Izola looks through the screen at Arius, who is now covered in blood, his clothes torn, and his body bearing heavy injuries. Worst of all are his smile and terrifying gaze as he walks amid his dense sky-blue aura, his blue hair fluttering. Arius walks, laughing and shouting Baryon's name everywhere. As he walks, he passes people on the verge of death. One of them grabs Arius's leg and says, "Please help us," speaking with such helplessness that you can barely hear his words. But Arius kicks him away and says, "Disgusting."
Arius walks among the injured, turning and searching, but he doesn't find Baryon here, so he decides to fly away. Nahira says, "Look at you, Arius, you've become a filthy person who doesn't care about anyone, whose only concern is the path of revenge. He says that to himself, but you and my foolish sister are blinded by love. I don't understand what you see in scum like this."
Amid the debris, another Arius emerges and leaps, to Claris's utter astonishment. He heads straight toward an injured child and tells him, "Don't worry, little one, I am here to help you." Claris is surprised and says, "Unlike that dark monster, Arius is someone who helps others and cares about their well-being. But sometimes I feel a burning jealousy I can't explain just seeing him do that, as if I wish my dear Arius were like the black-eyed one—someone who cares about no one, someone who cares only about me. I envy that wounded person for what my dear is doing for him right now. If only I were in that wounded person's place."
Arius tells the wounded person, "Don't worry, you will heal," and begins pumping his energy into him. With that, his wounds heal, and his skin returns to its natural color. Then he moves toward a group on the verge of death and says, "We must save them no matter the cost. Their bodies may be mortal, but their souls endure, and all forms of life must be protected no matter the price." He adds coldly, "All evil must be wiped from existence."
This Arius heals everyone and tells them to enter a portal he opens for them, saying, "Cross through it, and you will reach a safe place." Some thank this Arius and leave, while others rush immediately into the portal. Arius looks at the devastation everywhere and says, "Damn you all, you wicked people, you're all the same. What is the point of your existence? We've seen no good in your presence wherever we are."
Claris comes up behind him and says, "Arius, are you alright?" He replies, "No, I am not alright. This destruction, this world that has been ruined, makes me feel sad. I can't believe the results of all this are because of a foolish revenge and a lust for combat pleasure. You know, I feel powerless to do anything to stop this."
She hugs him from behind and says, "Don't worry, my dear, we will find a solution. All of this will end the moment we defeat one of them. Just be patient." Arius says, "Yes, come with me," and leads her into a portal-like space, saying, "We will stay here until the battle ends. I will transport all the creatures that survived this destruction and heal them here all at once, even if it means keeping a single speck of soul inside these beings."
Indeed, Arius does this, transporting millions of creatures there. Then he opens a strange river and washes them in it, healing their wounds and injuries, and restoring consciousness to some. Arius says, "Unfortunately, all that remains from that place are a few million. I have wiped out all forms of life. Damn it."
Outside, Arius walks around, surprised by the silence of the place. He looks around and finds no corpses or people; the entire place has suddenly grown quiet. Then he senses energy in another galaxy, reaches it, and finds nothing. He moves on to other galaxies, shifting rapidly between the remaining universes in the same instant to find Baryon, who has left no trace.
The system screen shows that, unfortunately, all life has been eradicated, no one is left, and 80% of the universes on this side of the world have been destroyed. Arius doesn't care about this. Suddenly, he senses an incoming blow, parries it, and pushes it away. Baryon appears and says, "It's good that you were looking for me, but you forgot that I was looking for you at the same time."
Arius, surprised, asks, "And are you in a position to say something like that?"
