Unexpected Disaster

Leroy started to explain that the "EmoCrysta", was a Power of Crystal, controlled by our own Emotion.

"The EmoCrysta is a formidable crystal entwined with the wearer's emotions. It delves into the recesses of one's heart, unlocking latent elemental forces. Emotions, whether joy, anger, sadness, or fear, harbor unique powers that the EmoCrysta can amplify."

Leroy explained.

"So, the ring lets you use the power of emotions? That's incredible!"

Siana's eyes widened in wonder as she listened attentively, said.

"Indeed, but it's crucial to understand that with such power comes great responsibility."

Leroy cautioned, nodding gravely.

"Emotions can be a double-edged sword. They can empower and motivate, but they can also cloud judgment and lead to irrational actions. That's why the EmoCrysta requires a strong and disciplined heart to wield effectively."

"Seeing that your power is similar to it, that's why I've decided to have you trained by Miyaki Sensei, Aki. Mastering control over your strength will be vital for your journey with Siana going forward."

Leroy remarked, glancing at me to ensure I understood the importance of his decision.

"I understand. I'll try to master this power."

I nodded, fully understanding and acknowledging the weight of Leroy's counsel, and said,

"Understood."

"So, what were you two discussing just now?"

Siana interjected, her voice filled with curiosity as she looked at us, eager to know more.

"I expressed my desire to meet 'him' in person, and Miho is accompanying me as a bodyguard. Since you're here, care to join?"

Leroy, wearing a sly smile, said.

"Sure! But… who's this 'him' you're talking about?"

Siana agreed eagerly, her curiosity piqued as she looked for an explanation.

"You'll find out soon enough…"

Leroy smirked, said.

Exiting the castle, we traversed a dark hallway and encountered Skyler emerging from the shadows.

"Why are you here, Leroy Monroe, and how did you find me?"

Skyler, a mix of surprise and suspicion, questioned.

"It's been a long time, Skyler Adriel. Well, I wouldn't be seeing you right now if it wasn't for her help. You know how good she is at finding people."

Leroy wore a gentle smile as he spoke.

"You've changed… a lot, huh? I heard from Miho that you've been away from town for 10 years... What happened to you during that time?"

Skyler's face showed a mix of curiosity and bitterness, but he remained silent as Leroy continued to press for answers.

"Heh, I didn't know that you care about me now."

Skyler replied with a dry laugh.

"Well, I do owe you for saving me during that dark period."

Leroy admitted with a softer tone.

"If there's nothing important, then I'll leave."

Skyler remarked, his expression cold as he turned around to walk away.

"Hey! Is that how you greet someone you haven't seen in a long time!?"

Leroy exclaimed, trying to adopt a friendly tone as he reached out to Skyler.

"I have no time for this."

Skyler retorted, keeping his tone firm and maintaining his distance as he spoke.

"H-hey... *Sigh* I came here to ask if you know anything about this ring."

Leroy said, his voice filled with frustration. He then glared at Skyler, adding with a heavy tone,

"Skyler, I know you're one of them..."

Abruptly, an explosion rocked a nearby building, flames engulfing a once-familiar building in an intense fire.

Skyler, realizing the catastrophe, dashed towards the inferno with visible concern.

As we absorbed the shock of the event, we trailed Skyler to the scene, where a massive fire raged within the building.

It dawned on me that this was the secret base shared by Skyler and Aina.

"AINA!"

With an urgent cry, Skyler shouted.

Driven by fear and worry, Skyler plunged into the flames. The spectacle left us in shock.

"Hold it! Don't get yourself killed. Let me handle this."

As I moved to aid, Leroy halted me, placing a firm hand on my chest, cautioning, said.

A surge of blue aura appears behind Leroy, forming a line of bright blue flames in front of him. With a swift motion, he drew a long sword from the flames, slicing through the fire and opening a path for us to proceed.

Inside, Skyler, amidst burning wreckage, slashed through barricades to reach Aina's room. Aina lay injured, a peculiar glow emanating from scars on her chest.

Smoke dispersed, revealing a gaping hole in the room. A figure stood at the breach.

Skyler, ready to strike, stood frozen in shock as he beheld the figure before him—a man clad in European military garb, a flowing black cape billowing behind him, brandishing a wooden cane. 

Fear and fury coursed through Skyler, causing his hand to tremble uncontrollably.

Arriving at Aina's room, Leroy mirrored Skyler's reaction. The man, an ominous figure from their past. 

