"Why do you state that so lightly, Officer Comrade?" Jihen remarked.
"The great demon Byakuya stands there, inflicting harm upon all sentient beings. The warlords are preparing to deliver punishment. Should they fail, they will be eternally doomed."
"Do you truly believe you can remain uninvolved then?"
Hearing Jihen's words, Yang Lin turned to look at Nightmare. "If all the warlords you speak of fail, what difference does one more or one less person like me make?"
Nightmare looked up. "There is a difference. You might be unique."
"Your name is Yang Lin, correct?"
"It is an honor that you all know my name," Yang Lin replied, momentarily speechless. "So, may I ask, what precisely makes me so special?"
"I cannot articulate it clearly, but Byakuya may have targeted you a long time ago," Nightmare stated.
Yang Lin frowned. "What do you mean, 'targeted me long ago'? What have I done?"
Nightmare retrieved a cigarette from his chest and placed it in his mouth. "This is a matter of synchronicity, because it began with an Object, which is that sword currently in your hand."
"He is your father."
"I am aware."
"You know?"
"He informed me," Yang Lin replied, gripping the hilt firmly.
Nightmare questioned doubtfully, "He told you? How exactly did he communicate with you?"
While being transformed into a sword by a Swordsmith doesn't equate to death, it certainly doesn't mean the sword can speak.
"Very well, I won't press further. I will simply relay the conclusion."
"I do not know why Byakuya is so obsessed with your father. Regardless, due to this connection, he repeatedly tasked us with investigating you."
"We have scrutinized you in the shadows many times. I have observed you, but you never noticed me."
"The results of those initial multiple investigations concluded that you were just an ordinary person, yet Byakuya seemed perpetually unsatisfied with that finding."
"It wasn't until the conclusion of the fourth investigation that this matter finally reached a standstill."
"And in recent years, Byakuya has been having serious issues. He has gone truly mad."
Jihen: "When was he ever sane?"
Yang Lin: "Do not interrupt."
Nightmare continued, "Once, purely by chance, I overheard Byakuya's secretary mentioning that Byakuya's mental state was progressively worsening."
"At that time, due to excessive concern, that secretary arranged for a mental health specialist to conduct an examination on Byakuya."
"And the finding from that examination was that Byakuya was diagnosed with epilepsy."
"But that level of illness didn't even require a formal diagnosis. Everyone within Kitsune knew the Chief was unwell. When he was alone, he would sometimes weep, sometimes laugh hysterically—a truly terrifying sound."
"At times, he would completely lose control. Of course, I never witnessed him go into a full frenzy; I only heard accounts from others."
"Especially within the last few months, people frequently heard him shouting alone in his room, repeatedly murmuring something."
"Byakuya's secretary informed me that he maintained a diary. So, on one occasion, I secretly gained access to Byakuya's room and located his journal."
"But I couldn't make sense of it."
"The entries written within lacked continuity from one sentence to the next; the logic was entirely absent. Perhaps only he could decipher its meaning."
"During those periods, we generally disregarded the content."
"I began flipping through the diary pages sequentially, and gradually, I sensed something deeply wrong."
"Byakuya's script grew increasingly crude, marred by numerous red pen marks, as he repeatedly wrote these three sentences."
"I don't want to perish."
"I cannot perish."
"I will not perish."
"The further I read, the more concise the writing became, until only the single character for 'death' remained."
"He pressed down so hard when writing that the page was torn clean through. Afterward, there wasn't a single coherent word in the diary, just irregular, crisscrossing red lines."
"After that point, there were never any further entries of a normal nature."
"From this evidence alone, I had already determined that Byakuya was likely insane."
"Then, I searched through other cabinets and discovered a collection of medicine bottles, a spray canister, and a loose piece of paper."
"That spray should be Leviathan's saliva, which is our commonly used forgetfulness spray, but the bottle was empty, suggesting it hadn't been replenished in quite some time."
"And that assortment of medicine bottles contained medication typically prescribed for treating bipolar disorder."