Baryon laughs eerily and says, "From now on, I will use 100% of my full power. I've grown tired of this fight. You ruined my world, boy, and after I get rid of you, I will conquer the other worlds, build myself an empire higher than this one, and drown the world in pitch darkness so they learn what it means for a stray dog to cross Baryon. And Arius, thank you for pushing me to reach the peak of my capabilities, which I never dreamed I would unleash. Thank you, and at the same time, damn you for making me reach the stage of sparring with a youth whose age is like seconds to me, making me more aware of the future and giving me a higher goal: the annihilation of all creatures. I no longer want to see your kind appear across generations and cause me trouble. Today you are gone, and tomorrow the whole world will follow you to hell—the primary cause of the world's ruin, whose name will be carved into the deepest history of hell: the lowly, vile pedigree of Arius. Enjoy hell, Arius, for I will mention your name to everyone I kill so they can send regards to you on their journey there."
The red sky turns pitch black, and the gray earth shifts to absolute darkness. Arius feels his throat burning, so he bends over the ground and begins vomiting from the immense pressure. And it's not just him; in all the worlds—World 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10—everything plunges into pitch blackness. There is no place left to hide. Baryon has unleashed his complete and final capabilities; the era of joking is over, and the time for the final sleep, from which there is no awakening, has arrived. Baryon's body begins to crack, and he screams from the pain while energy leaks like dense, dark smoke.
In a distant world, a farmer is harvesting his crops when he sees pitch-black darkness cover his land. All the crops die, and every creature drops to its knees, either in terror or fainting from the magnitude of what is happening. The atmosphere turns catastrophic—not just on the scale of universes or a few worlds, but consuming everything. A black cloud blankets all the worlds.
Arlyn tries to stand but faints, while Zaya feels an endless heaviness throughout his body. Nahira says, "Wonders never cease; the air has become bothersome to me," and looks at Izola, who begins vomiting before fainting. Everyone and every creature in the ten worlds and beyond is affected, except for those inside the portal, who are completely oblivious to what is happening outside.
Arius tries to stand, but he feels an internal agony, and suddenly Baryon appears in a terrifying, dark, towering form with sharp red eyes devoid of any goodness. He appears instantly in front of Arius and, with absolute ease, without any effort, speed, or warning, pierces Arius's chest, thrusts his hand through, and casts him away. Arius falls unconscious, completely stripped of sense and awareness, drowning in the blood pouring from every part of his body.
Nahira witnesses the scene and rejoices greatly, casting a spell to awaken Izola, who sees the spectacle, screams in horror, and nearly loses her mind. Baryon laughs, walks over to Arius's corpse, spits on it, and says, "Hahaha," speaking in a voice unlike his previous one—a terrifying, calm, rumbling voice. "Did you really think, boy, that I was serious with you this whole time? I was merely toying with you. Now let your soul rest in a hell from which you will never rise, you and everyone who perished here."
With that, Baryon departs, instantly reaching the barrier separating his realm from the other side. He snaps his fingers against the barrier, and it crumbles into nothingness despite its legendary durability across infinite universes. He steps out of the portal after unleashing a minor blow that triggers the initial detonation of the very last remaining universes—numbering around 500,000 or slightly fewer. A massive explosion destroys half of World 0 and warps its previous shape.
Those inside the portal feel the tremors, but they don't assume it's anything major because, unfortunately, they have reached the decisive confrontation. Dazay says, "Several days outside equal one day here, so if we exit, don't be surprised by how things have changed on the other side."
Karma arrives with his forces, and the two armies—comprising the soldiers of Gestoria and Azoria on one side, and Karma's army on the other—face off. Numbers heavily favor the Gestoria and Azoria coalition, numbering in the billions, compared to Karma's millions, because Dazay decided it would be a total, final war, bringing forth the entire military. With the alliance with Celis, their power is even greater.
Rymus says, "Damn the Black-Eyed; I wish he were here so I could tear his head off."
Mythos replies, "No, man, it's better he's not here. That way we'll win, right?"
On the other side, Karma and Dazay step forward. Karma says, "Surrender, Dazay, this is your last chance."
Dazay laughs and says, "And why don't you surrender?"
Karma feels insulted and says, "As you wish," launching a colorless energy strike that swells as it hurtles toward them to obliterate them. However, Celis deflects it with a sharp kick, prompting Karma to say, "As expected of the Sharp Blade."
