Saruto slowly advanced toward Tyler body, which was riddled with dozens of weapons forged from dark energy. The blades were embedded in his flesh. Saruto looked at him with a coldness tinged with understanding, and said in a quiet voice, "You were merely a puppet created by Hades… a tool to propel me forward, nothing more."
As he watched, Tyler body gradually disintegrated, breaking apart into particles of energy that scattered into the air, until only a single, glowing shard remained. Saruto reached out and touched it.
The moment the shard pierced his body, a massive wave of dark energy surged through his veins. The dark energy level reached 100%.
Then, a glowing black portal opened before him, pulsating with mysterious energy. He stepped forward steadily and passed through it. It transported him to where Hades stood. She was there, a serene smile of satisfaction and pride in her eyes. "Congratulations, Saruto," she said in a soft yet firm voice. "You've passed the second test."
Saruto sighed with a small relief, then asked directly, "Did Void pass the test too?"
"Yes," Hades smiled reassuringly. "He came out almost an hour before you."
Saruto expression softened, and he finally felt at ease. "But tell me, Hades," he asked thoughtfully, "what's the real purpose of all these tests?"
She chuckled softly and said confidently, "I thought you already understood."
Then she began to explain in a deep voice, "The first test was designed to help you reach 100% of the Dark Power... by subjecting you to intense psychological shocks that would push you beyond your limits."
"The second test," she continued, "was intended to teach you to cope with high levels of Dark Power... and to make you understand the feeling of death itself."
She looked at him with sharp eyes, then added, "Just like in your fight against Tyler… when you remembered the pain that accompanies death, your energy automatically surged to avoid the same fate. And now… the idea of pain is ingrained in your subconscious, a defense mechanism that protects you from surrendering to death."
Saruto began to analyze her words deeply, then realized she was absolutely right. Hades said with a genuine smile, "Honestly, Saruto… I've never seen anyone with your perseverance in my entire life."
Saruto smiled faintly, and said gratefully, "Thank you for your trust."
Then she murmured to herself, in a voice only her heart could hear, "I'm starting to really like you…"
He looked up at her and asked with subdued excitement, "And now… what's the next test?"
Hades smiled mysteriously. "The third… and final one."
Then she added slyly, "You'll know everything the moment you enter it… I don't want to spoil the fun."
But her expression grew more serious: "However, there is something important you should know."
Saruto tensed slightly: "And what is it?"
"The next test… it may take you more than six years to complete," she answered calmly, her voice heavy with warning.
Saruto eyes widened in surprise: "Is it that difficult?"
"You'll understand when you take it yourself," she smiled.
She snapped her fingers, and another portal opened, and Void emerged. Saruto smiled at the sight and stepped forward. Their palms clasped together in a friendly firmness, and they congratulated each other on passing the test. Then Hades said, "Now… you will take the final test. Are you ready?"
"Yes," they both said confidently.
"Good… then merge," Hades smiled.
"Are you asking us to merge?" Saruto was slightly surprised.
"Yes… didn't you hear?" she replied firmly.
Saruto and Void smiled simultaneously; this fusion was something they had long awaited. Their fists clasped tightly, and the energy of darkness emanated from them in perfect balance. Then, the two forces gradually merged.
The light surged and intensified until it enveloped the entire world. Then it vanished. When the light cleared, Saruto emerged stronger than before, with a denser aura and a more awe-inspiring presence. He spoke internally to Void, smiling. "Welcome back, brother," he said.
"I missed this place… and this body," Void replied, his voice filled with longing.
Hades smiled proudly. "Congratulations on your fusion again…"
Then, raising her hand, she said with quiet enthusiasm, "And now… let's begin the final test."