_________________________________
Chapter 71: A Dangerous Road
Over the next few days, training continued.
April's body adapted.
Herstrikes became sharper.
Herfootwork became firmer.
Herendurance increased.
The other students began to respect her.
Even the girl she had fought before, who introduced herself as Ren, started acknowledging her skills.
But something was brewing beneath the surface.
One evening, after training, April left the dojo and felt it.
She was being watched.
She kept walking, her senses on high alert.
Who the hell is tailing me now?
She turned a corner and, in a blur of motion—vanished into an alley.
She pressed herself against the wall, waiting.
Seconds later, a shadow passed by.
April didn't hesitate.
She struck.
Her hand shot out, grabbing the person by the collar and slamming them against the wall.
"Why are you following me?" she demanded.
The figure—grinned.
"Tch. You got faster."
April's eyes narrowed.
"Vance!"
She tightened her grip. "You've got a lot of nerve showing up here."
Vance's smirk didn't waver. "Relax. I'm not here to fight. I just wanted to see how strong you've gotten."
April's instincts screamed at her.
Something was off.
"You should leave," she warned.
Vance chuckled. "Oh, I will. But tell your little team—Ragnarök isn't done with you."
Then, before she could react, he disappeared.
April clenched her fists.
What the hell is Ragnarök planning now?
____________________________Chapter 72: Ripples in the Dark
April returned to the dojo the next day, but her mind wasn't fully there.
Vance's words echoed in her head.
"Ragnarök isn't done with you."
Of course, they weren't. She had humiliated one of their Executioners. She had gotten stronger—maybe too strong for them to ignore.
She exhaled sharply.
No distractions.
She needed to focus.
_________________________________
Chapter 73: Breaking the Wall
The master watched as April launched herself at the heavy bag, delivering a devastating low kick.
The force rattled the bag, but he wasn't impressed.
"You're still holding back," he stated.
April wiped sweat from her brow. "I'm not."
The master shook his head.
"You fight like a predator—but Kyokushin demands absolute power. No hesitation. No retreat."
He gestured toward a concrete brick.
"Break it."
April frowned. "With my fist?"
He nodded.
She had punched a lot of things—metal, walls, people. But breaking solid concrete was a different level.
April took a breath, focused, then—
Slammed her fist down.
CRACK.
The brick didn't break.
Pain shot up her arm.
The master sighed. "You hesitate at the last second. You fear the pain."
April clenched her jaw.
She hated this feeling.
The master folded his arms. "If you want to to learn further more, you'll need to overcome that hesitation."
April exhaled slowly.
She would.
No matter what.
_________________________________
Chapter 74: The Rumors Begin
Back at school, things had shifted.
April had been keeping a low profile, but whispers followed her.
"Did you see Michelangelo talking to that blind girl again?"
"Tessa hates her. Why is he even friends with her?"
"I don't think she's really blind. It's probably just an act."
April ignored them.
She had bigger problems than highschool drama.
But then—Tessa Lane happened.
_________________________________
Chapter 75: Tessa's Next Move
Lunchtime.
April was seated under a tree, quietly eating.
Then, a shadow loomed over her.
Tessa.
"You've been getting awfully comfortable here," Tessa said sweetly.
April didn't even look up. "And?"
Tessa's tone sharpened. "And I don't like it."
April smirked. "Sounds like a you problem."
Tessa's eyes flashed.
Then—something wet splattered onto April's lap.
April froze.
Tessa had just dumped a carton of milk on her.
The cafeteria went silent.
Everyone watched, waiting for April's reaction.
Tessa smirked. "Oops."
April set down her tray.
Then, without a word—she grabbed Tessa's wrist.
Not hard. Not painfully. Just firm.
Tessa's smirk faltered.
April's silver eyes met hers.
"You can't break me," April said quietly.
Then she let go.
Tessa stumbled back.
April stood, completely unfazed, and walked away.
The crowd whispered.
Tessa's face burned.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.
Chapter 76: A Message from the Shadows
That night, April sat alone in the dojo after training.
She was wiping sweat from her brow when—
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
She opened the message.
"Ultima. We are watching."
Her grip tightened.
Ragnarök.
April exhaled sharply.
If they wanted a fight—
They'd get one.
____________________________Chapter 77: The Mind of Ultima
April sat cross-legged in the darkened dojo, her eyes closed, her breath slow.
She focused—diving into the depths of her consciousness, where Ultima awaited.
The moment she entered that space, the air around her shifted.
A deep, rumbling voice greeted her.
"You are wasting time."
April exhaled, unbothered. Of course Ultima was impatient.
"I'm not," she said calmly.
"Kyokushin Karate is too rigid. Too controlled."
April opened her eyes in the mental space—standing in a vast, dark void. And before her, Ultima stood in its ethereal form: a massive orange colored, lupine beast, its glowing silver eyes piercing through the darkness.
"You are a predator, April. You should be learning something that allows you to fight like one—feral, instinctive, deadly."
April folded her arms. "And that's exactly why I should learn this style."
Ultima growled lowly. "Explain."
April smirked. "Because Ragnarök already knows my past."
The wolf's ears twitched.
April stepped closer. "Every user before me has probably fought the same way. And since Ragnarök killed most of them, I'm willing to bet they have tons of data on your old fighting style."
Ultima didn't respond.
April continued, voice firm. "That means if I fight the same way as the ones before me, I'm predictable. They'll already have a counter for it."
She let that sink in before delivering the final blow.
"But if I learn something new—something they aren't expecting—" she smirked, "—I can turn the tables."
Silence.
Then—
A deep chuckle.
"You are clever, little wolf."
Ultima's silver eyes glowed brighter.
"Very well. But know this—when the time comes, you must embrace both."
April's smirk widened.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Chapter 78: Unseen Footsteps
April snapped out of her meditation, her breathing steady.
But something was off.
The dojo was empty—but she felt it.
Someone was watching.
She stood slowly, every muscle ready for a fight.
Then—
A shadow shifted near the entrance.
April turned sharply.
"Who's there?"
No answer.
But she knew.
Ragnarök was still watching.
Still waiting.
April clenched her fists.
They wouldn't wait forever.
And neither would she.
____________________________Chapter 79: Forging the Predator
April didn't sleep that night.
Even after leaving the dojo, after making it back home, after lying in bed with the covers pulled up to her chin—she felt them.
Ragnarök was watching.
And she needed to be ready.
—
The next morning, April arrived at the dojo before sunrise.
Her master, Hiroshi, was already there, standing in the center of the training hall with his arms crossed.
His presence was like an unmoving mountain—calm, steady, and impossible to shake.
"You're early," he said, not turning to face her.
April bowed slightly. "I want to refine my forms."
Hiroshi finally looked at her, his sharp eyes studying her posture, her breathing, the way her muscles tensed ever so slightly. He could tell something had changed.
"Good," he said simply. Then he stepped forward. "Show me."
April exhaled, emptying her mind, and shifted into a stance. Kyokushin Karate emphasized power, efficiency, and conditioning.
There were no wasted movements. No unnecessary flair. Every strike had a purpose.
She began with the kihon—the fundamental techniques.
A straight punch. A rising block. A low kick.
Each motion was sharp, refined, precise.
Then came kata—predefined forms that simulated real combat scenarios. April moved like flowing water, striking invisible opponents, pivoting, evading, countering. Her dull-orange hair stuck to her forehead, but she ignored it, her focus razor-sharp.
Hiroshi watched without speaking.
Then—
SMACK!
A wooden bokken cracked against her arm.
April gritted her teeth, refusing to flinch.
"Your guard was too low," Hiroshi said, expression unreadable. "Again."
She exhaled, reset, and went again.
Another strike. Another correction. Again. And again.
The training pushed her to exhaustion, but she never wavered.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Hiroshi nodded in approval.
"You're improving," he said. "But you're still holding back."
April straightened, sweat dripping down her back. "How?"
Hiroshi tapped his temple. "You're thinking too much. Your form is flawless, but you hesitate." He gestured at her hands. "Your fists are precise, but they lack intent."
April frowned. "Intent?"
Hiroshi sighed, stepping closer. "You are not here just to learn, April." His voice was firm, but not unkind. "You are here to kill."
She stiffened.
Hiroshi didn't look away. "The style I teach is meant to break opponents. It's meant for survival. If you don't strike with everything—with your mind, your body, your very spirit—you will die when it matters most."
April clenched her fists.
She thought about Ragnarök.
About the people waiting in the shadows.
She met Hiroshi's gaze.
"Then show me."
A small, rare smirk crossed his face.
"Very well."
