As Shunjiro stirred from unconsciousness, his mind raced, trying desperately to piece together the events that led him here. Where am I? His thoughts echoed, distorted in the murky silence. His eyes fluttered open to a dim, oppressive darkness, thick as ink and strangely alive. He inhaled sharply, the stale air heavy in his lungs, mingling with the unsettling scent of damp earth and ancient decay. I was about to punch that bastard Tsubasa… Shunjiro shook his head, pushing away the disorientation. He remembered charging forward, feeling his fist cut through the air, and then suddenly, the ground shifting beneath his feet, the sensation of falling, tumbling into emptiness. Did he teleport me? He stood up cautiously, reaching out to steady himself against a nearby tree, its bark rough beneath his fingertips. He froze. The tree wasn’t just rough, it felt unnatural, cold, and oddly lifeless. Looking upward, he could barely see the canopy, impossibly high above, blotting out any trace of sunlight. The trees around him loomed like shadowy sentinels, dark silhouettes whispering in an unfelt breeze. A chill crept down his spine. “Yoshinori?” he called, his voice reverberating through the gloom. “Itsuki? Anyone?” The silence swallowed his words hungrily, returning only echoes, twisted mockeries of his plea. He clenched his fists, fighting back rising panic. This isn’t right, he thought, steadying his breathing. Gotta stay calm. Yoshinori would be calm. He always knows what to do. The thought of his friend was grounding, offering a fragile anchor in the strange and shifting shadows. Shunjiro surveyed his surroundings carefully, eyes slowly adjusting to the gloom. The forest stretched endlessly, every direction identical, a maddening labyrinth of darkness. Yet, beneath his feet, he noticed subtle hints, a faint path, nearly lost beneath tangled roots and creeping ivy. Paths meant people, or at least something capable of thought. I can’t stay here, he reasoned. I need shelter and answers. First priority, find someone. Figure out where this place is. Gathering his courage, Shunjiro stepped forward, following the barely visible trail deeper into the unknown forest. Unbeknownst to him, he had already crossed into the heart of the Shadow Realm, a place where darkness wasn’t merely the absence of light, but a living force, watching his every move. As Shunjiro continued along the faint path, the oppressive forest gradually began to thin, giving way to a vast clearing shrouded in mist. His footsteps slowed as an imposing sight took form before him, a castle emerging from the gloom, it’s dark outline etched starkly against the ominous sky. The castle towered high above him, ancient and foreboding. Jagged spires reached upward like the claws of some monstrous creature, while thick walls, constructed from blackened stone, appeared to absorb what little light managed to filter through the perpetual shadow. Twisting ivy crawled across the stones, gripping tightly as if desperately holding the structure together. Gargoyles perched menacingly atop parapets, their eyes seemingly tracking his every movement, as if daring him to approach. This place… Shunjiro felt his breath catch, heart thudding painfully in his chest. It’s like something straight out of a nightmare. A sense of dread tightened its grip on him, urging him to turn away, but logic prevailed. I can’t survive out here alone. If there’s shelter, maybe there’s someone who can help. Clenching his jaw, he moved toward the massive entrance, his footsteps feeling heavier with each stride. The enormous doors were adorned with intricate, faded carvings, once-grand symbols now weathered by time and neglect. Gathering his courage, he raised his hand and knocked. The deep echo resonated like a thunderclap, rippling outward through the eerie silence. To his astonishment, the colossal doors groaned inward, as though moved by an invisible force, revealing a vast hall illuminated faintly by flickering torches. Shadows danced wildly across towering columns and ancient, faded tapestries, creating grotesque, shifting shapes along the stone walls. The air within felt colder, stale, heavy with secrets long forgotten. Shunjiro hesitated, swallowing hard. Creepy as hell… but better than staying outside, I guess. Taking a cautious step forward, his footsteps echoed sharply, magnified by the vast