Without a word coming out of Leroy's mouth, Leroy unleashed a swift strike with his sword, yet the person effortlessly parried it with a wooden cane, a seamless defense that left no room for words.

The clash sent shockwaves through the room, a tempest of blue aura rendering the surroundings nearly unsteady.

"Now It's not the time, Brat…"

Blocked by the cane, Leroy heard the man's chilling words, he said.

A forceful push from the wooden cane sent Leroy reeling.

"You can try to kill me another time if you can. But as we start this chase, remember, the past awaits you."

The man taunted, his voice echoing a chilling challenge. With those words, he leaped through the gaping hole he had made in the wall, disappearing into the darkness beyond.

Leroy lunged at the escaping figure, seething with fury, attempting a powerful strike. However, the man effortlessly evaded and began a swift retreat, initiating a frenzied pursuit.

While Leroy pursued the mysterious figure,

"You guys should get your guard up! That man is dangerous!"

Skyler urgently directed us to be on guard.

"W-what about Aina!?"

Siana asked, her voice filled with fear for her friend.

"I'll check on her, GO!"

Skyler assured her, urging her to move quickly.

As we agreed, we hurried down the hallway to catch up with Leroy and the mysterious man. Their pace was like lightning, almost impossible to match.

As we struggled to keep up, Miho, always quick on her feet, suggested a plan, realizing a shortcut that could intercept the man's escape.

"Siana and I will cut him off to the other side, and you follow Leroy to create a distraction!"

She explained.

Miho noticed Siana's slower movement, she opted to princess carry her, evoking a blush of embarrassment from Siana. Meanwhile, I focused on keeping track of Leroy's movements.

The moonlit night transformed into a tumultuous pursuit. Furious, Leroy chased the mysterious man through the hallway, their footfalls merging with distant fires.

Leroy, with his eyes ablaze, continued the chase, the blue aura surrounding him reflecting the intensity of his emotions. It was a surreal sight—a furious pursuit in a city shrouded in smoke and uncertainty.

The mysterious man, however, proved to be elusive, darting through alleyways and narrow passages with uncanny speed. It was as if the man knew the city like the back of his hand.

Suddenly, the man halted. Leroy skidded to a stop, creating a brief gap between them. The man turned around, his eyes meeting Leroy's with an enigmatic gaze. At that moment, the air felt charged with an unseen tension.

The man stood there, gripping his wooden cane tightly.

"Leroy Monroe, you're still the same. Still relying on your emotions."

He said calmly, yet his tone carried an unsettling edge.

"I'll never forget what you did right in front of my eyes!"

Leroy retorted, his voice seething with anger.

"No need to rush things. I'm here to remind you—the 'Unexpected Disaster' is beginning. The EmoCrysta is awakening, Your Majesty..."

The man's eyes gleamed with a mix of warnings as he spoke.

"What do you mean?"

Leroy demanded, his voice tense as he gripped his sword tightly.

Without warning, more explosions echoed. Chaos erupted, and the man declared

"The nightmare returns, Leroy. Let's see what you can do this time, Without Your Past Friends."

He said, his voice chillingly sinister.

As Leroy prepared for another powerful strike, the building beside us exploded, separating us and causing me to pass out from the blast.

As I struggled to stand in the aftermath, the distant screams of horror filled the background. My senses slowly returned, and I noticed a little boy in distress, struck by debris from a burning house.

Without hesitation, I rushed to his aid, lifting a heavy piece of wood to free him. Through tears, the boy revealed that his mother was still inside the burning building.

Upon hearing his plea, I charged into the fiery structure, breaking down doors in search of the trapped mother. 

The last door shattered, revealing the unconscious woman on the ground. But before I could assist her, the room exploded, propelling me out of the building.

In that horrifying moment, self-blame consumed me for not being strong enough to save someone. 

"Aki— Aki! Hey!"

It was Leroy, assuring me that the mother was saved. Amidst the chaos, a voice echoed in my ear.

Relief washed over me as I looked beside him, confirming the mother's safety.

A sudden pain in my head triggered a flashback, reminiscent of a past incident the memories were similar to the incident in which a woman before me had exploded in a building.

Returning to the present, Leroy inquired about my well-being. 

"Yeah… my head hurts all of a sudden."

I stammered, said.

"The town is descending into chaos."

Leroy urged me to stand, declaring, said.

Surveying the scene, I witnessed the aftermath of the exploded building—the "Unexpected Disaster" had begun.