"Shhh…" All Darwin's heart couDarwin.

as pound as his body trembled, and he knelt back on the ground.

"Don't make too much noise," the male said, a grin tugging at his lips as the power Darwin once felt so proud of was crushed with ease. It reminded him of how Caius had crushed him—and now, doubt crept in. Was the power to wield dimensions really that strong?

It was… but sadly, Darwin kept meeting people far above his level.

"Well, the higher-ups want you to come. Believe it or not, your ability to wield dimensions is important to us," the man said, his grin fading as his eyes lifted toward the distant horizon.

"My power… needed? What??" Darwin was shocked, unsure what to do.

"We don't have time. Everything will be explained in due time. For now—" The male didn't finish his words before both he and Darwin vanished instantly.

The moment they disappeared, space shuddered as though ruptured.

Multiple figures emerged, each cloaked in terrifying Universal Realm auras.

But these figures weren't here to greet one another—or to fight. They were all here for Darwin.

Even if he had lost his right to the throne, the ability to wield dimensions was priceless. Every organization sought it… but they were too late.

"What happened?" dozens of figures appeared, some from the same organization but sent by different leaders. Others were from mercenary groups, bandit factions—even the military.

Their silhouettes were hazy as one asked in a grim tone.

"It seems… they are truly back," one from the military said, his aura flaring.

Everyone froze, digesting the words.

"You don't mean…"

"Yes. The Wild Shade Group is back." His expression was deadly serious.

Silence. The weight of the revelation pressed on all of them.

Finally, one silhouette broke the stillness.

"If that's all, I will be leaving."

With that, he vanished. Immediately, the rest disappeared too, tearing through space as they rushed back to report the re-emergence of the Wild Shade Group and the disappearance of darwin.

***********

Back at the Federation…

The silhouettes reappeared before their respective leaders, whispering reports of what had transpired.

On the platform, General Drezan watched the ripples in space flutter.

He knew the organizations had sent people to recruit Darwin—and now they must be reporting back.

"I wonder who got him… from soldier to prince, a massive leap in identity. From grass to grace…" Drezan thought grimly.

Then his eyes shifted back to the platform, where one of the princes finally moved.

"Even if Caius is dangerous, he's only just changed… but Darius—everyone already knows the horror of him."

Theron stepped forward, his mind racing.

Although they say the devil you know is better than the angel you don't… did that even apply to Darius?

No. Even knowing his horrors wasn't enough.

At just sixteen, he already carried the title of the strongest youth. Praised as rivaling even the Hollowind ancestor in talent. The youngest general in Federation history. Invincible below the Universal Realm.

Some even whispered he could challenge one.

And then there was Caius—who after returning from the Dreadborne Organization recruitment—had come back transformed, his true strength unknown.

"But if I can just defeat Caius, the throne will be mine. From the start, Darius never wanted it. That means… only you, brother, stand in my way." Theron smiled as he walked to the center.

Now he was face-to-face with his elder brother.

Time seemed to rewind, and the past resurfaced—two young boys standing on this very same platform.

"Your words still ring in my ears," Theron said, closing his eyes.

He was back to being that boy again—following his elder brother everywhere, filled with joy and adrenaline.

"Which words?" Caius asked calmly.

"Brother… I will be king. One day I will rule the Federation. I will feed the masses, rein in the aristocrats. I will build a world not even time can erase." Theron chuckled as he spoke, almost seeing the younger version of Caius gazing at the sky.

Silence.

The words struck not only Caius but everyone present. They revealed the true ambition of the eldest prince. He had cared for his people, he had a vision. Even back then, he was leagues above his peers.

"Or have you forgotten, brother?" Theron's voice cracked, thick with rage and grief.

"After finding out you were a bastard… you left me. You pushed us all away. Even Lyssandra… even Darius. Since that day, you alienated yourself from us!" Theron shouted, his blood boiling.

His eyes turned red as fury surged within him, filling the crowd. Their stunned spirits were roused by his passion.

"Well… the past is the past. And so is your dream for this throne. It's mine now. Only you stand in my way. I'll do everything in my power to claim it—for you've proven you don't deserve it." Theron sneered.

Hearing their exchange, the crowd stirred restlessly. Without realizing it, many found themselves siding with Theron, deeming Caius unworthy of the throne he pursued.

"And who decided that?" Caius asked coldly, his eyes locking onto Theron.

"Who are you to decide my fate… to decide if I am worthy of the throne of my father, the throne of my ancestors?" Caius stepped closer, his voice like ice.

"Forget that we are siblings. I won't hold back in this fight. If you die—so be it." Caius' words froze the entire arena.

When had it escalated this far? Wasn't Theron only speaking?

What was going on?

Confusion rippled through the crowd, yet beneath it lay a deep, instinctive fear.

This fight would be far more intense than the two they had already witnessed.

The audience was in shock—and even Theron struggled to compose himself.

"You have changed," he finally said, but all he met was the unflinching coldness of Caius.

"Fine. General Drezan, for this battle—don't stop us until one of us can no longer move."

Gasps filled the air.

Did this mean… a battle to the death?

"I'm sorry, Crown Prince, I can't—" Drezan's words halted as Caius' gaze fell on him.

Even as a peak Universal Realm powerhouse, he gulped, a chill running down his spine.

"Obey him," Caius ordered coldly.

"Bro…" Lyssandra tried to call out, but Seraphina covered her mouth, shaking her head.

Vaelen and Darius exchanged shocked glances.

How had so much hatred grown between the first and second born? Was there something they didn't know?

They were so close then and now they were so far away... Just like the opposite sides of a coin

*******************************************************

Void void void