emptiness. “Hello?” His voice trembled slightly, sounding pitifully small against the immense, haunting silence of the grand hall. Again, only quiet greeted him, a chilling welcome in this forsaken place. Suddenly, a deep, resonant laugh echoed through the vast hall, startling Shunjiro enough to make his breath hitch sharply. “Who dares enter the realm of King Malachi?” The voice was authoritative, rich with power, yet oddly curious, as if genuinely intrigued by the unexpected visitor. Malachi? Shunjiro blinked rapidly, his thoughts scattering. Definitely sounds like a bad guy’s name. Still, he squared his shoulders, preparing himself for whatever threat might emerge. From the shadows stepped an imposing figure, his massive frame easily ten feet tall, dark-skinned and broad-shouldered, with muscles like polished stone beneath richly embroidered robes. Yet his presence, though intimidating, held a surprising gentleness, particularly in eyes that sparkled with intelligence and a subtle hint of mischief. Feeling a strange mixture of caution and confusion, Shunjiro stumbled through his introduction, words spilling out faster than he intended. “I-I’m Shunjiro. I guess I got lost or something. Is… is this your castle?” Malachi’s stern face broke into a warm, unexpected smile, and his laughter resonated through the chamber once again, filling it with a surprising warmth. “Indeed, young one, this place is mine. Though it’s seen better days.” His gaze swept fondly around the grand hall, nostalgia briefly shadowing his expression. He then looked back to Shunjiro with open curiosity. “You’ve wandered far from home, indeed. What brings you here, to the heart of the Shadow Realm?” Shadow Realm? Shunjiro felt the weight of realization sink heavily into him. So that’s why everything feels so weird here. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his usual goofy smile returning as the tension eased. “Funny story, actually. I was fighting this SS-ranked corrupted enemy, real nasty, you know? And then suddenly this other guy, an SSS-ranked adventurer named Tsubasa, teleported me. Next thing I knew, I’m stumbling through your creepy forest.” Malachi’s eyes sharpened, his expression shifting from friendly amusement to thoughtful contemplation. “Ah, Tsubasa of the Eclipsed Abyss,” he murmured, voice deepening as if recalling something significant. “They’re a powerful and enigmatic bunch. Their leader remains a mystery even to one such as myself.” Shunjiro felt a surge of curiosity. “Wait, you know about them? Who exactly is the Eclipsed Abyss anyway? Do you think you could beat their leader?” Malachi’s laughter rang out again, hearty yet tinged with an edge of humble realism. “In my younger days, perhaps I could’ve matched them,” he admitted candidly. “But now? My prime has long since passed, and this old king is content simply ruling his quiet realm.” He paused, his eyes thoughtful as he considered Shunjiro’s question further. “As for who they are… they’re a guild of powerful misfits. Outcasts, prodigies, corrupted souls, individuals who fit nowhere else. Perhaps people not unlike myself, once.” Malachi sighed deeply, a hint of sadness shadowing his eyes. “What precisely they desire remains a mystery even to me. However, I sense their purpose is dark and dangerous, certainly nothing good.” Shunjiro frowned thoughtfully. Questions multiplied in his mind, but he pushed them aside for the moment. There were other concerns first, namely figuring out a way home. Shunjiro tilted his head, confusion tugging at him. Malachi wasn’t exactly what he’d expected from someone calling themselves a king of a “Shadow Realm.” He’d anticipated arrogance or hostility, not the easy, inviting manner this man showed. “You know,” Shunjiro ventured cautiously, “you’re not exactly what I was expecting when you stepped out all big and imposing. I thought you’d be… you know, scarier.” This earned another warm chuckle from Malachi, the large king seeming genuinely pleased by Shunjiro’s blunt honesty. “When one spends centuries alone in an empty realm, companionship, even brief and unexpected, becomes something to cherish. I rarely have visitors, young Shunjiro. It’s refreshing to speak freely for once.” An understanding sparked between them, the easy camaraderie unexpected yet welcomed. Shunjiro relaxed, sensing he was in no immediate danger. “The