Location: The Rift Gate – Edge of the Elemental Nations
The ancient Rift shimmered like a living wound in space—torn open by Ren's relentless hunt for power and dominion. Chakra and dark magic spiraled together at its heart, fueled by the orbs he'd harvested in the Pocket Hunting Dimension and stabilized by the Shadow Monarch's will.
He stood before it now, cloak fluttering in the unnatural wind. Behind him stood his loyal forces—shadow soldiers in perfect formation, their armor black as night. The frost-steel warriors of Yukihana's clan stood on one side. On the other, the shinobi elite who had bent the knee. And scattered throughout, the women who had chosen him—each powerful, each proud, and each standing of their own will.
Koyuki placed her hand on his shoulder. "This isn't just a new land, is it?"
"No," Ren said, his eyes reflecting the swirling energies ahead. "It's a new stage."
He stepped forward. The Rift howled—and swallowed him whole.
Location: New World – Unknown Forested Realm
Ren emerged into silence.
The air was different—thicker, heavy with mana instead of chakra. Towering trees glowed faintly, and the sky above was a deep indigo with unfamiliar stars. Somewhere in the distance, a beast roared—deep and guttural.
His system chimed.
[World System Linked: Arcanum Realm – Tiered Power Levels Detected][Warning: Shadow Abilities have been restricted to 70% capacity temporarily. Pocket Hunting Dimension adapting...][New Quest: Establish Dominion in the Realm of Arcanum]
Ren smirked. "Challenges already? Good."
He raised a hand—and even in this world, the shadows stirred. The restriction might slow him, but it wouldn't stop him.
He looked behind as Yukihana and Hinata emerged, followed by Haku, Seira, and the first wave of elite shinobi. The shadows behind them rippled—an entire mobile fortress of dark power.
"Scout the area," he ordered. "Secure a base. No violence unless provoked. And if provoked... leave nothing standing."
Location: Floating Spire – Unknown Castle
Far above, in a citadel of crystalline stone, a figure watched through a scrying mirror.
She was tall, regal, wrapped in black and violet silks. Her eyes glowed faintly—arcane, calculating. She was known as Lady Seraphine, Archon of the First Sky, Mistress of the Arcane Dominion.
"That energy…" she whispered. "He doesn't belong. Yet he bends the world around him."
Another voice—a man, cloaked in armor and shadow—spoke beside her. "Shall I summon the Knights of Binding?"
"No," Seraphine said. "Not yet."
She leaned forward, her lips curling into a curious smile.
"Let's see what the king of shadows does in a world that does not know his name."
Location: Forest Encampment – Later That Night
Ren stood at the edge of the firelight, overlooking the camp now being constructed by shadow laborers and scouts. He held a strange mana crystal in one hand, analyzing it with both Sharingan and instinct.
"Adaptable," he muttered. "Good. This world will feed the dimension well."
Behind him, Yukihana approached. She offered no words—just stood by him, a silent reminder of strength and loyalty.
Then another voice spoke. "You don't waste time, do you?"
Ren turned.
The woman was tall, cloaked in light armor made of leather and leaves, her hair dark green, eyes glowing faintly with fae energy. She held a staff in one hand and a fox-shaped mask in the other.
"I am Aelis of the Sylvaran Grove. This is our forest. You're not welcome."
Ren tilted his head, calm. "Then you have two choices. Push back—or watch how a shadow becomes a storm."
End of Chapter 37