Reflectance of Self...

[Authors Note:

How many chapters do you guys want today?

2 or 3 Chapters?

Let me know down in the comments!]

Flying all the way home to the Zoldyck Manor, still covered in the blood of the Revenants and Azrael, Ash's expression remained straight but internally he had a heavy heart somehow.

He landed gracefully on the grounds of Kukuroo Mountain, his wings of darkness retracting as he stepped forward, making his way towards the familiar halls of the manor.

Silence greeted him as he entered the grand estate, the hushed atmosphere mirroring the heaviness that weighed upon his heart.

Without pausing, he navigated the corridors with an almost mechanical precision, his mind focused solely on his destination.

Reaching Silva's room, Ash stood before his father, his eyes meeting the stern gaze.

He spoke in a monotone voice, his words carrying the weight of the news he bore. "Azrael has fallen in battle, Silva. He died on an extermination mission."

Silva's response mirrored Ash's demeanor, his voice carrying a sense detachment of detachment. His words cutting through the air like a frigid breeze.. "Death comes in the line of killing."

Ash acknowledged Silva's words with a nod, understanding the reality of their lives and the sacrifices they made.

He knew that beneath Silva's stoic exterior, emotions simmered, even if they remained unexpressed.

Leaving Silva's room, Ash continued his solitary path towards the bathroom. The bloodstains on his body were a stark reminder of the battles fought, the lives lost.

As he entered the sanctuary of the bathroom, he closed the door behind him, shutting out the world for a moment of solitude.

Undressing with meticulous efficiency, Ash stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to cascade over his weary form.

The rivulets of water washed away the physical remnants of the battle, cleansing his body with each gentle touch.

As the water flowed, Ash's mind drifted, contemplating the fleeting nature of existence. The loss of Azrael resonated within him, the absence of a comrade etching a silent ache upon his heart.

But his mentality shielded him from the depths of grief, allowing him to focus on the path ahead.

Within the steam-filled confines of the bathroom, Ash reflected on Azrael's memory.

The shared moments of battle, the first meeting, the training by him, the camaraderie forged amidst chaos; each memory served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the purpose that fueled his relentless pursuit.

Stepping out of the shower, the water droplets evaporating from his skin, Ash felt a sense of renewal.

He carried within him the weight of duty, the unspoken promise to honor Azrael's sacrifice.

Leaving the bathroom, he traversed the silent corridors of the Zoldyck Manor once more.

Checking his phone, he saw Azrael's contact card. The thought that the number would never ring again was something.. different.

The absence of Azrael's presence was palpable, yet Ash remained steadfast in his resolve. He knew that his path would continue, driven by a purpose greater than any individual's existence.

As he moved through the shadows of his home, Ash embraced the emptiness within him.

It was within this void that his strength lay, the absence of emotion allowing him to navigate the treacherous waters of his destiny.

With each step, he carried the memory of Azrael, a beacon in the darkness, guiding him towards the next chapter of his journey.

Ash set his sights on the challenges that awaited him, ready to face the trials that lay ahead with unwavering determination.

His mind still shrouded in the depths of his resolve, he was met by the presence of Chronos. The AI's voice resonated with its characteristic calmness.

"Master, in light of recent events and the need to further enhance your strength, I propose a scan of Hunters Tavern.

By analyzing the beasts page present there, we can identify potential Nen Beasts that possess genes that would aid you in your path towards greater power.

With your permission, I can provide a list of Nen Beasts with presumed genes that align with your objectives."

Ash regarded Chronos, his gaze steady and unwavering. Despite his lack of emotions, he understood the significance of this opportunity.

Enhancing his strength was paramount, and if the Nen Beasts held the keys to unlocking his potential, he would not hesitate to pursue them.

"Proceed, Chronos," Ash replied, his voice devoid of inflection. "Scan Hunters Tavern and present me with the list of Nen Beasts and their presumed genes."

Chronos acknowledged Ash's agreement and swiftly activated its scanning capabilities, delving into the intricate web of Nen signatures that enveloped Hunters Tavern.

After a moment of processing, Chronos compiled a list of five Nen Beasts, each accompanied by a set of presumed genes that held the promise of empowering Ash in his quest for strength.

"Master, based on the scan results, I present you with the following Nen Beasts and their respective presumed genes," Chronos announced, its voice crisp and clear.

Ironjaw Panther:

Gene: Adamantine Fangs Description: Strengthens your bite, allowing you to pierce through even the toughest defenses and rend your enemies with unparalleled ferocity.

Swiftwind Hawk:

Gene: Cyclone Wings Description: Grants you the ability to manipulate the air currents around you, enabling swift aerial maneuvers and strikes with the force of a raging storm.

Silent Stalker Spider:

Gene: Venomous Web Description: Enhances your web-spinning abilities, enabling you to create strong and adhesive webs infused with a paralyzing venom, immobilizing your adversaries.

Emberhorn Rhino:

Gene: Molten Charge Description: Ignites your horn with searing heat, allowing you to charge at your foes with explosive force, leaving behind trails of scorching destruction.

