MARD Chapter 20 A Peaceful Day

In the World Marble, the eternal blue sky casted a soft glow over the meadow. A wooden table had been set up just outside the sisters’ small home, the smell of freshly cooked rice, vegetables, and grilled meat wafting through the air. Animals lounged nearby, curious but disciplined enough not to intrude while the humans ate.

Around the table sat Issei and the three Wu sisters, with Mei quietly seated beside Wu Lan. It should have been a peaceful meal, but the mood was anything but calm.

Wu Ying sat with her chopsticks clenched tightly, stabbing at her food more than eating it. Her lips were pressed into a firm pout, her blue eyes narrowed into slits. The aura of irritation radiated off her so strongly that even the fox curled up under the table flicked its ears uneasily.

Issei glanced at her, sighing inwardly. ‘She’s really steamed… and knowing her, this’ll boil over if no one calms her down soon.’

Mei, meanwhile, kept her head low as she picked gently at her rice. She hadn’t said a word since they began eating, too self-conscious to meet Wu Ying’s eyes. The memory of what happened still weighed heavily in her chest. Beside her, Wu Lan’s calm presence was like a shield, but Mei couldn’t shake the feeling that she was an intruder at the table.

Finally, Wu Lan broke the silence with her even, composed voice. “Ying. Stop pouting and eat properly.”

Wu Ying slammed her chopsticks down with a clatter. “Easy for you to say! How am I supposed to eat when all my effort means nothing?”

Her words cut the air sharp. She leaned forward, glaring at Mei without fully looking at her. “I finally broke through to Fourth Stage—after days of grinding, sweating, pushing myself past my limits. And then suddenly, she—” she jabbed her finger in Mei’s direction, “—sits down and meditates once and just like that, she’s a Fifth Stage Fighter. How is that fair?”

Mei flinched at the accusation, her hands curling tightly around her bowl. Her voice stuck in her throat, too small to answer.

Wu Lan’s gaze sharpened. “There are millions of people with more talent or better opportunities than you, Ying. You cannot measure your worth against others forever. All you can do is accept it—and keep working harder.”

Wu Ying’s jaw clenched, her pride stung. “So I should just accept that someone who’s done nothing is now stronger than me?”

“Cultivation has never been fair,” Wu Lan replied softly, though her tone carried weight. “You know this.”

The quiet tension stretched, threatening to snap—until Wu Xiao’s giggle cut across it.

Everyone turned toward the youngest sister, who was swinging her legs happily under the table while stuffing her cheeks with food. “Honestly, Ying, you’re acting ridiculous.”

Wu Ying’s glare immediately shifted to her. “What did you say?”

Wu Xiao grinned, her mouth still half full. “Look at me! I’m still a First Stage Fighter, and I don’t care at all. You don’t see me pouting or stabbing my rice like it’s an enemy.” She tapped her chopsticks against her bowl cheerfully. “You should just relax. Not everyone has to be the strongest right this second.”

Her laughter rang out again, light and mischievous.

Wu Ying’s cheeks flushed red with frustration, her hands tightening on the table. ‘Even Xiao is mocking me…’ Her eyes darted toward Mei again, the weight of her jealousy sharpening. ‘I worked so hard, and she… she didn’t even know how to cultivate before today. How can she be above me?’

Issei, sensing the rising storm, quickly shoved a piece of grilled meat into his mouth to buy himself time. ‘Crap. If this keeps going, breakfast is gonna turn into a battlefield…’

Beside him, Mei finally lifted her head, her purple eyes glistening. She wanted to say something—an apology, perhaps, though she knew it wouldn’t fix anything. But her lips trembled, and the words refused to leave her.

The tension at the table grew so thick it could have been cut with a blade. Wu Ying’s glare still burned toward Mei, while Mei lowered her eyes, shoulders hunched as though she were about to collapse under the weight of it. Wu Lan remained calm but firm, while Wu Xiao merrily chewed away, oblivious—or perhaps enjoying—the drama unfolding.

Issei finally set down his chopsticks with a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘Alright, I can’t just let this keep going. Someone’s gotta say something…’

“Ying,” He began awkwardly, his voice breaking the uneasy silence. “Listen… you shouldn’t blame Mei for this.”

Her emerald eyes flicked to him, sharp and guarded.

