The gothic library stretched endlessly, its towering shelves filled with ancient, dust-covered tomes. Shadows clung to the corners, and the air was heavy with the smell of decaying leather and old parchment. Each footstep echoed in the vast emptiness as Dark, Leona, and Tier followed the silent librarian through the maze of knowledge. The atmosphere was thick, almost suffocating, weighed down by the untold secrets the books held.
Dark's voice, usually composed, broke the silence, his tone heavy with unspoken urgency.
Dark: (quiet but firm) We're looking for a book... an ancient text that tells of a creature—one consumed by its hunger for destruction.
The librarian didn't acknowledge the question, but his footsteps quickened, as if understanding the gravity of what Dark sought. Deeper into the labyrinth of the library, he led them to a hidden alcove, where a pedestal, cracked and worn by time, held a single tome. Dust covered its surface, but the title, Sukojo Ryo, faintly shimmered in the dim light, its golden letters faded by centuries of neglect.
Dark's hand hovered over the book for a moment, his fingers brushing the rough texture of the leather binding. He could feel the weight of its contents even before he opened it. Slowly, he flipped through its brittle pages, revealing nightmarish illustrations that seemed to leap from the parchment—scenes of blood-soaked battlefields, villages in ruins, and at the center of it all, a figure bathed in blood, grinning with twisted, sadistic glee.
The sheer malevolence radiating from the images made Dark shudder.
Dark: (voice strained) This... is too much.
Tier stepped forward, his expression grim but resolute, gently taking the book from Dark's trembling hands.
Tier: (determined) We'll handle it. You need to step back, Dark. Take a break.
Leona stood close by, her eyes filled with both concern and resolve. She placed a reassuring hand on Dark's shoulder before they turned to leave the suffocating atmosphere of the library, leaving Tier to delve deeper into the cursed knowledge.
Later, Tier and Leona were seated in a fire-lit study, the glow of their computer screens reflecting off their focused faces. The atmosphere was heavy as they poured over the ancient text and additional research, searching for answers buried deep in history.
Tier's brow furrowed as each discovery pulled them deeper into the darkness of Sukojo's story. His fingers danced across the keyboard, piecing together a horrifying truth.
Tier: (grimly) These findings... they're worse than we ever imagined.
Leona leaned in, her face illuminated by the flickering screen as she scanned the words.
Leona: Sukojo...
Tier: (darkly) This version of Sukojo... it's more dangerous than anything we thought possible.
The room felt smaller, the walls closing in as they absorbed the magnitude of what they had uncovered. Leona's voice trembled slightly, a rare moment of vulnerability slipping through her usual calm.
Leona: (quietly) Mhm...
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the soft crackling of the fire and the rhythmic tapping of Tier's fingers on the keyboard. The weight of their discovery settled around them like a heavy fog.
Meanwhile, Dark lay in his bed, his body at rest, but his mind tormented by nightmares. The camera slowly zoomed into his face, and the scene shifted into the vivid dreamscape unfolding within his mind.
Dark found himself standing in a dimly lit chamber, the air thick with the oppressive presence of something dark and ancient. Before him, seated on a throne made of bones and shadow, was Sukojo. The katana in Dark's hand dripped with blood—whether it was his own or someone else's, he couldn't tell. But the weight of the sword felt unbearable.
Sukojo, lounging on his throne like a king surveying his domain, looked down at Dark with cruel amusement.
Sukojo: (mocking) And who do you think you are, daring to enter my domain?
Dark gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on the katana, fury boiling inside him.
Dark: (voice shaking with anger) I'll kill you, you bastard. One day, I'll end this.
Sukojo's grin widened, his eyes glinting with malevolent glee.
Sukojo: Kill me? (chuckles darkly) You have no idea who you're dealing with. Do you even know the name on that book?
Dark's heart skipped a beat, the way Sukojo spoke, so casual, so certain—it chilled him to the core.
Dark: (confused) What do you mean?
Sukojo leaned forward slightly, his eyes boring into Dark's.
Sukojo: (smirking) "Ryo." That's the name of the man I killed first. (voice darkening) My father. I devoured him... just like I've devoured countless others.
The revelation hit Dark like a physical blow, his breath catching in his throat. His stomach churned with revulsion as he spat out his words.
Dark: You... you're a bloodthirsty monster!
Sukojo laughed, the sound echoing ominously through the chamber. There was no warmth in it, only cold, twisted joy.
Sukojo: (mocking) And you think you're any different?
Before Dark could react, Sukojo raised a hand and whispered, almost lovingly:
Sukojo: Domain World, Korosu.
In an instant, a shadowy force materialized. Before Dark could even raise his blade, the dark energy struck him. His vision blurred, and he felt a sharp, agonizing pain as his head was severed from his body. Time seemed to slow as he watched his head fall to the ground, Sukojo's devious smirk lingering in his final moments of consciousness.
Sukojo: (coldly) Hmph.
Dark awoke with a start, his hand instinctively flying to his neck. His heart raced, and his breath came in shallow, panicked gasps as he checked to ensure his head was still firmly attached. Sweat dripped down his forehead, and his pulse pounded in his ears, but the echo of Sukojo's laughter still haunted his mind.
Dark: (gasping) Sukojo...
He sat up, running a trembling hand through his hair, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Dark: (weary) When will I be free of you...?
