The Shadow Citadel had rarely been this quiet. Minwoo stood in the grand hall, surrounded by his guild members, their eyes still adjusting to the newly confirmed SSS rank he had just earned. Shadows curled along the walls like silent sentinels, watching, waiting.
A low rumble shook the hall. The shadows shifted unnaturally, parting to reveal a figure approaching the entrance. His presence alone warped the air, the temperature dropping as if reality itself recognized his strength.
The newcomer was tall, armored in dark steel that seemed to drink in the light. His eyes glowed faint gold, and his aura radiated power—raw, unyielding, and unmistakably emperor-level.
"I am Kuzuki," the figure said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying an authority that silenced the room. "I have come to join Shadow Fang."
The guild members froze. Whispers ran through the hall: "An emperor vessel… here?""Impossible…"
Minwoo stepped forward, calm and composed. "Kuzuki… the Shadow Fang welcomes those strong enough to survive our trials. But strength alone isn't enough. Why join us?"
Kuzuki's gaze swept across the assembled members. "Because even an emperor vessel requires allies. The world is changing, and I see potential in your guild… and in you, Minwoo."
A murmur of approval and awe rippled among the guild members. Some bowed instinctively; others stepped back, sensing the overwhelming aura of power that radiated from him.
"Show them," Minwoo said simply.
Without another word, Kuzuki extended his hand, and a wave of crushing energy erupted from his body. Shadows and dust were torn into the air, swirling violently before settling into a calm, oppressive darkness that filled the hall. Even the strongest guild members staggered under the sheer force.
The whispers grew louder: "This is… emperor-level power…""He's a living god…"
Kuzuki looked down at Minwoo, a faint smirk forming. "If I am to serve under you, I will follow your lead… but know this—Shadow Fang's enemies will regret ever crossing us."
Minwoo nodded. "Then welcome to Shadow Fang, Kuzuki. Together, we will make the world remember the name of our guild—and the Shadow Domain."
The shadows in the hall surged, responding to both their wills. Guild members stared in awe as the two most powerful forces—Minwoo, the SSS-ranked vessel of the Shadow Domain, and Kuzuki, an emperor vessel—stood side by side.
A new era for Shadow Fang has begun.
The Citadel itself seemed to hum with anticipation. Outside, the world waited… and the strongest beings were ready to reshape it.