Vortex Reincarnated

-Central-

The place where high-ranking officials and other important figures gather. It is the central operations base, the heart of the continent and the empire. A small city within the capital, where only the most powerful reside. 

A sharp knock echoed through the massive door of the central office. 

—Enter. —A firm voice responded from inside. 

A middle-aged man, dressed in a formal suit adorned with medals, burst into the room. His breath was ragged, and his trembling hands clutched a briefcase. 

—General! We've received a report… The western front has been under relentless attack since this morning! We're barely holding out. The forces that left the empire are repositioning to defend the borders… Specifically, the First and Second Battalion, sir. 

The man tried to continue, but the general cut him off. 

—ENOUGH! —He slammed the table with such force that it split in two—. I don't want to hear any more excuses. Mobilize the entire army to the border. We will crush those damned demons once and for all! 

The officer's expression shifted. Where there was once worry, now there was determination. 

—Y-yes, General! I will relay the message to the high command immediately. 

Thus, the war for the empire's dominion began…

----

—Good morning, Jason! Are you awake yet? I have great news! —Mika beamed with excitement, her voice brimming with happiness. 

Jason, still half-asleep, rubbed his eyes and yawned. 

—I slept pretty well… What happened, Mika? 

—I was able to charge my phone! —She exclaimed, jumping slightly in joy. Then, a faint blush appeared on her face—. And… I wanted to wait for you so we could research together. 

Jason looked at her in surprise before giving a soft smile and taking her hand. 

—Oh… Thank you, Mika. We can do it together. 

---

"My name is Leo! And as many of you know, I'm the number one reporter in the empire!"

Today, I'll be covering recent events—hot news! According to our investigations, this morning's attacks on Bleach City and its surroundings are the result of our ongoing war with the Kingdom of Soldam. Though we've maintained a balance in recent years, it seems the scales are about to tip. 

We urge everyone to stay in their homes or designated bunkers while reinforcements from the capital and the empire crush these weak enemies. Under no circumstances should you go outside! 

Thank you for tuning in. If we receive any updates, we'll be the first to report them! This has been… News Plus, the best in the continent! 

The report ended with a message at the bottom: 

—Facts backed by the Imperial Central— 

--- 

Mika and Jason remained silent, processing what they had just heard. 

—We should… try to reach the nearest bunker. —Mika broke the uneasy silence, her voice trembling with worry. 

—Yeah… I think that's the best option. We need to get out of here as soon as possib— 

Before Jason could finish his sentence, a beam of light shot through the room, grazing his hair and scorching it instantly. 

The impact was devastating. Half of the room was obliterated on the spot, reduced to ashes. Debris flew everywhere, and a heavy chunk fell directly onto Mika's leg. 

The pain paralyzed her. She couldn't even react. 

Without thinking, Jason kicked her toward the corner of the room, pushing her away from danger. 

Mika let out a pained gasp and looked at him in confusion. 

—Why, Jason?! 

He remained firm, his body trembling from the pain as he searched for the attacker. His voice, though weak, was clear. 

—Sorry… but I don't want to see you die. I don't want to see anyone die again… 

Then, from amidst the sunlit rubble, a silhouette emerged. Tall. Humanoid. The scent of blood and metal filled the air. 

Jason knew immediately. 

"The demon." 

His body began to tremble. But behind him was the only person who truly mattered to him. 

"I can't back down."

The demon lunged forward, aiming a punch straight at Jason's chest. However, Jason managed to dodge, tilting his body at the last second. 

The demon hesitated for a moment, surprised. 

That boy, the same one who used to cower at the mere sight of him… had just defended himself. 

Without hesitation, the demon launched a kick, but Jason reacted faster, stepping out of its reach. 

The demon studied him intently, then shifted its gaze toward Mika. 

It seemed to smile. 

Jason understood its intent in an instant. 

"No… Mika!" 

The demon moved at a terrifying speed. 

Jason didn't think twice. He grabbed a rock from the debris and hurled it with all his strength at the demon's face. 

The impact didn't hurt it, but it was enough to draw its attention. 

Now, the demon was coming straight for Jason. 

Its arms began to glow with a crimson light. 

"That beam again…" 

Jason swallowed hard. 

"It doesn't matter. I'm an athlete. I can dodge it."

The beam shot forward, and with almost superhuman agility, Jason bent backward. The light barely grazed his face. 

"I can win! I can beat it!" 

But then… 

Crack. 

The pain pierced through him like a knife. 

His bones, pushed beyond their limit, had snapped. 

He collapsed to the ground, unable to move. 

—Jason! Are you okay?! —Mika tried to run toward him, but her injured leg betrayed her. 

She fell. 

Yet, ignoring the pain, she began crawling desperately toward him. 

The demon, on the other hand, was enjoying the scene. 

Mika could barely move. The blood loss was making her dizzy. 

The monster advanced toward Jason, savoring its prey. 

Jason could only watch as it approached. His body refused to respond. He couldn't move. 

The demon extended its hand and grabbed him by the neck, lifting him effortlessly. 

—Kil…l… 

Jason felt the crushing pressure. 

—SOMEONE, HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! HELP! 

But no one answered. 

At that moment, the demon's hand began to glow again.