The Heart of Zero

"Shingin..." The voice was low and hoarse, as though emerging from the depths of an abyss, carrying a chilling disdain and threat. The man curled his lips into a faint smirk, his tone laced with cruel interest. "Do you think you can escape fate?"

Shingin's eyes widened, a cold chill seeping into his spine. That voice, laced with an unspeakable menace, made the air in the warehouse feel stagnant. His gaze darted around quickly. The peeling walls of the abandoned warehouse stood stark under the pale moonlight streaming through broken windows, creating shadows that deepened the silence. Even breathing felt like a struggle.

"Who—who's there?" Shingin's voice came out sharp, tinged with a trace of unease. Though there was no one visible, the icy voice seemed to press in from all directions, drilling straight into his mind.

From the shadows, a tall figure emerged slowly. The man's face remained hidden in the dimness, but his presence was palpable—a predator looming over its prey. He wore a long, pitch-black coat, his expression cold and his smirk mocking, carrying the aura of a hunter. With every unhurried step, the air grew heavier, suffused with the scent of death.

Outside the warehouse, Riyugi was pressed against the crumbling wall, her wide eyes locked on the scene unfolding before her. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides, palms slick with cold sweat. Her breath hitched as the oppressive atmosphere weighed on her chest, suffocating her. She realized the man wasn't here for her—his target was Shingin.

Yet, a nameless terror crawled along her spine, as though cold fingers were tracing her skin. She took a trembling step backward, only to meet the unyielding stone wall behind her. Her legs felt weak, her muscles taut yet powerless.

"Who am I?" The man's voice dripped with mockery, like a predator toying with its cornered prey. "You are destined to become the Eighth Successor. And I—am the Watcher who ensures order. I'm here to tell you: running is futile."

Shingin's blood ran cold, the words striking a deep chord of foreboding. His mind raced as he fixed his wary gaze on the slender silhouette before him. His heart pounded like a war drum, but he forced himself to stay composed, unwilling to let panic show.

"Eighth Successor?" he muttered, his throat dry. "What are you talking about?" His voice quivered with confusion and unspoken fury.

Shingin knew this man was no ordinary foe. The oppressive energy emanating from him was like a blade poised to split the night itself.

Suddenly, the man's form vanished into a blur of shadow. In a split second, Shingin's instincts screamed at him—danger. He barely raised his blade to defend as a shadowy figure lunged at him, faster than he could react.

In the blink of an eye, his Alien Soul flared, manifesting into a cerulean blade. Clang! The clash of weapons sent sparks flying, the force jolting Shingin's arms painfully. Staggering backward, his heart pounded violently in his chest. Yet the man gave him no respite—another streak of shadow descended like lightning, the blade gleaming with deadly intent as it slashed toward Shingin's face.

Shingin twisted to evade, narrowly escaping the strike. Gathering all his strength, he leapt into the air and slashed downward. But the man smirked coldly, his form flickering like a phantom before reappearing behind Shingin in an instant. A blade whistled through the air, slicing toward him.

"Too slow," the man taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

Shingin's heart sank. In desperation, he spun and parried the blow, their weapons colliding with a deafening clang. The impact sent Shingin hurtling backward, his body slamming against one of the warehouse pillars. Pain lanced through him, but he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. His trembling hands barely held onto his sword, which now quivered from the strain.

The man advanced step by step, his movements deliberate and unrelenting. Each swing of his weapon was precise, lethal, and overwhelming. The confined warehouse could barely contain the ferocity of the battle. Shingin struggled to keep pace, his breath ragged as fatigue crept in.

"You? A weakling like you? How could you ever bear the weight of that destiny?" The man's voice was laced with icy scorn, his gaze piercing through Shingin like a blade.

Suddenly, the man's gaze flicked toward the warehouse door, where Riyugi stood frozen in terror. His lips curled into a cruel smile.

"Well, well. It seems you have quite the weakness."

Before Shingin could react, the man vanished once more, only to reappear directly in front of Riyugi.

"Stop!" Shingin roared, his voice echoing like thunder. Alien Soul surged through him as his sword flared with brilliant light. With a desperate strike, he aimed for the man's arm.

The man shifted slightly, raising his weapon to block. Sparks erupted, and he was forced to retreat a few steps. The sleeve of his coat tore, a trickle of blood visible where the blade had grazed him.

"Interesting…" The man touched his wound, seemingly amused. Straightening, he cast a lingering gaze toward Shingin, a predatory glint in his eye. "I underestimated you. But this game is far from over."

With those words, his form melted into the shadows like smoke, disappearing completely.

The oppressive atmosphere slowly lifted, leaving Riyugi trembling. Her legs finally gave way, and she sank to the ground, unable to stand. Shingin hurried to her side, his expression a mixture of anger and concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice shaky despite his attempts to stay calm.

Riyugi nodded weakly, though her face was pale. While she had escaped harm, the terror and confusion still churned within her. Who was Shingin? And who was that man? Riyugi's instincts told her she was now entangled in something far beyond her comprehension—something much darker.

Shingin exhaled in relief, though a storm of worry clouded his mind. For a brief moment, he felt calm knowing Riyugi was safe. But that calm was soon replaced by an icy dread.

"You have too many weaknesses…"

The man's words echoed ominously in his mind.

Suddenly, a realization struck him like a bolt of lightning—his mother! Alone and defenseless at home, she was vulnerable to the Watcher's attack. Fear gripped his heart, every nerve screaming with urgency.

Without another word, Shingin sprang to his feet, a desperate fire burning in his eyes.