"What do you mean, Ren?" Kuro asked, his voice heavy with suspicion.
Ren's eyes darkened. "Why was I chosen by the Kings? Why do the two Generals share a bond with you? When a person dies, their shadows should vanish—but mine didn't. They still remain with me… and sometimes, they try to take over. I thought these questions would be answered after we returned, but maybe… the right time is now."
Kuro lowered his gaze. "Look. It all began when the Gate of Shadows was opened once more. The Four Generals forged a bond with the humans who opened the gates and fought against the demons that poured out. At first, they feared the bond… but when the Generals revealed what mankind had done, they understood. For a century now, our family has served the Eight Kings."
Ren clenched his fists. "Then why does Yume carry a bond with the Third General… while I carry one with the Fourth?"
Kuro's expression hardened. "Because Yume's father—and our bloodline—descend from the four hunters who first opened the Gate. As for you, Ren… you were a King from the very beginning."
Both Ren and Yume froze, shock rippling through them.
"What… do you mean?" they whispered.
"The Kings watched over everyone," Kuro continued. "But the First King… he watched only you. He saw something none of the others could. You and the First King—both were chosen by the darkness at your very first meeting."
Ren swallowed hard. "Then… why did you accept me, Master?"
"That question," Kuro said gravely, "will only be answered by the Ninth King himself. For now, rest. Tomorrow will be going. Yume, stay with Ren. Watch what happens to his body when he falls asleep—after all, the darkness is now part of him."
"Yes, Grandfather," Yume replied.
Ren gave a weary smile. "Yeah… but what about you?"
Kuro averted his gaze, fear flickering in his eyes. "I have… something else to do."
That night, when Ren finally fell into slumber, the Fourth General appeared before Yume.
"You must go," she whispered urgently. "Meet with the Eight Kings."
She knew disobedience would bring punishment, perhaps even execution. But watching Ren sleep peacefully, she chose to risk everything. This might be the last time I ever see him.
When she arrived before the Kings, an overwhelming aura crashed down upon her. Yume and the Third General, standing nearby, collapsed under its weight—trembling, breathless, hopeless.
"You dare defy the will of the new King of Shadows?" the voices of the Kings thundered.
"We declared it already—Ren Akatsuki is the Ninth King!"
She fell to her knees. "I… I am sorry, my Kings. I was blind… I could not see your wisdom."
"That is an excuse," the Second King spat.
The Fourth King's voice was merciless. "Third Commander, your crime cannot be forgiven. You went against us. You shall be executed."
"No—please! Spare me! I beg you!" she cried, her voice breaking.
A shadow took form, raising a blade of pure darkness above her head.
"Yes, my King," she whispered, trembling but defiant. "If this is my fate… so be it. But please… forgive me, and if possible… forgive me before the Ninth Sovereign as well."
The blade lifted higher. Yume lowered her head, unable to watch.
And then—
"STOP!"
A voice rang through the darkness.
The Kings turned. "Show yourself! Who dares?"
"I am the Ninth King—Ren Akatsuki."
Gasps echoed. "Why are you here?"
Ren stepped forward, his form shimmering with shadow. "When I fell asleep, I met the Darkness. He told me she would be executed. I could not allow it. I asked for his help—and came here."
"Ren—" Yume whispered, stunned.
"It's enough!" Ren's voice cracked like thunder. "I forgive her. Stop this at once!"
The Kings seethed. "She defied you. She questioned your strength."
"Because she was protecting you!" Ren shouted, bowing low, his forehead nearly touching the abyss beneath them. "She did not betray me. She doubted because I am weak—not because her loyalty wavered. She was trying to preserve the honor of the Kings. She could not see what you saw. But that does not make her guilty."
The Kings stared, speechless. Even the Darkness itself trembled.
To save someone… he would beg on his knees rather than raise his sword.
"Please," Ren said, his voice raw, desperate. "Spare her."
Silence stretched, heavy and unbearable. Finally, the Darkness spoke:
"My King… raise your head."
"Yes," the Kings echoed. "Ninth King, raise your head. We… forgive her."
Ren lifted his eyes. "See? She will never betray you. She would die fighting at your side. That is why she doubted me—not out of disloyalty, but out of fear that I was unworthy."
The Kings bowed their heads. "Forgive us, Third General. We misjudged you."
Yume whispered, awe-struck, "My King… you humble yourself for others. You protect them, even when they falter. That is why the Darkness chose you."
The Third General's voice broke. "Ninth King… from this moment on, I will never doubt you again. Forgive me for my blindness."
The Darkness rumbled. "It is time to leave, my King."
"Yes," Ren nodded. "Allow us to go."
"Goodbye, Ninth King," the Kings said in unison. "We shall meet again."
As Ren and Yume returned, the Eight Sovereigns spoke among themselves.
The First King's voice was thoughtful. "He is… different."
"Yes," another said. "To save her, he bowed before us and begged forgiveness. He will become… a King unlike any before him."
Ren turned to Yume. "Let's part ways for now. I'll see you in the morning."
"But… how are you still here?" she asked, eyes wide.
"My soul is here, not my body. Go back—see if anything has changed."
Yume rushed back.
When she entered his chamber, her eyes widened. Shadows and darkness swirled around Ren's body, merging into him. His flesh hardened, his mana surged—darkness and shadow fusing into one. His body was no longer being consumed by it… he was beginning to control it.
The Ninth King had awakened.