He raised the bokken again.
And this time—he wouldn't hold back.
Chapter 80: Breaking the Chains
April barely had time to react before Hiroshi lunged.
The wooden sword came down like a guillotine.
April dodged—barely.
WHAM!
The bokken cracked against the floor where she had been standing.
No warning. No hesitation. No mercy.
Hiroshi wasn't just training her.
He was forcing her to fight.
April's instincts kicked in.
She pivoted, aiming a counter-kick at his ribs—
But he caught her foot.
Before she could recover, he twisted—sending her crashing to the ground.
Pain exploded across her back, but she rolled, dodging another downward strike.
He's fast.
Faster than she expected.
April forced herself up, exhaling sharply.
Hiroshi stood a few feet away, holding the bokken in one hand, completely at ease.
"Better," he said. "But still predictable."
April narrowed her eyes.
She wasn't going to win this with just technique.
She had to think beyond the style.
She had to move like a predator.
Her breathing steadied. Her muscles loosened. She let go of rigid movements, allowing herself to flow naturally.
Hiroshi moved first.
April anticipated it.
She shifted her weight at the last second, dodging the strike—
And closed the distance.
Her elbow shot forward.
CRACK!
For the first time, Hiroshi stepped back.
April didn't stop.
She pressed forward—low, quick movements, relentless pressure. She wasn't just reacting anymore. She was hunting.
Then—
The bokken stopped inches from her throat.
Hiroshi grinned.
"Now we're getting somewhere."
April panted, sweat dripping from her chin, but she smirked back.
For the first time since she started training—
She felt like she was truly fighting.
____________________________Chapter 81: Instinct Over Thought
April wiped sweat from her brow, her chest rising and falling in steady breaths.
Hiroshi studied her for a moment, then set the bokken down.
"That's enough for today," he said.
April blinked. "I can keep going."
He raised an eyebrow. "And what would you gain from it?"
She hesitated.
"You're learning," Hiroshi continued, "but training isn't just about endurance. It's about understanding. You fought better just now because you stopped thinking and started feeling."
April exhaled. He was right.
She wasn't just memorizing techniques—she was adapting.
Hiroshi crossed his arms. "When an animal fights, does it stop to think about every movement?"
April shook her head.
"No. It moves. It reacts. It trusts itself. That is what I'm teaching you." He stepped closer. "Not to fight like a human—" his eyes sharpened, "—but like a predator."
April's fingers twitched.
Ultima's words echoed in her mind.
"When the time comes, you must embrace both."
She understood now.
She couldn't just rely on one method. Not Ultima's ferocity, nor Hiroshi's discipline alone. She had to fuse them.
Become something new.
April met Hiroshi's gaze. "Then let's keep going."
A slow grin spread across his face.
"Tomorrow."
April sighed but didn't argue.
She grabbed a towel and turned toward the exit—
Then paused.
The feeling was back.
That presence.
She tensed, her breath steadying.
Hiroshi noticed. "What is it?"
April turned her head slightly, scanning the shadows outside the dojo.
For a brief second—just barely—she saw it.
A figure, standing far off in the distance. Watching.
Then, they were gone.
She clenched her fists.
"Nothing," she muttered.
Hiroshi's eyes lingered on her before he nodded.
"Go home. Get some rest."
April forced herself to walk away.
But in her mind—
She knew.
They were still watching.
Still waiting.
April grinned wide as a feeling of completion run through her whole body.
And soon—
She would be ready.
____________________________Chapter 82: The Stance of the Future
April stood alone in the training hall at HQ.
The dim lights above cast long shadows, and the air was thick with quiet focus.
Her muscles ached from yesterday's session with Hiroshi, but she ignored it.
Tonight was different.
She slowly raised her left arm diagonally, forming a defensive forearm guard over her head and upper body.
Her right arm extended forward, fist clenched tightly, ready to strike or counter in an instant.
Shoulders slightly squared but angled forward—perfect balance between offense and defense.
A stance built for survival.
For battle.
For hunting.
April inhaled, feeling the tension in her core.
She stepped forward.
A sharp, precise punch cut through the air.
She shifted, her weight shifting seamlessly, and followed up with a low kick, pivoting smoothly back into stance.
Again.
Punch. Block. Kick. Counter.
Each movement was sharper. Faster.
Her body moved instinctively, reacting without thought—only intent.
She felt it now.
The merging of everything she had learned.
Kyokushin's precision. Ultima's ferocity. Her own instincts.
She struck forward—fist snapping with explosive force—
And stopped just before hitting the training dummy.
The air around her pulsed.
Something's different.
April narrowed her eyes.
Her attacks were sharper than before. More refined.
Her mind replayed Hiroshi's words.
"Your fists are precise, but they lack intent."
This time—
She felt the intent.
Her fingers twitched, but she didn't move.
A slow exhale.
Then—
She shifted.
Her right fist snapped out like a viper—
BAM!
The training dummy shook violently, nearly tipping over.
April stepped back, studying her hand.
Her strength wasn't what changed.
It was her execution.
Everything in that moment—her stance, her weight, her breath—had lined up perfectly.
She exhaled sharply, returning to stance.
This wasn't just about being stronger.
This was about becoming unstoppable.
And Ragnarök wouldn't see it coming.
____________________________Chapter 83: Proof of Growth
April stood across from Hiroshi in the dojo, her stance solid, her breath steady.
The morning light filtered through the paper windows, casting long streaks of gold across the polished wooden floor.
Hiroshi rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck. "Let's see if you've truly learned anything."
April didn't answer.
She moved.
A burst of speed—she lunged forward, her right fist snapping out toward his ribs.
Hiroshi sidestepped, his hand swatting away her punch with effortless precision.
"Too direct," he muttered—
April spun into a low kick, pivoting off her heel—
Hiroshi jumped back, but her foot grazed his shin.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
She pressed forward.
Left arm guarding, right fist striking—quick, controlled bursts of power.
Hiroshi blocked, dodged, countered—yet April kept adapting. Her attacks were sharper, her stance shifting seamlessly.
She wasn't thinking anymore.
She was fighting.
Then—
Hiroshi moved.
Faster than before.
His elbow shot forward, aiming for her sternum.
April reacted.
Her left forearm snapped up, deflecting the strike while her right hand twisted into a reverse punch—
BAM!
Her fist stopped an inch from Hiroshi's chest.
Silence.
Then—
A small chuckle.
Hiroshi stepped back, lowering his arms.
"You've improved," he admitted. "But more than that—" he studied her stance, "—you've understood."
April exhaled, lowering her guard.
He wasn't talking about the technique anymore.
He was talking about her intent.
She nodded. "Thank you, Master."
Hiroshi smirked. "Don't thank me yet. You still have more to learn."
April grinned.
She wouldn't have it any other way.
Chapter 84: The Unknown Factor
Two weeks later.
The underground HQ training hall was alive with movement.
April stood in the center of the sparring ring, her expression calm, her stance loose.
Across from her, Jax cracked his knuckles.
He wasn't holding back today.
"You sure you're ready?" he asked, rolling his shoulders.
April smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."
Jax let out a short laugh. "Alright then."
He charged.
His movements were different from before—sharper, more refined.
He wasn't just brawling anymore. He was using his own martial art.
April sidestepped—Jax pivoted, his fist grazing her ribs before she blocked.
He followed up instantly, his knee shooting up toward her gut—
April twisted, narrowly dodging, before countering with a right hook.
Jax blocked.
A low kick.
A feint.
A counter.
Their fight was fast, a blur of movements and shifting stances.
The others watched in stunned silence.
April had always been a powerful fighter—but now?
Now, she was calculating.
"She's keeping up," one of the onlookers muttered.
Jax smirked. "Not bad, April."
April smirked back. "Not done either."
Then—
She changed.
Her stance shifted.
Feet firm. Guard raised. Shoulders squared.
Jax's smirk faltered.
He recognized that stance.
But it wasn't the one he was expecting.
April exploded forward.
Kyokushin Karate.
Her right fist shot out—a straight, powerful punch—Jax blocked, but the force pushed him back.
April didn't stop.
A low kick—a perfect Kyokushin counter—struck his thigh, disrupting his balance.
Jax cursed under his breath, shifting back—
But April was already on him.
A rapid barrage of punches and kicks—not wild, not reckless, but disciplined and relentless.
Jax barely managed to block, his arms burning from the impact.
The others watching stiffened.
She was fighting differently.
Even the leader, who had been observing from the shadows, narrowed his eyes.
They had expected her to use the old fighting style—the one every previous Gear user had relied on.
But she had adapted.
