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Chapter 16: A Deal with the Devil... Or Just a Real Estate Broker?
Scene One: The Reception of "The Predator" in the Underworld
After following the mysterious man in the black coat, who looked like he had just stepped out of the reception desk at a fancy restaurant, Rin found himself standing inside an elevator. This was no ordinary elevator—it descended into the depths of the earth, accompanied by calm classical music that Rin had not expected in such a place. "Oh, I see the villains have become more elegant these days," Rin thought. "Or maybe this is one of their psychological tricks."
The doors opened to reveal a spacious meeting room, lit by dim lights that gave the place an air of unnecessary mystery, as if an overly dramatic interior designer had overseen it. It wasn't the dark cave Rin had imagined but a fancy conference hall, albeit with a questionable sense of style. Around a large round table sat a variety of characters who seemed to have stepped straight out of a character manual: the massive Black Jack, with a scar across his face that suggested countless battles—or perhaps just a tumble down his own stairs—and others whose faces ranged from intimidating to outright ridiculous, all staring at Rin with curiosity.
The music abruptly stopped, and Mr. X stepped forward, wearing his long coat and half-face mask, as though he were about to present an awards ceremony speech.
Mr. X: "Welcome, Rin. Or as you are known in certain circles, 'The Predator.' We're pleased you've joined us for this historic night."
Rin (to himself): "Historic? Are they going to give me a cake for joining the villains' world? I hope it's chocolate."
Black Jack smiled widely, revealing golden teeth, and slammed his fist on the table.
Black Jack: "Welcome, kid. We've heard a lot about you. We've heard how you humiliated the great Leon and his group of... heroes."
Rin (coolly, adjusting his jacket): "The great Leon? Oh, you mean the guy I nearly drowned in a barrel of water? Well, it's good swimming training."
Smiles faded on some faces, while others struggled to suppress laughter. Mr. X raised his hand to calm the atmosphere.
Mr. X: "Well, the warm welcome is over. I know you have questions, and we have an offer. I hope it's not just an attempt to sell life insurance."
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Scene Two: The Revelation of "The Great Gate" and the Deal
Mr. X pointed to a three-dimensional holographic map that suddenly appeared in the middle of the table. It wasn't just a map; it displayed a complex network of intersecting energy lines, centered around a single point pulsing with deep red light.
Mr. X: "This is the Great Gate. It's not just an entrance to another world; it's the nexus... the energy node connecting the three worlds. Our world, the monster world, and the intermediary world that separates them. The prophecy you read isn't a myth, Rin. It's a plan. A plan to unite these worlds... or destroy them."
Rin glanced at the map, then at Mr. X.
Rin (to himself): "Ah, the classic prophecy. I'm always the key. Why can't I just be a gardener planting flowers?"
Mr. X continued, hinting that Rin was the "key" who could control the energy flow through the gate, and that his power to steal abilities was not random, but the "key's ability" to merge and direct energies. Then he made his offer.
Mr. X: "We're offering you a chance to control this gate and direct the fate of the three worlds. We'll provide you with resources, information, and training. We'll help you understand your abilities, especially the 'loss of humanity' aspect mentioned in the prophecy. In return… you'll be our power. You'll achieve our goals. You'll become the new president of the underworld, or the leader who ensures stability in this new system."
Rin (sarcastically): "So, you're offering me the presidency of a global gang with an anime budget. Sounds like a decent promotion. But does the contract include free meals?"
Mr. X ignored the sarcasm.
Mr. X: "We are serious, Rin. This is your chance. But you must decide: will you use your power for your own benefit and let the worlds clash, or will you take the reins?"
Rin looked around at the faces. Their gazes wavered between fear and greed. They didn't trust him; they feared him and wanted to exploit him. But he also saw that this was the fastest path to uncover the truth about the prophecy and his powers.
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Scene Three: A Glimpse of "The Third Option"
Rin (smiling faintly, eyes serious): "Well, tempting offer. But I have one condition."
Everyone looked at him with interest.