Soaring Serpent:

Gene: Serpentine Scales Description: Bestows you with the ability to manifest impenetrable scales that cover your body, providing heightened defense against physical and Nen-based attacks.

Chronos presented the information with precise efficiency, allowing Ash to absorb the details without interruption.

The possibilities laid before him, each gene offering a unique advantage that could further hone his skills and augment his abilities.

Ash considered the list, his mind processing the potential benefits of each gene. He recognized the significance of these enhancements in his relentless pursuit of strength.

"Getting genes for every situation, your analysis is splendid."

"List the locations of these beasts, Chronos," Ash finally responded, his voice resolute. "We will acquire them, one by one, to further solidify my path towards becoming an unstoppable force."

Chronos acknowledged Ash's command, its digital presence unwavering.

It would serve as Ash's guiding light, leading him on the perilous journey to obtain the Nen Beasts and unlock the coveted genes they possessed.

With the mission clear and their objectives aligned, Ash embarked on a new quest.

A quest that would test his limits, and push him to the edge of his abilities, and ultimately shape the course of his path.

But, Chronos had observed Ash's usage of the Bloodbound Eternity and recognized the need for a more refined approach.

It spoke with a tone of analysis and guidance, addressing Ash before his quest to power.

"Master, based on my analysis, your utilization of the Bloodbound Eternity was found to be suboptimal.

Your movements lacked precision and finesse, often relying on brute force rather than strategic technique."

Ash's expression remained stoic as he absorbed Chronos' assessment. He understood the importance of honing his skills further.

"In order to push your abilities to their limits and shape the course of your path, I propose the creation of a unique sword art."

Chronos continued. "I can provide you with some initial outlines, but the true benefit lies in crafting your own art.

Alternatively, I can generate a highly customizable template that branches off according to the wielder's preferences and strengths."

Ash considered Chronos' words, weighing the options presented to him.

He recognized the value of personalizing his own sword art, tailoring it to his unique abilities and style.

It would allow him to unlock his full potential and surpass the limitations of existing techniques.

"I choose to create my own sword art," Ash finally responded. "A template may provide a foundation, but true mastery lies in forging my own path."

Chronos acknowledged his decision.

"Understood, Master. I will provide you with the necessary resources and guidance to assist you in the creation of your unique sword art.

Together, we shall refine your skills and unlock new levels of power."

With Chronos as his guide, Ash began on a journey of self-discovery and refinement.

He delved deep into the intricacies of swordsmanship, analyzing his own strengths and weaknesses, and studying the techniques of renowned swordsmen throughout history.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months as Ash tirelessly practiced, blending his innate abilities with the knowledge he had accumulated.

He experimented with different styles, incorporating elements of speed, precision, and strategic maneuvers into his movements.

Through countless trials and errors, Ash began to carve his own path. His sword art gradually took shape, a testament to his unwavering determination and the relentless pursuit of perfection.

The art he forged was a reflection of his indomitable will, combining swift and calculated strikes with his innate Hemovampirism abilities.

Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, a symphony of deadly grace and lethal precision.

As Ash's sword art evolved, so did he. His instincts sharpened, his reflexes heightened, and his understanding of combat deepened.

The art became an extension of his being, an expression of his relentless pursuit of strength.

With his newly crafted sword art in hand, Ash set out on a quest that would push him to the edge of his abilities. The challenges he faced tested his every limit, forcing him to adapt and overcome.

Each opponent shall become an opportunity to refine his technique, to uncover new depths of power within himself. Every battle became a step closer to the mastery he sought.

With a dark and foreboding resonance, Ash bestowed upon his sword art a name that embodied the essence of death, blood, and destruction. He named it "Crimson Requiem."

The name "Crimson Requiem" evoked the image of blood-stained battles, where the fallen lay in crimson pools, their requiem echoing through the chaos.

Being a symbol of his blood-stained life, if his sword is unsheathed it must taste blood.

What other reason should one unsheathe his blade if not to kill, only posers scared to kill try and intimidate others with a sword.

They are truly undeserving of the blade they possess.

"Crimson Requiem" signified the finality and inevitability of death, as Ash became the orchestrator of destruction, wielding his blade with lethal precision.

The crimson hue symbolized the spilt blood of his enemies, an offering to the merciless dance of death he executed upon the battlefield.

With every strike, he composed a requiem, a mournful melody that resonated through the souls of those who witnessed his merciless onslaught.

The name captured the essence of Ash's relentless pursuit of strength, his unyielding determination to bring about the demise of his adversaries.

"Crimson Requiem" represented his unwavering commitment to extinguishing life, leaving a trail of devastation and chaos in his wake.

As Ash unleashed the might of the "Crimson Requiem," the air itself seemed to tremble, the blade singing a haunting melody of destruction.

The name served as a constant reminder of his path, as he embraced the inevitability of death and reveled in the carnage he left in his wake.

"Crimson Requiem" became an epitaph for the fallen, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a warrior who embraced the darkness within and forged a path bathed in blood and annihilation.