The air inside Tier's home was suffocating, thick with an unease none of them had ever felt before. The silence was heavy, as if a single word would shatter the fragile calm holding them together. Dark sat apart from the group, his usual aura of confidence replaced by something much darker—almost fearful. His once sharp and determined eyes now stared vacantly at the floor, his mind clearly far away.
Leona's gaze lingered on him, concern etched across her face. The silence stretched on until she couldn't bear it anymore.
Leona: (softly) Dark... we need to talk about what just happened.
Dark lifted his head slowly, his gaze meeting hers. There was a shadow in his eyes—a flicker of something she hadn't seen before, something that made her heart tighten. He nodded, his movements sluggish, as if weighed down by an invisible force.
Dark: (quietly) I... I didn't know. About Sukojo. About the essence inside me. I never felt it... until now.
His words sent a chill through the room. This wasn't the Dark they were used to—the fearless leader who always seemed to have all the answers. Seeing him like this, vulnerable and unsure, deepened the dread that had been creeping into their hearts since the confrontation.
Gilmuar: (frowning, trying to understand) But how could you not have known? Something like that... doesn't just go unnoticed.
Dark shook his head, frustration tightening his expression.
Dark: (frustrated) I thought... when Sukojo left me, I thought that was it. I thought I was free. But... when Cron looked into my soul... something woke up. Something that had been dormant until that moment.
Cron, standing by the doorway, still trembling from the encounter, stiffened at Dark's words. The memory of the darkness, the low growl, the overwhelming presence—it was fresh, a nightmare that refused to fade.
Cron: (hesitant, voice shaky) It wasn't just Sukojo. I... I felt something else in there. Something older. More powerful.
Dark's expression darkened further as he considered Cron's words. The memory of that sudden surge of darkness—the overwhelming presence that had flickered to life within him—sent a chill through his veins.
Dark: (slowly, voice tense) I felt it too. For just a moment when you connected with me. It wasn't just Sukojo. There's something else... something darker.
Leona's worry deepened. She could hear the fear in Dark's voice—a fear that wasn't just for himself, but for all of them.
Leona: (softly) What does that mean? Is this other presence connected to Sukojo, or is it something else entirely?
Dark ran a hand through his messy black hair, frustration mounting.
Dark: (grimly) I don't know. But whatever it is... it's dangerous. And if it's been awakened now... then it's only a matter of time before it tries taking control.
Tier, silent until now, spoke up, his analytical mind already spinning.
Tier: (seriously) We need to find out what we're dealing with. This isn't just about Sukojo anymore. If there's something else inside you, Dark... something more dangerous... we need answers. And fast.
The gravity of Tier's words weighed heavily on everyone. They had faced countless threats together, but this felt different. More personal. More terrifying.
Cron: (voice trembling with resolve) We need to understand what's inside you, Dark. Before it's too late.
Dark glanced around the room, his gaze lingering on the faces of his closest friends—those who had fought alongside him, trusted him, even when he didn't trust himself.
Dark: (nodding, voice firming) Agreed. But promise me something. If... if it starts to take over, if I become a danger to you... you have to stop me. No matter what.
Leona's heart clenched at the thought. She couldn't imagine fighting Dark—let alone stopping him.
Leona: (pleading softly) Dark, don't say that. We won't let it come to that.
Gilmuar's voice was steady, but concern darkened his eyes.
Gilmuar: (gravely) She's right. We'll figure this out, Dark. We're not losing you to this.
Dark offered a small, grateful nod, but the worry remained etched on his face.
Dark: (grimly) I hope you're right. But we can't take any chances.
The room fell into silence again, the weight of their situation pressing down on them all. They knew the road ahead was uncertain, filled with danger. Whatever dark force was lurking within Dark's soul, they would face it together—but the fear of the unknown loomed over them like a shadow.
Dark: (finally breaking the silence) We need information. Someone who might know what this other presence is. If we can figure that out, we might have a chance at stopping it.
Tier nodded, already planning his next move.
Tier: I'll dig into the archives, see if anything matches what you both experienced. Ancient texts, old records—anything that gives us a clue.
Leona placed a hand on Dark's shoulder, her voice filled with determination.
Leona: We'll stick together, Dark. No one's facing this alone.
Dark met her gaze, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Despite everything, he knew he could rely on them. And that gave him hope—hope that they might stand a chance against whatever darkness lay ahead.
Dark: (standing up slowly) Give me a second... I need to do something first.
Dark quietly moved to a corner of the room, sitting down with his head bowed. His mind churned with confusion and fear. The presence inside him—it was growing stronger, stirring every time he closed his eyes. It felt like a shadow, lurking deep within the core of his soul, waiting for the right moment to seize control.
Dark knew he couldn't let it continue like this. He had to face it—whatever it was.
He closed his eyes, focusing inward. Slowly, the world around him began to fade. His body felt weightless, and soon he was pulled into the depths of his own mind.
Dark found himself standing in a vast, empty space. The air was cold and oppressive, and the ground beneath him felt strange—solid, yet not quite real. Above him, the sky was an endless void, swirling with dark clouds that shifted and writhed like living creatures. He had been here before in dreams, but this time felt different.
He wasn't alone.