"Byakuya should have used the forgetfulness spray frequently in the past, but not in recent years. He has been relying on this medication."
"Finally, there was that single piece of paper."
"A specific passage was inscribed upon the paper."
"If I am facing imminent death, all monsters will be entombed with me, including Kitsune."
Jihen suddenly grasped the implication, "You initiated the rebellion against Kitsune because you saw this?"
Nightmare: "Who said I rebelled against Kitsune?"
"Then why did you save us?"
"It wasn't about saving you all. Saving you was merely a side effect. My singular focus was preserving Yang Lin."
"What is so uniquely special about him?"
"I genuinely do not know."
"And yet you still saved him?"
"Precisely because I lack knowledge, I must save him," Nightmare declared.
Jihen was perplexed. "What kind of rationale is that?"
Nightmare looked directly at Yang Lin. "What is Byakuya truly afraid of? He suspects that that thing might be connected to you, but he lacks confirmation."
"Therefore, he refrained from eliminating you immediately, which further underscores his uncertainty."
"But what if that suspicion turns out to be true?"
"So, if it truly is you, you need to carefully consider your next move now, and determine the exact reason Byakuya fears you."
Yang Lin and Nightmare faced each other steadily. "From which standpoint are you offering me this counsel?"
Nightmare responded, "It could be from the perspective of humanity, it could be for Kitsune, or it could be entirely for my own benefit."
"From humanity's viewpoint, Byakuya's methods are excessively cruel, showing disregard for necessary sacrifice. In this current stable era, not a chaotic one, Byakuya is unfit to command such a situation and must yield leadership."
"From Kitsune's standpoint, Byakuya undoubtedly holds past achievements. I concede, without Byakuya, Kitsune might still be trapped in a desperate stalemate with Chaos Insurgency."
"But currently, Byakuya is no longer fit to continue leading Kitsune. He has become more obstinate than ever. He now values his own survival over the fate of humanity as a whole."
"His extreme ideology and unchecked abilities represent an unstable ticking time bomb."
"From my own personal standpoint, Byakuya seeks to eradicate all monsters, including myself. I am not inherently altruistic. Naturally, I have no desire to willingly perish."
Yang Lin nodded. "Then this simplifies matters. Since you all intend to eliminate Byakuya, our objectives align."
Jihen was confused again. "Didn't you just claim you wanted to escape?"
Yang Lin looked at the sword in his hand. "As you stated, I can no longer stand aside. Furthermore, I only made that assertion moments ago to gauge Nightmare's true intentions."
Hearing this declaration, Jihen felt bewildered. "But I felt everything you said earlier carried significant weight."
"If the alliance formed by those monsters still cannot overcome Byakuya, then adding the three of us probably won't alter the outcome either."
Yang Lin nodded. "That is true, but he has also guided me step by step to this very spot. However, the choice of how I proceed, am I still allowed to determine that?"
"Who is he?"
"Master, you might as well cease hiding. Your spiritual power is too immense; you cannot conceal it."
Master?
As Yang Lin finished speaking, a black-robed figure wearing a white mask suddenly appeared on the tree branch where Nightmare was leaning.
He sat casually on the branch, having arrived at some unknown, unseen moment.
Jihen was startled upon recognizing the figure. "Lord Seth?"
Nightmare looked up sharply. "Serpent's Hand?"
"Black King?"
Seeing that Yang Lin had recognized him, the black-robed figure on the branch let out a low, muffled laugh. "Hahaha, you have certainly developed, Yang Lin."
Whoosh!
A swift sound echoed. The black-robed figure leaped down from the tree to the ground.
Yang Lin looked at Reinhard, a difficult-to-describe complex emotion stirring within his heart. "So your objective is also Byakuya?"
"Indeed."
"Then why did you not simply state that to me directly?" Yang Lin inquired.
Reinhard: "If I had told you explicitly, you might not have chosen this particular path."
"You always emphasize that you only believe what you witness with your own eyes. Therefore, I refrained from telling you; I allowed you to see it firsthand. How does that sound?"
