
Yet, she dodged effortlessly, her movements precise and fluid.
Before he could even process her next move, a powerful kick struck his stomach.
"GUHAK!!"
The force behind the blow sent him flying, his body crashing through the air before skidding across the moon's surface. Even with Reactive Evolution, he was still too slow. Still too weak.
But… he had dodged.
For the first time, he had reacted.
Coughing, Masachika slowly got up, wiping the blood from his lips. His body ached, but a determined grin spread across his face.
Belfast appeared before him, her usual composed expression replaced by a pleased smile.
"It seems you've finally managed to react to one of my attacks, Masachika-sama."
Masachika, still catching his breath, wiped the dust from his face before flashing a satisfied grin.
"Yeah," he said, standing up straight. "But that last kick… it was even faster than before." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Tell me honestly, Belfast. I already asked you not to hold back, but I can tell you still are. So, what I want to know is—what percentage of your full power are you actually using right now?"
He had suspected it for a while—there was no way she was going all out.
Belfast tilted her head slightly, her expression as calm as ever.
"Zero point… a lot of zeros after that."
Masachika froze. even Musashi who is inside of Stigmata Space heard that took a moment to process her words.
She wasn't just holding back.
She was holding almost all of her power back.
(Wait… if she's holding back that much, then what would happen if she unleashed her full power in this universe?)
Musashi's voice echoed in his mind, and the realization sent a chill down Masachika's spine. His expression paled.
If Belfast were to go all out… this universe might as well cease to exist. It wouldn't even be able to contain her mere presence—let alone her full power.
"Ha… hahaha… this is crazy…" Masachika muttered, his voice unsteady.
(No, crazy wouldn't even be half of what this is, you know.)
Musashi's tone was firm, almost exasperated. This wasn't just insanity—this was something beyond comprehension.
Masachika couldn't help but nod to what Musashi said, the sheer absurdity of the situation sinking in. His body, aching from the repeated defeats, finally gave out as he collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
He had pushed himself to the limit—evolved, adapted, and even managed to react to her speed.
Yet, despite all of that, Belfast was still holding back that much.
His laughter faded into an exhausted sigh as he stared up at the vast emptiness of space above him.
Masachika let out a deep breath as his legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, releasing his weapon. His Heart Tool, Γουνγνίρ, had reached its limit—fracturing into fragments of light before being drawn back into his body.
Right now, he wasn't thinking about the battle. He wasn't thinking about his exhaustion.
All he wanted was to process the sheer absurdity of Belfast's existence.
As he lay there, his gaze drifted upward—to the distant Earth above, a silent witness to everything that had just transpired.
"Belfast, you're free for the day now," he said, still lying on the ground. "Go on and take a break. You deserve some rest—consider it a weekend off."
Belfast, ever composed, gave a small bow. "Thank you, Masachika-sama."
With that, she vanished, leaving Masachika alone on the moon's surface. The ethereal aura surrounding him slowly began to fade. His ears, tails, and fur-like scales gradually receded, and the once majestic platinum-silver draconic wings slowly faded away, his body gradually returning to its human form.
He lay there for a moment, letting exhaustion wash over him. The weight of his defeats, the rapid growth he had undergone, and the sheer gap between his power and Belfast's all settled in his mind.
Yuki and Ayano stood there, speechless, their eyes wide in disbelief as Masachika casually spoke about his defeat at the hands of Belfast.
"Y-you lost against her? And what's more, she hasn't even used a fraction of her power?" Yuki stammered, trying to wrap her mind around the scale of what Masachika had just described.
"Yeah, funny, right?" Masachika chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "I just lost to her like it wasn't even a challenge. And the Titan and Poseidon I fought before? Nothing compared to Belfast." His tone was laced with a new sense of respect, mixed with awe.
There was no fear in Masachika's voice—only respect and awe.
That overwhelming strength Belfast possessed… it wasn't something to fear. It was something to strive for.
Because that very power was what he sought—to become strong enough to protect those he wished to protect.
Yuki and Ayano exchanged shocked glances. They couldn't fathom the disparity in power. For someone like Masachika, who had fought beings of such immense strength, to say that Belfast was on an entirely different level was staggering.
Masachika's mind wandered as he thought back to the fight. His body still felt the aftermath of being utterly outclassed. The Titan and Poseidon, two legendary figures he'd faced before, were nothing in comparison to Belfast. In fact, he felt confident that Belfast could have wiped them out with just a flick of her finger.
But what truly intrigued him was the creator of Belfast. If Belfast herself was capable of such strength, what did that say about the one who had created her? How powerful could they be? The curiosity gnawed at him, and he found himself wondering just what level of strength this creator must possess to create something so formidable.
He couldn't help but be fascinated.
Masachika sat up straight, his body fully recovered, the exhaustion from the sparring match with Belfast fading quickly as his energy returned. He glanced at Yuki and Ayano, who were still processing the incredible display of power they had just witnessed.
