Chapter 5

In the Containment World

The pitch-black darkness consumed the entire horizon, with no end in sight and no discernible boundaries. It seemed as though the world itself had vanished, leaving only an absolute void. Amid this nothingness, Sbyam sat alone. The silence was suffocating, choking everything, with no sound except his calm breathing echoing through the space.

Lowering his head, his eyes lost in the boundless void before him, he murmured to himself: "I wish I could have shown Spailo this... the loneliness of the strongest... that feeling no one understands... a person without connections."

He suddenly raised his head, a warm smile forming on his face, yet it carried a hidden, suppressed sadness. In a voice filled with nostalgia, he muttered: "Brylo... if only you were still with me... Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you would have pushed me to win this fight."

Suddenly, a familiar voice pierced the silence, sharp and resonant, as though it came from the depths of his memories: "Are you serious?!"

Sbyam froze in place, his eyes widened in shock, his eyebrows arching in disbelief. Brylo’s voice? Impossible! Yet, it was unmistakable. He turned, his gaze trying to pierce through the darkness in vain. His features softened again, and his sadness deepened. In a quiet voice, almost as if speaking more to himself than the void, he said: "Honestly... I don’t know."

Memories began flooding in unbidden, like an unstoppable torrent. Faces of Brylo, Itasha, Moryo, Suero, Baysal, Veb, and Kamyo flashed before his eyes like overlapping paintings, each face carrying a memory, and each memory bearing its weight. He took a deep breath, a faint, pale smile forming on his lips as he whispered: "Why does everything fade into darkness? ... But I hope, at least, that my memories with them are real... and not mere illusions."

Slowly, he rose to his feet. His first steps were heavy, as though the darkness itself was restraining him. But this time, he lifted his head, his eyes glowing with an unusual resolve. Speaking with a firm voice, as if addressing the darkness itself, he declared: "I’ve made it this far... to this exact stage... and so, I will seek you out!"

He began walking with steady steps, his sole destination being the void itself. Each step seemed to carve through a fragment of the darkness, but he felt no fear. The darkness awaited him, and he was ready to face it.

—

In the Ronda Region

At Metro Station B4, the cold wind swept through the area, carrying with it eerie sounds, like distant screams. Amid this grim scene stood Spailo, holding the Containment Sphere in his hands. His sharp gaze pierced the surrounding darkness, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

He whispered, his tone laced with triumphant sarcasm: "Finally…!"

At that moment, Campeis, Solio, and Pico appeared, approaching him with steady steps. Campeis's face was stoic, yet it held a hint of concealed curiosity, while Solio displayed a mixture of defiance and mockery.

Campeis, his gaze fixed coldly on the Containment Sphere, spoke: "Was that conversation your trump card?"

Spailo turned slowly to face them, meeting their gazes with a mocking smile. In a calm voice that carried an undertone of menace, he said: "You’ve returned? I thought you’d perished after his Realm was activated."

Solio chuckled faintly, then remarked with a sarcastic tone: "True, I froze in place, unable to move… but it doesn’t matter. We are not like the rest of humanity… We are sorcerers."

He then added, his tone carrying a mix of tension and relief: "Anyway, he has been contained."

Pico interjected, his voice a blend of hesitation and worry: "What do we do now?"

Spailo turned his gaze toward Pico, then burst into a hysterical, chilling laugh that sent shivers down everyone’s spine. He declared loudly, as if challenging the entire world: "Ronda is yours! Do whatever you wish… There’s no one left to stand in your way now!"

Solio stood still for a moment, then smirked maliciously and whispered to himself: "Suero… I’ll kill you. How much I despise you. Where are you now?"

The smirk on his face gradually turned into a sinister, hysterical laugh as he turned and disappeared into the shadows. The group began to disperse, each heading toward their individual goals, like ghosts fading into the night.

But Campeis, who was preparing to leave, felt a hand grip his shoulder. He turned slowly to find Spailo standing before him, his eyes gleaming with a suspicious glint and a tense smile on his face.

Spailo said in a low, menacing voice: "Campeis…"

Campeis paused, staring at Spailo cautiously. He asked in a hesitant tone: "What do you want?"

Spailo stepped closer, his eyes growing darker. In a voice dripping with sarcasm and malice, he replied: "I want to talk to you."

Campeis hesitated for a moment, his expression remaining composed. He responded coldly: "Speak."

