As Ken slowly opened his eyes, he was immediately confronted by the God of Darkness, looming close to his face.
His hair was black, long horns curved upward from his head, and massive black wings spread wide behind him.
Shadows and darkness swirled around him like a living aura.
Ken gasped in shock and instinctively shouted.
He pushed forward slightly to put some distance between them.
The God of Darkness chuckled at Ken's reaction.
Ken's eyes darted around, trying to take in his surroundings.
It seemed as if they were floating in a void—endless darkness stretching in every direction.
The God of Darkness spoke, his voice echoing ominously across the emptiness.
"Ken Kuronowa."
"I've seen you before… but who are you really?" Ken asked, still wary.
"I am you… and you are me," the figure replied.
"Huh?" Ken muttered, confusion written across his face.
"I am Kuruzen Renji. I was once a normal human, like you," he began, his voice calm but heavy with meaning.
"But due to my intense anger, my body absorbed almost all the negative energy from the Zodiacs themselves… and that is why I became like this."
Ken's heart pounded as Kuruzen continued.
"A being returned my soul along with my power to the world, and I was reborn as you."
"In other words… I am your reincarnation."
The void seemed to grow still. Ken could hardly believe what he was hearing.
"This was not recorded in any legend, but I once spread chaos and plotted to destroy the entire world… and even the universe itself."
"But I was stopped by the Goddess of Light—one who can wield Divine Magic. Her name is Emelyra Scarlet."
"I've heard that name before," Ken admitted, recognition flickering in his eyes.
"Yes. She is a goddess, one of the Thirteen Zodiacs, ranked second among the most powerful."
"She was reborn as a human… the one you now know as Lucy Hanajima."
Ken's jaw tightened. His aunt's suspicions had been correct.
"But… then why is my hair red like Lucy's, instead of black like yours, if I am your reincarnation?" Ken asked.
"The features or appearance of a reincarnated soul do not always match their past life," Kuruzen explained calmly.
"There is a reason your hair is red… it is because of the seed within your body," he continued.
"Seed?" Ken asked, confusion mingling with curiosity.
"Within you lies the seed of an ancient and powerful tree—the Tree of Eve.
Its purpose is to support your mortal body, helping it withstand the immense mana and power so that you do not lose yourself… and so your body is not destroyed."
Ken's eyes widened as he processed the information.
"In Emelyra's reincarnation, known as Lucy, there is also a seed—the Tree of Adam."
He felt a mix of awe and disbelief as the truth sank in.
"But the Zodiac Fragments move quickly," Kuruzen warned.
"You must stop them before they release the Zodiacs, which would lead to the destruction of the world."
"I will do my best," Ken replied firmly, determination hardening in his voice.
"I will grant you all of my power and knowledge, so you can fight the Zodiac Fragment vessels and the Zodiacs themselves."
Kuruzen placed his right hand gently on Ken's head.
A warm, powerful sensation flowed through him.
And then… Kuruzen vanished.