“The perfect super soldier?”

“Yes. This project is to create a super-soldier with speed, strength, resistance, and perception. The M.I.S.T. will enter the human body and enhance everything that the normal human lacks.” explained Listo Rowan to the blue-haired P.E.P.A. soldier.

Rusher was getting as much info as he could to understand the project. He has been thinking and guessing that the special task that his commander was speaking of has to be something to do with that blue fog that the soldier if you could call that a soldier was inside that chamber. If that thing could enhance what they lack it meant that there was a catch to it. There is always a catch when you gain this many traits. Nothing is free, that is something that he personally knows and experienced in his entire life.

“So how long have you been in this project.”

“Hmm...we started last year around summer.” So it hasn’t been that long, huh?

“Is there a catch to this?”

“You saw the results, you tell me.” Yeah, about what he expected of an answer to that question.

“You don’t have to worry so long as you don’t exceed the time limit, you will be okay.”

“And what’s the time limit?”

“From what we have observed is 15 minutes before the skin consumption progress takes place.” 15 minutes? Hmm, that is plenty of time to take a lot of enemies on a battlefield.

“I imagine there is a cool-down to this. I mean, you can just do it after you stop it before the 15 minutes mark, and then after a minute you go to it again.”

“You will be correct. One of the...unfortunate soldiers tried to do it after a 5-minute cool-down. However, it seems that is not enough time for the progress of consumption to be nullified.”

“So is double or maybe triple of that?”

“More like an hour.” Ah, an hour. Yeah, that seems about the right time in his eyes of something that could make a normal human into the perfect super-soldier.

“This project is important. If we're able to find a way to know an alternative way to trigger the M.I.S.T. extending the time-period of consumption or even flat out nullified it, then we might have the answers that we seek to successfully create the perfect super soldier.”

“It is why I brought you, Rusher. You are our highest and strongest soldier in P.E.P.A.” Commander Knight told Rusher.

“I can tell. You always saw something in me. But...this project...Hmm…”

“It is alright if you refuse Rusher. You don’t have to risk your life for something like this.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t be in P.E.P.A. if I backed out of something like this. I just need a few weeks...maybe months of training before I can go with this project.” To be willing to do this...he is indeed different than all the other soldiers. Rowan just hopes that he will not become like all the failed soldiers before him. No...he can feel it! Rusher...might be the one.

“...Alright, it is for the best to not rush you on it. We will commence a special training for you in order to be ready for the project. That is if you are willing to accept it.”

“I’m all for it. Bring it on!!” There is that energy that Commander Knight sees in Rusher every day. That is why aside from being the owner of La Estrella Del Leopardo is Knight’s favorite soldier. There is also the father and son relationship that both of them have. It is why as a father figure he must make sure that Rusher is taken care of and reach what he aspires him to become...the perfect super soldier, one that can help turn the tides of any war.

()

Turn the tides of any war...this must be what his Commander was talking about. Right now he is in a war against these teenagers who infiltrated their boss’ headquarters. Even so, that same maniac wants to kill them if they become useless to him. So long as he gets his revenge and keeps Rowan’s promise of protecting Kula and giving her the True Freedom that she seeks...everything else does not matter to him.

“Any last words before I pull the trigger and end your life, Richard Kurosagi?” Richard has to think fast...and by fast, it means now!!

“Éclat!!” Out of desperation, the brown-haired boy now in his magical attire used his sword wand to create a solar light beam that blinded the blue-haired soldier forcing him to shield his eyes from the bright light before it fully blinded him. He slightly let his guard down. However, it seems that it was not to get him into a vulnerable position.

“I see...desperate times call for desperate measures it seems.” It was just a desperate move to get some space between them. That meant that this is it? This must be the limits of the brown-haired boy’s strength. A pity, the moment he went into his perfection form was the moment that the battle was decided. He cannot lose...if even he can take on the owner of the Diamond Dragonite at his best...then no one not even Alice Hishikawa can stop him...not like she could even if she has the legendary piece. Speaking of.

