The night sky was burning.
Flames painted the castle walls red. Screams, explosions, and the war has been began. The entire kingdom was on fire — and in the middle of that chaos stood Renji Akatsuki, covered in dust and blood, yet still standing.
Before him towered the Seventh Demon General, wings spread wide, eyes glowing crimson. His presence alone made the ground tremble.
"Human…" The demon's deep voice spreaded throughout the battlefield. "You dare defy me?"
Renji didn't answer. His grip tightened around his sword. His breath was heavy, but his eyes—calm. Focused.
Then, under the moon's fading light, he whispered:
"Darkness Skill — Activate."
A black aura burst from his body like an explosion. The air warped around him. His eyes turned crimson, his movements faster, sharper — monstrous.
The demon grinned. "Tchh.. you still have strength left?"
Renji moved.
Steel clashed with claws. Sparks flew like fireworks. Every strike shook the ground, every dodge left a scar in the dirt.. Soldiers hiding behind broken walls watched in awe — they couldn't even follow his movements.
Renji shouted, swinging his sword upward. "Flame Slash!"
A burning arc of fire tore through the darkness and hit the demon's chest, exploding in a flash of light. Smoke covered the field, but the demon walked out, unharmed, laughing.
"Pathetic."
He slammed his palm into the ground. Dark magic spread like lightning. Renji jumped back as a shockwave blew the walls apart.
He landed hard, breathing fast. His legs trembled. His body screamed in pain.
He's stronger than before… but I can't stop now.
Renji tightened his grip. "I promised… I'd protect them."
The demon charged. Renji met him halfway. Their blades collided again, sending out a burst of mana so strong it cracked the earth.
Minutes passed. Then more. Neither side backed down. But slowly… the demon's swings grew slower. His breathing heavier.
Renji saw it.
"He's getting tired."
He started pushing forward — faster, fiercer. Each strike hit harder than the last. The demon blocked, but cracks formed along his armguards.
"Why… won't you fall?!" the demon roared.
Renji's lips curved into a faint smile. "Because I'm done running."
He jumped back, raised his hand, and began chanting. Magic circles started glowing in the sky. One, two, ten… then a hundred. The air shimmered with energy.
The soldiers, the King, the princesses — everyone looked up, speechless.
"What… what is that?" the King surprised.
Renji's voice echoed through the battlefield.
"Multi-Circle Magic — Full Release."
The demon's eyes widened. "Impossible!"
Renji pointed his sword at him. His voice was steady, cold, determined.
"Judgment Rain!"
The sky exploded.
Fireballs rained down like meteors. Bolts of lightning struck from above. Blades of wind tore through everything in sight. The entire battlefield was swallowed by the light of the spell.
The demon screamed, his body burning under the endless assault. The earth shook, and then — silence.
Smoke rose. The flames slowly faded.
Renji stood in the middle of the destruction, his sword lied in the ground, shoulders trembling. He was exhausted, but still standing.
The demon was gone — nothing left but ashes.
Renji exhaled, his voice soft. "It's over."
He looked toward the castle. The King and the princesses were standing on the balcony, eyes wide, tears in their eyes.
Renji smiled faintly and waved. "You're safe now."
His legs gave out, but before he could fall, the princess ran to him, catching his arm.
"Renji! Are you okay?!"
He chuckled weakly. "I've been better… but at least it's done."
The King approached, his voice shaking. "You… saved us all."
Renji looked around. The once-burning castle was quiet now. The sky began to clear once again, revealing the sunlight.
He smiled. "I made it in time I guess..."
The princess nodded, eyes shining. "Yes.. but what if anything happen to you?"
Renji looked at her, then up at the brightening sky. "Hugh... If anything happened to me, I will face it because I have to protect something important for my life."
He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the rising sun touch his face.
The war was finally over.