Chapter 19: The Senodokidatsu Attack

The Divine Blade Society, an institution devoted to safeguarding the world from Senodokidatsu monsters. It was the beacon of hope within this world from the attacks of the evil creatures that threatened the world. Individuals from all walks of life were drawn by the call to protect their world. Many signed up at the society, where they trained to become the defenders of this world. While people could join at any age, it was commonly recommended they wait until the age of eighteen, ensuring they had the maturity and strength needed for the daunting challenges ahead.

To the east of the Divine Blade Academy lay a town with traditional architecture blending harmoniously with modern life. Lanterns hung from curved rooftops and were placed on narrow streets lined with cherry blossom trees.

In the heart of the town, a high school held the lively energy of students beginning their day. The building stood tall with intricate woodwork and large windows that offered glimpses into classrooms.

Inside the Classroom

In one of these classrooms sat Pufima, a 15-year-old student whose puffy hair earned her the nickname "Puffy."

Pufima's eyes were focused on the lesson, but her mind wandered to the stories of the Divine Blade Society. She often daydreamed about joining them one day. She imagined herself wielding a sword against the terrifying monsters that threatened their world. Her hand absentmindedly doodled sketches of warriors and creatures in the margins of her notebook.

"Pufima?" Her teacher pulled her back to reality. She blinked, realizing the class was waiting for her response.

"Uh, sorry," she stammered, her cheeks flushing. "Could you repeat the question?"

The teacher shook their head. "I asked if you could tell us about the significance of the cherry blossoms in our town's culture."

Pufima was lost. After several seconds of silence, a handsome boy seated at the back of the classroom raised his hand. "The cherry blossoms are significant because they represent the fleeting beauty of life.” After answering, he casted a glance in Pufima's direction. He charmed several girls nearby, who exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

The teacher nodded. "Thank you, Lefturn. That's correct."

Lefturn smirked, leaning back in his chair with a casual ease. "Better watch out, Pufima. Your daydreams might get you in trouble one day."

Pufima shot him a sheepish grin. "I'll try to keep that in mind."

After final bell rang, students began to pack their bags and chat among themselves. Pufima quickly gathered her things and made her way out of the classroom.

Outside, she met up with Priya, her close friend who shared her passion for all things. Priya was slightly shorter, with a chubby build and a smile that made her approachable.

"Hey, Puffy!" Priya greeted her with a wave. "Lefturn was really on point today, huh?"

Pufima sighed. “I was just... thinking about the Divine Blade Society again."

After leaving the campus in the afternoon, the two friends chatted animatedly, discussing their favorite shows and the latest manga releases.

Pufima suddenly changed topics and began with a lowered tone of speech, "So guess what? I've got something to show you. It's a secret, though, so you have to promise not to tell anyone."

Priya nodded vigorously. "Of course! You know I'm great at keeping secrets. What is it?"

Pufima led Priya toward her house, a quaint building nestled between others with similar traditional architecture. After quickly entering her home, she emerged a few moments later, holding something wrapped in cloth.

"Ta-da!" Pufima unwrapped the cloth to reveal a sheathed sword. The intricate hilt and insignia on it marked it unmistakably as belonging to a member of the Divine Blade Society.

Priya gasped with wide eyes. "No way! Where did you get that?"

"I found it a few days ago by the beach," Pufima explained, “It was just lying there, half-buried in the sand."

"Wow," Priya breathed with fingers just itching to touch the sword. "Do you think someone from the Society lost it?"

Pufima shrugged. "I don't know. But it's amazing to have something like this!”

Eager to impress Priya, Pufima gripped the sword's hilt confidently. "Watch this.”

Closing her eyes, she concentrated, drawing up energy from within her. She focused on transferring it into the sword, feeling a tingling sensation run through her arms. With a dramatic flourish, she swung the sword. She hoped that she would unleash a fireball, some gusts of wind, a ball of water or even some static electricity.

