The moon hung high over the world, pale and watchful, as if witnessing the return of something long forgotten. The air was cool, laced with the quiet hum of power that still lingered from the aftermath of the battle. The smell of scorched earth and fading shadows filled the night.
After regrouping, Haru's cautious voice broke the silence.
"Who… is this man?" he asked, his gaze fixed on the tall figure standing beside Kuro — a man whose presence felt both ancient and human, yet something deeper, darker stirred beneath his calm demeanor.
Kuro placed his hand on the man's shoulder and replied, "This man… is Althric. A knight born from the essence of Ren himself — forged in shadow, but reborn with flesh and soul. A being who carries loyalty carved into his very existence."
Althric stepped forward and bowed with knightly grace. "Greetings, Captain Haru Kenzaki. I am Althric — servant of my king, the Shadow Monarch."
Haru returned the gesture, though surprise flickered in his eyes. "It's an honor, Althric. But if you're from the shadows… how do you walk among us as a man?"
Althric smiled faintly. "Because my king's power no longer belongs only to darkness. It belongs to balance."
Haru nodded quietly. "I see. Then you're welcome among us."
Kuro chuckled under his breath. "He's earned that much. He's one of us now — even if he was born from the abyss."
Daiki stepped forward, looking at the distant horizon. "Talking's fine and all, but how do we get back to the city before dawn? We're half a continent away, and the next phase of battle could start any time."
Kuro crossed his arms. "Good question. We don't exactly have a portal lying around."
Before anyone could speak further, Ren stepped out from the shadows. His eyes gleamed with quiet certainty — the kind of confidence that came from surviving hell itself. "I have a way," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Get inside the car… and hold on tight."
They exchanged uncertain glances, but they trusted him. Without a word, they climbed inside — Kuro at the front, Haru and Daiki behind, Althric standing silently outside until Ren nodded for him to enter.
As soon as the doors shut, Ren spread his hand. Shadows rippled from his fingertips, forming thick tendrils of darkness that wrapped around the car. The ground trembled. From the horizon, a cry echoed — deep, ancient, and thunderous.
The phoenix of shadow — Umbraflame — emerged, its vast wings unfolding like a stormcloud made of obsidian fire.
Haru gawked. "That's… that's the same one you summoned before, isn't it?"
Ren gave a faint smirk. "It's the same… only stronger."
He extended his hand, and the shadow phoenix lowered itself. Its talons gently gripped the car, shadows flowing like molten silk. Then Ren leaped onto its back, Yume still unconscious in his arms.
"Hold tight," he said softly.
The phoenix screeched and took flight.
Wind tore through the trees as they ascended past the canopy, soaring toward the ninth sky. Villages below became mere specks of light, rivers winding like silver veins through the earth. The stars shimmered brighter the higher they went, until it felt like they were gliding through the heavens themselves.
Yume stirred in his arms. Her lashes fluttered open. Her voice was soft, almost fragile. "Where… am I?"
Ren looked down, his tone gentle. "You're safe. We've returned to the surface — we're heading back home."
She blinked slowly. "Back home…" She tried to move but winced as exhaustion took over. "I must be heavy. You don't need to carry me—"
Ren shook his head. "Don't. You've already given everything. Rest now. Just look up… and enjoy this sky."
For a moment, the silence between them felt infinite. The stars reflected in her half-lidded eyes, the wind brushing her hair as the full moon painted them both in silver light.
"The stars…" she whispered. "They look so close tonight."
"They always do," Ren murmured, "when you've walked through the Abyss."
By dawn, the colossal phoenix soared above the towering spires of Nirvalen City — a sprawling fortress of glass and steel, gleaming under the rising sun.
Down below, alarms began to ring. Hunters standing guard looked up, weapons ready, their senses burning.
"What is that creature in the sky?" one shouted.
"It's massive—! Is that a bird?!"
"No… it's made of shadows!"
S-rank hunters rushed to the balconies, their mana flaring. But even from this distance, they could feel it — the aura of something ancient, powerful, and familiar.
"That energy…" a hunter muttered, trembling. "I've felt it before. When the Shadow Monarch rose."
The phoenix circled the city, its cry echoing across towers and walls. Then, with graceful precision, it descended toward the central plaza. The shadows uncoiled, gently lowering the car onto the ground. Its talons released their grip, folding neatly beneath its obsidian body.
No one dared move.
The car door clicked open. Out stepped Kuro, Haru, Daiki, and Althric. The soldiers standing nearby tensed, ready to engage.
"Wait," Kuro said with a grin. "You'll want to look closer before doing anything rash."