She had evolved.
And now—
She was unpredictable.
Jax gritted his teeth, trying to find an opening—
April feinted left—then slammed her fist into his stomach.
BAM!
Jax staggered.
April stepped back, fists still raised.
Silence.
Then—
Jax laughed, shaking his head. "Damn, April." He rubbed his ribs. "Didn't see that coming."
April smirked. "That was the point."
From the shadows, the leader watched carefully.
This was different.
This was dangerous.
April wasn't just strong.
She was a threat.
And Ragnarök wouldn't be ready for what was coming.
____________________________Chapter 85: The Fangs of the Serpent
April exhaled slowly, her stance shifting once more.
The others, including Jax, noticed immediately.
Her rigid Kyokushin form melted away—her shoulders lowered, her posture loosened, her hands flattened, fingers held tight together.
She flowed like water, circling Jax instead of clashing head-on.
Jax narrowed his eyes.
He lunged—
April weaved.
His fist shot forward, but instead of blocking, April let it slide past her, her body twisting with a serpentine motion.
Then—
Her hand chopped down like a blade, striking his wrist.
Jax flinched.
A small, sharp pain pulsed through his forearm.
Not a normal punch—something more precise.
April struck again, this time slicing at his shoulder with the edge of her hand.
Jax barely twisted away, but April was already inside his guard—
A sharp, quick jab to his ribs, not with her fist, but the side of her knuckles.
Jax stumbled back, shocked.
"What the hell kind of style is that?" someone muttered from the sidelines.
April's movements were alien—they weren't structured like Karate, nor were they the raw, brute-force strikes of a brawler.
She slithered between attacks, her hands snapping out like a viper's fangs, striking at weak points before pulling away.
Jax reset his stance. "Alright then…"
He charged again—this time, feinting high and swinging low.
April sidestepped, her hand slicing outward, meeting his incoming punch at the forearm.
Instead of blocking, she redirected the momentum—
Jax overstepped.
April spun, her elbow slamming into his jaw.
Jax gritted his teeth, stumbling back.
The others watching stiffened.
She was winning.
Not through brute strength.
Not through pure speed.
But through adaptation.
From the shadows, the leader observed closely, his gaze unreadable.
April was no longer just another Gear user.
She was something new.
Something unpredictable.
And for the first time…
He smiled.
____________________________Chapter 86: The Weapon Chooses You
The impact of April's elbow strike still echoed in the air when the leader finally stepped forward.
"Enough."
His voice was calm but absolute.
April and Jax immediately separated, both breathing hard.
Jax rubbed his jaw, shaking his head with a chuckle.
"Damn, you're full of surprises."
April smirked but kept her focus on the leader, who studied her with a look of approval.
"You've proven yourself," he said. "Follow me."
The team exchanged glances before silently falling in line behind him.
—
HQ Weapon Department
They walked through the halls of the HQ, eventually stopping in front of a reinforced steel door.
The leader placed his hand on a panel, and with a heavy clunk, the door slid open.
Inside, rows upon rows of weapons gleamed under the bright white lights.
Swords, daggers, axes, and more—all perfectly maintained, each exuding an aura of deadliness.
April's eyes roamed over them, but before she could ask anything, the leader spoke.
"You're close," he said. "Close to breaking the Third Barrier."
April frowned. "And that means…?"
"It means you need a weapon."
She blinked. "How do I choose one?"
The leader smirked slightly. "You don't."
April raised an eyebrow.
"The weapon will choose you," he continued. "When you lay eyes on it, you'll know. It will feel like it's always belonged to you."
April turned back to the countless weapons.
And she searched.
She passed by swords that radiated power.
Daggers that hummed with hidden potential. Even a pair of gauntlets that crackled with energy.
None of them felt right.
Then—
She stopped.
Her gaze landed on a spear mounted on the wall.
Long, sleek, and deadly, its black shaft was reinforced with silver etchings, glowing faintly under the lights. The blade at the tip was slightly curved, almost like a fang.
April reached out—
And the moment her fingers wrapped around it, a pulse shot through her.
The weapon felt perfect in her hands, as if it had been waiting for her all along.
She turned back to the leader, eyes firm.
"This is the one."
The leader gave a single nod. "Good."
He motioned for her to follow once more.
"Now, we begin the next step."
—
The leader took out a strange pebble-like stone.
"Hold still," he instructed.
April didn't even have time to react before he pressed it against her sigil.
A strange sensation rushed through her.
It wasn't painful—more like a deep scan running through her entire being.
"What the hell was that?" she asked, shaking off the tingling feeling.
The leader held up the stone, now glowing faintly. "This is a Lincy. It reads the coded data from your Gear through your sigil."
April frowned. "And what's it for?"
Jax stepped forward, arms crossed. "It's what allows us to make your Coded Sigil."
"Coded Sigil?"
"When a warrior has mastered both martial arts and weapon combat, their Gear evolves. A Coded Sigil lets you turn your sigil into a physical weapon—one that's made specifically for you."
April's eyes widened slightly. "So… my sigil becomes my spear?"
"Exactly," Jax confirmed.
The leader pocketed the glowing Lincy.
"Not just that. It also tells us the perfect material needed to craft your battle gear."
April raised an eyebrow. "Battle gear?"
The leader smirked. "You think you'll just fight in whatever outfit you're wearing? The Lincy records everything about you—your fighting style, strengths, weaknesses, and transformations. When your Gear evolves, it will automatically adjust your outfit, armor, and even your weapon's form to fit your combat needs."
April glanced at the spear in her hand, gripping it tighter.
"So my Gear will literally grow with me…"
The leader nodded. "Exactly."
April's lips curled into a smirk.
"Now that's interesting."
____________________________Chapter 87: Breaking the Third Barrier
April spun the spear in her hands, testing its weight. It was perfect—almost too perfect.
Jax and the others watched her with arms crossed, their expressions serious.
"You know why you beat Vance so easily last time, right?" Jax finally spoke.
April raised an eyebrow. "Because I was stronger?"
Jax let out a short laugh. "Partly. But the real reason is that he wasn't using martial arts or his Coded Sigil."
April narrowed her eyes. "So you're saying… if we fought again—"
"He'd be a completely different opponent," Jax confirmed. "His Gear, his style—it'll be on another level. Next time, he will be using martial arts and his Coded Sigil."
April clenched her jaw. She had barely struggled against Vance in their last fight. But if what they were saying was true…
"That means I need to break through the Third Barrier—fast," she muttered.
Jax nodded. "If you don't, you won't be able to match him."
The leader stepped forward, arms behind his back. "Fortunately, you're close. I'll have everything ready in two days—your weapon's Coded Sigil, your battle gear, everything. Until then, you're free to go."
April let out a breath. "Got it."
She glanced down at the spear one more time before following the others out.
—
The next morning, April stepped onto westgate high, her spear and training pushed to the back of her mind—for now.
She adjusted her bag and let out a quiet sigh.
Back to pretending to be a normal student.
Her classmates were already gathered in small groups, chatting about weekend plans and upcoming tests.
April walked toward her classroom, her movements smooth and effortless.
Ever since she started training, even simple actions—like walking—felt sharper, more controlled.
She could feel the eyes on her.
It wasn't unusual. After all, she was the blind girl who never actually seemed blind.
As she approached her seat, a familiar voice called out.
"Well, well. Look who decided to show up."
April didn't even have to turn to recognize the voice.
Tessa Lane.
The so-called Queen Bee.
April smirked to herself. Here we go again.
____________________________Chapter 88: The Queen Bee's Next Move
April calmly took her seat, unbothered by the eyes watching her.
She could already hear Tessa Lane approaching, heels clicking against the classroom floor with her usual confidence.
"Blind girl," Tessa's voice was coated with fake sweetness. "You seem… different."
April didn't react immediately. Instead, she casually set her bag down and folded her hands on her desk.
"Oh?" she finally said. "And what exactly seems different?"
Tessa leaned in slightly, lowering her voice so only April could hear. "I don't know… but you're walking too confidently. Like you see something."
April smirked. "Maybe I just know where I'm going."
Tessa clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Or maybe you've been lying to everyone this whole time."
April sighed. "And what exactly would I gain from that?"
Tessa didn't answer right away, but April could tell she was trying to think of something—anything—to keep up the conversation.
Then, a new voice joined in.
"You're just mad because she carries herself better than you do."
April turned slightly.
Mickey.
He had one arm casually resting on his desk, watching the interaction with mild amusement.
Tessa scoffed. "Oh, please. She's faking it."
April smiled. "Faking what? Existing?"
A few students nearby snickered.
