It was already 10:00 AM when Alex opened his eyes. He glanced at the clock beside his bed, a tired sigh escaping his lips.
"It's morning already…" he muttered.
His body felt heavy, as though weighed down. He lay motionless on his bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.
"For some reason… I just can't stand up. I feel like everything should just end here and now," he whispered, his voice soft and hollow. "And my aspirations… they're gone. It's like I should just disappear…"
A knock came at the door.
Reluctantly, Alex dragged himself up and walked over.
"Who is it?" he asked as he opened the door.
Standing there was Kinto, his expression calm and familiar.
"Yo. What's up? Mind if we talk?" Kinto asked.
—
Later, the two stood on the balcony, the city stretching endlessly before them.
Kinto leaned on the railing and glanced at Alex.
"I know this probably isn't the best time… but I wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. I feel bad for you. Honestly, I didn't think something like that would happen. I felt terrible when I heard your grandpa passed away. He was a true warrior… always taking on A-ranked missions and protecting the city."
Alex let out a quiet sigh, his voice low.
"Thanks… I appreciate you coming to console me. But I don't think anything you say will change the fact that he's gone."
Kinto didn't try to argue. Instead, he gave a solemn nod.
"You're right. Nothing I say can bring him back. But… do you think your grandpa would be happy seeing you like this?"
Alex's eyes widened. The words struck something deep inside him. Slowly, tears welled up and streamed down his cheeks.
"Yeah… you're right. He'd be furious. In fact… he'd probably be so mad, he wouldn't even look at me…"
He wiped his face, then turned to Kinto with a small, grateful smile.
"Thanks, Kinto. I really needed that."
Kinto returned the smile, bumping his fist against Alex's.
"Now that's the Alex I know. I'll catch you later, alright?"
—
Far from the city, deep in the forests, Kazuki rested on the branch of a tree, arms behind his head. His eyes were half-lidded, gazing up at the leaves swaying gently above. He was about 230 miles away from the city.
"So Diablo's been sealed away, huh…?"
He sighed.
"I'm kinda worried about him. That man-child must've overestimated himself. But… knowing him, he's probably fine."
His gaze shifted upward, toward the endless blue sky.
"I wonder what Alex is up to. He's probably unlocked some crazy new power again. As i am right now, im pretty much miles away from the city. Tch! All this just too look for one person."
With a stretch, he hopped down from the tree and walked through the forest for about an hour. Slowly jumping from tree to tree until he came about something massive.
A towering castle stood before him, its surface decorated with an eerie symbol — an upside-down cross encircled in black.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes.
"So this is the Infinite Castle… My guess is not only Shinki stays here, but the rest of the Dark Sign use this place as their base too."
He clenched his fists.
"Whatever. I'll take them down."
—
Back in his room, Alex lay motionless once again. But this time, something shifted.
His consciousness drifted.
In the space of his inner world, Alex found himself standing before a massive, chained demon — its form was that of red and dark energy, its eyes glowing with menacing intensity. Thick chains wrapped around its neck, anchoring it within a massive cage.
The demon growled, its voice thunderous.
"What do you want?"
Alex blinked, surprised.
"Wait… you can talk? That's actually kind of surprising. But anyway, I have some questions, and I want answers."
The demon's eyes glowed brighter.
"You want answers? How arrogant. But I can't blame you. I've been watching you since the day you were born… I know the kind of person you are."
Alex crossed his arms.
"Well, since you're not trying to eat me or anything, I guess we're on the same page."
The demon gave a deep, rumbling chuckle.
"I'd like to… but with these chains, I can't do much. Besides, it's not really my style."
"Good. Because I want you to tell me everything about my full potential… and how to unlock it."
"First of all," the demon growled, "I have a name. Second, what's in it for me? I am a demon, after all, the embodiment of what you are. There has to be a deal."
Alex rolled his eyes.
"I figured you'd say something like that, I've read too much manga to know how this goes. That's why I came prepared. I'll give you my left arm… and part of my consciousness. But on one condition: when you take over my mind, you're not allowed to do anything crazy. No killing people. No trying to destroy my body. Got it?"
The demon's laughter echoed.
"You're a smart one, I'll give you that."
Alex smirked.
"I've seen a lot of anime and manga with situations like this. You're not fooling me."
The demon finally nodded.
"Since we've made a deal, I'll explain how things work. You see, unlike the other Divine Beasts, I'm different. I'm the Divine Beast of Power. Unlike the rest, I have no true form."
"The reason I look like a demon to you is because of your power… and your personality. The demonic energy inside you shapes how I appear. I reflect who YOU are."
Alex listened carefully.
"Demons like you have a limit to the power they can reach. Your limit is what we call Stage Seven — the Inferno Form."
"Inferno Form?" Alex echoed. "What's that?"
"It's a stage where a demon has completely mastered their powers. The form varies depending on the person — it could be a weapon, a transformation, or entirely new abilities. It reflects your soul and the ambitions of the demon who activated it."
"Okay… but what do demons look like, anyway? Are they like… monsters? Eagles with faces? Claws and wings and stuff? And also, if this Inferno Form is so powerful, why did my dad seal you inside me knowing it was my ultimate form?"
The demon narrowed its eyes.
"You really are a numbskull, aren't you?"
"Hey!" Alex barked. "That's rude! It was just a question!"
With a sigh, the demon explained.
"Demons look exactly like humans. What sets them apart is their raw energy and physical strength. Their 'demonic energy' is what makes them deadly. That's why we're called demons. The power sleeping in us is a terrifying one."
"As for the Inferno Form — it's not your true power. There's something beyond it."
"Beyond…?". Alex asked with confusion.
"Yes. A second stage — a level only one person in history ever reached: Misaki Mio. Her power could wipe out entire countries… maybe even the world, depending on the user. Reaching that stage would put you at A-rank, at the very least."
Alex's eyes widened.
"Okay… I think I'm starting to get it. But wait… who is Misaki Mio?"
—
End of Chapter.