Frustrated and haunted, Dark dragged himself out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom. He splashed cold water onto his face, hoping it would clear his mind. But as he lifted his head to meet his reflection, his blood ran cold. Staring back at him in the mirror wasn't his own face—it was Sukojo. The same wicked, blood-soaked grin from his nightmare.
Dark gasped, stumbling back in shock. But as quickly as it had appeared, the image vanished, leaving only his own terrified reflection staring back at him. He stood there for a long moment, breathing heavily before slowly lowering his hands.
He couldn't escape him.
Downstairs, Dark sat on the couch, flicking mindlessly through channels, trying to find solace in the mundane. But his thoughts were elsewhere, haunted by the nightmare and the cursed knowledge he now possessed.
Meanwhile, Tier and Leona continued their research, the soft glow of their computer screens illuminating their focused expressions. They were deep in the heart of unraveling the enigma of Sukojo, their minds racing as they sifted through endless amounts of data and ancient texts.
Tier, his brow deeply furrowed, couldn't shake the sense of dread creeping up his spine. His eyes scanned the screen, his voice low and tense.
Tier: This is... it's on a whole other level.
Leona, her gaze focused and sharp, leaned closer to the screen, her fingers trailing over the faint text of an ancient tome.
Leona: Look at this...
Tier leaned in, his face darkening as he read the faded words.
Tier: (quietly) My language sensors can't even detect this...
The weight of their discovery sank in like a stone, casting a dark cloud over their efforts. They exchanged a glance, the realization hanging between them.
Narrator: Tier's Language Sensor, capable of decoding even the most ancient dialects, couldn't interpret the text—an ominous sign.
As the camera zoomed out, the unease between them became palpable, the shadows around them thickening as the weight of what they had uncovered threatened to crush them.
Leona, always calm under pressure, found herself taken aback by the growing tension in the room. For a moment, her usual composure slipped.
Leona: (softly, almost to herself) Tier, you... look different when you're focused.
Her cheeks reddened slightly, the unspoken admission hanging in the air between them. Tier, caught off guard, blinked in confusion, not quite knowing how to respond.
Tier: (awkwardly) Uh... thanks, I guess?
Tier, still flustered from Leona's unexpected compliment, stood up abruptly. He needed to escape the sudden tension between them, his mind racing back to the task at hand. He grabbed his device, a handheld scanner capable of detecting anomalies, and started pacing through the dark corners of the library.
As he moved, the scanner beeped softly, alerting him to something unusual—a faint glow radiating from a distant corner. His curiosity piqued, Tier approached the source, his pulse quickening with each step. In the farthest, dustiest section of the library, the aura was pulsing, its light soft but eerie. It was coming from an old bookshelf, half-hidden beneath the shadows.
Tier: (muttering) What is this...?
He reached out cautiously and touched the light. In that moment, the room around him warped, dissolving into a different space entirely. The library's modern structure seemed to vanish, replaced by an ancient chamber, its walls covered in strange symbols and grotesque imagery. Everything around him seemed to radiate the same dark energy that he had sensed from the book earlier.
Tier: (voice trembling) What the hell...?
Tier's eyes darted around the room, and that's when he noticed the carvings. Symbols etched into the walls—sharp, jagged lines that seemed more like scars than writing. The patterns formed the unmistakable image of a wicked, bloody smile. Sukojo's mark.
The air grew cold, and the silence was shattered by a distant, eerie whistling. The melody was unsettling, like a twisted lullaby. Tier's breath hitched as the sound grew louder, creeping closer. He felt rooted to the spot, paralyzed by an overwhelming sense of dread.
Tier: (whispering) No... no, this isn't real...
But the whistling continued, now accompanied by the soft shuffle of footsteps. Each step sent a jolt of fear through Tier's body. His hands trembled, and he struggled to move, to escape the presence he felt looming closer.
And then, out of the shadows, a voice emerged—a voice that sounded eerily familiar, yet darker, more twisted.
Voice: (amused, sinister) Sukojo? You call him powerful now, don't you?
The voice seemed to swirl around him, disembodied, but impossibly close.
Voice: He once commanded an empire across multiverses... but now? He's just a soft, weakened remnant of what he was.
Tier's mouth went dry. He could barely stammer out a response.
Tier: (voice shaky) Wh-Who are you...?
The answer came in a slow, deliberate drawl.
Voice: I am Ryo Korosu. The box that holds Sukojo's true essence. And now, you've stepped into my World Domain.
The air grew heavier, and Tier could feel a cold sweat forming on his forehead. He stumbled backward, desperately trying to make sense of it all.
Tier: (pleading) Please... let me go... I don't belong here...
A deep, mocking laugh echoed around him.
Ryo Korosu: (drawn-out) Hmmmmm...
The voice was enjoying his fear. Then, suddenly, a command, cold and unyielding.
Ryo Korosu: Look at me.
Tier hesitated, his body trembling, but he couldn't resist the pull of the command. Slowly, he turned, his eyes locking onto a figure emerging from the darkness. It was a tall, shadowy being, its body enveloped in swirling black smoke. Its mouth and eyes glowed an unnerving white, standing out starkly against the darkness of its form.
Ryo Korosu: (demanding) Look into my heart.
Tier's gaze was dragged down to the figure's chest. The second his eyes met the swirling, black void where the heart should have been, everything around him began to dissolve. The room, the darkness—it all melted away in a blur, snapping back to the reality of the library.
He gasped for air, clutching his chest, his heart pounding in his ears. He was back. But the terror lingered.