Yang Lin: "You truly understand my nature, Master. But was this entire investigation I conducted not already part of your meticulous scheme?"
"Did you, right from the moment you entrusted me with the Golden Lotus Seed, begin orchestrating all of this?"
Reinhard's eyes gleamed. "I had not planned that deeply—I didn't devise today's events five years in advance."
"The Golden Lotus Seed was merely the catalyst, but when I gave it to you, I had not yet fully defined what I intended to unleash."
"So now you have clarity and have appeared, precisely to provide me with a clear trajectory, to guide me toward finding this person you have positioned," Yang Lin deduced.
"By the way, Master, have you been monitoring me all this time? Was that Mad Hatter note also slipped in by you?"
Reinhard waved his hand dismissively. "The minor details need not be dwelled upon. Broadly speaking, your summation is correct."
Yang Lin looked directly at Reinhard. "Master, if it is your decree, I am willing to accept it."
"In this existence, aside from my parents, you are the one I trust above all others. Had you simply instructed me to deal with Byakuya, I would not have hesitated for a moment."
Reinhard suddenly let out a laugh upon hearing this. He turned and walked a few steps away. "The origins of Kitsune and your father remain obscure, and the connection involves countless threads leading back to you."
"No matter how profound the bond between Kitsune and yourself, if you harbor no desire to confront it, then do not. But if you genuinely seek retribution for your father, Kitsune serves as a suitable stepping stone."
"Your true adversary, you cannot yet perceive them, because you have not attained that necessary level."
"Utilize this opportunity where the monsters jointly assault Kitsune to rapidly enhance your own strength. Once Byakuya falls, the world will inevitably descend into profound chaos. That moment will allow you to exert your full potential."
"If you seize that opening, you will ascend to the heavens, yet you could just as easily plummet into eternal damnation."
"Setting all else aside, eliminating Byakuya is undeniably a personal desire of mine. As for why I chose you specifically—the answer resides within your own heart."
"Kill Byakuya. Afterward, if you still desire vengeance, I will aid you. If you choose otherwise, then simply withdraw. I possess the means to protect you as well."
"The path you choose is entirely yours."
Yang Lin gripped the sword hilt tightly. "If you require me to shatter this towering bulwark, then I will unleash everything I possess."
...
Kitsune Headquarters.
The Monster Alliance's full-scale offensive commenced. Nightmare defected on the battlefield, leaving only Gluttony and Byakuya to guard the headquarters.
This sweeping offensive struck with ferocious intensity. 009, showing no restraint, launched Byakuya a welcoming present!
A one-hundred-percent guaranteed, sure-hit missile!
"Happy Birthday!"
Boom!!
A deafening explosion echoed. The missile plunged directly into the Kitsune headquarters.
Launched by 009, any target was an Absolute Hit.
Byakuya sat outside, holding a can of canned peaches.
The missile detonated. The can shattered instantly, but Byakuya remained completely unharmed.
009 descended from the sky. "I anticipated that an attack of this magnitude wouldn't affect you. So, this time..."
Puff, puff!
Before 009 could react, a flash of sword light swept across his body, directly cleaving him in two!
009 saw this and grinned wickedly. One half of his body instantly transformed into a heavy machine gun!
009's body immediately rejoined. He seized the heavy machine gun and began to frantically fire upon Byakuya!
"Have you forgotten? I am immortal! Your attacking me only serves to embarrass yourself!"
Clatter, clatter, clatter!
The barrel rotated, and dense bullets impacted Byakuya's body, but every single one was intercepted by a layer of white light armor.
Byakuya dusted himself off and stood up fully. "Where are the others?"
"You try guessing?"
With that declaration, Celestial Beast attacked directly from behind Byakuya, snapping toward his neck!
Byakuya saw the move, and the Yin and Yang Qi materialized in his hand. The Yang Qi flowed out, instantly delineating a boundary intended to trap Celestial Beast. Immediately following, the Yin Qi surged forth, manifesting as a sharp sword that pierced Celestial Beast's form!
