The Promise of Tomorrow

Chapter 49

Shockwaves of heavy power could be felt somewhere in the sandy wastelands. Somewhere far from Japan, in the same place Tohka and Y/n sparred before the day of vacation arrived. There, Shido, fully clad in an armor akin to a paladin's was engaging in a friendly spar with Kotori. Heavy swings could be felt alongside a tumultuous display of power as each hit was deadly. 

With a mace and shield in hand, Shido was keeping up with Kotori's heavy firepower, dependent on blocking and parrying as well as retaliating with heavy swings. Unlike most, Shido's way of attacking was more focused on repelling rather than hitting while Kotori's attacks were filled with aggression thanks to her still trying to adapt to the destructive impulses of Camael. 

Each step was a deliberate attempt to either close in the distance, get farther, or to get into a viable position to disrupt each other's balance. So far, it was a deadlock and Kotori then backed away, knowing it will take a long time for her brother to catch up with how heavy his armor was. Sure, it was good for close quarters, but the movement speed to catch up on a distanced opponent was abysmally useless.

Kotori's angel changed form from a halberd to a cannon, confirming that she was going to fire Megiddo at Shido. With nowhere to run, Shido planted his shield at the ground, and a barrier of Reiryoku reinforced the shield, making him slowly advance bit by bit as Kotori increased her power, wanting to test the limits of Shido's abilities. Little by little, Shido slowly advanced towards Kotori and before he could take action, Reine finally uttered a command.

"That's enough," Reine ordered as Shido made the helmet shatter and sealed Kotori's powers with a kiss. As Kotori blushed in shock with how sudden he was, Reine had been teleported down as she gave the commander some spare clothes. "This is good progress. Kotori is able to handle the destructive impulses of her Angel while Shido seems to be more capable with handling his abilities," Reine gave her complete analysis.

Shido's mood then became enthusiastic. However, this was completely shot down as Reine told him, "No, you're still not ready. Your body may be capable, but you're still not good enough experience wise," she stated and a standoffish voice then declared,

"I can help with that!"

From above, Y/n and the Yamai Twins descended down. "We sure are late for the party," Y/n declared after looking around, as the area looked completely ravaged, with rock formations being wrecked and with sand swishing in the air. "We sure did warm this up for you," Kotori jested as she then looked at him. "Did you ask these two to spar with you?" she asked and Y/n then became pouty. "Hey, don't look at me as if I'm the one who wanted to start a fight. This fucker did," he pointed at Kaguya who immediately became defensive.

"Hey, this is not for fun! I wanted to become better so I can protect my prince!" Kaguya declared, only digging her grave a little deeper. "Teasing. Kaguya really does like Johannes that much. Her eloquent speaking reveals her feelings for him," Yuzuru poked fun of Kaguya in a monotone voice as the former made a smile.

"Oh come on! She's just being nice! You're putting waaaay too much implication that she likes me!" Johannes ranted as Y/n looked at Shido as if telling him non-verbally, 'Does he know?' by raising his eyebrow and smirking. "Well, that aside, I guess me and Reine are going. What about you?" Kotori asked and Johannes immediately became worried. "Wait, is it safe if Y/n fights alone? I'll also be participating in the sidelines as their tactician, so at least someone team up with him," he asked with concern.