The black orbs had engulfed the entire planet, like a colossal factory tirelessly producing life. Their numbers were infinite, covering every corner of this dead world. A planet that was once barren and lifeless was now being revived under the hands of Shikama Doji. Life flowed anew, like a river of existence bubbling through the ashes of death.
Sung Jinwoo was merely a spectator to this scene. He watched as Shikama Doji created new forms of life—creatures that had only existed in myths were now being born before his very eyes. An ecosystem that had been annihilated was reforming. A planet that was once dead now teemed with vitality.
Time accelerated, like a film playing on fast-forward. After the creation of life, Shikama Doji, alongside a beautiful woman, began crafting humanoid beings. When Jinwoo looked at them, his soul trembled. It was as if he was staring at nature itself, at the essence of creation. As though fragments of the world had taken physical form.
In that moment, Jinwoo understood what Shikama Doji was.
He was a God of Creation. A being beyond human comprehension. The God of Gods. Even the word "God" was insufficient to describe him.
He brought order to primordial chaos.
He created life from nothingness.
He brought this dead planet back to life.
But why would such an existence pay attention to Jinwoo?
Jinwoo wasn't arrogant or narcissistic enough to believe he was special. Yet, countless unanswered questions plagued him.
Who was the Shadow Monarch, really? What was his connection to Shikama Doji?
What was the truth behind the System?
Why did these beings take notice of him?
What was the secret of the black holes?
It was as if the entire universe was a grand theater, and humans were actors playing predetermined roles. But who was the director? Jinwoo had thought that growing stronger would bring him closer to the truth, yet the answers only seemed to grow more distant the further he progressed.
Suddenly... Shikama Doji looked at him.
Jinwoo froze. Wasn't this just a memory? How could he see him?
"You seem shocked, little king."
Shikama Doji's voice was like a soft whisper echoing through space. "This is the second time we've met. Watching my memories? You really are brave, little Jinwoo... But it doesn't matter. I like brave children."
Time stopped. Everything stood still.
"There's no need to fear. We won't harm you. On the contrary, we want to help you. You're a lucky boy. I know you have many questions, but I'd rather answer them when you're stronger. For now... I have two offers for you."
His voice was like a mother's lullaby—warm, soothing, and undeniable.
"The first offer..." Shikama Doji smiled. "I'll give you an ideal world. A place where all your wishes come true. Your father is alive. There are no black holes, no monsters, no hunters. Only peace... absolute happiness."
Jinwoo was stunned. It was tempting. But...
"What's the second offer?" Despite the allure of the first, his curiosity couldn't be ignored.
"The second offer... is to continue on your current path." Shikama Doji's eyes gleamed. "Now... which will you choose?"
Jinwoo thought for a moment. Then, firmly, he answered: "I choose the second offer. I don't want to be weak. I want to grow stronger to protect those I care about."
Shikama Doji seemed slightly surprised, then laughed. "Humans truly are fascinating. Now I understand why Ashborn was so fond of you. You... are an interesting child. I hope you won't regret this choice."
"This is my choice. I'll never regret it."
"You have a beautiful soul, human child." Shikama Doji raised his hand. "It's time to wake up... and here's a small gift from me."
The world of memories shattered, and Jinwoo returned to reality.
---
When he opened his eyes, an unbelievable scene lay before him.
Half of Kandiaru's body—the being who had seemed invincible just moments ago—had vanished. The shadows attacked him like ravenous beasts, but Kandiaru could no longer distort cause and effect to evade them.
Jinwoo felt his body grow heavy.
His thoughts were chaotic, but these changes quickly faded. The extra limbs that had formed during his transformation dissolved into golden light and merged back into him. Shikama Doji's gift—an enhancement of Ashborn's powers.
The Divine Blood had fully integrated with his being. His abilities as the vessel of the Shadow Monarch had reached an astonishing level. Physical prowess, mana, everything... had grown dozens of times stronger.
He had now reached the level of a Monarch.
The shadows returned to normal.
He smirked.
Kandiaru, the creature that had caused so much trouble, was now utterly defenseless before him. No one could stop him.
The shadows moved at his command.
The Dagger of Darkness materialized from the System's void, and he gripped it tightly.
"Today... you're finished."
Jinwoo was ready to annihilate Kandiaru and return home.