THE DUKE OF DARKNESS

'Huh? What is he doing?' Pine thought in bewilderment.But before Pine Hughes could respond, Kelvin raised his scythe even higher into the air as a burst of malevolent energy erupted from it, spreading outward like a wave of liquid shadow. In an instant, a giant sphere of darkness enveloped the entire arena, consuming Pine before he had the chance to react.

The spectators gasped in shock, their view of the duel completely obscured by the massive, writhing ball of darkness as whispers began to appear amongst them.

"What is that?!"

"It's the same technique he used against Valir! But this time… it's even stronger!"

Inside the impenetrable darkness, Pine found himself utterly disoriented. The darkness wasn't just physical—it was suffocating, oppressive, and seemed to gnaw at his very soul. His breathing quickened as panic began to set in.

Then, from the void, a chilling voice rang out, echoing ominously all around him.

"Welcome to my darkness."