Spailo moved even closer, until there was almost no space between them. Lowering his voice, but with an underlying tone of terror, he said: "Do you want to know what happened to your daughter?"

The words struck Campeis like lightning, piercing his core. His eyes widened in shock, and his voice faltered for a moment before he stammered: "My daughter… Itasha?!"

Spailo smiled, a chilling smile that froze the blood in Campeis's veins. His eyes glimmered with a devilish look, as if silently dragging Campeis into an endless nightmare.

—

On the Railway Tracks

The faint glow of the railway lights bathed the area in a serene yet eerie calm, but the tension in the air was palpable. The steel tracks stretched endlessly into the horizon. Suero and Laura stood in the middle of the tracks, the place eerily empty except for the distant echoes of faint noises.

Laura glanced around nervously, then whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and concern: "This place is about to be turned upside down... Ronda will never be the same again."

Suero remained staring at the ground, his expression taut with shock and confusion. He murmured, barely audible, as if speaking to himself: "My Master… Sbyam?!"

Laura broke his train of thought, her voice rising with her growing anxiety: "The man who terrified everyone… is gone. And now, the war will begin!"

Suero lifted his gaze to Laura, his shock evident on his face, yet he said nothing. Laura continued, her words tumbling out faster and faster: "We have to tell everyone what happened… We need to let them know that Sbyam has been contained!"

Finally, Suero broke his silence, his voice filled with astonishment: "How do you know that?!"

Laura looked at him in confusion, as though not understanding his question. She replied cautiously: "What do you mean?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Suero suddenly shouted, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief: "How do you know he’s been contained?!"

Laura slowly raised her wrist and pointed to the Mehrebot Watch on her arm. She spoke calmly, though her eyes betrayed her tension: "Because of this… I received a notification that Sbyam has entered the Containment World."

Suero’s gaze shifted from the watch to Laura, his eyes brimming with worry and sorrow. For a moment, silence hung heavy between them, as though both were trying to grasp the weight of what had occurred. Suddenly, Suero turned on his heel and began running westward along the station. He ran frantically, as if trying to escape the thought itself.

He whispered to himself, his voice laced with fury: "You bastards… I’ll kill you. I swear, I’ll kill you all."

His steps quickened, the pounding of his feet against the ground matching the rapid thudding of his heart.

Laura, stunned for a moment, gathered her strength and began chasing after him. She called out to him, but her voice was swallowed by the cold winds sweeping through the area.

Their destination was clear: west of the station, where events were converging like a dark cloud forewarning an impending storm.

---

In Eastern Ronda

Destruction swept through the area, flames devouring everything in their path, while the air was thick with the stench of ash. The haunting cries of monstrous creatures echoed, and giant, worm-like beasts writhed chaotically across the region. Amid this hellish chaos, Moryo, Baysal, Veb, and Kamyo were fiercely battling the creatures.

Baysal surged forward at the speed of light, a sonic boom shaking the ground beneath her. She launched herself directly at one of the beasts, punching through its belly and emerging on the other side, leaving the monster to collapse lifelessly.

Veb, on the other hand, moved with eerie calm. Raising a single finger, he released a small brown spark toward another creature. The moment the spark touched the beast’s face, it detonated, leaving the creature headless and lifeless on the ground.

Below, Kamyo stood beside Moryo, observing the carnage. Kamyo commented with a sarcastic tone: "Well, that’s the end of them!"

But Moryo’s eyes were fixed on the destruction left in the wake of the battle. He turned away and spoke seriously: "Let’s check the other areas."

Veb and Baysal descended from the sky, and the group began moving in unison, like a well-coordinated military unit.

Breaking the silence, Baysal asked in bewilderment: "For heaven’s sake, what is the Rizsius Organization’s goal in all of this?"

Kamyo responded with his usual sarcasm: "Who knows? They’re just a bunch of idiots."

But Veb, with his cold, calm demeanor, interjected: "Even if we don’t know their goal… we will continue protecting humanity."

Baysal laughed mischievously, her laughter childlike and playful. She glanced at Veb and teased: "Really? You look terrible trying to act like you care about humans!"

Veb turned to her with a cold glare but chose to remain silent, continuing to walk forward as they surveyed the area.

Suddenly, a powerful scream pierced the air—a familiar voice that made them all freeze in their tracks.

