The fight between Saruto and the Second Founder intensified rapidly. With each attack, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense with the clashing energy around them. As the battle escalated, Saruto activated his Level 1 Shield technique. The Second Founder, determined to show Saruto his own level of armor, revealed his full Level 2, covering his entire body in a luminous layer of dark energy. The Dark Family crest, glowing a deep purple, radiated from him, catching Saruto by surprise.
"So this is Level 2 Armor," he thought to himself.
The fight resumed. With each strike, the ground shook as if it would collapse. The Second Founder began to press down on Saruto, showcasing the power of Level 2 Armor.
"You haven't even reached Level 2 yet… So how do you plan to defeat me?" the Second Founder said in a calm but powerful voice, delivering a punch that sent Saruto flying towards a mountain, where he slammed into it, wincing in pain.
Saruto pulled himself out of the pit he was in, realizing he needed to raise his reaction level to keep up with the Second Founder. He recalled the Second Founder's words: "There are two levels of armor, and only I and the First Founder have reached the second level. There are also three levels of hair evolution, each signifying a decrease in strength." He decided to try raising his hair level to the first, gathering the energy of darkness within himself and accumulating his anger to unleash it. The Second Founder watched Saruto's actions, smiling and saying, "So, you've found the solution."
At that moment, Saruto's black hair began to gradually change, hinting at the first of the three hair levels: half purple and half white. This change demonstrated his ability to partially control his dark energy and its influence on the surroundings.
Saruto noticed the change and that his energy had increased significantly since last time. The Second Founder congratulated him on achieving the first hair level.
Saruto, looking at the Second Founder, said, "I don't like the name of this skill. Whoever suggested 'First, Second, Third Hair Level' seems superficial."
The Second Founder replied, "I don't like it either. So what do you suggest, Saruto?"
Saruto suggested, "How about 'Dark Ascent'?"
The Second Founder said, "Dark Ascent. That sounds more fitting. Well, since we've changed the skill's name, let's continue the fight."
They assumed their fighting stances and charged at each other with even greater force than before. The fight continued with an exchange of blows, each faster and more powerful than the last, accompanied by high-flying maneuvers and sudden changes in movement. Saruto showcased his newly acquired skills in moving between attack and defense with lightning speed, attempting to overcome the Second Founder's defenses.
"You're strong, but you haven't seen my full power. Prepare yourself for what's coming, Darkness Heir!" the Second Founder shouted.
He continued, "Come on, Yasaruto, you're the first person I've enjoyed fighting this far with in years. Show me all your strength."
As their hearts pounded, the world around them ignited from the force of the collision, as if hell itself had transformed into a living battlefield.