Tier stumbled through the rows of books, his mind still reeling from the encounter, desperate to return to Leona. But when he arrived, the sight that greeted him nearly stopped his heart.
Leona was lying on the ground, a deep, jagged wound across her side. Blood pooled beneath her, her breathing shallow, her face pale. Tier dropped to his knees beside her, panic flooding his veins.
Tier: (yelling) LEONA! What happened?!
Leona struggled to speak, her voice barely a whisper, her body trembling in pain. Her eyes fluttered as she tried to focus on Tier.
Leona: (weakly) Ku...Kuk...ush...
Tier's blood ran cold. His voice shook as he tried to make sense of what she was saying.
Tier: (desperate) Kukush? The Multiversal Samurai?
Leona nodded weakly, barely able to keep her eyes open.
Leona: (barely audible) Y-Yes...
Tier's mind raced. Kukush—the powerful warrior they had once trusted—had attacked her. But why? How could someone like him turn against them?
Without hesitation, Tier dug into his backpack and pulled out a small, advanced healing device. His hands moved quickly but carefully as he applied it to her wound, activating the technology that would slowly, but surely, begin the process of regenerating her damaged tissue.
The device hummed to life, its glow illuminating Leona's pale face. It was slow, but her wound began to heal, her organs and skin knitting back together. Tier's eyes were focused, his breath held as he watched the process unfold, willing the device to work faster.
Leona's voice was weak, broken, as she whispered more.
Leona: He... He's not who we thought he was...
Tier: (urgent) What do you mean?
Leona's fragmented whispers made Tier's heart sink further into uncertainty. What had they walked into?
Leona: He... isn't the man we knew...
Her voice faded as she lost consciousness. Tier sat back, his mind spinning. Kukush—their ally—had betrayed them, and they had no idea why.
Tier stood, glancing around the room. There was no time to waste. He had to figure out what was going on before Kukush made his next move.
Tier: (determined) Leona, stay here. I'll be back.
He rose to his feet, his thoughts racing as he glanced at the scattered books and the dim library around him. He wasn't a fighter—he was the brains. But now he was thrust into a situation he couldn't think his way out of.
Tier: (thinking) I'm not a warrior, I'm a tech guy... If Kukush comes back for a fight, I don't stand a chance.
He glanced back at Leona's unconscious form, and his resolve hardened.
Tier: (thinking) But I have to protect her. I'll do whatever it takes...
The library's dark corners held their own secrets, and it wasn't long before Tier found himself face-to-face with Kukush. He heard footsteps overhead, followed by a sudden, forceful landing. Kukush appeared before him, his presence imposing, his katana gleaming under the dim light.
Kukush: (calm, but cold) Get out of my way, Tier.
Tier's eyes narrowed as he stood his ground.
Tier: No. You traitor.
Kukush's eyes flashed with something unreadable as he twirled the katana in his hand.
Kukush: Our alliance ended the moment we left the battlefield.
Tier's gaze dropped to the katana, noticing something was different about it—something more sinister.
Tier: (suspicious) Your sword... why does it look different?
Kukush's lips curled into a wicked smirk as he raised the blade slightly, the edge glowing faintly with a dark energy.
Kukush: Multiversal Samurai? No... I'm the Multiversal Hunter. The Ronin.
Tier gasped, stepping back. The weight of Kukush's words hit him like a tidal wave. He now realized who they were truly up against.
Tier: (shocked) The Ronin... the one who destroyed an entire universe...
Kukush, or rather Yuno, as he revealed himself, grinned wickedly.
Yuno: Nice to meet you, Tier. The name's Yuno.
The atmosphere grew tense, the air between them crackling with danger. Tier's pulse quickened. He was out of his depth.
Yuno's gaze shifted to Leona's prone form. His smile widened, his eyes gleaming with something close to disgust. With a sudden burst of speed, Yuno charged toward her, katana raised. His movements were a blur, impossibly fast.
But before the blade could fall, a sudden clash of steel rang out. The camera panned to the left, revealing Dark, his own katana raised, blocking Yuno's strike.
Dark: (disgusted) Multiversal? What the hell does that even mean?
Before Yuno could react, Dark's foot connected with hisface, sending him stumbling backward. Dark swiftly flipped his katana into a reverse grip and dashed forward, slashing across Yuno's chest with precision.
Yuno grunted, but his reflexes kicked in as he leapt into the air, smirking. Defying gravity, he dashed back down toward Dark, aiming for a lethal strike. Dark sidestepped with fluid ease and delivered a bone-crunching punch to Yuno's midsection, sending him crashing into the stone floor with a violent thud.
Dark: (calm, almost amused) Guess getting used to this is going to take a little time.
Tier, his heart still racing from the sudden clash, stared at Dark with a mix of awe and confusion.
Tier: (in disbelief) What did you do, Dark?
Dark chuckled, but it wasn't just his laugh—it carried a darker undertone, one that sent shivers down Tier's spine.
Dark: (playfully) Hmm... how do I put this? Haha...
The chuckle grew deeper, morphing into something unmistakably familiar—Sukojo's sinister laugh.
Dark: Let's just say... we struck a deal.
Dark's smile widened, but it wasn't his own—it was the same twisted grin that belonged to Sukojo. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous light, and his entire presence shifted as Sukojo's essence took control.
