A Cry in the Dark

Jin-Won charged at the entity, his sword blazing with energy, his eyes burning with unwavering determination. If this shadow was his fear, he would crush it with his own hands.

Their swords clashed in a deafening explosion, sending Jin-Won skidding backward. He barely steadied himself before the entity moved again—faster than anything he had ever faced.

In an instant, the shadow appeared behind him, its dark blade cutting through the air. Jin-Won barely managed to raise his sword in time to block, but the sheer force sent him crashing to the ground.

"You are weak." The entity's cold voice echoed through the chamber as it stepped closer, its crimson eyes glowing ominously. "That's why you will never be able to protect them."

Jin-Won gritted his teeth, his fingers digging into the ground as he tried to push himself up. This wasn't just a physical fight—it was a battle of will. If he gave in to fear, he would lose everything.

But before he could move, the entity loomed over him, sword raised, ready to end him with a single strike.

"No!!"

A flash of blue light burst into the arena. Hori broke through the barrier, his body surrounded by a mysterious aura. His sword flared with energy as he clashed against the entity, forcing it away from Jin-Won.

"Don't you dare touch him!" Hori roared, standing between Jin-Won and the shadow.

Jin-Won gasped, looking up in shock. "Hori… how did you get in?"

Hori didn't look back. His stance remained firm. "Did you really think I'd let you do this alone?"

The entity chuckled, its laughter sending a chilling vibration through the chamber. "Foolish… if he can't face this alone, he isn't worthy of the power he seeks."

The air shifted. The darkness around them condensed, and the entity's power surged, as if this moment was exactly what it had been waiting for.

"Hori, get back!" Jin-Won shouted, but it was too late.

The entity lunged at Hori with terrifying speed, its sword striking with devastating force. The ground beneath them cracked from the impact.

Hori staggered back but didn't fall. His grip tightened on his sword, his expression darkening with fury. "So that's how it is…? Fine. If it's a fight you want, I'll give you one."

With a fierce battle cry, Hori charged forward, clashing against the shadowy figure with unrelenting ferocity.

Jin-Won watched, his heart pounding wildly. He couldn't just stand by and watch.

He gripped his sword tightly, forcing himself to his feet.

"This isn't just Hori's fight… this is mine too!"

And with that, he rushed forward to join him.

— To be continued…