35 A systematic malfunction

Five people in total surrounded Riyku, which included the mysterious woman who had the barrel of her gun aimed right at him. "Well... if you five aren't going to do anything." The male would sway his arm outward which caused his shadow to rapidly exchange across the battlefield. "Skill: Shadow Override. Extra skill: Sickly." Riyku would snap his fingers as the shadow that covered the flooring of the battlefield would rupture into large thorns. All five of the people who had surrounded him jumped away to evade the rupture of thorns, even using acrobatics to avoid being pierced by thorns that came from blindspots. Riyku's eyes would widen as if he were amused by how agile these five were. All five of them managed to stay alive with some manner of tactic be it using their weapons to ride the rise of a thorn, or by traveling above them until the rupture settled. Kissing her teeth the woman with the gun would narrow her eyes at Riyku. "Evacuate the stadium without delay. We have a threat level: Final Boss, on our hands." The woman would speak out to relay some kind of communication; however, she did not activate any device. Still, there was an audio feed that came from her earpiece. "Now then... Skill: Scan." Riyku stated as he seemed to activate another skill, his eyes laid over each person on the field which would bring up a window in front of him for each person he wished to scan.

Name: Stephanie Heres

Rank: Officer of Division Five

Level: 77

Age: 25

Occupation: Hunter Legionnaire

Fighting style: Close quarters

Weapon style: Curved blade

Name: Ben Hyams

Rank: Officer of Division Five

Level: 76

Age: 24

Occupation: Hunter Legionnaire

Fighting style: Ranger

Weapon style: Dual pistols

Name: Alex Vons

Rank: Strategist of Divison Five

Level: 67

Age: 22

Occupation: Hunter Legionnaire

Fighting Style: Support

Weapon Style: Staff

Name: Ire Glee

Rank: Vice-Captain of Divison Five

Level: 80

Age: 25

Occupation: Hunter Legionnaire

Fighting Style: Mixed

Weapon Style: Power Fists

Name: Claire Xeras

Rank: Captain of Divison five

Level: 85

Age: 28

Occupation: Hunter Legionnaire

Fighting Style: Mixed

Weapon Style: GunBlade

Beside each screen held a portrait of the person so he knew who was who. It seemed that this Stepahine Heres person was a brunette with green eyes, her build was rather toned and petite. Meanwhile, Ben Hyams was blond with blue eyes who seemed to appear more fragile. Then there was Alex Vons, this woman was chubby in certain aspects but still looked cute. Her hair was also that of a brunette, but her eyes were brown. Next up came Ire Glee, this man rivaled Skylar in size but had the more masculine appeal. His hair color was raven which matched his eyes. Lastly, was Claire Xeras was a beauty indeed, though she was toned as well. Nothing even close to a damsel in distress. Her sky-blue hair would match those icy blue eyes of hers that we're fixated on him.

"Well, this is some handy information. This skill is extremely useful, though it resembles the appraisal ordeal that I have. Oh well." Riyku would shrug. The thorns would steadily sink back down into the shadows which retracted towards him. "Alright, every one of Division Five. Remember to form your links and move on my mark." Claire called out to her team. "Links?" Riyku thought to himself before shaking his head. He would push the screens away which caused them to fade from view. His eyes now focused on Claire who was charging at him dead-on. The woman would bring up her gunblade and released the trigger which shot out a barrage of arrows in his direction. The arrows seemed to be bathed in light just like the weapons of each were. A snicker left Riyku as he seeped into the shadow only to rise in front of Claire. His claw coming upward as if to clip the woman; however, she would pivot backward so his claw only scratched her armor. Well, it felt like armor in a sense. Upon closer inspection, Riyku would note that the armor was similar to his Death Games Armor, in fact, it looked like the armor everyone here had been wearing just more advanced and well-tuned.