Instead, what she got was a small puff of smoke that burst from the blade. The smoke ball floated in the air for a few seconds, and then it popped.

Priya covered her mouth with her hand with a laugh. "Wow, Pufima. Another puff ball! You sure know how to make a grand entrance."

Pufima's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she managed a smile. "Hey, it's a start! Everyone has to begin somewhere, right?"

"You know that people like us have very low magic energy to use," Priya said while moving one hand outwards. "We haven't had any training yet. It takes time to develop these skills."

Pufima nodded, looking down at the sword. "I guess my affinity is still a mystery, but I'll figure it out eventually."

Suddenly, a loud alarm echoed through the town. Panic rippled through the air as a woman with authority sounded out over loud speakers: "Senodokidatsu attack with a threat level of Red. All civilians must proceed to the nearest safe area immediately."

The streets quickly filled with people scrambling for safety in fear. Pufima and Priya exchanged worried glances.

"Where is it?" Pufima asked, scanning the horizon for any sign of the monster. Her heart pounded in her chest while gripping her sword tightly.

Priya shook her head after giving a look around. "I don't see it either. It must be somewhere close."

They stood frozen for a moment, surrounded by the panicked crowd rushing past them.

"We should head to the safe zone," Priya suggested, tugging on Pufima's sleeve. "We can figure out what's going on once we're out of danger."

Pufima nodded, though her gaze lingered on the distant rooftops, half expecting the creature to appear at any moment. Together, they joined the flow of people, moving swiftly toward the designated safe area.

Some time after figuring out about Cera’s disappearance, Soujin approached the gate to leave. Bellar hurried behind him with concern. "You don’t even know where the hell you’re going!"

Soujin kept his pace steady. “I’m going after Cera.”

Bellar caught up to him, grabbing his arm with a firm grip. “And how are you plannin’ to track her down, huh? You barely know your way around basic detection magic. If she’s gone full Senodokidatsu, you ain’t gonna pick up on her energy one bit. You’re just gonna be chasing shadows.”

He stopped and turned to face her with frustration in her eyes. “I can’t just sit here and wait for her to be executed. I have to try something.”

Bellar shook her head. “And say you actually find her? What’s your big plan then, huh? You think you can just stroll up and have a heart-to-heart? She ain’t the same person anymore, Cap.”

Soujin’s resolve wavered for a moment, but he quickly pushed aside his doubtful thoughts. He responded, “Part of me believes Cera is still in there. She’s probably fighting off that Senodokidatsu inside of her body. I can’t just let her be killed without trying to get through to her somehow.”

Bellar sighed, releasing his arm. “You’re too stubborn for your own good, you know that?”

oujin's gaze shifted to one of serious determination. “I don’t know how all the other Captains think, but I don’t give up on my squad members. I’m Soujin, and I value my connections with my team. Sure, they may be rough ‘badasses,’ but they’re my team at the end of the day. I’m responsible for them.”

After finishing his speech, Mirumaru stepped out from behind him with her hands clasped behind her back. “Well said!”

Soujin looked surprised and flustered, momentarily taken aback by Mirumaru in her captain’s uniform. She looked just as stunning as the first time they met. His eyes wandered to her chest. Before he could react further, Bellar gave him a swift, pointed slap to the back of his head. She scowled at him with slight annoyance.

“What are you doing here, Mirumaru?” Soujin asked, regaining his composure.

Mirumaru turned serious. “I can help you, Soujin. I can cover for you and keep Miko from telling the Head Captain about your little escapade. Or you can go out there on your own, get yourself into trouble, and probably risk execution in the process. The choice is yours.”

Soujin's eyes narrowed. “I’m not about to believe you’re helping me out of the goodness of your heart. What do you want from me?”

Mirumaru’s lips curled into a smile. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Oh, you’re quite perceptive, Soujin. I do have a small request, but it’s nothing too dramatic.”

Soujin raised an eyebrow. “And what might that be?”

