The Evolved Sleeve loomed over the group, its presence suffocating. Every movement it made radiated power beyond anything they had faced before. The battle raged for hours, the dimension itself trembling under the clash of powers.
Sung Min Ki unleashed the "Saignement de Cri" once more, the blade tearing through the air like a devil's whisper. The energy was raw, feral, and uncontrollable, splitting the battlefield apart.
But the Evolved Sleeve absorbed the impact, its form regenerating almost instantly.
Sung Min Ki (panting):
"It's not enough. Nothing's enough against this thing!"
Gok (yelling):
"Don't give up! We've come too far!"
Monkey, glowing with a golden aura, charged forward. His Zodiac Energy erupted like a beacon, his fists pounding against the Sleeve's seemingly indestructible body. Each blow carried the weight of his years of experience and sacrifice.
Monkey (gritting his teeth):
"You want a reason to live, kid? This is it. Fight with everything you've got!"
The battle escalated as Gok and Wu-Ji joined the fray, their attacks synchronized with Monkey's relentless assault. The Evolved Sleeve began to falter under their combined strength, cracks forming in its humanoid shell.
Wu-Ji (to Sung):
"This is your moment, Min Ki. End this!"
Sung Min Ki stepped forward, gripping the Shukketsu tightly. His body ached, his mind was fractured, but his resolve was unshaken. Channeling everything he had left, he swung the blade one last time.
Sung Min Ki:
"For Hansoo, for Whitepalm, for all of us—this ends now!"
The blade activated with a deafening roar, unleashing a devastating energy wave that tore through the Sleeve's core.
The Evolved Sleeve let out a guttural scream as it disintegrated, its energy dispersing into the air. The group stood in silence, their victory hard-earned but bittersweet.
When they stepped through the rift, they found themselves back in the real world. The Blossom Dimension was behind them, and the sun was rising. But their return was not met with peace.
News outlets were already buzzing with reports:
"Prime Minister Gok Missing for Two Days—Feared Dead!"
The group barely had time to process their return before reporters swarmed them. Cameras flashed, and microphones were shoved into their faces.
Reporter:
"Where have you been, Prime Minister? What happened to you?"
Gok (calmly):
"We fought for the future of this world. That's all you need to know for now."
A few days later, they stood together at Whitepalm's funeral. The loss weighed heavily on all of them. Whitepalm had fought bravely and given his life for their mission, and his absence was deeply felt.
The ceremony was somber but honorable. As they lowered his casket, Monkey placed Whitepalm's Golden Cloak over it as a final tribute.
Monkey (quietly):
"Rest well, kid. You earned it."
Drink Among Friends
That night, the survivors gathered at a quiet bar to share one final drink. The room was filled with old comrades and new allies: Wu-Ji, Monkey, King D, Dino, the previous president, Kim Hansoo's friends, and, of course, Sung Min Ki.
They raised their glasses, toasting to their fallen and to their journey.
Gok:
"To Whitepalm. To Hansoo. To everyone we've lost along the way. We fought, we bled, and we survived."
Sung Min Ki (softly):
"And to the future."
As the night wore on, laughter and stories filled the room, a reminder of everything they had fought for. The world was still broken, but hope remained. They had done their part, and now, it was time to rest.
In the corner of the room, Sung Min Ki stared out the window at the rising moon. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of peace.
Sung Min Ki (to himself):
"It's been a long journey. But maybe… just maybe… we've earned the right to call it the end."