That was all the time he was going to get since a bullet had flown past him. The first of many, but the only one to go unnoticed since the male was now evading each bullet. That was until Stepahine stepped in from behind him. The curved blade slicing right past his cheek by a few millimeters. "Wow. That's impressive. You were not hit by friendly fire and even got behind me." Riyku would praise the woman before bringing his elbow back into the woman's stomach. Well, he would have if she did not step back to evade this. Hastily, Riyku would spin on his heel to try and strike the woman with the back of his hand which was also evaded. Riyku was already in motion, bringing his other hand around to cut her down with his claw; however, the agile display from earlier showed that she was more than capable of evading this attack. His pursuit would in there though when Ire had interrupted him. Stepping from Riyku's blind spot to push aside his attack by the arm only to bring his fist towards Riyku's stomach. Riyku would use his knee to knock the male's attack off-target which would fly past him. Riyku would use the hand that was not knocked aside to grasp the male's hair. Bringing his clawback only to thrust it into the male's chest; however, the male would use one hand to stop Riyku's attack before it reached by grasping hold of his wrist. His other hand came to help which would leave him open. A smirk curved across Riyku's face as he used this opportunity to slam Ire into the ground. Though it seemed something stopped him, a burning sensation had slammed into him from yet another blind-spot. This caused him to turn towards the person who threw out this attack which was none other than Alex. "Ire, now!" Alex shouted and Ire would give out a roar, releasing Riyku's wrist only to fire several bullets from his balled fist. Which were most likely the weapons he had which were like combat gloves with built-in pistols? Well, who knew. Though the sudden bullets that pierced through the male's body caused him to stumble back as he groaned in pain.

"Captain!" Ire shouted and Claire would up from Riyku's blind spot and drive the gunblade straight through his chest from behind. "Gotcha." The woman remarked though her expression changed when Riyku's body turned into black goo and seeped into the ground. "So that's how you five, fight. Excellent teamwork I must say." Riyku's voice came from far, sitting upon some black throne fit for a ruler. One leg crossed over the other as he rested his chin against his knuckles which was alleviated by the elbow which was on the armest. His other hand was resting on arm-rest firmly. "What!?" Ire growled out. "That was just... a clone!?" Alex added. Claire would narrow her eyes at Riyku. "Regroup!" Claire called out and everyone would regroup to her.

"What did you do? No, when did you do it?" Claire would question and Riyku seemed quite fine with answering her. "When I transversed through the shadow. I sent a clone your way and masked my presence while sitting on the side-lines to watch. Make no mistake though, my clones are not weak. Still, not as strong as the original though." Riyku would relay to her and she would click her tongue. "So, we were battling a clone the entire time?" Ire questioned in frustration. "Indeed you were. I have gained quite a bit of data from watching you five. It seems that the link you speak of links you to one person which synchronizes you with that person. Allowing you to fight alongside that person in perfect harmony. Though, from what I have gathered, you can only use it between two people." Riyku would state which caused Claire's eyes to widen. "I'll take your silences as a yes." Riyku would add after a brief moment.

