Limit Breaker Zero – Chapter 8: The Limit Breaker Emerges
Joseph Ayikon shook his head, a small, wry smirk tugging at his lips. "I can't believe you said all those cheesy things," he muttered.
Ren Kurogane's eyes narrowed instantly, and his jaw clenched. "Cheesy? You think this is a joke?!" he bellowed, his voice sharp as a blade cutting through the tense air.
Joseph raised his hands in mock surrender. "Calm down, calm down! I was just joking!"
Ren's glare didn't soften, his arms crossed tightly. Then, unexpectedly, his tone shifted, serious but carrying weight. "Joseph… you know you could refuse, right?"
Joseph blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"
"If you don't want to join the organization, no one is forcing you," Ren said, eyes steady, voice measured.
Joseph smacked his hand lightly against his thigh, a teasing spark in his dark eyes. "Oh… that? I guess we'll just have to see what I decide, won't we?"
Ren's brow furrowed. "You really do enjoy being mysterious, don't you?"
Joseph simply nodded, walking toward the principal's office with deliberate calm, Ren following close behind. The tension in the hallway was thick, the air heavy with anticipation.
As they stepped inside, Old Man Barra's raspy voice echoed through the room. "Have you come to a conclusion yet?"
Joseph's expression remained unreadable, his eyes locked on Barra. "Yes. I have decided… to join the organization."
Barra's lips curved into a rare, approving smile. He smacked his hand against the desk. "Excellent… excellent indeed. So… you've decided that you are willing to kill people?"
Joseph's reply was calm, resolute. "No."
Barra's smile vanished. His eyes burned with disbelief. "What do you mean? You can only choose one."
"I'm a bit selfish… so I won't," Joseph said, voice firm. "I will protect people. I will become—no, I will become so strong that I can protect everyone and reform the corrupt system."
Barra's face twisted in anger. "How narcissistic are you? You think a boy like you can change anything?"
Suddenly, the principal released his killing intent. The air thickened instantly, a heavy, suffocating pressure radiating outward. Every wall, every desk, seemed to tremble under the sheer force. The entire school felt it—students froze, teachers staggered, some clutching their heads in fear. Ren, standing near Joseph, was immediately overwhelmed, collapsing unconscious under the intensity.
But Joseph remained calm. Slowly, he exhaled, and his own energy radiated outward. Unlike killing intent, it was a special force—firm, kind, and strong all at once. It surged like a living tide, pushing against Barra's oppressive aura. The very air hummed and crackled, particles of dust swirling violently around the room.
The energy clashed with Barra's, and for the first time, the principal faltered. His eyes widened, a flicker of shock crossing his face. "In such a short time… this boy… he's improved so much. How… how is this possible?"
Joseph's energy didn't merely defend—it overwhelmed, pressing against Barra's killing intent and holding steady, unwavering.
Barra's pupils constricted as realization struck him. His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper, laced with awe and fear. "Could it be… is this boy… a Limit Breaker?"
The room fell silent, the only sound the low hum of Joseph's energy intertwining with the lingering echoes of Barra's aura. Outside, the school seemed to hold its breath, as if the world itself recognized the arrival of a force unlike any before.