CHAPTER FIVE:
(Written by Solomon Paul)
As Amon stepped into the city, he was overwhelmed by the sight before him-towering buildings, flashing lights, and cars zooming down broad roads. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen.
Amon (in awe):
"Wow... awesome."
Still unsure if this truly was the famed city he'd heard of, Amon walked up to a couple strolling nearby and asked:
Amon:
"Excuse me... is this the city?"
Couple (smiling):
"Yes, this is Tokyo City. Where are you from?"
Amon:
"Me? Oh... I'm from Sora Village."
The couple's expression turned somber.
Couple:
"We heard about what happened there... we're really sorry. Do you need help? Are you looking for someone?"
Amon:
"No need to worry. I'm actually looking for my uncle."
Couple:
"Do you know where he lives?"
Amon:
"Not exactly... but I have his number. Would you mind lending me your phone? I don't have one."
Couple:
"Of course."
Amon:
"Thank you so much."
Amon dialed the number, his hands trembling slightly.
Amon (on the phone):
"Hello, is this Mr. Sasuke? Brother to Miss Elizabeth?"
Sasuke (shocked):
"Yes... wait... could this be-Amon?"
Amon:
"Yes. It's me."
Sasuke:
"I've heard so much about you from Elizabeth! How is she?"
Amon hesitated. His voice dropped.
Amon (quietly):
"She's gone... she died."
A heavy silence filled the call.
Sasuke (softly):
"Where are you now?"
Amon:
"I just reached the city. I'm near the boundary."
Sasuke:
"Stay right there. I'm on my way."
Amon thanked the couple and returned their phone. As he waited, a different story unfolded elsewhere...
---
Meanwhile... in the Demon Realm
Diane had made a shocking discovery. Her research into the magic Elizabeth once used had led her to an ancient revelation-Elizabeth had once been a top-tier member of the Anti-Demons, a clandestine group that recruited elite mages to battle against demonic forces. She had been an A-rank operative before resigning to become a nun.
Diane (grinning darkly):
"Though I couldn't uncover much about that nun... I did discover the origins of her magic. This could be valuable to my father-Lucifer, the Demon Lord."
---
Beyond the Cosmos - The Outer Throne
In the realm beyond multiverses, the gods gathered for a meeting. The divine halls of the Outer Throne echoed as Zeus, King of the Thrones, raised his voice.
Zeus:
"Why haven't any of you found Amon or Sora yet?"
Helmes, lounging casually as her personal angel Conan fed her fruit, spoke with a calm, knowing tone.
Helmes:
"Everything that happens has already been written. I've seen it all-even the end. There's no need to worry. She'll show herself in time."
Helmes, the Outer God who saw all of existence and every reality as a rewriteable book, had once tracked Amon and Sora-until they landed in the multiverse under Buddha's domain. Since then, Buddha's interference had shielded their paths from her sight.
Odin (gruffly):
"They're not in my Multiverse. I would've sensed even an ant's arrival."
Zeus turned sharply to Buddha.
Zeus:
"What about you? Do you know Amon's whereabouts?"
Buddha (calmly):
"Even if I did, I don't owe you any answers. And I better not find any of your sons' minions snooping around my multiverse again. Next time, I won't show mercy."
Zeus (furious):
"Don't test me, Buddha, or you'll regret it."
Buddha (walking away):
"I should say the same to you."
Helmes chuckled quietly.
Helmes:
"Heh... there he goes again."
Odin:
"He's always been like that."
Zeus clenched his fists in anger.
Zeus (muttering):
"You want war, Buddha? You'll regret it."
---
Buddha's Visit - The Trees of Sorrow
Buddha walked through a silent forest until he reached a mystical, glowing tree-The Tree of Sorrow, where a figure was bound in vines and glowing thorns. It was his old friend-Nathan, whose consciousness was nearly gone, his life force slowly drained by The Essence itself.
Buddha (softly):
"Yo... it's been a while. How have you held up?"
Nathan didn't respond. Only faint breathing remained.
Buddha (sighing):
"I warned you... but you didn't listen. That's why I isolate myself. I try to carry every burden alone. As an Outer God, I can't interfere-not without risking annihilation of all creation."
He rested a hand on the tree.
Buddha:
"Hang in there. Your son will bring balance. I believe that."
With those words, he vanished into golden mist.
---
Back in Tokyo - A New Beginning
A sleek sports car screeched to a halt near the city outskirts. A tall man stepped out, scanning the area before calling out.
Sasuke:
"Are you Amon?"
Amon:
"Yes."
Sasuke (smiling):
"Wow... you look so different from your photo. I'm Sasuke. Nice to finally meet you."
Amon:
"Yeah, nice to meet you too."
Sasuke:
"Have you eaten? I'm starving. Let's grab something."
Amon:
"I'm okay... I'll pass."
Sasuke (grinning):
"Don't hold back now. Come on!"
He playfully pulled Amon into the car. They drove through the bustling city until they arrived at a cozy restaurant with a glowing sign: Asura Restaurant.
Inside, a cheerful waitress named Cora approached.
Sasuke:
"Hey, Cora! Two bowls of your best ramen!"
As they sat down, warm food arriving at the table, Amon smiled faintly. For the first time in a long while... he felt a little at peace.
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TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT CHAPTER...