Aetherbound

Before he could continue, a door to the nearby building creaked open, and a new figure stepped out. A tall young woman with sharp eyes and an authoritative presence looked between the two, her gaze settling on King.

"That's enough, King," she said firmly, stepping into the alley. "What are you trying to prove by tormenting him?"

King stiffened, his bravado faltering slightly under her glare. "Stay out of this, Lena," he muttered, but she crossed her arms, unmoving.

"Tormenting someone who's clearly struggling? That's low, even for you," Lena snapped, delivering a sharp bop to King's head. "And it's boss to you, not Lena. Or have you forgotten who keeps you fed?"

King scowled, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine, boss," he muttered begrudgingly, his tone dripping with annoyance.

Lena sighed and turned to Tenko, her expression softening. "Hey...I remember you from the park—you looked so lost there, too. I knew I'd see you again. Come inside. You look like you've been through hell."

King protested, his tone sharp. "He's Aetherless. We shouldn't be helping him. He's not one of us!"

Lena turned to him, her eyes narrowing as a faint glow ignited in her irises. "Anomalies help others, isn't that our motto? Or have you decided to rewrite the rules?" Her voice carried a quiet authority that silenced King, though he scowled in response.

Tenko hesitated, glancing between the two. Lena gestured toward the open door. Reluctantly, he nodded and stepped past King, who watched him go with a mix of annoyance and something unreadable.

Within the diner, Lena opened a cabinet lined with neatly arranged Aether orbs. She pulled one out, its faint glow casting soft light across the room, and placed it gently in Tenko's trembling hands. "Here," she said, her tone warm but firm. "If you need more, just come back to the diner."

She paused, leaning against the counter with a knowing smile. "You're a regular here anyway, Tenko. You'll always get one with open arms—but only if you promise to take care of yourself."

Tenko looked at the orb, his fingers tightening around it. His brow furrowed as doubt crept into his mind. "If I take this... does that make me a rogue anomaly?" he murmured, his voice tinged with fear. The warmth of Lena's words contrasted sharply with the cold fear he'd been carrying, but the question lingered, pressing heavily on him.

Finally, he nodded weakly, whispering, "Thank you," his voice almost breaking. He slipped out of the diner, leaving Lena and King behind.

King scowled, his arms crossed as he leaned back against the wall. "Why did you help him? He's Aetherless—what's the point?"

Lena raised an eyebrow, her voice calm but firm. "Did you hear about the accident a couple of weeks ago?" she asked. King shrugged dismissively.

"The news doesn't matter," he muttered. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Lena sighed. "An accident on the roof of an abandoned building. A female student and a male student fell. She died instantly; he was barely clinging to life. The acting doctor decided to implant her Aether channel into him because his was inert."

King's eyes widened slightly, his posture straightening. "And?"

Lena's gaze hardened. "That channel belonged to the Brimstone Witch."

King's mouth fell open in disbelief. "You mean Maka? The S-Rated rogue anomaly? She's dead?"

Lena nodded gravely. "The recovery team found her body struck by lightning—stronger than her shields could handle. You know how powerful those shields were."

King's mind raced, piecing the implications together. "So... there's an Aetherless man out there now with the Brimstone Witch's channel?"

Lena crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "There's no need to guess, King. That man is Tenko."

King's breath hitched, his shock giving way to frustration. "Do you realize what this means? If Shoteo finds out, they'll hunt him down, dissect him, or worse. Aetherless people with channels? That's unheard of. And with Maka's channel? That's a death sentence."

Lena nodded solemnly. "I know, King. That's why I helped him. He's walking a razor's edge right now, and if someone doesn't guide him, he'll either be consumed by the channel or caught by the wrong people."

King's scowl deepened. "And you think you're the one to guide him? What if he turns rogue?"

Lena's glowing irises flared faintly, her gaze unyielding. "Then it's our responsibility to make sure he doesn't. We both know what happens to those left to fend for themselves. He didn't ask for this, King. None of us did. But he deserves a chance."

King turned away, running a hand through his hair. "A chance... You're risking a lot for someone who doesn't even know what he is yet."

Lena's expression softened slightly. "Maybe. But I believe people can rise to the occasion if they're given the opportunity. He's not just carrying an anomaly's channel, King. He's carrying the Brimstone Witch's legacy. If anyone deserves a fighting chance, it's him."

