Far from what was happening in Darkova with Akio and the others, the Fire King, Cirrus, sat on his luxurious throne in the Kingdom of Kaji. Beside him stood his most loyal and respected bodyguard, an exceptionally handsome man with smooth blond hair and violet eyes.
Bodyguard: "Your Majesty, you seem 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 afford to close his eyes for even a moment?"
Cirrus rose from his throne and walked toward the massive window, gazing at the distant horizon. He placed his hand against the cold glass.
Cirrus: "That wall… have you ever wondered what lies beyond it?"
The bodyguard hesitated for a moment before replying in a steady voice.
Bodyguard: "Humans have lived here for centuries. Perhaps beyond it… there is nothing but emptiness."
Cirrus let out a quiet chuckle, running a hand through his hair before turning to face his bodyguard once more.
Cirrus: "Oh… how convenient it must be to think that way, Alexander. To live without questioning. To believe this world is exactly as it seems… without secrets, without mysteries."
He began walking toward a massive map of Valoria displayed on the wall, where the ten provinces, the Kingdom of Kaji, and the three islands were intricately carved into its surface.
Alexander: "Your Majesty, there are still some rulers who believe they can challenge your authority… They fail to grasp the truth of who you are."
Cirrus: "Politics… it's just another weapon. The only difference is that some wield it with cunning, while others grip it the wrong way—only to end up stabbed by their own blade."
Cirrus slowly ran his fingers over Iralos, the province ruled by Makia, then moved toward Darkova, where Duchess Terrakula resided.
Cirrus: "Power doesn't belong to those who deserve it… but to those who are capable of taking it."
Alexander took a step forward and bowed his head respectfully.
Alexander (in a voice filled with unwavering loyalty): "With this power, Your Majesty, you will rule all of Valoria… and no one will stand in your way."
Cirrus sat back down on his throne, locking eyes with Alexander for a long moment.
Cirrus: "Now then, Alexander… tell me, how are things progressing in the west?"
Alexander lifted his head, speaking in a calm yet firm tone.
Alexander: "Your Majesty… the situation in the Ruby Region has become unstable. There is a growing rebellion in the remote villages. It seems some noble families are beginning to question our rule. We've observed movements from local leaders advocating for independence and freedom from Kaji's rule."
Cirrus narrowed his eyes slightly, but he showed no sign of irritation.
Cirrus: "A rebellion? They believe they can challenge my authority?"
Alexander nodded.
Alexander: "This is no mere minor uprising. We've received intelligence that an unknown external force is backing them."
Cirrus paused for a moment before slowly rising from his throne, absentmindedly running a hand through his thick hair.
Cirrus: "An external force…? Are you suggesting they are receiving aid from one of the provinces?"
Alexander: "There are many possibilities… but Iralos remains the primary suspect. Makia's army has yet to make any direct moves, but it appears they are closely monitoring our actions, waiting for the right moment to intervene."
A short, mocking laugh escaped Cirrus' lips as he continued obsessively running his fingers through his hair, his expression filled with both arrogance and amusement.
Cirrus: "Makia… always like a snake, lying in wait, ready to strike once its prey shows weakness."
His gaze sharpened as he turned to Alexander.
Cirrus: "Send one hundred soldiers to Ruby. I don't want a rebellion—I want ashes."
Alexander: "As you command, my king."
Alexander bowed once more before disappearing into the shadows, leaving Cirrus alone in the grand hall.
Cirrus (in a low, amused voice):
"Politics truly is a dull game… but at the very least, it gives me the opportunity to crush fools who dare to dream."
He slowly walked back toward the massive map of Valoria hanging on the wall, staring at Darkova.
Suddenly, the scene shifted—
Back to Darkova, where Akira and Akio were about to begin their fight in the middle of the bustling marketplace.
Akio stood in the center of the street, eyes blazing with anger, his fists clenched tightly as sparks of yellow lightning crackled around his body.
On the other side, Akira stood completely calm, his hands in his pockets, his crimson eyes gleaming with mischief, a smug grin on his face.
Akira (watching the lightning flicker around Akio):
"Oh? Looks like we've got someone with an interesting Faken here!"
