[122] Yaksha

Deep within his heart, Abe Yumei harbored a worry he couldn't shake. Amidst the escalating chaos, he knew that his granddaughter, Towako, was fighting directly at the temple where Yuyami and her followers were gathered. Although he trusted in Towako's abilities, the concern of a grandfather could never be fully eased. He silently prayed, hoping Towako would stay safe and succeed in disrupting the ritual that could further empower Kyuubi.

Around him, the other onmyoji chanted solemnly, channeling their spiritual energy to build a protective barrier. Their voices resonated like a sacred incantation, almost as if ancient spirits were whispering in support of their endeavor. They knew this would be one of the strongest barriers they had ever constructed—it required perfect precision and a stable flow of energy to contain the overwhelming power of Kyuubi.

However, as they strengthened the barrier, Yumei could sense the battlefield heating up around them.

Throughout the city, the Taimanin continued to fight tirelessly to protect civilians from the relentless wave of yokai emerging from the torii gates. Despite all their preparations, the sheer number of yokai was overwhelming, flowing forth like an unending tide. Even the DCST and Taimanin forces, well-trained and brave, were beginning to feel the strain as they fought against the increasingly brutal attacks.

In the southern district of Kyoto, Asuka and Shiranui fought side by side, trying to push back the growing horde of yokai pressing them further and further. Though exhausted, Asuka swung her blade with unyielding resolve, cutting down yokai with remarkable speed and precision.

"Asuka-chan! They just keep coming!" Shiranui shouted, her voice strained as she struck down a large yokai charging toward her. Her usually calm eyes now flashed with anger and fatigue.

Asuka nodded, gritting her teeth in frustration at the seemingly impossible situation. "We just need to hold out a little longer, Shiranui-san! The mystical barrier is almost complete. Once it's up, we can turn the tide!"

Meanwhile, in the western district, Homare Nao led a small Taimanin unit, facing increasingly fierce attacks from the yokai. They fought with all they had, risking their lives to protect every civilian they could. Yet, Homare could feel that these yokai were drawing power from an extraordinary source—energy emanating from the distant hilltop where Kyuubi and Kaoru were locked in combat.

---

In the dark, mystically charged temple, Towako and Reika continued their fierce struggle against Yuyami, who stood arrogantly behind her colossal familiar—a cloned version of the legendary serpent Jormungand. Even as a clone, the creature's power was formidable enough to overwhelm both Towako and Reika. The real Jormungand was said to be capable of world-ending destruction, but even this imitation was terrifying, delivering brutal attacks that forced both Taimanin to expend all their strength just to keep up.

Towako and Reika exchanged glances, silently communicating as they had done countless times in past battles. Though their bond was strong, the opponent before them was far beyond anything they had faced together.

The cloned Jormungand hissed menacingly, swinging its tail toward Reika. With extraordinary speed, Reika leapt aside, narrowly avoiding the attack that shattered the temple floor, sending cracks spiraling across the ground. She spun around and swung her sword, landing a powerful strike on the serpent's head, though the blow only stunned it briefly before it retaliated.

On the other side, Towako tried to maintain her distance, reciting an incantation while clutching a glowing talisman in her hand. She knew defeating a giant familiar like this required strength beyond mortal limits.

Yuyami, standing behind Jormungand, sneered at Towako and Reika with contempt. "You cannot possibly overcome a power this vast. Jormungand here may be a clone, but even this imitation can drown your pathetic hopes!"

Towako ignored Yuyami's taunts, fully aware that she would need to summon her own familiar to even the odds, though it was a high-risk move. Her familiar was an ancient, powerful entity known for being difficult to control, only called upon in emergencies.

With fierce resolve, Towako tightened her grip on her talisman and shouted, "Yaksha!"

As she called its name, the talisman in her hand began to glow intensely, then burst into violet flames that spread rapidly in all directions. From within the flames emerged a terrifying figure—a massive Yaksha, cloaked in a dark aura with claws like deadly scythes. The Yaksha seized the head of the Jormungand clone in a powerful grip, forcing it to halt its assault.

Towako gritted her teeth, pouring every ounce of her energy into maintaining control over the Yaksha. This familiar was immensely strong and wild; though she had managed to summon it, commanding Yaksha required constant, intense focus. The Yaksha fought with raw, feral aggression but could sense Towako's unbreakable will, and despite its wild nature, it obeyed.

Yuyami narrowed her eyes, momentarily surprised but soon smirking in disdain. "So, you have a powerful familiar as well. But are you certain you can control it, Towako?"

Towako ignored Yuyami's provocation, seizing the moment. With Yaksha's powerful grip pinning the Jormungand clone, Reika saw her chance and leapt forward, aiming for the creature's vulnerable point. She channeled her energy into her sword, making the blade shine brilliantly before slashing fiercely at the serpent's neck. The attack struck with full force, causing the massive serpent to tremble and emit a piercing hiss, though it continued to endure.

Realizing they needed a more decisive blow, Towako channeled additional energy into Yaksha, strengthening its grip on the Jormungand clone's head. The Yaksha growled, its crimson eyes glowing fiercely, and with a swift, violent motion, began smashing the serpent's head into the ground with bone-crushing force. The entire temple trembled under the impact, echoing with the sounds of destruction.

Yuyami grinned, watching as her cloned Jormungand regained its advantage. With a powerful coil, the giant serpent began wrapping around Yaksha, tightening its grip until Towako's oni-like familiar appeared trapped. Towako felt a searing pain rip through her body—the bond between her and Yaksha was so strong that they shared sensations. Each squeeze of Jormungand's coil left her gasping, blood trickling from her mouth as her vision blurred, yet her gaze remained sharp and resolute.

Yuyami laughed, her eyes gleaming with a manic glint. "Come on, Towako! Entertain me some more! Is this all you have?"