Even in death you defy

Yami sat hunched over, hands gripping his

head, his breath unsteady. His father's voice still echoed in his mind—soft, fleeting, yet undeniably real.The image of his parents burned into his memory, their final moments replaying like a cruel illusion. His father's last words clung to him, heavier than the weight in his chest.

"I... I remember that figure..." His voice was barely above a whisper, his fingers tightening in his hair.

"It has the answers I'm looking for. I have to find out what's really happening… my family's fate depends on it."

The resolve in his eyes hardened. He could no longer ignore it—this was bigger than nightmares or distant whispers.

Somewhere, in the deepest recesses of the universe, a far more sinister force moved.

The Underworld – Lucifer's Ascent

The underworld trembled as Lucifer's presence darkened the realm. His crimson hair burned like embers beneath the eerie glow of hellfire, his piercing eyes locked onto the river of lost souls flowing endlessly before him.

At his side stood General Grim, his most trusted enforcer—a wraith-like figure shrouded in deep violet shadows.

Lucifer's voice was laced with irritation. "So… Yani had a son." He exhaled sharply, lips curling into a smirk. "Interesting. But he can wait. Right now, Aphrodite's crest is my priority." His tone grew sharp. "Grim!"

The general bowed slightly. "Yes, my lord?"

Lucifer's fingers twitched, restless. "Search every mortal reality. I don't care how long it takes—find Aphrodite's 's crest. It should be leaking mana by now. No excuses."

Without hesitation, Grim disappeared into the abyss, melting into the shadows as he set off toward the first known reality—the Crystal Realm of the Mortals.

Lucifer chuckled darkly, his gaze fixed on the swirling chaos before him. "Damn you, Dagger… Even in death, you're a thorn in my side." His fingers flexed, raw energy crackling at his fingertips. "No matter. I will find the crest… and soon, every realm will bow to me."

The school day passed in a blur. The sun had begun its slow descent as Yami, Misami, and Yahiko walked home together, their footsteps blending with the distant hum of traffic.

Then—A screech of tires.

A black van skidded to a halt in front of them.

Before they could react, shadows moved behind them—three men, silent and efficient. A sharp pain struck the back of Yami's neck. His vision blurred, and the world tilted sideways.

The last thing he heard was Misami's muffled cry before darkness swallowed him whole.

Yami's head throbbed as he regained consciousness. The air was thick with dust and oil, the dim light from a broken window casting eerie shadows across the abandoned factory.

His wrists were bound, the rough texture of rope digging into his skin. Beside him, Misami and Yahiko stirred, groggy but unharmed.

"Ahh… Girls, are you okay?" Yami's voice was hoarse.Misami shook her head, trying to steady her breath. "Yeah…"

Yahiko, still dazed, groaned. "I swear… If this is about a love triangle, I'm suing somebody."

A low chuckle echoed from the darkness.

Emerging from the shadows, a group of thugs stepped forward, their grins sharp with malice. The leader, a rugged man with a jagged scar down his cheek, crossed his arms.

"Well, well… What do we have here?" His voice was laced with amusement. "The boss wanted the girl with black hair and blue eyes, but damn, we got two more gifts in one package."

Yami's jaw clenched. "What do you want?"

The thug sneered. "Are you dense, kid? Ransom." He nodded toward Misami. "She's the daughter of someone powerful. That hospital? Just a front. But the boss… He said we could have a little fun with her—so long as she's alive."

Misami stiffened, a mix of fear and fury flashing in her eyes. "Stay the hell away from me!"

The thug chuckled, stepping closer. "Oh, come on now. You know you wa—"

"Take another step."

The air shifted. Cold. Unnatural.

Yami's breathing slowed as something… someone whispered in his mind.

"You should listen more carefully to my warnings… But very well. I'll help you—just this once. See within, and you may speak with me… But it will cost you."

Yami didn't hesitate. "Deal."

The moment the words left his lips, his body surged with unnatural energy. His muscles tensed, his senses sharpened.

The thug smirked. "You sure, kid? Calling for a beating?"

Yami's eyes snapped open—they burned with a deep, unnatural glow.A single, swift motion.

The ropes snapped.

Before the thug could react, Yami moved—faster than humanly possible.

Crack.

His fist met the thug's jaw with brutal force, sending him sprawling across the concrete.

The room erupted into chaos.

The other thugs rushed forward, blades gleaming in the dim light. Ten of them. Armed.

Yami didn't falter.

The first thug lunged—Yami sidestepped, catching the man's wrist and twisting it with an audible snap. The knife clattered to the ground.

Another came from behind. Yami pivoted, driving his elbow into the attacker's gut before slamming his head into the wall.

Two down.

A third rushed in, swinging wildly. Yami ducked, sweeping his leg beneath him. The thug crashed onto the floor, only for Yami to deliver a sharp kick to his ribs.

Three.

The remaining seven hesitated—but it was too late.

Yami moved like a storm, dodging, countering, breaking them one by one. A fist to the gut. A kick to the temple. A knife turned against its wielder. The warehouse was filled with groans and the sound of bodies hitting the floor.

The last thug tried to run,Yami wasn't merciful.

In a blink, he closed the distance, grabbing the thug by the collar and slamming him into a steel pillar. The man collapsed, unconscious.

Silence.

Misami and Yahiko stared in stunned disbelief, their bodies frozen.Yami stood amidst the fallen, chest rising and falling, his glowing eyes flickering.

Misami's voice was barely above a whisper.

"Yami… Who are you?"

Yahiko's lips curled into a grin.

"Damn… My Satu prince is badass."

Yami exhaled, his body trembling. He reached down, cutting the ropes from their wrists.

"Alright… Let's go ho—"

His vision blurred. The borrowed power drained from his limbs.The world tilted.

Then—

Darkness.

Misami lunged forward, catching him before he hit the ground.

"Yami!"