In a blur of movement, Sukojo—using Dark's body—rushed toward Yuno with terrifying speed. He lifted Yuno off the ground by his collar and, in one swift motion, drew a second blade from his side and hurled it at Yuno's leg, pinning him to the floor. Yuno roared in pain as Sukojo grabbed Dark's katana, muttering a dark spell under his breath.
Sukojo: (commanding) Dark Magic: Imbued Curse, Death of Sorrow.
The blade glowed with a fiery red aura that lashed out, scorching Yuno's flesh as it cut through him. The curse wrapped around Yuno like chains of flame, burning deeper with every passing second.
Yuno writhed in agony as Sukojo let out a manic laugh, his voice echoing throughout the library's vast halls.
Tier, watching in horror, whispered under his breath.
Tier: (terrified) What have you done, Dark...?
As Yuno's strength waned and the curse began to devour his body, Sukojo relinquished his hold over Dark's form. Dark staggered for a moment, returning to himself, brushing off the intensity of the moment as if nothing had happened.
Dark: (casual) You're welcome, Tier.
He offered a soft smile, starkly contrasting the dark energy that had just consumed him. Tier, still shaken, couldn't bring himself to respond.
Dark turned his attention to Leona, kneeling beside her as his hands glowed with healing energy. Slowly, her wounds began to close under his touch, her breathing becoming steadier. But as Leona's eyes fluttered open, she looked up at Dark, confusion and fear clear in her gaze.
Leona: (weakly) Dark...? What... what was that...?
Dark's expression softened, though the playfulness in his tone returned.
Dark: What was what?
Leona frowned, trying to articulate what she had witnessed.
Leona: The laughter... that wasn't you. You're... different.
Dark chuckled again, more light-hearted this time.
Dark: I'm different now? Tsahaha.
Tier, still cautious after everything that had just happened, stepped closer, his brow furrowed in deep suspicion.
Tier: (nervous) Yeah, you're... different. When I look at you now, it feels like I'm standing in front of Sukojo.
Dark's demeanor shifted again, but this time, there was something reflective in his gaze. He stared at Tier, his voice quieter now.
Dark: Hmm? You feel like you're standing in front of Sukojo?
He began to laugh once more, running a hand through his hair in mock frustration. But as the laughter faded, his voice grew more serious, resonating with a darker tone.
Dark: You know... we've been fighting Sukojo all this time. Trying to defeat him without ever trying to understand him.
Tier and Leona exchanged a glance, confusion and apprehension filling their eyes as Dark continued.
Dark: He showed me everything. Everything that happened to him. And to be honest... (pauses) I can't blame him for turning against everyone.
The room fell silent. Tier and Leona were left speechless, their expressions shifting from concern to shock.
Dark: (calm, certain) You two need to understand something... Sukojo and I, we're not separate anymore. We're two souls in one body now.
Tier's eyes widened. His mind was reeling from the implications of what Dark had just said.
Tier: (uncertain) So... you can switch with him? At will?
Dark nodded, his tone resigned to his new reality.
Dark: Only if he wants to. If he wants control, he can take it.
With that, Dark closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, the transformation was immediate. The dark red glow filled his pupils—Sukojo had taken over.
Narrator: The clearest sign of Sukojo's presence was always in the eyes. Dark's right eye, black as the void, would remain shut when Sukojo took over, while the left eye would blaze with a fierce, demonic red light. This visual cue was the undeniable mark of who was in control.
Now with Sukojo in control, the tension in the room shifted. His aura was sharper, more menacing. His gaze fell on Tier.
Sukojo: (bored) What do you want, Tier?
Tier, always the thinker, pressed forward with a question that had been gnawing at him since he learned of Sukojo's history.
Tier: (serious) Are you Sukojo because you are the devourer, or are you the devourer because you are Sukojo?
Sukojo blinked, clearly unimpressed by the depth of the question. He tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk on his lips.
Sukojo: What kind of pointless riddle is that?
He sighed, rolling his eyes before answering.
Sukojo: I'm the Devourer of All. End of story.
With that, he closed his eyes, and Dark returned, shaking off the brief exchange with a small grin. Leona, standing close, pulled him aside.
Leona: (softly) Dark, what's really happening?
Dark: What do you mean?
Leona: (concerned) What deal did you make with him?
Dark's smile was wide and carefree, almost childlike.
Dark: We just came to an understanding. Don't worry, Leona.
Leona's eyes softened, and she leaned into Dark, resting her head against his chest.
Leona: (whispering) I'm scared for you. I don't want you to get hurt.
Dark chuckled softly, running a hand through her hair.
Dark: I won't let anyone hurt you. I promise.
As Leona closed her eyes, resting peacefully against him, the camera zoomed in on Dark's face. For a brief moment, the look of affection faded, replaced by an expression of disgust.
Sukojo: (thinking) These fools have no idea what's coming once they leave this boring library.
The camera pulled back, capturing the trio as Dark spoke aloud, his voice calm.
Dark: Alright, let's head out.
As they prepared to leave, Dark couldn't help but reflect inwardly.
Sukojo: (thinking) Acting like Dark is harder than I thought. His will is... strong.
Dark approached Tier, who was glancing around nervously. Something about his behavior caught Dark's attention.
Dark: (casual) You alright, Tier?
Tier, caught off guard, stumbled over his words.
Tier: Uh... yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
Dark narrowed his eyes slightly but chose not to press the issue further. Instead, he simply nodded.
Dark: Alright. Let's get moving.
