The Soul Eater charged at Crinix, its massive fist hurtling towards him like a wrecking ball. Crinix's heart skipped a beat as he sidestepped the attack, avoiding the crushing blow by mere inches. The ground shook beneath his feet as the Soul Eater's fist slammed into the earth, sending cracks snaking through the stone.
Crinix seized the opportunity, sprinting towards the Soul Eater as it struggled to free its hand from the ground. He climbed the creature's massive arm, using the rough, scaly skin as a makeshift ladder. The Soul Eater roared in pain as Crinix delivered a swift punch to its face, the blow sending it crashing to the ground.
For a moment, Crinix dared to hope. He took off in a sprint, racing towards the portal as it began to close.
But just as he thought he'd made it, a vice-like grip clamped around his leg, holding him fast. Crinix's heart sank as he turned to face the Soul Eater, its eyes blazing with fury.
The portal was mere inches from closing, and Crinix knew he was running out of time. With a surge of adrenaline, he spotted a small stone lying on the ground. He snatched it up, hurling it with all his might at the Soul Eater's face.
The stone pierced the creature's eye, and it let out a mournful cry as it released Crinix's leg. Seizing the opportunity, Crinix sprinted towards the portal, leaping through the shimmering gateway just as it closed behind him.
He landed hard on the other side, gasping for breath. Shina rushed to his side, her eyes scanning his face for injuries. "What happened?" she asked, her voice trembling with worry.
Crinix looked down, his face flushing with embarrassment. "It was nothing. I just got held up by that Grim," he muttered, not wanting to relive the terror he'd faced.
But Shina's eyes narrowed, her gaze lingering on the blood trickling down his forehead. She swiftly produced a small cloth, gently wiping away the blood as Crinix winced in pain.
Takahishi spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper. "Dude, you're crazy. What you did was just so crazy. If that were me l wouldn't have made it out alive "
Crinix's gaze flicked up, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Just lucky, I guess," he said, his voice laced with humility.
But Shina's eyes sparkled with a knowing glint. She'd seen the fire in Crinix's eyes, the determination that had driven him to overcome the impossible. And she knew that he was more than just lucky. He was a warrior, forged in the crucible of battle.
Crinix and Takahishi found themselves in a realm unlike any they had ever seen. The air was thick with an otherworldly energy, and the sky was a deep, foreboding purple.
Crinix's eyes widened as he took in the unfamiliar landscape. "What is this place?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shina smiled, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "This is the Shadow Realm, a place where Grim hunters like ourselves reside." Shina paused "There are many realms, like the Realm of the Dead, the Nether Realm and the Human realm where l found you guys "
Takahishi's eyes went wide, his face pale. "Realm of the Dead?" he repeated, his voice trembling. "You mean, like, a place where dead people go?"
Shina nodded. "Yes, that's correct. The Realm of the Dead is a realm where the souls of the deceased reside. It was created by the divine beings after the Nether Realm was taken over by the Grim Lord Zagan."
Takahishi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, what's the Realm of the Dead like ?"
Shina chuckled. "l don't know, l have nerve been there"
Crinix looked at Takahishi "Why would you even ask that" he said shaking his head
"Well l thought maybe she knew" Takahishi said
Shina chuckled " Well what l can tell you is that the Realm of the Dead is more like a...limbo, a place where souls go after they die. The Nether Realm was originally a place where souls were escorted to the afterlife, but it was corrupted by The Grim Lord Zagan's power."
As Shina finished explaining, Shinro stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked around, disoriented, before his gaze landed on Takahishi, who was carrying him piggyback.
Shinro's face twisted in outrage. "Oh, geez! This worthless piece of crap made it out alive!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with disdain.
Takahishi stopped dead in his tracks, his face darkening. "I wish I could say the same for you," he snapped, his voice venomous. "I would have been happy if that Grim ripped you apart!"
With a grunt, Takahishi dropped Shinro to the ground, who landed with a thud. Shinro rubbed his backside, his face scowling. "Ouch, man. Not cool. I was enjoying the ride."
Shina rushed to Shinro's side, her face etched with worry. "Thank the Divine beings you're alive!" she exclaimed, embracing her brother tightly.
Shinro looked at Crinix and Takahishi, his expression disdainful. "But sis, you didn't have to bring these worthless brats along."
Shina's eyes sparkled with amusement. "If it wasn't for Crinix, you'd be dead by now. He saved your life when you were about to be eaten by a Soul Eater. So, show some gratitude, brother."
Shinro's gaze locked onto Crinix, his eyes narrowing. "Nah, you're kidding, right? This whimp couldn't have faced the Soul Eater alone and without a divine weapon."
Shina's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "He didn't need a divine weapon. He took it out with his bare hands."
Shinro's eyes went wide, his face pale. He stared at Crinix, his expression a mixture of shock and awe. "There's something strange about this kid," he muttered to himself.
With a newfound respect, Shinro walked towards Crinix, his eyes locked on the younger boy's face. "Thanks, man," he said, his voice gruff. "I owe you one."
Crinix smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It wasn't a big deal," he said, his voice casual.
Shina smiled, her eyes shining with worth "Let's get moving, Shall we. We have a lot to discuss and HQ is waiting for us"
They all noded and started waking toward the tall building around them.
As they approached the towering building, Crinix and Takahishi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The structure was surrounded by a massive wall, with a bridge guided by a number of armed guards standing in front of the entrance. The guards' eyes were hidden behind their black leather hooded jackets, their faces expressionless.
Shina led the way, greeting the guards with a nod. "Shina, Grim Hunter , requesting entry."
The guards stepped aside, allowing them to pass. As they entered the Shadow Realm HQ, Crinix and Takahishi's eyes widened in wonder. Inside the walls, they found a thriving civilization, complete with buildings, houses, and bustling streets.
"We're finally here, guys," Shina said, smiling. "Welcome To Shadow Realm HQ."
Crinix's eyes darted around, taking in the sights and sounds. "Wow, this place is fascinating," he breathed.
Takahishi nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with excitement. "When you said Shadow Realm, I thought it would be scary," he said, chuckling.
But their wonder was short-lived. Suddenly, a loud siren pierced the air, and people began shouting. "We've got intruders! Sound the alarm!"
Crinix and Takahishi exchanged a nervous glance. What was happening? Shina's face turned serious, her eyes scanning the area.
The air was electric with tension as Grim hunters surrounded them, armed with swords pointing at them. Crinix and Takahishi raised their hands, unsure of what to do.
"What's going on?" Crinix asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Shina stepped forward, her eyes locked on the Grim hunters. "Wait, don't attack! These two are with me. They're not intruders."
The Grim hunters hesitated, their swords still raised. One of them stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Shina, we've had reports of unauthorized personnel entering the HQ. We can't take any chances."
Shina's face turned stern. "I understand, but I assure you, these two are not a threat. They're under my protection."
The air was thick with tension as the Grim hunters deliberated. Crinix and Takahishi exchanged a nervous glance, unsure of what would happen next.