The Devil's Preys

April 13th, 2XXX.

It was early in the morning, and the golden sun was rising from the lines of the boundless horizon. A fresh and pleasant day was about to start.

On a serene beach enveloped in shimmering sand, a young couple was taking an early stroll in the relaxing morning. 

As the radiant sun gleamed over the distance, the young man caught a glimpse of his beautiful lover, making a smile form on his face. 

The sea breeze of the early morning ruffled both of their hairs. The young man caught some strands, obliging the young lady to look at him with such affectionate eyes. 

The two gazed upon one another, trapped in a moment of intimacy and warmth. 

"You look beautiful, Yamiko-san."

"So do you, Kazuki-kun. You're handsome."

The young couple had been together for the past several years. Their relationship started in high school, and since then, they fought dozens of challenges that threatened their relationship.

But nonetheless, they persevere through. 

Kazuki didn't want to waste any moment of their love anymore. He desired to make it official. He wanted to let both of their devotion be known by the world. 

It took a lot of bravery for him to even have the courage to do such a thing. Though, not once did he regret it.

Kazuki clenched the gorgeous box hidden in his jacket and breathed deeply. A determined gaze erupted in his eyes as he held her hands and kneeled before the glistening sand. 

"Yamiko-san... I-"

"I hope- No! I love you!"

"Will you marry me, Yamiko-san?"

Such heavy yet fond words finally left his mouth. How long has he wanted to say these words? He couldn't help but give a genuine smile.

Upon hearing such long-awaited, passionate words, Yamiko covered her mouth in adoration. Tears threatened to leave her sparkling eyes, and it took all her might not to entirely cry. 

Yamiko had a beaming smile as she answered his devotion.

"How long have I been waiting for this." 

"Yes, Kazuki-kun. I love you!"

Kazuki placed the spectacular ring on her pale fingers, and the two tightly hugged each other, never wanting to let go. 

The waves kept crashing to the golden beach as it reverberated in the background. The azure sea seemed to luster under the radiant of light. 

But before they could continue with their fond moment, the screeches of crows echoed from the heavens. 

The two turned their gaze upward and saw a circling swarm of crows. Yamiko's arms shivered, but Kazuki held her tightly with his beefy arms. 

"There's no need to worry, I'm here."

The circling swarm of crows descended from the skies and huddled together in one spot.

Kazuki and Yamiko backed away with their gaze centered on the swarm of crows. None of them understood what it was, but they were confident that it was a work of a quirk. 

And what kind of person uses their quirk in public without any care?

Villains!

A shadowy figure formed within the clustering swarm of crows. The pressure it brought was heavy. The young couple were barely making themselves calm. 

Kazuki placed his body in front of Yamiko to protect her from an upcoming incident. He didn't want his precious lover to get hurt.

The crows kept screeching as if they were suffering in eternal pain. It resembled the cries of death that could only be heard from hell. 

And then, the blurry figure inside the black cluster slowly stepped out with the elegance of a noble beauty. 

A gorgeous lady left the confines of the crow cluster. Her scarlet crimson hair swirled as though it was floating underwater. A hypnotic gaze departed her golden irises and looked down upon the world. 

She was like a fallen goddess sculpted by the heavens. A beauty that could cause empires and nations to crumble. 

The alluring lady observed her surroundings with intrigue before gazing at the young couple from head to toe. 

"How romantic."

"Apologies for interrupting your heartwarming moment."

"You're not offended, are you?" 

Makima captivatingly smiled at the two. It was rare to see such an adoring sight, and she saw it coincidently. How the world must have been starting to love her.

Kazuki and Yumiko were puzzled since they didn't know how to react to Makima's words. But Yumiko's heart gained courage as she took a step forward.

"There's no need to apologize."

"We aren't bothered with it, right?" 

Yumiko glances at Kazuki, standing beside her, with a smile. Kazuki awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. 

"Yeah, we aren't troubled by it."

"All right, I'll take my leave."

"I believe the two of you will have a long-lasting relationship."

"You simply need to trust each other with all your heart." 

Makima walked away and left the young couple after giving them a bit of advice as their compensation. 

Kazuki and Yumiko looked at each other as their faces beamed with a smile. 

"I love you, Kazuki."

"I love you too, Yumiko."

Meanwhile, Makima was walking along the sandy beach with a wry smile. She shouldn't have intruded on such a dazzling moment, but it wasn't within her expectations for the young couple to propose.

"I guess I should have read the atmosphere."

Makima shook her head and continued wandering the beach until she reached the road. She shouldn't be far from the Azabu Tower, so she took out her phone and called for a chauffeur. 

"I need you to pick me up. I'm currently on the southern beaches of Tokyo."

"I'll be waiting by the road." 

While waiting for the chauffeur, she thought about her recent explorations of her ability. 

Makima learned to control vast quantities of animals. Starting with rats, insects, and lastly, birds. It took a lot of hard work for the Conquest Devil.

However, it was worth it. 

Makima built a vast intelligence network spanning the entirety of Tokyo using her controlled pets. 

The secrets unveiled before her eyes were intriguing. 

She never thought there would be so many pests hiding in Tokyo. It looks like the Hero Public Safety Commission hasn't carefully cleaned up their backyard. 

'I also learned teleportation, so it's adequate.'

Although she was calling it teleportation. It was more acceptable to call it summoning instead. The concept of it was simple.

Using the connection of her and her pets through Conquest, she could have them forcefully summon her. This summoning would cost a lot, which was usually the life of the one that called for her. 

And in terms of animals...

A few sacrifices were needed to summon her. 

"I can easily travel anywhere in Tokyo with this new skill."

Makima took note of several shrines she had seen on the internet. After all, she might have a chance to investigate its effects. 

But before she could think more about it, a dark limousine arrived.

She raised an eyebrow since it was faster than she thought. However, her reaction faded from her face, and an aloof expression replaced it. 

Makima entered the vehicle and sat comfortably on the back. The driver didn't utter a word and drove her back to the Azabu Tower.

While returning to the Tower, Makima noticed a book on the shelves. Its title was Meta Liberation War. 

The Hero Public Safety Commission should be on the lookout for any materials regarding the MLA. To think some slipped through their net. 

Makima opened the book and smirked. 

But it was understandable, after all...

"Yotsubashi Rikiya, CEO of Detnerat Company."

"Kizuku Chitose, Executive Director of Shoowaysha Publishing Company." 

"Hanabata Koku, Leader of the Hearts and Mind Party."

"Chikazoku Tomoyasu, Board Member of Feel Good Incorporated." 

"Himura Geten, Codename Iceman."