While Kandiaru burned in the peak of rage and blasphemy, Sung Jinwoo, with a movement faster than the blink of an eye, slammed his iron fist into Kandiaru's face with devastating force. The blow was so powerful it felt like a supersonic explosion—shockwaves shattered the ground around them, and dust was flung into the sky.
Sung Jinwoo, with a cold, emotionless gaze, as if looking at an insignificant creature, pressed his foot harder against Kandiaru's chest. Deep cracks spread across Kandiaru's stone body, as if the stone beneath his foot had turned into shattered glass.
Kandiaru's eyes were wide with shock—fear, rage, and disbelief swirling in them. "How is this possible? How has this monster grown so strong in such a short time?!" But more than anything, a deep humiliation burned in his heart. "Why should such a lowly being deserve to meeting Shikama Doji
With teeth clenched in fury, eyes filled with hatred, he screamed: "Wretched insect! You dare inquire about my god?!"
A cold light gleamed in Jinwoo's eyes. The pressure of his foot increased—to the point that Kandiaru's entire body was crushed beneath him, the stones cracking like an eggshell. But at that moment, Kandiaru gritted his teeth. He had lost control of the system. Even the Shadow Monarch had betrayed him. The situation was disastrous from every angle.
"Oh my great god... Lord of the Gray Mist, Master of Change and Distortion… grant your faithful servant the power to destroy this wretched creature."
His ominous whispers echoed through the air.
Sung Jinwoo, determined to stop this terrifying scene, quickly severed Kandiaru's head from his body—but it was already too late. Twisted black magical energy, like living serpents, coiled around Kandiaru's body and within seconds, a massive, thick cocoon of flesh and pulsing veins formed.
Black and red tendrils, like a creature born of darkness, burst from the cocoon and twisted outward like a demonic flare. Jinwoo stepped back a few steps. The entire dungeon they were in trembled under the influence of this energy. Space-time warped, as if the universe itself was collapsing. Deep cracks appeared in the fabric of reality, and every being witnessing this scene stared at the cocoon in shock.
At that moment, countless spatial rifts appeared across the planet. It was as if Judgment Day had come. Governments tried to calm the people, but this level of mana—on par with a Monarch—was overwhelming. If Jinwoo couldn't stop Kandiaru, the entire world would be annihilated under the weight of this unbearable density.
[Inside Sung Jinwoo's subconscious]
Shikama Doji and Ashborn watched the scene. Shikama Doji, with a joyful and amused smile, as if watching an entertaining show, had only granted Kandiaru a sliver—a very tiny sliver—of his power.
"Are you sure Jinwoo's not in danger?" Ashborn asked worriedly, like an aged father concerned for his child. Monarch-level beings were not to be underestimated.
"Don't worry, our little Jinwoo will win," Shikama Doji replied with his usual indifferent tone. "He needs this experience. He will face far more dangerous beings in the future."
[Back to the battlefield]
The fleshy cocoon burst with a terrifying sound, and a shapeless, white creature emerged. No human features, no gender, no face—only a strange mass emitting an aura of madness and darkness. Kandiaru's mind was completely gone; only a mad beast remained.
"Kill… kill… kill… kill…"
The harsh, whispering voice of Kandiaru echoed through the space. In an instant, he appeared in front of Jinwoo and swung his hand like a sharp blade—Jinwoo's chest split open, and warm blood gushed from his wound.
Jinwoo's eyes widened in shock. "How?!"
He threw his dagger toward Kandiaru, but instead of harming him, the damage reflected back and tore through Jinwoo's own body.
Cause and effect of attacks… were distorted.
Yes, Shikama Doji had granted Kandiaru a portion of his authority. The laws of physics and logic no longer held meaning around him.
As blood poured from his mouth, Jinwoo kicked Kandiaru back forcefully and created some distance. He knew—this monster was the most dangerous enemy he had ever faced. Without hesitation, he summoned the Shadow Army—countless shadows rose from the darkness, ready for the final battle.
The world stood at the brink of annihilation.
And only one person could stop this catastrophe—
Sung Jinwoo.