Himitsu had made his choice.
He would face Lord Akitora alone.
The moment his decision became known, chaos spread among the magic fighters. Voices rose in protest, fear and disbelief.
"Going alone is suicide!"
"No one has ever returned from that castle!"
"You can't fight Akitora by yourself!"
But Himitsu didn't turn back. His expression remains calm, almost frighteningly so. There was no hesitation in his eyes – only quiet resolve.
Among the crowd, the high-ranking officer Kaiel stepped forward. His sharp eyes studied Himitsu for a long moment. Kaiel had seen many warriors in his lifetime, but very few carried themselves like this.
Finally, Kaiel spoke.
"Let him go."
The fighters fell silent.
"I trust him," Kaiel said firmly.
Himitsu met Kaiel's gaze and gave a respectful nod.
"Don't worry," he said. "I will return."
With those words, he turned his back on everyone and walked toward the unknown.
The journey grew darker with every step.
The land near the dark castle felt wrong –unnaturally quiet. Even the wind seemed afraid to blow. Thick black fog crept along the ground, wrapping around Himitsu's legs like a cold finger.
Then, through the mist, it appeared.
The Dark Castle.
It was enormous – far larger than Himitsu had imagined. Its black stone walls rose high into the sky, sharp and cruel like the teeth of a beast. The fog clung to it endlessly, as if the castle itself was breathing darkness.
"This place…" Himitsu thought. "It's alive."
Without stopping, he crossed the gate and stepped inside.
The moment he entered, danger revealed itself.
Shadows moved.
Suddenly, powerful attackers burst forth, surrounding him. Their magic was dense and violent, far stronger than ordinary shoulders. Spells flashed through the air as they attacked without mercy.
Himitsu reacted instantly.
His magic surged as he countered their attacks. The clash echoed through the halls – magic against magic, strength against strength. Each enemy fell one after another, defeated with precision and control.
"They are strong," Himitsu realised as the final attacker collapsed.
"These aren't normal guards."
Breathing steadily, he continued forward.
The interior of the castle was vast beyond reason. Endless corridors stretched in every direction, lit only by faint, unnatural light. The walls were black, cold and silent, as if they had witnessed countless deaths.
At last, Himitsu reached a massive door.
He pushed it open.
Inside was a grand hall, large enough to hold an army. At its centre stood a towering throne–dark, heavy and overflowing with authority.
And seated upon it was Lord Akitora.
The moment Himitsu saw him, pressure crashed down like a wave.
Akitora was enormous – tall and broad, with a body that looked carved from pure power. His white hair contrasted sharply against his dark surroundings, and his black eyes were deep, cold, and merciless.
He looked like a demon king stepped right out of legend.
"So it's true…" Himitsu thought.
"His aura is on another level."
Every story, every rumor – it was all correct.
Yet behind that terrifying presence lay a ridiculous truth.
Lord Akitora wasn't sitting still because he was plotting destruction.
He had simply eaten far too much food, and his stomach was in terrible pain.
But not a single hint of that discomfort showed on his face.
Outwardly, he remained perfectly composed –sitting proudly on his throne, radiating the calm, overwhelming aura of a dark lord who ruled without fear.
Himitsua and Lord Akitora stood facing each other, their gazes locked across the dark throne room.
After a brief pause, Akitora's deep voice echoed through the hall.
"Who are you?"