“Oh!” The blue-haired leader of LeGrace took the Ragging Sphere and looked at it. The glow...it was way too intense. Is it crying because of the owner of the Diamond Dragonite? Hmm, so many things he will like to know about these legendary pieces. Perhaps, they can help him achieve something beyond perfection. Something...that even Majestic 12 will fear.

()

Richard was walking before stumbling and leaning into one of the walls of a house. Panting and cringing in pain the boy took his left hand out of the wound on his shoulder before looking at it.

“Damn.” Blood and it was still dripping. Three holes were on his injured shoulder while he looks to the side and beyond to see a trail of blood. He was fast...faster than anyone he faced so far. Not only that but he just effortlessly took him to this state like he was nothing but a small obstacle. His best isn’t enough. He has to devise a strategy to get an opening on Rusher.

(‘Time is up? Maybe...it is not his speed that surpassed me.’) Putting 2+2 together the brown-haired teen realizes that the speed of Rusher wasn’t as fast as he thought a few seconds ago. His legendary piece...it must have been awakened. That meant...Time was not slow anymore for him...it just full-on stops. What a scary thing to have right now. Him having the ability to slow time was difficult, but Rusher now having the ability to flat out stop time itself albeit for a short time?! Are there any flaws in that man right now?! He is simply a god at this point. Literal perfection, speed, strength, ability, even defenses. No weaknesses...at least for now. He was facing an opponent that for the first time...is giving him doubt that he could win against no matter what he does.

“No...there has to be away! Think Richard!! Think!!” He is not giving up! Not now when he is this close! If he managed to find a way to get through Rusher’s legendary piece ability and defeat him...then it will be all over and they can finally go home.

“…!” The brown-haired boy sensed someone...it must be him…

Richard was starting to hear the footsteps before they stopped.

“...You can hide all you want Richard Kurosagi. But you will just be wasting your time. Our gap is very obviously big. You know that, don’t you? I am disappointed. I thought you will be better than this. I guess this is the extent of your limits. So much for trying to defeat me and save Alice Hishikawa, huh?” No response...it was obvious. The brown-haired boy wasn’t that stupid the blue-haired knows that. But even then, telling him this might decrease the morale of the teen. The mind of a human is a weak one, you must train it in order to have a strong will. If you give up mentally you lose the fight. He should know...he lost the mental fight once against the M.I.S.T. and for that the cost of it was his left arm.

“Very well…” Rusher charged his left triple barrel arm cannon and was ready to load it on a house. However, something started to glow. He looks down in surprise.

(‘What?!’) Reacting quickly Rusher dodged before a surge of electricity is unleashed from the circle. A magic rune? When did he?! Another rune activated this one red. That rune glowed before an explosion occurred.

The brown-haired boy had this planned a few minutes back. Although this wasn’t the strongest runes since this is a new class he never had used until 24 hours ago it might do the job in delivering some damage to the blue-haired leader of LeGrace. Even if it is a small amount of damage, he has to take what he can get. Besides, this gives him some time to devise a strategy against the time-stopping ability that his opponent received from his legendary piece.

“Okay, now what?” Said the brown-haired boy to himself. What other tricks does he have in this class’ sleeves? Runes, blinding magic, Levitation, he wonders if he can summon anything. A familiar, that is what some people call it in anime that starts on magic academies. Hmm, how can he create one tho? He can’t play this game forever. Eventually, he will be found and with the wound, he has on his shoulder...there is no way he will win.

No effect. He has singe on his body, but the damage he received from the explosion from that rune was non-existent. Hmm, in such a short time he was able to create these runes. Maybe the brown-haired boy hasn’t shown everything yet. Still, his attacks are now weaker than those slashes from before. This must be his last resort. Keeping his distance and see if one of these runes weaken him until they are on even field. However, this will not work. Not as long as he is in this form and he has the legendary piece on his neck.

The blue-haired male just kept walking although this time more carefully in order to not trigger any runes that the brown-haired teen has created around this area.

“Hmm?” He looks to the east and saw something. A tornado. He remembers that the boy created one with a metal fan. He must have changed again.

