Chapter 3: Ascencio (Ascension)

Before they could leave, a loud explosion shook the air.
Kouta: Damn! Are they trying to break down the barrier again?
Yui: I guess so... Wait, how do you know about the barrier?
Kouta: Uh... long story. But should we go check? We could help.
Yui: Hmm... Okay, let's go.
They ran toward the barrier and discovered the causers of the commotion: two demons sent by Gares, trying to breach the dimensional protection. Kouta and Yui jumped into battle without hesitation.
Kouta: Fine, let's take care of them.
Yui: I'll take care of the one on the left.
Kouta: And I'll take care of the one on the right.
They split up and attacked. Kouta, with his growing power, dispatched his opponent without much effort. Yui, on the other hand, had a tougher fight, leaving everything on the battlefield. She finally managed to win, but the strain was too much, and she fainted. Kouta reacted instantly, catching her before she hit the ground.
Kouta: "Don't worry, you'll be fine..."
He channeled his energy and healed her wounds before taking her back home to rest. Then, he decided to train a little more. When he returned, Yui had already woken up and invited him inside. They chatted for a while, enjoying the quiet after the fight. When night fell, Yui offered him a place to sleep inside, but Kouta, out of respect and to strengthen his stamina, preferred to stay outside.
As he settled in, he remembered the promise he had made to Haruto. With a start, he got up and ran at full speed toward the mountains. When he arrived, he found Haruto already waiting for him.

Kouta: Panting. Sorry for the delay, it was a bit far...
Haruto: Don't worry. Well, do you want to start now?
Kota: Yes, let's begin.
Haruto: Okay. I have many useful techniques to teach you, but the first will be the easiest: flying.
Kota: Okay. How do I do it?
Haruto: Hahahaha, kid in a hurry, huh? It's simple. Concentrate, jump slightly, and visualize the desire to float. Try it.
Kota tried for several minutes until, finally, he succeeded.
Kota: Oh wow! Hey, wait! And how do I get down from here?
Haruto: Hahahaha, just point your foot toward the ground. The more force you apply, the faster you'll descend.
Kota: He tries. Oh... Are all techniques that easy?
Haruto: Hahaha, no. In fact, to help you improve, let's have a little mid-air fight. What do you think?
Kouta: Perfect, let's do it!
The battle began, and although Kouta defended himself to the best of his ability, Haruto's superiority was evident. With a power of 400, Haruto vastly outclassed him. Kouta, who now had a power of 160, barely managed to dodge and attack accurately. However, he learned to stay in the air without losing his balance. After a grueling fight, Haruto healed him, and as a result, Kouta's power increased to 220.
Haruto: You have potential, kid. I'll see you tomorrow for more training.
Kouta: Understood. Thanks for everything, Haruto.
They said their goodbyes, and Kouta started on his way back. As he walked, he reflected on everything he had experienced in such a short time. His adaptation to this world had been surprising. But an idea was running through his head: the possibility of freeing the underworld from the rule of Gares and his demons. He knew it was crazy, but something inside him told him it was worth a try. He decided to talk it over with Yui and Haruto. However, first, he needed to rest.
Before reaching Yui's house, something caught his attention. He saw that...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Current Powers:
Kōta: 220
Yui: 90
Haruto: 400

Chapter end