Darkness wrapped around Kurayami's mind like a fading dream.His breathing slowed. The world around him dissolved until all that remained was the familiar echo of heavy footsteps and the cold gleam of torches flickering along the marble walls.
A deep voice broke the silence."Report."
The armored guard knelt before the throne. "Lord Ransei, the preparations are nearly complete. Everything is going as planned."
Ransei leaned back on his chair, his sharp crimson eyes glowing faintly beneath the shadow of his hood."Nearly complete?" he asked, his tone quiet but commanding. "I do not tolerate nearly, soldier."
The guard flinched. "Forgive me, my lord. The final stages are being set in motion as we speak. Soon, all pieces will be in place."
A grin spread across Ransei's face. "Good." He waved his hand. "Leave us. I wish to speak to my son alone."
"Yes, my lord." The guard bowed once more before vanishing into the shadows.
The vast chamber fell silent.
Kurayami stood still for a moment before breaking it."You wanted to speak with me, Father?"
Ransei's voice dropped lower, cold but calm. "Yes. There's something you must understand before the world changes."
Kurayami's expression hardened. "You keep talking about change. What exactly are you planning?"
Ransei rose from his throne, his cloak dragging along the stone floor. He turned toward his son, his aura flickering with a faint purple glow."I'm going to make the Heavens fall."
Kurayami's eyes widened. "What? That's… insane. You can't destroy the heavens—there's no power that could—"
Ransei chuckled darkly, interrupting him. "Power? You think I lack power? No, my son. I have already found the key. The same key they swore never to awaken again."
Kurayami frowned. "You mean—"
"Yes." Ransei stepped closer. "The Chaos Drive."
The name struck like thunder.
Kurayami stared in disbelief. "That's… impossible. The Chaos Drive was sealed away centuries ago! You'd bring ruin to both realms!"
Ransei smiled faintly. "Ruins can be rebuilt. But first… the world must be reminded who truly commands it."
He turned his back to Kurayami, hands clasped behind him."One day soon, you'll see, my son. This world, these gods, these kings—they will all kneel."
Kurayami clenched his fists. "And what if I don't want to be part of that?"
Ransei's grin vanished. His voice dropped, cold as steel. "Then you'll be crushed with the rest of them."
The air shattered like glass—and Kurayami's eyes snapped open.
He gasped, sitting up. The scent of dust and smoke filled the ruined arena.
Kori stood nearby, arms folded, his icy gaze fixed on him."You're finally awake," Kori said quietly. "You passed the test… but honestly, I wish you hadn't."
Kurayami's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means," Kori replied, turning away, "something about you feels wrong."
Kurayami smirked faintly. "Maybe you're just afraid to see what's coming."
Kori's hand twitched, but he stayed silent.
Meanwhile, Supira groaned and sat up, rubbing his head."Ugh… feels like I got hit by a mountain. Did I… win?"
Kaosu laughed softly, kneeling to help him up. "Not exactly. You drew with Kurayami."
Supira blinked, confused. "Wait, what? A draw? You've got to be kidding me—"
Kaosu shrugged. "Hey, don't complain. You both blew up the arena. The examiners had to replace the rest of the entrance test with a written one."
Supira tilted his head. "A… written exam? That's not fair!"
Kaosu smirked. "You can complain to the rubble if you want. It's your fault."
Supira sighed dramatically. "Great. My first day and I already destroyed school property."
Kori rolled his eyes. "You're lucky they didn't disqualify you."
Then, a familiar deep voice cut through the group."Enough chatter."
Kudo stepped forward, his gray eyes sharp as a blade.
"Congratulations," he said. "You're among the few who passed. Most weren't prepared for a written exam. Out of one hundred students… only twenty remain."
Supira blinked in surprise. "Only twenty?"
Kaosu whistled. "That's harsh."
Kudo's tone didn't change. "You should be proud. But don't let it get to your heads. The real trials start now."
He turned his back and walked away, his cape fluttering slightly.Kaosu smirked. "He's always dramatic."
Supira laughed under his breath. "Yeah, but admit it—it's kinda cool."
Kori didn't respond. His attention was on Kurayami, who stood apart from the others, staring blankly into the distance.
Kurayami's lips curved into a faint smile as he whispered to himself—
"Everything is going according to plan."
And somewhere far away, in the darkness of the unknown,the echo of Lord Ransei's voice lingered:
"When the heavens fall… only the strong will rise."