The temple courtyard burned.
Cracks split the stone floors, fires raged along the walls, and wind howled like a thousand voices mourning the coming battle.
Ravnos stood at the center, unyielding, radiating power so immense it made the night tremble. Hundreds of demons swarmed the temple grounds, but none dared approach their master directly.
Kanji crouched on the shattered floor, gripping the colossal black sword.
Red and gold energy spiraled violently around him, but it was unstable. His small frame shook under the power threatening to consume him.
Master Ryou shouted, "Kanji! Control it! Focus on yourself, not your fear!"
Kanji's breathing was ragged. Sweat and blood mixed on his face.
"I… I can't… I'm too small… too weak…"
A shadow flickered across his vision. The voice of his father echoed again from the sword:
"You are my heir… claim me… merge with your power… become the storm."
The sword pulsed violently. Chains of shadow lifted from it, wrapping around Kanji like serpents. The energy fused with his body, piercing his veins, and igniting every cell with raw power.
Kanji screamed.
The light of his aura exploded outward, golden and red intertwining, swirling like molten lava in the night sky.
The monks were thrown backward by the force, bracing against walls and shattered stone.
Rin shouted, "Kanji! Don't lose yourself!"
Ravnos narrowed his eyes.
"So… this is the child of prophecy… fully awakened?"
He extended both hands. Shadows erupted from his form, twisting into monstrous claws and serpentine whips, striking at Kanji with precision and speed beyond human comprehension.
Kanji's eyes glowed brighter.
The sword responded. Chains of shadow and fire leapt from the blade, wrapping around the attacks, crushing and absorbing them into the energy that now coursed through him.
Then, the transformation completed.
Kanji's body grew—not unnaturally, but perfectly proportioned to wield the sword. His golden eyes burned with molten fury. Red and black markings glowed along his arms and chest, tracing the demon bloodline he had inherited.
A voice, deep and resonant, spoke from within him:
"I am both demon… and wizard. I am Kanji. I am my father's heir."
The ground shook. Trees splintered. The remaining demons fell back in terror as a pulse of energy radiated outward.
Ravnos snarled.
"Impressive… but still untested. Let us see how you handle true power."
He lunged. The ground cracked beneath him. Energy surged as his full might clashed with Kanji's newly awakened aura. The two forces collided, shaking the mountain, lighting the sky with molten gold and crimson lightning.
Kanji swung the sword, now larger than ever, heavier yet impossibly light in his hands. Every strike sent waves of energy rippling outward, cutting down demon soldiers, deflecting Ravnos's attacks, and shaking the rift that connected the demon realm to the temple.
Rin and Seiji watched in awe and terror.
"He… he's controlling it!" Rin shouted.
"He's not just a child anymore… he's a force of nature!" Seiji added.
Kanji's golden eyes locked on Ravnos.
"I will not let you destroy anyone else!"
The sword hummed, chains lifting and wrapping around Kanji like armor. Energy tore from his aura, forming a storm around him. He surged forward—fast, unstoppable, molten light and shadow converging in a single, blinding strike.
Ravnos tried to counter, but even he staggered under the force.
The two collided in a shockwave that flattened the courtyard, shattered the outer walls, and sent the remaining demons screaming into the night.
When the dust settled, Kanji stood tall, sword raised, glowing with golden and red energy. His aura radiated power so immense it bent the very air.
Ravnos rose, glaring, blood dripping from his wounds.
"You… you've only begun. But mark my words… the true hunt has just begun, nephew."
Kanji's voice was calm now, unshaken:
"I will become stronger. I will protect them. And I will stop you."
Lightning split the sky.
The black sword pulsed in resonance with his heart.
Somewhere, far away, in the shattered mountains of the demon realm, chains rattled and a colossal voice roared:
"The heir… has awakened… the realms will tremble."
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