Time slowed as the two clashed.
The battlefield faded into the background as pure energy surged between them—light against shadow, will versus dominion.
The Codex glowed in Takeshi's hand, its words forming a shield of bonds—the memory of every monster he'd tamed echoing in support.
The False King lashed out. "You think affection can beat power?"
Takeshi blocked with the spectral form of Onyx, then countered with a wave of light in the shape of a thousand paw prints.
"I don't need to beat you with power," he said, stepping forward, "I just need to make sure you don't hurt anyone else."
The two collided again—this time, mentally.
Inside the False King's mindscape, Takeshi saw his past: a betrayed tamer, once beloved, cast out for forming bonds with taboo beasts.
"You weren't always like this," Takeshi said softly.
"I was broken. Now I break others first."
"You don't have to."
He extended a hand.
For a moment, the red glow dimmed.
Then the False King screamed, trying to strike.
But Sir Haiku's blade intercepted him. Elira's arrow struck his whip. Fyria's fire burned the last of his corrupted seal.
And Takeshi touched his heart.
Light exploded.
When it faded, the False King lay unconscious, breathing. Human again.