Chapter 21
Kai's expression shifted from playful to composed as the journalists approached him, their microphones thrust in his direction.
He was used to media attention, having dealt with it many times before. His charisma and charm made him a natural at handling such situations.
"Excuse me, Mr. Kai!" one of the journalists called out, a camera flashing in his face. "Can you tell us more about your recent heroic act and how it feels to be the newest S-Class Hero?"
Kai offered them a charismatic smile. "Well, I can't take all the credit. It was a team effort, and I'm grateful for the support of my companions.
As for becoming an S-Class Hero, it's an honor and a responsibility. I'll do my best to live up to the expectations of the Hero Association and the people."
The journalists fired off more questions, and Kai answered each one with ease and confidence. His words were measured and thoughtful, revealing a sense of dedication and sincerity that resonated with the public.
Meanwhile, Fubuki and her group watched the scene unfold, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness.
They had witnessed firsthand the power and charisma that drew people towards Kai, and it was clear that he was skilled at managing his public image.
"He's quite the charmer, isn't he?" Mountain Ape mumbled, a hint of begrudging admiration in his voice.
Fubuki's gaze remained fixed on kai as he spoke to the journalists. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
She couldn't deny that his offer had intrigued her, even if she was hesitant to fully trust him. The idea of surpassing her sister and achieving her long-held goal of becoming an S-Class Hero was tempting.
--
Fubuki's heart raced as she looked down at the bustling city below her. Her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white.
The height made her head spin, and she could feel a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She was a powerful Esper, capable of manipulating objects with her mind, but that didn't mean she was immune to fear.
Fubuki's voice held a mix of curiosity and caution as she spoke, her gaze fixed on the sprawling cityscape before her.
The Hero's Headquarters stood tall and imposing, offering a panoramic view of City-A that extended as far as the eye could see.
Kai chuckled softly, the sound carrying a hint of amusement.
"My teleportation ability does not have limits, but they're quite extensive. I can travel across cities, although there are some restrictions based on familiarity and distance."
Fubuki turned to him, her brow furrowing slightly.
"So, you brought me here just to show off your teleportation skills?"
"partly, but to show you this." kai tapped her shoulders and pointed at a building in the distance. His figure suddenly burst into flames.
With pale skin and glowing eyes, he embodied the picture-perfect image of a demon from hell. "Israel Judgment.""
She arched an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "And what's that?"
Kai extended his arm, his hand pointing towards a specific building in the distance. Fubuki followed his gaze and saw the building he was indicating.
It was an ordinary-looking structure, blending in with the urban landscape.
"That building over there," Kai began, his voice carrying a sense of significance,
Before Fubuki could respond, a transformation overcame kai.
His figure seemed to ignite with flames, his skin taking on a reddish hue and his eyes glowing with an otherworldly intensity.
The fiery avatar of a legendary creature, Phenex, materialized behind him, its wings stretching out and flames dancing along its feathers.
Fubuki's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of awe and trepidation washing over her. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking, and yet it also carried an undeniable sense of danger.
The flames that surrounded Phenex seemed to radiate an immense power, one that sent a shiver down her spine.
"What are you doing?" Fubuki demanded, her voice edged with urgency. "You can't just unleash that kind of power here!"
Kai's gaze remained focused on Phenex, his expression resolute. "I'm not unleashing it to cause harm, Fubuki. I want you to witness the potential that lies within me, within us."
Fubuki's eyes widened in realization. "You mean… you're trying to show me the true extent of your abilities?"
Fubuki's shock and disbelief were palpable as she watched the horrifying spectacle unfold before her eyes.
The once bustling and vibrant city had turned into a scene of absolute chaos and destruction. The laser beams that shot out from Phenex's wings were like relentless beams of death, cutting through buildings and lives with merciless efficiency.
The devastation was on a scale she had never witnessed before, and it struck her to her core.
Her mind raced as she struggled to process the sheer scale of the disaster.
The Hero's Headquarters, the symbol of hope and protection, had become a witness to the devastation. People who had sought refuge there were now facing a nightmare that seemed almost unreal.
Kai's smirk and nonchalant demeanor added another layer of confusion to her emotions.
It was as if he were toying with the destruction, relishing the chaos he had unleashed. The sheer audacity of his actions left her speechless.
Tears welled up in her eyes as the cries of panic and desperation filled the air. Professional heroes rushed to the scene, attempting to rescue those trapped in the chaos, only to meet their demise at the hands of the destructive beams.
It was a massacre, an unthinkable tragedy unfolding right before her eyes.
Fubuki's hands clenched into fists, her knuckles turning white as a mixture of anger, fear, and helplessness coursed through her.
This was far beyond the realms of heroism she had known. It was a nightmare she couldn't wake up from, and Kai seemed to revel in it.
When he finally dispelled his fire elemental form, his words cut through the chaos like a chilling breeze. The spectacle was satisfying to him, a display of power and destruction that left her stunned beyond words.
"You... You're a monster," Fubuki managed to choke out, her voice shaking with a mixture of fury and disbelief. She had thought he was here to help, to guide her, but instead,
he had unleashed a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions.
Kai turned to her, his expression unreadable.
"Maybe I am. But remember, Fubuki, this is what absolute strength can achieve. And this is just a fraction of what I can do."
Fubuki's chest heaved with a mixture of emotions—anger, fear, and a sense of betrayal.
She had been drawn to his promises of growth and strength, but now she was faced with a reality that was darker than she could have ever imagined.
"You're no hero," she spat, her voice laced with bitterness. "You're a monster who revels in chaos and destruction."
She watched as the flames faded completely, leaving Kai standing before her in his normal form. His gaze held a quiet intensity, as if he was waiting for her reaction.
Kai's smile persisted, infuriating her further. He seemed to derive twisted amusement from her reaction, as if her distress was a form of entertainment.
"You're a psychopath. A villain," Fubuki accused, her words dripping with both anger and fear. The realization that she had aligned herself with someone capable of such destruction was a heavy burden to bear.
But Kai's response only deepened her confusion. He produced an ornate dagger, claiming it had the power to reverse time. The Dagger of Time, a relic that could alter the course of events. It was a fantastical claim that stretched the boundaries of her understanding.
"This dagger can reverse time. You can prevent this disaster from ever happening. Are you willing to be the hero?"
Fubuki's eyes widened in disbelief. "Reversing the time… How can such a weapon exist?" She was skeptical about the authenticity of his claim.
After seeing his evil actions, she had every right to doubt every word coming out of his mouth.
Kai maintained his smile. "It can reverse time to a few minutes at most. Even that will cost whoever uses it." "Cost what?" "Life. One minute reversed equals seven years of lifespan."
He cooked up a bullshit reason to force Fubuki into a moral dilemma. She had two choices — willingly choose the sacrifice or preserve her life.
"You're a devil." After kindling hope inside her chest, he slammed her down with the cost of the said hope.
She felt like she was dealing with a devil who played with her life for his amusement. Kai just laughed and peeled her hands off of his shirt. "I'm not a devil. I'm the Emperor of devils. Will you accept my deal?"
Fubuki hesitated, rightfully so. Five minutes or more had passed since the first laser strike. She'd be in her sixties if she used the dagger to save the city. Esper or not, her body structure was the same as ordinary people.
She would age. 'I'll be a hag.' Fubuki clenched her fist. Her dream of surpassing Tatsumaki would be a pipedream by then.
The price was too great. When she glanced at the city engulfed in flames and dark smoke, that price seemed too steep. Her own existence felt smaller compared to the tens and thousands of citizens.
"Clock is ticking, you know~."