"So, what is it you two?" Masachika asked, his voice steady as he turned his attention to the two girls, who were still in a state of disbelief from the sheer strength of Belfast.
Yuki, recovering from the shock, hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "Ah, well... We were thinking of asking if you could let us go to Hell and train there," she said, her voice uncertain but hopeful.
"Hell, huh?" Masachika repeated, leaning back slightly as he mulled over the idea. The place was known for being one of the best training grounds for honing abilities, especially for those who, like Yuki and Ayano, were still mastering the power of their Herrscher abilities. The hostile environment, filled with countless demons, would force them to continuously push their limits and grow stronger, unburdened by concerns of safety.
However, despite the benefits, there was a more dangerous side to Hell that Masachika couldn't ignore. "It's definitely a good place to train. The constant threat of demons forces you to improve quickly and continuously," he mused. "But at the same time, it's not something to take lightly. Hell never stops sending waves of demons, each more powerful than the last. It's relentless, and it doesn't give you a break. It's a place where survival itself becomes a challenge."
He paused for a moment, considering the risks. "You'll need to be fully prepared before you enter. And even then, you'll have to keep your wits about you. It's not a place where anyone can just wander in and expect to leave unscathed."
Yuki and Ayano exchanged a determined look, silently agreeing on the decision to push forward despite the daunting nature of the training ahead.
"That's fine by me, right Ayano?" Yuki asked, turning to her companion, her voice filled with resolve.
"Un, I'm fine with it too, Masachika-sama," Ayano replied, her voice steady, though there was a flicker of anticipation in her eyes. The two had already proven their tenacity, and this was just another challenge to face.
Masachika nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "I see... then while you train, I'll be watching over you two. In case something happens." His tone was firm, his protective instinct kicking in. As much as he wanted them to grow, he knew that Hell was no easy place, and there were countless dangers waiting to challenge them.
"Un." Yuki nodded, appreciating his concern, and Ayano mirrored her, silently agreeing to the plan.
Masachika stood up, his movements fluid and purposeful. The air around them seemed to grow heavier, charged with the power of the imminent journey they were about to take. As he did so, Yuki and Ayano followed suit, standing ready to embark on this next phase of their training.
"Well, then. Let's go to Hell, shall we?" Masachika said with a small smirk, his confidence unwavering. He then opened a red portal, swirling with ominous energy. The portal was a gateway to Hell—something he had access to now, a reward for his own growth and perseverance.
Yuki and Ayano stared at the portal for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. This was no ordinary destination. The swirling red light that emanated from the portal made the air feel heavier, and a sense of foreboding lingered. Yet, despite the danger that lay beyond, both girls felt a surge of determination. This was where they could grow, become stronger, and learn what their powers truly meant.
===============================
The moment the three stepped through the portal, they were immediately greeted by the scorching temperature of Hell itself. The air was thick with heat, radiating an intensity that would have left any ordinary person collapsing from the sweltering conditions. The ground beneath them crackled with heat, the sky above a dark, oppressive red, and the distant echoes of what sounded like cries of torment filled the air.
To Yuki and Ayano, however, it felt no different from a particularly warm summer day. Their Thermal Fluctuation Nullification rendered the extreme heat meaningless, allowing them to walk through Hell's fiery landscape without a second thought. As for Masachika, his body had long adapted to harsh environments—his adaptive capabilities made even the most brutal climates feel inconsequential.
"Well, here we are. Welcome to Hell." Masachika's voice was calm, almost casual, as he surveyed the surroundings. He seemed completely unaffected by the environment, as though the flames and heat were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.
Yuki and Ayano, on the other hand, couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer scale of the place. The landscape stretched endlessly before them—miles of jagged rocks, rivers of lava, and towering pillars of flame. It was the very depiction of Hell, a place so inhospitable and dangerous that it felt like the embodiment of suffering itself. But despite the overwhelming nature of the place, there was an undeniable allure to it. The atmosphere crackled with power, a place where only the strongest survived.
As the three ventured deeper into Hell's fiery landscape, the oppressive atmosphere bore down on them, the very air itself carrying the weight of malice and destruction. The flames crackled ominously, and distant, monstrous figures lurked in the shadows, waiting for their moment to strike.
Masachika suddenly stopped in his tracks, causing Yuki and Ayano to halt as well. His expression darkened, his eyes sharp and unwavering. Slowly, he turned his head toward them, his voice carrying a weight far heavier than before.
"Before we continue, I want to ask you something," he said, his tone devoid of any warmth.
Yuki and Ayano instinctively straightened, sensing the seriousness in his words. They watched as Masachika's piercing gaze bore into them, his presence alone demanding absolute attention.
"Are you prepared to kill?"
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i don't have anything to say on this one. only that Belfast Strength is to serve as the ceiling of the Power level that i'm about to write.
so as always thanks for Reading my Fanfic
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