The air in the dungeon turned heavy, vibrating with the clashing pressure of two supreme entities. Beru, the Shadow Ant King, hissed—a terrifying sound that echoed against the crystalline walls. He was coiled like a spring, ready to decapitate Ren at a moment's notice.
"Kieeeekk!" Beru screeched, but Jin-Woo raised a hand, stopping him instantly.
"Wait, Beru," Jin-Woo said, his eyes never leaving Ren. "This man isn't an enemy... at least, not yet."
Ren took a steady breath, feeling the Void energy stabilize within his core. "The Architect is the one who built this System, Jin-Woo. He uses souls like yours as 'Vessels' to fuel his grand design. But me? I was a discarded error. I exist outside his control."
Jin-Woo dismissed his daggers, the purple glow in his eyes softening. "I stopped following his rules a long time ago. If what you say is true, our paths lead to the same destination."
[System Notification: Mutual Interest Detected.] [New Quest: The Silent Pact.] [Objective: Exchange information with the Shadow Monarch.]
"However," Jin-Woo's lips curled into a faint, challenging smile. "I want to see how your 'Void' holds up against my fastest soldier. Beru, test him."
Beru didn't need a second command. He vanished. He moved with such velocity that he bypassed the sound barrier, his claws aimed directly at Ren's throat.
Ren didn't dodge. He closed his eyes.
[Skill Activated: Void Mirror.]
At the exact microsecond of impact, Ren's body shattered like dark glass. Beru's claws passed through empty air. Before the Ant King could realize he had missed, Ren materialized directly behind him, his hand inches away from Beru's neck.
"You're fast," Ren whispered. "But you can't hit what isn't truly there."
Beru spun around, snarling in frustration, but Jin-Woo's laughter broke the tension.
"Enough," Jin-Woo commanded. "Ren, your power is fascinating. It's not just darkness; it's 'Absolute Nothingness.' You can erase things that even my shadows cannot touch."
Jin-Woo extended his hand. "Let's work together. Help me find the Architect, and I'll ensure the Hunters' Association—and the other Monarchs—stay off your back."
Ren gripped Jin-Woo's hand. As their palms met, a shockwave of Shadow and Void energy erupted, momentarily blacking out every mana-light in the dungeon.
[Alliance Formed: The Shadow & The Void] [Reward: Shared Map Access & Hidden Dungeon Keys unlocked.]
"Alright," Ren said, a smirk playing on his face. "Where to next, Shadow King?"
Jin-Woo pointed toward a swirling black vortex at the end of the hall. "An S-Rank Gate is opening in Japan. There's something inside that requires both of us to handle. Are you ready to hunt gods?"