In a world consumed by endless carnage, a man stood amid the ruins—his body a shredded mess of wounds, covered in countless scars, blood pouring from every gash. Three massive spears protruded from his back like cruel trophies. He leaned heavily on his sword, chest heaving with ragged breaths.
Huuuuh… huuuh…
A humanoid monster approached, towering and grotesque.
"Little human," it sneered, voice dripping with mockery. "Did you really think you could stand against us alone? You're nothing but a pathetic fool." It let out a guttural laugh.
"Shut your mouth, Nox," the warrior spat, blood trickling from his lips. "This isn't over yet. As long as I draw breath… I will keep fighting."
Nox's grin twisted into disdain. "How truly pathetic, Yami—the one they called the Apocalypse Warrior. You are, without doubt, the strongest human we've faced in this Great Purge of humanity." It sighed theatrically. "But every great story needs an ending."
Nox raised its hand, violent purple energy crackling around it. "This is the end, Yami."
Yami's eyes narrowed. He gripped his sword tighter, channeling everything he had left. "No… Judgment Blade!"
The attack shot forward like a streak of silver lightning, aimed straight at Nox's chest.
But with a speed that defied sound itself, Nox dodged—barely. The blade grazed its side, drawing black blood. In retaliation, Nox's right arm plunged through Yami's chest in a brutal thrust.
"You filthy bastard! What did you think that would accomplish?" Nox snarled.
Blood bubbled from Yami's mouth as he coughed. "Argh… At least… I die proud. I marked you… one last time."
Indeed, a deep gash marred Nox's torso, dark blood oozing out.
"You son of a—! You'll pay for that! Infernal Slash!"
Nox's arm erupted in black flames, still buried in Yami's chest. With a savage pull, it cleaved his body in two. Blood flooded the cracked earth beneath him.
Yami's pupils faded to gray, his skin turning deathly pale.
"Farewell, Yami… Apocalypse Warrior. My greatest foe," Nox muttered before turning and walking away from the battlefield.
In Yami's final thoughts:
'So this is what it feels like… standing at death's door. How pathetic. I couldn't avenge my sister… or my fallen comrades. I'm sorry… but it seems this is the end.'
As life ebbed away, a distant yet strangely intimate voice echoed in the void.
"Your end has not yet come, human named Yami. You still have much to accomplish in your existence."
A golden light materialized from nowhere, enveloping him before sinking into his broken body.
"I grant you this gift. Know that you will reincarnate in a new world. Make good use of it, human."
The voice faded like an echo.
Then, like a final whisper—
[Divine Evolution System Activation]
[All conditions fulfilled]
[Synchronization with user Yami's soul in progress]
[Synchronization complete]
[Rebirth in the new world imminent…]
End of Prologue.