Nightmare releasing Celestial Beast and the Rat King truly proved to be an act of betrayal against Byakuya.
"Celestial Beast, I am here!"
The Rat King charged forward at that precise moment. Dense swarms of rats rushed toward Byakuya like a massive tidal wave!
Byakuya reacted instantly; the Yin and Yang Phantoms behind him split, forming Four Divine Beast Phantoms!
The Vermilion Bird moved, transforming into a blazing greatsword that plunged into Byakuya's hand. He unleashed a fiery wave, scarlet flames reaching toward the heavens, directly engulfing vast sections of the rat swarm!
"Real, authentic rats."
The rat swarm was cleaved apart by a single strike. The Rat King immediately waved his hand, detonating all the rats, instantly transforming them into a sky filled with poisonous gas!
Byakuya's Azure Dragon Phantom stirred behind him, roaring as it morphed into a sword that plunged into Byakuya's heart, condensing a layer of armor around his body!
Byakuya's previous white light armor had been formed purely from Yang Qi. It naturally dissipated once it split into the Four Divine Beasts, but the Four Divine Beasts also manifested protective light armor.
Byakuya immediately identified his target. The White Tiger Phantom stirred, transforming into a spinning wheel that shot directly out, striking toward the Rat King!
Puff, puff!!
The White Tiger spinning wheel was incredibly fast. It directly bisected the Rat King with a single strike.
But at this moment, several figures suddenly burst forth from all directions surrounding Byakuya, rushing toward him!
Among them was the Master of Flesh. He possessed Absolute Decay. As long as he could make physical contact with Byakuya, Byakuya would surely perish!
Byakuya offered a faint smile, directly stomped the ground, and the Black Tortoise Phantom behind him immediately burrowed into the earth, unleashing a massive shockwave!
In an instant, everything around them slowed down!
Deceleration?!
Damn it!
Everyone was affected. Their movements became as sluggish as snails, yet only Byakuya moved naturally.
His figure shifted indirectly, flickering back and forth, directly knocking down and sending all the surrounding assailants flying!
And those individuals, after being thrown, floated in the air for an extended period without falling, because their speed was infinitesimally slow!
"So many monsters gathered together; if this is all they amount to, it truly makes all my preparations feel wasted."
Hearing Byakuya's dismissive words, the Master of Flesh's body slowly cracked open, then slowly expanded into a gigantic mass of grotesque tissue!
However, his speed was tragically slow. The White Tiger flying wheel behind Byakuya rushed toward him, churning through his massive form like a biological meat grinder!
Puff, puff, puff!
Blood and minced flesh spewed forth. The Master of Flesh was instantly ground down into a pile of raw mince, scattering upon the ground!
Absolute Decay was potent, but it required the ability to touch the intended target first.
009's splitting technique and Absolute Hit were also immensely powerful. He even equipped everyone with a specialized Object, but...
What was the use if it failed to eliminate this individual?
"Pfft!"
A figure flew backward, tumbling several times on the ground. "...You, aren't you going to make a decisive move?!"
Hearing that person's challenge, dense black shadows immediately materialized in the sky!
It was Queen Bee.
Queen Bee split into dozens of avatars, simultaneously attacking Byakuya. "Crimson, green, your life's flowers are truly numerous!"
A hundred 3rd Step avatars instantly charged at Byakuya, but after the deceleration field, these avatars naturally moved at a sluggish pace.
The phantom behind Byakuya merged, transforming into Yin and Yang. The black and white energies burned like twin flames in his hands.
Within his established rank, Byakuya was practically untouchable.
When would they finally grasp this fundamental truth?
Yin and Yang dual-flame cremation sword. Byakuya, fighting dozens of attackers, shattered several of Queen Bee's avatars. Queen Bee's avatars simultaneously raised their right hands!
Dense, sharp stingers protruded from their palms!
"Fire!"
Stingers launched. Dozens of projectiles simultaneously assaulted Byakuya!
Byakuya did not evade. The white Yang Qi dispersed, materializing into a shield to intercept the stingers.
