Akuma reappeared in the cave, his body still aching from the previous battle. As he took a deep breath, hundreds of small mosquitoes emerged from the darkness, swarming together to form a grotesque door where the Sheol entrance once stood. He stretched his limbs, feeling the tension in his muscles, then turned to the second door. With a deep exhale, he slowly pushed open the Abaddon door.
The air inside was thick, almost suffocating, as he stepped forward. A moment later, another door at the far end of the chamber creaked open. From the shadows, a figure emerged, his presence commanding and unfamiliar.
Lazarus Leviathan.
Akuma's grip tightened around his sword as he and the newcomer locked eyes. In perfect unison, both of them demanded, "What are you doing here?"
Lazarus clutched his weapon, his stance defensive, mirroring Akuma's. Their tension was interrupted by the deep, rumbling voice that echoed throughout the cavern.
A monstrous figure stepped forward, its massive form obscured by the flickering light. The creature smiled, its jagged teeth gleaming as it spoke, "So, you are the ones competing for my contract."
Akuma's eyes narrowed. "That's the boss. The master summon."
The entity nodded, its chitinous wings rustling ominously. "I am Shinchū, the Divine Insect. The deity of evil spirits and disease, particularly those that spread sickness and decay. Since you both have passed my first test—each in different rooms—the final challenge is before you. You will face me together. You have thirty seconds to prepare. I will begin counting now."
Lazarus and Akuma exchanged a glance. There was no need for words. Their instincts aligned, and as one, they drew their swords, dashing towards Shinchū.
Blades clashed against the creature's wings, but the strikes were deflected effortlessly. Shinchū exhaled a thick red mist, which enveloped the two warriors. The moment it touched their skin, their bodies felt heavy, their limbs sluggish. They gritted their teeth and pushed forward, refusing to fall.
Then, Shinchū opened its mouth. From the depths of its maw, millions of insects poured forth, swarming and biting into their flesh. The pain was searing, every bite sapping their strength. As the monstrous swarm feasted, Shinchū's body began to morph, growing larger, more humanoid. Its chitinous exoskeleton shifted, its form becoming grotesquely refined.
With an eerie grin, it raised a clawed hand and fired a stream of thick, golden honey. The burning substance splattered against Akuma's right hand, searing his flesh with third-degree burns. He let out a pained grunt but refused to let go of his weapon.
Lazarus roared, lunging at Shinchū with his sword. Their blades clashed—Shinchū's hand had transformed into a massive, stinger-like sword. Sparks flew as they exchanged furious blows, neither gaining an advantage.
Then, with a swift motion, Shinchū kicked Lazarus in the chest, sending him hurtling backward. As he flew through the air, Akuma grabbed his collar, stabilizing him midair before using his right hand—despite the excruciating pain—to slash at Shinchū once more.
Lazarus landed on his feet and immediately rejoined the fight, his sword striking in tandem with Akuma's. The battle raged, the cavern shaking with every impact.
Then Akuma saw his opening.
Ignoring the pain, he gripped his sword with both hands and shouted, "Breath of the Sun: First Form – Dance!"
His blade arced through the air, slicing cleanly through one of Shinchū's massive wings. The creature screeched in agony, its balance faltering. Lazarus wasted no time—he plunged his sword straight through Shinchū's chest.
The monster's form convulsed violently before shattering into thousand's of insects, scattering into the mist. The air around them thickened once more, and suddenly, the world shifted.
When the fog lifted, Akuma and Lazarus found themselves standing atop a mountain. At the center, seated upon a throne carved from bone and carapace, was Shinchū—whole, untouched, and in his true form.
The deity chuckled, his glowing eyes locked onto them. "Well done. You have passed. You defeated my clone."
Akuma and Lazarus' eyes widened in horror. "That was just a clone?!" they both shouted in unison.
Akuma glanced at Lazarus, then back at Shinchū, realization settling in. He exhaled sharply and muttered under his breath, "We might actually be weak…"