Supira and Doraibu returned to the village with their heads high. The Spiral Staff glowed faintly in Supira's hand, while Doraibu flexed his new Velocity Gauntlets with pride. The villagers greeted them warmly, but Supira walked straight to Sogen and knelt, placing the staff down before him.
Supira: "Sensei… we completed the mission. This staff—it's proof of our strength, but also of the enemies we face."
Sogen placed a weathered hand on his shoulder, eyes full of approval.
Sogen: "Well done. You two have grown."
Meanwhile, Doraibu leaned against the fence, smirking at Shimo.
Doraibu: "So, Shimo… impressed yet? Velocity looks good on me, right?"
Shimo, arms crossed, raised a brow but turned away.
Shimo: "I'll be impressed when you learn not to waste your energy showing off."
Doraibu pouted, but Kaosu burst out laughing, enjoying the sight of his brother's failure.
But far away, at the headquarters of the Dark Nexus, Zankoku had returned. His cloak dragged across the floor as he entered the shattered hall. He stopped, staring at the broken locks and the empty pedestal where the Scroll once lay.
Zankoku: "…So. My fortress was breached. By children?"
The guards knelt in shame, stammering excuses. Without a word, Zankoku raised one finger. In an instant, their bodies crumbled into dust—only to reform stronger, darker, infused with Nexus corruption.
Zankoku: "Pathetic. No matter. The seeds have already been sown. The world will drown in ruin… in due time."
His laugh echoed through the abyssal halls.
Back in the village, the brothers sat together debating their new powers.
Doraibu: "Come on, admit it—Velocity Gauntlets are way cooler than your staff, Supira."
Supira: "Please. A staff evolves infinitely. Your fists only swing so far."
Kaosu: "Ha! You're both wrong. The Dimension Blade is unmatched!"
Their playful argument was cut short when Sogen appeared, his expression grim.
Sogen: "Enough. Invaders are approaching the town. This is no game—go, now."
The brothers dashed out. Bandits stormed the gates, but against the combined force of the Dimension Blade, Spiral Staff, and Velocity Gauntlets, they were no match. Victory seemed swift—until the air grew heavy.
From the shadows, Zankoku emerged.
Kaosu (glaring): "…You."
His blade shimmered into being as he whispered the chant.
Kaosu: "From the heavens, I summon the Dimension Blade!"
He charged, Shimo at his side. But with a flick of his wrist, Zankoku broke the seal on Kaosu's Nexus. Darkness surged within him, and before Kaosu could resist, Zankoku's hand tightened around Shimo's throat.
Zankoku: "Pathetic. You think you've mastered your curse? Watch as it consumes you."
Kaosu roared, calling out for his brothers. Supira's staff spun with spiraling energy, Doraibu's gauntlets blazed with lightning. Together, they struck at Zankoku with all their might. But the Dark Nexus leader toyed with them, effortlessly dodging and countering every blow.
One by one, they fell, beaten and bloodied.
Then, Sogen arrived. His aura erupted like a storm.
Sogen: "Zankoku! If it's me you want, then face me!"
The clash shook the earth. Sogen and Zankoku exchanged techniques, blow for blow, neither giving an inch. For a moment, it seemed even. But then, Zankoku smirked.
He tightened his grip on Shimo's neck.
Zankoku: "A father will always choose his child."
Sogen faltered. In that instant, Zankoku's blade pierced his chest.
Kaosu (screaming): "SENSEI!"
Blood stained the ground. Zankoku seized Shimo and vanished into the shadows, leaving Sogen crumpled, gasping.
Supira: "No… no, this can't be—"
Doraibu (clutching his brother): "Stay with us, Sensei!"
But Kaosu's eyes were different. In the void of his mind, Kudosudo appeared, grinning.
Kudosudo: "So… now you see. Alone, you are nothing. If you want power enough to save her… then let me in."
Kaosu clenched his fists, trembling.
Kaosu (in his mind): "…Kudo… help me."
The chapter ends there—on the edge of despair, with Kaosu's choice echoing in the darkness.