But these stingers pierced right through his Yang Qi manifestation, all plunging deep into Byakuya's body!
However, before Queen Bee could celebrate, these stingers dissolved instantly under a burst of black Yin Qi.
Most importantly, Byakuya had sustained no damage whatsoever?
"He can block even that? Does he adhere to any discernible logic?" Queen Bee cursed under her breath.
"His rule-based ability—what logic does that follow?!"
Old man Balance clasped his hands together. "White King, allow me to demonstrate my new ability, what do you say? Heaven and Earth Inverted!"
With that declaration, heaven and earth instantly flipped within Byakuya's perception.
At this moment, all his five senses were reversed.
Up was down, left was right. A rather intriguing application of power.
"Quickly, capitalize on this moment, grab his Stone!"
009 used Absolute Hit to launch himself directly toward Byakuya!
Byakuya attempted to counterattack but struck in the entirely wrong direction.
009 successfully landed his strike, directly seizing the Tiger Stone!
However...
"Fake."
009 declared, gripping the Tiger Stone in his hand.
Everyone looked toward Byakuya. The Tiger Stone hanging around his neck was indeed a replica. This was somewhat anticipated.
After all, if it were genuine, he would hardly wear it merely dangling from his neck.
Byakuya slightly adjusted to his inverted five senses.
He reached out, and the white sword in his hand stabbed toward the sky. Then, in an instant, it split into tens of thousands of identical white swords!
Byakuya extended two fingers and made a sweeping motion. Those tens of thousands of white swords swept across and intersected, slashing toward every monster he could perceive!
Soaring Sword Art, Chaotic Cloud Sword!
Thud!!
Sword qi swept out, filling the sky with blades. Not a few monsters were forced back by the sheer force of a single sword strike!
But at this critical juncture, one individual, utilizing the very momentum created by Byakuya's ability, quietly moved to his immediate side. "You still underestimate me."
"My ability is to nullify all powers. Let me get close to you, and your defeat is already assured."
Seeing the newcomer, the crowd instantly erupted in excited anger!
"It's Night King!"
Night King's hand was about to strike Byakuya, but Byakuya not only didn't evade, he actively grabbed Night King's wrist!
"To nullify abilities?"
"I refuse to believe it."
Crack!
Byakuya exerted force, directly breaking Night King's arm!
Black Yin Qi energy burst forth from his hand. As he delivered a palm strike to Night King's chest, a surge of Yin Fire erupted!
This single blow directly severed half of Night King's body!
Night King's eyes widened. He tumbled from the sky and crashed to the ground!
Splat...
Blood gushed from his back. Looking up at Byakuya above, Byakuya still held Night King's severed arm in his hand.
He said he... didn't believe it.
Night King's mouth was full of blood. His white teeth were stained crimson. "Ha... Haha, hahahaha... He's truly an unreasonable, insane individual..."
Plan A, to snatch the Tiger Stone, had failed.
Plan B, for Night King to get close and nullify Byakuya's power, also failed.
Of course, they had contingency plans.
It was just a pity that in the face of Byakuya's Yin and Yang energies... all those plans became mere words on paper.
They couldn't comprehend it. Why were Byakuya's abilities so exaggeratedly powerful?
If his power was simply overwhelming strength, that would be understandable. Many individuals excel in one characteristic or ability—for example, the Master of Flesh.
His Absolute Decay was arguably superior to Byakuya's Yin Qi.
But Byakuya, paradoxically, wasn't just strong in a single facet.
His physical strength, spiritual power, and internal material energy—which of these attributes wasn't at the 3rd Step peak?
This was the most troublesome aspect!
Byakuya wasn't strong in one area; he excelled everywhere!
All his core statistics were incredibly balanced, and these balanced stats were the sole source of strength or specialty for other individuals.
These monsters displayed their diverse powers. Some could certainly introduce unexpected variables, but suppressing Byakuya proved difficult.
The advantage remained firmly in Byakuya's hands. Nearly thirty monsters combined couldn't gain an inch of ground, which caused 009 to curse in frustration.