Tier, sensing a moment of opportunity, spoke up.
Tier: Mind if I check something out real quick? I want to explore the library a bit more.
From within, Sukojo silently observed, his interest piqued.
Sukojo: (thinking) He's sharper than he lets on.
Dark, ever cautious, gave a warning.
Dark: Go ahead, but don't take too long. Bad things could happen if you stray too far.
Tier nodded and hurried off, leaving Dark and Leona alone. As they moved in the opposite direction, Dark's grip on Leona tightened.
Leona: (confused) Dark, why are you holding me so tightly?
Without turning his head, Dark's voice dropped an octave, the playful tone gone, replaced by something cold.
Dark: Shut up.
Leona's heart skipped a beat.
Leona: (startled) Huh?
Dark paused, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. His eyes shifted slightly, the unmistakable glint of Sukojo flashing within them. His voice lowered, dripping with malice.
Sukojo: I've been pretending to be Dark for long enough, but there's something you need to hear... and it might just cost you your life.
Leona's blood ran cold as she instinctively tried to pull away, but Dark—no, Sukojo—held her firmly, his grip almost painful. His expression softened momentarily, the predator masking itself once more with calm indifference.
Sukojo: (coldly reassuring) Don't worry... I won't kill you. Dark wouldn't let me.
Leona's heart pounded in her chest, fear wrapping itself around her like a suffocating blanket. Sukojo's words felt like the calm before the storm, his tone sending icy chills down her spine.
Sukojo: (leaning closer, voice dark) But... I need you to do something for me.
Leona's breath caught in her throat as Sukojo's grip loosened just enough for her to pull away. She took a step back, her eyes wide with horror as he smiled—a smile that held no warmth, only the promise of violence.
Sukojo: I want you to kill Tier.
Leona's eyes widened in disbelief. Her voice trembled as she shook her head, backing away from him.
Leona: (panicked) No... I won't do that.
Sukojo's eyes narrowed, the smile fading from his face. His voice took on a commanding, almost hypnotic edge.
Sukojo: Look into my eyes, Leona.
Leona tried to resist, but her gaze was drawn to his as if an invisible force was pulling her in. His eyes glowed with a malevolent red, and in that moment, she felt her will bending beneath the weight of his power.
Leona: (struggling) I... I won't...
But Sukojo's influence was relentless. His power coursed through her, twisting her thoughts, dulling her resistance.
Sukojo: Say it. You will kill Tier.
Leona's body trembled as she tried to fight it, but the words spilled from her lips, her voice hollow and lifeless.
Leona: I will... kill Tier.
Sukojo's devious smile returned, his satisfaction evident in his eyes.
Sukojo: Good. Now go... find him. Bring me his head.
Leona, now under Sukojo's dark influence, unsheathed her katana with cold determination. Her movements were robotic, her mind no longer her own. She moved swiftly through the corridors, the thought of Tier's demise etched deeply in her mind.
Tier, oblivious to the danger approaching, had found a quiet corner of the library and sat down, exhausted from the day's events. His eyes were heavy, and soon, he drifted into a light, uneasy sleep. The faint sound of approaching footsteps didn't stir him, nor did the soft creak of the floor beneath Leona's approaching form. Her katana glinted ominously in the low light, her eyes glowing unnaturally from Sukojo's control. She moved silently, like a predator closing in on prey. Her target, Tier, lay defenseless in the chair, unaware of the deadly intent hanging over him.
With each step, her grip on the katana tightened, her mind fighting a losing battle against Sukojo's grip. Leona raised her blade, the point aimed directly at Tier's throat. Sweat beaded on her brow as her arm trembled, caught between Sukojo's will and her own buried consciousness screaming in protest.
Just as the blade began to descend, a sudden clash of metal rang through the air. Leona's katana was blocked by a rusty, small knife—one that seemed far too weak to withstand such force, but it held firm. The impact jolted her back slightly, and her eyes widened in confusion.
Leona: (breathing heavily) What... what's happening?
The camera pulled back to reveal a mysterious figure standing between Leona and Tier. His posture was calm, and his clothing—a distinctly western outfit—contrasted starkly with the dark, ancient atmosphere of the library. The man's eyes were sharp and calculating, and in his hand, he held the small, weathered knife that had stopped Leona's strike.
Mysterious Man: (firmly) Lady, you don't want to do this.
Leona's body shook as the weight of the moment settled on her. She took a step back, her grip on the katana faltering as her mind fought against the control Sukojo had placed on her.
Leona: (voice trembling) What... am I doing?
Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized how close she had come to killing Tier. Her inner struggle, the pull of Sukojo's will, and her own horror collided all at once, threatening to break her.
The man lowered his rusty knife slightly, his tone now softer, though his eyes remained sharp.
Mysterious Man: You've been manipulated. Sukojo's power—his Egyr—runs deep. Few can resist it, but you can fight it.
Leona's breath caught as she looked up, her body still trembling from the dark influence coursing through her veins.
Leona: (whispering) Egyr...?
The man gave a small, knowing smile and stepped closer, speaking with calm authority.
Mysterious Man: Sukojo's Egyr is a rare form of manipulation. It's an art only he has mastered across the universes. But you... (pausing) You can resist. You must resist.
His words seemed to pierce the fog in her mind, and for the first time, Leona felt a flicker of control returning. Her hands loosened their grip on the katana as she staggered backward, her mind reeling from the intensity of the moment.
