Chapter 1: Encounter with the Shadow118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyd5Ke0VKu
118Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc9CesAHEt
Zero stood over the fallen form of the dark one, watching as his body dissolved into a cloud of black mist. He knew that the sorcerer was not truly dead, but he had weakened him enough to put an end to his reign of terror for now.
But Zero's victory was short-lived. As he turned to leave the castle, he heard a voice behind him.
"Well done, Zero. You have proven yourself to be a worthy opponent."
Zero whirled around, his hand crackling with energy. He saw a figure standing in the shadows, his features obscured by darkness.
"Who are you?" Zero demanded, his voice cold and menacing.
The figure stepped forward, revealing himself to be a tall, imposing man with piercing green eyes and a wicked grin. "I am the one they call the Shadow," he said. "And I have been watching you, Zero. Watching as you single-handedly take down my greatest ally."
Zero tensed, his eyes narrowing. "What do you want?" he asked.
The Shadow laughed, his voice echoing through the empty courtyard. "I want what all men want, Zero," he said. "Power. And I know that you possess it in spades. Join me, and together we can rule the world."
Zero shook his head, his expression firm. "I do not seek power for its own sake," he said. "I seek to protect the innocent and bring justice to the world. And I will not align myself with someone like you."
The Shadow's expression grew cold and cruel. "Very well, then," he said. "If you will not join me, you will be destroyed."
With that, he raised his hand, summoning a cloud of black mist that coalesced into a massive beast with razor-sharp claws and teeth like knives. The beast lunged forward, its jaws snapping shut inches from Zero's face.
But Zero was too quick. He dodged and weaved, his powers blazing to life. He summoned a fierce wind that knocked the beast back, then followed up with a barrage of fire that left it charred and smoking.
The Shadow laughed, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You are strong, Zero," he said. "But you are not invincible. We will meet again."
With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Zero standing alone in the ruins of the castle. Zero knew that the Shadow was right. They would meet again. And when they did, it would be a battle unlike any other.
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