Just like last time Rusher dissipate the tornado with a large laser from his triple barrel arm cannon. Another one huh? Actually, there are three incoming. No matter he will just destroy them as many times as he can. And if he thinks he can sneak behind him...he is wrong. There is no way that the brown-haired boy will get through his layers of defense. It is the perfect defense after all.

“Is useless.” Once the brown-haired boy does a move...he already has adapted to it. He saw some runes in the air before icicle spears were unleashed at fast speed. Before they could even reach the blue-haired male they all stopped in front of him. Rusher has used his legendary piece before moving out of the way safely.

Time resumed and they all landed where he was a few seconds ago.

A white line was coming at a fast pace toward the blue-haired super soldier but using his legendary piece it stopped the attack before it reached him.

So thin...yet dangerous. He wonders how the boy could create these types of attacks without getting tired. He must have an almost unlimited amount of stamina. Unlucky for him, he is facing an opponent that can fight for days. The line proceeds to passed where Rusher was not too long ago while the blue-haired watched it go toward a house and slice it in half before the line exploded behind it.

“Humph,” More runes...this was getting tiresome. Rusher looked like the green runes created drills of wind before all of them go after him. The male flew before seeing the wind drills chase him.

“Heat-seeking drills,” Rusher said amused by this. How many tricks does the boy had up his sleeves? Still, these things don’t seem that sturdy. The blue-haired just aimed at them and shot a blast of energy taking a few of them in one shot. Before they could catch him the winds stop again before the wind drills were destroyed by the blue-haired male who was behind them with a few short burst shots from his triple barrel laser cannon.

“…” Rusher closed his eyes before he swings his laser cannon to the left blocking a blade.

“You still seem to not understand our level gap, Richard Kurosagi.” Said Rusher before opening his eyes seeing the brown-haired boy struggling with his Kris Dagger before Rusher pushed him a few feet away from him. Richard uses his scouter speed to attempt to confuse the blue-haired male.

Rusher just stood there with his eyes closed. The brown-haired teen goes to the left but Rusher sidesteps like it was nothing, when Richard attempts to swing upwards Rusher simply walked back. He has all the time in the world. Time is his element now...his power. Unlike his opponent, he can wait a few seconds before making his decision.

Richard attempts a kick but this one is easily blocked by Rusher and he counters with a knee. Afterward, he delivers a kick that sends the boy flying upwards in the air before time stops again and Rusher appears behind him before delivering a double ax handle forcing the brown-haired teen to crash on the sandy floor hard splashing a big chunk of sand upwards.

Such a mismatch...This wasn’t even a challenge anymore for Rusher. With this power, he can do whatever the hell he wants. He should finish this off quick, He must find Kula before LeDutch or any of the soldiers does. Hmm...if only Dr. Rowan was alive to see this...he would be very proud of his project, and Commander Knight...he would be proud that he has become what they were aiming for…

()

[February 19th, 2030]

“94...95...96...97…” Rusher has been training non-stop these few months that he has been in here.

The training facility here was better than the one in P.E.P.A.

There were dumbbells from 30 pounds to 100 pounds. The room was just a huge tracking field with a lot of equipment in the middle.

The space in the middle was huge too, it could fit from 40 to 50 soldiers easily. From treadmills to punching bags, they truly were not kidding when they said they were building the perfect super-soldier.

“98...99...100!!” Well, he is done with the pull-ups...what is left?

100 push-ups check

100 sit-ups check

100 squats check

now you can check the 100 pull-ups to that list.

Hmm, maybe he should run a few laps...but…

The blue-haired look to his side. Some of the female researchers were there. He can’t tell if they were reporting the results of his training to his Commander and/or Dr. Rowan, or if they were just looking at his built body since he doesn’t have a shirt right now.

“…” From the way that they went back to writing on those clipboards...he will say the later was the most likely scenario.

*sigh* Seriously, there isn’t a single day that his training doesn’t end up with female researchers coming to just examine his body...and not in the name of science.

