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Chapter 32 - The Path of Clarity and the Rise of Darkness

The heroes were ready. The Wise One decided to take Ken's friends — Lana, Art, and Zevan — with him for training in higher knowledge. Meanwhile, Ken and Lexus stayed behind with the six other Lords.

Although Lexus was far superior in swordsmanship, he still needed refinement. Instead of joining the Wise One, Lexus chose to remain and help Ken grow—to evolve beyond his limits. He requested the Wise One to let him be their final test once their training was complete. The Wise One agreed.

Before leaving, the Wise One noticed Rex standing nearby. Turning to Lexus, he said, "That mortal does not need training. I can sense it—his energy is already immense."

Lexus nodded. "Yes, he possesses a rare power—the control of time. He knows every shortcut across timelines. He always appears exactly where he needs to be, at the perfect moment."

The Wise One raised an eyebrow. "A mortal with time manipulation?"

Lexus continued, "I was shocked too, until he told me what truly happened. Because of the Dark Dragon, he was trapped inside a time loop. But somehow, he managed to understand everything. He knows how time flows, though his power is not absolute. He cannot bend time like the Gods of Time and Space. He obeys the laws of the cosmos—and when the universe calls for him, he answers."

Lexus looked at Rex with deep respect. "That man is mysterious, but his intentions are pure. He protects the cosmos itself. He was the one who showed Ken the path to Infinity—and through that, the Dark Dragon was defeated."

The Wise One smiled faintly. "Then we shall send him to the mortal realm—Planet Earth—to forge a power barrier around it. With his help and that of the seven warriors, the mortal realm will remain safe."

Lexus agreed, and Rex departed for Earth.

Meanwhile, the heroes began their training.

This sacred planet was divided into seven domains—each ruled by one of the Seven Human Lords.

1. The First Lord, the Wise One, ruled over the Realm of Wisdom.

2. The Second Lord, keeper of Morality and Values.

3. The Third Lord, master of Emotions and Selflessness.

4. The Fourth Lord, guardian of Respect, Pride, and Dignity.

5. The Fifth Lord, symbol of Process, Hard Work, and Growth.

6. The Sixth Lord, embodiment of Focus and Concentration.

7. The Seventh Lord, the Lord of Clarity.

These Lords did not fight—they guided. Their power lay in knowledge, not destruction.

Ken began his journey under the Lord of Clarity, whose teachings helped him see the true path toward evolution. His vision grew sharper, his purpose brighter.

But far away, in the depths of Hell, darkness stirred once again.

The Demon King walked toward a vast balcony overlooking his legions. His heavy footsteps echoed through the black halls, burdened with rage and sorrow. As he approached, memories of his fallen people burned in his mind.

He clenched his fist.

"Gold is responsible for all of this… and the Gods are no less guilty. They will pay for what they have done."

A flashback flickered through his mind—something horrifying, a moment that had scarred his soul forever. He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with fire.

"War always brings destruction," he muttered. "Peace built on false hope only leads to another war—filled with loss, sacrifice, and death. This time, I will end it… by ruling everything. One ruler, one will—mine. When I'm done, none shall remain to oppose me."

He stepped out onto the balcony. Below him, countless demons roared his name—

"HAIL THE DEMON KING! HAIL THE DEMON KING!"

The dark empire had risen once more.

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