Far from what was happening in the state of Darkova with Akio and the others, the Fire King Cirrus sat on his luxurious throne in the Kaji Kingdom, and next to him stood his most loyal and respected bodyguard—a strikingly handsome man with soft blond hair and violet eyes.
Bodyguard: "Your Majesty, it seems you're deep in thought today."
Cirrus: "And does a king not have the right to think? When the fate of the world rests in his hands, can he close his eyes even for a moment?"
Cirrus rose from his throne and began walking toward the grand window, gazing at the distant horizon. He placed his hand on the glass.
Cirrus: "That wall… have you ever wondered what lies beyond it?"
The bodyguard hesitated, then replied calmly: "Humans have grown used to living here for centuries. Perhaps there is nothing beyond it but emptiness."
Cirrus chuckled quietly, running his hand through his hair, then turned to his guard.
Cirrus: "Oh, how comforting it must be to think that, Alexander. To live without questioning, to believe this world is as it is—no secrets, no mysteries."
Cirrus made his way toward a massive carved map of Valoria, showing the ten states, the Kaji Kingdom, and the three islands in meticulous detail.
Alexander: "Your Majesty, some rulers still believe they can challenge your authority… they don't realize who you truly are."
Cirrus: "Politics… it's just another weapon. The only difference is—some wield it with cunning, others grab it the wrong way and end up stabbed by it."
He ran his hand over Eralos on the map, where Makia ruled, then moved it over to Darkova, home of Duchess Terrakula.
Cirrus: "Power doesn't belong to those who deserve it… but to those who can take it."
Alexander stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
Alexander (loyally): "And with that power, my king, you will rule all of Valoria. No one will stop you."
Cirrus sat back on his throne, his eyes fixed on Alexander for a long moment.
Cirrus: "Now, Alexander, tell me… how are things in the west?"
Alexander lifted his head and spoke with calm yet firm resolve.
Alexander: "My lord… the situation in the Ruby region is becoming unstable. There's growing rebellion in the remote villages. Some noble families have begun to question our control. We've noticed movement from certain local leaders promoting independence and freedom from Kaji rule."
Cirrus narrowed his eyes slightly, but showed no real concern.
Cirrus: "Rebellion? They think they can challenge my rule?"
Alexander nodded.
Alexander: "It's not just a simple uprising. We've heard rumors of unknown external support."
Cirrus paused for a moment, then slowly rose from his throne, once again toying with his thick hair.
Cirrus: "External support…? Are you saying they're being backed by another state?"
Alexander: "There are many possibilities, but Eralos remains the prime suspect. Makia's army hasn't moved officially, but it seems they're closely watching us, waiting for the right moment to interfere."
A short, mocking laugh escaped Cirrus as he continued to obsessively run his fingers through his hair with arrogant ease.
Cirrus: "Makia… always like a snake—waiting to strike when its prey is weak."
He turned sharply to Alexander, his tone sharpening.
Cirrus: "Send a hundred soldiers to Ruby. I don't want rebellion—I want ashes."
Alexander: "As you command, my lord."
Alexander bowed again before fading into the shadows, leaving Cirrus alone in the throne room.
Cirrus (quietly): "Politics really is a boring game. But at least… it gives me a chance to crush the dreamers."
He turned once again to the large map of Valoria hanging on the wall, staring at it—his gaze eventually resting on Darkova.
The scene shifts entirely, back to Darkova, where Akira and Akio were beginning their fight in the heart of the town's market.
Akio stood in the center of the square, glaring at Akira with fury, his fists clenched tightly, yellow lightning crackling around his body. Across from him, Akira stood casually with his hands in his pockets, his glowing red eyes gleaming with mischief, a smug smile on his face.
Akira (eyeing the lightning): "Well now… someone's got an interesting Vakin."
Akio (grinning angrily, fists glowing): "You haven't seen anything yet!"
In the blink of an eye, Akio shot forward like a bolt of lightning, charging at Akira with an electrified punch. But Akira didn't move. There wasn't even a hint of concern on his face. Akira vanished just before the punch landed. Akio felt a gust behind him—and before he could turn—
BOOM!!
A powerful kick struck Akio in the back, launching him through a restaurant table. Akio got up quickly, grinning with glowing eyes.
Akio (excited): "Oh, you're fast… but not faster than lightning!!"
Akira: "Hah, lightning speed? You were slower than I expected."
Akio (surging with electric energy): "I was just going easy on you!"
He raised his hand toward the sky.
Akio: "Thunder Tremor Bolt!"
He unleashed a blast that cracked the ground, scattering debris! In a flash, he vanished—reappearing directly above Akira!
With a blazing fist, Akio launched a strike at Akira's face—but at the last second…
Akira: "Oh, this is better."
Akira smirked—and caught Akio's fist with one hand!
Akio (wide-eyed): "W-what?!"
Akira (confidently, eyes gleaming): "You're strong… but you still don't understand anything about real combat."
He flung Akio aside. But Akio didn't crash—he spun midair, using his lightning to land on his feet.
Akio (annoyed): "That's not fair… I don't even have my sword! If those idiots hadn't confiscated it, I would've beaten you in one hit!!"
Akira (raising an eyebrow): "Huh? A sword?"
Akio (angrily): "I already hate your face!"
Akira (grinning slyly): "Oh? Is it because you know you can't touch me?"
Akio (confidently raising his lightning-charged hand): "No, it's because you're so arrogant… and I'm going to put you in your place."