In the distance, a figure stood, shrouded in shadow. It was tall, menacing, yet somehow familiar. As Dark stepped closer, the figure's form grew clearer. It was Sukojo—or at least, something that resembled him. His appearance was similar to what Dark remembered, but his eyes... six glowing, unnaturally bright eyes. The air around him pulsed with dark energy, his black and white kimono billowing as though moved by some unseen force.
Dark: (cautiously) Who are you?
The figure didn't move at first, its gaze piercing through Dark with a chilling intensity. Then, slowly, a smile crept across its lips—cold, cruel, and knowing.
Sukojo's Essence: (his voice deep and echoing) You don't recognize me? After everything, you still ask?
Dark's fists clenched. He wasn't in the mood for games.
Dark: (gritting his teeth) You're not the Sukojo I've known for. You're... different.....Stronger. Who are you?
The essence took a slow step forward, its six eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. Its presence weighed down on Dark's soul, suffocating, overwhelming.
Sukojo's Essence: (calmly, with a hint of mockery) I am the true Sukojo. The one who lived 10,000 years ago and before this world even existed. What you fought was nothing more than a fragment of my power—a shadow of what I once was.
Dark's heart pounded as the truth began to sink in. This wasn't the Sukojo he had known—this was something far older, far more dangerous. The air around them crackled with tension, and Dark took a step back, trying to process what he was hearing.
Dark: (shocked) The real Sukojo? But... how? How are you here, inside me?
Sukojo's essence laughed—a low, bone-chilling sound filled with arrogance.
Sukojo's Essence: (cruel smile) I've been here all along, dormant, waiting for the right moment. When that fool Cron dared to peer into your soul, he awakened me. And now, I am awake, Dark.
Dark's mind raced. This couldn't be happening. He had already faced Sukojo once, barely surviving. And now, this ancient, all-powerful version was inside him, waiting for control.
Dark: (voice shaking) What do you want from me?
Sukojo's essence took another step forward, its six eyes narrowing as it spoke.
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly) You, Dark, are no ordinary man. You are the son of the Immeasurable, the lost child of the Merciful One. Your very existence is tied to forces beyond your comprehension.
Dark froze.His breath caught in his throat as the weight of those words sank in. The son of the Immeasurable? The lost child of the Merciful One? The words echoed in his mind, too immense to grasp fully.
Dark: (demanding) What are you talking about? Who is the Immeasurable? Who is the Merciful One?
But Sukojo's essence only smiled, ignoring the questions, his eyes gleaming with an ominous light.
Sukojo's Essence: (coldly) It doesn't matter. What matters is that something is coming, Dark. A threat, an event that will shake the very foundations of everything you know. When it comes, you will have no choice but to let me take control. To let me fully awaken inside you.
Dark's blood ran cold at the thought. Let this ancient, terrifying force take control of his body? Never.
Dark: (growling, defiant) I won't let that happen. I won't let you take over.
Sukojo's essence chuckled, but there was no warmth in it—only cold, calculated malice.
Sukojo's Essence: (calmly) You won't have a choice. When the time comes, you will be forced to accept my conditions. You will have to agree to the Raws.
Dark narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. The Raws? He had never heard of such a thing. The tension between them grew, the dark energy swirling more intensely as Sukojo's power crackled in the air.
Dark: (demanding) What are the Raws?
Sukojo's essence laughed again, the sound hollow and mocking.
Sukojo's Essence: (mocking) The Raws are a bond, a promise. A set of terms you will have no choice but to accept. And if you break the Raws, the consequences are simple—you die.
Dark's heart pounded in his chest. The words hit him like a wave, binding him in a way that he couldn't understand but could feel, deep in his soul. Before he could press for more details, Sukojo's expression shifted, his gaze growing colder, more intense.
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly) You don't need to know more. What you need to understand is this—I am not here to kill you. Yet. But when the time comes, you will surrender everything to me. And you will, Dark, because you'll have no other choice.
Dark's fists clenched, his anger boiling inside him. He wanted to fight, to resist, but there was something about Sukojo's presence—something ancient and unstoppable. It was like trying to fight the ocean's tide, an overwhelming force that couldn't be contained. Deep down, he knew that when the moment came, he might not be strong enough to stop it.
Dark: (voice shaking with defiance) I'll never let you take over. I'll fight you to the end.
Sukojo's eyes gleamed with cold amusement.
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly amused) Fight me? You remind me of someone, Dark. A man, long ago, who said those exact words to me.
The air around Dark grew colder, heavier, as Sukojo took a slow, deliberate step forward. His voice dropped to a deadly whisper.
Sukojo's Essence: (dangerously calm) He thought he could resist me. That he could defy my will. Do you know what happened to him?
Dark said nothing, refusing to give Sukojo the satisfaction of a response. But Sukojo continued, his voice twisting into something cruel, almost melodic.
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly) He ran. Told the world that I was coming, that I had to be stopped. At first, they listened. They feared him. They believed his words. They trembled at the mere mention of my name.
Sukojo raised his hand, his fingers curling together slowly, methodically, as if to demonstrate the immense power he held within him.