Tessa's expression twitched, but before she could throw another insult, the teacher walked in.
"Take your seats," the teacher called. "Class is starting."
Tessa shot one last glare at April before storming to her seat.
April let out a breath and leaned back slightly.
Mickey smirked at her. "You really love messing with her, huh?"
April chuckled. "It's too easy."
But as class began, she couldn't shake the feeling that Tessa wasn't done.
Not yet.
____________________________Chapter 89: A Game of Shadows
The rest of the school day passed without any direct confrontations, but April knew better than to assume Tessa had given up.
If anything, the silence meant she was planning something.
During lunch, April sat at her usual spot near the window, absentmindedly tapping her fingers against her tray.
Mickey sat across from her, casually scrolling through his phone.
"You're thinking too hard," he said without looking up.
April smirked. "Am I?"
Mickey glanced at her. "Yeah. Let me guess—Queen Bee's got you on edge?"
April shook her head. "Not on edge. Just… aware."
Mickey chuckled. "That's just a fancy way of saying 'on edge.'"
Before April could respond, a sudden hush fell over the cafeteria.
She already knew why.
Tessa Lane was making an entrance.
April heard the clicking of heels approaching, followed by the light sound of a tray being set down.
"Mind if I sit?" Tessa's voice was deceptively pleasant.
April didn't even glance up. "Does it matter?"
Tessa laughed lightly and took a seat.
"You're so cold, April. It's a little rude, don't you think?"
Mickey tensed slightly, but April remained relaxed.
"What do you want?" April asked.
Tessa sighed dramatically. "I just wanted to talk—but fine, let's skip to the point." She leaned in slightly. "You might think you're untouchable, but let me remind you—you're not."
April finally turned her head slightly in Tessa's direction. "Is that a threat?"
Tessa smiled. "It's a promise."
April held her gaze. "Then you should know something too."
Tessa raised a brow.
April smirked. "You're playing a game you already lost."
Tessa's expression faltered for just a second—so brief most wouldn't have caught it. But April did.
She stood up, grabbing her tray. "Enjoy your lunch."
With that, she walked away, leaving Tessa to stew in her own frustration.
Mickey quickly followed.
"You really know how to get under her skin," he said, amused.
April shrugged. "She makes it too easy."
But deep down, she knew this was just the beginning.
Tessa would strike back.
And April would be ready.
____________________________Chapter 90: The First Move
Tessa Lane wasn't the type to take a loss gracefully. If anything, it only made her more determined.
April knew this.
So when the school day ended without incident, she wasn't relieved—she was waiting.
She walked toward the school gates, hands in her pockets, Mickey beside her.
His usual laid-back demeanor hadn't changed, but April could tell he was on alert.
"You think she's gonna try something today?" he asked.
April tilted her head slightly. "Not directly. She's smarter than that."
As if on cue, a familiar voice called out.
"April!"
She turned, already recognizing the voice.
It was Grace Moreau—one of Tessa's so-called friends. But unlike the others, Grace wasn't just a follower. She had a sharp mind and knew how to manipulate people in ways even Tessa couldn't.
April stopped walking. "Something you need?"
Grace gave her a polite smile, but her eyes held something else. "I was wondering if we could talk for a second. Alone."
April arched a brow. "And why would I do that?"
Mickey stepped forward, but April subtly motioned for him to hold back.
Grace shrugged. "It's about Tessa."
April exhaled through her nose. "Of course it is."
Grace's smile didn't waver. "I think you'll want to hear this."
April studied her for a moment before nodding. "Fine."
Mickey hesitated before stepping back. "I'll be close," he muttered.
Grace led April a short distance away, just enough to be out of earshot.
Then she sighed. "Look, I'm not gonna pretend I don't like Tessa, but…" She hesitated. "She's planning something big. And this time, it's not just some dumb rumor or petty trick."
April's expression remained unreadable.
"Go on."
Grace lowered her voice. "She found out something about you. Something she thinks can really mess you up."
April didn't react outwardly, but inside, she felt a small flicker of interest.
"Oh?" she said coolly. "And what exactly did she find out?"
Grace hesitated again, then shook her head. "I don't know the full details, but she's excited about it. She said something about 'shattering the perfect image.'"
April's mind worked fast.
Shattering the perfect image?
She had a few guesses as to what Tessa might be trying to dig up. But none of them were things she hadn't already prepared for.
Still, the fact that Grace was warning her meant something.
April crossed her arms. "And why are you telling me this?"
Grace sighed. "Because I don't think you deserve whatever she's planning."
April studied her. "You don't strike me as the helpful type, Grace."
Grace gave a small smirk. "I'm not. But I am the type who dislikes watching people get crushed unfairly."
April held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "Noted."
Grace stepped back. "Just… be careful. Tessa doesn't play fair."
April smirked. "Neither do I."
Grace chuckled, shaking her head before walking away.
April turned, heading back to Mickey.
"So?" he asked.
April's smirk faded slightly. "Tessa's planning something big."
Mickey sighed. "Well, that's annoying."
April nodded. "Yeah. But let's see who plays the better game."
____________________________Chapter 91: Breaking Point
April sat alone in her room that night, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. Grace's words echoed in her mind.
"Tessa's up to something big. She's been way too quiet."
It had been a relatively uneventful week at school, but that only meant one thing—Tessa was planning something far worse than her usual mind games.
Then, the news dropped.
By morning, the whispers had already started.
"Did you hear? About April…?"
"Yeah, I thought it was just a rumor, but…"
"God, that's messed up. Her own father?"
April entered the school gates, her every step in sync with the suffocating stares that burned into her from all directions.
They knew.
Her chest tightened, but her face remained unreadable.
She had trained for this—she wouldn't give them a reaction.
But then—
"Hey, April!"
She turned.
Tessa stood at the top of the stairs, arms folded, a smirk tugging at her perfect lips.
"Must be so humiliating," Tessa said, voice dripping with false sympathy. "Everyone knows now. I mean, it's not your fault, of course, but…" She sighed dramatically.
"Losing your virginity that way? Wow. That's rough."
The hallway froze. No one spoke. No one even breathed.
April didn't react.
Not yet.
Tessa tilted her head. "Oh? You're not going to say anything? You're always so composed—I bet it kills you inside, though."
April met her eyes. Cold. Unwavering.
But deep inside, something boiled.
She had survived worse.
She had killed worse.
And if Tessa thought she could break her—
April took a step forward.
Tessa took a step back.
Just an inch, but April noticed.
"You done?" April asked flatly.
Tessa frowned. "What?"
April's voice was quiet, but it carried through the hall.
"You said what you wanted to say. So I'm asking—are you done?"
Tessa opened her mouth, but—
April stepped closer.
Tessa's breath hitched.
April leaned in, her voice a whisper only Tessa could hear.
"You think this is breaking me? You think I didn't already claw my way out of that hell?"
She smiled—cold and merciless. "Tessa, you just made a mistake."
Tessa swallowed.
April walked away.
And the school kept watching.
____________________________Chapter 92: Forged for War
April stood in the dimly lit training hall of the HQ, arms crossed, waiting.
Jax and the others stood nearby, watching as their leader approached.
His gaze was unreadable as he carried a long, black case in one hand and a smaller box in the other.
"It's done," he said simply.
The room tensed.
April took a step forward, eyes locked on the case as the leader knelt and unlatched it.
A metallic hiss filled the air as the case opened—inside, resting on a velvet-like material, was her spear.
It was sleek, deadly, and unlike anything she had ever seen before.
Midnight-black with silver edges, the shaft was reinforced with an unknown alloy, giving it both strength and flexibility.
The spearhead itself had a drill-like mechanism, sharp and coiled, designed to rotate at high speeds upon impact.
The leader's voice cut through the silence.
"This is Spiral Fang—a weapon made for precision and devastation. The rotating spearhead increases penetration power and allows for sustained attacks, making it a nightmare for anyone caught in its path."
April reached forward, fingers wrapping around the spear. It felt right. As if it had been waiting for her all along.
The leader wasn't finished. He lifted the smaller box, flipping it open to reveal a pair of gauntlets.
"These—" he held them up "—are built to match your spear. The Drill Claws."
The gauntlets were a dark silver, with a sleek, claw-like design. Embedded into the forearm plating were miniature rotary drills, meant to activate with each strike, tearing through armor, flesh, and even solid walls.
Jax let out a low whistle. "Damn. You're gonna be a monster with those."
April smirked, flexing her fingers inside the gauntlets as they adjusted to her grip.
Then, the leader turned to the rest of the group.
"Now, it's time you all show her yours."