King shook his head, muttering under his breath. "You're playing with fire, Lena. Literally. Let's just hope it doesn't burn us all."

Lena's eyes narrowed as she delivered a sharp bop to his head. "It's boss to you, not Lena. Or do I need to write it down for you?" she quipped, her tone half-exasperated, half-amused.

King rubbed his head, scowling. "Fine, boss," he muttered, his tone dripping with irritation. "But I'm still not convinced about helping him."

Lena's expression softened slightly. "Whether you're convinced or not, Tenko's situation is bigger than either of us."

The scene shifted, fading from the tense atmosphere of the diner back to Tenko's dimly lit apartment. He sat on the floor, the Aether orb resting in his hands. Its faint glow illuminated his face, casting shadows across the cluttered room.

Tenko stared at the orb, his fingers tightening around its smooth surface. His mind churned with thoughts, replaying fragments of a lecture. He could almost hear the professor's voice, steady and authoritative, as they stood before a holographic projection of an Aether orb.

"Aether orbs are critical to the survival of anomalies," the professor had said, gesturing to the glowing sphere. "They are condensed forms of pure Aether energy, designed to replenish depleted reserves. However, they are not without their dangers. Mishandling an orb, such as breaking it carelessly, releases the stored energy in an uncontrolled burst. This can result in anything from mild burns to catastrophic damage, depending on the orb's size and stability."

The memory deepened as Tenko recalled the professor's eyes narrowing, their tone growing serious. "While anomalies benefit from these orbs, the energy within them is primal and indifferent. It will consume as easily as it restores if not handled properly. That is why we must respect the balance they represent."

The professor had then turned their gaze to the class, their voice firm. "Anomalies, by their nature, are individuals who possess an innate connection to Aether—a connection that grants power but also carries significant risks. This connection can manifest through enhanced abilities, stronger magic and better physicals but it also marks them as fundamentally different to us ranked Aether users.

Some anomalies that are consumed by the power and lose themselves are labeled as rogues. Shoteo Indomina mark these rouges and have the Zambonis capture them. If the Zamboni isn't enough, they want us Rankers to capture Rouges, unless it is too dangerous to capture them. That's when they'll sent the Luminae, specially trained professionals that are tasked with the investigation, pacification, and elimination of rouges to protect the civilians of the academy from any potential harm caused by rouges. During their investigations, they analyze crime scenes for traces of rouges, expose their identities, incapacitate or neutralize them.

The ones that learn to harness their anomalies for good are still called anomalies but will not be marked by the Zambonis and Shoteo Indomina. The key is control—of the Aether, and of yourself."

Tenko had sat in the back of the room, taking notes with a mix of curiosity and detachment, never imagining the words would resonate so deeply. Now, sitting on his apartment floor, those lessons felt like lifelines, desperately clutched at as he stared at the orb glowing softly in his hands. The faint hum of energy within seemed to echo the professor's warning, vibrating softly against his palm. "Break it," he murmured to himself, his voice shaky. "They said breaking one would release all its stored energy at once... but is that what I need?"

His reflection in the orb's surface distorted, his glowing eye appearing more vivid, almost taunting him. The hunger clawed at the edges of his mind again, urging him to give in. But Tenko hesitated, his humanity clinging to the uncertainty.

"Am I really this desperate?" he whispered, his grip loosening slightly as doubt crept in.

Tenko's grip tightened around the Aether orb as he shook his head, the professor's words echoing in his mind. His breathing quickened, the faint hum of the orb growing louder in his ears. His thoughts spiraled, teetering between the hunger gnawing at him and the voice of reason urging him to stop.

"No," he muttered under his breath. "This isn't me. I won't let it be me."

In a surge of defiance, he hurled the orb across the room, the smooth sphere bouncing off the far wall without a scratch. The glowing light flickered momentarily, then steadied, as if mocking his futile outburst. Tenko slumped back, his head in his hands, the silence in the room broken only by his ragged breathing.

The sound of a key turning in the lock startled him. His gaze shifted to the orb lying harmlessly on the floor, its glow casting a soft light across the room. His chest tightened as panic set in. Without a second thought, he scrambled to his feet, snatched the orb, and shoved it into a drawer, burying it beneath old notebooks and papers. The faint glow seeped through the cracks of the drawer, but it was hidden enough to ease his nerves—for now.