Riyku would move from his throne which would steadily sink into his shadow. "Now then. It's time to show you all. The true meaning of reaping." Riyku would raise his hand skyward and his double-headed scythe, the Scythe of Abyss would appear rotating rapidly. As if on command when he motioned his hand down the scythe would fling outward towards Claire. The woman would bring the barrel of her gunblade up and rapidly fire at the scythe that tore through the air. Sadly, the scythe would tear down the bullets as well. "Captain!" Ire shouted as he jumped in front of Claire bringing his power gloves up as if he were to shield her from the weapon. "No Ire, dodge it!" Claire shouted, which caused Ire to lean backward to evade the swirling weapon. Claire had leaped over the weapon; however, the moment Riyku pulled his hand back the weapon would change its trajectory. It also changed from horizontal to vertical. "What!?" Claire would bring her weapon up as if to guard against the scythe which steadily cut through the steel of her blade. "Captain!" Ire shouted as he rolled away from Claire. "Let go of it!" He added. "I... I can't! It's engraved into my blade!" Claire shouted which caused Ire to kiss his teeth. "Alex!" Ire called out to Alex who would nod, "Already on it!" She would wave her staff around before flinging an orb of light towards Claire. Riyku would tilt his head as he watched the display, meanwhile Ben and Stephaine had surrounded him in a pincer attack. Ben was now happily pulling the triggers of his guns while Stephaine was thrusting and swinging her curved blade which made Riyku dodge towards the bullets, of which he also seemed to dodge. Stephaine seemed to have positioned herself perfectly so no bullets would hit her. "Your links... they quite formidable. But tell me..." Riyku would shift his eyes towards Ben. "What happens when one of you is isolated?" He inquired which caused Stephanie to become wary. "Ben, run!" Stephaine shouted to Ben who was now reloading his weapons. Riyku's body would disappear in the blink of an eye and appear in front of Ben. "Shit!" Ben would grit his teeth when he saw Riyku towering over him. "Indeed." Riyku would extend his hand outward as if to call back his weapon. The scythe that was engraved into Claire's blade would disappear and reappear in his hand. He would bring the blade down towards Ben who would squit his eyes tightly.

"Riyku! Stop!" A feminine voice all too well known had shouted from the shaft of one of the elevators which caught his attention and stopped his strike from clashing into Ben. "Mina..." Riyku turned to look upon Mina who had tear-stained cheeks. "Please, Riyku..." Mina called out as she moved from the elevator and started to make her way towards him. Everyone had shifted their gazes towards Mina. Though it was Stephaine who would take this opportunity to attack Riyku. Dashing towards him, she brought her weapon around to strike him down from the back. "Riyku!" Mina shouted as if to warn him which sent him on high alert. His eyes shifted back towards Stephaine as he maneuvered his body in a way that he would take minimal damage. Although, that did not seem necessary. Several knives had clashed into Stephaine's blade which sent the weapon on another course entirely which caused her to miss. Skylar had hastily made his way to Riyku's back with daggers in hand. His silver eyes glaring at Stephaine. "Try it, it will be the last mistake you make." His words were cruel for a feminine appearance, yet his eyes held the resolve to protect.

"Allies?" Alex inquired watching as Mina would catch up with Riyku and Skylar while Stephaine would fall back with Ben to regroup. "Riyku are you okay? You aren't hurt are you?" Mina started to ask as she looked all over his body for any signs of damage. Riyku would blink rapidly before shaking his head. "What are you doing here?" He asked his tone cold, unlike his normal warmth. This caught her off guard, "you..." She stated softly which caused Riyku to sigh heavily. "I am fine. As you can see. There is nothing wrong with me." Riyku stated and Mina would shake her head. "There is. You are in pain. We can feel it, Riyku." Mina would place a hand against his chest where his heart was, Skylar would close his eyes and exhale a breath before smiling brightly up at Riyku. "She is right. We came here to let you know that you are not alone. We told you, that we will always take your side even if the world is against you." Skylar stated firmly and Mina would nod softly.

Riyku would close his eyes as if he were in thought. [That is dandy and all, but they will die if you disengage this power. The only reason you can fight those five is because of this power. Without it, you will lose. You will lose everything.] Harvester stated inside of his mind. A soft sigh escaped his lips. "You may be right. I may end up losing. However, I can feel this power steadily consuming me. I almost gave into it. If Mina had not said something, I may have become drunk and obsessed with this power. But, that is not who I am. I do seek strength, but..." Riyku would place his hand over Mina's hand and his flesh steadily started to return to color. Raven hair color slowly invading the white and his horns, tail, and claws all seeming to steadily retract. "I will find my strength." Riyku would remark as his eyes flared open. The crimson eyes upon white sclera on clear display. "Riyku...." Mina spoke softly as she eyed him, noticing that he returned completely to normal. "Thank you. Mina, Skylar." Riyku would appeal to them with warmth from his heart.