Sukojo's Essence: (quiet menace) But as time passed, they realized something, Dark. They realized there is no power—no being—that could ever match me. No matter how much they feared, no matter how much they believed in their strength, they understood one simple truth: resistance is not just futile. It's impossible.
Dark's breath caught as Sukojo's hand closed into a tight fist, the simple motion carrying with it the weight of oblivion.
Sukojo's Essence: (softly, with immense weight) My power is beyond comprehension, Dark. The act of my fingers curling together is enough to erase existence itself. To undo reality. My will is reality.
The oppressive aura surrounding them grew heavier, the air thick with a dark energy that seemed to warp the space around them. Sukojo's six eyes glowed with terrifying intensity, radiating boundless power.
Sukojo's Essence: (coldly) That man? He was reduced to nothing but a whisper, ignored by those who saw the futility in resisting me. And so will you be, Dark. Resistance is not just futile—it's impossible.
Dark's heart pounded, but he refused to back down. His fists clenched tighter, the veins in his arms bulging as he fought against the crushing sense of inevitability. His instincts screamed at him to flee, to hide, but he stood his ground, his mind racing to find any way to push back against this overwhelming force.
Dark: (growling) You think I'm afraid of you? I won't be your puppet. Not now, not ever.
Sukojo's essence tilted his head, watching Dark with a predator's patience, as though humoring him.
Sukojo's Essence: (mockingly) You still don't understand. I am not the Sukojo you fought before. I am the true Sukojo. The one who existed 10,000 years ago, before your pitiful world was even shaped.
He paused, his voice dropping to a dark whisper, chilling in its certainty.
Sukojo's Essence: (ominously) The real me is not a joke, Dark. What you've faced so far? Mere echoes, shadows of my true self. I am what remains.
Dark's spine tingled with dread, but his defiance remained unshaken. He kept his fists clenched, his knuckles white. He wouldn't let fear win.
Sukojo's Essence: (almost softly) But it doesn't matter. You will accept my terms—the Raws. And when the time comes, you will hand yourself over to me. You'll let me take control of your body completely, because you will have no other choice.
Dark: (defiant) I'll never agree to your terms. I'll never give up control.
Sukojo's eyes gleamed with cruel amusement, his laughter a dark whisper that echoed through the void.
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly amused) We shall see. Soon, a threat will come. Something far greater than anything you or your precious friends have ever faced. And when it does, you'll come to me. You'll beg me to take control. You'll beg for my power. And when that moment comes, the Raws will bind us.
Dark's mind whirled, struggling to process what he was hearing, but the only word that stood out was Raws. He had never heard of it before, but the way Sukojo spoke of it made it sound final, binding, unbreakable.
Dark: (voice shaking) What are the Raws? Again...
Sukojo's smile grew darker, more menacing.
Sukojo's Essence: (whispering) The Raws are a bond. A promise. A set of conditions that you will be bound to. And if you break them, you die. Instantly. No hesitation. There is no escape, no loophole—only death. Permanent death.
Dark's breath felt shallow as the suffocating weight of Sukojo's words pressed down on him. His mind recoiled at the idea of such a bond—so absolute, so binding. But Sukojo didn't give him time to process. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a chilling tone.
Sukojo's Essence: (coldly) You will have no choice. The moment you agree to the Raws, you will be bound to me. And if you defy the terms, you will perish. But you won't need to break them, Dark. You'll see. When the time comes, you'll realize surrendering to me is the only way to survive.
Dark's anger surged inside him, his entire body shaking with rage. But deep within, he could feel the helplessness threatening to consume him.
Dark: (growling) I won't surrender to you. Not ever.
Sukojo's eyes flashed with cold amusement.
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly) Defy me all you want. The end is coming. And when it does, you'll be on your knees, begging for my power.
The darkness around them began to ripple, the oppressive weight of Sukojo's presence closing in on Dark, suffocating him.
Sukojo's Essence: (whispering, his voice like ice) Remember this, Dark. You are the son of the Immeasurable, the lost child of the Merciful One. You were born into a fate you cannot escape.
Dark's vision blurred as the force of Sukojo'swords pressed down on him, crushing his resolve. The last thing he heard before the void swallowed him whole was the low, menacing laugh of Sukojo's essence, echoing through the darkness.
Dark gasped as he was pulled back into reality, his body trembling violently. His breath came in ragged, uneven gulps as he tried to steady himself. His limbs felt heavy, his chest tight, as though the very air around him was suffused with the lingering presence of Sukojo. Even in the stillness of Tier's home, he couldn't shake the feeling that Sukojo was still there, lurking in the shadows, waiting.
The weight of what he had just learned hung over him like a suffocating cloud. He wasn't just facing Sukojo's essence. He was facing something far older, far more dangerous, and far more relentless than he could have ever imagined. The thought clawed at the back of his mind, whispering of a future where he might have to make the unthinkable choice—to surrender.
Dark: (whispering to himself, shaking) I can't let this happen... I can't...
But deep down, despite his defiance, Dark knew that the moment was coming. When it arrived, he would have to face a terrifying decision—one that could cost him his soul, or worse, force him to give in to the darkest power he had ever known.
Dark: (thinking) When that moment comes, will I have the strength to fight it... or will I fall?
