Tendrils of Rebirth

The chapter begins with a subtle ripple in the water beneath Blackstone. From the shallow depths, a single red tendril begins to emerge, twisting and pulsating as if alive. The tendril floats on the surface, glowing faintly with a crimson hue. Slowly, it begins to unravel itself, and from within the tendril, a bright light bursts forth, illuminating the desolate remains of the battleground.

In the midst of this light stands Nicklaus, his figure fully formed. He places two fingers to his chest, his pose resembling a monk deep in meditation. "Rebirth Technique Complete," he mutters with a calm yet sharp tone. His ears twitch slightly, rising and falling as though sensing every vibration in the air. With a weary sigh, he adds, "What a drag. That fire was something else."

Nicklaus begins explaining to himself, as if recounting the events for clarity. "It wouldn't stop burning, would it? If I hadn't slipped my soul into one of my tendrils before the flames consumed everything…" He smirks, brushing off the ordeal. "But alas, not everything can burn to ash." His voice is laced with sarcasm, though a hint of frustration seeps through.

The water flows lazily by his feet as he crosses his legs, sitting on the tendril's elevated surface. He continues talking to himself. "So Nereus has arrived. Things are about to get complicated. Still, it's fitting they sent the weakest. I'm not surprised." He chuckles softly, his amusement growing as he considers Nereus. "Though… weakest or not, he's still a monster in his own right."

Standing now, Nicklaus stretches his arms, the movement casual yet calculated. "I suppose I should take a look at this fight. Dragon boy is no longer worth my time anyway," he quips, placing a hand on the charred ground. As his palm connects, he frowns slightly. "Ah, nothing left. What a drag."

A moment later, a single tendril bursts from his palm, slithering into the ground. Within seconds, a network of red tendrils surges forth, sprawling across the terrain like veins, and Nicklaus remarks, "There we go. Let's move."

One tendril snakes upward, attaching itself to his feet and lifting him gracefully into the air. He glides effortlessly, surveying the city below. As he approaches the clash of energies, his sharp eyes catch sight of Nereus and the demon locked in their battle. His eyebrows raise in mild surprise. "Who's that?" he muses. "I thought dragon boy would be taking on Nereus."

The scene shifts to Nereus and the demon, their presence commanding the area. Nereus's legs, now adorned with sleek, shimmering fish gills, enable him to move with unparalleled speed. His trident gleams in his hand, reflecting the glow of the surrounding water.

From his vantage point, Nicklaus observes the battle. "Fish gills, eh?" he murmurs, his tone tinged with intrigue. "Speed's going to be an issue now." His gaze shifts to the remnants of the defeated sharks, and he smirks knowingly. "Nereus's domain isn't just the ocean—it's everything in it. Every creature, every force within those waters bends to his will. And his Adaptation ability? He becomes whatever he demands of the sea."

Nicklaus leans back slightly, his tendrils holding him aloft. "Let's see how this plays out," he says with a grin.

Elsewhere, the scene transitions to Mengi and Seiji. The two stand in the aftermath of Mengi's triumph over the monstrous figure. Mengi, his composure calm yet commanding, speaks with a faint smile. "You seem like you're from the Free World," he says, his tone steady.

Seiji, ever playful, replies, "And you seem to know a lot for someone locked away in a place like this."

Mengi chuckles softly, his voice carrying an edge of mystery. "I've been here for one reason, and one reason only."

Seiji tilts his head curiously. "And what would that reason be?"

Without hesitation, Mengi responds, "My brother."

The word hangs in the air, heavy with meaning. Seiji's demeanor shifts slightly as he narrows his eyes. "This so-called brother of yours… who is he?"

Mengi's smile grows faintly wider. "His name is Jin. A prophecy said he would be here, and I've waited years for this moment. Every step, every decision, has been to see him again."

Seiji, intrigued but cautious, presses further. "Where are you from?"

Mengi's eyes gleam as he answers, "Ancient times, stranger, I feel my linages power here and my brother houses it"

Seiji processes this, his thoughts turning inward. Jin. The demon. Is this what he means? The pieces begin to align in Seiji's mind, though he chooses not to reveal his thoughts.

Instead, he smiles lightly and says, "Well, it seems fate has been kind to you. Jin is here, and he's fighting as we speak."

Mengi's expression brightens, his pride evident. "So, my brother has a Sensei?"

Seiji nods, his usual playful tone returning. "Indeed he does. And now it seems I have a blade master tagging along as well."