Kamyo asked nervously: "Isn’t that Suero’s voice?"

Baysal stared in the direction of the sound, her eyes narrowing in focus: "Yes!"

Meanwhile, Moryo and Veb were also concentrating on the sound. Veb asked cautiously: "Where is he?"

Atop one of Ronda’s tall buildings, Suero stood, shouting at the top of his lungs: "Commander Moryo…!"

He then added, his voice resonating through the area: "Master Sbyam… has been contained!"

The words hit them like a bomb, leaving everyone frozen in place, shock etched on their faces.

Baysal yelled, her voice filled with disbelief and anger: "What is that fool saying?!"

But Moryo, though shocked, quickly regained his composure. He spoke firmly, issuing a rapid command: "Listen up! We’re splitting up now!"

Veb turned to him with his usual cold tone and asked: "And the plan?"

Moryo responded resolutely: "If Master Sbyam has been contained, and I believe that was their goal… we’ll continue protecting humanity!"

Baysal chimed in enthusiastically: "Alright, Veb and I will check the area!"

Moryo nodded: "Good!"

Kamyo asked eagerly: "What about me?"

Moryo replied as he began running: "Come with me!"

The group split up: Baysal and Veb headed to survey the area, while Moryo and Kamyo rushed toward Suero.

Atop the building, Suero continued shouting: "Master Sbyam… has been contained!"

Then he paused abruptly, muttering to himself in a voice filled with worry: "Did they hear me?"

On the ground, Moryo and Kamyo sprinted at full speed. Moryo spoke seriously: "We have to reach Suero!"

Kamyo responded firmly: "Alright, but what’s the plan?"

Moryo’s voice was calm yet carried unwavering determination: "Our goal now is to free Master Sbyam."

Kamyo replied with equal resolve: "Understood!"

They continued running, ready to face whatever awaited them on their path to Suero.

—

In Southern Ronda

Hambo and Alia strolled through a bustling city, alive with the sounds of life. Melodies echoed from every corner, and people danced joyfully in the streets, carefree and oblivious to the world around them. Hambo glanced around, puzzled, and asked: "Why hasn’t the Rizsius Organization reached this place yet?"

Alia, scanning the lively scene with a growing sense of unease, replied: "I thought everyone was a target!"

They continued walking through the crowd, the vibrant energy of the city contrasting with the tension in Alia’s gaze.

Suddenly, the ground trembled violently, a deep crack splitting the earth as if a disaster had erupted from the depths. Hambo froze in shock, his eyes widening as the earth began to devour everything in its path. He quickly grabbed Alia by her clothes and soared into the air, pulling her away from the chasm below.

The air was filled with the frantic screams of people desperately trying to flee, but it was futile. The fissures consumed them at an alarming rate, as the earth tore open beneath their feet.

Alia, her eyes wide with horror, gathered her strength and floated beside Hambo, her gaze fixed on the destruction below. She spoke urgently: "We have to help them!"

She made a move to descend toward the chaos, but Hambo’s grip tightened on her shirt, halting her. His voice was cold and unyielding: "Leave them."

Alia’s shock turned to anger as she turned to face him, her voice trembling with disbelief: "What do you mean?!"

Hambo’s gaze remained fixed on the ground below, where humans were swallowed by the earth’s gaping maw. His expression was indifferent, his tone detached as he replied: "This is better for them. A merciful death."

Alia’s anger flared, her voice rising in fury: "You fool, Hambo! Have you lost your mind?!"

But Hambo didn’t react. His face was a mask of cold indifference, and his voice remained steady, as though the deaths unfolding before him meant nothing. He simply asked: "Do you think they’re worth protecting?"

Alia stared at him, unable to comprehend his words. Hambo continued, his voice distant, almost hollow: "They’re just trash. They’ll never understand our value… they’ll never appreciate the sacrifices of a sorcerer who gives everything to protect them."

Alia’s mind reeled, torn between fury and confusion. Her expression hardened, but she was at a loss for a response as the cries of the victims slowly faded into the earth.

Minutes later, the ground returned to its normal state. No traces of destruction remained, no screams lingered—just silence, as if nothing had ever happened.

Hambo and Alia descended to the ground, their feet touching the now solid earth. Alia stomped her foot to test its stability, her eyes widening in disbelief as she muttered: "It’s solid and intact! What just happened? Was this someone’s technique?"

