"It's not over yet…" Akito gasped, clutching the hilt of his sword. "The system hasn't issued anything. Stay alert!"
But his words were cut short by a strange hum, as if the very fabric of the air began to vibrate. Space grew thick, heavy, like they were wrapped in smoke without a source. Akito suddenly grabbed his throat.
"I… can't… breathe properly," he rasped, barely managing to stay on his knees.
"Young master?!" Elian stepped forward in alarm, but froze instantly—his body weighed down like lead, his breath short and broken.
Everyone turned toward the gaping hole in the hill where Zalgrum had fallen earlier. Now it burned with a black-crimson aura, as if the planet itself had opened a wound. From it emerged a figure—no longer the one they fought before. His entire body was now clad in obsidian armor, streaked with glowing violet veins that pulsed like neon poison. Every step scorched the earth, leaving charred footprints behind.
Akito forced his head up just as a system notification flashed before his eyes:
[Defeat: Zalgrum — Reality Devourer]
"What the… his second phase?!" Akito whispered, but his voice drowned in the crushing aura.
Zalgrum let out a roar—not a cry, but pure, concentrated destruction. Even the Guardians froze, their bodies refusing to move, their minds trembling with primal terror.
A blink—and he was already in front of Elian. The elf barely raised his gaze… Impact. His body was hurled skyward, breaking through the ground and vanishing into the clouds.
Arden made his move—but Zalgrum was already there. One strike, and the fox vanished in a distant ash-filled explosion.
Kenshi reacted quicker, yet not quick enough. His katanas had barely risen into guard before a crushing blow sent him flying, gone from sight.
Targus, sensing disaster, activated [Shield of Brunhilde]. The barrier flashed to life—then shattered instantly like glass. A colossal fist slammed into his chest, sending the giant staggering back, his breath ragged. But he clung to consciousness.
"Jarl… I've failed again," he whispered, before collapsing.
Only Akito remained. He didn't even realize how—suddenly he was in the air, Zalgrum's hand clamped around his throat, lifting him high.
"I am destruction," the monster growled, slamming him into the ground.
[-600 HP]
Darkness closed in, but system skills surged alive:
[Skill Activated: Relentless]
[Skill Activated: Victor]
Akito blinked out of the crater, reappearing at Zalgrum's side, his sword blazing blue. He struck with all his might—the wave tore through Zalgrum, ripping open a deep crater behind him—yet the monster didn't even flinch.
He seized Akito again, fingers tightening like steel clamps. This time, there was no escape.
Zalgrum raised his other hand for the finishing blow—
And then, from behind, a calm, almost lazy voice rang out:
"Zalgrum, you're fighting far too loudly."
The beast spun around. And Akito saw him—a figure straight out of an ancient mural.
A tall man with silver hair flowing to his knees. His face was sculpted with noble perfection: aristocratic features, flawless skin, and eyes… gray eyes, but within them, an endless stillness, as if gazing into eternity. His body was carved like marble—broad chest, chiseled muscles, and an immaculate ten-pack of abs.
He wore a black cloak, carelessly draped over his shoulders. A white sash wrapped his waist, falling to his knees. No shoes—he stood barefoot on the scorched ground, unfazed.
"Chronoran…" Zalgrum growled. "Leave. This is my fight."
"You broke the rule," the stranger said coldly. "Second phase. Did you forget it's forbidden?"
Instantly, system notifications flooded Akito's vision:
[UNKNOWN ENTITY DETECTED]
[ERROR… ERROR…]
[ANALYSIS INTERRUPTED]
[Name: Chronoran — King of Time]
[Rank: —]
[SYSTEM WARNING: DO NOT INTERFERE]
"He… can't be analyzed… even the system can't read him…" Akito thought in shock.
The next instant Chronoran vanished—only to reappear at Zalgrum's side. His hand lightly touched the giant's arm—and it disintegrated into dust.
Zalgrum lashed out, but Chronoran dodged with fluid grace, his movements like a dance. He didn't just move—he slipped seamlessly from one point to another, ephemeral.
"None of us… even noticed him approach," Akito realized, lying helpless on the ground. "If I couldn't defeat Zalgrum… what chance do I have against him?"
Chronoran easily toyed with the brute, dodging with mocking ease.
"Still the same brainless brute," he sneered. "Enough. I have other matters."
With a single motion, he unleashed a vertical strike. A blade of light no one saw—but everyone felt. Zalgrum collapsed, body split apart.
Silence.
Chronoran slowly turned. Before Akito could rise, a cold hand rested lightly on his shoulder. He turned—and found Chronoran already sitting beside him, gazing into the distance.
"Akito Kurosawa," he said softly. "I am not your enemy. I have no wish to harm anyone."
[Noxveil]
Hey there, reader!
If you've made it this far, thank you so much. I'm writing this story in Russian and translating it into English — so I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Even one small comment gives me huge motivation 💬💙
Let me know who your favorite character is so far!