Jax grinned, stepping forward first.
He unsheathed two identical weapons from his back—twin bladed tonfas. The weapons gleamed under the dim lights, their edges razor-sharp.
"These babies are called Havoc Strikes." He twirled them in his hands.
"They can shift between blunt and bladed combat, and they've got built-in shock emitters that amplify my strikes with concussive force."
Saya followed next, revealing a pitch-black daggers lined with intricate engravings.
"Phantom Requiem." Her voice was calm.
One by one, the others revealed their weapons—each unique, each deadly.
April's grip tightened on Spiral Fang.
She was ready.
And soon—she'd break the Third Barrier.
____________________________Chapter 93: Breaking the Third Barrier
The moment had arrived.
April stood in the HQ's training hall, her hands gripping Spiral Fang as the others watched in anticipation.
The leader stood a few feet away, arms crossed.
"April," he said, his voice firm. "You've mastered martial arts. You've bonded with your weapon. Now, you need to take the next step—breaking the Third Barrier."
She took a deep breath. She knew what this meant.
The First Barrier was the body—physical strength and endurance. The Second Barrier was the mind—tactical thinking and battle instincts.
The Third Barrier?
It was complete synchronization between body, weapon, and Gear. It was the moment where she would push beyond human limitations.
Jax stepped forward. "You know how this works, April. You don't just break the Third Barrier—you force your body to break past it."
She nodded. There was only one way to do it.
A battle.
Jax cracked his knuckles. "And I'm your opponent."
The leader nodded. "Fight him with everything you have. If you hold back, you'll never break through."
April exhaled sharply. Her body tensed as she lowered herself into her combat stance.
Jax smirked. "Let's see what you've got."
And then—he vanished.
April barely had time to react before a strike came from her left.
She twisted, raising Spiral Fang to block just in time as Jax's tonfa slammed into it, sending vibrations up her arms.
He's faster than before.
Jax didn't let up. He spun, his other tonfa aiming for her ribs.
April ducked. Her Drill Claws activated with a sharp whir, and she lunged, swiping at Jax's chest.
CLASH!
Jax parried with a quick block, his tonfas vibrating with shock energy. The force sent April skidding back.
She narrowed her eyes.
She wasn't going to win like this.
Not like this.
She needed more.
Jax came at her again—this time, faster.
His movements were a blur. Her mind could barely keep up.
Her heart pounded.
Her muscles burned.
Something inside her screamed.
BREAK THROUGH.
And then—
—it happened.
A sudden surge of energy erupted from within her. Her body felt lighter. Her reflexes sharpened. Her mind cleared.
And for the first time—she saw it.
The movements. The patterns. The rhythm of battle.
Jax's next strike came—but this time, she moved before he did.
Her body twisted instinctively, her spear spinning in her grip.
Spiral Fangwhirred to life, its drill tip rotating at high speed. April sidestepped, her spear slicing through the air with precision.
Jax's eyes widened—too late.
Her spear's edge grazed his shoulder, cutting through his uniform.
She had broken through.
The Third Barrier.
Silence filled the training hall.
April stood there, her breath steady, Spiral Fang humming in her hands.
Jax exhaled, shaking his head with a grin.
"Damn. You really did it."
The leader nodded, approval in his eyes.
"You've stepped into a new realm, April. From this moment on, you're no longer just a fighter."
"You're a warrior."
Chapter 94: The Call to Battle
April sat in class, fingers tapping rhythmically on her desk.
Though she couldn't see the board, her mind worked faster than most, absorbing the teacher's words while simultaneously filtering the murmurs and whispers around her.
She knew people were still talking about the rumors Tessa had spread, but at this point, she didn't care.
Her focus was elsewhere.
Her new spear.
Her new gauntlets.
The Third Barrier—broken.
She could feel the power within her, a coiled force waiting to be unleashed.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the day.
As April gathered her things, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She picked up immediately.
"April." Jax's voice was sharp, urgent.
"We've got a battle. Get to the coordinates I'm sending now."
April didn't hesitate. "On it."
She slipped through the hallways, ignoring the stares and whispers.
Within minutes, she was outside, moving with purpose. A black car was already waiting for her. She slid in, and the driver took off without a word.
As she rode, she checked the coordinates—an abandoned factory on the outskirts of town.
A trap? Maybe.
A challenge? Definitely.
April smirked. Perfect.
Chapter 95: The Gathering Storm
The factory loomed ahead—rusted metal, shattered windows, the stench of decay.
The moment April stepped out of the car, she sensed them.
3 other Gear energy's. Besides her pack.
Jax and the others were already waiting for her inside, standing in the open space of the factory floor.
Shafts of light streamed through the broken ceiling, illuminating the dust in the air.
April walked up, her gaze fixed on Vance.
He was smirking, but she could tell—he was wary.
He knows I've gotten stronger.
But he wasn't alone. Standing beside him was another Gear user. And a third figure, watching silently from a distance.
Jax stepped forward, voice low. "We have a problem."
He nodded toward the third figure. "That one's a Zodiac Gear user."
April's grip tightened around her spear.
Zodiac Gears—one of a kind, stronger than most. This fight just got serious.
Saya cracked her knuckles. "I'll take care of them."
Jax nodded. "We'll back you up if needed."
With the teams set, the battle was about to begin.
Chapter 96: Beasts Unleashed
Vance took a step forward, rolling his shoulders. "I want to see how much you've really grown, April."
April smirked. "Then stop talking and fight."
Vance's Gear: Animalistic Type – Black Viper.
Vance's body moved like a serpent, fluid and unpredictable. His strikes were fast, his counterattacks venomous.
But April was ready.
She met him blow for blow, mirroring his movements with the same martial arts he had once used against her.
His eyes widened. "You—?!"
She had learned everything.
Meanwhile, Saya faced off against the Zodiac Gear user.
Their form shifted, flickering between two states—one aggressive, one defensive.
Saya grinned. "Let's see how you handle me."
Back to April and Vance—he wasn't alone.
Vance's partner: Animalistic Type – Iron Rhino.
A powerhouse, built like a tank, with devastating force behind each strike.
Two-on-one.
And yet—April was keeping up.
But then—
Vance's body shifted. His fangs elongated, his muscles tensed.
Coded Sigil: Black Viper Fang.
His movements became even faster, deadlier.
April grinned. Time to push further.
She didn't pull out her spear yet. Instead, she relied on speed and technique—until both Vance and his partner activated—
Takeover Mode.
Their bodies expanded, metal plating forming over them. They had fully become their beasts.
Vance—the Black Viper, a massive mechanical serpent.
His partner—the Iron Rhino, a hulking steel behemoth.
April closed her eyes.
She took a breath.
Then—
Partial Takeover.
Her body pulsed with energy. Her muscles tensed, her senses sharpened. Her hair grew wild, covering her eyes, but she didn't need them.
A new presence awakened within her.
The Bite had begun.
____________________________Chapter 97: Unleashing True Terror
The air inside the abandoned factory was suffocating, thick with dust, heat, and the scent of burning metal.
April and Vance clashed over and over, their blows shaking the very foundations of the crumbling structure.
April's Partial Takeover had given her an overwhelming edge—her speed, her instincts, and her strength had far surpassed Vance's expectations.
But he wasn't done yet.
Vance's massive serpent-like Takeover Form lunged again, but April caught his jaw mid-strike, planting her feet into the broken concrete.
The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves throughout the factory, causing steel beams to tremble.
Then, with a twisted grin, she threw him.
Vance's gigantic body was hurled like a ragdoll, crashing through several reinforced pillars before slamming into the far wall.
Chunks of concrete and metal collapsed over him.
April spat blood, rolling her shoulders. "Is that it?"
Vance's body twitched beneath the rubble. Then, something shifted.
His Takeover Form began to glow.
April's eyes narrowed as she stepped back, gripping her spear tightly.
Rage Mode.
Vance's entire body turned a deep, hot red—his form pulsating like molten metal, steam rising from his frame as his power surged to terrifying new heights.
He let out a deafening, monstrous hiss as his glowing, overcharged body burst from the debris, his speed now doubling, his attacks becoming utterly savage.
April barely dodged the first strike before—
BOOOOOM!
His tail ripped through the floor, causing a violent explosion that sent waves of destruction through the factory.
Walls shattered, entire floors collapsed, and the battlefield turned into a war zone.
April smirked, wiping dust from her face.
"Now we're talking."
She didn't stop. She fought harder. Faster.
Every strike she landed cracked Vance's molten armor, splitting his red-hot plating as blood and sparks flew.
