The shadowed master rose within the chamber of darkness, his aura bending the very air. His voice cut through the silence:
"You are my chosen twenty-five… my La Orden Oscura."
He turned his hooded gaze toward one of them.
"Kawa… how are the pests doing?"
Kawa bowed, a cruel smirk on his lips.
"My Lord, they are weak. Almost pathetic."
The shadowed master's tone sharpened.
"Do not doubt them. Remember—they killed No.1."
Kawa's expression faltered, anger mixing with regret.
"Yes… how could they kill our brother like that?"
The shadow's voice rumbled, commanding silence.
"Speaking of brothers… let me introduce to you the new Oscura No.1."
From the darkness stepped a tall figure, cold eyes glowing faintly.
"Kurayami."
Kurayami bowed his head slightly, voice calm but piercing.
"Hello, brothers. I hope you are as strong as I believe. And I bring information."
Kawa frowned.
"What is it?"
"The team known as Vanguard is training at the Dojo of Thunder," Kurayami said with a thin smile. "I will infiltrate the dojo, become a student, earn their trust… and then destroy them. For now, brothers, Father… I bid you farewell."
The shadowed master raised his hand, ending the meeting. Darkness consumed the chamber.
The scene shifted. Dawn broke over the mountains as Kaosu and the Vanguard arrived at the Dojo of Thunder. The towering wooden gates opened, and the serene figure of Seishin stepped forward, welcoming them with open arms.
"Welcome, travelers. You have endured much. Here, you will grow stronger. Supira… Kaiyo… welcome home."
The team bowed in respect. Kaosu felt a weight lift as he stood before the master, sensing immense wisdom radiating from him. Shimo, however, noticed movement—another presence.
A boy their age stepped forward, his expression nervous.
"Ah," Seishin said warmly. "A new pupil. Come, introduce yourself."
The boy shifted awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Umm… hi. I'm Kurayami. You can call me Kura for short."
Supira smiled, offering his hand.
"I'm Supira. Good to meet you."
One by one, the others greeted him, Kura returning their kindness with a polite smile. But as they all followed Seishin into the training zone, Kura's lips twisted into a grin unseen by the others.
Dark energy seeped faintly from his form, a shadow only Kudo silently noticed.
The chapter ends.