Ron charged at Wulkranoth, the Blade of Vengeance slicing through the air. The strike hit Wulkranoth squarely on the head. For a moment, time seemed to freeze—then, a million invisible blades rained down on Ron.
He was slammed to the ground, a bloody mess. Consciousness slipping.
"You can't control your powers… and you dared face me," Wulkranoth snarled. "If you could, I'd be dead before the first strike landed. Yardy—take him away. What a disappointment."
But before he could retreat, Ron vanished and reappeared in front of Wulkranoth, the sword plunging into his heart. The tip buried deep, blood pumping from the wound.
"Damn… I let my guard down," Wulkranoth thought, shocked.
Yardy and his men lunged, but Ron was already gone. He teleported above Yardy, slamming both feet into his chest, crushing him into the ground. The other men rushed, only to find themselves stabbed, sliced, or crippled before they could strike.
Ron backed up, pointing the glowing blade at Skelly, who hesitated mid-attack. Observing from afar, Gudango Gonzalez's eyes widened in admiration—but a memory stirred. He sent a telepathic signal to Wulkranoth: This one could be valuable.
Wulkranoth clapped slowly, a sly smile forming. "Excellent display of power." His gaze flicked to Thomas, then back at Ron. Stepping closer, he extended a hand. "Will you lend us your strength, Mister Ron?"
Ron stared. Thomas tensed, fists clenched. Memories of Ricky Racon flickered through his mind. Without a word, Ron picked up the box and turned away, ignoring Wulkranoth entirely.
"Ron… I am not your enemy. It's Black Heart," Wulkranoth said.
"Black Heart? I've heard of him," Ron replied.
"You know him? Interesting. One of three students trained by the second strongest being after Mr. Gonzalez," Wulkranoth explained.
Ron thought: Second strongest? His students? Why should I care?
"Take him back to his world and explain everything," Wulkranoth commanded Yardy.
As they walked, Yardy spoke. "Black Heart is a student of second strongest."
"Wait—who's this 'second strongest' guy?" Ron demanded.
"Unknown. Even his own students barely remember him. Only Mr. Gonzalez knows the truth," Yardy said.
They reached a colossal portal.
"Where is he?" Ron asked.
"No one knows. All information is censored. Name, powers… everything. Only Mr. Gonzalez holds the answers," Yardy replied.
Ron nodded, muttering, "Damn… that guy's on another level," before leaping into the portal.
Back on Earth, Ron landed in a battlefield swarming with cultists and mercenaries. He summoned the Blade of Vengeance just as a massive fist blasted from above, sending attackers flying.
It was Future Lia, her strikes obliterating everything in her path. She swung at Ron next.
"Aaaaagh!" he shouted, dodging. The ground shook violently as she crashed down.
What monstrous strength… Ron thought.
Recognizing Future Lia. Ron said, "Wait… I'm Ron, Carter's friend," she froze apologized. Ron exhaled in relief.
Suddenly, massive portals ripped open the sky. Dragons, cheetah-like beasts, horned serpents, and towering dinosaurs poured out, larger than buildings.
"What… is happening?" Future Lia asked.
"We need to close these portals—more will come. Where are Carter and the others?" Ron demanded.
"They're across town. This side needed help—Carter sent me," she said.
"I'll handle the portals," Ron said.
Flying high, he drew the creatures' attention. A dinosaur fired a beam from its mouth, which he narrowly dodged. The blast obliterated everything behind him.
"Damn it… change of plans. I'll handle these monsters," he muttered.
With Black Sorcery, Ron conjured a mirrored army of mythical creatures, standing opposite the beasts from the portals. Energy crackled as he formed a pure purple sword, pulsating with raw power.
"Let's go, Team Ron. Attack!" he shouted, a confident grin on his face.
---
Elsewhere, Carter watched the chaos near Future Lia's location. "What's happening over there?" he muttered.
On the battlefield, DA, bruised and battered, struggled to his feet. He looked at the colossal creatures and said, "Don't worry. The army on the right is Ron. He can handle everything."