The lightning intensified around Akio's body, his eyes momentarily glowing bright yellow. The electric force made his blue hair rise slightly, revealing a lightning-shaped mark on his forehead. Akira felt something… strange. The air grew heavier.
Akio (serious, frowning): "Get ready… because now I'll show you what true lightning speed looks like."
Suddenly, the entire market square lit up with a crackling electric blue glow! The ground beneath Akio cracked further due to the overwhelming energy pouring from his body. Sparks danced around him, and his hair floated from the charge. The battle was just beginning… and it had reached a whole new level.
Akio (raising his head with a confident smile as lightning surged through his body): "I've had enough… It's time to shut you up!"
Akira (raising an eyebrow, slightly surprised but keeping his smug grin): "Oh? Finally decided to take things seriously? This'll be fun."
Akio vanished from his spot at incomprehensible speed—so fast there was no sound to track his movement.
Akira (eyes widening just before being struck): "What?!"
Akio's voice (echoing from all directions): "Multi-Thunderstorm Barrage!"
BOOOOM!!
A powerful lightning strike slammed into Akira's gut! His eyes widened as he fell, clutching his stomach, pain shooting through his entire body. This wasn't just any strike… Akio's "Multi-Thunderstorm Barrage" was unlike anything Akira had ever faced. His body trembled violently, as if thousands of electrified needles were stabbing him at once. He dropped to his knees, panting heavily, unable to move, his skin burned and ashen.
Akio (placing his hands on his hips with a mocking smile, lightning still dancing around his body): "What's wrong? Feeling the real power of lightning?"
Akira (trying to move, but his muscles barely responding, as if paralyzed): "W-What… did you do to me?!"
The electric current still surged within Akira's body. Akio's attack had temporarily disrupted his nervous system, making movement painfully difficult.
Akira (shutting his eyes, trying to endure the pain, feeling the electric stings inside him): "Not bad, kid…"
Akio (smirking confidently): "Never underestimate lightning again, werewolf."
Akira (narrowing his eyes as he steadies himself): "Heh… Looks like you actually think while fighting, huh?"
Akira slowly stood up, finally pushing past the pain, ready to launch his next move.
Akira: "Looks like you're getting cocky, kid. Since you've shown me your lightning Vakin… I'll show you the true power of a werewolf!"
His crimson eyes flared. His leather gloves tore apart, revealing long, black claws—sharp as blades. At the same time, his muscles bulged slightly, and his fangs grew sharper.
Akio (excited, watching the transformation): "Hah… You had those claws from the beginning? Why didn't you use them?!"
Akira (waving his claws with a twisted grin): "Because I didn't consider you a threat… until now."
Akira (vanishing in a flash): "Let's see if you can keep up now!"
Akio (in thought, trying to track him but failing): "He's even faster than before!!"
In a blink, Akira reappeared right in front of Akio, slashing with his claws. Akio barely dodged in time.
Akio (shocked): "That's not even Vakin! His raw strength just skyrocketed!"
Akira (laughing as he stepped forward, claws slicing the air): "Scared? Good… 'Cause I'm just getting started!"
Akira lunged with terrifying speed, slashing wildly!
BOOM!!
One claw strike tore part of Akio's jacket, leaving a shallow cut on his shoulder!
Akio (wide-eyed, touching the wound): "He actually hit me?!"
Akira (licking his bloodied claw with a crazed grin): "Ohh, finally some blood… That's fine. I'll shred you up more soon."
Akio (angrily, lightning sparking around him as he wiped the blood): "Hah? That's all you've got?! Just a scratch?"
In an instant, the two vanished again—reappearing mid-air, exchanging blows at lightning speed! Akio launched electrified attacks with blinding speed, while Akira countered with savage claw strikes in a fierce aerial brawl!
The townspeople stared in awe at the display of power. Meanwhile, Ann munched on popcorn, and Ken smoked his cigarette in silence, eyes glued to the fight.
Akira (laughing maniacally as they clashed): "This is fun! This is so much fun!!"
Akio (smiling despite the intensity): "Finally… someone I can go all-out against!"
Akira (grinning deviously): "All-out? Then let me show you mine!"
Suddenly, Akira's eyes glowed a deep crimson, his gaze becoming sharper.
Akira (in a deep, chilling voice): "It's hunting time."
Akio (grinning with excitement): "Then I won't hold back either!"
Akira leapt to strike—but in the blink of an eye, Akio vanished and reappeared on Akira's right!
Akio (grinning): "Internal Thunderburst!!!"
He thrust his lightning-charged hand directly into Akira's chest!
BOOOOOOOOM!!!
Akira's body convulsed violently, lightning erupting from within as if it were tearing him apart! His muscles spasmed uncontrollably. He collapsed to his knees, screaming in pain, clutching his chest as his clothes charred from the heat!
Akira (screaming, face contorted in agony): "AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
Akio (stepping back, watching him with triumph): "Didn't expect it to be this easy… I thought you had more in you, werewolf."
Akira (panting, body trembling—but he slowly raises his head… a faint smile forming despite the pain): "Heh… Heh… You think… I'm finished?"
Akio (raising an eyebrow): "Still standing? I love guys like you."
Akira (eyes glowing blood-red, his muscles reacting strangely): "Something's awakened inside me… and I have to thank you."
Suddenly, a mysterious blood-red aura began to emit from Akira's body. From afar, Ann and Ken could feel it—something wasn't right.
To be continued…