Chapter 24 – The Shadow Monarch
Arjun stood in an endless abyss.
Before him—
A throne carved from darkness.
And sitting upon it—
A figure identical to him.
But older.
Colder.
The former Shadow Monarch.
"You are not ready," the monarch said calmly.
"But the world does not wait."
Memories flooded Arjun's mind.
War.
Betrayal.
Fallen gods.
The Shadow Monarch had died protecting reality from other Monarchs.
Not destroying it.
"You are my successor."
"Will you rule… or be ruled?"
Arjun thought of the academy.
The laughter.
The dungeon.
The city.
He stepped forward.
"I'll rule."
The throne dissolved into him.
Reality snapped back.
In the sky—
The Higher Monarch paused.
Arjun floated above the battlefield.
Eyes completely black.
Aura silent.
Terrifying.
[Awakening Progress: 100%]
[Class: Shadow Monarch – Confirmed]
The Higher Monarch narrowed its eyes.
"Interesting."
Arjun raised one hand.
The entire city's shadows answered.
Buildings cast deeper darkness.
Clouds twisted.
The Higher Monarch attacked.
Their clash split the sky.
But this time—
Arjun wasn't surviving.
He was matching it.
Blow for blow.
Authority for authority.
Finally—
Arjun extended his domain upward.
Engulfing the Monarch's wings.
"Return to your realm."
His voice carried absolute command.
The Higher Monarch hesitated.
Then—
It retreated through the crack in reality.
The sky sealed.
Silence fell over the city.