Until Kouta remembered he could improve Super Boost to make it even more useful in combat. He even considered teaching it to Yui so she could increase her power without relying on rage. He spent the entire night trying to perfect it, but to no avail. Exhausted, he went to sleep.
At dawn, he found Yui sitting, her gaze lowered.
Kouta: Hey... Are you still sad about your house?
Yui: Huh? No... I just feel weird about being so strong. Before you came, I never would have imagined myself capable of fighting demons. But now I'm happy... I feel like my dream is near. I owe that to you. Material things don't matter as much anymore... I'll get my house back someday.
Kouta: I'm glad I could have been of help. And if you want to keep improving, I can help you. Also, don't forget that Haruto will be training us tonight. Don't worry, soon we'll be strong enough to face anyone... even Gares.
Yui: Maybe you're right. You always find a way to cheer me up, hehe. Thanks.
Kouta: No need to thank me. I like helping you. But anyway, we should get ready. This day is going to be tough.
Yui: You're right. Let's go.
After eating, talking, and doing some mental training, night fell. Kouta and Yui flew toward the western mountains, a desert region with little vegetation, perfect for intense training. After tracking their auras, they found Haruto and Tetsuya. The training began with a team match: Kouta and Tetsuya against Haruto and Yui. Although unequal in power, Yui and Haruto's teamwork gave them the victory.
Tetsuya: Wow... wow... you're amazing as a team. You crushed us.
Haruto: Yeah... by Adeus, you're impressive. Congratulations.
Kouta: Hehe, thanks. But now we should start the real training. I need to get stronger, hahaha.
Yui: I agree. I want more power. Shall we begin?
Haruto: Very well. Let's get to it.
Just before we started, two of Haruto's fellow Guardians arrived.
Guardian 1: Wait!
All: !?
Guardian 2: Before this gets out of hand, we need to talk to Kouta and Yui.
Kouta: With us?
Guardian 1: That's right. Please join us.
Kouta: Uhh... okay.
Both of them followed them.
Yui: Okay... now, what do you need us for?
Guardian 2: On behalf of Lord Adeus and the Chief Guardian, you've been summoned to a meeting. It concerns your possible recruitment as barrier guardians.
Guardian 1: And we were sent to escort you right now. Sorry to interrupt the training, but it's urgent.
Kouta: If you want, I can go alone, Yui. You can stay and train if you prefer.
Yui: Hm... all right. Good luck, Kouta. And take care.
Kouta: I'll have it. Good luck to you too.
Kouta was brought before Adeus. Upon arrival, he felt his overwhelming power, but he wasn't intimidated. He knelt respectfully.
Kouta: I was told you sent for me, Lord Adeus.
Adeus: That's right, Kouta. I want to offer you and your friend the chance to join the barrier guardians. Your skills would be very valuable.
Kouta: With all due respect, Lord Adeus, I must decline that offer. But I'd like to make a proposal that could benefit us all.
Gendō Fushimi (Chief Guardian): Go ahead, we're listening.
Kouta: I propose we become allies. If you ever need help, you could give us radios like the ones your soldiers use, or send emergency signals using ghost bursts.
Adeus: Hmm... interesting. What do you think, Gendō?
Gendō Fushimi: I agree. I accept your proposal.
Adeus: Very well, Kouta. You will receive the necessary equipment and training. You may leave.
Kuta: An honor, Mr. Adeus. See you soon.
Adeus: Likewise, Kouta...
When he returned, he saw that Yui was taking her fight with Tetsuya very seriously. Haruto was watching to make sure they didn't get out of hand.
But as he descended, Kouta noticed something.
Kouta: CAREFUL, MANY DEMONS ARE APPROACHING! You two, call for reinforcements! We'll try to distract them, QUICKLY!
Guardian 1: Huh? Y-yes, sir! Come on, hurry up!
And as soon as Kouta prepared himself, he was attacked by...
To be Continued...