Celis lands and says, "Karma, today is the day I cut off your head, you vile wretch."
Karma says, "Don't forget we were friends in the past; don't deny everything that was between us, my dear."
Celis replies, "You are the one who betrayed us, Karma, and you are the one who built the borders between us. So today, blame only yourself."
Outside, Baryon arrives at Karma's palace, enters, finds no one, and says, "Wonders never cease. Did they flee the moment they saw my power?" He sits upon Karma's throne and says, "I will transform this world into my own image. I will impose my personality on everyone who mocked me. I shall become the absolute all-in-all, forever."
Meanwhile, Izola weeps over the death of Arius, for World 0 on the side where he lies has completely evaporated, leaving nothing behind but the dark, absolute void of emptiness. Amid the sounds of the void, Arius's body floats in the empty expanse, bearing endless wounds and a chest hole bleeding without pause.
Inside Arius's head, a voice calls: "Wake up, wake up." He opens his eyes, bewildered, asking himself, What is happening?
"What's wrong, little one? Did you have a nightmare that frightened you?"
Arius looks at the owner of the voice and finds Helis, his mother. Confused by what he sees, she asks, "What's the matter, my dear? Did you dream of a terrible nightmare again?"
Arius replies hesitantly, "Yes, yes, it was a terrible nightmare, Mom." Then he hugs her to make sure she is real.
After that, she says, "Alright, I'm going downstairs to prepare breakfast for you. Now go change your clothes and come down."
Arius answers, "Yes."
He gets out of bed, walks over to the mirror, examines his body, and says, "Was all of that just a dream?" He even tries to transform into Cypher or assume the Ruler's form, but he cannot. He tries to summon the system, but it fails to respond. He says, "Yes, it all must have been a nightmare." He breathes a sigh of relief, changes his clothes, and heads downstairs to find Helis waiting with breakfast ready.
Seeking confirmation, Arius asks, "Mom..."
She replies, "Yes, my dear?"
"Will you pinch me a little?"
She does, and he genuinely feels the sting. He gasps, "I'm not dreaming at all, this is real!" He bursts out laughing, saying, "Yes, the nightmare is finally over!"
Helis looks at him in utter confusion. He tells her, "Mom, I dreamed a terrifying nightmare," and begins crying in her lap. She comforts him: "Don't worry, little one, the nightmare is over now, and here I am right before you."
He raises his head and says, "Mom, don't ever leave me again. I need you by my side."
"Alright, alright, my dear, I am always here for you."
Just then, Alberto enters through the door. Arius looks at him, rushes over, and says, "Dad, you're alright!"
Alberto laughs and says, "Yes, my son, I am fine as long as you are fine," stroking his hair. Arius checks his body for injuries and finds none, asking, "Dad, where is Helis, and where is Elios?"
Alberto replies, "Your brother is training outside, and your sister is sleeping in her room, my son."
Arius rushes outside to find Elios training, runs up to him, and hugs him tightly. Surprised, Elios asks, "What's wrong with you, Arius? Why are you acting like this today?"
Arius says, "Nothing, I just missed you, my savior."
Elios chuckles, "Your savior? Ah right, because I'm always the one chasing bullies away from you."
Arius replies, "And that's why I love you," tears streaming down his eyes.
Elios thinks, What's wrong with this boy today, acting so strange? "Arius, are you tired or something?"
Arius stands up and says, "Nothing, I'm just so happy today," and walks away to check on Helen, who is indeed sleeping in her room. He mutters, "I almost forgot Helen. Nightmares really are the worst."
Arius goes back downstairs and sits in Alberto's lap. Alberto says, "Tell me, Arius, your mother mentioned a nightmare that troubled you. What was it about?"
