The night had deepened, and the campfire's glow cast flickering shadows across the faces of our diverse group. Raiha sat silently, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames, the weight of her earlier confession still palpable.
Suddenly, the stillness was interrupted by the soft crunch of footsteps approaching through the underbrush. Instinctively, hands moved toward weapons, and conversations ceased.
A figure emerged into the firelight—a tall, cloaked individual with a wide-brimmed hat obscuring his features. He carried a large satchel slung over one shoulder and exuded an air of calm confidence.
"Peace," he said, raising a hand. "I come bearing information, not harm."
Futaro stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
The stranger inclined his head. "A humble merchant, traversing realms and collecting tales. I couldn't help but overhear your discussions about the Pillars."
I exchanged a glance with Raiha, who nodded subtly.
"Very well," I said. "Share what you know."
The merchant settled onto a nearby log, reaching into his satchel to produce a worn scroll. Unfurling it, he revealed a meticulously detailed chart.
"This," he began, "is the hierarchy of the Pillars, as established by Jerry."
Upper Pillars (Lowest Elite Tier):
1. Toji Fushiguro – Jujutsu Kaisen: A formidable assassin known for his immense physical prowess and lack of cursed energy, making him unpredictable and deadly.
2. Mahito – Jujutsu Kaisen: A cursed spirit embodying human hatred, capable of manipulating souls and reshaping bodies at will.
3. Akaza – Demon Slayer: A martial artist turned demon, obsessed with strength and seeking worthy opponents to challenge.
4. Doma – Demon Slayer: A charismatic yet emotionless demon who leads a cult, masking his nihilism behind a friendly facade.
5. Cell – Dragon Ball Z: An artificial life form created from the cells of powerful warriors, striving for perfection and dominance.
6. Goku Black – Dragon Ball Super: A twisted version of Goku, driven by a desire to eradicate mortals and reshape the universe.
Secret Pillars (Above Upper Pillars):
1. Doom Guy – DOOM (Game Series): A relentless warrior from another realm, known for his unyielding battle against demonic forces.
2. Murata – Demon Slayer: An unassuming demon slayer whose survival against overwhelming odds hints at untapped potential.
3. Raiha Uesugi – The Quintessential Quintuplets: A seemingly ordinary girl with hidden depths, now revealed as a key player in the unfolding conflict.
4. Depressed Rentarou Aijou – AU of The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You: A version of Rentarou burdened by loss, possessing a strategic mind and emotional resilience.
5. Toji Fushiguro – Jujutsu Kaisen (dual-ranked): His unique abilities and experiences grant him a position among both Upper and Secret Pillars.
6. Daki – Demon Slayer: A demon with a tragic past, her beauty and deadly skills make her a formidable adversary.
Carnage Pillars (Elite Executioners & Warlords):
1. Kokushibo – Demon Slayer: A former demon slayer turned demon, his mastery of swordsmanship and demonic powers is unparalleled.
2. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto: A prodigy who sacrificed everything for peace, his genjutsu and tactical genius are legendary.
3. Kratos – God of War: A god-slaying warrior haunted by his past, wielding immense strength and combat experience.
4. Dark Deku – My Hero Academia AU: An alternate version of Izuku Midoriya, embracing a darker path to achieve his goals.
5. Muzan Kibutsuji – Demon Slayer: The progenitor of demons, his cunning and regenerative abilities make him a persistent threat.
6. Bill Cipher – Gravity Falls: A chaotic entity from another dimension, capable of reality-warping powers and manipulation.
Armageddon Pillars (Commanders of All Pillars):
1. Jin Sakai – Ghost of Tsushima: A samurai who defied tradition to protect his homeland, embodying both honor and adaptability.
2. Rose Evans – Fractured Horizons (Past Universe): A figure shrouded in mystery, her past actions and current role suggest a deeper connection to the fabric of this reality.
The group absorbed the information in silence, the weight of the revelation settling over us.
Raiha's expression remained neutral, but I noticed a flicker of emotion in her eyes.
The merchant rolled up the scroll and stood. "Knowledge is power. Use it wisely."
With that, he disappeared into the night, leaving us to contemplate the challenges ahead.