Through the lingering darkness, Ken managed to rescue his father. Though weakened, his father was alive, and together they escaped the clutches of peril. Ken's father, a researcher of ancient artifacts and forbidden knowledge, had unwittingly drawn destiny upon himself. And now, that same fate had bound Ken from a boy into a hero.
The boy had grown into a young man, but Ken knew—even as he stood stronger than ever—that the challenges ahead were far more dangerous than anything he had faced before.
Meanwhile, across the universe, peace began to settle in the mortal realm. The Dark Dragon had been defeated, and the remnants of its minions were swiftly dealt with. Lexus and Professor Rex returned to their own lands, while Ken's friends, though injured, rejoiced in helping the people recover.
Ken moved through the towns and villages, dispatching the few lingering dark creatures with ease. Word of his deeds spread quickly, and the people began asking the name of the hero who had saved them.
Ken smiled faintly and answered,
"I am… Element X."
For a moment, everything felt right. War had ended. Peace had come. And yet, as he surveyed the calm of the world, a thought lingered in his mind: true peace is never guaranteed. Darkness always lingers—not just in the world, but within the hearts of those who dwell in it. Until that inner shadow is faced, the cycle of conflict will never truly end.
He remembered the joy of seeing his father again, alive after so many years. Time had little effect in the mortal realm compared to the higher beings. The reunion had been bittersweet—his mother's tears of disbelief, the relief and laughter of seeing her husband returned, and Ken's promise that they would never be separated again. His father had survived in a dimension where mere mortals could not, sustained by pure willpower alone. Ken's Ring had guided him, but his father's own determination had kept him alive.
Life seemed to settle, and days of peace stretched on. But every night, Ken was haunted by the same dream: a dark, formidable figure, engulfed in shadows, appeared and annihilated everyone he loved. Each morning, he awoke with his heart racing, the memory of destruction lingering like ash in his mind.
The dreams grew more vivid and terrifying with every passing night. Finally, Ken decided to call for guidance.
But before he could, Professor Rex appeared at his side. His expression was grave.
"Ken," Rex said, his voice tight with tension, "the presence you've been sensing… it is no ordinary darkness. A being has returned to existence—far stronger, far more dangerous than anything the universe has ever known. Its very existence is enough to strike fear into the hearts of gods themselves."
Ken's brow furrowed. "What… what do you mean? How can anyone be that powerful?"
Rex's eyes met his. "This is the Almighty Enemy. Its power alone could bring the cosmos to its knees. The calm you've enjoyed… it's over. We must prepare—for the universe itself is in danger."
Ken clenched his fists. His gaze hardened, determination burning in his eyes. "Then I won't wait. I'll stand, no matter what comes."
Rex nodded solemnly. "Good. But remember—this enemy… it is unlike anything you've faced. Even we, the guardians of knowledge and the keepers of the cosmos, fear it."
The night wind whispered around them, carrying a sense of foreboding. Somewhere, in the depths of the universe, a shadow stirred. The age of true darkness was about to begin. And Ken knew that the trials ahead would test not only his strength but the very limits of his heart.
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