Yagami stood in front of the Thousand Labyrinth Gate of the King.
«This is it… the place where I'll obtain my true power. My destiny is here.»
Ichidna watched him carefully.
Yagami asked:
«Are you stronger in your sword form or your human form?»
Ichidna:
«In sword form, my destructive power is greater, but I can't use high-level magic. When I'm in human form, I can use all special-grade spells and summonings—especially if my magic is complete. I am a goddess… well, the demonic kind, of course.»
Yagami:
«Then stay in your current form for now. Transform only when I tell you to.»
Ichidna replied respectfully:
«Yes, my lord.»
Yagami said:
«Let's go in.»
Ichidna:
«But we don't have the key.»
Yagami stepped forward, drew his sword, and with an imperceptible speed delivered several slashes.
The moment the sound of the blade returning to its sheath echoed, the gate was sliced into pieces like an onion.
Ichidna stared at Yagami in shock, eyes wide.
The two of them entered the chamber.
Yagami's gaze fell on the person sitting there…
In surprise he said:
«What are you doing here?»
Ichidna:
«Do you know him, my lord?»
Yagami:
«That's the one who caused my brother's death… the legendary swordmaster, the cold-blooded Kurojin.»
Top floor – Palace of Darkness
Tartarus and Kurojin were searching for Yagami:
Tartarus said worriedly:
«We should use special-grade magic to locate the One-Eyed God!»
Kurojin replied in a heavy, serious voice:
«No need. In this world there were only four Thousand Labyrinths… and three of them have already been destroyed.»
Tartarus asked in astonishment:
«Which ones?»
Kurojin walked slowly forward and counted:
«The Thousand Labyrinth of the Dark Elf… the Goblin King… the Demon King Satan… and the last one—»
He paused for a moment, then said:
«The Thousand Labyrinth of the legendary swordmaster… Kurojin.»
Tartarus turned toward him in disbelief:
«Wait… you mean you… are one of the Kings?»
Kurojin, with a cold face and eyes full of regret, said:
«I was… A king who cannot protect his family does not deserve the title of king…»
The air grew heavy for a moment. Tartarus said nothing, but respect shone clearly in his eyes.
The Thousand Labyrinth of the Legendary Swordsman Kurojin:
Kurojin rose from his throne. He drew his sword.
The air became heavy, the walls cracked.
Standing face to face with Yagami, he said:
«You're still as weak as before. You know I don't enjoy fighting weak opponents. This is an insult… to a swordsman like me.»
Yagami smiled:
«Awakening the monster within, full release… complete evolution… One-Eyed God.»
Yagami's aura exploded.
The ground shook. The walls of the labyrinth crumbled.
Kurojin raised his sword and laughed:
«Finally… a real fight. Now I can use my full power.»
Yagami and Kurojin stood opposite each other—like two true monsters… ready for battle.
Yagami:
«Fire Magic – Special Grade!»
A colossal flame shot toward Kurojin with deadly speed.
But he only laughed, took a striking stance, and with one precise slash, cut the massive fireball clean in half.
The split flames crashed into the walls, causing a tremendous explosion. The ground quaked, walls collapsed.
Without pause, Yagami attacked.
The sheer pressure of his movement cracked the stones behind him instantly.
His sword clashed with Kurojin's; the force of the impact was so great that the ground beneath them shattered. Kurojin was pushed back.
Yagami (laughing and shouting):
«Looks like you've gotten weaker, old man!»
Kurojin (laughing as well):
«And it seems you've finally gotten stronger, kid!»
The battle had reached its peak.
Ichidna could see nothing but the flash of blades and the deafening sound of devastating clashes.
But suddenly… a familiar aura approached her. A slight shiver ran through her body.
Ichidna:
«This aura… no, don't tell me she's here too!»
A devilish smile spread across her face.
She spread her wings and shot into the sky with terrifying speed, climbing higher and higher until she passed through the clouds.
There… stood no one other than Tartarus.
She was chanting a forbidden thunder magic spell.
In one swift motion, Ichidna charged toward her and shouted:
«It's been a long time, big sister!»
(To be continued…)