The question gnawed at him as the weight of his situation pressed down even harder. Every fiber of his being wanted to resist, but there was a cold, terrifying certainty inside him that the choice might not be his to make.
Dark stood abruptly, shaking his head as if to clear the storm of thoughts that were beginning to consume him. His fists clenched, knuckles white with the tension of trying to hold everything inside.
Dark: (with forced determination) I won't let it come to that. I'll find a way. No matter what, I'll stop this before it takes over.
The others looked at him, their concern palpable, but they knew better than to question his resolve. Leona, standing closest to him, stepped forward and spoke softly, her eyes searching his for the fire she knew was still there:
Leona: (gently, yet firm) Dark, you don't have to do this alone. You can't shoulder all of this by yourself. We're here. We'll figure this out, together.
Dark: (gritting his teeth) I appreciate that, Leona, but... you don't understand. This thing inside me, this essence—it's not just a threat to me. It's a danger to all of you. If it takes over, I'll be a weapon, a tool for something far worse than anything we've faced.
Cron: (his voice steady) We've fought against impossible odds before, Dark. We'll face this one, too. Together.
Dark clenched his jaw, his eyes flickering with doubt for a moment before he nodded.
Dark: (reluctantly) Fine. We'll figure out what this thing is... and how to stop it. But if it comes to it—if I start losing control—you have to be ready. No hesitation.
Leona: (with a mix of determination and fear) Stop saying that. We'll find a way before it gets that far.
The tension in the room was thick, the gravity of their situation pressing down on them. But before anyone could respond, a low growl rumbled through the air, vibrating deep in their bones. The lights in the room flickered, and a chilling wind swept through, carrying with it the unmistakable presence of something ancient, something malevolent.
Dark: (thinking, feeling the shift) It's starting...
The others felt it too—the overwhelming force pressing against their very souls, like the weight of an ocean bearing down on them.
Suddenly, Dark staggered back, clutching his chest as his breath caught in his throat. His vision blurred, and for a moment, the world around him twisted into something unrecognizable. The shadows in the room deepened, stretching and warping as if they were alive.
Leona: (her voice filled with panic) Dark! What's happening?!
Dark: (through gritted teeth, trying to hold himself together) It's him... Sukojo... he's trying to force his way through!
Cron: (quickly moving to Dark's side, panic creeping into his voice) We need to do something—now!
But before anyone could act, Dark's body convulsed violently, and he let out a guttural scream that seemed to shake the very foundation of the house. His eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and a dark, inky aura began to swirl around him, distorting the air and filling the room with an oppressive, suffocating energy.
Dark: (thinking, trapped within his own mind) No... I can't... let him win.
The voice of Sukojo's essence echoed in his head, cold and mocking:
Sukojo's Essence: (whispering, oozing with malice) You're weak, Dark. You think you can resist me? I am inevitable. You will surrender. Whether you want to or not.
Dark: (struggling, his voice a desperate growl) I'll never... let you take control!
Sukojo's Essence: (darkly amused) Oh, you will. You'll have no choice. And when you do, they'll all die—by your hand.
Inside his mind, Dark felt the world around him fracture, splitting at the seams as Sukojo's essence tried to claw its way to the surface. His body was a battlefield, his mind fighting desperately against the ancient power that sought to dominate him.
Leona and Cron watched in horror as Dark's body twisted and writhed, the dark aura growing more intense with each passing second.
Leona: (desperation in her voice) We have to stop this! We have to pull him back!
Gilmuar: (stepping forward, his voice steady despite the panic) We can't let him lose control. We need to snap him out of it—now!
Cron: (quickly, formulating a plan) Leona, help me stabilize him! Gilmuar, get ready in case this gets physical!
Leona nodded, fear and determination battling in her eyes. She knelt beside Dark, her hands trembling as she reached out to him, her voice soft but urgent:
Leona: (pleading) Dark! You have to fight it. Don't let him take over!
But as her fingers brushed his skin, a violent surge of energy threw her back, sending her crashing into the wall. The dark aura around Dark intensified, spiraling out of control, warping the very air around him.
Cron: (thinking, his heart pounding) Damn it... we're losing him!
Inside the chaos of his own mind, Dark fought with every ounce of strength he had left. He could feel Sukojo's presence like a black tide, swallowing him whole, suffocating him with its sheer force. His limbs felt heavy, like lead, and his vision was fading into darkness.
Dark: (thinking, desperately clinging to himself) I... I won't... let you...
Sukojo's Essence: (whispering, voice like venom) You already have.
Just as it seemed like Dark was about to lose the battle, a flicker of light sparked within him—small, fragile, but enough to keep the darkness at bay for a moment longer. He gritted his teeth, forcing the last of his strength into that spark, and pushed back against the overwhelming force.
Dark: (thinking, his mind screaming) No!
With a roar of pure defiance, Dark's eyes snapped open, the glow of the dark aura dimming slightly as he fought to regain control. His body convulsed, but he managed to push back against Sukojo's essence, at least for the moment.
Dark: (gasping for breath, voice hoarse) I'm... not done... yet.
Leona scrambled to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the struggle on Dark's face—the pain, the desperation—but also the flicker of hope.
Leona: (determined) Come on, Dark. You can do this. We're here. You're not alone.
Cron: (thinking) He's holding on... but barely.