The door creaked open, and D.W. stepped inside, her expression a mixture of concern and exasperation. "Tenko," she said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. "What the hell is going on? I heard something hit the wall. You didn't break anything expensive, did you?"

He blinked at her, still processing her sudden arrival. "D.W.? How—"

She held up a key and wiggled it with a smug grin. "I made a copy, remember? You said it was okay in case I needed to escape the paparazzi, my agency, or, you know, just wanted to check up on you."

Tenko forced a weak smile, trying to mask the turmoil raging inside him. "No, nothing broke. Just... dropped something."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press further. "You've been off the grid for a while. Figured I'd swing by and make sure you weren't, I don't know, living in a trash pile or something."

"I'm fine," he said quickly, his voice sharper than he intended. He softened his tone. "Just tired."

D.W. raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze lingering on him for a moment before she shrugged. "Well, lucky for you, I brought snacks. You've got no excuse to look this miserable with me here."

Tenko chuckled nervously, the tension in his chest easing slightly as she dropped a bag of groceries onto the counter. "Thanks," he muttered, his hands twitching slightly as he glanced back at the faint glow seeping from the drawer.

She didn't seem to notice. "So, spill," she said, flopping onto the couch and kicking her feet up. "I told you we were gonna discuss what's been going on with you."

Tenko raised his hands defensively. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine, really—"

D.W. cut him off with a sharp glare. "Don't even try it, Tenko. You're hiding something, and I'm not letting it slide this time. Spill, now."

Tenko hesitated, his throat tightening. He thought about everything he couldn't say: the hunger, the glowing eye, the Aether orb. "I… it's just been stressful lately," he muttered, trying to keep his voice steady. "Classes at the academy… and life."

D.W. leaned forward, her expression softening slightly but still firm. "I get it, Tenko, I do. But you've been off. You're my brother, and I'm not blind. What's going on? Is someone messing with you? Are you… sick?"

He froze, the words catching in his throat. "I… no. Nothing like that."

D.W. sighed, running a hand through her hair. "You're impossible sometimes, you know that? If you're in trouble, just say it. I'm not going anywhere, Tenko. You know I've got your back, right?"

He nodded weakly, avoiding her gaze. "Yeah. I know."

For a moment, the room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Tenko's eyes darted to the drawer where the orb was hidden, his mind racing with the weight of the secret he couldn't share. D.W. stood and walked to the kitchen, rifling through the groceries she'd brought.

"Alright," she said, her tone lighter now, though her concern lingered beneath the surface. She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at him. "But seriously, Tenko, you look pale. Are you even eating enough?"

Tenko waved her off quickly. "I'm fine, D.W. Just been busy."

She smirked, leaning against the counter. "Busy, huh? Well, maybe you need one of those fancy Aether orbs to fill you up."

She laughed at her own joke but quickly added, "Oh, wait—you don't even have Aether to absorb it. Guess you're out of luck there."

Tenko's stomach clenched, but he forced a weak laugh, hoping to brush off her comment. D.W. didn't seem to notice his unease. She grabbed her bag and headed for the door. "Alright, I'll come back later with some real food. Don't forget to eat in the meantime, okay?"

He nodded, watching her leave, the weight of her words pressing heavily on him. As the door clicked shut, the apartment fell into an oppressive silence. Slowly, Tenko turned back to the drawer. The faint glow pulsing from the cracks seemed to call to him, both a taunt and a temptation.

With trembling hands, he opened the drawer and retrieved the Aether orb, its light illuminating his face. He stared at it, the hum of its energy resonating deep within him, as if it were alive. His fingers tightened around the orb as he whispered, "What am I even doing?"

Before he could think further, a voice echoed faintly in the back of his mind, low and melodic yet filled with a sinister edge. "Smash it," the voice urged. The Brimstone Witch's presence was undeniable, her words curling around his thoughts like smoke. "Break it. Feel the power. You know you want to."

Tenko froze, his breath hitching. "No," he murmured, shaking his head, though his grip on the orb didn't loosen. "You're not real."