“I mean,” Issei continued, gesturing vaguely with his hands as if trying to scoop his words into the right shape, “it’s not like she chose to outshine you. It just… happened, y’know? We don’t even know how or why. She lost her memories, and maybe this is all connected to that. Maybe she had some crazy sealed cultivation before, or maybe it’s something else entirely. But it’s not like she’s trying to make your hard work mean nothing.”

Wu Ying’s frown softened slightly, though she kept her arms crossed.

“And besides,” Issei went on, leaning forward earnestly now, his brown eyes locking with hers, “you’re the most hardworking girl I’ve ever met. Seriously. I’ve sparred with you, watched how stubborn you are when training, how much you push yourself even when it hurts. You never back down. You never give up. That’s what makes you amazing, Ying. That’s what I admire about you with all my heart.”

The words slipped out before he realized how heavy they sounded.

Wu Ying’s face went bright red, her mouth opening and closing silently. Her heart pounded so hard she thought the whole table could hear it. ‘He A-admires me… with all his heart?!’ She quickly looked away, biting her lip to hide the stupid smile threatening to betray her.

Across the table, Wu Lan and Mei both stiffened.

Wu Lan’s chopsticks paused mid-air, her calm expression cracking just enough for her to glance at Issei with the faintest flicker of discontent. ‘Admire her with all his heart…?’

Mei, too, felt a pang in her chest. She gripped her bowl tightly, her purple eyes clouding. ‘He’s never said anything like that about me…’

Wu Xiao, of course, leaned back in her chair with a smirk, clearly entertained. “Ooooh, Ying’s blushing. Someone’s happy.”

“Shut it!” Wu Ying snapped, her cheeks burning brighter. She quickly shoved a mouthful of rice into her mouth, chewing furiously as if that might hide her embarrassment.

Issei scratched his cheek, suddenly realizing what he’d said, his own face heating up. “Uh—I mean… yeah. Just saying you’ve worked hard, y’know? You don’t need me to tell you that. You already know it.”

“Hmph.” Wu Ying tossed her head to the side, trying to look composed even though her ears glowed red. “Of course I know. I didn’t need you to tell me. But… fine.” She exhaled sharply, her pride loosening just enough to let sincerity slip through. “Sorry, Mei. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

Mei blinked, her lips parting in surprise. For a moment, she couldn’t find her voice. Then she shook her head quickly, her hands waving nervously. “N-no, it’s okay! I… I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I really didn’t…”

Wu Lan gave a small approving nod, the calm warmth returning to her gaze. ‘Good. At least the tension has been eased… though Issei should learn to be more careful with his words.’

But Wu Ying, though pretending to be indifferent, secretly replayed his voice in her head, savoring every syllable of his praise. ‘He admires me… with all his heart…’

Her lips twitched into the faintest smile as she stuffed another bite of rice into her mouth.

—-------------------------------------------

The meal ended with bowls scraped clean and the lingering smell of grilled meat still hanging in the warm air. Issei stretched his arms overhead with a satisfied groan, his brown eyes sparkling. “Well, that was good. Guess it’s time to head out.”

Wu Ying raised a brow suspiciously. “Head out? For what?”

Issei grinned, patting his stomach before turning toward Mei. “I’m taking Mei into town. She needs new clothes. Can’t have her walking around in rags forever, right? And I think it's time to buy her a new wardrobe.”

Mei blinked, her chopsticks slipping from her fingers with a small clatter. “M-me? New clothes?”

“Yup,” Issei said with a casual nod. “Don’t worry about the money. I’ll cover it.”

Her lips parted in surprise, and for a moment, she was too stunned to speak. Her hands curled over her lap, her purple eyes shining faintly. ‘Issei, he’s always… thinking of me.’

Her cheeks warmed, and she shook her head quickly. “Th-that’s really not necessary, Issei. I’m fine with what I have.”

Issei waved her off. “Nope. Not happening. You’re now one of us. And friends deserve better than scraps.” He gave her a toothy grin. “So yeah—we’re buying you new clothes, and that’s final.”

Mei’s heart fluttered, her chest tightening in a way that was both overwhelming and comforting. She lowered her gaze, whispering softly, “Thank you…”

Issei turned toward the sisters. “So, are you three coming along?”

Wu Ying scoffed immediately, folding her arms across her chest. “Are you kidding? No way. Mei’s already ahead of me. I’m not letting her stay stronger for long. I’ll be cultivating.”

