Looking at the pair in front of him, Leo sighed."So, you guys were testing me?"
They chuckled, shaking their heads."More like helping you accept who you are," the man said, standing up. He raised his left fist in front of Leo."Being a hunter was never the sin. What defines you is what you hunt. My trial was for you to accept your past self."
Leo nodded and bumped fists with him. The moment their fists met, the man began to glow. Streams of light flowed from him into Leo's hand.
At the same time, a name vibrated in Leo's mind—along with the knowledge of the shikai ability. The shock made him stumble slightly. He shook his head and turned toward the woman, who was clapping excitedly.
Leo looked at her."So… what was your trial?"
She tilted her head."You already passed it. My trial was about understanding the value of life and death. The moment you chose to talk to Aki instead of stabbing him—you passed. It means you understand, at least a little, that killing isn't always the answer."
She extended her right hand just like the man had done. Leo hesitated, eyeing her palm before asking,"Before that... can you tell me what my other power projection will be like?"
She nodded seriously."You've met the Element—we represent the Spirit in you. The Will, though, doesn't manifest physically. It's your beliefs—your very essence."
Leo frowned, confused but relieved there'd be no more fighting."Got it. Last question: I don't have a Zanpakutō or any spiritual weapon. So how do I... get you guys?"
She pointed at his arms."Your claws are unique weapons in this world. Even before you could channel energy through them, they were rare. Zanpakutō or Asuchi are forged to hold spiritual energy and part of the wielder's soul."
She ran her hand along his claws."But with your ability to channel all types of energy, they've become more spiritual than physical—far superior to any Asuchi ever made. That's what allowed us to be born. You'll learn more later, but for now—"
She pulled back her hand and extended her fist."You have to go back. Your friend needs help."
Remembering his situation, Leo nodded and bumped fists with her. As before, light streamed into him.
Leo looked at his left hand, sighed tiredly, and muttered,"So we've got Bleach powers too now? Great. Just great."He groaned. "I guess I'll have to speed up some projects."
He stood and stretched, claws extending."Damn cringy, but... this is our hunting ground now. You're up, Baba Yaga."
His left-hand claws stretched to half a meter, turning blood-red with glowing runes. These claws could cut through anything—and granted him the ability to travel through shadows undetected.
He glanced at them, then turned to his right."Now this is the real surprise. Mother of Flames. Seven changes. Burn it all—Amaterasu."
His left claw shimmered and vanished, replaced by a snow-white, katana-like claw marked with golden runes. This right claw gave him control over seven kinds of spiritual fire—and complete immunity to any flame, natural or supernatural.
He stared at his hands, then closed his eyes and deactivated both claws. Sitting down, he entered meditation to process everything he'd learned.
After some time, he opened his eyes."Time to go."
With that, he vanished from the inner realm.
Meanwhile...
Back in the real world, while Leo was trapped in his mental landscape, Ema stood guard over his unconscious body. Weapon drawn, she stared at the approaching dust storm.
From the swirling winds, a gorilla emerged—its eyes locked on Leo like he was a fresh meal.
Ema snorted, sending a pressure slash. The gorilla blocked and roared, preparing to attack. Ema launched long-range attacks while holding a defensive stance.
Then she felt something behind her—a creeping presence. She dodged just in time to see a jaguar leap where she'd stood.
Her face paled."Just my luck... not just big and smart, but the fastest creature in the forest? A shadow jaguar?"
She resumed attacking, battling both creatures with precise strikes and counters. The pace began to exhaust her.
Suddenly, she felt eyes on her. She glanced over—and the cocoon around Leo was gone. He was standing, watching her with interest.
Ema leapt to his side, scooping up her owl body."Finally out," she sighed.
Leo looked at her."So this is what you look like? I thought you were taller."
Ema smirked."If you'd woken up earlier, I was taller. But now? I don't think any normal human can keep up with you anymore."
Leo glanced at his body—his clothes tight and shorter than he remembered."Did I… grow taller?"
Ema nodded, shimmering as she returned to owl form."That's supposed to happen during your first awakening. You probably had some delays. Also, most of your family is tall—genetics, along with... other stuff."
Leo opened his mouth to ask more but something caught his attention. He grabbed Ema and dodged just as a massive impact hit where they stood.
The gorilla had returned.
Ema scowled."Let's get out of here. We'll talk later."
Leo nodded."We will. But before that—I've always wanted a gorilla."
His eyes glowed purple. Sparks of electricity crackled around him as he took a deep breath and let out a roar—a full war cry that shook the ground.
A shockwave burst out in all directions. Every beast nearby collapsed—except the gorilla under him.
Ema stared, wide-eyed."Okay. It's official. You're a freak."
Leo looked offended."That's rude. That was just beginner-level Overlord. You can do the same."
She slapped the back of his head."No, I can do it because I'm old enough. Very few can even use that ability—let alone trigger an AoE version on their first try. You. Are. A freak! Now get me out of here before I lose my mind!"
Leo sighed."Whatever makes you happy. But we'll talk about you stabbing me later."
Ema chuckled."If you wanted the shortcut, you should've asked. Not my fault. Now let's go."
Back in the basement, Leo's phone vibrated.
[Sorry to bother you, sir. Some unknown individuals were seen patrolling the forest near Fork and...]
Leo answered as Alfred continued, describing how the visitors were linked to Leo's father.
"What are they doing now?" Leo asked.
[They're leaving the property. They left contact information.]Alfred displayed a live feed.
Leo sighed."Give the old man a Lio5 phone. I'll call him later."
[Affirmative.]
Leo pocketed the phone and turned to Ema."So... got a spare room I can crash in for the night?"
Ema nodded."Follow me."