Hambo’s response was brief and emotionless: "I don’t know."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, as though the catastrophic event had been nothing more than a fleeting inconvenience. Alia followed, silent and visibly seething, her mind still spinning with what she had just witnessed and the chilling coldness in Hambo’s words.

As they moved through the streets of Ronda, an oppressive silence hung between them, thick with the unspoken tension and unresolved conflict. Alia’s anger simmered just beneath the surface, but she said nothing, the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the air.

—

In Northern Ronda

Moryo and Kamyo arrived at the building where Suero was located. The air was heavy with tension, as if even the city itself anticipated what was about to unfold. Kamyo scanned the surroundings with sharp, cautious eyes before asking:

"Where is he?"

Moryo raised a hand, pointing toward the sidewalk. Suero sat slumped, his figure weary yet tense, as though bearing the weight of the world. Moryo's voice was cold and precise:

"There."

Without hesitation, they moved toward Suero. As they approached, Moryo called out in a calm yet firm tone:

"Suero!"

Suero raised his head abruptly. Upon seeing Moryo, he stood up in haste, his voice tinged with both surprise and respect:

"Commander Moryo?!"

The three stood face to face, an unspoken storm brewing between them. Kamyo, unable to contain his apprehension, blurted out with a tense voice:

"Is... is it true? Was he contained?"

Suero’s expression darkened, and his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His voice was laced with restrained anger:

"Yes... it’s done."

He glanced downward, his face twisted in frustration and disgust, before spitting out:

"Those bastards! I don’t know why they wanted to contain him, but they actually did it."

Moryo’s cold gaze bore into Suero. After a brief pause, he spoke with unwavering authority:

"Suero, listen!"

Suero’s head snapped up, his eyes blazing with fury. Moryo’s voice hardened, each word a command that brooked no argument:

"We’ll unlock the sphere and start the war. We’re here to protect humans, and we will not back down."

Suero’s fists tightened even more, his voice now a mix of rage and resolve:

"Alright!"

Before the moment could settle, a peculiar voice sliced through the air:

"Sorcerers!"

The trio turned in unison toward the source of the voice. Standing a short distance away was a bald man, his posture casual but exuding confidence. A twisted smile stretched across his face as he greeted them with mock cheerfulness:

"Are you followers of the Mana Organization?"

Suero’s eyes narrowed, his tone cautious and sharp:

"Who are you?"

The man’s grin widened, his tone as light as it was unnerving:

"I’m just an assassin."

Moryo’s voice was colder than ice, his gaze locked on the stranger’s every move:

"And what do you want?"

The man chuckled lightly, as though the situation was merely an amusing game. His words carried a cruel edge:

"A large bounty has been placed on your heads. And as you know, my job is to eliminate targets for money."

Suero’s anger flared, and he barked:

"Shut up! We don’t have time to waste on people like you!"

The assassin’s laugh grew louder, his confidence seemingly unshakable:

"And I don’t have time for you either. So, let’s make this quick!"

Suero stepped forward, blue sparks igniting around him like living flames. His voice was steady, but his eyes burned with unrelenting fury:

"I have no reason to fight you, but you’ve chosen to stand in my way. That’s enough for me."

The assassin’s grin only widened, his laughter turning into an unsettling roar of enthusiasm as he watched Suero prepare for battle. But just as Suero took his stance, the air shifted.

Without warning, an invisible force struck Moryo like a freight train, sending him hurtling backward. He smashed through a nearby building, the impact leaving a massive hole in the structure as dust and debris erupted into the air.

Kamyo and Suero froze, their faces etched with shock and disbelief. The assassin, now tense, scanned the swirling dust, his confidence faltering for the first time.

As the dust settled, a towering figure emerged from the shadows. He was built like a fortress, his muscles rippling with latent power. His expression was one of cold disdain, his presence alone suffocating. His eyes gleamed with an indomitable aura, a silent promise of overwhelming strength.

Suero and Kamyo could only stare, their wariness turning to dread as recognition dawned upon them.

Theman who stood before them was none other than Smart.

Smart’s gaze was calm yet piercing, fixed on the spot where Moryo had been thrown. He didn’t speak; he didn’t need to. His very presence demanded attention, leaving no doubt that the battlefield now belonged to him.

End of the Chapter.