The next morning, Ren woke up, unable to clearly remember what had happened. His body felt heavy, as if he had suddenly fallen asleep without realizing it.
Yume quietly stepped into his room.
"You're awake. I hope you had a good sleep," she said gently.
"Yume… what happened last night? I—I remember embracing you, but I can't recall what came after…"
Yume smiled softly. "Nothing strange happened. You just… shared the pain you'd been holding back."
Ren's chest tightened. He felt nervous and ashamed, realizing he had exposed his true feelings so openly.
"Ren," Yume whispered, almost hesitant.
"Yes?" His voice trembled slightly.
"You can tell me… whatever pain you're hiding. I know I can't feel exactly what you've felt, but when you opened up—when you finally let it out—I was happy. Because you weren't alone in your suffering anymore. Please, Ren… don't let your emotions become chains that drag you deeper into despair. You can lean on us. You can lean on me. I'll happily listen to you every day."
Her words left Ren speechless.
"…Thank you, Yume… for caring about me."
Yume touched his face tenderly, her voice quivering.
"The days you spent in darkness… I can't bear to think of them. No one could. But now, I'm here. You don't have to face it alone anymore. Even though I wasn't there when you needed me most—something I can never forgive myself for—I want to stay by your side, until my last breath." Tears welled in her eyes.
Ren reached out, taking her hand.
"You were always there for me, Yume. Even when I was weak and ran from you… you still stood by me, facing my problems head-on. Thank you."
After that heartfelt exchange, they shared breakfast together before heading off to meet his master, Kuro.
On the way, the Black Heart's voice echoed within Ren.
Ren, are you feeling better now?
"Yes. Much better," Ren admitted. "It feels like a heavy burden has been lifted. Somehow… I feel lighter."
Ah, it feels wonderful, doesn't it? Especially when you walk beside the girl you love.
Ren blushed.
Darkness chuckled within him. My king, you should confess your feelings to her. Otherwise, you'll regret it if the time comes too late.
"…Maybe you're right, Darkness. But the responsibility placed upon me… it's something only I can carry. For that reason, I must walk this path alone."
Meanwhile, Yume's bond spirit whispered to her.
Yume, you've finally reunited with the boy you love after so long. Why not tell him how you feel?
"I can't," Yume muttered under her breath.
Why?
"I'm too nervous… What if he doesn't feel the same? What if he distances himself from me?" She sighed. "It's better to let things stay as they are."
They soon arrived where the Fourth General was waiting.
"Oh, you've finally come," the general said.
"Yes," Ren replied.
"Good. Then let us begin training. But first, there's something you should know. When you fought Yume one-on-one… she wasn't using her full power."
Ren's eyes widened. What?! If she had fought seriously… I would have been finished.
"But when Darkness took over you," the general continued, "it was clear. The Third General stood no chance. However—there's a grave risk. Right now, if you unleashed your full power, your body would explode into pieces. Not a single trace of you would remain."
Ren froze. "Then… what should I do?"
"Our goal is simple: to safely control 50% of the King's power, and to fuse your Black Heart with your normal one. Only then will your body's potential grow strong enough."
"Fuse the two hearts…?" Ren asked.
"Yes. Right now, you carry two separate hearts—the Black Heart, and your natural one. When they become one, you'll transform… like the Eight King once did. Whether that transformation will last permanently, I cannot say. You'll be the first human ever to become the King of Shadows."
Ren clenched his fists. "…Then let's do it."
"Good. Today, we'll push beyond 20%."
"That might be impossible, Master…"
"Not if you have Darkness with you. With his help, you can exceed it."
Ren nodded. "Alright."
"Then push your body to its limit," Kuro commanded.
No—listen to me, the Black Heart interrupted. Don't jump straight to your limit. Increase it slowly. 4%, then 6%, then 10%, and finally 18%.
"Why?" Ren asked inwardly.
Because if you unleash too much all at once, your body will tear itself apart. But gradually… your body can adapt.
Ren nodded. "Okay. Power up—2%."
A faint bluish glow shimmered around him.
"4%!" Shadows began swirling around his body.
"6%!" Darkness and light revolved together around him.
"11%!" A burst of shadow erupted skyward.
"18%!!" The eruption expanded, shadows and blue light spiraling high into the heavens.
The general's eyes widened. "Impressive… In such a short time, you've already reached this much power."
"Now… release the Darkness."
A devilish aura poured from Ren, shaking the ground.
At your command, my king, Darkness intoned.
"Now, Ren—merge with the shadow!" Kuro shouted.
Darkness roared. As you wish!
Ren gritted his teeth. "It's… hard to control, but… it's getting easier…!"
Good, the Heart encouraged. Now push further. Do you want me to help?
"Yes. As you please."
Suddenly, Ren's mind was filled with a horrific vision. Shadow demons slaughtered humanity mercilessly. Screams echoed in his ears.
"No…! Stop it! Stop it!!" Ren cried.
Hold on, Ren! the Heart shouted. Don't lose yourself! Don't kill them!
Kuro rushed toward him. "Ren! What's happening?!"
Yume screamed. "Ren!!"
"No! Don't hurt them! They're only children!" Ren's voice cracked with pain.
"Power output—33%!"
"What?!" Kuro's face turned pale. "Yume, shield this area!"
"On it!" Yume raised her barrier, but Ren's power shattered it instantly. The dark aura spilled out uncontrollably, surging into the sky. The entire village shook as people ran outside, staring in terror.
"Wh-what is this power…?!" someone gasped.
The shadows of the King had begun to awaken.