Leona: (hoarse) I... I will try.
The mysterious man's expression hardened as he turned his gaze toward the library's deeper shadows.
Mysterious Man: (with urgency) We don't have time. We need to stop Sukojo before his hold tightens further.
Leona, still shaken, nodded weakly.
Leona: (quietly) But... two others said that and died...
The man, undeterred, responded with an unshakeable confidence.
Mysterious Man: They weren't me. (smirking slightly) I'm the strongest.
Leona couldn't help but feel a tinge of hope at his unwavering resolve, though doubt still lingered in her voice.
Leona: Sure...
The scene shifted to Sukojo, who sat calmly, sharpening Dark's katana. Each stroke was deliberate, methodical, as a dark red aura began to envelop the blade, pulsing with ominous energy. The slow scraping of steel against the sharpening stone was the only sound in the dark room, creating a sinister melody.
As the camera panned, it revealed Leona and the mysterious man—now identified as Shinryu—moving with purpose, determination etched into their faces as they made their way toward Sukojo.
The camera focused on the side of Sukojo's face, his eyes half-lidded as he continued sharpening the weapon, his lips curling into a small, knowing smirk. Without turning his head, his eyes shifted toward the incoming pair.
Sukojo: (quietly, amused) Ah... finally.
As they closed the distance, Sukojo's movements slowed, and he rose to his feet, his full attention now on Shinryu and Leona.
The confrontation was charged with an almost electric intensity. Shinryu, standing tall, addressed his adversary with a voice filled with ancient knowledge and authority.
Shinryu: (resolutely) Sukojo, Devourer of Worlds.
Sukojo, unfazed, casually rested the katana on his shoulder, regarding Shinryu with an air of boredom.
Sukojo: (mockingly) Shinryu, the one who claims to go beyond a Cosmic God.
For a moment, silence fell between them as they sized each other up. The gravity of their confrontation weighed heavily in the air.
Both in unison, their voices rang out:
Shinryu & Sukojo: We meet at last.
Sukojo's eyes narrowed, his smirk widening as he pointed his katana at Shinryu.
Sukojo: (sneering) I'll enjoy ending you... and that false reputation of yours.
Shinryu's gaze was steely and unwavering, his tone cutting through Sukojo's mockery.
Shinryu: And I'll enjoy stripping away your arrogance.
Leona, sensing the magnitude of the moment, wisely stepped back, giving the two titans space for their inevitable clash.
The atmosphere became charged as Shinryu's aura exploded around him—a magnificent display of dark orange and deep blue energy, streaked with flashes of lightning. The very air crackled with power as the ground beneath him seemed to vibrate from the sheer force of his presence.
Sukojo's grin faltered for just a second, replaced by a spark of genuine excitement.
Shinryu: (calmly challenging) Strike me, Sukojo.
For a brief moment, Sukojo stood frozen, but then, his expression lit up with almost childlike glee. With a sharp inhale, he vanished from sight, moving faster than the eye could track. He reappeared beside Shinryu, his katana swinging with deadly precision.
In that fleeting moment, time seemed to slow. Sukojo's attack, wild and furious, contrasted sharply with Shinryu's calm indifference. Without even turning his head, Shinryu raised his hand and slapped Sukojo aside with such force that the sound barrier cracked. Sukojo flew across the room, slamming into a wall with a loud thud, but quickly caught himself, laughing madly.
Sukojo: (laughing, breathless) Hahahaha! I haven't felt this in ages!
He leaped back to his feet, extending his right hand into the air. His katana returned to him instantly, as if called by some invisible force. The red aura around the blade intensified as Sukojo raised it toward Shinryu, readying himself for the next phase of battle.
But Shinryu remained unfazed, one hand still resting casually in his pocket, the other ready for action.
Shinryu: (dismissively) Weak.
Sukojo's eyes gleamed with excitement as he retorted.
Sukojo: Heh, don't underestimate me just yet.
With speed and precision, Shinryu extended his hand, summoning a burst of energy so fast it was almost imperceptible. A flare of light streaked through the air and pierced Sukojo's head in an instant, leaving behind a small, precise wound.
Sukojo's body jerked back, his eyes wide open, but before he could hit the ground, his smile twisted into one of twisted satisfaction. Drool escaped the corner of his mouth as his upper body pitched forward, and, impossibly, the wound on his head began to close.
Shinryu raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised by Sukojo's recovery.
Shinryu: (quizzically) Huh...?
Sukojo stood tall, his wound now fully healed, and smirked darkly at Shinryu.
Sukojo: Ryo Korosu, World Domain.
The declaration sent a ripple of shock through the air. Shinryu's casual demeanor shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his face as the world around them slowed.
Narrator: Domain World: an ability harnessed by devils and demons to envelop an entire world in their power, only limited by the caster's strength. Sukojo's mastery of this art is unrivaled.
As the slow-motion effect faded, the scene changed. Shinryu found himself lying on the ground, uninjured but clearly affected by the shift in reality. Blood pooled beneath him, a silent testament to the overwhelming power of Sukojo's Domain World.
Sukojo stood over him, his devious grin never faltering.
His smile reflected the sheer power he wielded, and the control he had over the situation. The twisted satisfaction in his eyes spoke volumes as he relished the advantage. The once mighty Shinryu, now grounded, looked up, meeting Sukojo's gaze.
