WebNovels

Chapter 25 - Omake - Battle for the Multiverse

Third Person Pov

In a dimensional space enveloped by absolute darkness, devoid of stars or any natural form of light, stood a gigantic structure that seemed a fusion between an ancient Roman Colosseum and a modern martial arts ring.

At a cursory glance, the arena might have appeared empty, but anyone observing closely could discern the silhouettes of countless spectators scattered along the stands, extending in seemingly infinite concentric circles.

All eyes, without exception, were focused on the highest point at the center of the structure, where, on a throne carved from the very darkness of the surrounding space, sat a figure, a large book opened before them, and a subtle smile on their face, as if they already knew the outcome of every story about to unfold.

This being identified itself as the Author, a creature of absolute and infinite power, capable of bending even cosmic entities to its will. To alleviate its eternal boredom, it had decided to create and broadcast violent and sensationalistic television programs, starring fighters from different universes who were forced to battle one another for its entertainment, or face the destruction of their universes.

Yes, this being of boundless power had stolen the idea from Mojo — not that anyone could truly oppose it. And if any unfortunate soul dared to complain or irritate it, the Author would simply greet the protests with a smile before sending the misfortunate one into oblivion, where they would become the meal of some hungry Eldritch creature.

"Alright!" the Author exclaimed, rising slightly from the throne, drawing every gaze with the theatrical flair of a true showman. A microphone appeared in their hand with a sudden flash, and their voice echoed throughout the dimension.

"For the first battle, the one that could decide the fate of entire universes..." they declared, with a mischievous smile that oozed satisfaction and a clear touch of madness. "I've decided to break the monotony... and do something less cliché than usual!"

However, much to their dismay, most of the spectators completely ignored them. They had known the Author for so long, and had no intention of giving them the satisfaction of a reaction.

Especially after being forcibly ripped from their own universes, receiving nothing but sharp quips and biting sarcasm in return.

The Author let a heavy silence fall over the arena, their sly smile a forewarning of what was about to unfold. With an exaggerated gesture, they slapped their palm against their chest, immediately drawing everyone's attention, then raised their voice, dripping with theatricality.

"Alright!" they exclaimed with emphasis, like a host ready to reveal the climax of a show. "For the DC Comics universe, a being... Or perhaps it's more fitting to call it a living nightmare? An entity that knows neither reason nor compassion. Its only language is violence, and its only mission is destruction."

"A creature born through scientific experiments, evolved through death itself! Every time it falls, it returns stronger... More resilient... Impossible to kill the same way twice!"

"A monster who has brought down the very symbol of hope, the Man of Steel, and made the entire pantheon of the new gods tremble! Not only has it brought even their King, Darkseid, the god of evil, to his knees!"

"A being who can claim to have faced entire worlds, leaving nothing but destruction and ruin in its wake, with no one able to stop it!"

"The living embodiment of extinction! The apocalypse made flesh!"

"DOOMSDAY! The Wrath of Krypton!"

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

With a primal roar that made the air vibrate and an explosion of debris that sent dust and rocks flying, a monstrous figure emerged at the center of the arena.

Its muscular mass was astounding, a gigantic creature with thick gray skin, covered in sharp bony protrusions rising like natural weapons, ready to inflict devastating damage.

Its red eyes gleamed with intense fury, while its entire form encapsulated the idea of a living apocalypse, ready to destroy everything it touched.

"AHGH!" The gray creature roared, its scream so powerful it made space itself tremble. Every vibration from its voice was a wave of force that shook the air around it, a clear warning that its power was immense and should not be underestimated.

Despite the numerous, often traumatic, experiences they had had with this uncontrollable gray creature, this time it seemed the entire DC Universe had decided to fully support its champion.

After all, the very survival of the universe was at stake. In such a critical moment, old grudges and fears were put aside. All they could do was unite, grit their teeth, and place all their hopes in the devastating strength of their most feared enemy.

"And now, in the opposite corner for this battle, we have someone who is certainly no inferior opponent!" continued the Author. "A name that has been making waves in various alternate universes for their strength."

With these words, most of the spectators in the DC universe seemed genuinely confused, while their counterparts in the twin universe seemed incredibly excited, clearly aware of who was about to step onto the stage.

"Someone who has claimed the throne that was rightfully theirs, ascending as the new Soul King of their universe. Now ruling over four dimensions with absolute authority, a supreme sovereign whose mere existence strikes fear into even the most terrifying threats of the Dimensional Gap!"

"The ultimate hybrid of the most powerful races from various universes! Their strength is limitless, as they continue to face ever-stronger opponents in an endless battle!"

"It is not wrong to call them the living embodiment of the hunger for battle, one who feeds on conflict to transcend every limit and become even stronger!"

"The dragon god of adaptation and evolution, Kurosagi Ichigo!"

With the final introduction, all the universes fell silent, their gazes turning to the center, where a man stepped into the martial arts arena, a broad smile flashing across his face, showing all his teeth.

His appearance was what could be described in a few words: wild and monstrous; with a body that seemed the very incarnation of battle and conquest, causing several women with powers related to animals or dark energies to stir with excitement.

This is what most spectators thought, until a new force suddenly appeared out of nowhere, nearly making the mortals fall to the ground and forcing even the strongest beings of the various universes to kneel.

To the humans or other species of the various universes, it felt as though they were about to be crushed by an immense force, one that could make them faint at any moment.

For the gods and some weaker cosmic entities, it felt as though someone was stepping on their bodies, preventing them from rising, as they nervously sweated in the face of this new presence.

It was a miracle that some of them were still conscious, but despite being on their knees, they tried to prop themselves up with trembling arms, in front of an overwhelming power.

The only thing they could see was a completely "RED" world. The heat surrounding them had become unbearable, even for cosmic beings like themselves. The moment they lowered their guard, they felt hundreds of thousands of dragon eyes trained on them, as though waiting for a single order to unleash their fury.

It was the domain of a monarch, surrounded by their loyal subordinates...

The cosmic entities could do nothing but lower their heads, not wanting to have anything to do with a being who had connections to multiple superior dimensions and seemed capable of becoming even stronger.

The man in question was anything but human in appearance. Long silver-white hair with some black and red streaks cascaded down his shoulders like a waterfall of moonlight, slightly wavy and adorned with floating strands, moved by unnatural energy.

Two long, dark, curved horns sprouted from his forehead, framing a face with sharp features and amber-yellow eyes, glowing with malice and sovereign power.

His attire left much of his skin exposed, as most of his body was wrapped in a black, skin-tight substance as though it were part of his own being, revealing tattoos—or rather veins resembling scales—that traced across his entire form.

Behind him, a long tail could be seen, moving as though it had a life of its own. His hands and legs, ending in black claws as sharp as a carapace, made his figure perfectly lethal, whether on the ground or in flight.

His entire presence was surrounded by electric sparks and raw energy crackling in the air, as if there were some sort of electromagnetic core around him.

He approached the center of the field to face his battle. His gaze was such that it could freeze anyone with fear, as he seemed like an actual monster.

The two colossi faced each other without fear on their faces, except for the excitement for the battle that was about to take place, and they could barely restrain themselves from leaping at each other to begin fighting at that very moment.

The Author raised an arm, the microphone trembling with the energy saturating the air. Then they shouted:

"LET… THE… BATTLE… BEGIN!!!"

The field exploded. Shockwaves spread miles away. The two colossi lunged at each other, and reality shattered in their wake.

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