“Alright then…” Guess running will be the next to complete. Rowan told him if there were something that needs changes in this special training to not hesitate to tell him and he will modify it to his liking. Rusher didn’t mind though. This training was perfect. If he wanted he will like to extend it. The blue-haired always thrives to always surpass the limits of his previous training every day. He does 100 push-ups today? He’ll do 101 tomorrow!! Only 30 laps today? Weak!!! He will do 5 to 10 more laps the next day to make up for it!!

“How is his progress?”

“Oh, Dr. Rowan!! He has been increasing the amount of training every day. At this rate, he will be ready in less than two years.” Less than two years...yes it is for the best.

“Keep observing. If he improves then let me know right away.” Informed Rowan to the researchers.

“Yes, Dr. Rowan.”

Hmm, so he came here just to know how much he has improved. I guess he is being commanded by his Commander while he was away to keep an eye on him.

“Alright.” The male kept running. He will be successful. He will not lose to some blue fog. He will become...the perfect super-soldier.

()

“Keep looking for her!” There were hundreds of soldiers on the search.

What were they searching for? A certain white-haired small teen.

Right now Emuna Chariot was in hiding. She hasn’t recovered yet from using her Kübler-Ross. It will take a few minutes for her to fully recover. That form...it brings back awful memories.

“Master.” Magdalene was keeping guard on the door. She was not alone in this task though. Rosalinda, Melodious, and Brilliance were by her side. They will protect their master at all costs.

“I just need a few minutes Magdalene.” Said the white-haired girl. She has to remember to re-construct Regalia from scratch once all her Capacity Power returns. Losing her to that man...she hopes the others managed a way to defeat him if they ever get found by that enemy.

“Did you find her?”

“No.”

“Hmm, what rooms haven’t we checked?!”

“I believe there are these 5 rooms left.”

“Alright let’s check these. She couldn't possibly have escaped considering where we are and nobody saw her in the escape subs room.” Escape subs? That can come in handy. That way they don’t have to Hyperlinking again in order to escape. They can save Capacity Power.

“Magdalene, Brilliance, Rosalinda, Melodious. Be ready when they come. Also, make sure one of them is conscious. We need to ask where this escape subs room is.” Instructed Emuna to her dolls.

“Yes.” If they can manage to capture one of the soldiers and get any info on those escaped subs, then she and the group will have an easier escape. Plus, something in her mind tells her...that it is not the only thing she will get from that person.

()

This is the end. Harry knew it.

“Humph!” Returning his huge Buster Sword to his sheath the yellow-haired boy look at the result of his attack. Even with that regeneration ability, there was no way the man would heal all this damage. He was correct from the way that his enemy hasn’t moved from the spot he landed...He might have killed him.

“Harry.” The yellow-haired boy looked to his blonde “teammate”. Harry has been thinking...for being a legendary piece owner...SHE IS VERY WEAK!!

“Hmm?” Ah, now the elf archer was waking up! Humph, wouldn’t have made a difference anyway.

“Did you get your beauty sleep, loser?”

“Where is…?”

“There…” Harry pointed at the crater he created. He was very proud of it he is not going to lie. Such power...He cannot wait to wipe the floor against anyone who stands in the way of his 4th world championship this year. He also wants to fight his rival now. Even with that dragon form, he showed against him...he is very confident that he will win easily now.

“Oh?!” Well, Well…!

“His Rhythm...is slow...still alive.” Thanks miss obvious he can clearly see that!!

“But he seems like he is on his last legs,” Frederick told Genre.

“Hey!” Genre looked toward Harry when he spoke.

“Can you slightly heal him?” HUH?!

“What…?! Are you insane Harry!!”

“What are you scared of? If he even tries to do anything funny, I can just cut him into a million pieces.” Harry said nonchalantly to the elf archer. He wasn’t concerned in the least of their enemy trying to do a last resort attack. As soon as he sees a flare go up he will just finish that man in less than a microsecond.

“...Reason…” Reason?

“Genre.”

“Reason? Is there a reason for me to tell you that?”

“...I will not heal him then…” The blonde said refusing his request.

“Huh?!”

