Chapter 31: When Shadows Stir

The Strongest Transcendent In History Is The Strongest

Chapter 31: When Shadows Stir

Katsume greets me with a casual smile, saying, "Welcome back, big bro," as if nothing remarkable had just transpired. It's such an ordinary thing to say, but in the weight of this moment, it feels like a thin veneer concealing something far deeper.

As I collapse onto the ground, my body feels heavy and unresponsive, and I can sense the remnants of my other form ebbing away. The dazzling array of fractured halos gracefully fades within the air. My hair, once resplendent with vibrant energy, reverts back to its usual state, and my eyes lose the otherworldly glow that once defined them. My outfit dissipates, returning to the more mundane everyday garb I wear when not in battle. The majestic aura that surrounded me dissipates into nothingness, leaving behind a stark silence that feels deafening.

Katsume's cheerful facade fades into a visible sorrow as she cradles me, wiping her tears with the back of her hand while muttering, "I'm not crying, idiot… you're just heavy!" Her voice shakes with unspoken fear and sadness. "Why is it that I'm never strong enough to protect what matters?" The anguish is clear, and despite her bravado, tears stream down her cheeks as she wraps her arms tightly around me, seeking solace in my presence.

As a couple of hours roll by, I gradually regain consciousness. Blinking against the dim light, I manage to utter in a calm tone, "What time is it?" My voice feels foreign, almost distant.

Katsume's eyes widen with concern, and her words rush out in a flood of emotions. "You've been unconscious for hours! You really had me worried there, big bro. I thought something terrible happened to you! Don't ever scare me like that again!" In that moment, it's as if her bravery crumbles, and she bursts into tears of joy, embracing me tightly. The raw relief in her expression speaks volumes.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, I sheepishly reply, "I'm sorry… I scared you pretty badly, huh?" I can feel the weight of my actions pressing down on me.

Katsume, still trembling with emotion, responds, "Pretty bad? I thought you were dead for a moment!" Her voice quivers with a mixture of angst and relief.

I shake my head dismissively, attempting to downplay the incident. "No, just some drawbacks from using that form," I say casually, trying to lighten the mood.

Her concern, however, only deepens as she presses for answers, "Drawbacks? Then tell me!" she demands, her eyes narrowing as the memory of my transformed state flashes across her mind.

Taking a moment to reflect, I begin to explain thoughtfully, "Upon activating the Absolute One transformation, it's like my existence starts to unravel, fracturing across all conceivable versions of myself. Every choice, every emotion, every regret, every conceivable outcome I've ever faced simultaneously surfaces, overlapping and colliding within a single unstable vessel. To become the 'Absolute One' is to become the very essence of every self that ever was."

I pause, considering the implications of my words. "As these echoing selves rise up—past versions and alternate realities of me manifest emotionally and mentally—I can hear their voices, feel their instincts, even see their illusions. Old memories flood back in, including regrets I've never lived through as my current self."

"The real risk," I continue, "is the cognitive collapse that happens if I lose emotional control or begin to doubt myself. Those fractured identities can start vying for control, threatening to tear the Absolute One apart into discordant and incompatible versions."

I take a deep breath, preparing for the final revelation. "And then there's the reality feedback. As more of these selves converge within me, reality itself tries to reject my existence as a paradox, leading to environmental anomalies, timeline shifts, or logic reversals around me. Wielding such power without self-acceptance leads to collapse. To truly become the Absolute One, one must embrace all facets of their being—not just who they are but who they are not. The ability to defeat any enemy rests not just in power, but in the battle for self-understanding."

Katsume looks at me, wide-eyed with worry. "Don't ever use that form again, alright? I can't live in a world without my big brother," she pleads, her voice thick with emotion.

I gently stroke her hair, comforting her. "I get that. I can't imagine a world without my little sister either," I assure her, feeling the warmth of our bond resonate between us.

Katsume smiles softly, still wrapped around me in a tight embrace, her warmth radiating a calming presence. I can feel her heartbeat syncing with my own, a rhythm that reassures me that we are both still here, still alive. For a fleeting moment, everything feels perfect, as if all the chaos around us has finally settled.