Akio (grinning angrily, clenching his fist as the electricity surged around him):
"You haven't seen anything yet!"
In a fraction of a second, Akio vanished, moving like a lightning bolt as he charged at Akira with a fist crackling with electricity.
But…
Akira didn't move.
There wasn't even a hint of concern on his face.
Then—
Akira suddenly disappeared before Akio's fist could make contact!
A rush of air behind Akio sent shivers down his spine—
Before he could react…
BOOM!!!
A powerful kick slammed into Akio's back, sending him flying into a nearby restaurant, shattering a wooden table into pieces.
Akio quickly picked himself up, grinning, his eyes burning with excitement.
Akio (grinning eagerly):
"Oh… you're fast… but you won't beat lightning-speed!"
Akira:
"Hah. Lightning-speed, huh? You were slower than I expected."
Akio (electricity crackling violently around him):
"I was just going easy on you!"
With a lightning-fast movement, Akio raised his hand toward the sky.
Akio: "{Thundering Shockwave!}"
A burst of electricity exploded beneath Akio's feet, sending debris flying into the air!
And in a flash—
He disappeared!
When he reappeared, he was directly above Akira!
Akio swung his electrified fist straight for Akira's face—
But at the last second…
Akira (smirking):
"Oh, that's more like it."
Akira grinned—
And caught Akio's fist with one hand.
Akio (eyes widening in shock):
"W-What?!"
Akira (his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement):
"You're strong… but you still don't understand a thing about real combat."
In an instant, Akira threw Akio back—
But this time, Akio didn't crash.
He twisted mid-air, using his lightning to stabilize himself before landing on his feet.
Akio (frustrated, glaring at Akira):
"This isn't fair… My sword isn't with me! If those idiots hadn't confiscated it, I would've beaten you in a single hit!"
Akira (raising an eyebrow):
"Huh? A sword?"
Akio (clenching his fists angrily):
"I'm already starting to hate your face!"
Akira (tilting his head slightly with a smug smirk):
"Oh? Is that because you know you won't be able to touch me?"
Akio (smirking confidently, raising his right hand as yellow lightning flared around it):
"No, it's because you're way too arrogant… and I need to put you back in your place!"
The electric sparks surrounding Akio's body intensified, his eyes flashing bright yellow for a brief moment. The air around him shifted, making his blue hair sway wildly, revealing the lightning-shaped mark on his forehead.
For a second, Akira felt something strange—
As if the air itself had become heavier.
Akio (his expression hardening):
"Get ready… because now, I'll show you what true lightning speed looks like."
At that moment, the entire marketplace was illuminated by a brilliant electric blue glow!
The ground beneath Akio's feet cracked even more due to the immense energy surging from his body.
Lightning danced in the air, while his hair stood slightly on end from the raw electricity coursing through him.
Akio (raising his head with a confident grin, lightning crackling all over him):
"I've had enough… it's time to shut you up!"
Akira (raising an eyebrow, slightly surprised but maintaining his arrogant smirk):
"Oh? So you finally decided to take this seriously? This is gonna be fun."
In an instant, Akio disappeared.
There was no sound, no warning—
Just vanished.
Akira's eyes widened slightly—
And then—
BOOOOM!!!
A powerful lightning-infused strike slammed into Akira's stomach!
Akira's eyes shot open as he fell backward, clutching his abdomen.
A strange pain surged through his body—
This wasn't just a normal hit.
This was…
"Multi-Thunderstorm Blitz."
The moment Akio's attack connected, thousands of electric needles seemed to pierce every inch of Akira's skin.
His muscles spasmed uncontrollably,
his breathing shaky,
his movements sluggish.
Sitting on his knees, Akira panted heavily, unable to move.
Burn marks covered his skin, faint traces of ash smearing his clothes.
Akio (placing his hands on his hips with a smug grin, lightning still crackling around him):
"What's wrong? Are you finally feeling the true power of lightning?"
Akira (struggling to move, feeling his muscles failing to respond):
"W-What… did you do to me?!"
The electric current still surged inside Akira's body, disrupting his nervous system and making every movement difficult.
He shut his eyes briefly, trying to endure the searing pain—
But the electricity within him wasn't fading.
Akira (gritting his teeth, his eyes twitching):
"Not bad… kid."
