The group arrived at Haunt Island, still trembling from the devastation of their village. The king of the island welcomed them warmly, his eyes sharp yet understanding. “You’ve faced the shadows… and survived. You are safe here,” he said, gesturing to the civilians gathered around, all seeking refuge.

The island, however, was not free from danger. Monsters prowled the forests, their shapes dark and twisted, guided by lingering shadows seeking to attack the kingdom. But the king’s elite soldiers, skilled in both weaponry and Diamond-empowered techniques, defended the kingdom with swift precision. Their blades clashed with the monsters, and arcs of energy lit the evening sky as the invaders were repelled.

Meanwhile, Leenka and Notsu decided to explore the kingdom, weaving through the bustling streets and forests. As they walked, Leenka’s eyes lit up at every young woman they passed. “Wow, look at her! And her! And—oh, that one!” he exclaimed, grinning mischievously.

Notsu shot him a glare. “Focus, Leenka. This is serious. We’re not here for sightseeing.”

“Relax, Notsu! Life is too short not to admire beauty!” Leenka replied with a laugh, dodging a frustrated shove.

---

Back in the king’s castle, Kijotsu remained in his private room. Shadows of rage and trauma haunted him. His mind replayed Kinata’s betrayal, the village’s destruction, the helplessness he felt. Anger coiled around his heart, burning hotter than ever.

Suddenly, he bolted upright. A scream tore from his throat, filled with pure fury. The Diamond flared, arcs of red-orange flames erupting around him. For ten long seconds, he stood enveloped in a berserk aura, shouting through clenched teeth:

“I… WILL DESTROY… EVERYTHING!!”

Flames roared like a storm, licking the ceiling and walls. But the outburst burned him from the inside, draining his energy. He collapsed, unconscious, his aura fading as his body fell limp on the bed.

Soldiers rushed in, weapons drawn, ready to investigate the sudden energy flare. But before anyone could touch him, a timid, beautiful girl with soft blue hair stepped forward. Her voice trembled, gentle yet firm:

“Stop… don’t let your anger control you… please, stop.”

Her words seemed to reach him, even in his unconscious state. The flames around him vanished, leaving him scorched and exhausted. Soldiers carefully lifted him and carried him away to be healed. Kijotsu’s mind caught glimpses of the scene — her face, her words, and the calm she radiated. It was faint, but it planted a seed of restraint deep inside him.

---

Outside the castle, life continued. Leenka and Notsu ventured into the forests, facing monsters, testing their skills, and training relentlessly. Leenka, of course, kept trying to tease or flirt with any girl they encountered, while Notsu scolded him at every turn.

Blades clashed, energies flared, and the forest echoed with the sounds of combat and laughter alike. They hunted, trained, and strategized, preparing themselves for the next shadow attack, slowly growing stronger as a team.

Meanwhile, Kijotsu lay recovering, his body and mind heavy with anger and trauma, yet the faint memory of the blue-haired girl’s calm voice lingered. Deep inside, a restless, burning potential simmered, waiting for the moment he would need it again.

End of Chapter 15.