Rin: "No one tries to control me. I have my own controller, and I don't like anyone messing with it."
Mr. X nodded slowly, as if Rin had exceeded his expectations. At that moment, Rin heard the same "mysterious voice" from Chapter 7, but clearer this time: «The truth is not always what it seems. There is a third option… your own choice.»
Mr. X's expression turned serious.
Mr. X: "Remember, Rin, there are other forces seeking the Great Gate. Forces that won't spare any side. Whether it's us, the heroes, or you. This game goes beyond our small interests."
Rin left, hands in pockets, but his mind was restless. "Great, now I'm on the villains' team. I hope their rewards are better than the heroes'. At least I'll get answers… right?" His question wasn't entirely sarcastic; he genuinely wondered about the "loss of humanity" mentioned in the prophecy. Could "the third option" be the choice that preserved it?
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Chapter 17: The Twin Worlds Gate... And Is This Monster Mimicking Me?
Scene One: Entering the Great Gate for the First Time
Rin followed Mr. X, Black Jack, and a group of mercenaries who seemed excessively enthusiastic to the site of the "Great Gate." It wasn't just a glowing portal; it was a massive entity, pulsing with intertwined gemstones, rising as if an art piece crafted by a diligent student of dark magic.
"Well, this isn't just a hole in space. It looks like a maze designed by a contemporary artist who loves dark colors. I hope there's a 'No Smoking' sign," Rin thought.
Mr. X, unusually serious, gave instructions to his men, while Black Jack growled primitive motivational phrases. Rin noticed their seriousness but couldn't help thinking: "Why do villains always take everything so seriously? Their lives must be boring without sarcasm."
When it was time, Rin stepped first, inspecting the atmosphere. Mr. X, Black Jack, and the others followed, slowly disappearing into the dancing glow of the gate.
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Scene Two: The Intermediary World and Confronting "The Twin Shadow"
They entered the "Intermediary World," a place so bizarre it resembled nothing at all. The fog blended deep purple with electric blue, forming incomprehensible shapes, remnants of dreams or lost thoughts. No solid ground, no sky—just fading boundaries.
"Welcome to existential emptiness. I hope no one asks me to define the meaning of life here," Rin muttered.
Suddenly, a shadowy mass formed from the fog, coalescing into a human-like figure. It wasn't huge, but it pulsed with familiar energy. It was "The Twin Shadow," a creature resembling Rin, with shadowy claws and astonishing speed.
Rin (coldly smiling): "Hello to the first boss. And is this monster mimicking me? Have I become a fashion icon for monsters now? At least it doesn't give a long speech… oh wait, that's usually me."
The Twin Shadow lunged, mimicking Rin's first attack. Rin dodged with difficulty, surprising Black Jack. The mercenaries attempted to intervene, but found themselves facing shadow copies of their own abilities, leaving them confused.
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Scene Three: The Clash of Powers and the Lost Memory
Rin realized the monster wasn't just mimicking him—it absorbed his powers and wielded them against him. He fought with extreme intelligence, using evasion and exploiting the fog. At one point, he pushed Black Jack toward the monster as a diversion.
"Sorry, Jack, you look like a better hand grenade than just a mercenary," Rin thought.
Every time the monster absorbed his energy, glimpses of past memories appeared: a childhood face smiling, fading into darkness. One blow nearly finished him.
Mr. X intervened: "This monster is part of 'the boundaries'—it tests whether you deserve the power." He unleashed a beam that pushed the monster away, giving Rin a brief respite.
Rin feigned exhaustion, tricked the monster into absorbing a weak ability, then struck with full force, exploiting its confusion.
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Scene Four: Victory at a Cost
The Twin Shadow collapsed into the fog, dissolving. Rin emerged victorious, but a part of his soul felt torn away. Pale faces—perhaps his parents—faded, leaving a void.
Rin (clutching his head): "Damn it, is this the price? Will I become stronger and lose myself in the end? Where are the terms and conditions for this prophecy?"
