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Chapter Twelve: The Test of Death
Chapter Twelve begins with the seven standing tensely. Before them stands Iizawa, upright with pride and authority. The wind blows, making his white beard and white hair flutter.
[Iizawa speaks in a low voice, filled with mockery, as if staring at prey:]
"So… you are the new prey?"
[Moaz steps forward to respond, standing at the front, trying to remember and gather his calm:]
"Who are you? I don't remember seeing you in the original story."
[Iizawa smiles a small, mocking smile. His silver eye watches Moaz, his movements and appearance, then he replies:]
"Listen, boy. I have an offer for you… a deal."
[Silence falls. Only faint whispers among the Egyptians—what kind of deal could it be? Then Moaz asks:]
"What is the deal?"
[That smile remains on Iizawa's face, but it turns… sinister. He replies:]
"The deal is simple. For every scratch, I won't kill one of you."
[Ali, hot-tempered, decides to step forward, but Hudhayfa grabs his wrist tightly. Ali replies angrily:]
"Wait—every scratch?"
[Iizawa laughs deeply, a laugh that sends chills down the spine, then answers:]
"Yes. Every scratch—even if it's just one centimeter, or extremely small. But—"
[The seven Egyptians fall silent together, exchanging glances. Mu'min whispers with a trembling voice:]
"I feel like he's insane… the old men in the anime are crazy."
[Iizawa responds with a smile, his gaze lethal like death itself:]
"If you fail, I will kill you all. Agreed?"
[The seven freeze. Then a small scream from Mu'min:]
"I told you they're crazy—no!"
[Moaz turns back toward his companions, his eyes trying to stay calm as he gives them motivation:]
"We can succeed."
[Mazen sighs, then speaks in a sarcastic, hopeless tone:]
"Succeed in what? Cutting a demon's head without even drawing his sword? Imagine what he'll do to us—we'll turn into Egyptian salad."
[Hudhayfa mutters calmly, analyzing:]
"Wait. If we manage to make seven scratches, we survive. So focus."
[Moaz, slightly tense, looks at his friends:]
"We don't have weapons—wait?"
[His companions each pull out a sword, their looks teasing as Mu'min speaks:]
"Surprise~"
[Moaz's eyes widen, curiosity filling them:]
"How… and when?"
[Iyad smiles childishly and scratches his nose:]
"We got the swords the Egyptian way."
[Muhannad adds with a mocking grin:]
"Consider it intelligence work."
[Moaz exhales and smiles faintly, hope returning:]
"Good. Then let's get ready, guys. Maybe we'll make it."
[The seven look toward the old man Iizawa, standing tall, his imposing body and height—190 cm—and a gaze forged by years of experience.]
[Moaz murmurs calmly as he steps forward:]
"So… shall we—?"
[Suddenly, Iizawa vanishes and appears right beside Moaz, to his left, towering over him. In a calm voice:]
"The first."
[His black sword moves swiftly toward Moaz's abdomen, aiming to cut him in half. Moaz's eyes widen, as if fate is sealed—but…]
[Muhannad moves instantly, swinging his sword. The blades collide, sparks flying. Muhannad retreats, and Moaz is unharmed.]
[Muhannad smiles mockingly:]
"You think you'll touch one of my comrades—especially when he still owes me money?"
[Iizawa, unfazed, rubs his white beard with his left hand and smiles like a predator:]
"Good. It seems there's a terrifying talent here. You're the strongest among them."
[Muhannad grins and waves his sword forward:]
"Honestly, it's because Moaz owes me money."
[Moaz sighs, slightly annoyed:]
"Owes you? Really? Not because we're relatives?"
[Muhannad takes a combat stance, raising his sword as it gleams:]
"Listen, old man. You're facing King Mono."
[Iizawa smiles wickedly and raises his sword as well:]
"Honestly, you're interesting. I haven't faced arrogance this high in a while."
[Muhannad tightens his grip, half-smiling:]
"Come on, I'll make you dance—Egyptian style."
[Iizawa chuckles softly, his silver eyes shining with excitement:]
"Then don't disappoint me."
