The night sky above Japan rippled with a thin streak of shadow — a sign Yami had fed again.
Far from the cities, in the forests where the moonlight couldn't reach, Yami stood alone, her energy pulsing with chaotic, shifting colors. Every time her Impure Fate interacted with a human's despair or misfortune, it twisted back into her body, strengthening her aura with an eerie harmony.
Her eyes glowed brighter.
Her voice deepened slightly.
Her presence thickened until the trees around her bent under the pressure.
"Human hearts are so easy to bend…" she whispered, a faint smile curling at her lips.
"The more they fall apart, the stronger I become."
From the shadows nearby, Kage stepped out, aura steady but far weaker in comparison. Even after reincarnation, his power had not returned to its ancient heights — and facing Yami now made him feel the gap grow wider.
"Yami," he said, arms crossed, "at this rate you'll grow too unstable. Feeding on negativity always leads to collapse."
She tilted her head. "Then stop me."
Kage didn't move.
Yami walked past him, brushing his shoulder.
"You can't keep up with me. You're stuck in the past — still thinking like an ancestor's shadow."
Kage's jaw tightened. "Then tell me what I should do."
For a moment, Yami stopped. Her tone softened, but only slightly.
"You want strength? Make a pact."
"Not with humans — with the Tsukimori."
Kage's eyes widened. "You want me to ally with them?"
Yami shrugged. "Humans are useful when they believe in something. And right now, the world is shifting. Korea and China already sense the Kuzuremono's rise. They're mobilizing their Eien Warriors. Japan must respond."
She flicked her wrist, opening a rift of shadow.
"Your reincarnation gave you a new chance. Don't waste it. The Tsukimori are holding a new Inter-Continental Clash… a survival war disguised as a tournament."
Kage stepped through the rift silently.
They arrived at the Tsukimori Association Headquarters, the towering glass fortress reflecting the sunrise.
Guards tensed immediately, their hands glowing with prepared Eiryu tools.
Kage raised both hands.
"I'm not here to fight. I want negotiation."
The President, Yuna Akira, arrived. Her presence alone silenced every room — calm, precise, unshakeable.
Yuna looked at the two former ancient threats without fear.
"Well? Speak."
Kage bowed slightly — something he had never done in his past life.
"Humanity and Kuzuremono grow restless. Yami grows stronger every day… and I cannot stop her alone."
"Let me join your Supernova Clashes. Let me earn my place. Let me prove my intentions."
The entire hall erupted in murmurs.
Yuna lifted her hand. Silence fell again.
"Very well," she said. "The Clashes were created to bind the three nations — Japan, China, Korea — in unity against the Kuzuremono. If you compete under our rules, then you accept our judgment."
Yami stepped forward. "And if he wins?"
Yuna's eyes narrowed. "Then he earns full recognition — and one request granted by all three nations."
Yami smirked. Kage remained silent.
Yuna continued:
"Twelve participants from each region. Japan, China, Korea — and the Kuzuremono team."
"The final winner earns dominance, authority, and command rights across the tri-continent frontlines."
The lights in the hall shifted as holographic banners appeared, listing the four new rank categories for the event:
Aether Grade — Highest tier, representatives of extreme skill.
Kraken Grade — Elite level, destructive force and adaptability.
Phoenix Grade — Resilience and tactical brilliance.
Eclipse Grade — The entry tier, where surprising talents emerge.
Yuna looked at Kage.
"Choose your path wisely. The world is changing faster than you think."
And behind Kage, Yami smiled quietly — her plan already unfolding.