The voice laughed, soft and chilling. "Oh, Tenko. You know I'm as real as that hunger clawing at you. Stop denying yourself. Smash it—release it."

 Her voice sharpened, taking on a mocking tone. "What are you afraid of? That you'll lose control? Or that you'll enjoy it?"

Tenko grit his teeth, his hands trembling as he stared at the orb. "Shut up," he hissed, trying to push her voice out of his mind.

But she continued relentlessly. "You've felt it already, haven't you? The hunger. The power. It's not going away, Tenko. You can either embrace it, or let it destroy you."

His fingers tightened around the orb as his frustration boiled over. "I said, shut up!" he shouted, gripping the orb so tightly that a faint crack echoed through the room. The glow of the orb flickered violently, and the hum grew louder for a moment before settling into an uneasy vibration.

Tenko stared down at the fractured surface, his chest heaving. The voice in his mind fell silent, replaced by a suffocating stillness that made the room feel colder. He loosened his grip slightly, staring at the damage he'd done.

Tenko placed the orb carefully on the counter, his chest still heaving as he tried to steady himself. "I need to get out of here," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. Without another thought, he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door.

The soft hues of sunset bathed the streets in orange and pink as Tenko walked aimlessly, letting the cool evening air fill his lungs. The city buzzed faintly around him, but he kept his gaze low, avoiding eye contact with passersby. His legs carried him without direction, the rhythm of his steps blending into the murmur of the world around him.

After several blocks, the bright lights of an arcade came into view, its glowing signs and vibrant atmosphere cutting through the encroaching twilight. The hum of activity and the rhythmic chime of arcade machines spilled out onto the street, blending with the laughter and chatter of the patrons inside. Tenko paused at the threshold, his eyes scanning the brightly colored posters advertising high-score challenges and limited-time prizes.

The contrast between the vibrant, carefree world of the arcade and the gnawing turmoil within him felt almost surreal. He hesitated, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets, as if anchoring himself against the pull of the lively scene. The urge to distract himself—to lose himself in something—grew stronger.

"Why not," he murmured to himself, stepping inside and letting the cheerful chaos envelop him.

The air inside was thick with the electric hum of machines, punctuated by the occasional triumphant cheer of someone winning a game. Rows of glowing screens stretched out before him, their vibrant colors reflecting off glossy floors. Tenko wandered aimlessly for a moment, his shoulders tense as he took in the sights and sounds. It wasn't until he approached a row of shooting games that his steps slowed.

He selected a game at random, the familiar grip of the controller providing a strange sense of grounding. As the game loaded, he focused intently on the flashing screen, his movements precise as he immersed himself in the challenge. For a brief moment, the weight of his thoughts lifted, replaced by the rhythm of the game's mechanics.

Just as he began to relax, a sudden jostle from behind broke his concentration. The impact wasn't hard, but it was enough to send his aim skewing wildly on the screen.

"Oh, sorry about that," a voice said, and Tenko turned to see a familiar face from the academy. It was Shiro, a classmate known for his laid-back demeanor and sharp wit. Shiro's easygoing smile widened when he recognized Tenko. "Hey, didn't expect to see you here. Didn't peg you for the arcade type."

Tenko forced a small smile, his grip tightening on the controller. "I... kinda keep this a secret from everyone, although I have no friends."

Shiro glanced at the screen, watching Tenko's avatar struggle to recover from the interrupted sequence. "Not bad. You've got good reflexes. Better than most in the academy—probably better than me, honestly."

The compliment caught Tenko off guard, and he looked down, unsure of how to respond. "Thanks," he muttered, his tone awkward.

Shiro chuckled, stepping aside to give Tenko more space. "Well, don't let me mess you up any further. You're doing pretty well for someone who looks like they haven't slept in a week."

Tenko's stomach churned at the comment, but he managed a polite nod. Shiro's presence was disarming, but it also left him uneasy, as if his carefully constructed walls might start to crack. The sounds of the arcade seemed to grow louder around him, and he focused on the game to drown out the feeling. Eventually, the tension in his chest became too much, and he decided to leave the arcade, stepping back out into the warm hues of the sunset.

As he walked along the streets, letting the cool evening breeze wash over him, his thoughts remained scattered. He rounded a corner and was struck by the sound of raised voices. A small group of people stood clustered in an alleyway, their postures aggressive as they loomed over someone in the center.