Confused murmurs spread among the ranks. Then, a shadow passed over them as Ren descended from above, landing softly beside the phoenix. He was cloaked in black, the moonlight fading behind him — his presence radiating authority.
He carried Yume carefully in his arms.
The crowd gasped.
"Is that… Ren Akatsuki?"
"No way… he's alive?"
"He's different…"
Ren looked around, his gaze calm but sharp. "It's been a while," he said quietly. "Is the medical unit ready?"
One of the officers stammered, "Y-Yes, sir! This way!"
Without another word, Ren followed, carrying Yume inside. The phoenix dissolved into mist behind him, fading back into his shadow.
Meanwhile, Kuro, Daiki, Haru, and Althric made their way to the administrative wing. The silver doors of the command center gleamed in the hallway's light as they approached.
Kuro knocked. "Miss Ichiro, it's us. We've returned."
A moment later, the door opened, revealing Ichiro, the organization's lead assistant — her eyes wide with both relief and worry.
"You're all safe," she breathed out. "Thank heavens. But where's Mr. Ren? Did he… did he make it?"
Daiki hesitated, glancing at Kuro. "He did. But… he's not the same man who left."
Ichiro frowned. "What do you mean?"
Haru stepped in, his tone heavy but respectful. "The Ren we knew — the one who always stepped forward and took the hit so others wouldn't — he's still there. But something in him changed. He's no longer just fighting for us. He's fighting above us. Like a true monarch."
Ichiro took a deep breath, composing herself. "I see… then I'll arrange for him to meet the higher council immediately."
As she turned to leave, she noticed Althric standing silently near the door. "And who might you be?"
Kuro smiled faintly. "Ah, this is Althric — Ren's personal guard."
"Bodyguard?" Ichiro raised an eyebrow.
Althric straightened. "Yes, ma'am. Appointed directly by my master— I mean, by Mr. Ren."
Ichiro studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. If Mr. Ren trusts you, that's enough."
They arrived at the medical wing, where Ren stood quietly outside Yume's room. The faint hum of machines filled the corridor. His eyes, once burning with fierce will, were now calm — almost serene.
Ichiro approached, bowing respectfully. "Mr. Ren Akatsuki… it's good to see you again."
Ren returned the bow lightly. "Likewise, Miss Ichiro. It's been some time."
"What are you doing out here?" she asked.
"I'm waiting for her reports," Ren replied. "Yume was badly wounded during the battle in the Abyss. I want to make sure she recovers before I see the council."
Ichiro's tone softened. "You've changed… even your voice carries weight now."
He smiled faintly. "The Abyss changes everyone. I was no exception."
She hesitated, then said, "The higher-ups have been demanding updates about you since the day you vanished. Now that you're back, they wish to see you — immediately, if possible."
Ren nodded. "Understood. But Althric will accompany me."
Ichiro blinked in surprise but agreed after a moment's thought. "Very well. Let's not keep them waiting."
As they walked down the long corridor, Althric leaned closer to Ren and whispered, "My king… these human clothes make it easier to blend in."
Ren chuckled softly. "Good. If you walked in your shadow form, the entire building would be in panic."
"Another thing…" Althric added hesitantly. "When Miss Ichiro asked, Sir Kuro introduced me as your bodyguard. Was that acceptable?"
Ren smiled slightly. "Perfectly. When we're around others, call me 'Sir Ren' or simply 'Mr. Ren.' Not 'my king.' Understand?"
"As you wish… Mr. Ren," Althric replied with a quiet smile.
Finally, they reached the tall double doors of the council chamber. Ichiro knocked softly.
"Respected Council, may we enter?"
A firm voice answered, "Enter."
Ichiro bowed as she stepped in, followed by Ren and Althric. The room was vast — lined with tall windows overlooking the city, the council seated at a circular obsidian table.
One of the elders, his hair white as snow, leaned forward. "Miss Ichiro, what brings you here so urgently?"
She bowed again. "Respected sirs, the reason is clear — Mr. Ren Akatsuki has returned from the Abyss."
A murmur rippled through the council. The elder's sharp eyes focused on Ren.
"So… the Shadow Monarch returns."
Ren met their gaze without flinching. "Not a monarch," he said quietly. "A guardian. One who's seen the other side… and came back to make sure it never swallows this world again."
The room fell into stunned silence — the air thick with tension and awe.
For the first time, even the councilors who once doubted him could feel it. The presence. The weight. The aura of a man who had walked through darkness and returned with the strength of a legend.
Outside the window, dawn broke over Nirvalen — its golden light spilling across the skyline. The phoenix's echo faded into the distance, and the city began to awaken once more.
The Monarch has returned to his city… and this time, even the light will bow before the shadow.