"Even with my fission products, we're still struggling like this? A bunch of useless failures!"
"And where is Black King? Why isn't he here?!"
Just as 009 was shouting, the three members of Nightmare's faction arrived.
Yes, only three: Jihen, Yang Lin, and Nightmare.
Reinhard was nowhere in sight.
Yang Lin walked over to 009's side. "I heard your ability is Absolute Hit?"
009 looked at Yang Lin. Who was this new addition?
"Help me with something."
Yang Lin stated, looking directly at Byakuya. Byakuya looked back at them simultaneously.
"You still came."
"But even now, I am still willing to offer you a chance, Yang Lin."
Yang Lin extended his hand, directly summoning Hierro's Spear from his palm!
"Then my answer remains the same: I refuse."
Byakuya sighed. The dual swords of Yin and Yang in his hands shifted focus.
"Then perish!"
Darkness!
At this critical moment, Nightmare made his move. He instantly activated Absolute Darkness, robbing Byakuya of his vision, and simultaneously used dream manipulation to take control of Byakuya!
But this time, Byakuya was prepared. He had already consumed the γ-021 Insomnia Potion.
Nightmare's dream manipulation failed, but Yang Lin had already completed communication with 009!
The two simultaneously seized Hierro's Spear, then hurled it outward!
"If he desires death, then grant him oblivion!"
Thud!
Hierro's Spear launched, verdant light blooming vibrantly!
And with the blessing of 009's Absolute Hit, this time Byakuya could not evade. The spear struck him directly while he was enveloped in darkness!
"It connected!"
Boom.
A dull impact echoed from the other side. Hierro's Spear vanished after striking Byakuya.
However, Byakuya appeared completely unfazed?
Huh?
"This time, it's impossible that it missed. He definitely didn't defend either. That means..."
Why?
Before anyone could process the situation, Byakuya launched a direct counterattack. He grasped Yang Lin's face, and black Yin Qi, swirling like a vortex, tore forth!
Puff, puff!
Everything in the vicinity was instantly dissolved by the Yin Qi!
009's body was also torn into two halves by the Yin Qi, but Yang Lin managed to block the destructive energy using his protective snake scales!
"Still haven't understood?"
If Hierro's Spear wasn't the issue, then the problem had to be Byakuya himself!
Byakuya possessed peak 3rd Step spiritual power. This time, he absolutely shouldn't have been able to withstand that level of attack!
Unless... the spear struck him, yet simultaneously failed to strike him!
Although Hierro's Spear was a spiritual attack, it was inherently a material weapon.
A material strike against a material body should only affect the soul inhabiting that material form.
Theoretically, bolstered by Absolute Hit, it should have struck Byakuya's physical form. So, if the hit was confirmed, yet yielded no effect, only this single possibility remained!
This entity before them fundamentally lacked a soul, or perhaps it was merely an illusion, a projection?
That premise didn't align with reality either, did it?
Could this be the effect of some unknown Object?
But 009 had no recollection of this item. He clearly remembered every single entity he had successfully divided.
So if it was an Object, it definitely wasn't one he had divided.
As for whether such an item actually existed, the answer was, of course, yes.
...
Now, in Hong Kong.
Inside the Mad Hatter building, 040 Gold King was reviewing a white ledger. "Kitsune is still incredibly wealthy. This marks the second instance of someone purchasing an item from the Upper Tier."
A red-haired woman in uniform stood beside Gold King.
"This isn't the first time?"
"Certainly not."
"Who was the purchaser this time?"
"Byakuya."
"And the previous time?"
"Also him."
"Is Kitsune that affluent?"
Hearing the woman's question, Gold King offered a faint smile. "Kitsune overrides nations, holding the accumulated wealth of the world. It's unsurprising they can acquire goods from the Upper Tier."
"But that money isn't Byakuya's personal fortune, is it?"
"Ah... Does that distinction matter to us?"
"For us, there is indeed no difference. So, what did he purchase this time?"
"Grand Cloister."
"And the last time?"
"Kagetsuki."