But then, without warning, something shifts in her shadow. At first, it's just a flicker, an illusion, perhaps a trick of dim light playing across the ground. But then it bulges and ripples unnaturally, as if something dark and sinister lurks beneath the surface, struggling to break free. A soundless rupture slices through the air, overwhelming the stillness that had settled just moments before. Her shadow stretches, warping and twisting open, and from that writhing void, something emerges—a figure, steeped in living darkness.

It slithers into existence, a grotesque form enveloped in shadows, its crimson eyes igniting with a furious intensity akin to hatred forged in the depths of a dying star. Midnight-black hair trails behind it like smoke, shimmering with a malevolent intent, while its long coat flows with a sinister grace, demanding compliance from the very air around it.

And then, it smiles—no, grins—a jagged, feral expression that seems carved into its face by madness itself. "Now that I'm free…" it hisses, and the very words seem to reverberate with an ancient curse long unsealed. "…I'll kill everyone here." Its head tilts sharply, gaze locking onto Katsume. "I'll start with her first." In a heartbeat, it lunges forward, emerging from the shadows, aiming directly for her heart.

Katsume flinches, her body paralyzed by fear. The smile that once adorned her face vanishes, replaced by sheer terror that grips her in its cold embrace.

I scream internally: This is bad! It must have hidden in my shadow and followed me when I teleported, then switched to her shadow. It was hiding in her shadow, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. I need to neutralize it fast before it endangers anyone else. In a split second, I spring into action, catching the shadowy figure mid-lunge and forcing it to stop.

The figure's tone shifts to one of begrudging admiration. "Not bad at all," it remarks, seemingly impressed by my swift reaction.

I respond, my voice steady despite the chaos. "Who are you?"

With an unsettling grin, the shadowy figure replies, "The name's Kagenoarujinbutsu. Now, tell me yours."

I take a deep breath, maintaining a calm demeanor as I softly articulate, "Kiro Yatsu." My tone is steady and unwavering, even as the oppressive weight of the moment hangs palpably in the air, thick with anticipation and tension.

Kagenoarujinbutsu tilts his head with a smirk, a flicker of amusement dancing in his striking crimson eyes. "So, you're from the Yatsu family, huh? That explains the strength behind your name. But now I can't help but wonder..." His smile broadens, sharp and predatory, a competitive gleam igniting in his gaze. "Let's put your abilities to the test and see exactly what you're capable of."

In a sudden burst of spontaneity, I extend my arm and casually tap his shoulder — though the truth is, I've already maneuvered to a position directly behind him, my movement swift and deliberate. It's a mere flicker, an almost imperceptible gesture. "What's the matter?" I remark, allowing a teasing edge of mockery to slip into my voice, taunting him playfully. "Can't keep up?" I observe with satisfaction as his grin begins to falter, replaced by a deepening frown that reveals the irritation brewing beneath the surface. His expression hardens, and I see his eyes narrow into slits, a clear signal that my jest has struck a nerve.

"Watch your tongue," he growls, the warning low and menacing, a sound that reverberates through the charged atmosphere between us.And then, as if the very ground beneath us ignites with energy, he vanishes — or rather, he moves with such blinding speed that the space around him seems to warp and blur, distorting our surroundings. The pressure in the air around us shifts dramatically, causing a palpable tension that envelopes us both. The atmosphere grows heavier, almost oppressive, while the ground trembles lightly beneath our feet, responding to the immense force of his acceleration.

This moment has transformed completely; this is no longer a mere contest of strength or wits between two skilled adversaries. The stakes have risen, and I can feel the change coursing through the very fabric of the environment.

The game has evolved into a much fiercer battle, one where every reflex and instinct will be tested. The clash of our capabilities is imminent, and I can sense that what lies ahead will push us both well beyond our limits. The challenge has been issued, and with it, the thrill of uncertainty ignites the air around us.

To be continued...