Curiosity and an inexplicable sense of foreboding tugged at him, and he slowed his steps, keeping to the shadows as he observed the scene. A prickling sensation ran down his spine—one of the people in the group radiated an aura of power, palpable even from a distance. His chest tightened, the sensation stirring something primal within him.

He crept closer, careful not to draw attention to himself, and peered into the alley. The person being harassed slowly came into view, and Tenko's breath caught in his throat. It was King. His usual bravado seemed dulled as he stood with his back against the wall, his expression hard and calculating as the group closed in on him.

Tenko froze, indecision rooting him to the spot. He knew King was capable of handling himself. As a rogue anomaly, his strength was undeniable, and he could likely take on the entire group without breaking a sweat. Still, the sight of King cornered and outnumbered sent a ripple of unease through him.

"Should I help him?" Tenko muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. A part of him argued that King didn't need saving—that intervening would only draw unnecessary attention to himself. Yet another part of him, quieter but insistent, urged him to step forward.

The tension in the air grew thicker as he continued to watch, his heart pounding in his chest. Tenko's mind raced with conflicting thoughts, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on him. As he strained to listen, snippets of the group's conversation drifted toward him.

"You think you're so untouchable, don't you?" one of the aggressors sneered, stepping closer to King. The man's voice carried a venomous edge, his words cutting through the ambient noise of the city. "Walking around like you own the streets just because you're a freak."

King didn't flinch, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with the speaker. "If you're trying to make a point, you're doing a terrible job," he replied, his tone laced with disdain. "And if this is about territory, you're barking up the wrong tree."

Another member of the group, a woman with an aura that made Tenko's skin crawl, stepped forward. Her energy radiated power, chaotic and dangerous. "Territory?" she said with a laugh, though there was no humor in it. "This isn't about territory. It's about sending a message. Anomalies like you think you can skirt the rules, but there are consequences."

King's jaw tightened, though his expression remained defiant. "And you think you're the ones to deliver those consequences?" His eyes flicked over the group, assessing them. "I've faced worse."

The woman's smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. "You've got a big mouth for someone who's cornered."

Tenko's fists clenched as he continued to watch. The group's hostility was palpable, but so was King's confidence. He knew King could fight his way out of this if he chose to, but the aura emanating from the woman unsettled him. It was powerful, almost predatory.

"If he's so strong, why does he seem cornered?" Tenko thought. A part of him wanted to believe that King was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to strike. Yet another part whispered that King might be in more danger than he let on.

"Should I help him?" Tenko muttered under his breath. His instincts screamed at him to turn away, to leave King to handle it on his own. But his feet refused to move. Something about the situation—the oppressive energy in the air, the way King stood with his back against the wall—made it impossible for him to look away.

The weight of the decision pressed heavily on him as the group began to close in on King. The woman's aura flared briefly, a warning of the power she was ready to unleash. Her hands crackled with an unstable energy, the air around her almost vibrating with the intensity of her Aether. "Let's see how tough you are when it's not just talk," she sneered.

King remained unmoved, his stance loose but ready. "You're making a mistake," he warned. "Walk away now, and I might forget this ever happened."

"You're not in a position to make threats," another crony spat, charging forward. King moved with fluid precision, sidestepping the attack and delivering a swift blow to the assailant's ribs, sending him sprawling to the ground.

The woman wasted no time, lunging toward King with a burst of chaotic energy. Their clash was immediate and fierce, the alley illuminated by flashes of Aether as King met her strikes head-on. The other cronies joined in, their movements coordinated but erratic compared to King's calculated precision.

At first, the fight seemed evenly matched. King fought with a sharp, controlled fury, his strikes landing with precision despite the overwhelming odds. He deflected a barrage of attacks, his movements almost effortless as he countered blow after blow.

Tenko watched, his heart pounding as the alley became a battleground. The power emanating from the woman was undeniable, and the others' relentless assault made it clear they weren't just petty thugs. Despite King's skill, the sheer number of attackers began to wear him down.

Then, one of the cronies played dirty. As King dodged a wild swing from the woman, another attacker slipped behind him, hurling a handful of what looked like a powdery substance into his face. King staggered, coughing as his vision blurred, the substance clearly laced with something meant to disrupt his focus.