Mirumaru leaned in closer and spoke with a conspiratorial whisper. “Oh Soujin, that’s simple. I want you to go on a date with me.”

Soujin’s eyes widened in surprise. “A date? Are you serious?”

Mirumaru returned to a serious look with a nod of her head. “Absolutely. A small favor for a big favor. It’s not too much to ask, don’t you think?”

Soujin stared at her. He glanced over at Bellar, who shrugged, seemingly indifferent.

Soujin sighed.“Alright, you’ve got yourself a deal. I’ll go on a date with you. But we need to focus on finding Cera first.”

Mirumaru clapped her hands together with a wink. “Excellent! Let’s get moving then. I’ll make sure to keep Miko off your back, and we’ll find Cera together. But remember, a promise is a promise.”

In the blink of an eye, Mirumaru vanished, leaving behind only a faint flicker. Moments later, she reappeared. “Oh, and by the way,” she said casually, “I heard there’s been a recent Senodokidatsu attack in the East city—Crapool City. I’m sure you’ve never been there.”

Soujin’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of the city. “Crapool City? I’ve never been there.”

Mirumaru gave him a teasing smile. “Well, you’d better get a move on then. It seems like a good place to start looking for Cera. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to let Head Captain Will know just how ambitious you are by taking on this mission.”

Soujin nodded. “Alright. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll head to Crapool City.”

Mirumaru gave him a final, encouraging nod before vanishing once more.

Soujin and Bellar set off immediately, their path leading them away from the Divine Blade Society’s headquarters. The urgency of their mission drove them forward, and the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land.

While making their way to the city, Bellar cast a sidelong glance at Soujin. “It would’ve been smarter to get the whole squad together before we bounced, you know what, right?.”

Soujin shook his head. “It’s fine. We’re in a rush. We can’t afford to waste time.”

Bellar’s face twisted into a sour frown. “Yeah, well, just don’t let your decisions turn us into a couple of dead bodies out here. I didn’t even get a chance to look fly while we’re out.”

Soujin raised an eyebrow, glancing over at her. “Oh? Planning to meet a boyfriend out here?”

Bellar’s cheeks flushed a bit, but she quickly covered it up with a sharp huff. “Nah, it’s about being ready and looking decent, you get me?”

Soujin chuckled softly. “Alright, just stay sharp and keep your head in the game.”

Pufima moved quietly, slipping away from the flow of people rushing to the shelter. Her steps were light, barely making a sound on the pavement.

"Hey, Puffy, where are you going?!" Priya rushed to catch up with Pufima. "This is NOT the way to the shelter!"

Pufima looked back with a mischievous grin. "I just want to see what the Senodokidatsu looks like. I know it’s dangerous, but—"

Before she could finish, she bumped into a massive, green Senodokidatsu. The creature was enormous, towering over the buildings. It’s reptilian scales glowed ominously. It didn’t seem to notice the two girls, but a low rumble escaped its mouth.

Priya's eyes widened in horror. "Pufima, get back!"

Without warning, the Senodokidatsu unleashed a beam of energy from its mouth. The beam struck a nearby building, causing it to crumble and explode in a fiery blaze. The shockwave rippled through the area, sending debris flying.

Pufima and Priya scrambled to get out of the way. Other Senodokidatsu appeared. The monstrous bodies was painted in various shades of yellow. These creatures were slightly larger than the first. They began wreaking havoc and joined on the assault.

While running, Pufima and Priya collided with someone emerging from an alleyway. They stumbled back, then noticed the Uniform the person had on.

“Thank God the Divine Blade Society is here!” Pufima exclaimed with a relieved smile. “We’re saved!”

Priya’s relief quickly turned to confusion and fear. She trembled. “Wait… that’s not—”

The figure before them was clad in what looked like a Divine Blade Society uniform, but it was disheveled and incomplete. Half of a Senodokidatsu mask obscured the person’s face. The figure was revealed as Cera.

Cera looked down with disdain at the two girls.