The arena erupted in chaos.
Supira and Kurayami charged headfirst into each other, their power clashing like thunder and flame. Every punch cracked the air, every kick sent shockwaves across the arena floor.
Neither held back.Neither gave in.
Their fists collided again and again, faster than most could see. Supira's spiral energy flared with crimson light, while Kurayami's shadows swirled like living serpents around his arms.
Kaosu's eyes widened as he watched from the stands, unable to hide his pride."He's keeping up," Kaosu muttered, a grin tugging at his lips. "That's my brother… his hand-to-hand's insane."
Beside him, Kori sat cross-legged, gently scratching Kumo's head as the little creature wagged its tail lazily, seemingly unfazed by the chaos.Kaji, meanwhile, leaned forward intently—his eyes darting back and forth. "Their movement… their timing… even their stance… I can learn so much from this."
The two warriors in the arena backed away, both panting, both smiling.
Kurayami wiped the blood from his lip and laughed. "Let's end this!"Supira's fanged grin widened. "Fine by me."
The air grew still—too still.
Then, in perfect sync, both raised their hands, energy roaring to life. Kurayami's aura turned pitch-black, his power spiraling into a concentrated beam of darkness."Shadow Beam!" he roared.
Supira's spirals erupted with red and violet light, spiraling around his body until his silhouette distorted like a demon's."Spiral Form—Devil Demon's Descent!"
The two forces met at the center of the arena—light and dark, spiral and shadow—clashing with unimaginable power.
Kudo's eyes narrowed. "Tch."
With a snap of his fingers, a massive icy barrier formed around the students, sealing them from the impact just in time.
Then—BOOM.
A blinding explosion engulfed the arena, the sound echoing through the heavens. The shockwave cracked the divine marble and sent dust spiraling skyward.
When the dust finally settled, the crowd gasped.
Supira and Kurayami lay motionless in the center of the crater. Both unconscious. Both spent.
Kudo stepped forward cautiously, lowering the barrier. "What monsters…" he muttered.
But only one of them was truly unconscious.
Beneath the dust, Kurayami opened a single red eye. He exhaled quietly, letting his body stay limp. I can't reveal my full power yet, he thought. Not here.
And then… his mind drifted back.
Dark towers rose into the endless night. At the throne of obsidian flame sat a shadowed figure, cloaked in darkness itself.
"My son," the figure said, voice echoing like thunder, "Oscura No.1… I have a mission for you."
Kurayami knelt, eyes serious. "What is it, Father?"
The Shadowed Master's eyes gleamed crimson. "You will infiltrate the Heavens. Gather information on their defenses… and prepare for our strike."
Kurayami's breath hitched. "The Heavens…? That place is crawling with divine beasts—and the Guardian, Hono." He clenched his fists. "How do you expect me to even get there?"
The throne room trembled as the Shadowed Master's voice rose."You doubt me, my son?"
The castle shook violently, shadows coiling like serpents around the pillars.
Kurayami dropped his head. "N-no, Father… of course not."
The Shadowed Master leaned forward, his tone calm but deadly."While you are there, you will create a distraction—a disturbance during the guard's rest day. While their attention is on you… I will strike down the King myself."
Kurayami's lips curled into a dark smile. "So I'll get to see you in action again, Father. But… how will you enter the Heavens?"
The Shadowed Master's voice lowered to a whisper that chilled even his son."I'll find a way."
Kurayami bowed his head. "Understood."
But before he could stand, a guard burst into the throne room. "Lord—Lord—!" he stammered, fear in his voice.
The Shadowed Master turned, his eyes glowing brighter.
The guard continued, "Lord—Ra—"
Before he could finish, darkness swallowed his voice—and the scene faded into silence.
Back in the arena, Kurayami's eyes flickered open briefly, a smirk crawling onto his lips.
"Soon…" he whispered to himself, before closing his eyes again.
And with that—the chapter ended.