Her blue eyes gleamed with stubborn determination.

Wu Xiao jumped up, pointing at herself. “I’ll come! I want candy! And maybe some toys too—”

But before she could finish, Wu Ying grabbed her by the collar of her robe. “No, you won’t. You’re staying with me. You’re still stuck at the First Stage. Even Wu Lan is ahead of you, and she doesn’t even care about fighting! That’s pathetic.”

Wu Xiao kicked her feet uselessly, flailing. “B-but cultivating is sooo boring! And I’m out of candy, Big Sis! Come on!”

Wu Ying dragged her unrelentingly toward the house, ignoring her whining. “No more excuses. You’re cultivating with me. End of story.”

Wu Lan sighed softly, pushing her hair behind her ear. Her gaze lingered briefly on Issei and Mei before following her sisters. “I’ll join them. It’s easier if I help manage the two of them. Though…” her voice trailed with a hint of reluctance, “…I did want to come along.”

Issei chuckled, rubbing his neck. ‘Figures. Ying’s too proud, Xiao’s too lazy, and Lan’s too responsible.’

With Wu Ying hauling Wu Xiao back into the house—her cries of “Save me, Big Bro!” echoing dramatically behind them—Issei turned back to Mei.

“Well, it looks like it’s just us. Ready?”

Mei clutched the hands against her chest, her cheeks faintly pink. She gave a small nod. “Yes. I’m ready.”

Issei grinned, motioning toward the shimmering exit that would lead them back to the streets of Meihua Crossing. “Alright then. Let’s go fix that wardrobe of yours.”

And with that, the two of them stepped forward together, while Wu Xiao’s distant protests grew fainter, leaving behind the quiet meadow and the family house.

—----------------------------------------------

The portal shimmered behind them before vanishing like rippling water, leaving Issei and Mei standing in the quiet dimness of their rented room at the inn. Dust motes floated lazily in the sunbeams peeking through the window, but the stillness didn’t last long.

Issei froze. His light-brown eyes narrowed.

The room was a mess.

The bed had been flipped, its mattress half-dangling off the frame. Chairs lay overturned, a small wooden table cracked at the leg. The drawers had been pulled out violently, clothes scattered across the floor. Even the lantern by the door lay shattered, oil still staining the planks.

“W-what happened here?” Mei whispered, clutching her hands together, her purple eyes wide with unease.

Issei’s body tensed, his shoulders squaring as he scanned the scene. ‘This wasn’t random. Someone was searching for something.’ He stepped forward slowly, crunching a broken shard of pottery under his boot.

“Did… did robbers come in?” Mei asked, her voice shaking.

Issei shook his head. “I don’t know. But if it was just thieves, they would have taken something. This looks like…” His expression hardened. “…like someone was trying to find us or send a message.”

That thought chilled the air between them. Mei’s fingers clutched the hem of her tattered dress, her thoughts racing. ‘Are we being hunted? Is it because of Yao?’

“Stay close,” Issei muttered, moving toward the door. “I’ll talk to the innkeeper. Maybe they saw something.”

He reached for the handle, but the moment he pulled the door open—

Two figures lunged from the shadows of the hall, blades gleaming in the dim light.

Steel whistled through the air.

“Issei!” Mei cried.

But he reacted on instinct, his body moving faster than thought. He twisted aside, the wild arcs of their swords slamming into the doorframe with a harsh clang. Splinters flew as the wood cracked under the force.

Issei’s eyes sharpened as he felt the aura surrounding the two. ‘Cultivators. Both of them are Second Stage Fighters.’

He grit his teeth, the red gauntlet of the Boosted Gear flickering onto his arm as he blocked one blade with his metal claws. Sparks flew. With his free hand, he drove his fist into the chest of the nearest assailant, sending the man stumbling back.

But the second pressed forward relentlessly, slashing down again and again. Issei ducked, sidestepped, his body flowing with his newfound Third Stage speed. I can handle them… but they’re not rookies.

With a sharp twist, he grabbed the first man by the wrist, wrenching the sword from his hand. He slammed the cultivator against the wall, pinning him there with the Boosted Gear.

“Got you,” Issei hissed, his muscles straining as he held the man fast.

But in that split second, the other attacker surged forward, blade raised high, ready to cut him down while his hands were full.

