But something felt… wrong.
Raizo could sense it. There was a force, an entity, someone powerful… watching.
Then, without warning, the world around them froze.
The stars stopped twinkling. The wind ceased to move. Even the light of the moon stood still.
And in that frozen moment, Zenmu appeared.
A black and gold rift tore open in the air, and out stepped the one known as Master Zenmu—the Sage of Eternal Flow. His silver hair flowed despite the stillness of time, and his golden eyes glowed with untold knowledge.
Raizo smirked. "Took you long enough."
Zenmu ignored the comment. His voice was low and calm. "Raizo, I have come to warn you. Your understanding of this war is… incomplete."
Tenzir crossed his arms. "We thought you'd be helping us in the final battle. So why haven't you done anything?"
Zenmu stared at them for a long moment. Then, he raised his right hand.
And the golden chains wrapped around his wrist became visible.
Tenzir took a step forward. "What the hell is that?"
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Zenmu’s voice remained even. "A seal. A divine contract placed upon me long ago. I am forbidden from directly interfering in the affairs of this world."
Raizo’s expression darkened. "So what, you're all-powerful but can't do anything?"
Zenmu closed his eyes. "Not in the way you expect."
He stepped closer to Raizo, his golden eyes glowing brighter.
"Ryuketsu has already found a way to break your Infinity."
Raizo’s smirk faded. “…What?”
Zenmu nodded. "There is a flaw in your power. A flaw that you yourself are unaware of. And Ryuketsu has found it."
Tenzir clenched his fists. "Then tell us what it is!"
Zenmu sighed. "If I reveal it outright, your fate will be sealed. Knowing the weakness before understanding it yourself will create hesitation… and in hesitation, Ryuketsu will strike."
Raizo exhaled sharply. "Then how do I figure it out?"
Zenmu lifted his hand, and three golden symbols appeared before them.
?? First Symbol: The Betrayer Among You
- Someone in Raizo’s ranks had already sided with Ryuketsu.
- “Trust no one blindly. Even your closest allies.”
?? Second Symbol: The Key to Breaking Infinity
- Infinity had a hidden flaw, a single weakness that could make Raizo vulnerable.
- “You must understand it before Ryuketsu exploits it.”
?? Third Symbol: The Greater Threat
- Beyond Ryuketsu, something far worse lurked in the shadows.
- “If Ryuketsu wins, something even more powerful will awaken.”
Zenmu lowered his hand. "I have given you all I can. The rest is up to you."
Raizo glared at him. "And what will you do?"
For the first time, Zenmu smirked.
"Preparing for the real enemy."
And with that, he stepped backward into the void—vanishing once again.
Raizo and Tenzir stood in silence, staring at the place Zenmu had disappeared.
Tenzir finally spoke. "So, what now?"
Raizo clenched his fists, his mind racing. "Now? We get ready. If Ryuketsu thinks he can break Infinity, let’s see if he’s right."
Because one thing was certain—this war was bigger than anyone had ever imagined.