Survival to Godhood 90 Alice Suzuki and Charmeine

When Hiro turned back to face Alice, he realized she already activated several spells. The first spell made of wind created a ball of sharp air around her. The second spell was lightning forming at the tip of her polearm.

"Let me test this shield of hers." Channeling lighting and wind into the sword, Hiro launched a Kaze Raiken at her.

Alice on the other hand with a wave of her spear-like weapon caused the sphere of wind to turn dark and shredded the attack before it got close. Alice then pointed the tip of her weapon at Hiro causing a thin-bright-lighting attack to fly towards Hiro.

Hiro slammed his sword in the ground to erect a Kaze Screen, but the lightning tore through it launching Hiro backward. Hiro was startled at how powerful this girl was. She reminded him of Lucy and the way she could jump warrior levels and fight.

Hiro got off the ground and leaped at Alice with the broadsword. He slashed down upon her.

Alice waved her spear again causing all the wind around her to redirect towards Hiro. The needle-like black wind cut threw Hiro hurling him backward.

Hiro's clothes were in shambles as he stood up, but before he could get his bearing, another lightning bolt came at him.

Swinging the sword to block the spell, Hiro stabbed it into the ground. The lightning traveled through the sword into the ground, but Hiro was heavily damaged. He tried to pull the scorched blade out of the earth, but it snapped.

He was losing, and now he was without a sword.

"Aarav said you would need this." Khamael flying in the air threw Hiro his katana.

Hiro looked up and smiled. He caught the sword and moved it to his side. Hiro slowly took up a sword stance. Lightning started to spark at his feet.

Alice could feel that Hiro aura changed just by holding that sword.

"See if you can handle this." Hiro stepped forward with his right foot and drew his sword from its sheath. A loud boom could be heard, and bright light enveloped the area. Hiro disappeared.

Paulus smiled and said, "The Yellow Flash: Thunder Strike. It is always impressive."

The slash swept away Alice's wind barrier but kicked up dust. When it settled Alice walked out holding her spear.

Hiro was re-sheathing his sword when he turned and saw the woman walking towards him. "How is she unscathed?"

"Your sword technique is good, but your comprehension of elemental laws is that of a Mana Fighter. You need to train more." Alice bowed to Hiro and then walked away.

"We are not done. I am not done."

Alice stopped to turn towards him. "This is not a life and death battle." She then turned and kept walking.

Hiro was defeated in more way than one.

Aarav ran up and yelled, "Did I miss seeing Hiro lose a fight?" He stopped right in his tracks when everyone turned to look at him. Paulus was chuckling, Khamael was shaking his head, and Hiro was furious.

"If it makes you feel any better, she destroyed Paulus and me too."

Hearing that Hiro shot Paulus a look and he just shrugged his shoulder. "You never asked if we fought her too."

Suddenly everyone heard clapping. They looked over to see it was a beautiful angel next to Relthe. She had a navy-blue toga on and a spear on her back like Alice's. Her blonde hair and green eyes made her look majestic.

"Hello Hiro, my name is Charmeine. That was a wonderful fight. I'd love it if you join my Sect."

Hiro got over his frustration quickly and replaced it with surprise. This woman with large wings was the Sect Leader. Hiro didn't want to join any other organization besides the Renegades, but the chance to improve on his strength, made him question his resolution.

Seeing Hiro at odds with himself the angelic woman spoke again. "You do not have to decide now, but when you do come to talk to Relthe, he will get you situated." With that said, She and Relthe turned around and walked away.

Khamael landed next to Aarav, and they walked over to Paulus and Hiro. "So, what did you think of Alice, huh?" Aarav asked.

Hiro wanted to punch Aarav, but he was to beat up. "She was strong."

"No, I mean her looks."

Hiro gulped deeply and replied, "I'd say she is adequate."

Paulus tried not to, and Aarav slapped his face with his hand in disbelief. "Forget it lets just head back to let you rest a bit. Khamael, I'll come to look for you later."

"Sure." He nodded at them and flew off.

"Before you even say it, Paulus, we are not together. I already have someone in my heart." Most of the time Aarav was the happy one, but all sudden he became sullen. Thoughts of his wife and his unborn child always haunt him.

Paulus looked on confused and then hurt. He didn't tease him to upset him. Paulus just looked down and didn't say anything.

An awkward silence swept over them and then Hiro spoke up. "Let us go back already." Hiro stepped off, and the other two followed.

Aarav thought back to the night he met Leo and for once in a long time he opened. Aarav missed Leo's friendship.

Back at the place they were staying Hiro got straight to business. "Some of us need to report back to the Renegades. I want to stay here and train."

Hiro's brazenness caught the two of them off guard. Hiro rarely ever asked for things.

After discussing the situation for a while, Aarav and Paulus agreed to leave with any Renegade men that wanted too. Paulus would report back and then get further orders. Aarav would try and track down Lucy.

"So, do we have any objections?" Hiro asked.

The other two shook their head and got ready to leave. Paulus gathered the men while Aarav went to ask Khamael for an airship.

Clenching his fist, Hiro said, "I need to get stronger."

Chapter end