Sukojo: (mockingly) Come now, Shinryu. Get up. I expected more from the "One Who Goes Beyond A Cosmic God."
Shinryu, despite his situation, remained calm. He exhaled slowly and began to rise, dust scattering off his clothes as he stood tall once more. A small smile formed on his lips, and with it, a cigarette appeared between his fingers. He lit it nonchalantly, taking a drag as the smoke curled around his face.
Shinryu: (casual, almost amused) Good, you knew I didn't feel a single thing.
His calm words were like a slap in the face to Sukojo, whose smirk faltered for just a second before the hunger for a challenge returned.
Shinryu: (examining his surroundings) To be fair, your Domain World isn't what I expected.
Sukojo narrowed his eyes, his amusement never quite leaving, though curiosity began to slip through his cocky facade.
Sukojo: (darkly intrigued) Is that so?
Shinryu took another slow drag from his cigarette, his eyes flicking toward Sukojo with a calm intensity.
Shinryu: Yeah... but you see, I've had my Domain World in play since the moment you saw me.
For the first time, Sukojo's expression shifted from cocky arrogance to mild surprise.
Sukojo: (realizing) Ah... no wonder. I sensed only a little power coming from you.
Shinryu smirked, his cigarette burning down as he tossed it aside, exuding an air of effortless confidence.
Shinryu: I held back to keep the rest of the world from being destroyed by your instant-kill Domain. But now...
Shinryu's aura began to shift, a violent storm of power building around him, growing stronger by the second.
Shinryu: I can release it.
Sukojo's eyes widened briefly before his expression settled into an almost predatory grin.
Sukojo: (sarcastically) How kind of you.
Suddenly, with a sharp snap of his fingers, Sukojo summoned an eerie, haunting melody that filled the air. The sound was unsettling, crawling under the skin like a cold breeze in the dead of night. Leona, watching from the corner, heard it too, the sinister music wrapping itself around her, making her heart race.
Shinryu raised an eyebrow, visibly confused.
Shinryu: What the hell is this...?
The smile on Sukojo's face stretched wider, his eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement as he stared down Shinryu.
Sukojo: (calm, almost gleeful) Just a little soundtrack to set the mood.
The unsettling melody continued to grow, filling the room with a sense of impending dread. Sukojo's grip tightened around his katana, his aura flaring violently as the music seemed to feed his bloodlust. The tension between the two warriors escalated, crackling like lightning in the suffocating air.
Both knew that the true battle was just beginning. And as their eyes locked once more, it became clear that this was a clash that would shape not just their fates but the fates of many worlds.
The eerie melody hung in the air, twisting the atmosphere into something heavy, almost suffocating. Sukojo's grin widened as he watched Shinryu, the excitement practically vibrating off him. His katana gleamed with an aura of dark red energy, pulsing in time with the sinister music.
Sukojo: (gleefully) I've been waiting for something like this, Shinryu. It's been too long since I've faced someone worth my time.
Shinryu, unfazed by the haunting tune, cracked his neck, his calm demeanor still intact. The storm of power surrounding him flickered, growing stronger. His eyes locked onto Sukojo's, a deadly seriousness settling into his expression.
Shinryu: (calm, yet resolute) Enough talk. Let's see if you can back it up.
Without another word, Sukojo vanished in an instant, moving with speed that defied perception. One moment he was standing still, and the next he was right in front of Shinryu, his katana coming down in a brutal arc, aimed to cleave through his opponent.
But Shinryu was ready.
With a casual movement, Shinryu raised his hand, catching Sukojo's blade between two fingers. The sound of metal grinding against skin echoed through the room as Shinryu's aura surged, holding the blade in place with impossible strength. Sukojo's eyes widened for a split second, caught off guard by the sheer ease with which Shinryu blocked his attack.
Sukojo: (surprised) What—?!
Shinryu smirked, and with a flick of his wrist, he sent Sukojo flying backward, his body crashing through several bookshelves, splintering wood and scattering books everywhere. The force of the throw shook the entire library, the impact causing cracks to form along the stone walls.
Sukojo landed on his feet, skidding to a halt as the dust and debris settled around him. His grin returned, wider than ever.
Sukojo: (laughing) Hahahaha! That's more like it!
He raised his katana high, the dark red energy surrounding it flaring violently as he pointed the blade toward Shinryu.
Sukojo: Let's crank this up, shall we?
Suddenly, the ground beneath Shinryu trembled, and dark tendrils of energy erupted from the floor, snaking toward him with incredible speed. Each tendril was like a living, sentient entity, seeking to bind and crush him in an instant. Shinryu remained calm, his eyes narrowing as he extended his hand toward the oncoming assault.
With a burst of power, Shinryu's aura exploded outward, creating a shockwave that obliterated the tendrils in an instant. The force of the shockwave sent Sukojo skidding back yet again, though his grin never wavered. He relished every moment of this fight.
Sukojo: (excited) Now we're getting somewhere!
Shinryu didn't respond with words. Instead, he vanished—his speed equaling Sukojo's. The two clashed in the center of the room, their movements too fast to be seen by the naked eye. Blades struck and sparks flew as the two warriors danced through the battlefield, each strike carrying the weight of worlds.
Leona, still watching from the corner, could barely follow the action. Her eyes darted back and forth as she tried to comprehend the sheer speed and power of the fight. The sound of their clashes echoed throughout the library, the force of their battle threatening to bring the entire building down around them.