Gilmuar stepped forward, his fists clenched tightly, his expression grim but determined.
Gilmuar: (voice low, intense) Don't let that bastard win, Dark. We've got your back.
Dark's breathing was ragged, his muscles trembling as he fought to keep Sukojo at bay. But inside, the ancient force still loomed, waiting for the moment his defenses would falter.
Sukojo's Essence: (whispering, sinister) You can't keep this up forever, Dark. Sooner or later... you'll break.
Dark: (thinking, teeth gritted) I won't break.
The dark energy that had been swirling around him slowly began to recede, retreating as Dark pushed it down with every ounce of his willpower. He was still standing—barely—but he was standing. For now, he had won this round.
Dark: (breathing heavily, voice hoarse) I'm... still in control.
The others rushed to his side, their expressions a mix of relief and worry. Leona placed a hand on his arm, her voice soft but filled with emotion:
Leona: (voice trembling with relief) You did it, Dark. You're still here.
But Dark didn't respond immediately. His gaze was distant, his mind still reeling from the battle he had just fought—and the one he knew was far from over.
Dark: (thinking, voice filled with exhaustion and fear) For now... but how much longer can I keep him at bay?
The weight of the coming battle—the real battle—pressed down on him like a mountain. And deep down, he knew that next time, it might not be so easy to hold on to the light.
The tension in the room had become suffocating, so much so that Leona, Cron, and the others could feel it digging into their very skin. But after the serious conversation, Dark stood up, trying to push the ominous thoughts aside.
Dark: Let's take a break, guys. We've been in this mess too long. I think we could all use some time to relax.
Gilmuar chuckled, though it was a weak attempt at humor.
Gilmuar: A break? You mean there's actually time for that between saving the world and dodging cosmic threats?
Leona, trying to lighten the mood, smiled.
Leona: Dark's right. Let's get out of here. I think we could use some fresh air.
They made their way out of the house, stepping into the open air. For the first time in what felt like weeks, they weren't running from an immediate threat or weighed down by a fight. It felt... normal, almost surreal.
They spent the next few hours laughing and teasing each other as they walked through the woods. Gilmuar, always the joker, tried to sneak up on Tier, only to be tripped by a hidden root. Tier, never one to let a moment pass, immediately pulled out a device from his pack, showing it off proudly.
Tier: I've been working on this—my newest invention. One more push and this baby could revolutionize everything.
Cron groaned.
Cron: Tier, no offense, but the last time you said that, we ended up lost in a time loop for three days.
Leona laughed, her smile genuine for the first time in what felt like forever. For just a short while, it felt like things were normal again. The world seemed a little lighter, the shadows retreating as they found a brief reprieve in each other's company.
But that peace was short-lived.
As they reached a small clearing, Dark stumbled. His head suddenly felt heavy, his vision blurring. His heart pounded in his chest, faster and harder, as if something inside him was trying to break free. His knees buckled.
Leona, noticing the shift, rushed to his side.
Leona: Dark? Dark, are you okay?
But before she could touch him, Dark collapsed to the ground. His body convulsed violently, and a low, menacing growl escaped his lips. His eyes snapped open—and they weren't his eyes anymore. They were burning crimson, a terrifying and unnatural red glow emanating from them. The sheer intensity of the glow was blinding, the power behind it suffocating. It wasn't Dark.
Sukojo had taken control.
Leona stepped back in horror, her eyes wide with shock.
Leona: (whispering) No... no, this can't be happening...
Sukojo's voice echoed in the air, deep and mocking as he rose to his feet. He looked around at them, a cruel smile twisting his lips.
Sukojo: (calmly) It's been too long. Dark was always so weak, always clinging to his humanity. But now... I'm awake. And none of you are ready for what's about to happen.
Before anyone could react, Sukojo lifted his hand, and with a mere flick of his wrist, the others were lifted off the ground by an invisible force. They struggled, their bodies paralyzed by the overwhelming telekinetic grip.
Cron: (gritting his teeth) Sukojo! Let us go, damn it!
Sukojo laughed, a sound so chilling it sent shivers down their spines.
Sukojo: (mocking) Let you go? Oh, no. This is just the beginning.
The sky darkened unnaturally, clouds swirling above as the atmosphere around them shifted. With a wave of his hand, the trees around them bent and twisted, the world itself reacting to his mere presence.
Sukojo: (grinning) You're going to see things now. Things you could never unsee. You'll wish for death before the end.
Suddenly, the entire group was teleported—vanishing from the forest and reappearing in a village square. The village seemed peaceful, its people going about their daily lives, unaware of the terror that had just arrived.
Sukojo's smile grew darker as he spotted a villager nearby, a man who was frozen in place, staring in shock at the crimson-eyed figure before him. Sukojo moved with terrifying speed, his form nothing more than a blur as he appeared in front of the man, gripping him by the throat.
The villager's eyes were wide with fear, his voice trembling.
Villager: P-please... don't hurt me...
Sukojo: (softly, menacingly) Oh, I won't just hurt you. I'm going to make an example of you.
Without warning, Sukojo dragged the villager into the center of the square, where everyone could see. The people around gasped, frozen in horror as Sukojo's power radiated through the village. The sheer pressure of his presence made it hard for them to breathe.
