The rain fell relentlessly that night.
Thunder rolled across the wasteland as Aethelred staggered forward, drenched to the bone, his breathing ragged. His body ached from countless battles, every wound screaming in protest as lightning split the sky above him.
His followers were gone.
His rebellion had slowly crumbled into dust.
Only he remained—carrying the full weight of their downfall alone.
"Fanatics… tyrants…" he muttered, clutching his bleeding shoulder.
"I'm not dying here… not yet…"
---
The Ruined Castle
Through the thick fog, he saw it.
A massive, decaying castle looming over the dark forest—its walls cracked, its iron gates rusted, spiderwebs clinging to its forgotten towers. And yet, despite its ruin, an overwhelming aura radiated from it—one powerful enough to make even demon blood tremble.
Aethelred pushed open the iron gates and stepped inside.
Dust and shadows swallowed him whole.
Then—he froze.
At the far end of the grand hall stood a figure wrapped in darkness.
Black hair. Eyes that seemed hollow, as if they devoured existence itself. An oppressive presence that crushed the air from his lungs.
"…You…" Aethelred whispered, his voice trembling.
That aura… there was no mistaking it.
Soft, whispering voices echoed around him.
"The one who slew the Eastern Demon Lord…
The Master of Dark Magic—Shujin."
---
The Pact
Shujin's cold gaze fell upon him. When he spoke, his voice was calm—almost inviting.
"So the demon rebel crawls into my castle," Shujin said.
"Aethelred Vi Regis… the man who speaks of peace between humans and demons."
Aethelred clenched his teeth.
"Lord of Darkness… what do you want from me?"
The shadows slithered closer behind Shujin, coiling like serpents.
"A simple pact," he replied.
"The same kind I've offered others. I can grant you the power to crush extremists—power sufficient to change the world. Influence great enough to lead both humans and demons."
Aethelred's crimson eyes narrowed.
Power like that never came freely.
"…And the price?"
Shujin smiled—gentle, yet razor-sharp.
"Your body. Your soul. Your emotions.
When my objective is fulfilled, everything will be returned to you—untouched."
Aethelred held his breath.
He had nothing left.
No army. No family. His comrades had died protecting him. There was nothing left for him to lose.
"How can I trust you?"
"As tradition dictates," Shujin replied, his voice heavy with certainty.
"Let us swear upon the name of the Goddess Elmyria. You know as well as I do—an oath sworn in her name cannot be broken."
Silence filled the shattered hall.
At last, Aethelred nodded. His voice was rough—but firm.
"…It seems I have no choice.
Keep your word."
"I accept."
The moment the oath was sworn, the air trembled with sacred weight. Shadows engulfed Aethelred as Shujin's presence merged with his very being, sending violent tremors through his body.
To the outside world, only the rebel leader Aethelred Vi Regis would remain—alive and unbroken.
No one would know that Shujin now dwelled within him.
From that moment on, Shujin's empire of influence spread—through adventurers, through rebels, through politics itself.
---
Valerion – Ironwood Kingdom
That same night, the streets of Valerion slept beneath silver moonlight.
At the city's edge stood a modest house—carefully rebuilt by Kuro and Rei, their quiet sanctuary.
But tonight, Rei wore no gentle expression.
Draped in black robes and wearing a mask identical to Shujin's, she moved silently through the alleyways. Shadows clung to her like armor.
Shujin's final order echoed in her ears:
"Protect Valerion. Do not let it be harmed."
Her steps halted.
A bright, determined, all-too-familiar presence approached.
"…So, the Second Hero," a voice said.
Rei stiffened.
From the opposite alley, Ryuto emerged, sword in hand, eyes blazing.
"I don't know who you are," he said, tightening his grip on his blade,
"but I know you're following him.
The Lord of Darkness."
Rei said nothing.
Her mask concealed her emotions.
Ryuto narrowed his eyes.
"…You're a girl, aren't you?"
Silence was her answer.
He raised his sword.
"I don't care. If you serve him, I won't let you escape!"
Rei finally broke the silence—her voice low, distorted, cold.
"…Then let's see what it really takes to be called a hero."
Their blades collided beneath the moonlit streets, sparks flying as darkness and light clashed in secret.
---
✨ End of Chapter 6 ✨
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