A heavy silence hung in the vast hall of shadows — that sacred realm where time itself seemed to kneel. Black mist rippled across the obsidian floor, and the dim glow of phantom torches burned with blue flames, illuminating the nine thrones that floated above a sea of darkness.
Ren Akatsuki stood at the center, his cloak stirring in the unseen wind. Behind him, the Eight Kings of Shadows watched silently — ancient figures whose very presence bent the air. The meeting had already begun, and the topic had shaken even the strongest among them.
The Ninth King had chosen.
And his choice was unexpected.
Kuro, standing beside Daiki and Yume, broke the silence first.
"Ren… are you certain about this?" His voice carried unease, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Haru Kenzaki — are you sure he should be involved in this? He's still human… and this is no ordinary matter."
Ren's expression was unreadable, his golden eyes flickering like molten gold.
"Let's ask him ourselves," he said simply.
Before anyone could speak, the air distorted. A thin ripple tore through space like a mirror shattering, and a figure appeared — his body trembling, his breath quick. Haru Kenzaki looked around, confusion tightening his features.
"W–What is this place?!" he gasped, instinctively reaching for his blade. "Where… where am I?"
Ren stepped forward, his voice calm and deep.
"Captain. It's me — Ren."
For a heartbeat, Haru froze. Then his eyes widened.
"Ren? Is it really you?"
"Yes," Ren said softly. "Calm down. You were summoned by me."
The tension in Haru's shoulders eased slightly, though his heart still pounded in disbelief. His gaze darted around, and he realized every being here radiated an overwhelming power — the kind of power that could shatter worlds.
The First General, a towering figure shrouded in shifting shadow, crossed his arms.
"My king," he said coldly, "this man you've chosen for me… he looks terrified."
Ren turned to him, a faint smile forming.
"He'll be perfect for you."
Haru blinked, still lost. "Ren… please tell me where I am. What is this place?"
Ren lifted his gaze toward the boundless darkness above.
"This," he said, his voice echoing through the hall, "is the Shadow Realm. The land where the ancient shadows once lived. The birthplace of every shadow that ever served the throne."
He gestured toward three luminous figures standing nearby.
"These are the three generals bonded with humans — Yume Akegami, Kuro Daizen, and Daiki Raikuro."
Then, Ren raised his hand to the eight glowing thrones above them. Eight colossal silhouettes emerged from the mist — each radiating an ancient aura, each face obscured by shadowed crowns.
"And these," Ren continued, "are the Eight Kings of Shadows — the ones spoken of in legends. The protectors of this realm… and I—"
He paused. The torches flickered violently.
"I am the Ninth King of Shadows."
The revelation hit Haru like a thunderbolt. His knees weakened as he tried to comprehend what he was hearing.
"The… Eight Kings? No way" he whispered.
Ren's gaze softened. "Yes. And you are standing before the rulers of the Shadow Realm."
One of the kings spoke — a low, resonant voice that carried authority and grace.
"You need not bow, Haru Kenzaki. We have called you here for a reason."
Haru hesitated, his voice trembling. "A reason…?"
Ren stepped forward again.
"It was my decision to summon you," he said. "You've heard the legends — about the war between the Shadows and the Shadow Demons. Back then, four generals commanded the shadow armies under the Kings' will."
"Yes," Haru said quietly. "I remember the stories."
"Three of those generals still stand before you — Kuro, Daiki, and Yume," Ren continued. "But the position of First General remains empty. I want you to fill that role."
A shocked silence followed.
Kuro's eyes widened. "Ren… what are you saying? You can't be serious!"
Even Haru looked stunned. "Why me? Why not one of your elite warriors? This doesn't make sense."
Ren looked at him with quiet conviction.
"There are reasons I cannot tell you. But you, Haru — you are the perfect candidate. You were chosen once as a potential successor to the Ninth King's will. That alone proves your worth."
From the shadows, a deep, rumbling voice echoed. The first general — the entity bound to darkness itself — stepped forward. His eyes burned like twin embers.
"Yo," he said casually, though his voice carried the weight of centuries. "So, the Ninth King has chosen you as my new bond."
Haru blinked, startled. "Y–You're… the First General?"
The being chuckled. "At first, I didn't want to make a bond with you. You reeked of fear — and I despise fear. But your soul…"
He stopped and looked deeply into Haru's eyes.
"…your soul screamed purity. No greed. No evil. Just resolve. And that," he smiled faintly, "is something even power cannot fake."
Ren's lips curved slightly. "You said something nice for once."
"Oh?" the general tilted his head. "Did I impress my king?"
"You did," Ren replied, smirking. "But tell me — do you have a name?"
For a moment, the shadow was silent. The air thickened, and he slowly sat down, lowering his gaze.
"…What did you just ask me?"
"Your name," Ren said again. "What is it?"
The general trembled slightly. "You are… the second person ever to ask me that."
Ren's eyes narrowed. "Then who was the first?"
"The Ninth King before you," he said quietly. "He was the one who gave me purpose. The one I swore my life to serve — along with the Eight Kings."
Ren took a deep breath. "Then as your new Ninth King, I ask you again. Tell me your name, soldier."
The general lifted his head, eyes blazing.
"…It's Kaen."
