Volume 2
The early morning sky above Elystria Prime shimmered with golden light, but the city streets were far from peaceful. A subtle tension hung in the air, like the calm before a storm. Kiyoto Mushu Justin walked through the bustling market district, his long blonde-and-white-streaked hair catching the first rays of sunlight. The Infinity Crown pulsed faintly on his head, a quiet reminder of the immense power he now bore.
"Careful," Mitsui Tachaina said, keeping pace beside him. Her brown eyes darted nervously as street vendors packed up their stalls and citizens hurried past. "I… I can feel it too. Something's off."
Kiyoto's crimson-gold eyes narrowed. "It's not just a feeling," he said calmly. "Shadows are moving where they shouldn't be. Someone—or something—is stirring."
Mitsui shivered. Her Soulflux tingled, a strange resonance she hadn't felt before. Small fragments of probability flickered before her eyes—possible futures, dangerous paths, and fleeting visions of Kiyoto facing unknown threats.
Suddenly, the air thickened. A figure appeared in a dark shimmer, seemingly stepping out of the void itself. Cloaked and faceless, the emissary radiated an aura that warped reality around it.
"You have grown stronger, heir of the Mushu Justin Dynasty," the figure's voice echoed in multiple tones, as if coming from all directions. "But your journey has only begun. Beware… the Shadow Heir watches, and he is not the only one who covets the Infinity Crown."
Before Kiyoto or Mitsui could react, the figure vanished in a cascade of shimmering black light, leaving only the faint trace of Voidstream energy. The street returned to normal, as if nothing had happened, but the unease lingered.
Mitsui's hand trembled slightly as she clenched her fist. "Kiyoto… what does that mean? Who… who is he talking about?"
Kiyoto placed a protective hand over her shoulder. His aura flared subtly, a golden-white light that seemed to push the shadows back. "It means the game is starting. Kael is moving, and there are others who will try to claim what I have inherited. But don't worry… we'll handle them."
He looked toward the horizon, eyes scanning the city and beyond. "I've survived threats beyond gods and systems. This is nothing new. But Mitsui… stay close. You'll need to trust me more than ever."
Mitsui nodded, her determination growing alongside her fear. She had been a "normal" girl yesterday; today, she felt the first real taste of destiny, intertwined with one of the most powerful beings in existence.
In the distance, a ripple of darkness slid along the rooftops—almost imperceptible to the untrained eye. Kiyoto's aura flared again, sharper this time. He knew that whatever was coming would test not only his strength, but Mitsui's resolve, and perhaps the balance of the entire kingdom.
> The shadows have begun to stir, and the first move has been made. The heir of Mushu Justin must rise, or the world will fall into chaos.
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