Leona, Cron, and the others could do nothing, still held in place by Sukojo's telekinetic force, helpless to stop what was happening. Their hearts pounded in their chests, knowing that whatever Sukojo was planning next, it would be horrific.
Sukojo grinned darkly, his hand still gripping the terrified villager's throat as he twisted reality around them, warping the village into a nightmarish version of itself. The sky turned a deep red, and the buildings began to rot and decay, as if they had aged thousands of years in mere seconds.
Sukojo: (smirking) Welcome to my world.
With a snap of his fingers, the air filled with the agonizing screams of the villagers. The sky cracked open, and shadowy figures—demons, twisted creatures from Sukojo's dark imagination—descended on the village, wreaking havoc on everything they touched.
Cron: (yelling) Sukojo! Stop this!
Sukojo: (grinning) Why would I? This is just the beginning of what I'm capable of.
The creatures tore through the village, dragging people from their homes, forcing them to watch as everything they had known crumbled into chaos. The ground beneath them split open, swallowing entire buildings, while the sky rained blood.
Sukojo looked back at Leona, Cron, and the others—his eyes gleaming with malice.
Sukojo: (coldly) This is what true power looks like. You all thought you knew Dark, but you have no idea what he's capable of. What I'm capable of.
He released the villager, letting him drop to the ground, sobbing and broken. Sukojo raised his hand again, preparing to unleash even more destruction, but before he could continue, a voice—deep and powerful—echoed through the chaos.
Voice: That's enough.
Sukojo turned, his crimson eyes narrowing as a figure stepped forward, unaffected by the destruction around them.
Sukojo: (amused) And who might you be?
The figure, cloaked in shadow, stepped into the light, revealing a presence that radiated with an overwhelming aura of authority. His western-style outfit, long black trench coat with silver embroidery, shimmered as he emerged, boots crunching against the broken ground. His face, partially obscured by the hood, revealed piercing eyes that glowed with an unsettling calm.
Sukojo's crimson stare locked onto the figure, his expression twisting into a sinister grin. He recognized that aura immediately—Shinryu.
Shinryu: (voice low, commanding) You've gone far enough, Sukojo. I won't allow you to continue this madness.
Sukojo: (laughing, darkly amused) Oh, Shinryu... Still playing the righteous one, I see. But you're far too late. I've already taken control. And when the real me rises, not even you will be able to stop what's coming.
Shinryu remained unshaken, his hand slowly drifting to the edge of his coat as though preparing for what would come next. The air between them crackled with tension, the ground trembling slightly under the weight of their opposing energies.
Leona, Cron, and Gilmuar watched from where they lay, still recovering from the telekinetic force that had held them helpless moments before. Their breaths were shallow, hearts racing with fear as they felt the sheer intensity of the impending confrontation.
Leona: (whispering, her voice filled with both awe and fear) That's... Shinryu. He's really here...
Cron: (voice shaking slightly) I didn't think anyone could stop Sukojo, but... him?
Gilmuar's eyes darted between Shinryu and Sukojo, a sense of growing unease filling him. There was no room for error now, and he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on them all.
Sukojo's eyes flared crimson again, his lips curling into a predatory smirk as he readied himself for an attack. In an instant, he vanished from sight, moving faster than the eye could follow. The ground cracked beneath his departure, and in a blur of motion, he reappeared behind Shinryu, his hand raised, energy swirling around his fist, ready to strike.
Sukojo: (roaring) Die, Shinryu!
But before Sukojo's hand could connect, Shinryu moved.
In a single fluid motion, Shinryu's arm shot out, gripping Sukojo's wrist with an iron hold. Time seemed to slow as their auras clashed violently, a shockwave exploding outward, shaking the very ground beneath them. The power that rippled between them was enough to make the air around them distort, causing the villagers to scream in terror as the force tore through the atmosphere.
Shinryu: (calmly, his eyes glowing) You should know by now, Sukojo. Speed alone won't save you.
Sukojo's eyes widened, momentarily taken aback by the sheer strength in Shinryu's grip. But his shock quickly morphed into a sinister grin as he twisted his body, attempting to break free.
Sukojo: (sneering) Then let's see if this will.
With a sudden burst of dark energy, Sukojo unleashed a wave of malevolent power from his core, the force of it sending shockwaves in every direction. The village buildings cracked, the ground fissured, and the very air around them became heavy with the scent of ozone. The intensity was enough to make Leona and the others shield their faces, their bodies nearly buckling under the pressure.
Leona: (thinking, panic rising) This is insane. How can anyone fight against this kind of power?
But even as the wave of destruction expanded outward, Shinryu remained unfazed. His expression never wavered, and with a simple flick of his wrist, he redirected the energy away from him, dispersing it harmlessly into the sky above.
Shinryu: (calmly) You've grown arrogant, Sukojo.
Sukojo snarled, ripping his wrist free from Shinryu's grip and leaping back. His crimson eyes flared with unbridled rage, the power within him swirling chaotically, making the ground quake beneath his feet.
Sukojo: (voice dripping with venom) You're just delaying the inevitable, Shinryu. You can't stop me. Not this time. The essence is already building—soon, the real me will rise from this husk, and when that happens, even you will bow.
