**In the Blue Fortress – Dawn**
Birds sang their morning songs in peaceful harmony, yet Grind found no comfort in their melody. He stood distracted on the balcony when King approached. Without turning, Grind asked:
"My lord King... has the Green Squadron commander returned?"
King answered stiffly: "He won't be returning. The Black Mantle sent word... He's been killed."
A stunned silence fell over the chamber before erupting into hushed whispers. How could someone of such power be slain so easily?
**In the Realm of Darkness...**
Team Zero assembled from every nation under a single banner. Maya stood before them, eyes blazing with hatred as she spoke in a voice that pierced souls:
"Grind is our Dark Lord's greatest enemy... Eliminate him. The world may call him a hero today, but tomorrow he'll be nothing more than a memory in your hands... Move out!"
**The Kingdom of Beryon...**
Chaos reigned as citizens fled screaming to shelters. The Green Team took up arms to protect the innocent. Their captain cried out:
"Where are the Red, Blue, Black and White Teams? The darkness has returned!"
Lady Maya's image flickered into existence through arcane broadcast: "The Black Mantle forces have overrun Beryon Market - their numbers are endless. Send the royal guard! The Green Team holds the line protecting civilians. I demand Hero Grind proceed immediately to the royal palace - the enemy is everywhere!"
King's voice cut through the panic: "This is Commander King. Grind is en route to the palace with my squad preceding him. We stand ready to reinforce the Red Team."
A crackling voice interrupted through the communicator: "Lord King, report to the Hunters' Hall immediately... Do you read?"
**Within the Fortress...**
King stood alone when a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, unchanged by time.
The man spoke first: "You've grown, King."
"The Dark Veil has discovered my fortress... I'll need to relocate. But first..." His hand moved to his weapon, "I'll deal with you."
King smiled bitterly: "You haven't changed at all, Maya."
With forced calm, he gestured: "Will you share a drink?"
Tears glistened in her eyes as she whispered: "I came to take you, King."
"Then why the tears?... Remembering our past?"
Her voice broke: "There were three of us... Now we walk separate paths... Such is fate, King."
"So fate made you run away with him... Where is he now?"
"I loved him... His presence was my only happiness."
King's anger flashed: "Then stop weeping and fight me, you sentimental fool!"
She clutched her chest: "I'm bound... by chains that cannot be broken."
King stepped forward, blade appearing in hand: "Then I'll shatter them!"
**The Battle Begins...**
King's body erupted in celestial light as he assumed his "Astral Form", his ultimate state. He charged at Maya just as she transformed - a demonic tail lashed out, horns curled from her forehead, and a spear of darkness materialized in her grip. From the abyss she summoned undying hellspawn that surrounded King completely.
King laughed darkly: "A thousand nightmares against one man? Hah... How cruel you are, fate."
His aura flared, lifting the demonic horde before hurling them aside - but the delay proved fatal.
Maya whispered: "Let us end this."
She vanished. A thunderous voice echoed from the heavens as King looked up to see two colossal hands descending upon him.
"So... surrender becomes me..."
King collapsed, his power spent.
**In Li Sheng's Garden...**
Maya knelt before a shadowed figure:
"My Lord... I've brought what you requested... Your will is my command."
An icy voice responded: "You have no refuge but my will... You are my chosen, Maya."
At his gesture, she opened a portal and disappeared.
**An Unknown Realm...**
King awoke surrounded by swirling shadows. A voice spoke:
"So... you are King Dern."
He lifted his head: "Who are you? What have you done to Maya?"
A young man smiled: "Old friends reunited after so long... Painful, isn't it, King?"
"You lead them... Don't you?"
"No answers... only a revelation." He leaned close, whispering words that shook King to his core:
"Your lost companion from years past... still draws breath."
The shadows deepened as the truth settled like a blade between King's ribs.