“No reason...no healing.” Genre had a slight idea as to why Harry wants her to use her healing melody on their enemy. It’s kind of obvious to tell. He wants to ask about who the leader is. She doubt is Rusher as even if he has the M.I.S.T. he didn’t seem like he works for him. That meant he was working with whoever hired LeGrace. That might be one thing but...something in her maybe her very own Rhythm was telling her...there is a bigger threat that will be set loose. She has a feeling that they are stepping on a bigger war.

After a few seconds of debating, Harry grunted.

“Tch, fine. I have a few questions to ask this guy. It has something to do with who he is working for and how much he knows about my family’s legendary piece.” Oh, so that is the reason. Hmm, they still don’t know a lot of information about their legendary pieces. The more info they can gather, the better understanding.

“Since when did you get interested in the legendary pieces?” Asked Frederick. He thought Richard’s rival wasn’t interested in magical artifacts considering how arrogant he is.

“I don’t have to inform you about my interest and life now, do I?!”

“...Alright...I am curious too…” Said the blonde-haired small girl.

“Hmm, I guess there is no convincing the both of you to back off, now do I?” Said Frederick to the two teens. Genre nodded.

“Like you can convince me to anything.” Yep, that is the answer the black-haired boy expected from Harry Kishima.

Genre commences to heal Salamander with her healing melody but restrain herself from healing him completely. 15% should do it. Harry just needs to get these questions quickly, if their enemy doesn’t want to answer then this will be for nothing. But, what other choice do they have, right?!

()

Rusher landed near the hole he created by forcing the brown-haired teen to crash on the sandy floor. He kept his distance away smartly in case Richard Kurosagi was planning another surprise attack. The sand dust was very high that it was very difficult to see from the inside of the hole.

“…!” Rusher reacted quickly by turning around and blocking a sword with his triple barrel laser cannon. Sparks emitted from the clash as both warriors maintain the power struggle.

“Seems you still have fight left in you. Question is...for how long?” Said the blue-haired male to his brown-haired adversary.

Richard Kurosagi had his right eye close as the blood was trickling down his right eyebrow. The boy had also blood on his right side of his lower lip and the panting mostly indicated that the boy was running out of steam.

“Foudre!” Richard said as he revealed another sword wand in his hand surprising Rusher and hitting him with a blast of blue lighting.

The lighting was so strong and bright that it was seen by Alice who was still on the platform.

(‘Please be okay.’) Just how much longer can she sit here and do nothing?! She knows she stands no chance! But...SHE WANTS TO HELP HER CHILDHOOD FRIEND!!

Meanwhile, the brown-haired teen panted. He could feel that he had not too much Capacity Power left in him. This was one of his last-ditch efforts...At this rate...even he doesn’t know if anyone can beat Rusher.

(‘I got to focus. Everyone is counting on me to finish this!’) Thought strongly the teen as he sees the results of his attack.

A trail of destruction with static on the corners of the huge tubular hole 10 meters large was on the teen’s front. No Rusher on site.

“!!!” Richard tried to turn but he got caught by the neck by Rusher whose only damage was his shirt being destroyed and a few singe marks on his body.

“I hope that was not your last shot Richard Kurosagi.” The blue-haired pointed his triple barrel on the boy’s left shoulder.

“Probably is…” Hmm?

“Why are you smiling?”

“Just that...I can see some holes now.” Holes? What is he talking about?

“Are you accepting defeat now?”

“Who said I was? I think I’m figuring out a pattern here.” A pattern? Just then the boy...glowed? Before realizing it until too late that this wasn’t the real Richard Kurosagi exploding at close proximity of Rusher.

Where was Kurosagi while this was happening?

“I hope that did something.” The brown-haired boy was back on the surface of the obelisk. He looks up to see the platforms slowly tilting left and right. It must be because of the devastating explosion below. He wonders how much destruction it had caused and if that at least some substantial damage to his opponent.

On one of those platforms was his childhood friend. She must be super concerned about his well being. He has to think quickly.

