Deus.Ex.Machina Chapter 25

Two weeks have passed since I t Azazel.

After that, I decided to take it easy for so ti. Even though I really wanted to stick to my usual night hunting routine, I knew it was best to lay low for a while.

I spent my days in the training room, practicing my magic and waiting for Laevateinn. My encounter with Azazel made realize just how much I still needed to improve.

Still, even though we didn't actually fight, I knew that I wouldn't necessarily lose if it ca to that. I an, sure, Azazel's power is on a whole other level, but I've got a few tricks of my own. With Kavacha and Kundala on my side, my defense is basically overpowered. I could probably hold my ground for a while.

But, let's be real, my mana burst and magic probably wouldn't be enough to leave a scratch on him right now, let alone defeat him, which frustrates more than it should.

Right now, I don't plan to make myself the center of attention. I know better than that. Besides, I have no plans to fight him. Not yet. I'm not suicidal.

I might be reckless, but I'm not an idiot. Azazel's the kind of guy who has a backup plan for his backup plan's funeral.

That being said, training's been going pretty well lately. I'm definitely improving, just… not there yet. I need more ti.

I glanced at my workshop.

[Laevateinn]

Estimated ti: 45 days.

I am excited because there is only a little more than a month left. After that ti, I believe I can protect myself and my family.

I already have plans for what I want to create next.

One of my top ideas is to build an AI companion. This is very important for , as I want it to help run my company while I focus on my training. I want to create sothing intelligent enough to handle the company's operations. This way, I can concentrate on what truly matters: training and becoming stronger.

Then, next was the Kaleido-Gun. I know, the na sounds like sothing straight out of a cartoon, but hear out—it's kind of brilliant. This idea ca to a few months ago. Picture it as a combination of a kaleidoscope and a portal gun from the show Rick and Morty.

Travelling through the multiverse is a must; why should I stay in one place? There are so many ways to grow stronger in the multiverse, and I can't just sit around waiting for my items in the workshop to be ready. I need to take action and find opportunities in the anti.

In the end, it was an Asauchi, a special kind of sword. I ca to understand that I didn't have a good weapon for my needs. At so point, just using regular steel swords isn't enough. If they break during a fight, I could lose my life, and that's a risk I can't take.

There it clicked.

Bleach.

Yeah, that Bleach.

An asauchi.

A blank zanpakuto. The sword before the sword. Pure potential, forged not to be used, but to beco. To grow alongside the wielder. To reflect their soul.

That was it.

Not just a weapon. A partner.

And it made sense. In a world that could change in an instant, where chaos was basically a daily event... I needed a weapon that could adapt with .

I was in the training room when I heard him.

"Young Master, the Master and Mistress have arrived. They would like to speak with you," Hayama said respectfully.

My parents were here, and I felt a wave of surprise wash over . To be honest, I kinda forgot about them, it's been more than a month since I last saw them.

I quickly put away my training gear and changed my clothes before heading out to et them, my mind racing with questions about what they wanted to discuss. Did sothing happen?

As I walked into the living room, I noticed my parents sitting there, but they were not by themselves. There was soone with them, chatting and laughing.

As I neared, my steps slowed, and my heart did a weird little hiccup. Sitting there with my parents, as if he belonged, was none other than Azazel.

Fuck.

"Oh, there he is!" my mother said happily, waving for to co closer. "Sweetheart, co et our guest. This is Aza Ishikawa."

She said the na like it was supposed to an sothing. At first, it didn't register. Just sounded like another rich donor who probably bought stock for fun. But then it clicked—like a goddamn puzzle piece snapping into place.

Aza Ishikawa.

Oh no.

Of course, that na was familiar, as the heir of the Mishima Corporation, I was supposed to know everything about the company—its history, its operations, and even the shareholders' nas.

"Ah, so this is your son. A pleasure to finally et you. Leon-kun." His eyes locked with mine, and for a second, everything else disappeared. He bastard knew exactly what he was doing.

"Ishikawa-san," I said, keeping my voice level and polite. Barely. "It's an honor."

"Please, no need for such formalities. We're practically family, aren't we?"

I nearly choked on my own tongue. Practically family? Bro, you stalk and now you're playing house in my damn living room?

So this was it. This was retaliation for ghosting him. He ca to my house.

"Leon's been working so hard lately," my father chid in, oblivious. "We thought he could use a bit of ntorship. Soone to guide him through the… more complex aspects of the company."

"Oh, I completely agree," Azazel said, placing his teacup down. "It's important for young heirs to have a firm understanding of both the boardroom and the battlefield."

My eyes narrowed just slightly. Was that a jab? A threat? A challenge?

"So," Azazel continued, resting his chin on one hand, "I'll be staying in the city for a while. Perhaps we could arrange so one-on-one ti, Leon-kun. I'd love to get to know the future of Mishima Corporation more... intimately."

My mom clapped her hands, clearly thrilled. "That sounds wonderful! Leon, you should show him around. You two have so much in common."

Yeah. Like a mutual desire to dropkick each other off a building.

"Sure," I said tightly. "I'd love that."

Azazel smiled, all fangs behind a gentleman's charm. "I'm looking forward to it."

God help .

Oh, wait- he's dead.

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