Chapter 257: Akaza
Akaza
Akaza stood in the vast, labyrinthine expanse of the Infinity Castle, his sharp eyes scanning the disorienting architecture. The floating platforms and ever-shifting walls seemed more chaotic than usual, as if reflecting the tension that hung heavy in the air. His fists clenched, his veins pulsing as thoughts raced through his mind.
Pic
"Why was I summoned here?" he muttered to himself, his voice low and taut with suspicion.
There could only be one reason for such an urgent gathering. No way... did an Upper Moon get killed? The very thought made his blood boil, his jaw tightening as he imagined the disgrace. For a Lower Moon to be defeated was one thing—they were replaceable, mere fodder in the grand scheme. But for one of the Upper Moons, the elite, to fall? Unthinkable.
Akaza’s gaze flicked toward the distant platform where the other Upper Moons were beginning to gather. He wasn’t the first to arrive. The sickly-sweet scent of Douma’s perfume wafted through the air, followed by the faint but distinct sound of his infuriatingly cheerful humming.
"Akaza-dono!" Douma greeted, a sly grin on his face. His rainbow-colored eyes gleamed with faux warmth. "What’s with the sour look? Oh wait, that’s just your default expression."
Akaza shot him a glare but said nothing, his focus shifting to Kokushibo, who stood silently with his usual imposing presence. The towering swordsman didn’t speak, his six eyes closed as if meditating.
Soon after, the remaining Upper Moons appeared: Hantengu in his cowardly hunched posture, Sekido standing near him with his ever-present scowl, and Nakime, the keeper of the Infinity Castle, strumming her biwa. Only one member of their group was conspicuously absent.