Eclipsed Abyss… Why do you know so much about them? Have they come here before?” Malachi nodded thoughtfully. “They have, indeed. They tried to recruit me once. Offered great promises, power, purpose, freedom from this eternal solitude.” He paused, his gaze growing distant as he remembered. “But I chose to decline. I sensed in them a darkness deeper even than this realm.” Shunjiro’s eyes widened with surprise. “They tried recruiting you too? Tsubasa said something similar to me. He invited me to join their guild, but I refused.” Malachi’s eyes gleamed with renewed interest. “Did he, now? Fascinating. That means they see potential in you.” He studied Shunjiro carefully, as if assessing something deeper within him. “Though knowing Tsubasa, it’s unlikely he’ll easily abandon his attempts.” Shunjiro frowned thoughtfully. What exactly do they want from me? Why am I so important to them? “You seem troubled,” Malachi observed gently, interrupting Shunjiro’s thoughts. “Allow me to offer my assistance. You’re welcome to rest here, recover your strength, and gather your thoughts. And perhaps we can solve the mysteries surrounding your predicament together.” Relief flooded through Shunjiro at the offer. Maybe being stuck here isn’t so bad after all, he thought gratefully. He smiled broadly, grateful for this unexpected kindness. “Thanks, Malachi. I appreciate it.” The king smiled back, clearly pleased by Shunjiro’s acceptance. “It is my pleasure. Welcome, young friend, to my humble abode.” In that strange and eerie place, an unlikely friendship was born. Though darkness surrounded them, within the walls of Malachi’s castle, Shunjiro felt, for now, at least, a comforting flicker of hope. Malachi leaned back thoughtfully, studying Shunjiro with a gentle curiosity. “Tell me, Shunjiro, who exactly are you? Beyond wandering into my quiet kingdom, of course,” he chuckled lightly. Shunjiro scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed by the question. “Well, I’m from the Light Continent. I’m still just a Rank C adventurer, and honestly, I’ve mostly been trying to find my older brother.” Malachi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Your brother? And who might this brother be?” Shunjiro hesitated briefly, wondering if the name would hold meaning here in the Shadow Realm. “Takeshi. He leads Squad 8.” At that, Malachi’s eyes widened visibly, surprise clear on his normally composed face. “Takeshi of Squad 8?” His deep voice echoed with astonishment. He studied Shunjiro more closely, clearly reassessing the young man in front of him. “You mean to tell me the strongest man in the world is your brother?” “Strongest man…?” Shunjiro echoed softly, startled by the title Malachi had given so casually. “Is Takeshi really that powerful?” Malachi leaned forward, resting his chin on one massive hand, eyes glimmering with respect and seriousness. “I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting your brother in person, but I’ve certainly heard the tales. They say Takeshi stands unrivaled. Even if every top SSS-ranked warrior joined together to challenge him, it’s said he would still emerge victorious.” A sense of awe, and perhaps a hint of intimidation, washed over Shunjiro. His older brother was even stronger than he’d imagined. A faint, wistful smile crossed his lips as he murmured, “I guess I have even bigger shoes to fill than I thought.” Malachi laughed heartily, the sound echoing warmly throughout the vast hall. “That you do, young adventurer!” He grinned widely, his eyes twinkling with newfound admiration. After a thoughtful pause, he spoke again, this time with genuine enthusiasm, “If you’d like, perhaps I could help you begin to fill those shoes. Even though my prime is behind me, I have plenty left to teach.” Shunjiro’s eyes lit up, excitement igniting within him. Training with an ancient king who once stood among legends sounded like precisely the kind of challenge he needed. Without hesitation, he nodded eagerly, determination shining brightly in his gaze. “I’d be honored to train under you, King Malachi.” Malachi rose, extending a powerful hand toward Shunjiro, his posture exuding strength and camaraderie. “Excellent. Then let us begin at once.” Malachi regarded Shunjiro thoughtfully, curiosity lighting up his wise eyes. “Tell me, young Shunjiro, what exactly is your power?” Shunjiro