Japan

Seeing Hiroku running towards it, the Level Four Shade roared once again. Shadows began to appeared all around it and an army of Shades of lower levels were was spawned. I knew that it wouldn't be easy... Thankfully, all of these Shades were merely Level One or Two. The Level Four probably summoned them just to get in his way. Halting, Hiroku centered some of his white flames into his hands and released it in the form of a big bonfire towards the lesser Shades, making quick works of them as their Remnants fell onto the ground one after one.

The remaining ones stood in position as they tried to guard the Level Four, while it attempted to call forth more Shades to aid it. As Hiroku blasted them off his track one by one, more and more kept launching towards him. At this point, the Level Four had also begun to attacked him, as it lounged its long arms which had now turned into claws towards him. It's difficult trying to evade and looking for a weak point at the same time if he's just by himself. Not very far away, Asuka is also dealing with the Level Three. It managed to held back at first, but apparently it was no match for the strength of an SS-class Sorcerer and it's only a matter of time before the Shade fell before the Merchant's rain of boulders and shockwave. So, Hiroku just needed to hold out before he can assist him.

From a safe distance, it seemed that Keiji is tending those who are wounded and the battle doesn't affect them. Hiroku can rest assure for now as he put his guns back to the carrier and took out two knives instead. As both of them were fused with his air, which enhanced them with another blade of air. Hiroku then pressed on, slicing down Shades after Shades and the arms of the Level Four that were launched at him. His blades cut through them like butter while he flexibly evaded all the attacks. However, it's still difficult, if not impossible, to reach the Level Four.

Suddenly, three dark blasts came out from behind Hiroku wiped past him, which effectively eliminate the lesser Shades, though not long before they respawned again. He smirked lightly, "Long time no see, Miyuki-san." The blonde woman dressed in black approached him and grinned, "It's a good thing that it didn't kill you already, Kazeshima-kun." And Asuka, who had just merely finished the Level Three, also joined the two of them, "Let's deal with this behemoth quickly, shall we?"

With the help of another two SS-class Sorcerer, things get significantly easier. Asuka stayed behind and dealt with any Shade that appeared with his shockwave and boulders, giving Miyuki and Hiroku a chance to finally approach the Level Four. Focusing their energy into their weapons, they release their strongest blasts. The Shade could only roared one last time before it was exploded and reduced to its' Remnant.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Hiroku put his guns back to where they were. "That was tough." He said to himself, as Keiji tiptoed towards him, asking if he was injured. Smiling, Hiroku patted his partner on his head, "I'm fine, Kei. Don't trouble yourself. You did your best." Asuka picked up the Remnant of the Level Four and the Level Three. "Two Level Threes appeared at the same time and one had even hatched, this definitely wasn't a normal case." Miyuki spoke up while unsheathed her broadsword, "I'll take care of things from here. You two can go back for now."

"I'll evaluate the price of these two bad boys and send you your money later, so just rest assure." Asuka said with a wink. Hiroku nodded and thanked both of them, "Let's go back, Kei. I hope Miru is still sleeping."

"Well, I figure so. But there's a couple of times when he did wake up in the middle of the night, for the toilet or something. Though now that I've thought about it, it probably wouldn't be much of a problem if he gotten up and didn't see it around. After all, he looked pretty convinced when we were taken away by the organization." Hiroku nodded to Keiji's statement and replied. It's still hard to believe that it's been years since then. But here they are, still fighting side by side. Hiroku is still uncertain what will future bring them, but for now, he hopes that everything will be as they are.

After they made it back to the apartment, Keiji obviously had to rely on Hiroku to made it through the room without bumping into things. Hiroku lit up a small flame on his finger to light through their way, feeling a bit relieved to hear that Miruki is still sleeping a log in their room. When Keiji remarked of how this is the first time he wasn't feeling excited when fighting the Shades, Hiroku chuckled, "Next time, be sure to carry your contacts. Or, you can start saving up and I'll take you to have a laser eye surgery, sounds good, no?"

When Keiji had managed to find his spared glasses, he stated on how Miyuki is probably having a whole time of her life right now, because she had to taken care of the victims caught in the rampage of the Shades, but Hiroku just shrugged, "I don't think that she's going to have much of a problem. In case you've forgotten, Dark Sorcerers of her level are capable of erasing memories, though I can't do that yet. She might be classified as lower than us, but I'm not sure if either of us can take her on without a lot of struggling so don't take her so lightly."

After chatting a little more for a little while later, both of them decided to just settle for the night, since the two Shades had really took a lot of strength out of them. As usual, Hiroku got both of the younger boys draping all over him, but he didn't mind much as he too soon fell asleep, hoping that everything will be okay when the next day arrives.

And so, the three days that Miruki got to spend with both of them had passed by peacefully. They have rocked every corner of the city, and really had a time of their lives. Well, mostly Miruki and Keiji. Before boarding the train taking Miruki back to their hometown, he simply wished both of them the best with whatever they are doing.