[What!? How can this be!?] Harvester shouted from the abyss inside of Riyku. "You know, I knew something was fishy the moment the archives said that using the class up would cause his power to consume him. In reality, it was the opposite. Using a class up would give him the power he needs to defend against you." A feminine voice called out as the small girl made her way towards Harvester. [Wait... aren't you, Blaze!?] Harvester was shocked. [You were supposed to be erased with the system format. How!?] He would growl at the girl who giggled at him. "Well, that is a secret, but for now. It is time for you to go." Blaze stated firmly. [Oh? And you, a powerless nobody will make me leave?] Harvester smirked and Blaze only shook her head. "I don't have to. Riyku has rejected you. This subconscious of his denies you entirely. Therefore, you hold no power here. If anything, you are as powerless as I am." To these words Harvester would grit his teeth, growling and cursing under his breath. [Bullshit!] He shouted. "Surely you jest. You can feel it, you are growing weaker. You will return from where you came." Blaze would turn on his heel. "I still have things I must attend to, such as cleaning up your mess. Though afterward, I will join you. After all, we should not be here." The girl stated as she started to walk off, fading into the darkness meanwhile Harvester was slowly starting to fade away as well. [Noooooo!] He shouted before completely vanishing, only the echo of his voice was left which also seemed to vanish as well.

'Linked with Mina.'

'Linked with Skylar.'

A text box appeared in front of Riyku upon his UI which vanished shortly after. A smile curved across his lips, and his eyes shifted skyward. Taking note of the cursor that was no longer there.

'Quest: Defeat The Dark Demonic Reaper Completed!'

The screen in the sky shifted its text before disappearing. A yellow aura would flutter over Mina and Skylar briefly. "What?" Mina inquired. "What was that?" Skylar added and Riyku just chuckled lightly. "My guessing is the quest rewards," Riyku stated bluntly to which they gave him a puzzled expression. "I'll explain another time, for now, we should probably deal with those five," Riyku stated as he pointed towards them. Mina and Skylar shifted their eyes towards Division Five. Claire would narrow her eyes at Riyku. "What was that? If you don't mind me asking." She inquired. Riyku would shake his head. "I couldn't tell you as I am not too sure myself." This went completely against what Riyku had told Mina and Skylar, and yet it was more like he was trying to keep Divison Five in the dark about what just happened.

"Well, then I guess we have no choice but to take you down," Claire stated firmly, her eyes shifted to her weapon making note of the fact that it was completely fixed. "Thanks, Alex." She said and Alex would nod. Claire would aim the barrel of his gunblade at Riyku. "Honestly, I do not wish to anyone else involved, but it seems like you two will not budge on this one." Claire would call out to them. "No. We won't." Skylar replied shaking his head. "Tell me, why must we fight?" Mina asked which caused Claire to sigh softly. "Because he is a threat. Even if he has powered down or whatever. It does not change the fact that he is a threat to all of us." Claire would answer her and Mina would shake her head. "Is he though? He spared several others when he could have killed them. He has even saved the life of his opponent. And you want to tell me he is a threat? Sure, he may have lost control of himself, but.... could you stay sane if someone you cherished was torn from you? He was reunited with his family only for that family to be torn from him, and you want to call him a threat for taking the life the one who killed his family!? Tell me, where is the sense in all of that!?" Mina shouted. In truth, the girl appeared upset, angry even so much so that tears were whelming in her eyes.

"Look. I get where you are coming from, but we must protect these people for it is our duty. So, I will give you one last chance. Step aside, or fall with him." Claire stated firmly, unfazed by what Mina said. Though Mina... well she would shake her head fiercely. "No. I know deep down that he is not in the wrong. He is a good person, he brings smiles to everyone. He helps who he can when he can without ever asking for anything in return. Without him, I would have never made so many friends. I would have never met the wonderful people I know now. Therefore, I will not stand aside. I will stay by his side even if it means going against the world entirely." Mina stated firmly, reaching her hand into a sub-space that had appeared in front of her. She would pull out her staff and hold it tightly.

