Limit Breaker Zero– Chapter 6: The Harsh Truth
The oppressive aura that had nearly crushed them both now ebbed slightly, and Old Man Barra's deep, raspy voice cut through the tension.
"Don't be scared, Joseph."
The boy's dark eyes flicked up to meet the principal's gaze, still cautious but calmer now. Barra chuckled, turning to Ren Kurogane with a sly smile.
"Is this the monster you were talking about on the phone? He seems more like a kitten than a monster," he said, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement.
Ren's patience snapped. "Stop underestimating him! You do realize that even a kitten can become a lion when triggered, right?"
Barra's smile didn't fade. With a sharp smack of his hand against the floor, he said, "I know."
He stood and leaned closer to Joseph, voice lowering into a calm but firm tone. "What were you told about this organization? I am interested in you joining our little organization—and by extension, the school. So I want to know… what do you think of us?"
Joseph's gaze, still wary, met Barra's. "Well… it's supposed to be a good-guy organization. You hunt Soul Beasts, kill them… protect people."
Barra nodded slowly, as if considering each word. "So you joined to protect people and help society as a whole, right?"
Joseph nodded.
Then, the principal's expression hardened. He stopped smiling. Suddenly, the room was drenched in overwhelming pressure, his killing intent radiating outward like a storm. The force was so strong that Ren and Joseph stumbled, falling to the ground, gasping for air.
Barra towered over Joseph, eyes sharp and unyielding. "You think this organization is good? You think this is some game?"
Joseph struggled to breathe, his heart hammering in his chest.
"This organization is flawed—the most corrupt piece of trash I've ever seen in my life. And you think we're here to help society, to save people?" He leaned closer, the weight of his presence almost unbearable. "The only thing we care about is the benefit of the organization. And what do you mean, 'save people'? Sure, you will save some, but you will kill more than you save. Knowing this… are you still willing to join?"
Joseph's chest tightened. His mind raced. He tried to face the reality, but it was too much. His vision blurred, terror clawing at him, and without thinking, he bolted—rushing out of the room, heart pounding, feet barely touching the ground.
Barra shook his head slowly, releasing the immense pressure. He looked after the fleeing boy, a faint sigh escaping his lips.
"In the end… he is still merely a child," he murmured, the echoes of his words lingering in the now silent room.