“Tch…” The boy hissed in pain before wiping some of the blood that was blinding his right eye. It was difficult fighting Rusher’s new form in full vision but now with 50% of it?! It might be borderline impossible to fight him head-on especially with his legendary piece at full power.

“I have to think of something quick. I doubt that explosion would be enough to slow him down even if I am hoping it will.” Said the boy to himself.

Richard Kurosagi walked until he reached the platform where Alice was. He has a feeling that Rusher will know where he would go.

“Core Shift: Scouter!” Changing back to his default class the boy starts thinking on how to counter the stoppage of time that Rusher has received from his legendary piece. He can’t react like when the only time was slowdown so he will have to think outside the box. He doubts the clone bomb will work again considering that the blue-haired male adapts so quickly to his attacks. So...he has 1 shot on every attack he creates that Rusher hasn’t seen...this is one of the strongest opponents he has ever face. He is running out of Capacity Power and with it out of options.

“So where we began our battle is the place that it will end, huh?” The brown-haired boy quickly looks to his right to see Rusher on top of one of the undamaged star obelisk. That explosion did damage on him he can see his shoulder was bleeding and his nose was the same.

“You know how many years I have to train in order to achieve this?”

“Must be a lot.” Answered the brown-haired boy.

“You will be correct. So much that you were practically a fetus.” 17 years? He doesn’t seem to be over 30 so is he implying he was training since he was 6 or 7 years old?

“Father used to say “Train hard and you will achieve the world.”. I never understood what he meant by that. However, it seems my commander knew the meaning of that quote because he mention that exact same quote to me when I joined P.E.P.A.”

“From the way you speak very highly about your commander and father, it seems like they’re the same person.” Rusher chuckles.

“They could’ve been...if my father didn’t die before my eyes.”

“...I’m…”

“No, I do not need the sympathy of a soon to be a dead child. I imagine that you also have a father. I wonder what he is thinking right now?”

“Probably, something like “Huh?! Looks like you are in a pickle, my son.”.” Answered Richard with an impersonation of his father.

Meanwhile, inside Omega Corp. Xino Kurosagi sneezed. Huh? Somebody must have done a horrible impersonation of him.

Back to Obelisk, the conversation continues between the two warriors.

“I see...your father has a lot of faith in you. I admire that. However…” Rusher charged his triple barrel laser cannon ready to unleash a powerful blast on the brown-haired boy.

“I will make sure to collect your ashes and what body parts are left of you and deliver them to your parents. I am sure they’ll be thrilled to see their son in many pieces.”

“Well, aren’t you a considerate man.” half-jokingly said the brown-haired teen.

“Humph.” This fight...it has been an experience for the blue-haired male. But alas, this needs to come to an end. The M.I.S.T., Majestic 12...everything.

()

[February 25th, 2031]

A year has passed since the intense training started for Rusher, he was now fully ready, physically, and mentally.

“Rusher we’re commencing the release of the M.I.S.T.”

“Bring it! I’m ready. I have been ready for months!” The blue-haired was very confident that he can control this mist.

Dr. Rowan looked towards Rusher’s Commander and the short black-haired commander nodded.

“Alright. Commencing release of the M.I.S.T. now!”

Hmm...this chamber seemed too big for just one person. I guess they wanted to give that much space for the blue fog to roam around.

No hesitation from the blue-haired when the mysterious blue fog started to come in and saw a vessel. Usually, the other soldiers hesitated and even got frightened that they got second thoughts and were panicking. Not Rusher...that hesitation he had the first time he entered The Area...is flat out gone.

“Hey, I’m over here!” Rusher said with wide-open arms.

“Come and get me you stupid fog.” Seems that the fog is now paying attention to him.

Defiance...no fear...yes...this will…

The M.I.S.T. entered the blue-haired male.

Hacking and coughing Rusher resists the M.I.S.T. from overpowering him. Before he hears a voice.

(‘Don’t resist. Let me in.’) Is this the M.I.S.T.?

(‘Power...You want it, correct? Show that you are the perfect soldier.’) So he knows what he thought.

