Supernatural Beings: Strive Survivors Vol. 3 [Steady Update]

Strive 211: Bring The Pain

Kibishi's POV

Behind Of Humanity's HeadQuarters

Step... Step... Step...

Yosei leads us behind the building, her expression a mix of determination and concern.

We are all in our supercodes (the classic), as she insists we bring them for this critical moment.

By the look of things, it seems like Yosei is taking us somewhere to improve our odds. I think about it, but I’m not entirely sure on that front. All I know is that we only have a few hours before the mission and that urgency weighs heavily on us.

“So, Yosei? Do you have a plan to pull this off?” Jir asks, folding her arms and eyeing Yosei skeptically.

“Yeah. But it’s risky. I planned to use it as a last resort, but we don’t have that kind of time.” Yosei explains, her hands resting on her hips as she glances around. She takes a deep breath, her brow furrowing. “That being said, I didn’t think the founder would stoop that low and attack Ki like that. So now, I have to figure out a way to go around that bet we made. We need to ensure Ki won’t push himself too hard out there…”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about me. We all need to find a way to increase our odds of winning this bet. That way, you can take it easy without burning yourselves out.” I say, trying to reassure her with a bright smile, though I can feel the tension in the air.“Easy for you to say, Mr. ‘I don’t care about the risk as long as my friends are safe’! You don’t see that stunt you pulled with the whole safety lock removal is very dangerous?”

Kuma scolds me, pointing at me with a worried expression that makes my heart sink.“You don’t think Kibun would remove the safety on his megaphone, right?” Tao says, her voice trembling slightly as fear washes over her.

“I doubt it. But then again, if anything, they might have to if the megaphone isn’t complete by tonight…” Jir says, closing her eyes and scratching her left cheek, clearly anxious.“So there is a chance that they might…” Tao whispers, lowering her head, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her.

“Come on, guys! Give my old man SOME credit! I doubt he’ll let Kibi go with the megaphone WITHOUT adding something to keep our grim reaper safe from harm!” Kuma says confidently, trying to rally the group’s spirits.“True, but the megaphone, along with our supercodes, is complex technology. We’re limited due to the lack of parts that would have been available on the surface. The truth is, it’s either take the risk or we’ll be working nonstop—no, Ki will work until he collapses…” Yosei says bluntly, her expression grave as she closes her eyes.

“…” The girls fall silent, the gravity of the situation settling over us.

“Regardless, we have to keep going. When the time comes, it comes. You all don’t want that to happen, right? Then prove it by beating the impossible! Fight and defeat the third monster tonight!” Yosei says, her voice filled with encouragement, but I can hear the underlying tension.

“Is it possible? I mean, we barely beat the Cetus, and we didn’t even kill its corpse. Some girl did it for us, and she was strong enough on her own.” Tao says, her voice laced with frustration and doubt.

“We can’t let that get to us,” I state firmly, trying to infuse some hope into the group.

“Kishi?” Tao looks at me, searching for reassurance.

“That girl aside, we have one goal for tonight, and that’s beating the third monster. Everything else comes after. I don’t know what I can do to help, but I’ll do what I can to support you all and keep you safe!” I declare, forming my right fist with determination, feeling a surge of resolve.

“Ki’s right. We can’t afford any more distractions. In order to make this work, we all need to work together! And if that girl tries to stop us, well, she’s got another thing coming once we’re done here!” Yosei says confidently, her eyes sparkling with determination.

“Easier said than done, Yosei. We don’t know the full strength of her power,” Kuma counters, concern etched on her face.“There’s no need for that. I’ve got a way to level up your powers. But the risk is big,” Yosei says, folding her arms tightly.

“Which is?” Jir asks, curiosity piqued.

“We all have to face pain and agony,” Yosei explains, her calm demeanor contrasting with the gravity of her words.

“Oh? Is that it?” Kuma says, a smile creeping onto her face, momentarily easing the tension.“I can handle pain, so this shouldn’t be a problem,” Tao adds, relief washing over her as she nods.“Same. If that’s all it takes to level up, then it should be easy!” Jir exclaims with excitement.

“No…” Yosei whispers, her expression turning serious.

“Huh?” We all say in unison, confusion rippling through the group. “Physical pain is ONE of the processes. We all must face our fears and pain. In other words, you may not see it 100%, but you will feel your regret and doubt eating you alive. But—if you can survive the terror of those painful memories, then we have a higher chance of beating the monster. However,” Yosei folds her arms tightly, her gaze steady.

“Even if you do have a power upgrade, there’s no guarantee that it’ll work 100%. For all I know, only I and possibly Jir can benefit from this upgrade we’re about to commence. Akuma, Taoreta, and Kibishi, your chances are very slim, and there’s a big chance that you’ll only receive scars that will never go away as long as you live. This is a coin flip, so I want to let you three know that.” Yosei explains, her frown deepening as she looks at us.

“Wait, so even if we endure our pain and suffering, we may not get the power we need to challenge the monster?” Tao asks, her voice trembling with fear.

“Not only that, Tao. Even if we DO manage to, there’s no guarantee that we could hold a candle to the monster,” Yosei confirms, the reality of our situation settling heavily.

“Then what’s the point of doing all of this?” Jir asks, her tone scared and uncertain.

“Listen,” Yosei raises her right index finger, her voice firm. “No one will die here, okay? Don’t forget your promise to each other and to yourselves. You don’t have to be frightened. As long as we find the item for the monster first, we’ll be fine. The most serious problem is if the monster catches us first. But that won’t be something to worry about as long as I’m around.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, curiosity piqued.“Simple. A single fairy is a scary creature when it comes to magic and self-defense. Also, we can use magic that we may never have seen in our lifetime.” Yosei brings her right fist to her chest, her confidence shining through. “And I so happen to be a fairy-type supernatural. No need to worry about that small stuff. After all, I am a powerful mage!”

“But still, even with you around, the third layer could be merciless. You could die if you’re not careful, Yosei,” Kuma says, her concern evident.

“…” Yosei lowers her head, her lightheartedness fading. “Then I’ll die, I guess,” she whispers, sadness creeping into her tone.

“Yosei?” Kuma slowly reaches out her hand, worry etched on her face.“Just kidding!” Yosei laughs it off, but the forced cheerfulness doesn’t quite reach her eyes, leaving me uneasy.“Don’t say that again,” I firmly tell Yosei, stepping closer.

“Huh?!” Yosei flinches at my serious tone.“I said to cut that out. It isn’t funny, Yosei.” I frown, feeling the weight of our situation. “I don’t like those kinds of jokes. Even if you’re joking, this is life and death we’re talking about! You’re not going to die.”

Step! Step!

I take a step forward, determination coursing through me.“And I’ll prove it by asking you to increase the risk to me and lower it for the others. That way, if I fall, you all can stand a chance!” I boldly state, my heart racing.

It’s nerve-racking, but I won’t back down. To keep the girls safe, I’ll take the most blows.And if that decreases their pain and suffering, then so be it. 

"Kibishi is determine!"

To Be Continued....