My Skill Creation System

"Muramoto, can you hear me?" Nathan asked, his voice shaking with fear.

"Nathan..." Muramoto said quietly, then a silver sword materialized in his left hand. "Take it," he continued, and Nathan nodded before grasping the sword.

Muramoto's eyes opened weakly. "Nathan," he said in a raspy voice. "O-livia-chan."

"Do you want me to hand this sword off to Olivia?" Nathan asked, gripping the weapon tightly in his hands. "I'll come with you," he offered in response. "You'll be alright; just give me a bit of time and I'll find a way to help you."

Muramoto slowly shook his head. "It's alright, Nathan-san," he said, struggling to make his voice heard. "You've done your best, and that's more than enough."

Nathan attempted to offer whatever comfort he could, gently taking Muramoto's hand on his own. "I'm so sorry."

Muramoto attempted to reassure Nathan with a weak smile. "It's okay," he assured him. "I'm used to pain. I've been through far worse before."

Nathan shook his head. He knew that Muramoto was trying to be brave, but he also knew that his injuries were too severe. He could see life slowly fading from his friend's eyes.

"Nathan-san," Muramoto exclaimed, a look of peaceful bliss spreading across his face. "I cannot thank you enough. I am truly blessed to have encountered all of you. This is the happiest moment I have ever experienced."

"Save your energy, Muramoto," Nathan replied, his voice filled with determination. "I'll help you."

Nathan held Muramoto's hand tightly, trying to get him to fight for his life. But no matter how hard he tried, Muramoto eventually succumbed to his injuries.

"Thanks," Muramoto murmured, smiled gratefully, and closed his eyes.

Nathan watched helplessly as his friend passed away, unable to do anything to save him.

At that moment, Meriel's tearful voice could be heard distinctly next to Nathan.

Nathan's hands shook as he clasped Muramoto's wrist, still searching for a sign of life. "Muramoto? Can you hear me? Please, Muramoto! Olivia is on her way; you can make it, right?" he pleaded desperately as Meriel's gentle weeping grew louder.

He was overcome with sadness. He had lost a close friend that day and wasn't sure how to cope with his grief. He wanted to cry, to scream, to do anything to make the pain go away. But he knew that it wouldn't help.

"Muramoto, you put in so much effort," Nathan said, his voice quavering with emotion. "Time and time again, you try your best, no matter how ridiculous our plans may be. You never speak up, but your actions speak louder than words."

Linda was overwhelmed with emotion, dropped to her knees and was unable to express her anguish over the heartbreaking situation.

"Muramoto," Nathan shook his hand, his voice quivering with a mix of emotions - sadness, anger, and hope. "You promised you would come with me to the CEHA," he repeated, his voice becoming more intense with each word.

Nathan clenched his fists and punched the ground in rage, the tears stinging his eyes as they threatened to spill over. His emotions were uncontrollable. "It's my fault," he repeated, his voice quavering with sorrow, "I'm the one who invited you here."

Nathan hung his head in a mix of anger, sadness, and regret. He reproached himself for being so careless and allowing the people he was responsible for protecting to reach this plight once more. He knew it was his responsibility to keep them safe.

Nathan hung his head in shame as he realized he had neglected to leave Muramoto unguarded while he was out in the crowd. He had made mistakes in the past, but this particular incident was a direct result of his own actions, and it caused someone to hold a grudge against him.

He shook his head vigorously, unable to accept what had happened to Muramoto. What was he supposed to do now? Seek revenge? He felt overwhelmed by regret and sadness, convinced that his every move only brought disaster to those around him.

Meriel moved to Nathan's right side and gently leaned her forehead on his shoulder. She also patted his back in a comforting gesture. "Mr. Nathan, this isn't entirely your fault," she whispered. "We all share responsibility for what happened to the team. It's my responsibility, Yudan's and Linda's, too."

"Me and Meriel were near Muramoto when the incident occurred, Nathan." Yudan, speaking slowly, "It is also my fault that I failed to be alert, not realizing that someone had crept in and done something to Muramoto. Neither of us had anticipated that this tragedy would transpire."

He was struggling to suppress his sorrow, taking a few moments to gather himself. Suddenly, he felt Meriel's firm grasp on his shoulder, pulling him away. He opened his eyes and saw Yudan carrying Muramoto's lifeless body. In a strained voice, he asked, "What happened?"

"Mr. Nathan," said Meriel, "Linda."

Nathan spun around to face Linda, taken aback by the drastic transformation he saw. Her skin had morphed to a striking red hue, and two black horns had sprouted from her forehead. Her back was adorned with two enormous devil wings, and her hands were trembling as she dug her fingers into her face. A shrill cry of agony escaped her lips.

"Linda!" Nathan exclaimed in shock, feeling a powerful surge of energy coming from her. He stepped back in confusion and asked in bewilderment, "What on Earth just happened to you?"

Nathan immediately rose to his feet, intent on helping Linda, who was kneeling down, seemingly in pain. As he moved closer, a sense of dread engulfed her, but he knew he had to help her.

He cautiously stepped forward, but just as he reached her, Linda suddenly lifted her head and let out a piercing shriek at Nathan.

Startled, Nathan jumped back as Linda stood up, her body shaking and her voice uncontrollable.

Yudan and Meriel then stood beside Nathan, quickly assuming a fighting stance.

"Nathan, I have a feeling Linda isn't acting of her own free will," Yudan declared in a hurry.

"Linda..." Meriel gasped in shock, her face contorted with worry. "She's radiating a tremendous amount of bloodlust; she'll attack anyone who comes near her," she said, her voice laced with dread.