“Issei!” Mei screamed.

Before he could react, she stepped between them.

Her body moved faster than she expected, her qi flaring like a sudden blaze. Her palm struck out, not even touching the blade directly but releasing a surge of force that rippled through the air.

BOOM.

The attacker flew back as though struck by a giant hammer. His body crashed through the wall, splintering wood and plaster. The impact threw him into the next room, then through the far wall, leaving a gaping hole that showered the hall in dust and debris.

Silence followed. The man didn’t rise.

Mei stood frozen, her chest heaving. Her hand trembled as she looked down at it, disbelief etched on her face. “I… I did that?”

Issei turned, still holding the other cultivator pinned, his own eyes wide. ‘So that’s how strong Mei is, now that she is in the Fifth Stage… That was some raw, unrestrained power.’

The captured man struggled under his grip, fear flashing in his eyes as he glanced at Mei. “M-monster…”

Mei flinched, her heart sinking at the word.

Issei growled, slamming the man harder against the wall. “Shut it. You ambushed us in our room, and now you want to throw names around?” His voice was sharp, protective.

Then he looked at Mei, his expression softening despite the chaos around them. “You’re not a monster. You saved me. So thanks Mei.”

Mei’s lips parted, her purple eyes shimmering as she tried to steady her breathing. Relief and confusion warred in her chest. ‘I saved him… but my new power feels so unnatural.’

Behind them, the inn shook faintly from the damage, and voices began to rise in alarm. It wouldn’t be long before someone came to see what happened.

Issei tightened his grip on the captured man. His expression hardened. “Time for answers.” He then shoved the struggling attacker into a chair, binding his wrists with strips of torn bedding. The man spat curses, thrashing in defiance, but Issei tightened the knot and gave him a wolfish grin.

“Alright, buddy,” He said, crouching to eye level. “You can make this easy or hard. Who sent you?”

The cultivator sneered, spitting blood to the side. “Like I’d tell the likes of you.”

Issei scratched his cheek, sighing. Figures. These types never make it easy. His brown eyes glimmered mischievously. “Well, I guess that means… I’ll have to use my most sinister technique.”

The man blinked in confusion. Mei tilted her head nervously. Wu Xiao, if she had been here, would’ve leaned forward eagerly to watch.

Issei’s grin widened. “The ultimate torture… tickling!”

Before the man could react, Issei lunged, wiggling his fingers mercilessly into the cultivator’s sides.

The hardened fighter’s face twisted, his jaw clenching as he tried to resist—then he broke.

“G-GYAHHH! S-stop! Hahahahaha! Stop, I beg you!”

Issei doubled down, tickling under his arms, then his ribs. “Not until you tell me who sent you!”

The man howled with laughter, twisting and thrashing, tears squeezing out of his eyes. “N-no! Anything but this! Hahahaha! I c-can’t—”

The ruckus drew a crowd.

Residents and travelers gathered at the doorway, whispering in shock at the broken walls and destroyed furniture. The innkeeper stood with hands on his hips, his face pale with dread. “What in the heavens happened here?!”

But when the onlookers realized they were dealing with cultivators, most quickly lowered their heads and backed away, muttering complaints about their ruined rooms but unwilling to press the matter further. Those who stayed… simply stared at the bizarre sight of a Third Stage fighter torturing his captive with endless tickling.

“It’s working,” One villager whispered, eyes wide. “I think?”

“Is he…really tickling him to death?” Another muttered.

The innkeeper groaned, rubbing his temples. “This is going to cost me three months’ of repairs…”

Back inside, the cultivator finally broke, wheezing between fits of helpless laughter. “Alright! ALRIGHT! It was the mayor! The mayor sent us!”

Issei paused, blinking. “The mayor?”

“Yes! H-he wants your Spirit Weapon!” The man choked out before collapsing in the chair, exhausted from laughing.

Issei stood, frowning. “Spirit Weapon?”

Mei’s eyes widened in realization. “They must mean… the Boosted Gear.”

Issei glanced at the red gauntlet gleaming faintly on his arm. “Wait, this thing? But… it’s part of me. I can’t just hand it over like it’s some trinket!”

The captive groaned, still catching his breath. “He… doesn’t care. He says… it belongs in his hands…”

Issei sighed, running his fingers through his hair. ‘Great. So the mayor’s after me. Just what I needed.’

