Chapter 28

Fubuki's skepticism lingered like a heavy cloud in the room, casting doubt over Kai's words. She folded her arms across her chest, her expression a mix of irritation and curiosity. The audacity of his proposition was almost infuriating, yet there was an undeniable intrigue that gnawed at her.

Fubuki's patience was wearing thin as she listened to Kai's words. His playful demeanor grated on her nerves, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was toying with her.

"So, what's the real reason for your visit?" Fubuki's voice held a note of exasperation.

Kai leaned back in his chair, his grin never faltering. "Alright, you got me. I came here to offer you a deal."

Her eyebrow arched skeptically. "A deal?"

He nodded. "Yep. A chance to reach S-Rank and even beyond that. Interested?"

Fubuki's initial reaction was to scoff at his audacious proposition. She was well aware of the immense effort it took to climb the hero rankings, and she didn't need him swooping in with promises that seemed too good to be true.

But then, a nagging curiosity tugged at her. She couldn't ignore the fact that he had already demonstrated powers beyond what she thought possible. If he had achieved such strength, there might be some truth to his offer.

"How?" She folded her arms, studying him intently.

Kai leaned forward, his expression more serious now. "I have a domain, a place where you can train to reach your full potential. It's a place outside of the usual constraints of time and space. A place where you can tap into powers you never knew you had."

Fubuki's skepticism remained, but a flicker of intrigue danced in her eyes. The idea of a training ground that defied the laws of reality was enticing, to say the least

Leaning forward, Kai's demeanor shifted slightly, his expression growing more earnest. "I have a domain, a place outside of ordinary reality. There, you can tap into your true potential, free from the constraints of time and space. It's a place where you can explore the depths of your power and push beyond your limits."

"Why are you offering me this?" Fubuki's voice held a touch of suspicion.

He shrugged. "Call it an investment. I see potential in you, Fubuki. And I think you could become even stronger with the right guidance."

Fubuki's mind raced, considering the possibilities. She knew she had to become stronger, not just for herself but to protect those she cared about. If this domain could truly help her achieve that, then it was worth considering.

Fubuki's mind raced as she considered his words. The concept of a training ground that defied the laws of the known world was both exhilarating and dubious. It could be a golden opportunity, or a dangerous trap.

Fubuki's brow furrowed. She wasn't naive enough to believe his motives were purely altruistic. There had to be more to this offer than met the eye.

She sighed, her resolve softening slightly. "Alright, I'll entertain the idea. But don't think I'm trusting you blindly."

Kai's grin widened, and he gave her a nod of approval. "Fair enough, Fubuki-chan. Just know that this will be an experience like no other. You'll discover things about yourself that you never imagined."

----

Fubuki's announcement hung in the air, met with a mix of surprise and concern from her subordinates. Her decision to venture into the unknown with kai was met with immediate opposition.

Mountain Ape was the first to speak up, his brows furrowing with worry. "Fubuki-sama, are you sure about this? We've heard stories about him, and they're not exactly reassuring."

Eyelashes nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I mean, he's the one who destroyed a whole city, right? Isn't that a bit too dangerous?"

Lily chimed in, her voice laced with worry. "Fubuki-sama, I know you're strong, but this guy seems really unpredictable. What if he's just using you for his own purposes?"

The concerns were valid, and Fubuki appreciated the loyalty and protectiveness of her subordinates. She sighed and raised her hand to quell the growing unease in the room. "I understand your worries, but I've made up my mind. This is an opportunity I can't ignore."

Mountain Ape's gaze hardened as he regarded Fubuki. "But Fubuki-sama, you're our leader. We can't just let you walk into something dangerous without any assurance of your safety."

Fubuki's expression softened, touched by their concern. She took a step forward and placed her hand on Mountain Ape's shoulder. "I trust Kai, at least to some extent. And I need to grow stronger, not just for myself, but for all of you."

Eyelashes crossed his arms, a frown etched on his face. "And what if he's leading you into a trap? What if he has some ulterior motive?"

Fubuki met their gaze, her determination unwavering. "I'll be careful, I promise. But I need your support on this. While I'm gone, I'm appointing Mountain Ape as the temporary leader of the Blizzard Group."

Mountain Ape's eyes widened in surprise. "Fubuki-sama, I—"

Fubuki raised her hand, cutting him off. "You're more than capable, and I trust you to lead the group in my absence. Lily, Eyelashes, I expect you both to assist him and keep the group together."

Lily hesitated for a moment before nodding, her eyes reflecting a mix of apprehension and determination. Eyelashes sighed and shook his head, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You're really set on this, aren't you?"

Fubuki nodded. "I am. And I hope you all understand."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of Fubuki's decision hanging in the air. Eventually, Mountain Ape sighed and gave her a nod. "Alright, Fubuki-sama. We'll support you, even if we don't fully understand it."

Fubuki's heart swelled with gratitude for her loyal subordinates. She knew that this path was uncertain and potentially dangerous, but she also knew that it was a chance she couldn't afford to pass up.

--

Fubuki stood before Kai, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She had agreed to accompany him to his domain, but now that she was faced with a swirling portal of magical energy, doubt gnawed at her mind.

Kai's gaze was steady and reassuring as he activated the spell, the portal opening up before them like a doorway into another world. "Come on through, Fubuki. You're about to witness a place that's entirely different from anything you've ever known."

Fubuki hesitated for a moment, her thoughts racing as she considered the implications of stepping into this mysterious portal. What awaited her on the other side? Could she truly trust Kai's intentions?

But her desire for growth and strength, her longing to become a hero capable of standing beside her sister, outweighed her doubts. With a deep breath, she took a step forward and entered the portal.

The transition was instantaneous, and as Fubuki emerged on the other side, a breathtaking panorama greeted her eyes. She found herself in the midst of a dense forest, towering trees reaching for the sky. The air was crisp and filled with the scents of nature, a stark contrast to the bustling city she was accustomed to.

Her gaze lifted to the skies, where majestic flying beasts soared with grace, their colorful wings painting the sky in vibrant hues. Strange and fantastical creatures roamed the forest floor, each one a testament to the incredible diversity of this realm. Fubuki's eyes widened as she took in the magical beasts, each one possessing its own unique traits and characteristics.

But her awe didn't stop there. As she turned her gaze, she found herself in the shadow of towering mountains that scraped the heavens. A breathtaking view of valleys and rivers unfolded before her, painting a picture of nature's grandeur.

Her attention was drawn to a different direction as she spotted tall medieval buildings, their architecture both elegant and mysterious. Fubuki's mind raced to process the sheer variety of landscapes and structures that coexisted in this domain.

Kai's voice broke through her thoughts, his words accompanied by a faint smile. "Welcome to my home, Fubuki."

Fubuki looked at him, her eyes a mix of wonder and gratitude. She couldn't deny the beauty and intrigue that surrounded her, and a sense of anticipation settled in her chest. She had taken a leap of faith, and now she was ready to embark on a journey that would challenge and shape her in ways she couldn't yet fathom.