The explosion roared. Energy tore through space, shattering everything into fragments. The massive black form began to collapse. Darkness spilled out of it like a broken flood, fading bit by bit.
"We did it!" Gon shouted, fists clenched tight.
But Ryker did not relax. His expression darkened. This was not over. Not even close.
"We need to leave. Now."
His eyes locked onto the collapsing space. Something was wrong. The core of the abyss still felt… alive.
Then — the space convulsed. A violent tremor surged outward. From Tyrkel's remains, a far denser, more terrifying dark energy erupted. It spiraled upward. A vortex. Expanding rapidly.
"He's not dead!" Biscuit shouted, shock breaking through her composure.
Ryker tightened his grip on the Thunder God's Judgment Blade.
"This energy…"
"…it's different."
Killua's voice dropped.
"We underestimated this place."
"Tyrkel wasn't the whole picture."
"The real threat… still hasn't shown itself."
At the center of the vortex — a figure emerged. Slowly. Deliberately. Encased in black armor. Massive. A colossal black greatsword rested in his hand. His presence alone eclipsed everything before.
Ryker's pupils shrank.
"…No way."
The System reacted instantly.
[ New Plunder Target Locked ]
The figure spoke.
"I am the supreme existence of the Dark Continent."
"Black Domain Emperor — Kaelthas."
His voice shook the sky.
"Your victory…"
"…was merely the beginning of darkness."
"The true night has yet to fall."
The pressure multiplied. The entire space began to collapse under his presence.
Ryker felt it clearly. This was beyond Tyrkel. Not just stronger. Higher. A being that ruled over the abyss itself.
"If you truly believe you can change the fate of the Dark Continent…"
"Then come."
Kaelthas raised his blade. The space around it twisted violently. Black lightning surged. Darkness flooded forward like a tidal wave.
Ryker inhaled slowly. The System roared back to life. Every trait ignited. Lightning and darkness fused once more within him.
"This time…"
"We don't fall back."
His eyes burned with resolve.
"Forward."
Kaelthas stepped fully out of the vortex. His greatsword hung above them like a blade of execution. His gaze was cold. Dismissive.
"Your struggle is meaningless."
"The dominion of the Dark Continent cannot be shaken."
"All resistance ends the same way."
"Consumption."
"You're wrong."
Ryker stepped forward. Lightning exploded around him. The Thunder God's Judgment Blade shone like a star.
"This world doesn't belong to darkness."
"And we're ending this."
Kaelthas smiled faintly. Then swung. The blade fell. Space shattered instantly. A tidal wave of black energy crashed toward them — carrying absolute destruction.
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