The battle began with shattering blood as the low-ranked shadow-bound tore through the battlefield. Many team members had their hands and feet ripped apart, unable to stand a chance against the higher-ranked shadows—creatures that could only be fought by C to S-rank hunters. Nobody knew why these monsters had such overwhelming power. Even the upper ranks were struggling to fight them.
Meanwhile, Yume and Captain Haru were worried about Ren. The gate had mysteriously opened for him, called his name, and pulled him inside before shutting with no answer.
Inside the gate, Ren found himself in a strange, empty space, as if he had been teleported. Suddenly, a voice echoed around him:
"Welcome, Ninth Sovereign of Shadows."
Ren froze. Me…?
The voice replied: "Yes, you. The Ninth Sovereign."
Suddenly, eight figures appeared before him, each seated on a dark throne.
"Welcome, Ren," they spoke in unison. "We, the Eight Sovereigns, welcome our Ninth Sovereign—the one destined to defeat the Shadow Demon."
Ren was shocked beyond words. His emotions overflowed as he stammered, "Why… why am I here? Why me? I'm nothing so why me…"
The First Sovereign spoke firmly:
"Ren Akatsuki, let us tell you a truth about the prophecy—something mankind has never known. At the end of the prophecy lies a hidden line, never spoken: The Ninth Sovereign shall be born among humans, called hapless, tested to see whether he will remain loyal to mankind or not. Even we, the Sovereigns, could not endure the pain you have lived through. Yet despite all this, you stayed loyal to humans. For that, we thank you—from the bottom of our hearts."
Ren's mind spun. Loyal to humans? What does this even mean?
The Second Sovereign leaned forward.
"We know you cannot understand everything now. But hear this: human emotions—greed, hatred, selfishness, revenge—lead them to evil and sin. You've seen it yourself. When you lived in your village, they took your home, cast you out as if you were nothing. Any other man would have sought revenge. But you forgave them. You endured. You became a shadow-bound, fighting for humanity even when you had nothing to give. That is why you were chosen."
For the first time, Ren felt a sense of recognition beyond Yume, his master, and Captain Haru.
"Why me?" Ren asked again, trembling. "I'm basically nobody. There are S-rank hunters—far more capable than me—who could have been chosen as the Ninth Sovereign."
The Fifth Sovereign answered calmly:
"You are right. There were others who stood before the gate. A girl came first, a man came second. But while they were strong, they lacked what you possess: relentless determination and the will to never give up. Even low-ranked hunters—E and D rank—could have inherited the title, but they were consumed by jealousy and greed. You, Ren Akatsuki, are different."
The First Sovereign raised his voice like thunder:
"From this moment, Ren Akatsuki shall inherit the Black Heart as the Ninth Sovereign!"
Ren's eyes widened. "The… Black Heart?"
The Sixth Sovereign explained:
"The Black Heart is our core power. For now, it will remain separate. But when the time comes, it will merge with us and grant you absolute power. With your current body, you can temporarily rise to Rank A."
"R-Rank A…?!" Ren's body trembled.
He asked in desperation, "What will be my duty? How can I be worthy of this title? Right now, I'm not worthy at all."
The Second Sovereign replied:
"You may not feel worthy now, Ren Akatsuki. But your concern, your acceptance, and your resolve to protect others prove that you will one day become the strongest. When the Black Heart merges with you, you will carry the full strength of the Sovereign of Shadows."
Ren clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes.
"Then I'm ready. I'll fight alongside you. I'll become the warrior who protects mankind—and the people I care about."
The Eight Sovereigns stood, voices booming in unison:
"Behold! The Ninth Sovereign, Ren Akatsuki! Now, receive the Black Heart!"
A surge of light engulfed Ren as dark energy flooded his body. His eyes turned white, and his form was consumed by shadows.