Vance's roars grew desperate.
But April was relentless.
She dodged an incoming tail strike, then drove her knee into his ribs, cracking them apart.
She followed up with a spinning kick, smashing his jaw into the ground, breaking his fangs one by one.
CRACK!
Vance screamed.
April didn't stop.
SNAP!
She ripped off his left leg.
SPLURT!
Blood gushed out as Vance collapsed, unable to even scream in pain.
April then grabbed his arm—and in one clean motion—tore it off.
Vance's breathing was ragged, his molten body flickering, barely able to maintain its Rage Mode.
April grabbed him by the throat, dragging his broken body forward.
"You're not dying yet."
Vance, barely conscious, wheezed, "Y-you… monster…"
April's expression was blank. "Watch."
She forced his gaze toward Saya's battle.
—
The abandoned factory shook with every exchange. Sparks flew as fists collided.
A metallic howl echoed through the air.
Saya skidded back, her arms burning from blocking. Her breath came heavy, but her grin never faded.
Across from her, the unknown Gear user stood, their dual wolf entities prowling beside them.
Each beast mirrored its master's movements, weaving between offense and defense with perfect synchronization.
"You're good," Saya admitted, wiping a trickle of blood from her lip.
The Zodiac user exhaled, their eyes sharp. "You won't win."
Saya chuckled. "You're right. I won't win like this. Zodiac Gemini Howl user."
Then—she let loose.
Her entire body ignited with an electric-black aura, surging like a storm.
The air cracked. The factory trembled.
Takeover Mode: ACTIVATED.
Saya's form twisted, expanding, morphing into something monstrous.
Her sleek frame exploded with jet-black cybernetic plating, her fingers extending into wicked claws. A long cybernetic tail whipped behind her, segmented like a whip.
Her helmet reshaped into a panther's snarl, glowing violet eyes glaring from the shadows.
A beast's growl rumbled from her throat.
Then—she pounced.
The Zodiac user barely reacted before Saya blitzed them.
A black streak of death tore through the battlefield. One of the Gemini wolves lunged to intercept—Saya's cybernetic claws ripped through its throat.
BOOM!
The beast exploded into pure energy.
The Gemini user staggered, coughing up blood. The pain feedback of their Gear hit them instantly.
"Shit—"
Saya was already behind them.
A metallic claw SLAMMED into their ribs, sending them flying through a concrete pillar.
The impact cracked steel, shaking the factory's foundation.
The surviving Gemini wolf tried to retaliate, lunging for Saya's throat—
She caught it in her jaws.
CRACK!
With a vicious bite, she snapped its spine.
The Zodiac user screamed, feeling the pain ripple through their body. Their knees buckled.
But Saya wasn't finished.
She dashed forward, grabbed the Gemini user's entire torso, and lifted them over her head.
Then—she PILEDRIVED them through the factory floor.
THOOOOOOOM!
The entire building collapsed inward, debris and dust rising like a mushroom cloud.
Silence.
When the dust settled—
Saya stood unscathed, her cybernetic form dissolving back into her human body.
She cracked her knuckles.
"That was fun."
—
April turned back to Vance, his body barely holding together after watching Saya's battle. His Rage Mode had burned out.
April lifted her spear, its drill spinning violently.
Vance let out a weak, bitter laugh.
"You're… terrifying…"
April smirked. "I know."
Then—she plunged the spear into his mouth.
The moment the drill connected to his fangs, his sigil shattered.
Vance's entire body disintegrated, breaking apart like fragmented glass, until all that remained was a tiny, glowing sphere.
The Sigil Core.
A small orb, covered in endless spiraling codes, pulsing with unstable energy.
April stared at it in silence. Then, she grabbed it.
The battle was over.
And Vance was no more.
____________________________Chapter 98: Questions & Answers
The factory was a ruined battlefield.
Smoke drifted through the shattered metal beams, the air thick with the scent of scorched concrete and blood.
The only sounds were the distant hum of cooling metal and the faint crackling of dying flames.
April stood over Vance's destroyed remains, holding his Sigil Core in her hand. The tiny orb pulsed, its spiraling codes shifting like a dying heartbeat.
Saya walked over, brushing blood from her lip, her usual smirk still present. "Well, that was a good fight. I feel great."
Jax and the rest of the team approached cautiously. Their eyes locked on April.
Jax was the first to speak. "April… when the hell did you unlock Bite?"
April turned toward them, her Partial Takeover Form fading. Her hair settled back, no longer obscuring her face, but her eyes remained sharp and unreadable.
She tilted her head slightly. "Bite?"
Jax crossed his arms. "Don't play dumb. That Partial Takeover—you fused perfectly with your Gear. It was like you and your Gear were acting as one mind, one body." He narrowed his eyes.
"That's not something that just happens. It's the true Bite, isn't it?"
The others exchanged glances.
Saya wiped dirt off her face, intrigued.
"Yeah, now that I think about it, you were… different. You weren't even talking much. It was like something clicked inside you. What changed?"
April looked down at the Sigil Core in her palm, rolling it between her fingers.
Then, without looking up, she answered.
"It wasn't a matter of unlocking it. It was always there."
Jax's eyes widened slightly. "What?"
April finally met his gaze. "I've always had a connection to my Gear. Ever since the moment it awakened inside me, I could feel it. At first, it was overwhelming… like having another presence in my head, whispering, waiting. But when I broke the Third Barrier and mastered my spear, something… shifted."
She tossed the Sigil Core into the air, then caught it. "I stopped resisting it. I let it in."
Saya grinned, eyes gleaming with excitement. "So you just instinctively merged with it? Just like that?"
April shrugged. "Something like that."
Jax narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
"That's insane. Most Gear users struggle for years to control their instincts when merging with their Gear's will. But you? You did it naturally."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "No wonder you were wiping the floor with Vance and his partner. They had no idea what they were dealing with."
The team exchanged glances, the weight of the realization settling in.
April had become something far beyond an ordinary Gear user.
Saya let out a laugh, resting her hands on her hips. "Well, shit. No wonder Vance pissed himself." She nudged April with her elbow. "You're a goddamn monster now."
April simply smiled. "I always was."
Jax studied her for a moment before shaking his head. "This changes everything. If you've unlocked true Bite, then you're already ahead of most high-level Gear users."
His expression turned serious. "But that also means we have to be even more careful. If people find out what you can do, they'll start coming after you."
April didn't react, her grip tightening around the Sigil Core.
She knew.
She knew that she had stepped into uncharted territory.
And now, the real battles would begin.
____________________________Chapter 99: The Crumbling Barrier
April stood in the ruined factory, the Sigil Core still pulsing faintly in her grasp.
The others watched as she turned and began walking toward their leader, who had been observing the entire battle from the shadows.
The leader stepped forward, his face partially hidden by his cloak, but his golden eyes gleamed with understanding.
He had seen everything.
Without hesitation, April extended her hand, offering Vance's Sigil Core. The small sphere was still covered in the remnants of his energy, the swirling codes flickering as if trying to stay alive.
The leader took it carefully, studying it for a moment. "So... this is his end."
April simply nodded. "He's gone."
The leader crushed the Sigil Core between his fingers. It disintegrated into fine particles of light, vanishing into the air.
Saya whistled. "Damn, just like that? No ceremony or anything?"
April immediately understood why the Leader had destroyed Vance's sigil—because, like her, he didn't want innocent lives to be dragged into this war.
If that Gear had been implanted into someone else, their life would have turned into a nightmare. They would be relentlessly hunted by Ragnörak, forced to live in constant fear and chaos.
Neither of them wanted anyone else to suffer the way they had.
After all, the mission of their unnamed organization was clear: to fight and destroy Ragnörak so that people could live without the looming threat of another war.
April understood his choice. And so did the rest.
The leader turned to April. "You did well. But this isn't the end for you, is it?"
April tensed slightly.
Because she felt it.
Something was happening inside her.
A deep, unshakable tremor resonated through her entire body. It wasn't pain. It wasn't exhaustion. It was something else.
She could feel the weight of her strength pressing against a thin, fragile wall inside her.
The Fourth Barrier.
It was crumbling.
Her breathing slowed as she clenched her fists, trying to steady herself. The world around her seemed more vivid, the sounds sharper, the air heavier.
Jax noticed her change in expression.
"April? What's wrong?"
She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she took a slow, measured breath and closed her eyes.
Then, softly, she muttered:
"I'm close."
The leader tilted his head slightly.
"Close?"
April opened her eyes. They glowed faintly, her aura flickering around her like a flame being stoked. "The Fourth Barrier… it's starting to break."