Shinryu's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression betraying no emotion. He knew what Sukojo was referring to—the ancient, primal essence that had once terrorized worlds beyond imagination. If it fully manifested, there would be no stopping it.
Shinryu: (quietly) Then I'll stop you before it's too late.
Sukojo's grin widened into a maniacal smirk, his entire body pulsating with power as his hands rose, the air around him thickening with malevolent energy.
Sukojo: (mocking) You can try, Shinryu. But this vessel? Dark? He's already broken. His will is gone. I control everything now, and when the time comes... you'll regret crossing me.
Without warning, Sukojo raised both arms, his eyes glowing so brightly that they became almost blinding—Crimson Stare of Death. A blinding flash of crimson light exploded from his gaze, aimed directly at Shinryu.
Leona, Cron, and Gilmuar gasped, feeling the immense pressure radiating from the attack. The light was too intense to look at directly, but even in that moment of panic, they knew that this was no ordinary attack. The Crimson Stare of Death could obliterate anything in its path.
Shinryu's eyes flicked up, meeting the oncoming attack with eerie calm. At the last possible moment, he raised his hand, summoning an ethereal barrier of silver light. The crimson energy crashed against the barrier with a deafening roar, sparks flying as the two forces battled for dominance.
Sukojo: (roaring) You can't block this forever, Shinryu!
The ground beneath Shinryu cracked as the force of the attack pressed down on him, but his barrier held strong. With a sharp movement, he extended his arm, redirecting the energy away from the village, sending it careening into the distant mountains where it detonated with an earth-shattering explosion.
The shockwave of the explosion rippled back through the village, rattling windows and shaking the ground, but it left the group unharmed.
Leona: (gasping, breathless) How... How did he stop that?
Cron: (stunned, whispering) Shinryu...
Gilmuar: (voice filled with awe) He's stronger than we thought.
Sukojo stood, his chest heaving, his face twisted into a furious snarl as he glared at Shinryu.
Sukojo: (growling, voice filled with rage) You just don't know when to die, do you?
Shinryu: (calmly, his voice cold) I've faced worse than you, Sukojo. And I've survived every time.
Sukojo's eyes narrowed, the fury within him bubbling to the surface. But there was something deeper in his gaze now—a hint of desperation. He knew his time in this body was limited. The real Sukojo was still gathering strength inside Dark, preparing to fully emerge, but until then, he had to keep Shinryu at bay.
Shinryu took a slow step forward, his silver aura shimmering around him like a shield of pure energy.
Shinryu: (firmly) You can't win this fight, Sukojo. Surrender now, and I'll give you a chance to survive when the real you rises. If you keep fighting, I'll end you before that can happen.
Sukojo's laugh was sharp and bitter, his voice laced with defiance.
Sukojo: (darkly) You think I'm afraid of you? When the real me is free, I'll have no need for this body. But you? You'll be nothing but a footnote in history—forgotten, erased.
Shinryu's expression didn't change, but there was a glint of resolve in his eyes as he raised his hand once more, the air around him crackling with energy.
Shinryu: (coldly) Then I'll make sure you never get the chance.
The battle between them wasn't over yet—but Shinryu knew that time was running out.
The tension between Sukojo and Shinryu hung in the air, thick and oppressive, as the remnants of the crimson energy flickered and crackled around them. Sukojo's grin twisted into a snarl, his hands clenching into tight fists as the chaotic energy inside him surged, making the ground beneath them tremble.
Sukojo: (sneering, voice filled with venom) You really think you can stop me, Shinryu? You can't comprehend the power that's awakening inside me. Even this body can barely contain it.
Shinryu: (calmly, his gaze unwavering) You underestimate the power of will. Dark may not be conscious, but his soul is fighting back. And as long as that remains, you'll never fully take control.
Sukojo's crimson eyes flared with rage, the Crimson Stare of Death radiating once more, though he restrained it for now. His body shook with the overwhelming force of the essence within him, the real Sukojo slowly gathering strength in the background. Sukojo knew that if he could hold out long enough, the true essence would fully manifest, and then... not even Shinryu would stand a chance.
Sukojo: (laughing darkly) You talk about will, but where's Dark's will now? He's already asleep inside this husk. He's nothing but a shell—soon to be completely erased. You think his pathetic soul can stand against me?
Shinryu's gaze darkened, his silver aura glowing more intensely, wrapping around him like a protective force field. His calm demeanor was unshaken, but there was a fierce resolve burning beneath the surface.
Shinryu: (firmly) I've fought beings far greater than you, Sukojo. I've seen entire worlds torn apart by the arrogance of creatures who thought they were invincible. But they all fall. And so will you.
The ground beneath them began to crack, the energy emanating from the two figures causing shockwaves that rippled through the village. Leona, Cron, and Gilmuar could feel the immense pressure in the air, their bodies trembling as they struggled to stay upright.
Leona: (thinking, heart racing) I've never felt power like this before... Not even when Dark was at his strongest. This... this is something else entirely.
Cron clenched his fists, his normally cocky demeanor replaced by sheer awe and fear as he watched the battle unfold. He had faced impossible odds before, but this... this was beyond anything he had ever imagined.