The woman seized the opportunity, her energy flaring dangerously as she struck King square in the chest. He stumbled back, hitting the wall hard, his expression twisted in both pain and anger.

Tenko's breath caught as he watched the shift in the fight. King was no longer in control, and the group closed in, their movements predatory. The woman's smirk widened as she prepared another attack, her Aether crackling ominously.

Tenko exhaled sharply, his indecision evaporating as a surge of adrenaline overtook him. Without another word, he reached into his jacket and pulled out his blade. With practiced precision, he slashed across his left arm, the blade biting into his skin. Blood seeped out, glowing faintly as it coalesced unnaturally. The liquid began to twist and harden, forming into a claw-like weapon that encased his arm in crimson brilliance.

With a burst of speed, Tenko launched himself forward, landing between King and the assaulters in a blur of motion. The sheer force of his arrival sent two of the cronies stumbling backward, their eyes widening in shock. The woman froze mid-attack, her chaotic Aether flickering as she tried to process the sudden interference.

King staggered, his hands still clawing at his eyes as the powder blinded him. "Who the hell…?" he rasped, his voice filled with confusion and irritation. Unable to see, he could only sense the overwhelming presence standing in front of him.

Tenko didn't glance back. His focus was entirely on the group before him. The claw on his arm pulsed with energy, radiating a threatening aura that made even the woman hesitate. "Back off," he growled, his voice low but filled with menace. The sound carried an edge that sent a ripple of unease through the air.

The woman narrowed her eyes, her posture shifting into a defensive stance as she assessed this new player. "Who the hell are you supposed to be?" she demanded, her voice dripping with scorn. Her cronies burst into laughter, one of them jeering, "What, did some wannabe hero lose his way?"

"He doesn't even have Aether," another chimed in, sneering as they took a step forward. "What's this supposed to be, a joke?"

The group's mocking tone filled the alley, their confidence bolstered by their inability to sense anything threatening from Tenko. One of the cronies pointed at him with a derisive laugh, "What's that supposed to be? Some kind of magic party trick? You think you're intimidating?"

Another added, "He's got no real Aether. Look at him—barely a flicker. Are you lost, little boy?"

The woman's smirk deepened, her chaotic Aether flaring briefly as she took a step forward. "This is adorable," she said mockingly. "We've got a wannabe hero trying to play savior. Let me give you a tip, kid. Heroes don't survive long out here."

Tenko stood his ground, his clawed arm pulsing faintly in the dim light of the alley. He didn't respond to their jeers, but his jaw tightened as the group continued to taunt him. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" the woman sneered. Her cronies laughed, emboldened by her words.

"Maybe he's in shock. Realized he's just signed up for a beating," another quipped, stepping closer as if to test Tenko's resolve. Despite their dismissive words, Tenko felt the faintest flicker of hesitation in their movements, their laughter not quite masking the unease creeping into their group dynamic.

The woman noticed it too, her smirk wavering slightly before she gestured at her group. "Fine," she said, her voice turning sharp. "If he wants to play, let's teach him a lesson."

Tenko tensed as the cronies began to circle him, their confidence radiating in their movements. The mocking tone shifted to one of malicious intent, the air growing heavier with the promise of violence. One of them lunged first, aiming a glowing fist of chaotic Aether directly at Tenko's chest. Instinctively, Tenko raised his clawed arm, the anti-Aether blood surging with energy as it intercepted the strike.

A sharp hiss filled the air as the crony's Aether dissipated on contact with the claw, the attack rendered completely ineffective. The man stumbled back, clutching his hand with wide-eyed disbelief. "What the hell?" he spat, staring at his now-smoking fist.

The others paused briefly, their jeers replaced by uneasy murmurs. "That's... not normal," one muttered, taking a wary step back.

The woman's eyes narrowed, her chaotic Aether flaring again as she stepped forward. "Don't let him psych you out! He's just playing tricks," she barked, her voice laced with irritation. She launched a surge of Aether at Tenko, the energy crackling violently as it streaked toward him.

Tenko slashed upward with the claw, his anti-Aether blood absorbing and neutralizing the attack with a burst of sparks. The force of his counter sent the energy recoiling back toward her, forcing the woman to sidestep hastily. Her confidence faltered for a split second, replaced by a flicker of doubt.