Bla
ck Jack looked shocked, and Mr. X smiled mysteriously.
Mr. X: "Congratulations. You've passed the test. This monster is part of the nature of the Great Gate. The more you enter it, the stronger you become, and the more you pay the price."
The prophecy echoed clearly: the stronger you become, the more you lose your humanity. Rin made a decision: he must control this loss, and understand "the third option."
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Chapter 18: The Intertwined Shadows... And One Last Trick
Scene One: Pursuing the Ghosts
After defeating the Twin Shadow, the team pulled back slightly, leaving Rin to confront the silence of the place. The fog lingered, now darker, as if the battle had left scars on the very fabric of this world.
"Great, now I feel like I'm in a post-trauma episode of a dramatic anime. All I need is pouring rain," Rin thought.
Mr. X: "No time to rest. This is just the beginning. We must reach the heart of the gate before it collapses or other forces discover us."
Rin led the group, his movements sharp, eyes scanning for any clue, any memory that might surface. Fragmented glimpses appeared: a lost childhood, familiar faces drifting away, a fleeting warmth followed by chilling coldness.
Rin (to himself): "They're fading… like data saved on an old hard drive. Is this the price I pay for every level I gain?"
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Scene Two: The Failed Heroes in Trouble
As they advanced, sounds of distant fighting reached them. They found the great Leon and his group of heroes—Light Warrior, the girl with the giant sword, the armored hero—surrounded by smaller, faster monsters. They fought valiantly but were on the verge of defeat.
"My god, do these heroes have a failure tracking device?" Rin muttered.
Leon (shouting): "We must hold on! Justice will prevail!"
Rin (loudly, stepping in): "Justice? Isn't that your favorite slogan? At least it should have given you some extra strength points."
Rin easily scattered the monsters, using his speed and newfound powers. Leon stared in shock.
Leon: "Why are you here? Are you with these villains?"
Rin (cold smile): "I'm with myself, Leon. But if you help, maybe I'll forgive you for trying to kill me before… or at least I won't make you carry my bags."
A comedic argument erupted as Leon tried to lead the group but failed spectacularly. The girl with the giant sword attempted to attack Rin, but her strike missed in a ridiculous display.
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Scene Three: Team Battle Against the Cult Guards
Suddenly, masked and well-equipped figures appeared. Humans in armor bearing a mysterious emblem—the Cult's guards—attacked with advanced weapons and strange energy.
"Ah, now it's time for the real enemies. I hope they have better designs than the previous villains," Rin thought.
Rin directed the battle with sharp intelligence: Leon struck weak points, the girl with the sword attacked strategically, and the armored hero protected the weaker members. Black Jack and his men fought with brutal efficiency.
Rin (to Leon, dodging a deadly attack): "Faster, Leon! Did you forget you're the great hero? This is your chance to look useful!"
During the fight, visions flashed before Rin: his parents, younger, wearing the Cult emblem, arguing with Mr. X, followed by a violent confrontation. He realized Mr. X might have been part of the Cult from the start and may have betrayed them.
Rin (to himself, finishing a guard): "What a betrayal! Am I in an episode of 'the biggest betrayal in anime history'?"
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Chapter 19: The Hesitant Allies... And the Path to Revelation
Scene One: The End of the Battle and Another Revelation
After the fierce battle, the team stood amidst bodies and debris. Rin's gaze fixed on Mr. X.
Rin (calmly, narrowing his eyes): "Who are these people? And what do they have to do with you, Mr. X?"
Mr. X sighed and removed his mask, revealing a serious face devoid of smiles.
Mr. X: "They were part of the ancient cult. The cult I mentioned. Your parents… they were part of it too."
Rin's shock was palpable, but he composed himself.
Rin: "My parents? Are you kidding? Is this where you reveal everything I knew was a lie?"
Mr. X explained that the cult was not initially evil; they were guardians of the prophecy, searching for "the Predator" to unite the worlds. Over time, the cult split: one faction sought absolute power, the other sought balance. Rin's parents belonged to the second faction and were eliminated.