(...I will give you what you desire...so long as you give in to me.’) Give in…? Heh, like he will give in that easily.

(‘Oh? I see...very well...I will let you have my power...think wisely boy.’)

The blue-haired soldier took a deep breath.

“Rusher?” Dr. Rowan said to the intercom.

Rusher opened his eyes and smiled before giving a thumbs up to the commander and the doctor.

“No problem!!” Said the blue-haired young soldier.

“He seems to be in control now.”

“Yes...we just need to see for how long. We might need another year of testing in order to confirm that we have finally done it.” The orange-haired doctor told the black-haired commander.

“Hmm…” 1 year...seems like the orange-haired doctor was taking the careful route. He cannot blame him, all of the failed soldiers before Rusher have been having less time to control the M.I.S.T. the results speak for themselves. They lack confidence something that Rusher has plenty of.

“Alright! Bring in the next test I am ready for anything!”

“Calm down Rusher. We still do not know how this thing is affecting you. Seems your energy is fine and normal.” Commander Knight told his blue-haired soldier/son.

“For now Rusher, we will like for you to wait until we clear the room.”

“How are you going to do that.” His answer.

“ACK!!!” Was a bunch of fire extinguisher hose appeared out of nowhere and unleash a bunch of white smoke. Rusher hack and cough wildly.

“WHAT THE HELL!!!” The male yelled before being sprayed again with the smoke. This is going to become the most interesting 365 days.

“Father.”

“Oh, what is it, Kula?” Is very rare to see his young daughter walking in here. She had no interest in this kind of project. However, it seems that she has had a trusting bond with Rusher lately. It must have been that one time he told Rusher to go and get her for one of the new inscriptions that they discovered.

“I heard that today you administer the M.I.S.T. to that blue-haired soldier.”

“Ah, yes. He seemed to act differently than the other soldiers. Although, we still need to keep observing him know how the M.I.S.T. reacts to his body.”

“...I see…”

“Hmm? Is something bothering you?” The orange-haired girl looked to her dad before she closes her eyes.

“No...I just wanted to confirm. It will be interesting to see the results.” Oh? She is curious. Not many things have caught her interest for this long. He wonders…

“Indeed. You can observe if you want for the upcoming days.”

“...No...it is alright. But...tell me if there’s any progress.”

“...I see...I will. Is that all?”

“...Yes...I am still finding the answer to the question I asked you.” Ah, that question…

“And…”

“Not yet...perhaps more research is required.”

“Alright...when you find the answer don’t hesitate to mention it.”

“...Yes…” With that, she left. True Freedom...can one human find such a thing? It is the same as finding perfection...it is something a human being cannot achieve no matter how hard they try. But...maybe there is a silver lining to this...if Rusher can control the M.I.S.T. one of the answers might not be so out of reach after all.

()

Rusher was looking to the ceiling of his room. He has it inside now. Hmm, what can he do with it though? He felt a small surge in strength and speed when after inhaling it. But other than that it was no different from having trained as hard as he could every day.

“That thing hasn’t spoken at all since then. I wonder...HEY!! CAN YOU HEAR ME?!” Said the blue-haired before yelling. Silence...was his response making him look like a crazy fool.

“Well, that got me nowhere.” Well, it is for the best. He will not like to have something constantly talking to him mentally. It’ll be pretty distracting in the line of training and battlefield. Oh well, hmm, he can’t sleep, maybe he should take a jog or two throughout the training facility.

“Tomorrow will be a new day! The road…!” The road to becoming the Perfect soldier…!

()

The road to becoming the perfect soldier...Ends here.

*Crash*

Slowly walking toward the brown-haired boy, Rusher has thought of all the training he did. From pushing himself to the limits an infinite amount of times, to training against those cyborgs to test his abilities after inhaling the M.I.S.T. it all leads out to this moment. The perfect form, the perfect ability, the perfect legendary piece. No weaknesses, every hole that was slightly there being closed every second. Adapting to the opponent’s moves and countering with your very own ability accordingly.

Nothing...absolutely nothing can stop him.