Silence.
Jax and Saya stiffened.
Even the leader seemed to take a moment to process what she had just said.
Breaking through the Fourth Barrier meant stepping into the realm of true monsters.
The realm of only the most dangerous Gear users.
Saya grinned, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh, shit. Now that's what I like to hear!"
Jax crossed his arms, frowning. "You're serious? You're that close already?"
April nodded. "I can feel it. It's… right there. Just beyond my reach."
The leader observed her carefully, then gave a small nod. "Then it's time for you to push past your limits."
He turned away, motioning for them to follow. "Come. Your real training begins now."
April exhaled slowly, then followed without hesitation.
She was this close.
And she would tear through the Fourth Barrier with her own hands.
____________________________Chapter 100: Beyond Limits
April followed the leader through the ruined factory, her breath steady but her mind sharp.
The others trailed behind her—Jax, Saya, and the rest—though Saya was still buzzing from her own victory.
Jax suddenly broke the silence. "Alright, I gotta ask—when the hell did you unlock Bite?"
April didn't look back. "During the fight."
Saya scoffed. "Bullshit. You don't just 'unlock' something like that mid-fight. That wasn't some half-assed technique. That was a perfect Partial Takeover. You had control over it."
April stopped walking.
She turned slightly, her dull orange hair swaying. "I didn't say I had control over it at first."
Saya's smug expression faltered.
Jax narrowed his eyes. "So… it just happened?"
April exhaled. "No. It didn't 'just happen.' It was… something that was already there. I just didn't know how to bring it out until now."
The leader, who had been silent, finally spoke. "That means you were already capable of Partial Takeover before tonight."
April hesitated. "Maybe."
The truth was, when she had entered Bite, it had felt natural—like slipping into something that had been waiting for her all along.
Saya crossed her arms. "Tch. Whatever. The fact is, you pulled it off, and it scared the shit out of those two. But there's something else I wanna know—" she pointed at the back of April's head where her sigil pulsed faintly. "That thing. The Fourth Barrier. If you're this close to breaking it, then what exactly is holding you back?"
April clenched her fist. "I don't know yet."
The leader studied her carefully. "Then we will find out."
He turned back toward the exit. "We're going back to HQ. There, I'll push you past the Fourth Barrier myself."
April felt her heart pound.
She wasn't afraid.
She was ready.
—
Back at HQ
The underground training chamber was dimly lit, the air thick with the weight of past battles.
The leader stood in front of April while the others stood back, watching.
Jax leaned against the wall. "So what's the plan? We just throw her into a pit of fire and hope she survives?"
The leader ignored him. Instead, he pulled out something small—a metallic shard glowing with pulsating energy. "This will force your body to its absolute limit."
April eyed the shard. "What is it?"
"A Catalyst. A fragment of pure Anama energy. If you're as close as you say, then this will trigger the last push you need."
Saya smirked. "Sounds dangerous."
April stepped forward. "Do it."
____________________________Chapter 101: The Awakening of the Fourth Barrier
The underground chamber hummed with energy. April stood in the center, her stance unwavering, her dull orange hair swaying slightly from the force radiating off her body.
The leader stepped forward, holding the small, pulsating shard in his palm. Its glow flickered like a heartbeat, erratic yet powerful.
Jax frowned. "Are you sure about this? If she's already on the edge, shoving her off might not go the way we want."
The leader didn't even look at him. "She will survive."
Saya scoffed. "That's not exactly reassuring."
April ignored them. She didn't need reassurance. She had already made her choice.
The leader raised the shard, pressing it directly against the back of her head—against her sigil.
The moment it made contact—
BOOM.
A shockwave exploded outward, sending everyone skidding back. Jax cursed, throwing up his arms.
Saya, for once, looked stunned. The walls groaned from the sheer force.
April's eyes snapped wide open.
Her body locked up, her muscles tensing as if being torn apart and reforged at the same time.
Inside her mind, something was breaking.
A barrier.
A wall that had been there all along, keeping her restrained.
And now—
CRACK.
The Fourth Barrier shattered.
April collapsed to her knees, gasping.
Her vision blurred. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. It was like… everything inside her had expanded, stretching far beyond what her body could contain.
The power was raw. Pure. Untamed.
Her sigil—glowing behind her head—pulsed violently, sending flickers of energy through her hair like burning embers.
For the first time, she wasn't just tapping into her Gear's power.
She was embracing it.
Dante was the first to speak. "…Holy shit."
Kai grinned. "Now that's a breakthrough."
The leader, who had been silent, finally nodded. "It is done."
April slowly stood up, her breathing ragged but her gaze sharper than ever. She clenched her fists, feeling the full weight of her strength for the first time.
She had done it.
She had broken through.
And now…
She was ready for whatever came next.
____________________________Chapter 102: A New Encounter
The weekend arrived with a rare sense of peace. No missions. No surprise attacks. No training sessions that pushed her body to the breaking point.
April wasn't used to having free time.
She sat alone in a quiet café near the city's shopping district, a steaming cup of tea in front of her.
Her body still felt… different. After breaking the Fourth Barrier, everything around her felt sharper—her senses, her instincts, even the way the air moved. It was almost unsettling.
"You look like you just fought death and won."
April's head turned slightly.
A girl around her age had slid into the seat across from her. Short, platinum-white hair framed her face, and her piercing blue eyes held a flicker of curiosity.
She was dressed casually—black jeans, a blue leather jacket—but there was something about her posture.
Controlled. Balanced. Like she was ready to fight at any second.
April frowned. "…Do I know you?"
The girl smirked, propping her chin on her hand. "Nope. But I know you."
April tensed.
'Enemy? Spy? Assassination attempt?'
The girl noticed and held up her hands.
"Relax. I'm not here to start a fight. Just curious. Name's Astra."
April narrowed her eyes. "And?"
"And I think we're gonna be good friends."
April said nothing. She wasn't exactly used to people approaching her like this.
Usually, it was either for a fight or a mission. But Astra didn't seem hostile. If anything, she seemed… entertained.
April picked up her cup. "What makes you think that?"
Astra leaned forward, a sly smile on her lips. "Because I recognize the look in your eyes. You just leveled up, didn't you?"
April's grip tightened slightly on her cup.
Astra chuckled. "Yeah, I thought so. That kind of power-up? It changes you."
April studied her for a moment before finally speaking. "You're a Gear user."
Astra's smirk widened. "Bingo."
This just got a whole lot more interesting.
____________________________Chapter 103: A Conversation Over Coffee
April stirred her drink absentmindedly, watching Astra across the café table.
The soft hum of conversation and the clinking of cups filled the space, but her focus was solely on the girl in front of her.
Astra leaned back in her chair, her platinum-white hair almost glowing under the warm café lights. "You keep bringing this up, April," she said, her tone amused. "It's almost like you want me to join your little organization."
April rolled her eyes. "I do. It's not 'little,' by the way. We're organized, efficient, and actually making progress against Ragnarök."
Astra chuckled, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Yeah? And what, you think having me around would make things easier?"
April leaned forward. "I know it would. You're strong, Astra. You're smart. You've got the kind of talent we need. And, let's be real, fighting alone isn't always the best strategy."
Astra twirled the spoon in her cup, eyes narrowing slightly. "I've done fine on my own so far."
April exhaled through her nose, trying to keep her frustration in check. "Sure, but that won't last forever. Ragnaök isn't just some random street gang. They're dangerous. And they know about you."
Astra didn't flinch, but April noticed the slight shift in her posture. She knew too.
"Look," April continued, softening her voice, "I'm not saying you can't handle yourself. But what happens when they send someone who's stronger? Someone who doesn't fight fair?"
Astra was quiet for a long moment. Then she sighed, setting her cup down. "I get it, April. But I still have things I need to do my way. Maybe someday, I'll consider it. But right now, I'm not ready to be part of a team."
April held her gaze. "You are ready. You're just stubborn."
Astra smirked. "And you're persistent."
April sighed, shaking her head. "Fine. Have it your way—for now. But don't say I didn't warn you when things get messy."
Astra stood up, grabbing her coat. "I can handle messy."
As she turned to leave, April watched her go, a mix of frustration and understanding settling in her chest.
She had a feeling this wasn't the last time they'd cross paths.
And she was right.
Because over the next few weeks, she kept running into Astra—on the streets, near mission sites, even at random shops.
Every time, it was unplanned.
Every time, they exchanged a few words, sometimes an argument, sometimes a joke.
And every time, April felt like Astra was getting closer to realizing that fighting alone wasn't the only way.
____________________________Chapter 104: Encounters in the Shadows
It kept happening.
