Chapter 10: Part I

Danzo's laughter quickly faded and was replaced by a fit of coughing. His chest heaved up and down as he tried to regain his breath. After a few moments, he was finally able to catch his breath and compose himself. He smiled at me and said, "Well, I guess this is why elderly people should not get too carried away."

I gave an awkward blink a couple of times before asking, "What do you mean by questionable?" Despite my query, he acted as if nothing happened and continued speaking.

"He said graciously, "Out of all the people I've encountered, you are the most intriguing." I gave him a strange look and replied, "Is that supposed to be a compliment? Most of the people you've encountered are probably no longer alive."

Danzo gave another chuckle, then started to cough again. He reached for his handkerchief and dabbed at his mouth, then looked up at the ceiling. "Ah, there's nothing like a cold spring night," he said. "It reminds me of my younger days, when I was just starting out as a tiny goblin in a village"

I exclaimed, exasperated, "Shut up! No one wants to listen to your backstory. Plus, where did you even get that handkerchief?! We're in a dungeon full of bones, for goodness sake!", as I smacked my forehead in frustration.

I tried to calm myself down before continuing the conversation with Danzo. "So, how exactly did you figure out about my Negation Skill?" I asked.

He declared that he was a skilled goblin shaman, proficient in many magics, and noted that any form of magical energy was not lost on him. He then pointed towards the katana, mentioning that he had observed when the negative energy living within it had been neutralized.

"Only creatures of a demonic nature like me could survive in the face of such a negative force, but thanks to your remarkable abilities, you are an exception", he explained. "I suggest you take precautions with that katana. I feel a potent malevolent spirit inside of it, and it seems to have an affinity for you for some reason." He cautions, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Before I had time to say anything or ask any questions, Danzo brought his staff down with a crash and a bright yellow light enveloped the room, causing everything in the area to levitate."You're permitted to enter the next level good luck!"

The bright yellow light suddenly became brighter, and I felt a strange sensation as if I was being lifted off the ground. I looked down to see that my body was being pulled up into the air by some kind of invisible force. I could see Danzo, his staff still glowing with the bright yellow light, standing at the center of the room. He was chanting some kind of ancient words that seemed to be directing the energy from his staff. As the light got brighter, I felt a wave of energy rush through me and I suddenly found myself suspended in midair. 

I exclaimed angrily, "Wait, you old geezer!" as I was suddenly thrown into a strange distortion. Danzo responded, "We'll meet again in the near future. Try not to die, Anomaly."

All of a sudden my eyes went completely dark for a few moments before returning to normal. I found myself in a different place - had I been teleported somewhere?

(Fun Fact! Tomo has the ability to switch on and off his Negation Skill anytime he wants.)