Arius says, "Yes, Dad, it was truly horrific. I... I... I died, you and Mom died, and I was sent to a distant planet called Earth where a family adopted me. The man who adopted me died, then I met my brother and the son of the planet's king, Rymus, and we went on an adventure to a planet called Akrit to try and save our home planet. My brother was killed defending me by an ice princess or something. I trained, became strong, went on many adventures, learned new abilities over the years, met the ruler of the sixth world, fought in tournaments, went to the first world, met the woman who used to torture and terrify me in the past, met her crazy sister, and was forced to marry her. I sought revenge on you both from Baryon, a wicked monster, and... and a madman named the Designer chased after me, wanting my body and killing the woman who adopted me. After that, I isolated myself for long years, training physically, mentally, and spiritually to become stronger. I met people who helped me, lived with them for years, became a wanted criminal pursued by everyone, and then I went to take revenge for you both, destroyed the entire world, died at the end, and woke up right in front of you!" Arius breaks down in sobs.
Alberto exchanges a look with Helis and Elios, then says, "It seems you've truly been through a lot, and we understand all of that. Remember that we support whatever you say, my dear, whether it's fantasy or reality. But the time hasn't come yet for us to truly meet, Arius. You must finish what you caused to be awakened."
Surprised by his father's words, Arius freezes, while Helis says, "My dear, one day we will see you, and you will tell us other things that might just be a sweet dream."
Elios looks at his brother and says, "I have great faith in you. Go out there and beat that guy up, brother!"
Arius asks them in sheer bewilderment, "What is happening? What do you mean?"
Alberto says, "My dear Arius, I am truly proud of what you've achieved, and one day I will see you face to face to tell you these words. But for now, do not ever think that what you see right now is best for you; rather, what you see as a nightmare is your true reality that you must accept, my son. Take care of yourself out there."
Arius screams, "Wait! Where are you going? What is happening? Wait, Dad! Mom!"
Suddenly, Arius wakes up in the middle of the void. His organs have regenerated, healing the hole in his chest. Arius grasps his healed chest, though a scar remains. He breathes heavily and looks around to find pitch-darkness everywhere, realizing that Baryon destroyed this place and fled.
Nahira looks at Arius, who has just awakened, and says, "Wonders never cease. It's been a while since he died; how did he come back?" Izola looks at the screen and rejoices because he has returned by a miracle.
Arius says, "It's good that I'm a Celestine; the healing ability is excellent, and I always forget to use it." He flies off, trying to sense Baryon's energy, which he manages to locate. He commands the system to display his status:
Serial Killer trait returned to 0%
Mental condition: reasonably sound
Physical condition: semi-restored
Current combat power: 30 Nonillion
Arius snarls, "Damn that person. He brought out my worst traits, I will kill him. I won't let it slide once, let alone twice!"
He flies off, and within minutes, Baryon senses a sharp, incoming energy surge. Baryon mutters, "What is this? Is he back? Damn it."
Arius lands in front of Karma's palace, opens the door, and finds Baryon sitting on Karma's throne.
Arius says, "I'm back."
Baryon replies, "Back from the dead to bring you greetings from my parents?"
Arius retorts, "I don't know, but I'll make you pay for what you did to me. I swear I'll kill you, and there you can meet your wife and your ugly child."
Baryon stands up and says, "And how will you face me with this pile of fat?" He surges forward, delivering a kick to Arius that sends him flying through the golden doors, crashing him outside the palace.
Arius struggles to stand, saying, "Damn it. Alright, I'll use what little I have left." He gets up, breathes heavily, and his Hisphere's aura shifts from sky-blue to golden-blue. The energy becomes less visible, and no sudden tremors or devastation occur around him.
Arius murmurs, "Good, I've reached it—the mastered state of the Hisphere."
The system screen displays:
Power level rose to 600 Nonillion (20 million times your normal state).
Arius thinks, I've known for a long time that the Hisphere was incomplete because it doesn't utilize the full energy of the Cypher when transforming, as the Ruler's energy overwhelms normal Cypher energy. But by making them equal, this is the result: the Mastered Hisphere.However, I mustn't get arrogant now. Despite my immense power, I still haven't reached his full strength. From what I can see, this monster's power is 1 Decillion, and he says that's currently just 1% of his power. So I am nowhere near even 1%, let alone the rest! I let my pride get the better of me, but I'll deal with it in the end. I hope so.
