The Bookkeeper

Silence settled across the distance as they all awaited the arrival of the God Beast and the assassin. However, Raiden couldn’t help but wear his twisted smile, fear etched beneath it, though he knew he had to steady his nerves and deal with the threat before it consumed them all.

He steeled himself, forcing the euphoria from his system, before turning to Speed with an unreadable expression. "How fast can you move, Speed?"

Speed scratched his hair for a moment, his golden eyes darting around in thought. "Since I turned black, my speed ability has plateaued. It’s not going to improve like it did when I had my white crest."

Raiden raised a subtle eyebrow, prompting Speed to elaborate. "I’d say 800 to 1000 meters per second."

Raiden turned back to look in the intruders’ direction once more. They were moving fast, and he had to think quickly. To face the God Beast with all their strength, he needed to split up his team.

But given Speed’s abilities, it would take him less than three seconds to reach the intruders the moment they crossed into the barrier around the estate. And if things went badly, that would be enough time for Speed to find himself in trouble with the God Beast nearby.

This was a gamble they had to take. He let out a sigh. "Leo and Speed, I want you two to take on the assassin."

Both Leo and Speed gave him a nod. "Get to a safe distance between us and them. From the moment they step into the barrier, I want you to pull the assassin away from the blue giant. After you handle him, come back and help us."

They gave him a nod and began moving toward the burnt grassy field on the left. Leo adjusted the bandages around his fists while Speed repositioned his mask, opening his mouth and working his jaw against the sharp teeth embedded in the mask as he prepared for action.