Chapter 3: Lord of the Black Dynasty
Cold wind swept through the forest on the outskirts of Zenin City, carrying the scent of damp earth and distant bloodshed.
A lone figure stood beneath the shadowed trees.
Black Shizugawa.
His cloak fluttered violently as dark flames ignited along the blade of his scythe, twisting like living shadows hungry for destruction.
"Reaper's Fire Style!"
The scythe carved through the air, its black flames screaming as they devoured light itself. The strike descended with overwhelming force.
Doumar reacted instantly, raising his arm to block.
The collision erupted like thunder.
Dark fire exploded outward, shattering the ground beneath them. Trees bent violently, their trunks cracking as shockwaves tore through the forest. The earth trembled, unable to withstand the power unleashed between the two beings.
Doumar slid backward, his boots carving deep grooves into the soil. Smoke curled from his arm, embers fading into the night.
Yet his flesh remained unbroken.
A low, amused laugh escaped his lips.
"You fight well."
He lifted his gaze, crimson eyes gleaming with interest rather than fear.
"Tell me your name. I wish to remember the strongest warrior I have ever faced."
Black's grip tightened around his scythe. His stance remained calm—unyielding.
"So… demons possess pride after all."
He stepped forward, dark flames flaring higher.
"Very well. I am Black Shizugawa—Lord of the Black Dynasty."
The forest fell silent for a heartbeat.
"And the son of the great Shin Shizugawa."
Doumar's expression shifted.
"…Shin Shizugawa," he repeated slowly.
"The human who survived the First Battle of Dawn."
A grin spread across his face, sharp and dangerous.
"No wonder. You are strong enough to stand against me."
Dark energy surged violently from his body, warping the air around him.
"Well then—"
His aura erupted like a storm.
"Let us continue."
Meanwhile — Zenin Palace
The grand hall doors burst open.
Silver Fangar stumbled inside, breathing heavily, his face pale with urgency. His footsteps echoed sharply as he rushed forward.
"Silver-senpai?!" Rein called out, startled. "What's with this rush—"
Silver ignored him completely, storming past without a glance.
Rein clenched his fists, teeth grinding.
"…Huh. Why does everyone always look down on me…?"
A door slammed open deeper within the palace.
Inside the office, Lord Tomioka Zenin looked up from his desk instantly.
Silver stood before him, struggling to catch his breath.
"You're pale," Tomioka said calmly, though his eyes were sharp.
"What happened?"
Silver swallowed hard.
"Lord Zenin… two abnormal demons have entered the city."
The atmosphere changed.
"Their aura… it's overwhelming."
Tomioka slowly rose to his feet.
"So it wasn't my imagination," he murmured. "That presence I sensed earlier… it was real."
His aura ignited faintly—like a storm forming beneath clear skies.
Papers lifted from the desk as wind spiraled violently around him, pressing against the walls.
"…But an aura that strong."
His gaze hardened.
"Tell me," he said firmly.
"Where are they?"
Silver steadied himself.
"…In the forest near the city. I'm going with you."
Forest Outskirts — Rising Storm
Black and Doumar clashed once more.
Each strike shook the land like thunder. Each movement carried enough force to tear the world apart. Shadows and flames collided endlessly, ripping through the night.
Doumar laughed amidst the chaos.
"You truly are impressive."
Their weapons locked, power screaming between them.
"I will remember your name, Lord of the Black Dynasty."
Black's scythe blazed brighter, shadows writhing around him like living serpents.
"Then remember it well," he replied coldly.
"No demon—no matter how powerful—will stand in my way."
The wind howled.
The forest trembled.
Even the moon above seemed to shudder, stained crimson as if anticipating the blood yet to fall.
The two figures surged toward each other once more—
And the night itself held its breath.
End of Chapter 3.