The ruins came alive.
Not with sound—
But with movement.
Every shadow shifted.
Together.
As one.
Encircled
Raizen stood still.
Blade ready.
Breathing controlled.
"…They're all connected."
Kagen didn't deny it.
"…Yes."
A pause.
"And we're inside it."
The Controller Appears
The figure stepped forward.
Calm.
Unshaken.
"You've entered a controlled zone."
Raizen's eyes narrowed.
"…So this is your domain."
The figure nodded slightly.
"…One of many."
Scale of the Threat
Raizen felt it.
Not just power—
Control.
Every shadow responded to the same will.
First Wave
Without warning—
The shadows attacked.
From every direction.
Fast.
Relentless.
Defense
Raizen moved instantly.
"Shadow Breathing—"
"Second Form— Night Step."
He vanished.
Reappeared—
Cutting through multiple shadows.
But—
They reformed.
Instantly.
Realization
"…They regenerate."
Kagen stepped in.
"…Not regenerate."
A pause.
"…Replaced."
Endless System
More shadows filled the gaps.
No reduction.
No loss.
Overwhelmed
Raizen stepped back.
"…This won't end."
Kagen's voice remained calm.
"…Then don't fight all of them."
Target Identified
Raizen's eyes locked onto the figure.
"…The source."
Direct Assault
He moved.
Fast.
Ignoring everything else.
"Third Form— Black Crescent."
A direct strike.
Blocked
The figure raised its hand.
The shadows gathered.
Forming a barrier.
The attack stopped.
Counterattack
The ground beneath Raizen shifted.
Shadows rose.
Binding his movement.
Struggle
Raizen tried to break free.
But the grip tightened.
"…Too many…"
Kagen Intervenes
A sharp slash—
The shadows broke.
Kagen stood between them.
"…Focus."
Adapting Strategy
Raizen steadied his breathing.
"…They're all connected."
A pause.
"…So I don't need to destroy them."
Control Attempt
He closed his eyes.
The darkness responded.
Reaching outward.
Touching the surrounding shadows.
Clash of Will
The shadows resisted.
Pushed back.
But—
Not completely.
Partial Override
Some shadows slowed.
Others stopped.
Reaction
The figure tilted its head.
"…Interesting."
Opening Created
Raizen moved.
"Fourth Form— Shadow Execution."
This time—
Faster.
Cleaner.
Impact
The blade reached the figure.
A direct hit.
Result
The body—
Flickered.
Then—
Dispersed.
Not the Real One
Raizen stepped back.
"…A projection."
Voice Returns
From all directions—
"You're learning."
Environment Changes
The shadows pulled back.
The pressure lifted.
Temporary End
The attack stopped.
Not because they won—
But because it was allowed.
Final Words
"…This is only the beginning."
Aftermath
Silence returned.
Raizen lowered his blade.
"…That wasn't a fight."
Kagen nodded.
"…No."
A pause.
"It was a demonstration."
Final Scene
Raizen looked around.
The ruins felt empty again.
But now—
He understood.
Ending Line
When the enemy controls the battlefield—
Winning the fight is not enough.