The second Rayon's Black Resonance unfurled, the bar went silent—like the air forgot how to breathe.
Rayon didn't bother talking.
Didn't bother moving.
Didn't even bother looking at the ten Vessels who refused him.
He just whispered two words:
"Perfect Hypnosis."
Black Resonance rippled outward—soundless, formless, inevitable.
The ten Primordial Vessels froze mid-breath… then their eyes bled into pure void.
And the slaughter began.
They didn't attack Rayon.
They turned on each other.
Tearing flesh. Breaking bones. Slamming skulls into tables. One ripped his own arm off just to bludgeon another.
Their roars echoed like animals trapped inside the cages of their own minds.
Two broke free of the illusion—barely.
But the price?
Their sanity shattered.
They clawed at their own heads, screaming until their throats ripped open.
Then dropped.
Dead.
All ten bodies collapsed in a tangle of ruin and gore.
The bar was quiet again.
Nyk dragged a hand down his face, exhaling.
"Man… I told y'all," he muttered, stepping over a corpse.
"But nah… y'all wanna act tough. Now look at you—bodybags."
He pushed open the door and stepped outside, lighting a smoke like this was just another Tuesday.
The six who had submitted earlier followed him out:
Maro — tall, dreadlocked, obsidian eyes like chips of coal. Kirell — short, wiry, always smiling like he heard a joke no one else caught. Solenne — white-blonde hair, cold gaze, razor composure. Draxen — muscular, voice deep enough to shake windows. Velis — calm, analytical, almost monk-like. Jiro — flame-tipped hair, tattoos glowing faintly.
They didn't speak.
Just stared inside at the pile of bodies, then at Rayon through the doorway.
Velis whispered, "That wasn't power. That was inevitability manifested."
Rayon stepped out.
Hands in his pockets. Expression unbothered.
"It's done."
Nyk took a slow puff.
Then smirked.
"Aye, big bro… let's run the ones."
Rayon's head tilted slightly.
"You serious?"
"Hell yeah I'm serious. I ain't against you — but I gotta see somethin'. Gotta know if you can keep up with me, feel me?"
Rayon cracked his neck once, the tiniest hint of anticipation sharpening his eyes.
"I never duck a fade."
"Say less."
Nyk flicked the cigarette away.
Boom.
They vanished.
A shockwave cratered the pavement where they once stood.
Rayon appeared behind Nyk—fist coated in Black Resonance—but Nyk spun, blocking with a forearm encased in molten gold energy, sparks spraying across the street.
"Damn, big bro. You swing like you mad at the universe."
Rayon smirked.
"I am the universe's correction."
They clashed again.
Faster.
Harder.
Their movements cracked the air like thunder being ripped apart.
The six Vessels backed up instinctively.
"Yo… they playing?" Jiro asked.
"If that's playing," Solenne whispered, "then we're insects."
A ripple of cosmic pressure washed over the street.
Erethon stepped out and materialized, arms folded, hair drifting like white flame.
Beside him, Vorthalaxis—Vor—towered like a black-scaled deity in human form.
Erethon clicked his tongue.
"Oh, little Monarch… trouble always finds you."
He nudged Vor.
"Look at him. Fighting the Primordial Vessels of Ruin like it's arm day."
Vor tilted his head.
"Rayon embodies Ruin itself. This level of combat is natural."
Nyk ducked under Rayon's kick, slid forward, and landed a heavy punch to Rayon's ribs—shaking nearby windows.
Rayon countered instantly, driving his elbow into Nyk's jaw.
Both skidded back.
Both wiped a bit of blood from the corner of their mouths.
And both smiled.
Then—
Boom.
They vanished again, clashing mid-air above the street, shockwaves rippling outward like the world itself was watching.
The six Vessels stared in awe, their hearts pounding.
This wasn't a fight.
This was Ruin playing with Ruin.