"I... I never had any friends. Even in the track team, amongst my peers, no one would befriend me. Then I heard about a super-strong guy who appeared out of nowhere. No one knew anything about him, or even who was. All they knew was that he was unranked. My sister was the one who asked me to investigate him and honestly I was scared at first. I am never good with people, but when I challenged Riyku to a race that day he did not look down on me, nor did he belittle me. Sure his words were harsh, but I could see it in his eyes, that he was searching for something. And even though he was seeking something out, he gave someone like me the time of day. He even put his life on the line to save me one day. It was then that I knew that he was a good-hearted person. That he would make for a great friend. So, I started to take his advice when he told me... To seek power and knowledge, to create a will that will never bend. But the most important thing of all, the one thing that has stuck with me even to this day... To never forget who I am." Skylar would inhale deeply. "I am Skylar Novaa, best friend of Riyku Von Rosario and a disciple of the Rogue's Shadow. I will never bend to any who dare harm my friends or my family! Prepare yourselves!" Skylar shouted aloud which caught Mina's and Riyku's glance. A hand moved to pat Skylar. "Nicely said. Do not forget though, I will protect you two as well." He placed a hand on Mina's head as well giving them both pats which caused them to blink rapidly before blushing softly.

"Rogue's Shadow? That boy?" Ire would narrow his eyes. "I had heard that the Rogue of Shadows acquired a disciple, but I did not think I would ever meet him in person or even this soon," Claire stated before gritting her teeth. "This may prove difficult." She added. "Should we retreat then, madam?" Alex inquired, but the expression Claire gave showed thought as if she was thinking of falling back. "Retreat, this early in the game?" A masculine voice called from behind them which drew their attention. "Commander Azeal!" Claire would exclaim. "Commander!" Everyone would sound off, Riyku's eyes shifted towards Azeal. "So, you showed up," Riyku called out, stepping in front of Mina and Skylar. "I had a feeling you would," Riyku stated firmly. "Yo, a short time since we meet huh. Funny how we would meet here of all places." Azeal called back to Riyku.

"Commander, what of the staff and populace?" Claire inquired which drew Azeal's attention to her. "Hm? Oh, they've been evacuated. Even the Emporer and the other high-class stuff. All that is left is us and them." Azeal stated as he shifted his eyes back to Riyku who would narrow them at him. "Whoa, you could kill someone with a glare like that. Relax, I am not here to fight." Azeal would wave his hands and shake his head. This caused Claire and the rest of Division Five to give a shocked expression. "C-Commander!? He is a threat if left alone. What do you mean you are not here to fight!?" Claire inquired hastily. "I realize this, but... it would be a waste to kill him. Besides, if we did battle with him... well... Let's just say it would take more than a few people of the Hunter's Legion. No, wish to offer him full-blown recruitment." Azeal stated loud enough for Riyku to here.

"So, tell me. Will you join the Hunter's Legion?" Azeal inquired and Riyku would close his eyes as if in thought. In all honesty, it was not a bad deal. It meant that both sides would leave without casualties and he would not be hunted down. Though the most deciding factor would have to be... "What of my friends?" Riyku asked which caused Azeal to chuckle lightly. "Are you asking we leave them alone, or?" Azeal would respond. "I'll leave that choice up to them; however, I do ask if you plan on leaving them alone," Riyku stated with firm conviction and Azeal would release a soft sigh. "Geez, if I said no you might decline my offer and we may lose several people. So, I see no reason why we can't leave them alone. Provided you join us of course." Azeal stated with his firm resolve. For several moments the silence would bare until Riyku spoke up, "My answer is..."