No matter where she went, Astra was there.
At first, April thought it was just coincidence—an unlucky stroke of fate that kept crossing their paths.
But by the third time, when Astra appeared at a small weapons shop April had stopped by after a mission, she knew it wasn't just random.
"Seriously?" April leaned against the counter, watching Astra inspect a dagger with a lazy expression. "Are you following me now?"
Astra smirked, flipping the weapon in her hand with practiced ease. "You're the one who keeps showing up where I am."
April folded her arms. "You were nowhere near this district when I last checked."
Astra shrugged, setting the dagger back down. "Maybe I got bored."
April wasn't buying it, but she let it go. If Astra wanted to keep pretending it was all a coincidence, fine. April could play along.
But as time went on, their accidental meetings became more frequent.
Once, April spotted Astra on a rooftop overlooking a small mission she had with Jax and the others.
Another time, Astra was sitting at a bench near the subway entrance April used after school, casually sipping on a drink as if she hadn't been waiting.
Every time, April pushed the same question: Why are you really here?
And every time, Astra dodged the answer.
But April could see it.
Astra was watching her. Observing her fights, listening to the way she talked about the organization, seeing how April handled things.
She was testing something.
And April had a feeling Astra was getting closer to deciding what that was.
____________________________Chapter 105: An Unspoken Decision
It was a cold evening when they met again.
April had just finished a long sparring session and was walking home when she sensed a familiar presence. She didn't bother looking back.
"You know, you could just say you're interested in joining," April said, shoving her hands into her pockets.
Astra, walking a few steps behind, let out a quiet laugh. "Who said I was?"
"You don't have to. You're not even trying to avoid me anymore."
Astra caught up, matching April's pace.
"Maybe I just enjoy the company."
April scoffed. "Yeah, right."
They walked in silence for a while, the city lights flickering above them.
Then Astra spoke, her voice softer than usual. "I don't do teams, April. I don't take orders. I don't want someone deciding how I fight or when I move."
April glanced at her. "And you think that's what we do?"
Astra didn't answer right away.
April sighed. "Look, no one's forcing you into anything. But maybe stop pretending like you don't care. Because if you didn't, you wouldn't keep showing up."
Astra let out a quiet chuckle. "Maybe."
She didn't say anything else, but April knew it then—Astra was closer than ever to making a choice.
Not today. Maybe not tomorrow.
But soon.
____________________________Chapter 106: The Day Everything Changed
April's POV:
I remember the day my father changed.
Before that, he was just Dad—strict but kind, always making sure Mom and I were safe.
I remember how he used to pick me up and put me on his shoulders, how he'd laugh at my excitement when he'd bring home sweets, how he would always tell my mom that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
But then... It started.
At first, it was subtle.
He came home later than usual, smelling something bitter and foreign.
His hugs became shorter, his patience thinner. When I tried to get his attention, he would just stare past me like I wasn't there.
Mom noticed, too. I saw the way she started watching him cautiously, the way she'd reach for my hand more often, holding it just a little too tight.
Then, one night, everything changed.
I was eight. I remember that because I had just started second grade, and Mom had braided my hair that morning, telling me how pretty I looked. That was the last normal day we had.
That night, I woke up to shouting.
At first, I didn't understand what was happening. My parents never fought—not like this. I heard my mother's voice, pleading, her words choked with fear.
Then I heard something shatter.
I scrambled out of bed and rushed to the hallway, my small hands gripping the wooden frame of my door.
I saw my mother standing in the kitchen, her eyes wide with panic.
My father was standing across from her, breathing heavily, his fists clenched. His entire body was shaking.
I was about to run to my mother, but then—
His hands moved.
A flash of silver.
A wet sound.
And then... red.
Red spreading across my mother's dress, her hands grasping at her stomach, her lips parting in a silent gasp.
I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. My mind refused to understand what I was seeing.
She staggered back, her hand reaching for me, but she never made it. She collapsed before she could even take a step.
I don't remember screaming, but I must have, because my father turned his head towards me.
And that was the first time I truly saw him.
Not my father. Not the man who had once lifted me onto his shoulders.
But something hollow. Something monstrous.
His eyes were dark, empty—like he wasn't even there anymore.
I remember the words he said to me next. The ones that burned themselves into my mind forever.
"You're next."
That was the moment I realized—I wasn't his daughter anymore.
I was just another thing to break.
I couldn't breathe.
His words locked me in place, like chains wrapping around my body, squeezing the air from my lungs.
"You're next."
I was only eight, but even then, I understood what those words meant.
My mother's body lay motionless on the floor, a pool of red growing beneath her.
I wanted to scream, to cry, to run to her, to shake her awake and pretend this was just a bad dream. But I couldn't move.
My father—no, that man—turned toward me. The dim kitchen light cast shadows across his face, making his dark eyes look even emptier.
Then he took a step forward.
And another.
The floor creaked beneath his weight, his slow, deliberate movements making my stomach twist in terror.
'Run!'
The thought slammed into my head all at once, breaking through the frozen horror that kept me trapped.
So I did.
I turned and ran as fast as my small legs could carry me, stumbling down the hallway toward my room.
I could hear his footsteps behind me, heavier, faster. He was chasing me.
I barely made it inside before slamming the door shut and locking it.
My tiny hands trembled as I pressed my back against the wood, trying to hold it closed even though I knew it wouldn't help.
'Think, April. Think!'
The window!
I scrambled toward it, but before I could reach the latch—
BANG.
The door shook violently as something heavy slammed against it.
I let out a sharp gasp, my whole body trembling.
BANG.
Again.
"April... open the door." His voice was eerily calm now, almost gentle. But I wasn't fooled.
I climbed onto my bed, reaching for the window. My fingers fumbled with the latch, struggling to unlock it.
BANG.
A crack split through the wooden door.
Tears blurred my vision as I finally wrenched the window open. The cold night air rushed in, chilling my skin.
"Come on...!" I whispered frantically to myself.
I heard the door splinter behind me as I swung one leg over the ledge. Then, just as I was about to push myself through—
A hand grabbed my ankle.
I screamed, kicking wildly, but his grip was too strong.
"You're not going anywhere," he growled, yanking me back into the room.
I hit the floor hard, the impact knocking the breath out of me. Pain shot through my side, but I barely registered it.
I tried to crawl away, to get back to the window, but he was already on top of me.
One of his hands pressed down on my chest, pinning me in place.
"Why are you running, April?" His voice was low, almost mocking. His face hovered just inches from mine, his breath hot against my skin. "You're my daughter, aren't you?"
I struggled, pushing at his arm with everything I had.
"You're hurting me!" I choked out.
His grip only tightened.
"Hurting you?" He let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "No, April. I'm saving you. I'm making you stronger."
My vision blurred with tears.
I didn't understand. I didn't want to understand.
I just wanted my mother.
I just wanted this nightmare to end.
But it wouldn't.
Because this was only the beginning. Of my future suffering.
____________________________Chapter 107: Haunted by the Past
April gasped as her eyes shot open, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Cold sweat clung to her skin, her hands trembling as she clutched her bedsheets.
That dream again…
No.
Not a dream.
A memory.
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to sit up. The room was dark, the only light coming from the dim glow of the digital clock on her bedside table. 3:47 AM.
Her fingers instinctively reached for the back of her head, where her sigil rested. It pulsed faintly beneath her touch, as if responding to her emotions.
"It's over. He's in prison," she whispered to herself, but the words felt hollow.
Because no matter how many times she reminded herself, the nightmares never stopped.
Her father's voice still echoed in her mind.
The feeling of his hands grabbing her, the weight of his body pinning her down—those memories clung to her like a parasite, feeding off her fears.
April clenched her jaw, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. She couldn't sleep now. Not after that.
Pushing herself up, she walked over to the small sink in her room, turning the faucet on.
Ice-cold water ran over her hands as she splashed it on her face, trying to wash away the lingering traces of her nightmare.
She met her reflection in the mirror.
Dark circles shadowed her eyes. Her dull orange hair was slightly disheveled from sleep, but her expression…
Cold.
Unshaken.
Like always.
Because that was the only way she knew how to survive.
A sudden buzz from her phone made her flinch. She turned, grabbing it off the nightstand. A message from Jax.
[Jax:You awake?]
[Jax:Saya wants to spar. Thought you'd wanna watch or join.]
[Jax:Or are you busy being broody again?]
April exhaled sharply through her nose. That guy never missed a chance to mess with her.
Her fingers hovered over the screen before she finally typed back.
[April:On my way.]
A fight.
That was exactly what she needed right now.