The rhythmic clatter of the train echoed through the air as it sped toward Kyoto, slicing through the countryside like a silver arrow. Leon sat near the window, eyes half-closed, yet fully alert. The soft morning light bathed his silver hair in a faint glow.
Across from him sat Raynare, clad in casual clothing. Her raven hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and her demeanor had shifted—no longer arrogant and wild, but focused, deadly, loyal.
"I still don't know what you expect to find there," she said, arms folded. "The reports about energy disturbances, maybe… but what are you really looking for?"
Leon didn't look at her.
"There's something old in Kyoto. Something that doesn't want to be seen."
Raynare smirked, stretching out lazily. "Good. I was getting bored."
Kuoh – Leon's Apartment
Back at home, Asia stood barefoot in the backyard, surrounded by scorch marks. Sparks of lightning danced around her fingertips as she took a slow, shaking breath.
She raised her hand. Blue arcs of lightning coiled into her palm, then shot forward, blasting through a training dummy.
"Again."
Her voice was quiet but firm.
Every bolt she fired made her stronger. She could feel it—the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, growing inside her, waiting to be unleashed in full.
She clutched the silver cross hanging around her neck and whispered, "I'll become strong… strong enough to stand beside you, Leon."
Kyoto Station – Arrival
Leon and Raynare stepped onto the platform. Kyoto was beautiful—old shrines nestled between modern towers, sacred energy woven into the streets like threads of fire.
But something felt off.
Leon narrowed his eyes. Ley lines are pulsing strangely… like they're being tampered with.
"Eyes up," he muttered. "We're being watched."
Raynare smiled, her Bishop aura gently activating. "Let them look. If they blink, they die."
Later – Shrine Grounds
That evening, the duo walked through a quiet forest path behind a shrine. Wind rustled the trees. The air was thick with spiritual energy—and tension.
Leon stopped.
"They're here."
From the trees stepped a group of figures cloaked in talismans and old ceremonial robes. A woman with fiery red eyes stepped forward—clearly a youkai priestess.
"You're not welcome here," she said coldly.
Leon didn't flinch. "Then maybe you should've kept your borders clean. This whole region reeks of corruption."
The woman narrowed her eyes. "You dare insult our shrine?"
"I speak truth."
Raynare's aura flared, her hands glowing black. "We're not here for peace. We're here to cleanse."
The wind exploded as spells launched from both sides—spiritual arrows, dark feathers, and red lightning collided in a blinding burst of power.
Meanwhile – System Interface
[Quest Update: Kyoto Convergence]Sub-Objective Completed:– Confrontation with Local Youkai Resistance
New Objective Unlocked:– Locate the Forbidden Seal hidden beneath Fushimi Shrine– Optional: Interrogate captured priestess for Sacred Gear intel
Leon stood over the unconscious body of the priestess, breathing steadily. He wiped blood from his lip and looked up at the moonlight streaming through the trees.
"We're getting close."
Raynare stepped beside him, her tone dark. "I'll make her talk."