Ren and Kento lay sprawled on the cave floor. The torch screen, still active, showed the Null kill count climbing rapidly.
100/30... 120/30... 140/30...
Then, Ren's body stood up.
Blue aura coiled around him like smoke. His eyes were glowing blue. It wasn't Ren—not fully.
Ren: "It's the first time I'm using Ren's body."
It was Arastu.
Arastu (serious): "I have to stop him... I don't feel safe from him."
---
Jerry's POV – Forest of Chains
Jerry panted, fighting off a group of Nulls.
Jerry: "Huff... huff..."
Using her chains, she swung up into a tree, taking advantage of the dense forest.
A band on her forehead blinked softly. She took it off to look at the screen:
> 29/30 NULLS
15:30/30:00
15:31/30:00
15:32/30:00
Jerry: "Huff... Only one more, and then I'm done. But where's the core?"
Suddenly, a Null attacked from behind.
Jerry twisted, barely dodging, but still got grazed.
Jerry (tense): "Strong opponent."
This Null carried a large sword. It slashed at her; she blocked with her chains, then countered.
They exchanged blows—fast, sharp, relentless.
Jerry (thinking): (I don't have time for this.)
She remembered Levina's training.
Jerry: "CQC!!"
Her limbs were wrapped in chains. She jumped, dashing between trees at lightning speed.
So fast, the Null couldn't see her.
Chains whipped out from opposite directions, catching the Null's arms. He screamed, struggling, terrified.
The chains began to pull—
SPLURT! His left arm tore off. Blood poured.
He starts to cry, shouts in pain
Suddenly, another Null appeared and distracted Jerry.
The wounded Null took advantage, crawling back to safety. The new Null helped free him.
Jerry and both Nulls stared in disbelief as the second Null slapped the first one.
Then, it whispered something.
Jerry (shocked): (They can communicate...?)
She tried to approach, but the wounded Null fled.
She gave chase, but the second Null blocked her path—now wielding the large sword.
This Null was faster, tougher, and more tactical.
She attacked. He stayed defensive.
Suddenly, a roar echoed.
A group of Nulls appeared, surrounding her.
She was distracted. The sword-wielding Null struck, landing a hit on her shoulder.
Blood soaked her sleeve.
She stumbled back, trying to keep distance. The Null smirked.
Using her chains, she retreated—but the forest had gone eerily dark.
Glowing white eyes shone from every direction.
Then the wounded Null laughed—a dry, insane sound. Others joined.
They were about to pounce.
But then... they all froze.
A dark figure stood between them and Jerry.
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
In seconds, all the Nulls' heads rolled to the ground.
The figure stood before Jerry, holding a Null's leg in one hand and its head in the other.
Jerry trembled.
The presence felt... familiar.
Then the figure lunged at her—but his speed suddenly slowed.
Otakun appeared just in time and pulled her away.
The figure laughed wildly.
???: "Yahahahaha... Yahahaha!!"
Otakun gently laid Jerry down.
He stood and faced the figure.
Otakun: "Face me first."
??? (grinning): "Yahhaa yahhaa!"
The figure instantly appeared in front of him.
He threw a punch—but as it approached, it slowed, becoming ten times slower.
Still, it hit.
Otakun coughed blood, dropping to his knees.
A loud blast echoed nearby.
The figure noticed but ignored it, returning his death-stare to Jerry.
Then—
Ren's voice echoed from behind.
Ren: "Who are you?"
He stood shirtless. The eye mark on his back was wide open. His eyes glowed blue.
The voice that came out wasn't Ren's—it was deep, heavy, and dangerous.
??? (coldly): "Who cares?"
He darted at Ren, fist raised.
Ren grabbed his hand.
Ren: "Who are you?"
The figure struck with the other arm—but Ren blocked again and bit him—hard.
The figure let out a furious cry and was dragged back inside Ren's body.
Ren staggered, groaning.
Ren: "Ugh… it hurts."
Then he noticed Jerry and Otakun.
He walked over. Jerry instinctively backed away.
Ren (softly): "Don't worry. I won't hurt you. I'm Arastu... and I'll heal you."
He touched Otakun's body.
Ren: "He'll wake up soon. Take care of him."
Ren (gently): "Show me your wound. I'll heal it."
Jerry revealed the injury. Arastu healed it with glowing hands.
But a faint scar remained.
Ren: "Seems like the scar won't go."
Suddenly—
BOOM!
A second blast rocked the forest.
Ren collapsed.
Jerry's headband vibrated. She pulled it out.
> 30/30 NULLS KILLED
TIME: 29:35/30:00
PART ONE OF STAGE 2 CLEARED.
TO BE CONTINUED…