Seeing that Cthulhu ignored him, Yu Zhou didn't bother calling for another fight.
Instead, he took out the Dark Sparklence and transformed once more.
Then, in his palm, he spread open the small black gem that Cthulhu had given him.
"Such a tiny gemstone… and yet it holds this much dark energy?"
Even after sensing the dense, pure power within it, Yu Zhou still found it hard to believe.
Cthulhu — the one who once ruled over an entire era of Earth, the great demon, the King of Darkness himself —
had really just given him power?
Well, at least it wasn't some medal, card, or capsule.
If it had been, he might've had to craft a "Dark Ring" to match.
Just imagining himself shouting "Elder Cthulhu, lend me your strength!" made him want to crawl under a rock.
After running a brief scan, Yu Zhou confirmed that there was nothing unusual about the gem.
Feeling reassured, he drew upon it — a gentle pull of energy.
Immediately, streams of dark power began to flow from the gemstone,
pouring into the timer on his chest.
As the darkness flooded through him, Yu Zhou felt a wave of deep satisfaction, almost euphoric.
He even wanted to let out a triumphant roar — but seeing Cthulhu seemingly asleep, he decided not to disturb him.
The flow continued, steady and powerful.
The black aura surrounding Yu Zhou's body grew thicker,
his energy steadily rising as his body absorbed every drop of the darkness.
When the gem finally turned clear and translucent, its dark energy completely drained,
Yu Zhou felt a surge of newfound strength.
His power, speed, flight, skills — every aspect of his being had been enhanced.
The dark energy had evenly strengthened all his abilities, making him stronger than before.
But not strong enough.
No — this power still wasn't sufficient.
It was an improvement, yes, but not the kind that could let him do the impossible.
"If I want to bring back Camilla from the future… I'll need far more than this."
The once-black gemstone now gleamed like glass before crumbling into glittering dust,
carried away by an unseen breeze.
"Still… Hikari's craftsmanship is better."
Back in Geed's world, Hikari had once gifted him a similar crystal —
a vessel meant to store the Light of Hope.
Later, it was repurposed to contain the dark power converted by Fukuide Kei.
During the Final Odyssey, the Shining Power was absorbed directly into Yu Zhou's body,
stored within the remnants of an ancient Ultra Giant.
As for Hikari's gem, it had never been used to hold light again.
Now, even that crystal lay empty — with nothing left to store.
"This little bit of power isn't enough," Yu Zhou murmured.
"I still need more."
After sensing his strengthened body and testing his new limits,
he shook his head in disappointment.
His gaze drifted down — to the temple floor beneath his feet.
This entire palace had been steeped in darkness for countless ages,
its every stone brick saturated with the aura of shadow.
And at its heart slept the King of Darkness himself.
Naturally, the influence of dark energy here was enormous.
Each stone carried traces of power — individually faint,
but together, vast beyond measure.
Yu Zhou made a quick estimate.
One brick wasn't much — but an entire hall's worth?
That could be a staggering amount of energy.
And if he could absorb all the dark energy of this whole temple…
his power would soar to unimaginable heights.
He crouched down, pressing his palm to the black stone floor.
Immediately, a strong pulling force began to form.
The dark essence in the bricks began to converge into his palm.
"Hmm?"
Cthulhu's half-lidded eyes snapped open.
He had suddenly felt the flow of dark energy stirring violently in the chamber.
Rising slightly, he looked toward the hall —
and saw the darkness of the floor being drawn toward Yu Zhou,
spiralling slowly into his body.
"Are you kidding me!?"
Cthulhu was stunned.
This young man… what a mind he had!
He was actually trying to absorb the temple's floor to gain more dark power!?
"Tiga," Cthulhu spoke at last, his tone both amused and exasperated.
"Why trouble yourself trying to seize these scraps of darkness?
Become one of my followers — and you will gain the supreme dark power!"
Still channelling the energy, Yu Zhou lifted his head slightly.
"That 'supreme dark power' of yours," he asked,
"can it bring back someone who's been shattered into particles of light?"
Cthulhu's grin widened, his eyes glinting like black fire.
"Heh… of course it can."
Of course, he was lying.
Why would he ever help the light?
He had never once tried to save anyone touched by it —
and he had no idea whether darkness could even do so.
"Then give me the power first," Yu Zhou said coolly.
"Let me save her. After that, I'll become your follower."
Cthulhu's expression stiffened.
He wasn't stupid.
Giving away power first? What kind of fool would agree to that?
He'd be left with nothing but regret.
"The Great One is not that foolish," Cthulhu said coldly.
"Suit yourself," Yu Zhou shrugged, waving casually. "Then I'll be going."
Without another word, he turned and walked toward the massive gate of the hall.
Cthulhu sat back upon his black throne, unmoving,
watching silently as Yu Zhou disappeared beyond the doors.
Outside the temple, Yu Zhou turned once,
but the interior was already obscured — sealed by some invisible barrier.
He didn't bother investigating further.
He'd gained what he came for.
For now, it was time to return and digest the energy he'd gathered.
Before long, he stepped out into the open,
where Camearra and the others still waited patiently.
Seeing that they were safe, Yu Zhou finally relaxed.
He reverted to human size, preparing to speak —
when suddenly, pain struck him like a thunderclap to the chest.
He gasped, doubling over, collapsing to his knees.
"Ugh—! What… what's happening!?"
A blazing heat ignited inside his body,
as though a roaring inferno had erupted within.
The searing agony tore through him,
forcing him to roll helplessly across the ground.
The timer on his chest began flashing violently red.
Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong!
In the distance, Camearra and the others saw him fall and rushed over in alarm.
"Tiga! What's wrong with you?!"
Camearra dropped to her knees, gripping his hand —
only to recoil instantly from the burning heat of his skin.
"He's burning up!"
She stared in shock at her reddened palms,
then, with determination flashing in her eyes,
she took his hands again, refusing to let go.
Yu Zhou's cries of pain echoed through the darkened land,
his body wracked with uncontrollable heat and agony,
while Camearra held fast — unwavering — beside him.