While Minwoo sought the hidden core of the Nexusblade, a shadow stirred on the war-torn plains beyond the Forge.
The Ghul Lord stood alone, confronting a fearsome Ruler sent by Zerathos — a titan of darkness whose power rippled like a storm ready to consume all.
Without hesitation, the Ruler charged, a crushing force of shadow and fury.
But the Ghul Lord moved with lethal grace, his shadowy tendrils lashing out effortlessly, striking with precision and overwhelming strength.
With barely a flicker of his full might — just a fraction, a mere 0.01 of his true power — he shattered the Ruler's advance like a tidal wave breaking against a cliff.
The battlefield trembled under his blows, the air thick with the weight of his presence.
Yet, even wielding this sliver of his strength, the Ghul Lord's blows were met with resistance.
The Ruler was strong, but beneath that strength, the Ghul Lord's calm certainty was unshakable.
In a final clash, the Ghul Lord unleashed a devastating strike, pushing the Ruler back into retreat.
Breathing heavily, his eyes glinted with respect for the enemy—but also with quiet certainty.
"I hold back only because Minwoo's strength eclipses even mine," he muttered. "The real battle awaits."
Back at the Forge, Minwoo's presence radiated unmatched power, Nexusblade glowing with awakened energy.
Kinro circled protectively as Minwoo prepared for the storm to come.
Together, the Shadow Fang were ready — united by strength far beyond even the mightiest Rulers