"Wait… what did you just say?" Ren asked again, his voice trembling.
"I… I love you!" Yume shouted, her face red but determined.
"Oh! Somebody's heart is pounding loud tonight," the Heart laughed.
Darkness chuckled. "What will your answer be, my king?"
Ren lowered his gaze, his voice nervous. "Yume… why do you love me?"
Her lips quivered, but her eyes were steady. "I—I love you because you've always cared for me, even when you didn't want anything in return. People respect me only because I'm a famous hunter, but you… you've always treated me the same as when we were kids. From childhood, Ren… I've loved you."
Ren's eyes widened in shock. "Yume…" he called softly. Then, gathering his courage, he confessed, "I love you too. I didn't want to tell you because I'm just a low-ranked hunter. I thought… you might be with someone equal to your rank. But… Yume, I want you by my side forever. I want to protect you—please!"
His voice cracked as he shouted, then he quickly apologized. "I'm sorry… I shouldn't have raised my voice."
Without a word, Yume stood, leaned close, and kissed his cheek. Ren blushed as warmth spread through him.
"I promise," Yume whispered, "I'll always be by your side—in good times, and in bad."
Ren looked into her eyes, the moment heavy with unspoken emotions. But before they could savor their first true closeness, a sharp knock came at the door.
"Ren! Where are you? It's time for your training! And how is Yume?" Master Kuro's voice called from outside.
Ren opened the door, his face blank with frustration.
"What happened to you?" the master asked.
"Nothing, Master… just having a great time—and it was interrupted," Ren muttered bitterly.
Kuro chuckled knowingly. "A great time, eh?"
"Oh, Grandfather! How are you?" Yume asked warmly.
"You're awake!" Master Kuro's face softened. "How's your injury?"
"I'm fine now," Yume replied.
The master's expression turned serious. "Yume, you saw it yourself. When Zen unleashed the Black Heart's power, he nearly killed us all. His greed might still destroy humanity. We—the Three Generals and the Ninth King—had to use everything we had to stop him."
"Three Generals? But weren't there four?" Yume asked.
Kuro sighed. "Yes. But one vanished long ago… Have you heard of the man who reached Rank X?"
Ren nodded. "Yeah. His power was said to be so great no one could stand against him."
"That was the First General. He was the only one to wield a General's power at 98%. He was almost… inhuman. But then, he vanished into the shadows. No one has seen him since."
Kuro turned to Ren, his eyes sharp. "Ren, you too must grow stronger. Today, you'll enter a high-rank cave. Rumor says a demon dragon rests there—one capable of defeating even an S-rank hunter. Your mission is to clear that gate."
"Yes, Master. As you say."
"And Yume," Kuro added, "you will join me. We must perform a ritual."
"A ritual?" Ren asked.
"This ritual allows a human and shadow to become one—unlocking their full potential, though only for a time."
Ren nodded, determination in his eyes. Soon, he stood before the gate, where the demon dragon rested. But before facing it, a horde of high orc demons guarded the entrance.
"Ren… are you ready to unleash this power fully?" the Black Heart asked.
"Yes. I'm ready," Ren replied firmly. "Darkness… lend me your strength!"
"This power belongs to you, my king. Command me, and without hesitation, it shall be yours."
Ren's aura erupted, shaking the ground. The summoned demons charged, eyes filled with bloodlust. In the blink of an eye, Ren vanished—and when he reappeared, the demons were already torn to pieces.
He pushed open the massive gate. Inside, the dragon stirred.
"Power output… 25%," Ren muttered.
"Darkness, come forth and serve the Ninth King."
"As you command, my king," Darkness replied, wrapping around Ren's body, shaping him into something beyond human, beyond devil—a form only the Eight Kings knew.
The dragon's roar echoed like thunder. Its voice shook the cavern: "So, you are the Ninth King… the one destined to defeat our great king."
Ren froze. A demon that can talk?!
"Yes… only high-rank demons can speak," the dragon said, reading his thoughts. "The ones you've faced were nothing but weaklings. At your current strength, you cannot defeat me."
Ren tightened his grip on his shadow-forged blade. "Then let's see who's stronger!"
The battle erupted. Flames spewed from the dragon's mouth, burning holes deep into the cavern. The Black Heart shouted in Ren's mind: "This dragon serves the Shadow Demon. He is too strong—you must retreat!"
"No! Not yet!" Ren roared back. "I confessed to Yume. I swore to the Eight Kings that I would protect this world. I won't back down—not now, not ever!"
"Power release… 89%!" Darkness warned. "Your body will suffer severe damage, my king!"
"Just do it!" Ren commanded.
Darkness covered Ren fully, his power surging to 40%. Energy ripped through the cave, splitting the earth, piercing the skies above. Silence followed, the air heavy with pressure.
Ren dashed forward, his blade flashing. The mighty dragon clashed with him, fire against shadow, destruction against will.
But Ren's body was reaching its limit. Blood dripped from his mouth.
"I'm sorry, my king… your body has already surpassed its limit," Darkness whispered.
The dragon seized the chance. Its colossal tail struck, slamming Ren into the wall. He crashed hard, his body broken and bleeding.
The dragon sneered. "Unable to stand… bloodied and broken… Tell me, Ninth King of Shadows—how will you defeat me now? Or should I say… hopeless human?"