A few days later, the friends reunited at the Dark Kingdom's palace, each carrying the same question in their hearts: "Will Saruto finally reveal his source?"
They entered the palace, where Saruto was waiting. Kyle stepped forward, his tone direct. "So… you've made up your mind, Saruto?"
"Yes," Saruto replied calmly and decisively.
Then, extending his hand, he added, "Put your hands on my shoulders."
They exchanged glances, then did as he said. The next moment, a dark energy surged, and their teleportation skill activated. The palace vanished. In an instant, they found themselves before a colossal stone gate, rising like an endless wall. The three of them took a step back in awe. "What is this…?" Ryan asked, bewildered.
Saruto stepped forward, placed his hand on the gate, and pushed it open. Slowly, the stone clanged open in the void. They stepped inside. Suddenly, a vast white world stretched before them, with no discernible ground, no sky, and no end. "What is this place?" Lucien looked around.
"One of the Dark Family's training grounds," Saruto replied.
They froze. "So… Saruto trained here?"
"Follow me," Saruto interrupted their astonishment.
They began to walk. Moments later, they felt it. A massive, dark energy was approaching. They stopped abruptly. From the heart of the white void, a shadow soldier appeared, standing motionless before them. Saruto eyes widened. "Who are you? And how did you get in here?!"
The soldier chuckled softly and said in a familiar voice, "It's been a long time, Saruto…"
Saruto body stiffened. "…Darius?!"
The soldier laughed even harder. "My master sent me to free you. I've merged. And now… I'll leave and return to him."
In an instant, Saruto formed his swords. "As if I'd let you."
Darius smiled and formed a giant sword in his hand. "So… try to stop me."
"Who is this, Saruto?!" Ryan snapped.
"This is the source of information I told you about," he replied, glaring at Darius. "If he escapes… we'll never know where Umbra is."
The next moment, they all moved. The four of them surged forward, surrounding Darius from all sides. Darius grinned confidently. "Come at me."
Ryan was the first to attack. He charged forward, shouting furiously, "So you and your master are responsible for the Abyss Prison disaster! And for the death of Arena father! I will never forgive you!"
He threw a powerful blow with his sword, but Darius caught it with one hand. He laughed. "Weak. You think your level is enough to defeat my master?"
He lifted Ryan from his sword and slammed him to the ground. The earth shattered beneath him. At the same moment, Kyle appeared, his hammer charged with thunder. He fired two blows, but Darius turned and blocked them with his giant sword. The clash of energies unleashed violent sparks.
Lucian seized the moment. He hurled his energy-laden spear straight at Darius. Darius noticed the attack and suddenly increased his power, sending Kyle flying. He turned, caught the spear, and swung it back with force. It struck Lucian, who fell backward. Saruto remained. He teleported, his swords slamming into Darius giant sword. A violent clash. "I won't let you get away," Saruto said sternly.
"We'll see," Darius chuckled.
They traded blows—speed, power, energy sparks piercing the white void. The friends rose again. They moved together. Ryan teleported swiftly and delivered a powerful kick to Darius chin, launching him into the air. In mid-air, Kyle appeared and delivered a thunderous strike to Darius chest.
Darius was damaged and fell to the ground. But time slowed. It was Lucian. He had done his Ice Breath. He sprang into action, unleashing a barrage of blows, then grabbed Darius by the arms and tossed him high into the air.
Time flowed again. Below, Saruto stood. A dark dragon's head formed on his chest. He opened his mouth. Energy gathered. Then he released it. Dark energy surged toward Darius. Darius tried to deflect it with his sword, but it was too strong. It struck him directly. He fell violently to the ground. He tried to get up, but the four were in front of him. "Damn it… I didn't expect you all to gather," Darius said bitterly.
Suddenly, a voice inside his head said, "What are you waiting for?"
Darius panicked. "Sir… I apologize for the delay. Some insects held me back."
The voice came coldly, "I don't care. Do as I command."
Darius trembled. "…Yes, sir."
He suddenly charged forward. When he reached the four, a huge dragon sprang from the soldier's body. Darius laughed. "Goodbye, you fools!"
The soldier exploded. A massive wave of energy engulfed Saruto and his companions. "This will slow them down a bit—" Darius said, stepping back.
But dark chains bound his legs. He froze. A voice came from the heart of the smoke: "Pull him."
The chains tightened. "Damn you!" Darius cried.
"You won't escape… after all you've done," Saruto said coldly.
And they continued to pull him by the chains, despite Darius resistance.