Mei’s face tightened, worry clouding her purple eyes. “Issei… what will we do?”

He turned to her, his usual grin softening into something steadier. “What we always do. We keep moving forward. But for now…”

He bent down, snatched the discarded swords of the two cultivators, and hefted them onto his shoulder. “These’ll make a fine payback for trying to rob me.”

The bound man thrashed in the chair, shouting hoarsely. “H-hey! Those are ours! Give them back!”

Issei waved cheerfully as he walked toward the door. “Nope. Finders keepers.”

Mei followed him, glancing back nervously at the prisoner as they left him behind. His angry cries echoed through the inn, growing fainter as the two disappeared down the hall.

The villagers and innkeeper, left staring, exchanged bewildered looks.

“I think his name is…Issei Hyoudou,” One muttered, shaking his head. “What a strange man.”

—----------------------------------

The streets of Meihua Crossing bustled with their usual energy—vendors calling out their wares, carts rattling along uneven cobblestones, and townsfolk weaving in and out of narrow alleys. For most, it was an ordinary day. 

But for Mei the town felt like a prison as she clutched the edges of her ragged dress, her purple eyes darting nervously from person to person. She kept close to Issei’s side, her footsteps light, almost hesitant.

“Issei,” She whispered, her voice low so only he could hear, “is this really wise? What if… what if they attack again? Shouldn’t we return to the sisters? Or at least let them know what happened?”

Issei, walking casually with his hands in his pockets, gave her a sideways glance and a lopsided grin. “Relax, Mei. If we run every time someone tries to pick a fight, we’ll spend our whole lives running. Doesn’t matter where you go—sooner or later, you’ll run into people who want to start something.”

Mei frowned, hugging her arms tightly. “But… we were ambushed in broad daylight. That wasn’t just a random scuffle. They’re after you.”

He nodded, his grin fading just enough to show the steel behind his words. “Yeah, I know. And sooner or later, this mayor guy will show his face. When he does, I’ll deal with it. Simple as that.” He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, his tone almost lighthearted again. “But right now? You need clothes. And I’m not letting the bad guys ruin your first shopping trip.”

Mei’s steps faltered, her lips parting as she stared at him. ‘He’s… more worried about me than himself?’ Her chest tightened, warmth mixing with guilt. She looked down quickly, her cheeks coloring. “…You’re being reckless,” She murmured, though the faintest smile tugged at her lips.

Issei chuckled. “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

They turned a corner, and the boutique came into view—a neat little shop with embroidered banners hanging over the doorway. Mei slowed instinctively, tugging at her frayed sleeve. The idea of walking into such a place dressed as she was filled her with dread.

Sure enough, the moment they stepped inside, the clerk’s eyes swept over Mei. Her nose wrinkled slightly, and her lips parted to scold. “We don’t serve beggars here. Out—”

But her gaze shifted, and recognition sparked. Issei grinned at her sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, it’s you,” The clerk said, her tone softening instantly.

“Yep, me again,” Issei said with his usual disarming smile. He gestured toward Mei. “This is Mei. She’s with me. I want you to prepare several outfits for her—something comfortable, something formal, and maybe something… cute. I’ll pay for it all.”

The clerk blinked, surprised at his blunt generosity. Her eyes flicked once more to Mei, then back to Issei, weighing the sincerity in his tone. Finally, she nodded. “Very well. Follow me.”

Mei stood frozen for a moment, her cheeks glowing pink. She tugged on Issei’s sleeve gently, her voice a whisper. “Issei… you didn’t have to…”

He looked down at her, his grin softening into something more earnest. “Of course I do. You deserve better than rags, Mei. Don’t argue with me on this one, okay?”

Her lips trembled as she tried to hold back the rush of emotion, her heart fluttering so hard she thought he might hear it. She lowered her gaze, whispering, “…Thank you.”

Issei just smiled, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat before following the clerk deeper into the shop.

—------------

The boutique’s air was filled with the faint fragrance of perfumes and neatly folded silks, racks of colorful robes and dresses lined along polished wooden walls. Mei stood awkwardly near the counter, clutching her ragged dress as the clerk bustled about, pulling down garments and laying them across her arm.

“Try these, miss,” The clerk said with forced politeness, though her eyes betrayed her distaste for Mei’s shabby appearance. Her attitude changed the moment she recognized Issei as a prior customer—one who had paid generously.

