The mysterious man appeared once more inside the cave.

  Before him stood a massive capsule, transparent and towering. Inside it floated a completely black creature — twisted, deformed, its limbs unnatural and distorted.

  He stepped closer and placed his hand against the glass.

  “It is time to begin the experiment.”

  A terrifying laugh echoed through the cavern walls.

  The scene shifted.

  Enzo and Sima were heading toward the tournament arena. The next round was about to begin — Enzo versus Blazer.

  Unlike usual, Enzo looked excited.

  “You seem different today,” Sima said, studying him.

  He gave a small smile.

  “This time… I’ll prove myself.”

  He stepped into the arena and stood at its center.

  Moments later, Blazer entered.

  Whispers filled the stands.

  “He’s from the Tatsuma Clan!”

  “He uses Lightning Element!”

  “They say he’s one of this year’s standouts!”

  “His lightning control is unmatched!”

  Blazer was known for his mastery of lightning — fast, precise, and devastating.

  The murmurs were cut short as the King rose and raised his hand.

  Silence fell.

  “Today, we continue the tournament,” the King declared.

  “After this round, the battles will grow fiercer.”

  “Only the strongest remain.”

  He lowered his hand.

  “Begin.”

  Enzo drew Dragon Fang.

  Blazer took his stance.

  And suddenly—

  Thick smoke exploded across the arena.

  The spectators could no longer see.

  Darkness swallowed the battlefield in the middle of the day.

  Inside the smoke, a red flash appeared.

  A crimson beam pierced through the fog.

  Enzo stood within it, confused.

  “Is this Blazer’s technique?”

  Dragon Fang began glowing.

  He swung wildly, releasing crescent aura slashes in every direction.

  Then—

  The glow vanished.

  And so did Enzo’s voice.

  Across the field, Blazer stood still, surrounded by a sensory lightning aura.

  His eyes snapped open.

  Before him—

  A completely black monster.

  Red eyes.

  White fangs.

  A thin, unnatural body.

  It lunged.

  One devastating strike.

  Blazer was hurled backward, smashing into the wall.

  The impact shattered the stone.

  He lost consciousness.

  The smoke slowly faded.

  A man wearing a black coat stood in the center of the arena.

  His face hidden.

  Enzo was slung over his shoulder.

  In his other hand—

  Dragon Fang.

  But the sword was unstable.

  It flared violently…

  Then dimmed…

  Then flared again…

  Dark red lightning crackled around it.

  Behind him stood the black monster.

  The man looked toward the King.

  The King stared back sharply.

  The mysterious man raised Dragon Fang high.

  Energy surged into the blade.

  It glowed brighter than ever before.

  Then he swung.

  A massive crimson aura slash tore across the arena, sparks scattering violently as it raced toward the King.

  The King blocked it—

  But not effortlessly.

  The ground beneath him cracked.

  The stranger laughed.

  “Farewell… Your Majesty.”

  A void portal opened.

  He stepped through.

  With Enzo.

  With Dragon Fang.

  The monster followed.

  The portal closed.

  Silence fell.

  Three long minutes passed.

  Finally, the King spoke.

  “This round is canceled.”

  “Clear the arena immediately.”

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  The crowd dispersed in shock.

  Blazer was rushed to the infirmary.

  A dark black aura swirled around his unconscious body.

  The King turned to his advisor, Fiong.

  “We must plan. Immediately.”

  Sima remained frozen in place, unable to process what had happened.

  Then she collapsed.

  She was taken to the infirmary as well.

  The scene shifted again.

  The mysterious man sat upon a stone throne.

  The same monster stood behind him.

  Enzo hung from chains, suspended by his wrists.

  He slowly regained consciousness.

  “Where… am I?”

  He lifted his head.

  “Who are you?”

  The man smiled faintly.

  “It does not matter who I am.”

  “I am nothing.”

  “Or rather… I am Hell.”

  Enzo clenched his teeth.

  “What do you want from me?”

  The man crossed one leg over the other.

  “I killed Marai.”

  “I gave you that sword — Dragon Fang.”

  “I destroyed that village.”

  “And I ruined your tournament.”

  Enzo’s eyes widened in shock.

  The scene shifted to the royal palace.

  The King sat upon his throne.

  Four governors stood before him. Fiong remained at his side.

  “Do you have any information or strategy regarding this man?” the King asked.

  One of them stepped forward.

  “Yes, Your Majesty. I have been observing him for some time.”

  “He seeks power. Nothing else.”

  “I do not care about his motives,” the King interrupted.

  “Tell me — how are these monsters created?”

  The governor hesitated.

  “I do not know, sire. However… the injured competitor was surrounded by a dark aura similar to the creature’s. I believe I can extract it and study it.”

  “And how will you extract it?”

  The governor pulled out a strange device.

  It had two small blade-like prongs separated by a glass tube, with a handle resembling a sword. The device was yellow.

  “This is called an Aura Extractor,” he explained.

  “It can extract aura from any body… even a tree.”

  “I found it during an ancient expedition deep within the rock layers.”

  The King glanced at Fiong.

  “Can we trust him?”

  Fiong answered calmly.

  “We have no choice. Blazer’s condition is worsening. If he dies, the tournament’s reputation will suffer. And we may benefit from studying this device.”

  The King nodded.

  “Very well.”

  He summoned a royal guard.

  “Escort this governor wherever he goes.”

  “Yes, sire.”

  After the governor left, the King turned to the others.

  “Gather every piece of information you can on this man.”

  Then to Fiong:

  “Announce a full postponement of the tournament.”

  “Deploy royal guards across the kingdom.”

  “Strengthen civilian defenses.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  When the chamber emptied, the King remained alone.

  He thought deeply.

  “Why did he kidnap Enzo?”

  “What is the story behind that red sword?”

  “How does he possess such power?”

  Then he muttered quietly:

  “Could it be… that sword?”

  The scene returned to Enzo.

  The mysterious man spoke calmly.

  “That sword… Dragon Fang.”

  “One of the legendary weapons.”

  “There is nothing like it.”

  He leaned forward.

  “I searched for someone it would choose.”

  “And by coincidence… it chose you.”

  He laughed.

  “Prepare yourself.”

  “You are the chosen one.”

  His laughter echoed louder — darker — more sinister than before.

  End of Chapter Eight