The streets of Akirama City were unrecognizable. Buildings smoked, asphalt cracked, and shadows clung to every corner like living things. The Soul Engine lumbered through the chaos, its many mouths screaming in agony, dragging chains that burned the earth wherever they touched.
Ryu landed in front of Hana, scythe blazing, wings of black shadow unfurling behind him.
"You stay here," he commanded, voice firm.
"I'm not staying behind!" Hana shouted. "I can help!"
Before Ryu could respond, Kael and Mira landed on either side of him.
Kael's silver hair glinted in the firelight. "I hope you can actually fight," he said with a smirk. "Because I hate babysitting."
Mira's crimson eyes scanned the Soul Engine. "Focus. You're going to die if you don't."
Ryu's jaw tightened. "Understood."
The Soul Engine turned its massive head toward them. Its glowing sigils flared, and chains erupted outward, aiming for each Reaper.
Kael moved first, spinning his scythe in a deadly arc. Shadows surged around him, forming blade-like extensions that sliced through the chains midair.
Mira leapt into the air, slashing her red-marked arms across the Soul Engine. Dark energy surged into its core, but the machine absorbed it, roaring in pain and fury.
Ryu took a deep breath, focusing. He could hear the souls trapped within the Engine screaming—their terror clawing at his heart. He raised his scythe high.
"SOULBIND!" he shouted.
Shadows erupted from his weapon, wrapping around the Soul Engine. The chains froze midair. Its screams intensified. The trapped souls pulsed in his vision, reaching for him, begging for release.
Hana stepped forward despite Ryu's warning. Her hands glowed faintly blue, the echoes of the dead swirling around her.
"I… I can help!" she said.
The trapped souls screamed louder, and Hana's presence amplified their power. Ryu's eyes widened.
"Stay close to me," he ordered.
Together, Ryu and Hana pushed their power into the Soul Engine. Shadows and light collided, the building around them trembling.
The Soul Engine roared, lashing its chains, forcing Kael and Mira to dodge and counterattack simultaneously.
"This thing's tougher than I thought," Kael grunted.
"It's designed to endure Reaper attacks," Mira said. "Keep it restrained while he uses the souls!"
Ryu's vision blurred. The screaming of trapped souls threatened to overwhelm him, each one clawing at his mind, begging for freedom. He could feel the weight of judgment pressing down, heavier than ever before.
Hana reached out, her hands trembling. "I can hear them… I can hear everything. Ryu… I can guide them!"
Ryu nodded. "Do it! Trust your instincts!"
Hana focused, whispering to the souls trapped within the Engine. Slowly, their energy began to obey her will. The chains bent. The Soul Engine shrieked, thrashing violently as the two combined forces began pulling it apart from the inside.
Suddenly, the Engine's core exploded, releasing a blinding flash of energy.
Ryu's scythe cut through the center, the Shadow Realm's force shredding the Soul Engine into countless fragments.
The explosion sent them all flying. Dust, debris, and shadow smoke choked the streets.
Ryu landed hard, wings folding around him protectively. He groaned, pain burning through his body. Hana crawled toward him, coughing.
Kael extended a hand. "You okay, heir?" he said, smirking through dust.
Ryu slowly took it. "I'm fine… thanks to her."
Mira, wiping blood from her arm, grunted. "Not bad. You two might actually survive together."
Hana looked up at Ryu, breathless. "Ryu… I never imagined… I could do that."
Ryu reached out, holding her hand. "You have a gift, Hana. But you have to learn to control it. This was only the beginning."
From the shadows, a faint laugh echoed—low, sinister, and familiar.
The Dark Reaper.
Watching. Waiting.
"Your choices… have consequences," it whispered. "And now, the game truly begins."
Hana's hands trembled, but she held onto Ryu tightly.
"I'm not afraid," she whispered.
Ryu's eyes hardened. "You will never be alone. I'll protect you… no matter what comes next."
Above the city, the storm clouds twisted, shadows pooling, hinting at the trials still to come.
The Dawn of Shadows had risen—and the war between life, death, and those who sought to control it had only begun.