"Is this guy even human?" one of the cronies muttered, their earlier bravado slipping as they exchanged uneasy glances.

Tenko's gaze remained fixed, his claw pulsing faintly as he shifted his stance. "Leave," he growled, his voice steady despite the tension thrumming in his chest. "This doesn't have to get worse."

The woman's smirk returned, though it was weaker now. "You think you're scaring us? You're just a freak like him," she spat, gesturing toward King, who was still trying to regain his composure against the wall. "Take him down!"

The cronies hesitated for a moment before rushing in together, their attacks wild but coordinated. Tenko moved with sharp precision, his claw slicing through their Aether-based assaults as if they were made of air. He ducked under one strike, spinning to deliver a sweeping slash that sent another attacker sprawling. A third crony managed to close the distance, swinging a metal pipe aimed at Tenko's ribs, but the pipe shattered on contact with the hardened blood claw, sending shards scattering.

The woman watched, her expression darkening as she realized her group was losing ground. She raised her hands, summoning a concentrated orb of chaotic Aether that crackled with unstable power. "Let's see how you handle this!" she snarled, hurling the orb directly at Tenko.

Tenko braced himself, raising the claw to absorb the attack, but as the orb exploded on impact, the force sent him skidding back a few feet. He gritted his teeth, the energy crackling harmlessly around him before dissipating into the air. The woman's confidence wavered again as she realized her strongest attack had failed to leave a mark.

"Enough!" Tenko snapped, his voice cutting through the chaos. He lunged forward, his claw slamming into the ground with a resounding crack that sent a shockwave through the alley. The force knocked the remaining cronies off their feet, scattering them like leaves in a storm.

In that moment, the air changed. The faint glow of his claw deepened, its hue shifting to a darker, more sinister shade. Wisps of fiery red energy began to spiral from the claw, crackling with an intensity that hadn't been there before. Tenko's breathing slowed, and his voice dropped into a low, guttural tone that didn't quite sound like his own.

"You think you're strong?" the voice echoed, layered with a distortion that sent a chill through the woman and her cronies. Tenko's eyes glinted with an unnatural light as the Brimstone's influence seeped into his movements, his posture becoming predatory.

One of the cronies scrambled back, their earlier bravado now replaced with a palpable fear. "What... what is he?"

The woman, now visibly unsettled, forced herself to her feet, trying to mask her unease. "It's just a trick! He's bluffing!" she snapped, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her. She gathered the remnants of her chaotic Aether, preparing another attack, but her hands shook as she tried to aim.

Before she could release her energy, Tenko moved. In a flash, he was in front of her, his claw inches from her throat. The fiery tendrils of Brimstone energy licked at the air around her, singeing her aura. "You don't get to walk away if you make another move," Tenko said coldly, his distorted voice cutting through her defenses.

The woman froze, her chaotic Aether dissipating as her resolve crumbled. She stumbled back, the weight of his presence crushing her bravado. "Fine," she spat, her voice shaking. "We're leaving."

Tenko didn't lower his arm until the group began to retreat, their movements hurried and disorganized. The woman threw one last glance over her shoulder, her expression a mix of fear and confusion. "You'll regret this," she muttered, though it lacked any real conviction.

As their footsteps faded into the distance, Tenko's body relaxed, the fiery tendrils around his claw fading into embers. His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to suppress the Brimstone's lingering influence. He flexed his hand, watching as the claw receded back into his blood, leaving only faint streaks on his arm.

Behind him, King coughed, finally clearing the powder from his eyes. He staggered forward, his gaze locking onto Tenko's arm. "What the hell is that?" King demanded, his voice a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Tenko turned slightly, his gaze distant as he glanced down at the fading streaks of blood on his arm. "It's... a long story," he began, his voice strained. "This isn't something I—"

Before he could finish, his legs buckled. A wave of dizziness overtook him as his vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground. His breathing grew shallow, and the faint glow of his claw completely extinguished as his dangerously low Aether levels took their toll.

"Tenko!" King exclaimed, rushing forward. He crouched beside him, his earlier disbelief replaced by concern. For a moment, King hesitated, his mind racing as he pieced together what he'd sensed from Tenko's diminishing Aether. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "You're worse off than I thought."