Danmachi with Haki skill - Chapter 10
Chapter 10: The Aftermath of a Conqueror
The first thing Kaito registered was pain.
A dull, throbbing ache radiating from his stomach, his ribs, his shoulder—everywhere.
The second thing was the smell.
Antiseptic. Clean linen. The faint metallic tang of healing magic.
“Hospital.”
His eyelids felt like lead, but he forced them open.
Blinding white light.
Sterile walls.
And a face looming over him.
“About time you woke up.”
Takemikazuchi sat beside the bed, arms crossed, his usual stern expression softened by something that might have been relief.
Kaito tried to speak, but his throat was sandpaper. A cup of water was pressed into his hands, and he drank greedily.
“How long?” he croaked.
“Three days.”
“Three—?”
Memories flooded back.
The Minotaur.
The horn through his gut.
The awakening.
His hands twitched. “Did I—?”
Takemikazuchi smirked. “Oh, you did.”
He tossed a sheet of paper onto Kaito’s lap.
“See for yourself.”
—
Kaito’s eyes scanned the page—then widened.
———–
NAME: Kaito
LEVEL: 2
STRENGTH: I (0)
ENDURANCE: I (0)
DEXTERITY: I (0)
AGILITY: I (0)
MAGIC: I (0)
SKILLS:
[Mind’s Eye: Horizon – F (42%)]
– Grants precognitive awareness of imminent danger.
– Magic drains with prolonged use.
[Armament Haki – I (26%)]
– Cover the body with a magic layer which act as armor. His body can became hard like iron. Offense and defense amplified.
[Conqueror’s Haki – I (0%)]
– The will to dominate. Can overwhelm weak-willed foes.
———–
Kaito’s breath caught.
“Level 2.”
Not just that— New Skills.
He had shattered every expectation.
Takemikazuchi’s voice was low. “All your attribute reach SSS level, which is peak. If you don’t level up, you can’t grow any stronger. You are the fastest Level Up in Orario’s history. Even the Loki Familia’s prodigies took months. You? Three weeks.”
Kaito clenched his fists. The power thrumming beneath his skin was new. Raw. But undeniable.
“The Minotaur?”
“Dead. Reduced to pulp, according to Bell.”
A pause. Then—
“And the Haki?”
Takemikazuchi’s eyes gleamed. “That’s what has the gods talking.”
—
From her tower, Freya watched the streets below, her silver eyes reflecting the flickering lanterns.
“A soul that refuses to break,” she murmured, her lips curving.
Beside her, Ottar remained silent.
Freya’s fingers traced the rim of her wineglass. “I want him.”
Ottar’s voice was a rumble. “Takemikazuchi will not give him up easily.”
“Oh, I know.” Freya laughed, the sound like chimes. “But every man has a price. Even gods.”
—
In the Twilight Manor, Loki slammed her tankard onto the table.
“A Level 2 in three weeks?! Bullshit!”
Ais glanced up from her sword. “The report is confirmed.”
Bete snarled. “Cheating bastard.”
Loki’s eye twitched. “Takemikazuchi’s gonna be insufferable now.”
—
Back in the hospital, Takemikazuchi threw his head back and laughed, the sound booming off the walls.
“You should’ve seen their faces! Freya looked like she swallowed a lemon! Loki? Priceless.”
Kaito smirked. “Glad I could entertain.”
Takemikazuchi’s laughter faded, his expression turning serious. “This changes things. You’re not just strong now. You’re a target.”
Kaito met his gaze. “Let them come.”
—
The door creaked open.
“Kaito!”
Bell rushed in, his face a mix of relief and guilt. Behind him, Mikoto and Chigusa lingered, their expressions unreadable.
Bell’s hands trembled. “I—I’m sorry! If I’d been stronger—”
Kaito waved him off. “Quit whining. I’m the idiot who picked the fight.”
Bell’s fists clenched. “But I couldn’t do anything. When that Minotaur—when you—”
His voice cracked.
Kaito sighed. “Listen, kid. You wanna make it up to me? Get stronger.”
Bell’s head snapped up.
Kaito grinned. “Strong enough that next time, you’re the one saving me.”
Something shifted in Bell’s eyes.
Determination.
“I will.”
Then, quieter—
“I met her. The Sword Princess.”
Kaito blinked. “Ais Wallenstein?”
Bell nodded, his cheeks faintly pink. “She saved me. After you… after you passed out. Another Minotaur showed up, and she—”
He shook his head. “I can’t stay weak. Not anymore.”
Kaito’s grin widened. “There you go.”
—
Unseen by anyone, Bell’s Status flickered.
A new Skill.
[Liaris Freese]
– Grows stronger based on the intensity of one’s feelings.
– Growth rate increases exponentially with desire.
The rabbit had found his reason to run.