Arius charges fiercely. Baryon is pushed back slightly, but he doesn't wobble, get scratched, or feel pain the way he used to. Those tactics no longer affect him; instead, he views Arius as an amateur before him.
Baryon says, "Listen to me, Arius. A few hours ago you were arrogant with your power, and you saw yourself fall before me. So don't assume you'll stay in control. Wake up to reality, boy! What is the use of great power if you don't know when to use it at the right time? You wasted all that time trying to impress me and humiliate me with the power you displayed, which led to your swift downfall. I'll give you a quick lesson, boy: the life you aspire to may end before you realize it."
Baryon flies away, charges an attack, and tells Arius, "Follow this, or else I will obliterate one of the worlds! And it's not limited to a single world or a dozen, but an entire realm. Which one shall I choose? Ah, isn't that the world where your people were destroyed? There must be someone you know there right now, so..."
Arius shouts, "Stop! As if I even care!"
Baryon retorts, "Of course you care. I know very well that you have a sister in that world."
Shocked, Arius hears Baryon say, "I read your thoughts, and I know her exact location." Baryon hurls a sphere the size of a sun, glowing black and green. Its impact will vaporize all ten worlds, not just the sixth, as Baryon claimed.
Arius flies behind it, but due to its immense velocity, he cannot stop it. He tries to reverse its momentum, but it won't budge. Arius grabs it from behind, positioning himself in front of it, while the sphere begins to strip the skin from his back with its intense heat. He creates an energy shield enclosing himself and the sphere. The bomb detonates inside the shield into which Arius poured all his power.
The explosion fades, and Baryon sees Arius floating amidst the smoke, unconscious, his transformation gone. Worst of all, his back is completely skinned, charred, and boiling from the sheer magnitude of the blast.
Baryon laughs and says, "It's unfortunate to see that, but it had to be done, boy. In the end, no matter how great your power grows, as long as you have people around you, you will always be full of weaknesses. You caused things that people will hate you for; I never intended to enter these worlds or leave the borders of my lands, but you came in and did everything to make me rage and go berserk. You killed my family just to quench your cheap thirst for revenge, destroyed my entire world in the name of a failed vendetta, and made me look like the villain at the end of the movie—even though your actions are what define evil."
"I truly realized that every person is responsible for the consequences of their actions. I destroyed your people, and my punishment was the destruction of my world and my family, leaving me homeless and landless. And you destroyed my world, sought revenge, and wiped out my family and men just to satisfy your ego and ignore your own inadequacies, playing the role of the victim and the hero who tried to save everyone. Now, witness the end of your actions. I suppose in the end you got what you wanted, because now I will be the villain in everyone's eyes, and you will be the pitiful hero people think tried to save them. But I will grant your wish: I, too, have lost the passion for living, and I will follow you to hell so we can fight there forever—far better than living an empty life with no notable purpose."
"Look, Arius, our meeting will be in hell—you and I, through all eternity."
Suddenly, Baryon feels a strange shock. He looks down and sees that Arius has vanished from his spot, shocking him even further as a hand grips his shoulder. He turns around and sees Arius—completely unconscious, with cold eyes like a moving doll.
Baryon recoils and says, "What has happened to you, fellow?"
A dark blue aura, mixed with black and white, radiates from Arius. He remains in his normal state, but the aura is different. Arius stares at Baryon.
The system screen flashes:
Guardian System activated.
Riya-Riya state engaged.
Suddenly, a glitch line crosses the screen, followed by: Correction applied. Initial awakening state processed. Errors detected will be handled and repaired.
The window vanishes. Baryon feels a strange sensation; he can no longer sense either Ruler energy or normal human energy radiating from this person. He feels like he is facing a corpse or a moving doll summoned from the void.