“Seems you have run out of surprise attacks. That means you have run out of tricks.” He put his foot on the head of the grounded brown-haired boy.

“If I remembered correctly,” Rusher looks up to the platform that he assumes Alice Hishikawa is.

“Alice Hishikawa is up there, is she not?” Yes, he sees her now. She is frightened. He can tell and see despite them being fairly apart on the height sight. The red-haired could tell that her friend was in a lot of trouble.

“Hmm?” Rusher sees the brown-haired boy was attempting to grab his leg with his free right hand. This slightly annoyed the blue-haired male and proceeded to kick the boy so hard in the stomach that said teen cough blood.

“Do not touch me...Human.” Human?

“That’s funny...aren’t you a human too? Or are you saying that you no longer call yourself one?” The boy was pushing it. But he was not wrong. This does not seem like Rusher speaking. It was...as if the M.I.S.T. itself was speaking to him.

“...Why do you keep crawling to get punished? Are you that much of a masochistic battle maniac that you can’t give up and come back for more? Humph, be it I am done playing with you, I’ll end it here and now.”

“You said that a couple of minutes ago.” This boy…!

Rusher knees him and then grabs him by the throat before pointing the triple barrel laser cannon on the chest where his hearth will be located. This is it...with this attack, he will end it all and then...he will have not only his revenge...but Kula can finally reach true freedom.

“…!!!!!” Rusher reacts quickly to something and releases Richard before jumping back a few meters away from his current spot.

Richard coughs a bit before looking at what was in front of him. That was…! He looks up to see Alice. She was panting. Did she threw her pole to stop Rusher from killing him?!

“Don’t Give Up!!!!”

“Alice.”

“You have come this far!! You can’t give up now!! Please...Please win so we can go home!!!!” Go home...That’s right!! He has to win this fight!!! Suddenly his legendary piece glowed. So they agreed too. Humph, he was starting to lose hope once he was on the verge of being killed by Rusher right now. But…

The brown-haired boy took the red pole that was stuck to the sandy floor and spin it slightly.

(‘His wounds…’) Rusher saw some of the wounds that Richard Kurosagi had a few minutes ago started to disappear.

“Sorry Rusher...but hearing her say that...I can’t let you kill me now.”

“Humph.” Even if his wounds are healed it won’t matter he has seen everything that the brown-haired has to offer. He has adapted to every attack and now any of the attacks he uses...are useless thanks to the adapted counter defenses of his Le Perfectionement form. It is what a perfect soldier will do...if he is not killed by the attack he can adapt and create a countermeasure so that the same attack will not work ever again against him. Thanks to Alice’s blood he no longer is affected by any negative effects. Poison, Petrification if there is one, Being frozen, slowness it does not matter all of them are null and void. What can the boy practically do that will surprise him or even stand a chance of killing him at this point?

Richard however, was thinking of 1 thing...Surpassing time. He cannot defeat Rusher otherwise. If he can manage to find a way to surpass time and be able to hit Rusher despite him having the ability to stop time thanks to his legendary piece being awakened...He will win. How?! Simple...By outsmarting Rusher. The brown-haired boy had an advantage over Rusher and that is the handling of Capacity Power. Richard has noticed it. Rusher doesn’t know how to concentrate the large Capacity Power he has. As a matter of fact, He doesn’t think Rusher even knows about it! Omega and the Real World are two different sides of the coin. A person who lives in the real world all of their life without even trying Omega even once lacks the knowledge of using his attacks accordingly with their Capacity Power. That one little info is one of the reasons why Richard kept going. Alice reminded him of that detail again when she yelled to not give up. His confidence now restored, Alice’s pole on his left arm and his Kris Dagger on his right he pointed both weapons at Rusher.

“Time to solve the world’s biggest mystery. Get ready Rusher because I will win this fight!!!” Richard was ready to solve this problem. Once he does...the path to victory will open. Rusher might have the perfect defensive ability. However, there is only 1 flaw...it depends on how devastating the attack can be. With that small knowledge, the boy now knows what to do. Surpass time! And show Rusher that he is no longer...Perfection.