Edition Date: 08/11/2026
-----------
What was that just now? Why was the guy able to use those powers? Those were Joijiro, Nao, and Misa's powers, right? What's going on?
"Hey Juno, can you tell me anything about the one I was chasing just now?" I question.
"No. I wasn't observing during the process, as I deemed it to be unnecessary," she replies.
I expected as much. But I can't just that let that go as if nothing happened right?
I had other questions anyway, so I ask, "Regarding the core that you said was, and I quote, 'the amalgamation of my powers'; can you tell me what my powers actually are? Can I do what the guy in the 'vision' did?"
"Your powers mainly revolve around three major concepts: Berserk, Destruction, and Holy.
"You have more affinity with Berserk than you do with Destruction and Holy. Your Holy concept is the one you have the least affinity with for now.
"Regarding the manifestation of your Code, you should be able to do so, but the results may vary depending on the power you wish to manifest and your affinity with it."
I see. So the core itself is called a Code, and I have three powers instead of one. What's with the Berserk though? Is that even considered a power? What does it even do?
"How do I manifest my Code?"
"You just have to imagine the power you wish to manifest in the form of an energy pertaining to it circulate within your body, then focus on where you hope to manifest it from."
In that case... I'm going to start with the weakest one: Holy. This is so that if I screw something up, it won't be as risky as Berserk and Destruction.
Getting to it, I visualize a vibrant yellow light radiating within me and as Juno told me to, focus on my right hand as where I want it to manifest. The next thing I know, a white glow envelopes most of my right arm.
The glow suddenly vanishes, and in its place, white-veins extend from the tip of my fingers all the way to my shoulder. I clench my right hand. As my fingers move, thin lines appear at the space the tip of my fingers cross and remain there for a few seconds.
Interesting...
I make a few lines and then flick my hand to the right; the lines launch in that direction at a terrific speed, slashing across a building in the distance, directly splitting it in half. I observe half of the building crumble, baffled.
Then, I once again focus on the circulation of the Holy energy within me, this time directing the energy to my left hand. The same thing occurs, but instead of white veins, they're green. I wave my hand around, but nothing seems to occur.
"Aim at the building you just destroyed with your left hand and then rotate your arm slightly to the left," Juno instructs.
I do as she says, and what happens next is pretty damn terrific. The lines reappear at the location the building was sliced, and they rotate based on how I move my left hand.
Excited because of my newfound powers, I form more lines with my right hand and launch them forward. I then attempt to make each of the lines stop at different locations in the air, growing even more excited as I succeed in doing so.
"Snap the fingers on your left hand."
Heeding her instruction, I do so, after which, the lines that had formed suddenly extend to the sky and merge with each other, forming a wide line of web-like links.
"This time, your right hand."
Along with the snap of my fingers, I feel like a huge drain in my energy reserves. I observe the web-like links and notice that they are all getting brighter at a terrifying speed. Then, they abruptly vanish into thin air, which confuses me. Why did it take so much energy to just... cancel it?
"It's not what you think it is. Pay attention to the streets." Juno says in an amused tone. I have a bad feeling about this...
I check and what I see shocks me. In my moment of focus and excitement, I had missed the sound of people screaming all over the place.
"I can't see!"
"Help!"
"My eyes!"
Cars have crashed into walls and some have even flipped over. Several people are lying on the ground, twitching as they scream in pain.
"Divine Retribution," Juno begins to explain, "The 8th strongest manifestation of Holy. As the name implies, it punishes sinners for what is considered to be sinful by the general population of a specific Platform."
That's... awesome. But, the cost seems to be high. I don't have much energy left from what I can tell.
Through my perception, I notice Nao, Joijiro, and the co rushing over, probably having heard the commotion. I hurry and jump down to somewhere secluded, before running to where they are at a somewhat normal speed.
Upon reaching them, I see Nao holding her camera recording the chaos. In no time, police and ambulance sirens' begin blaring. Talk about a speedy response.
Taking a good look around, I notice that some people who were covering their eyes have somewhat recovered, while those that were twitching on the ground now look like they've been roasted alive. How morbid.
"Focus the Holy Essence on your eyes."
I circulate the Holy energy within me once again. The next moment, my vision blips, and everything turn into different radiant colors. The only colors I see are yellow, a darker yellow, gray, and black.
A few seconds later, Yusa shrieks and jumps away from me for some reason. Not only that, but Nao is recording my face. Shit. Does it show in my eyes? Like, they're glowing or something?
I immediately cancel stop directing the Holy energy to my eyes.
But then it's already too late as Nao bluntly asks, "Is this your doing?"
Should I tell them the truth? Should I? I don't know how to feel about them, since I've barely gotten to know them. Despite how odd they are, I am finding myself liking them. What if my attempt at deceit isdiscovered?
So, I decide to go for a doubtful confirmation.
"I think so?"
Nao nods lightly and puts the camera away. She then looks me in the eyes and questions, "Who did you take over?"
Hm? Does she think that I possessed someone and used their ability to do this? Should I go along with it... No, it won't work. That lie will lead to way more lies and a lot of trouble.
"No one."
Nao's eyes squint a bit as she says, "I see. Then, let's get going. It's getting late."
What was up with that?
------
After a long day, I finally arrive home. Ayumi comes over and exclaims cutely while pouting, "Why didn't you tell me if you were going to be so late!? You could've at least called me, you know?!"
I feel guilty about it and don't know how to reply to her.
"I was so worried! Come, check the TV! Something happened!" she continues before grabbing my arm and dragging me with her.
'BREAKING: MYSTERIOUS CASE OF INJURIES AND FATALITIES-LIVE'
I flinch. The case has blown up. At least a dozen police cars are in the area. The crowd is going wild. News reporters are running around recording everything and interviewing everyone.
Having had enough of it, I grab the TV remote and switch it off.
"Eh~ why?" Ayumi whines.
"Ignore it. This sort of thing is best left alone. It will mess with your brain." I lightly lecture her as I poke her head playfully.
But man... I have made one hell of a mess. What the hell was I thinking? What got into me at that moment?