📍 Scene 1 – Horizon in ChaosThe wind carried the smell of smoke and destruction.Atop a partially destroyed building, Kelvin stood with arms crossed, staring at the city in flames.
Light footsteps echoed behind him.Inavy appeared, wearing his usual faint smile.
INAVY— Hey, man.
Kelvin didn't take his eyes off the horizon.KELVIN— Hey, Inavy.
The sound of distant explosions filled the silence between them.Inavy stepped closer, studying his friend's tense expression.
INAVY— Look, I know you're worried about this Tyrus thing, but—
KELVIN(cutting in)— We're going to win, Inavy.
A faint smile broke on Inavy's face.INAVY— Glad you've realized that.
Kelvin exhaled heavily.KELVIN— But… don't you think all of this feels strange?
INAVY— Yeah… these Renegates are giving us a hell of a time.
KELVIN— Not just that. It feels like someone planned this. I don't think a week will pass before Kairon comes to us.
Inavy's gaze grew more serious.INAVY— So you think Kairon is using the Renegates to weaken us?
KELVIN— Obviously. And more than that… he won't ally himself with Tyrus. He's got the Spear of Destiny without the core. It's been 17 years since we defeated Tyrus, but the core stayed with him.
INAVY(eyes widening)— You mean—
KELVIN(interrupting)— Yes. Kairon will defeat Tyrus and place the core back into the Spear.
The wind blew stronger, rustling their hair.KELVIN— Man… you're no match for him. How do you plan to face him?
Inavy's smile faded, and for a moment, a shadow of heaviness crossed his face.But then, he remembered the words of Ray Stormbreak, his father and former Hero No.1:
"No matter how strong the enemy is, fight with all your might and protect what you hold dear, even if it costs you your life."
Inavy lifted his head, locking eyes with Kelvin.INAVY— I know I'm no match for him, Kelvin. And… even if tomorrow doesn't belong to me, today I'll be the wall that stops the end.
Kelvin pressed his lips together, sadness in his expression.KELVIN— So… you're following Ray's path.
INAVY(smirking)— Yeah. But Earth will be in good hands. And besides… the key to Kairon's defeat is Ryan.
Kelvin's eyes widened.KELVIN— I hope he masters that power soon…
📍 Scene 2 – Northern Central DistrictThe ground was littered with debris.Among it stood Syka, with pink hair and golden eyes, adjusting her Renegates jacket.
SYKA— So you're the so-called prodigy of the Nox. Let's see what you can do.
RYU(smirking)— Heh… you asked for it.
Ryu dashed forward at blinding speed, drawing his katana.But Syka only smiled, unfolding her fan.
SYKA— Reckless… and predictable.Lotus Scarlet Mist.
Crimson petals spread into the air, turning into a poisonous haze that invaded Ryu's lungs.
RYU(covering his mouth)— Wh… what's happening…?
SYKA(with a cruel smile)— My poison induces illusions… and weakens the body. Relax… and die.
Ryu coughed blood.Suddenly, the illusion took form: he saw Tyrus piercing Kelvin's chest.
RYU— NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
His dark aura exploded, unstable.He fell to his knees, trembling.
SYKA(turning her back)— He won't last two more minutes.
Ryu writhed on the ground, tears in his eyes.RYU— Forgive me… Ryan… Ethan… Uncle Darius… Uncle Lorien… Dad… I've failed…
📍 Scene 3 – FlashbackKELVIN(serious)— Ryu… you rely too much on your eyes. Shadows don't lie.Feel through them… don't just see.
RYU(confused)— Feel… through darkness?
KELVIN— When all seems lost… let the shadow guide you.
📍 Scene 4 – Present – The Shadow InstinctRyu's eyes snapped open, now glowing purple.Black markings spread across his skin.His presence vanished completely.
SYKA(startled)— Wh-what… what is this!?
RYU— You underestimated me. You'll pay for it.
The illusions shattered like smoke.Ryu vanished, reappearing behind her, slashing at impossible angles.
📍 Scene 5 – Ultimate TechniqueThe sky darkened.
RYU— Yami no Shinpan: Shūen…
Shadows vibrated, shaping into spectral spears that pierced Syka's very essence.She screamed, frozen in place.
RYU(coldly)— Shadow Ruin… Final Judgment.
A colossal black cross-shaped slash fell from the heavens like a god's strike.The impact silenced the world.Syka disintegrated into ashes.
📍 Scene 6 – SilenceThe dark aura faded.Ryu staggered, breathing heavily.He looked to the sky and murmured:
RYU— Ryan… I hope you're holding your own out there too.
💥 END OF CHAPTER 81