A ripple of energy swept through the hall. Ren's aura flared for an instant — and Kaen suddenly saw the phantom of the previous Ninth King standing behind him, smiling. Tears welled in his burning eyes as he rushed forward and embraced Ren.
"My king," Kaen whispered, voice shaking. "You are… merciful beyond measure."
Ren smiled faintly and patted his shoulder. "Don't cry, Kaen."
From her throne, Yume watched the scene with a soft smile. "I never thought I'd see it," she whispered. "He's smiling again."
Ren turned to Haru. "So, Captain," he said. "What do you think?"
Haru looked down, conflicted. "Ren… am I truly fit for this? What if I fail? What if I'm not worthy of this bond?"
Before Ren could answer, one of the kings — the Third King — spoke.
"Haru Kenzaki. Your humility honors you. That alone makes you worthy."
Kaen crossed his arms, grinning. "Don't worry. I'll train you myself. Together, we'll surpass every general that came before."
The words struck something deep within Haru — that same fire that once burned when he fought beside Ren. His fear faded, replaced by determination. He nodded firmly.
"I'm ready."
"Then let's begin," Ren said.
Kaen and Haru raised their hands. The air grew heavy. Shadows began to swirl around them, forming a vortex of pure energy. Dark flames erupted from the ground, enveloping them both.
Haru gritted his teeth as the darkness surrounded him. "What… is this power!?"
"Don't fight it," Kaen's voice echoed from within the void. "Accept it!"
A blinding surge of light burst from the vortex. The ground cracked, and shockwaves rippled across the Shadow Realm. When the light faded, two figures stood — merged in essence, united in will.
Haru Kenzaki had become one with Kaen — the new First General of Shadows.
A dense wave of mana exploded outward, shaking the entire chamber.
Ren raised his arm, shielding his eyes. "What immense power…"
Daiki grinned. "No wonder he's the First General now."
On the floor below, Althric — Ren's loyal knight — lowered his head in shame. He still bore the weight of his past failure. Ren stepped toward him, lifting his chin gently.
"Althric," Ren said softly. "You are my most trusted knight. I know your heart better than anyone. What you did was unforgivable… but if it were anyone else, they would be dead. You, however, are different — because I still need you."
Althric's eyes widened. His voice trembled. "My king… I—"
"Rise," Ren commanded. "Rise, my loyal knight, and shine once more."
The words struck his soul like divine fire. Althric fell to one knee, eyes burning with resolve.
"I swear, my king. I won't fail again."
"I know," Ren said, smiling faintly.
When Kuro's mana finally settled, the ceremony was complete.
Yume, Daiki, and Kuro approached Haru.
"Congratulations, General," Yume said warmly.
"Welcome to the ranks," Daiki added.
"Thank you," Haru replied, bowing his head. "It's an honor to serve the Eight Kings… and to fight beside my comrade once again."
Ren smiled proudly. "Then it's decided. Let's return."
But just as they were about to depart, one of the Kings spoke again.
"Wait, Ninth King. There is something we must discuss."
Ren stopped and nodded. "Very well. Yume — stay with me. The rest of you may return."
Daiki, Kuro, Althric and Haru vanished into shadow, leaving those two behind.
Ren faced the thrones. "What is it?"
One of the Kings leaned forward, his voice deep and commanding.
"As the war approaches, we ask that you command the Army of Elite Shadow Soldiers. Humanity is still too weak to face the coming threat. Let the shadows lead."
Ren was silent for a long moment. When he finally spoke, his voice darkened — carrying a faint demonic echo.
"Do you know why I went to the Abyss?" he asked quietly. "To forge an army that none could stop. But now… I will hold them. When the time comes — when the world trembles again — I will release them."
The Eight Kings bowed. "As you command."
Then they summoned Yume forward. She knelt gracefully before Ren.
"Yes, my king. What is your will?"
Ren looked down at her. "First, I thank you — for bringing me back safely. But tell me, Yume Akegami… do you understand the power you now possess?"
Yume lowered her gaze. "A little. The ancient beast told me during our battle — that I possess the power of the Wing, and that I was chosen as the Queen of Wings."
The first King nodded. "Indeed. That power is no mere blessing. It is the power of the K-Wings — a gift that chooses its bearer. You did not seek it; it sought you. Train well, and become worthy of it."
Ren stepped closer and placed his hand gently on her shoulder.
"Rise, Yume Akegami. From this moment, you are not only the Third General of the Shadow Army — you are the Queen of the Wings."
Yume's eyes trembled as she slowly lifted her head. A faint smile crossed her lips.
"I am honored, my king. Truly."
"If the previous Ninth King could see you now," Ren said softly, "he would be proud."
The First King stood, his massive figure casting a long shadow.
"You mortals… you fight for us even when you share no blood. We, the Eight Kings, are humbled."
The eight figures rose from their thrones — and bowed.
Ren's breath caught.
"I never imagined I'd see this day… to be honored by those I once dreamed to stand beside."
He looked toward Yume. "Because of you… I found happiness again."
Their eyes met. Ren reached out, holding her hand tightly.
Yume smiled faintly. "And because of you, my king… my dream became real."
The air shimmered with the light of shadow fire, and the kings spoke as one.
"Thank you, Yume Akegami. Thank you, Ren Akatsuki. May your path lead this world to salvation."
The Meeting of Hunters will be starting soon.
But deep within the shadow realm, the silent storm of destiny had only begun to stir.