The arena had fallen silent. The last echoes of battle faded, sand and bone littered the pit, and smoke curled into the sky. The surviving demons and spectators looked on in awe as Kairo, chains coiling like living serpents, stood tall at the center.
A herald approached, trembling but resolute. "By the decree of all present… the winner of the competition is… Kairo."
A roar rose from the crowd — not of celebration, but of recognition. Even demons, hardened by centuries of torment and cruelty, bowed their heads slightly, sensing the magnitude of his power.
Kairo's crimson eyes scanned the arena. Chains rattled softly, his aura suffusing the air with oppressive weight. He stepped forward, voice calm but commanding:
"I accept the title," he said, "but my victory demands more than recognition. I request my freedom — the right to leave this pit, unbound, with the Bone Blade and my chains."
Murmurs spread like wildfire. Some demons whispered, some recoiled, and others dared not breathe. The Bone Blade at his side hummed faintly, as if affirming the audacity of his words.
From the shadows above, a presence stirred. Hades' aura descended like a storm, suffocating and immense. His crimson-black eyes locked onto Kairo, voice slicing the silence.
"You dare… demand freedom… in my domain?" Hades said, each word dripping with authority and menace. "This is my realm, boy. No one leaves without my consent. You… you would challenge me?"
Kairo's chains rattled, aura flaring in response to the Absolute King's presence. "I have earned my place," he replied, voice steady, cold. "I survived Hell. I mastered its chains. I defeated its champions. I do not kneel, and I will not remain a prisoner."
Hades' expression darkened, the shadows of his form twisting like living tendrils. "So… the child of Hell wishes to rebel. Very well. Let us see if your chains and your Blade are enough to challenge the ruler of this realm."
The air around the arena thickened, heat and shadows warping reality itself. Kairo tightened his grip on the Bone Blade. Chains coiled, rattled, and flexed in anticipation. The rebellion had begun — not in secret, not in whispers, but with a bold declaration against the Absolute King himself.The arena trembled with silence after Kairo's demand. Even the strongest demons, hardened by centuries under Hell's rule, hesitated, unsure how to react. Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd.
"Did he… just demand freedom?" one elder demon muttered, jaw tight.
Another growled, suspicion in his voice. "Hades… he grants all requests. He always has. What if he lies this time?"
A young demon shivered, eyes darting nervously. "Could it be… true? Has someone finally… dared defy him?"
The murmurs grew into a low, uneasy buzz. The Bone Blade at Kairo's side hummed faintly, chains rattling as if acknowledging the demons' doubt. Even the pit itself seemed to hold its breath.
Hades' towering form stepped forward, shadows coiling around him, aura suffocating. "You question me?" he said, voice cold and deliberate, echoing through the arena. "Do you truly believe any being — mortal or demon — can challenge my will and escape unscathed?"
The demons exchanged glances, fear and awe blending into a tense curiosity. Kairo's presence radiated calm dominance, crimson eyes unwavering as he met Hades' gaze.
Chains rattled softly, the Bone Blade pulsing faintly in his hands. In that moment, even the demons realized the truth: something unprecedented was unfolding — a mortal child had not only survived Hell but now openly defied the Absolute King.
A hush fell over the arena. For the first time in countless eons, the demons doubted their lord.