Chapter 6 – Second Release
"As a soldier in the demon army, I was once ranked among the weakest. It haunted me. That label—'weak'—drew me into despair. I wanted more. No... I needed more. Power, recognition, purpose—I craved it all. And just when I thought I'd drown in my failure, he came."
"Oblivion, the Demon God."
"He summoned me... promised strength, promised purpose. He saw the potential within my despair. He molded me, elevated me. And in return, I swore—I'd help him realize his dream. A reborn universe. No god, no mortal, no force shall stop me. And for that dream, I created a half-breed... to raise, to train, to inherit my will. My son. My weapon."
A chilling wind blew through the burning village of Bergamo. Flames crackled beneath the falling rain, smoke twisting in the sky like serpents of fire and shadow.
And then—it happened.
"Second Release."
The air trembled.
An explosion of demonic energy shook the earth as Chrollo's body erupted in purple-black flames, his form shifting—sharper, more monstrous, his very presence doubling in strength, speed, and dread.
Dai fell to his knees, eyes wide.
"W-what... is this power?"
Beside him, Yami narrowed his gaze, the air crackling around them.
"This... This is called a Second Release," Yami muttered, a rare edge of concern in his voice. "I didn't think a soldier could achieve this. This is bad. Dai, listen to me—this is out of your league. Take the boy. Get to safety."
"But, Sensei! I can't leave you here—his power is insane!"
"I've faced this before. During the war between my clan and the demons. One of their commanders had this form. But he wasn't just a soldier... he was a leader. This one—this Chrollo—he might be tied to the Forsaken."
"The Forsaken...? Wait—there's a leader?"
"Don't worry about it. Not now. Just go."
Yami placed Dante into Dai's arms and gave a firm nod.
"I'm counting on you."
"But Sensei—!"
"I'll be fine. Go!"
As Dai flew into the distance, carrying the unconscious Dante, a voice rang out behind them like a thunderclap.
"You think I'll just let you leave?"
A flash of red light burst through the rain like a lightning strike.
Yami's eyes narrowed. In an instant, he vanished from view—and reappeared in front of the beam, slashing it away with his blade.
"You face me now, demon."
Chrollo sneered, hovering above the scorched earth.
"So, tell me, human. How does a soldier like me unlock the Second Release, hmm? Curious, isn't it? You're not just any mortal, are you? Maybe... a member of a certain clan?"
Yami said nothing.
"Could it be the Fortress Clan? No, you'd have the Sphere Eye. Not Apollo either— illumi wiped them out thirteen years ago. Heh. A sad day, that was."
The smirk faded from Chrollo's lips.
"You're not giving me lightning vibes either. So that leaves just one possibility..."
Yami stepped forward, blade gleaming.
"I am Yami, once an assassin of the Empire Kingdom. You've heard of me, haven't you?"
Chrollo blinked—then grinned.
"Hah. The traitor with enough power to rival the ruler's seat. You gave it up for your sister, didn't you? Cute. Let's see if that power was worth it—when your head rolls at my feet!"
The demon raised his hand. A long blade formed—from his own blood.
"My blood is poison. One cut and you die screaming."
Yami raised his own blade.
"Enough talking. Come."
Elsewhere, Dai landed beside a fallen Dante, who groaned, slowly regaining consciousness.
"Sensei... please be okay..."
Dante blinked, the rain hitting his face.
"...Where am I?"
{He's awake. Gotta stay alert. Yami said he's linked to a demon...}
"Dai? Is that you?"
"...Uh—nope. Not me."
"You idiot, I know it's you!"
"Watch it! I'm holding a weapon!"
"Yeah? And I'll gladly take it from you. Where's the demon? I need to stop him—before he destroys everything."
"Yami's handling it."
"...Yami?"
"My sensei. He's strong—taught me everything. He even taught me this cool fire-sword thing!"
Dante rolled his eyes.
"I don't care about your sword. This is personal."
"Personal? Wait—what's up with your energy? Yami said you've got demon energy or something."
Dante froze.
"...He knows?"
"Yeah, but I don't. I can't even read energy yet."
{So he doesn't know anything. But his sensei does.}
"Forget it. Just tell me where they are."
"Over there—"
FWIP.
Before Dai could finish, Dante vanished—bolting toward the battlefield at blinding speed.
"That asshole! Get back here!"
End of Chapter 6