Mei touched the soft fabric of a pale blue robe, her purple eyes widening. ‘I’ve never worn something like this before… it feels too fine for someone like me.’

Behind her, Issei shifted restlessly. His gaze drifted to the window, scanning the street. Something gnawed at him—an itch in his chest that never lied.

Sure enough, as his eyes swept the passing crowd, he noticed figures lingering too long, whispering, their eyes flicking toward the shop. Hands rested a little too comfortably on weapon hilts.

Issei exhaled through his nose. ‘So it begins.’

He turned back to Mei and the clerk, putting on his usual easy smile. “Hey, I’ll be waiting outside. Call me when she’s ready to show the outfits.”

Mei blinked, tilting her head. “Outside? Issei, are you sure—”

He winked. “Don’t worry. Just focus on finding what makes you happy. Leave the rest to me.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, uncertainty flashing across her face, but she nodded faintly.

The moment Issei stepped through the door.

The cultivators across the street straightened, their whispers rising. Fingers pointed toward him. “There! That’s him!”

“The one with the Spirit Weapon!”

“The mayor put a price on him…”

The crowd seemed to ripple as cultivators surged forward, emboldened by their numbers. At least a dozen, maybe more, pushing through the onlookers who scrambled aside. Their qi flared, sharp and aggressive, ranging from the steady hum of Third Stage Fighters to the heavier pressure of Fourth Stage.

Issei grinned, slipping his hand out to summon the crimson gauntlet. The Boosted Gear gleamed under the sun, its green jewel pulsing with life.

“BOOST!”

The familiar chime rang in his ears as power coursed through him, doubling his strength. His stance shifted, shoulders squaring, eyes narrowing.

“Alright, then,” he muttered under his breath as the first attackers charged. “Guess it’s my turn to entertain.”

The first cultivator swung a blade down, but Issei sidestepped and drove his gauntleted fist into the man’s ribs, sending him flying into a fruit cart. He pivoted immediately, blocking another’s strike with the Boosted Gear and snapping his head forward in a brutal headbutt that dropped the man like a sack of rocks.

Another swung a blade, but Issei caught it on the gauntlet. He shoved the man back, pivoted, and slammed his boot into another’s chest. Another lunged from behind, but Issei ducked low, sweeping the man’s legs before driving his knee into his gut.

Cheers and gasps erupted from the crowd gathering in the street.

“He’s fighting them all!”

“Third and Fourth Stage fighters, and he’s holding his ground?!”

“He’s just one boy! And he’s holding them all back!”

Issei smirked, his fists and legs were a blur as he ducked beneath a spear thrust, spun, and slammed his boot into another weapons wielder’s chest, sending him crashing into the cobblestones. Another tried to flank him, but Issei’s elbow met his jaw with a sickening crack.

‘I should keep them away from the shop,’ Issei thought, his focus razor-sharp. ‘I don’t care what happens to me, but I won’t let Mei get dragged into this.’

—------------------------

Inside the boutique, Mei stood in front of a mirror, the pale blue robe draped over her shoulders. The clerk fussed with the hem, pinning it with careful hands.

“You have quite the natural grace,” The clerk remarked, her tone warming now that Mei looked less like a beggar. “With the right clothes, people will see it too.”

Mei blushed, touching the fabric. “It’s beautiful… too beautiful for me.”

The clerk tutted. “Nonsense. Every girl deserves fine things.”

Her fingers curled into the fabric, her heart fluttering. ‘Would Issei like this one?’

Neither of them noticed the distant crash and roar of qi-infused strikes just beyond the boutique’s door.

—-----------------------

Outside, the battle raged on, Issei’s laughter ringing out between blows.

“BOOST!”

Another surge of power coursed through him. He blocked two swords at once, his gauntlet sparks dancing against their blades, before shoving them back with sheer force. He followed up with a sweeping kick, sending both cultivators sprawling.

More were coming, circling him like wolves. But Issei’s grin only widened, sweat glistening on his forehead. ‘If the mayor wanted to test me, he should’ve sent better dogs.’

The crowd roared louder, half terrified, half thrilled, as the fight spilled across the street.

And still, Mei turned in front of the mirror inside, unaware that chaos had already found them again.

Done, tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes.