𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗫𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 ➵ 𝗁𝗈𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝖺 𝗌𝗈𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗋𝗈

24.

"There's no time for me to cry.," you murmured through gritted teeth, wiping away the tears that mingled with blood and sweat on your face. With a shaky breath, you pulled your spear from your back and used it as a support to help yourself stand. The seconds felt like hours since Kaiju no. 9 had absorbed your father, the happenings after witnessing that had became a motion blur for you.

Three agonizing minutes had passed, each second a torment as you grappled with the reality of what had transpired. Kurusu's timely intervention had pulled you from the sight, out of Kaiju no. 9's field of vision, sparing you from further danger for now. Despite the haze of pain and grief, you knew there was no room for despair.

You stumbled as you stood, your knees feeling like jelly beneath you. Using your spear as a makeshift cane, you leaned heavily on it, the support that the spear provided somehow felt warm to the feeling. You were already becoming delusional as you can feel your mother's arm around your shoulders. You struggled to balance your trembling body. Your head swirled with dizziness, a persistent reminder of the ordeal your body had endured, but you gritted your teeth and brushed it off.

Every fiber of your being screamed in protest, yet you summoned every ounce of strength left within you, as you just can'tet this opportunity slip away, when Kaiju no. 9 is still here. Looming menacingly and had killed your father right in front of you.

It was almost the same thing that happened to your mother, when you saw her body disappeared at the same time that Kaiju no. 6 had been neutralized.

"B-but you're in no condition to fight, [Name]-san," Kurusu's voice halted your movement, his tone laced with fear and concern. Despite his genuine worry, you shook your head at him, mustering the best reassuring smile you could manage in your current state.

"I'll manage," you replied, your voice strained but resolute. Every muscle protested as you straightened, leaning on your spear for support. The pain and exhaustion threatened to overwhelm you. "And you should evacuate, Kurusu. This is not a safe place anymore." You glance at him, he was about to protesy but just chose to shut his mouth and nodded at you.

You bit your lip, feeling the strain as you sensed your combat power decrease. It was to be expected after pushing yourself beyond your limits multiple times throughout the day. "Unleashed Combat Power, 55%." The suit's automated voice confirmed, and you nodded grimly, accepting the reality of your current capabilities.

With a deep breath, you assessed your surroundings, focusing on the task ahead despite the dwindling energy reserves. Fifty-five percent was still enough to make a difference, you reasoned. Every ounce of strength mattered now more than ever. Gripping your spear tighter, you steeled yourself for the battle ahead.

As you strode through what was once the familiar confines of the Operation Room, the scene around you lay in ruin. Debris scattered in all directions, testament to the ferocity of the battle that had raged moments ago. Your breath caught in your throat at the devastation, the weight of the moment pressing heavily upon you.

Amidst the chaos, you spotted your father's figure standing atop a mountain of debris. His posture was regal, head held high as he gazed solemnly at the sky above. Relief flooded through you at the sight of him, unharmed and seemingly undaunted despite the destruction around him.

But that relief was gone when you realized it was not your father. But Kaiju no. 9 who had taken the appearance of your father.

"Chief Shinomiya..." Narumi's voice broke through the aftermath, drawing your attention. You turned to see him approaching, relief evident on his face at the sight of your father unharmed. However, as his gaze shifted to you and registered your bloody state, his expression darkened with concern. His brows furrowed briefly before he turned his attention back to your father, a mixture of emotions crossing his features.