Suddenly, the two reappeared, locked in a fierce struggle, their blades pressed against each other, neither willing to give an inch. Sukojo's face was alight with manic glee, while Shinryu's expression remained cold and focused.
Sukojo: (through gritted teeth) You're strong, Shinryu. Stronger than most I've faced. But strength alone isn't enough.
Shinryu's gaze was unyielding, his voice steady.
Shinryu: I'm not here to prove anything to you, Sukojo. I'm here to end you.
With a surge of power, Shinryu pushed Sukojo back, sending him stumbling. Without hesitation, Shinryu raised his hand, gathering a massive amount of energy into his palm. The ground beneath them cracked and shattered as the sheer force of Shinryu's attack threatened to tear the very fabric of the space around them.
Shinryu: (quietly, but with deadly intent) This ends now.
Sukojo's eyes gleamed, his own aura surging as he prepared for the final clash. The energy in the room reached a fever pitch, the very air vibrating with the intensity of their power.
In a flash of light, both warriors charged at each other, their final blows poised to decide the outcome of their battle.
Sukojo's laughter echoed through the ruined library as he met Shinryu's charge head-on, their energies colliding in a brilliant explosion of light and power. But as the clash raged on, something shifted in Sukojo's expression. His smile grew wider, his eyes narrowing with a glint of sudden realization.
With a swift, deliberate motion, Sukojo flung Dark's katana away, sending it spinning into the far corner of the room. The weapon clattered against the stone floor with a loud, metallic ring, its red aura dissipating as it slid to a stop.
Sukojo: (grinning) Weapons slow me down...
He flexed his fingers, dark energy coiling around his hands like living shadows. His nails elongated into sharp claws, glowing faintly with a malicious red hue. Sukojo's entire form seemed to pulse with a new kind of energy—a wild, chaotic power that radiated from him like a storm. His speed, already near impossible to follow, increased exponentially as if the weight of the katana had been holding him back.
Sukojo: (feral glee) My fists... my claws... these are the only weapons I need.
In an instant, he vanished from sight. Shinryu's eyes widened, barely able to react before Sukojo reappeared, striking at him with the full force of his newfound speed. His claws slashed through the air, each strike faster and more brutal than the last. Shinryu barely managed to block with his sword, but even with his formidable power, he was being pushed back.
Shinryu: (thinking) He's faster... stronger...
With each clash, Sukojo's claws came closer, the shockwaves from his strikes sending tremors through the floor and walls. Shinryu felt the difference immediately—this wasn't just Sukojo wielding raw power, it was him reveling in his element. The thrill of close-quarters combat fueled him, turning the battle into something even more primal.
Suddenly, Sukojo ducked low, sliding past Shinryu's defenses. Before Shinryu could react, Sukojo's fist collided with his gut, sending him rocketing backward. Shinryu crashed through several shelves before slamming into the wall, the impact leaving a deep crater in the stone. Blood dripped from his mouth as he gasped, trying to regain his breath.
Sukojo: (taunting) Come on, Shinryu, don't tell me that's all you've got! I thought you were supposed to be "beyond a Cosmic God"!
With terrifying speed, Sukojo closed the distance, his claws raised to strike again. But this time, Shinryu was ready. With a swift motion, he thrust his sword forward, aiming for Sukojo's chest.
But Sukojo didn't slow down.
Instead, he grinned wider, and with a burst of movement, he caught Shinryu's blade between two fingers, just as Shinryu had done earlier. The sheer force of the clash caused the ground beneath them to crack and splinter, but Sukojo held the blade firm, his grip unwavering.
Sukojo: (sneering) Nice trick earlier, but you're not the only one who can play that game.
Before Shinryu could react, Sukojo's free hand shot forward, his claws aimed directly at Shinryu's throat. Shinryu managed to twist his body just in time to avoid a lethal blow, but Sukojo's claws still grazed his neck, drawing blood.
Sukojo's grin widened even further as he licked the blood from his fingers.
Sukojo: (mocking) Tastes like fear.
Without hesitation, Sukojo released the blade and lunged again, this time using both fists in a relentless barrage of punches. Each blow was like a sledgehammer, and Shinryu struggled to block and evade them. Even with his speed and skill, Sukojo's newfound ferocity was overwhelming.
Shinryu: (gritting his teeth) Damn it... he's...
A particularly brutal punch caught Shinryu in the side, sending him skidding across the floor, his sword knocked from his grasp. He slammed into a broken bookshelf, the force of the impact causing it to collapse around him in a heap of wood and books.
Sukojo stood tall, his aura pulsating violently around him. He cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing ominously in the now-quiet room.
Sukojo: (menacing) I told you, Shinryu. Strength alone isn't enough. You can have all the power in the world, but when it comes to this— (he flexes his fingers) —I'm in my element.
Shinryu, bloodied but far from defeated, slowly pushed himself up from the rubble. His eyes burned with determination as he wiped the blood from his mouth.
Shinryu: (grinning through the pain) You're right about one thing, Sukojo...
He extended his hand, and with a flash of light, his sword returned to him, materializing in his grip once more. The aura around him flared brighter than before, crackling with power.
Shinryu: I haven't even begun to show you what I'm capable of.
The two stood across from each other, the air between them charged with anticipation. The battle had only just begun, and both knew that this was far from over.
Sukojo's eyes glinted with excitement, his smile never fading.
Sukojo: (thinking) Finally, a fight worth savoring...
End of Chapter 6.