MAESTRO OF CALAMITY 4

"The waking chaos that destroys all, hides in my presence," he declared, his voice echoing in the stillness.

Jake was left in confusion, his mind racing with questions. "Was this all a trick? Did I just have a nightmare?" He muttered, but no answers came. All he could see was the figure standing before him...the being who could rival even the divine...THE MAESTRO OF CALAMITY.

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In the face of such a being, did anything else matter? Did it hold any value to speak of the inevitable or of what had already transpired?

A slash that transcended the concepts of time, space, and speed was delivered. It was, in an odd way, beautiful...almost lovely.

Nine declared, "Checkmate..."

For some inexplicable reason, Nine was now standing behind Jake, sheathing his blade as if the fight was over.

Jake turned around and touched his face and body, expecting to find wounds. "Why am I not injured!? I thought you cut me."

Nine chuckled and smiled at him, clearly amused, "Simply put, existence didn't 'render' my attack - yet."

Jake stuttered, struggling to understand Nine's statement. "W-what do you mean...?"

Nine calmly asked, "Do you know the 'Visionary Of Eclipse'?"

Jake responded, "You mean...the one who surpassed the 'transcended'. Titles of 'Exalted Usurper', 'The Last Order', 'Sovereign de ende', and that of you just spoken...why do you mention her? What does she have to do with your power?"

Nine's next words left Jake speechless. "She is my wife."

Jake was stunned into silence, his eyes wide with shock. After a moment, he managed to ask, "What does that have to do with anything?"

Nine explained, "She gave me that 'move', Crescent null, which applies the concept of 'Zero' to a foe..."

Jake interrupted, "You could have not mentioned your wife, you know..."

Nine simply shrugged, "I'm just giving her more recognition...and right about now."

Before Jake could respond, he was slashed through his torso, bisecting him and ending his life in an instant.

Stella, who was watching from afar, was taken aback by the sight. "Damn...this might be harder than I initially expected..."