Mr. X: "I was also part of the cult. I tried to protect the prophecy… and protect you."
Leon and the other heroes looked confused.
Leon: "What's going on? Is this part of a bigger conspiracy?"
Rin (sighing): "Great, now we're part of a global conspiracy. All we need is a hero in a spacesuit."
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Scene Two: A Shaky Alliance
A strange alliance formed: Rin, Mr. X, Black Jack, and the failed heroes. Trust was thin, but they faced a common, greater threat.
Rin (to the team): "Well, mismatched team, looks like we're stuck together. Game rules: don't try to kill me, I'll do all the hard work, and don't ask stupid questions."
Leon (protesting): "Who said I'm doing nothing? I'm the great hero!"
Rin (mocking): "Oh, the great Leon, remind me how many times you nearly died in the last five minutes?"
They reluctantly agreed to reach the heart of the Great Gate before the cult could control it. The intermediary world promised dangers, glimpses of Rin's past, and comedic mishaps from the failed heroes.
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Scene Three: The Search for "the Heart" and More Revelations
They ventured deeper into the intermediary world, discovering increasingly bizarre and dangerous areas, learning of the ancient conflict between worlds. The cult planned to permanently close the Great Gate to prevent any exchange, believing it would maintain "peace" or prevent the Predator from destroying everything.
Rin (to himself): "Closing the gate? That means I won't be able to order coffee from another world. Unacceptable."
They faced ancient puzzles and powerful monsters, cooperating in unexpected ways. Rin's intelligence and powers led the team, while Leon, the girl with the sword, and others contributed. Mr. X provided guidance.
At one point, Rin discovered an ancient inscription: the Predator could merge powers, not just absorb them. This offered hope for controlling the "loss of humanity."
Rin (to himself): "Merging powers? Am I going to become a power merger? I hope it doesn't require screaming."
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Chapter 20: The Shadow King... And Secrets of the Past
Scene One: Arrival at the Heart of the Gate
After a long journey through dangerous and surreal areas of the intermediary world, the team reached the "heart of the Great Gate." It resembled an ancient temple made of pure energy, surrounded by flickering remains of destroyed gates. The energy was so dense that Rin felt it coursing through his blood.
"This place looks like a boss room in RPG games… I hope there's no puzzle before the fight," Rin thought.
At the center, a massive figure sat, robed in darkness, surrounded by a halo of shadows: the Shadow King, whose features seemed eerily familiar.
Rin (to himself, heart pounding): "No… it can't be him… This anime isn't that dramatic."
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Scene Two: Confronting the Shadow King
The Shadow King's eyes glowed red.
Shadow King: "You've finally arrived, my son."
Rin froze.
"My son? Is this the part where the hero discovers his enemy is his father? What a cliché!"
The Shadow King revealed he was Rin's father, who had sacrificed himself to guard the prophecy and protect the Great Gate from the divided cult. His transformation into a shadowy being granted immense power but cost him memory and humanity.
Shadow King: "You were born to be the Predator, Rin. But the price is losing everyone you love and forgetting who you are. This is your fate."
The battle erupted. Shadow powers absorbed Rin's and his team's abilities. Rin directed Leon and the girl strategically while absorbing shadow energy.
Rin (dodging a deadly attack): "You're my father? Well, you're not the one who gave gifts."
Visions clarified his past: his parents' final decision to protect the prophecy. His father wasn't evil.
At the climax, Rin, now immensely powerful, faced his father.
Shadow King: "Kill me, Rin! Live with my power… but alone."
Rin remembered the third option: merging. He fused his father's shadow power with his own—not to absorb fully, but to restore balance.
The Great Gate glowed brilliantly. The Shadow King returned to human form, weakened, memories partially restored.
Shadow King (weakly): "You've found the third option… balance. The middle world… it's our key. Go before the cult destroys everything."
Rin looked at his father and the shocked team. Victory had come, but the true journey was just beginning.
(To be continued...)