Silence… then—
[Iizawa disappears again and suddenly appears in front of Muhannad, slashing toward his waist to cut him in half. Muhannad smiles and leaps gracefully over him.]
[Muhannad lands six meters behind Iizawa, raising his sword mockingly:]
"Slow, old man."
[Iizawa turns, smiling sarcastically:]
"Really? But you didn't scratch me—wait."
[He feels something warm on his cheek… blood. A small scratch on his left cheek. Iizawa touches it, surprised:]
"Interesting. The first scratch. This is fun."
[Iizawa laughs lightly, excited, then looks at Muhannad:]
"Honestly—perfect body, perfect height, no flaws. You really are the strongest."
[Muhannad takes his stance again:]
"Six scratches left."
[As Iizawa prepares, Ali suddenly appears from the left, his sword grazing Iizawa's face, cutting a few strands of white hair.]
[Ali smiles, anger clear on his face:]
"Stupid old man. Muhannad isn't the only talented one."
[Ali charges. Iizawa retreats slightly, muttering:]
"A very fierce boy… but lacking experience."
[Iizawa swings toward Ali's neck. Ali bends smoothly, then slices part of Iizawa's white kimono. Iizawa steps back.]
[Ali clenches his fist angrily:]
"Damn it—I almost got him."
[Iizawa smiles, now more cautious, looking at them:]
"Honestly, I underestimated you. Now I'll show proper respect."
[He stomps his right foot forward, his smile turning demonic, murderous intent bursting forth:]
"Now… let the banquet begin."
[The seven freeze under the pressure of Iizawa's dark aura.]
[Mu'min, panicking, hugs Iyad:]
"Damn, all that was a joke? He's going to slice me!"
[Iyad screams in a strange, girly voice while hugging back:]
"We'll be minced meat!"
[But Muhannad stands beside Ali, smiling confidently:]
"Guys, every scratch saves one of you. You've got Muhannad Pasha."
[Ali glares at him jealously:]
"We'll see who tears the old man apart first—the king."
[Muhannad and Ali move together. Ali jumps, clashing swords with Iizawa, but is blown back slightly.]
[Ali, sweating:]
"Terrifying… physical strength."
[Muhannad attacks from the left, but Iizawa blocks with his bare palm, knocking the strike aside.]
[Muhannad, shocked, his guard open:]
"How?"
[Iizawa instantly exploits the opening, slashing toward Muhannad's neck and chest, whispering arrogantly:]
"Your end."
A violent explosion from a powerful clash—
[The surprise: Moaz and Hudhayfa block the strike together with their swords. Iizawa smiles:]
"Wow. A well-coordinated team."
[Moaz speaks calmly, brown eyes strained from the impact:]
"Yes. A team—shoulder to shoulder."
[Hudhayfa echoes with determination:]
"Yes. A team. Now you'll see our strength."
[Iizawa tilts his head, amused:]
"I'd really like to see that."
The sound of three blades clashing—
[Suddenly, a gunshot toward Iizawa's right eye. He dodges, but it scratches the edge—second scratch.]
[Iizawa looks toward the shot, surprised:]
"So it's you, chubby dwarf."
[Mazen stands, knees shaking, preparing another shot:]
"Yeah. You won't touch my brothers. My real target is Kokushibo himself."
[Ali stands firmly, eyes blazing with rage:]
"You disgusting bastard—we'll crush your arrogance."
[Muhannad dusts off his black shirt, smiling:]
"Alright. We're even now, Moaz. Let's focus and fight together."
[Iizawa steps back, runs a hand through his white hair, smiling challengingly:]
"I'm pleased. This will be a feast. Heroes—five scratches remain."
[The five prepare to fight, feeling trapped against an unknown entity absent from the original story. They must pass this test.]
[Moaz whispers to his friends:]
"He definitely has a Breathing Style. He's just playing now—get ready."
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End of Chapter Twelve: Test of Death – Part One
For now, this can be considered the Iizawa Arc—something to make my story more realistic in building our heroes 🙂✌️
Thank you.