THE EYEZ OF ZANDA

Chapter 16 : Next Threat

The battle of ROD and §hadow engaged, it was the intensive Battle Ally had fought.

ROD (TAKA): (unleashing) KUNSHORIS, Afterimage strike!!.

§HADOW: (desperate) Shadowy Time limitation!.

§hadow tries his technique, but he didn't work, now he Realizes today was his doomsday.

(The two powers collide, shaking the ground. Ally Sato watches anxiously.)

ALLY SATO: (concerned) Taka, hold on!

ROD (TAKA): (gritting) Silence! This ends now!

§HADOW: (straining) You'll...never...defeat...me!

(ROD/Taka's Afterimage Strike begins to overpower §hadow's shield.)

§HADOW: (terrified) No! This can't be!

ROD (TAKA): (finishing) KUNSHORIS, Wrecking NIKKIKASHIN Burst!

(A blinding flash envelops §hadow, and the ground trembles.)

ALLY SATO: (relieved) It's over.

HARATASHI SENSEI: (approaching) Well done, Taka.

ROD (TAKA): (exhausted)...Done.

(As ROD's control fades, Taka collapses.)

ALLY SATO: (rushing) Taka!

HARATASHI SENSEI: (sternly) Ally Sato, §hadow's defeat comes with consequences.

ALLY SATO: (curious) What do you mean?

HARATASHI SENSEI: (serious) §hadow was a mere pawn. The true enemy "Shadow" remains.

ALLY SATO : (Shocked) : *gasp*.

(Suddenly, a dark portal opens, and a figure emerges.)

??? : (menacingly) Greetings, Taka Yutaruō.

ROD (TAKA): (reacting) W-who are Y-you?

??? : (smirking) Someone who's been waiting...for you.

(The figure vanishes, leaving behind an ominous message.)

MESSAGING: (echoing) The Shadow Emperor awakens...

(As the dust settles and the echoes of the battle fade, an uneasy silence fills the air. Ally Sato helps Taka to his feet.)

ALLA SATO: Taka, are you alright?

TAKA YUTARUŌ: (groaning) Yeah, just...exhausted, wait..., how do I know you aren't gonna betray Haratashi.

Taka said feeling a suspicious feelings raging toward Sato.

ALLY SATO : (yelling) I think you have to shut up right now you have to trust me, would I ask for your help if I was a threat to you.

HARATASHI SENSEI : (Angrily) Will all of you shut the f**k and focus.

Haratashi Sensei said being annoyed and determined.

HARATASHI SENSEI: (gravely) We must prepare. The Shadow Emperor's awakening means our greatest challenge is still ahead.

ALLY SATO: (determined) What do we need to do, Sensei?

TAKA YUTARUŌ : Hang on He's not your sensei.

Haratashi Sensei looked at Taka and shook his head.

HARATASHI SENSEI: (thoughtful) First, we need to uncover the secrets of the Shadow Realm. There's a hidden scroll in the ancient library of Aoi Sora that might hold the answers we seek.

(Taka, still catching his breath, looks up with renewed resolve.)

TAKA YUTARUŌ: Then let's not waste any time. We can't let the Shadow Emperor gain any more power.

(Haratashi Sensei nods, and the trio sets off towards the ancient library. Along the way, the sky begins to darken unnaturally, and strange symbols start appearing on the ground.)

ALLY SATO: (nervously) What are those symbols?

HARATASHI SENSEI: (serious) They are markings of the Shadow Clan. We must tread carefully. The Shadow Emperor's influence is spreading faster than I anticipated.

(As they near the entrance of the library, they encounter an old guardian, shrouded in mystery.)

OLD GUARDIAN: (raspy) What brings you to the ancient library of Aoi Sora?

HARATASHI SENSEI: We seek the hidden scroll that holds the secrets of the Shadow Realm.

OLD GUARDIAN: (nodding) Many have sought it, few have found it. You must prove your worth.

(The old guardian reveals a puzzle box, intricately designed with ancient symbols. Ally Sato steps forward, examining the box.)

ALLY SATO: I've seen these symbols before... in the prophecy murals.

Continuation on Chapter 17.