Tokyo's existential crisis was averted by Altair's attack.
The summoned Scorpio, like prey stumbling into a trap, was sliced in half by a single blast, killed instantly. Its corpse, though massive enough to retain some flesh beneath, was reduced to ash on the surface by the ensuing flames.
"So… so strong."
"It killed that terrifying Scorpio with one shot."
"What was that attack?"
"And it can turn human?"
"So cool! He's so handsome as a human!"
The Initiator girls, who hadn't witnessed Altair's transformation into a dragon, were seeing him shift forms for the first time. They erupted in awe.
Enju Aihara, in particular, gushed over his human appearance. "So handsome! Ugh, even more than Rentarō! Come on, Rentarō, you can't lose!"
The other girls' chatter was one thing, but Enju's boldness stood out. She was fearless, mouthing off despite being in the clutches of the so-called Demon King she'd labeled him.
"Hm, Scorpio's dealt with. Now it's time to deal with you lot."
Seeing Enju's antics, Altair's playful side resurfaced, and he loomed over her with mock menace.
"M-me… us?" Enju stammered, her bravado crumbling. She recalled his earlier threat to start with her, dreading what might come next.
Escape? They were atop a Monolith. There was nowhere to run unless she could fly, and no Cursed Child could. Jumping meant certain death.
Altair, amused by her panic, grinned and summoned the Somersault Cloud to carry the girls and Hiruko Kagetane's duo away from the Monolith.
Satellites were watching, and Altair had no interest in staying under their gaze.
Guiding the cloud into a forest untouched by his attack, shielded by night and foliage, he evaded satellite detection. Finding a safe spot, free from Gastrea interference for now, he halted.
"Here's good."
Altair turned, adopting a villainous demeanor as he faced the girls.
"Kagetane, from now on, don't let a single one escape."
"As you command, my lord."
Kagetane placed a hand over his chest, bowing, then positioned himself and Kohina behind the cloud, boxing the girls in.
Enju, cowed, hugged her head and shrank into the group, desperate to avoid notice. Her boldness had vanished.
Altair, seeing her reaction, couldn't resist teasing her further. He'd promised to start with her, after all.
Striding over, he plucked Enju from the cluster.
"No! I don't wanna die!" She shrieked, flailing.
"Quiet. Screaming won't help."
"What… what are you gonna do?!"
"Start with you, of course, to prepare for world destruction!"
"You are a Demon King! I'll kick you to death!"
Enju tried to lash out, but her legs fell short. Altair held her at arm's length, her kicks meeting only air.
"Enough. You'll see what happens to those who defy me, haha!"
With a villainous sneer, Altair reached into the air with his free hand, producing a syringe.
"Know what this is?"
"What's that?"
All eyes locked onto the syringe.
"To destroy the world, I need everyone to submit. Ordinary people are no threat, but you girls, you're powerful. So, before I end the world, I need to neutralize you."
"And this is how!"
Altair jabbed the syringe through Enju's clothing into her backside. The sudden prick startled her, making her jolt.
"Your power comes from the Gastrea virus in you. This eliminates that virus, stripping your strength."
He withdrew the syringe and tossed Enju back onto the cloud, its softness cushioning her fall.
"From now on, you're no longer a Cursed Child. Your red eyes will fade, your power will vanish. Only with my permission can you wield it again. Without it, you're just an ordinary kid, helpless against me!"
As Altair spoke, the girls watched Enju. Her red eyes, activated by her agitation, faded to brown. She lay on the cloud, seemingly drained.
It was real!
"Don't worry, I tailored this inhibitor to spare your lives. Even reinfection won't help, it only targets the virus. Know why I'm doing this?"
"Why?" Kayo Senju asked, curiosity overriding fear. Her sharp mind, bolstered by her dolphin-type genes, had already pieced something together.
Altair glanced at her, noting her fearless gaze. This clever girl had likely guessed his intent. He smirked inwardly but maintained his villainous facade.
"To keep you meddlesome girls alive! I want you to watch me destroy this world, reshaping it as I please, powerless to stop me!"
"Live well, and witness the world's end!"
Enju, limp on the cloud, glared at Altair through gritted teeth. After a long pause, she spat, "Rentarō will stop you!"
Altair ignored her, turning to Kayo. "Your turn. Come get your shot."
Kayo blinked, a single thought flashing through her mind: This is a good thing?
She stepped forward, rolling up her sleeve, the picture of obedience.
***
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