Sinister X

A New Threat Appears

The celebration in the village was short-lived.

Before Hikaru and Tetsuya could even catch their breath—

A thick, dark smoke began to seep through the streets.

It moved unnaturally, curling around buildings and slipping through alleyways like a living creature.

Villagers started collapsing, their bodies hitting the ground as if they had been put into a deep sleep.

Hikaru's eyes widened in horror.

"This smoke—"

A memory flashed in his mind—

Smokewraith.

"Everyone stay alert!" he shouted, trying to fan the smoke away.

But then—a figure emerged.

Introduction to Sinister X

The figure stood in the mist, their black cloak blending into the shadows.

A metallic mask covered their face, smooth and expressionless, with two red eyes glowing from underneath.

They raised a gloved hand, the smoke swirling around them like a living entity.

Then, their voice rang out—calm, yet terrifying.

"Such a disappointment."

Hikaru froze.

That voice…

Then, the figure slowly tilted their head.

"I suppose I should introduce myself."

They placed a hand over their chest in a mock bow.

"I am Sinister X."

Hikaru's breath caught in his throat.

That name…!

His mind raced back to the battle against Molecule—

"Sinister X won't be happy about this."

Hikaru's heart pounded.

Sinister X already knew about them.

Sinister X's Interest in the Elements

Sinister X turned to Hikaru, studying him for a long moment.

Then, they smirked under the mask.

"Ah. Light."

Hikaru tensed.

Then, Sinister X turned to Tetsuya.

"And you… must be Steel."

Tetsuya gritted his teeth. "Who the hell are you?"

Sinister X chuckled.

"The one who watches. The one who waits."

Then, their gaze fell on Bone Weaver, still lying unconscious.

Sinister X sighed.

"Bone Weaver. You failed."

There was no anger in their tone—just disappointment.

Hikaru stepped forward. "He's done. Leave him."

Sinister X tilted their head.

"Oh, no, no, no. He's not done yet."

They reached down and placed a hand on Bone Weaver's shoulder.

A dark pulse rippled through the air.

The next moment—

They both disappeared into the smoke.

Aftermath – The Fear in Hikaru's Eyes

As suddenly as it arrived, the smoke vanished.

The villagers slowly began to stir awake, unaware of what had just happened.

Tetsuya looked around, confused.

"What… just happened?"

Hikaru stood frozen in place.

His fists were clenched.

His body trembled slightly.

Tetsuya turned to him, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey. You good?"

Hikaru didn't respond.

Because for the first time since he had awakened the Element of Light—

He felt truly afraid.

Sinister X wasn't just another mutant.

They were planning something.

And now—

They were watching him.

The Scavenger Hunt Results

The safehouse was filled with noise as the Elements returned one by one, each carrying the items they were assigned to find.

Mei placed a small, ancient fossil on the table. "Boom. Found mine."

Ikazuchi smirked, pulling out a shiny gemstone from his pocket. "Easy."

Sora casually leaned back on the couch, chewing on a snack. "Mine's gone… but it was delicious."

Haruto rolled his eyes. "That doesn't count."

Reito placed down a hand-carved wooden statue, while Moriya dropped a rare medicinal plant onto the table.

Daichi placed a smooth river stone next to them.

"Looks like everyone made it back," Haruto said.

Then—the door opened again.

All eyes turned to the entrance.

Hikaru walked in, his arm bandaged and in a sling.

On his back—he carried a beautifully handcrafted sword.

And beside him—

A new presence.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with gray eyes and a calm but powerful aura.

Tetsuya Takumi.

The Element of Steel.

Mei's Concern

Mei's smile faded the moment she saw Hikaru's injured arm.

"Hikaru—what happened?"

Hikaru chuckled nervously. "Uh… long story."

Mei crossed her arms. "I have time."

Hikaru scratched his head. "There was… a fight."

Mei sighed, shaking her head. "Of course there was."

Tetsuya smirked. "Kid held his own. He's stronger than he looks."

Mei gave Hikaru a knowing glare.

"We'll talk about this later."

Hikaru gulped. "Y-Yeah."

Where's Teshii?

As the group settled in, Hikari glanced around.

Then she frowned.

"…Wait. Where's Teshii?"

Haruto blinked. "He's not back yet?"

Ikazuchi scoffed. "Figures. That guy probably got lost again."

Then—Hikari's phone rang.

She looked at the screen.

Teshii.

She answered immediately.

"Teshii, where the hell are you?"

Teshii's voice came through, as casual as ever.

"Uh… funny story. I'm in another country."

Everyone in the room froze.

Hikaru facepalmed. "Are you serious?!"

Teshii laughed. "Yeah… I think I might've won the scavenger hunt, though."

Ikazuchi groaned. "We need to put a tracker on this guy."

Hikari sighed. "Just… get back safely, okay?"

Teshii chuckled. "You worry too much, Princess."

Click. The call ended.

Moriya shook his head. "This guy is unreal."

Hikaru exhaled. "Well, at least we know he's alive."

But before anyone could comment further—

Something far away was happening.

Elsewhere – The Awakening of Darkness

On a remote island, far from civilization—

Yami Utsuro knelt on the ground.

His breathing was heavy, his body trembling.

Dark energy swirled around him, pulsing like a living shadow.

He clenched his fists, feeling the power flood through him.

His eyes—once cold but human—now glowed with a faint purple hue.

Standing nearby, watching him with a satisfied grin, was the mysterious figure he had met before.

The figure's voice was soft, yet filled with amusement.

"Congratulations."

They took a slow step forward.

"You have now awakened…"

They smirked.

"…The Element of Darkness."

Yami slowly stood up.

His expression was unreadable.

His power—uncontrollable.

And his next move… unknown.