Akio (grinning confidently):
"Don't underestimate lightning ever again, werewolf."
Akira (narrowing his eyes, trying to stand up straight):
"Heh… looks like you actually think while fighting, huh?"
Finally, Akira managed to overcome his pain, rising to his feet once more.
His crimson eyes gleamed dangerously.
Akira:
"Looks like you're getting full of yourself, kid…
Since you showed me your lightning,
I'll show you the true power of a werewolf!"
Suddenly, Akira's red eyes sharpened further,
his leather gloves tore apart—
Revealing long, razor-sharp black claws!
At the same time, his muscles slightly expanded,
his fangs now more prominent.
Akio (watching with excitement):
"Hah… so you had those claws the whole time? Why didn't you use them before?!"
Akira (grinning wickedly, flexing his claws):
"Because I never considered you a threat…
Until now."
In an instant, Akira vanished!
Akio (eyes widening, trying to track him):
"He's… even faster than before!!"
Within a fraction of a second—
Akira appeared right in front of Akio, slashing at him with his claws!
Akio barely managed to dodge.
Akio (shocked):
"This isn't even Faken! But his physical power has skyrocketed!"
Akira (laughing, stepping forward as his claws slashed through the air):
"Scared? Good.
Because I'm not done yet."
With blinding speed, Akira lunged, aiming to tear through Akio's body!
BOOM!!
A sharp slash ripped through Akio's jacket,
leaving a shallow wound on his shoulder!
Akio (staring in shock, touching his bleeding shoulder):
"He… actually hit me?!"
Akira (licking the blood off his claws with a crazed grin):
"Oh, you finally bled…
Don't worry,
I'll cut you up even more soon."
Akio (growling, wiping the blood off his shoulder, lightning surging again):
"Hah? Is that all you've got? You only managed to scratch me!"
In a blink, both fighters vanished,
reappearing in the air,
exchanging rapid blows at insane speed!
Akio used his lightning-enhanced speed to strike Akira repeatedly,
while Akira retaliated with his razor-sharp claws,
turning the fight into a ferocious battle of raw power versus speed!
All around them, spectators watched in stunned silence.
People stopped in their tracks,
staring at the incredible duel unfolding before them.
Meanwhile, in the distance—
Ann was casually eating popcorn.
Beside her, Ken took a slow drag from his cigarette,
watching the fight with calm focus.
Akira (grinning wildly while fighting):
"THIS IS FUN! THIS IS SO FUN!!"
Akio (smirking, despite the intense battle):
"Finally… someone I can go all out against!"
Akira (grinning darkly):
"Go all out?
Then let me show you my limits!"
Suddenly, Akira's red eyes darkened—
His pupils becoming thinner, more feral.
His presence grew even more menacing.
Akira (in a deep, eerie voice):
"It's time for the real hunt to begin."
Akio (grinning, sparks flaring around him):
"Then I won't hold back anymore!"
Akira lunged—
Ready to unleash his next attack—
But in the blink of an eye,
Akio disappeared again—
Only to reappear beside Akira at lightning speed!
Akio (grinning):
"Internal Lightning Explosion!!!"
He slammed his electrically charged palm directly against Akira's chest!
BOOOOOOOOM!!!!
Akira's body violently convulsed,
lightning bursting from within him,
as if tearing him apart from the inside!
His muscles spasmed uncontrollably,
his breath caught in his throat,
his clothes began charring from the extreme heat!
Akira (screaming in pain, his face contorting in agony):
"AAAAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!"
Akio (stepping back slightly, watching him collapse, victorious):
"I didn't think it'd be this easy…
I expected more from you, werewolf."
Akira (panting heavily, his body still twitching, yet… he smirked weakly):
"Hah… hah…
Did you…
think I was finished?"
Akio (raising an eyebrow):
"You're still standing? I like guys like you!"
Akira (his blood-red eyes glowing, his muscles reacting strangely to the pain):
"Something… has awakened inside me… and it's all thanks to you!"
In an instant, a mysterious blood-red aura began emanating from Akira's body,
sending an unnatural chill through the air.
From a distance, Ann and Ken both felt it—
Something wasn't right.
To be continued…