When the battle ended, silence swallowed the city.
Citizens stared at Kaito as if witnessing a god.
Or a demon.
The mark across his body had spread further, forming intricate patterns like living armor beneath his skin.
Silver Eyes approached cautiously.
"You absorbed a Lord," she said softly.
Kaito looked distant.
"I heard its memories."
"What did you see?"
He hesitated.
"The eclipse… wasn't natural."
Her breath caught.
"Explain."
"It was opened. From the inside."
Before she could respond, Kaito staggered.
Blood spilled from his mouth.
The power was too much.
Inside him, the ancient presence stirred again.
And it was growing.