hesitated, suddenly awkward. How could he explain something he barely understood himself? After a brief silence, he sighed, frustration evident in his voice. “That’s just it, I don’t really know. Sometimes my energy just… spikes up like crazy, but only for a few seconds. It happened during the fight earlier too.” The ancient king leaned forward, visibly intrigued. His gaze sharpened, observing Shunjiro like an intriguing puzzle. “A sporadic surge in spiritual energy, you say? Fascinating. You truly are an anomaly, young one.” Anomaly? Shunjiro thought, unease flickering behind his easy-going grin. That doesn’t exactly sound comforting… Still, he masked his discomfort with a sheepish smile, shrugging lightly. “Yeah, I get that a lot. Think you can help me figure it out?” Malachi paused, a contemplative expression crossing his regal features. After a moment, a gentle smile returned. “Indeed, I believe I can,” he responded warmly. “But first, let us share a meal. Great revelations often arise over good food, wouldn’t you agree?” Shunjiro felt his tension ease a little, grateful for Malachi’s easy-going demeanor. “Sounds great, I’m starving actually.” Together, they moved deeper into the castle, walking through spacious halls illuminated by softly glowing torches. Despite the castle’s intimidating exterior, the interior felt unexpectedly welcoming, its grand yet cozy atmosphere reassuring Shunjiro. Maybe this guy really can help me after all, he mused optimistically. Soon, they entered a vast dining hall. The massive table was already set with an assortment of exotic dishes that filled the room with tantalizing aromas. Shunjiro’s stomach growled audibly, eliciting a deep chuckle from Malachi. “Sit,” Malachi said warmly, gesturing toward a lavishly adorned chair opposite his own. “Enjoy.” As they began to eat, Shunjiro found himself opening up more than he expected. He talked about his friends, the fiery Itsuki, the quiet yet reliable Yoshinori, goofy but strong Tetsuo, Aiko the carefree drunk, and Ryuji the hopeless pervert. Malachi listened intently, smiling and occasionally laughing aloud at Shunjiro’s naive observations and humorous stories. “You truly are a breath of fresh air, Shunjiro,” Malachi said after a hearty laugh. “Rarely do I encounter someone as genuinely unguarded and straightforwardly amusing as you.” Shunjiro paused mid-bite, unsure if he’d been complimented or teased. “Uh, thanks? I think?” Malachi chuckled softly again. “That was indeed a compliment, young one.” As the meal progressed, their conversation drifted back to the mystery surrounding Shunjiro’s unpredictable abilities. Malachi offered several possibilities, each theory more intriguing than the last. His voice became thoughtful, deeply serious. “It’s possible you’re unknowingly tapping into an ancient source of power, perhaps even connected to your lineage.” “Lineage?” Shunjiro repeated, eyes widening. “You mean like… superhero stuff?” Malachi laughed deeply, shaking his head in amusement. “Something akin to that, perhaps.” Shunjiro’s eyes brightened. This was something he’d never considered before. Could there be something special in his family’s past that he’d never known about? Malachi, sensing Shunjiro’s rising excitement and curiosity, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Patience, young adventurer. We will begin training tomorrow. For now, rest and regain your strength, you’ll surely need it.” Shunjiro nodded enthusiastically, feeling a spark of determination ignite within him. “Got it!” Soon after dinner, Shunjiro found himself settling into a surprisingly comfortable guest room Malachi had arranged for him. He lay back on the plush bed, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling, the day’s revelations swirling through his mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he stood on the edge of something truly important. Something that could finally help him understand himself and the mysterious bursts of power he’d experienced. Maybe I’ll finally figure out what’s happening to me, he thought, eyelids growing heavy as sleep began to claim him. And once I do, I’ll find a way back to my friends, stronger, and ready for whatever comes next. With that determined thought in his mind, Shunjiro closed his eyes, letting sleep envelop him, the weight of hope and newfound resolve carrying him into restful dreams.