Cron: (whispering, voice trembling) How can anyone fight against something like that?
Gilmuar didn't speak, his eyes glued to the clash of titanic forces before him. He had seen Dark at his peak, had fought alongside him in countless battles, but now... the power Sukojo was wielding was on another level entirely.
Sukojo: (grinning, eyes burning with malevolent glee) You still don't understand, Shinryu. This isn't just about power. This is about dominance. And I will dominate everything—starting with you.
In an instant, Sukojo's body vanished, moving faster than a human eye could track. He reappeared in front of Shinryu, his fist already swinging forward, aimed directly at Shinryu's chest. The air around them exploded as the force of the punch tore through the atmosphere, sending shockwaves in every direction.
But Shinryu was ready.
Shinryu: (calmly) Too slow.
With a fluid motion, Shinryu sidestepped the attack, his silver aura flaring as he countered with a devastating strike of his own. His fist, imbued with pure energy, connected with Sukojo's side, sending him flying back with incredible force. The impact shattered the ground beneath them, creating a massive crater as Sukojo's body crashed into the earth, dust and debris swirling into the air.
Sukojo staggered to his feet, wiping the blood from his lips, but his grin never wavered.
Sukojo: (chuckling darkly) Is that all you've got?
Without hesitation, Sukojo's form flickered again, his speed increasing tenfold as he launched a relentless barrage of attacks at Shinryu. Each strike was filled with the chaotic energy of the essence within him, the sheer force of his blows enough to split the air itself.
But Shinryu matched him blow for blow, his movements impossibly swift and precise. The ground cracked beneath their feet as they exchanged strikes, the sheer intensity of their battle sending ripples of energy throughout the entire village.
Leona watched in awe, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to comprehend what she was seeing. The power, the speed, the skill—it was beyond anything she had ever witnessed before.
Leona: (thinking, breathless) How is Shinryu keeping up with him? Sukojo's power... it's monstrous...
Cron gritted his teeth, his hands shaking as he watched the battle unfold. He had always been confident in his abilities, always believed that he could face any challenge with enough preparation, but now... he wasn't so sure.
Cron: (thinking, voice shaky) Shinryu... He's the only one who can stop this.
Gilmuar, still silent, clenched his fists, his mind racing with thoughts of what would happen if Sukojo won—if that monstrous power was unleashed on the world without anyone to stop it.
Gilmuar: (thinking, grimly) If Shinryu loses... we're all dead.
As the battle raged on, the tension in the air grew thicker, the stakes higher than ever before. Each blow sent shockwaves through the village, and the ground trembled with every clash of their powers. Sukojo's eyes gleamed with excitement, the pure thrill of the fight driving him forward. He had never faced an opponent like Shinryu before, and despite his arrogance, he could feel the pressure building inside him.
Sukojo: (laughing, voice wild) This is it, Shinryu! The battle I've been waiting for! But you're still holding back. Why? Are you afraid to go all out?
Shinryu's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of something darker in his gaze—a determination that went beyond the battle at hand.
Shinryu: (coldly) I'm not the one who should be afraid.
With a sudden surge of power, Shinryu's aura exploded outward, silver light radiating from his body in waves. The ground beneath him cracked and split as the sheer force of his energy overwhelmed the area, causing the very air to shimmer with heat.
Sukojo's grin faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he felt the full weight of Shinryu's power pressing down on him.
Sukojo: (thinking, momentarily unsettled) What... is this power?
But before Sukojo could react, Shinryu vanished, reappearing behind him with blinding speed. His hand shot out, striking Sukojo in the back with a force that sent him careening through the air. The ground quaked as Sukojo's body slammed into the earth, carving a deep trench into the ground.
Sukojo coughed, blood dripping from his mouth as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. His crimson eyes flared with rage, the essence within him boiling with fury.
Sukojo: (roaring) You... You think this is enough to stop me?
Shinryu's eyes gleamed with calm resolve, his aura flaring once more.
Shinryu: (coldly) It's over, Sukojo.
But before either could strike again, the ground beneath them began to shake violently, the air growing thick with an oppressive energy. The sky above darkened, and a deep, resonating hum filled the air, vibrating through the earth.
Shinryu's eyes widened, recognizing the energy signature instantly.
Shinryu: (thinking, alarmed) No... it's too soon.
Sukojo's grin returned, wider and more malevolent than ever as he felt the power surging through him—the essence, the real Sukojo, was waking.
Sukojo: (laughing maniacally) Do you feel it, Shinryu? The real me is coming. And when I'm free... nothing will stop me.
The air around them exploded with energy, and the ground beneath Sukojo cracked and splintered as the essence within him roared to life. His eyes flared crimson, the Crimson Stare of Death intensifying to a blinding light as his power surged.
Shinryu took a step back, his expression grim. This wasn't just about defeating Sukojo anymore—this was about stopping the essence before it fully manifested.
Shinryu: (thinking, determined) I have to stop it now. Before it's too late.
With a fierce battle cry, Shinryu launched himself forward, his aura blazing with pure energy as he prepared for the final strike. The battle wasn't over yet, but the stakes had never been higher.
The true and original one and only Sukojo was coming, and time was running out.
End Of Arc 2 chapter 10.