As they made their way through the aftermath of the battlefield, the trio felt a strange calm settle around them, a rare moment of tranquility after the storm. Ryo held the radiant sword firmly, still marveling at the power it emanated. Though the curse had been vanquished, he could feel the weight of his duty more intensely than ever.
Their silence was broken by Sona, who cast a thoughtful glance toward Ryo. "That sword," she began, her voice filled with curiosity and awe, "it's unlike anything I've seen before. It feels... alive."
Ryo nodded. "The spirits entrusted it to me. It's as though each soul I freed has left a part of their strength within it. I can feel them guiding me, almost like an echo in my mind."
Ophis, silent but observant, finally spoke up, her gaze distant yet sharp. "Be careful with that power, Ryo. Gifts like these come with expectations. The spirits have chosen you as their champion, and that responsibility may draw even greater threats to you."
Ryo met her gaze, a fierce determination in his eyes. "I understand. If this sword is a reminder of the lives lost, then I'll wield it in their honor. I'll protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Sona's expression softened, pride glinting in her eyes. "Then we stand with you, Ryo. Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it together."
As they ventured further from the battlefield, they reached a clearing where the twilight sky cast a faint glow. Suddenly, an unfamiliar figure materialized before them—a messenger from the Underworld, dressed in formal robes with an insignia bearing the crest of the Maou, Sirzechs Lucifer.
"Ryo Uchiha," the messenger called, his voice resonating with an air of authority. "You have been summoned by Sirzechs Lucifer himself. He wishes to discuss the recent events surrounding the sorcerer's defeat and the acquisition of your new powers."
Ryo's pulse quickened at the unexpected summons, realizing that the Maou's attention was both an honor and a cause for caution. "Very well," he replied, sheathing the sword of light. "Lead the way."
Sona and Ophis exchanged glances, silently agreeing to accompany him. Though Ryo knew he would need to face the consequences of his actions and his new status, he welcomed the opportunity to understand the deeper forces at play within the realms.
As they followed the messenger through a portal, Ryo glanced down at his sword, feeling the silent resonance of the spirits within. This was his path now—a journey of strength, loyalty, and redemption, bound to those who had placed their trust in him.
As they emerged from the portal, Ryo, Sona, and Ophis found themselves in the grand hall of Sirzechs Lucifer's palace. The atmosphere was imposing, with towering columns and intricate mosaics that glowed with an ethereal light. There was a palpable sense of power that filled every inch of the space, reminding them of the gravity of the realm they had entered.
At the far end of the hall stood Sirzechs Lucifer himself, regal and composed, his crimson hair flowing like fire. Beside him stood Grayfia, his trusted queen, her expression stern yet unreadable. Ryo felt a flicker of tension ripple through him, yet he straightened his posture, holding the sword of light firmly, a reminder of the souls who had trusted him.
"Welcome, Ryo Uchiha," Sirzechs greeted, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight. His gaze settled on the sword in Ryo's hand, eyes narrowing as he seemed to appraise it. "I have heard of your victory against the dark sorcerer and the power you have acquired. It's rare for such an ancient relic to choose a new bearer."
Ryo bowed respectfully, though his eyes held steady. "Thank you, Sirzechs Lucifer. The spirits granted me this sword as a sign of their trust, and I intend to honor them with it."
Sirzechs nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his gaze. "It is a noble sentiment, Ryo. However, wielding such power comes with its share of complications." He glanced briefly at Grayfia, who gave a slight nod.
Grayfia's voice, as cool and precise as ice, broke the silence. "The sword you bear contains immense spiritual energy, a force that will undoubtedly attract attention from powerful beings—some of whom will not be pleased to see it in the hands of an outsider. There are those who believe such a relic should remain within the Underworld, and some may view your possession of it as a threat."
Ryo absorbed her words, feeling the weight of the responsibility settle even more heavily. "I understand," he replied. "If there are those who wish to challenge me, I'll face them. This power was given to me for a reason, and I won't let it fall into the wrong hands."
Sona stepped forward, her voice filled with a measured resolve. "With all due respect, Sirzechs-sama, Ryo has proven himself time and again. His loyalty is unwavering, and he has protected our realm from threats many times over."
Sirzechs regarded Sona with a warm smile. "I know, Sona. That is why I have allowed this meeting, to understand Ryo's intentions. The Underworld needs allies like him, but it is also essential that he remains aware of the dangers his new powers may bring."
Ophis, who had been quiet until now, took a step forward. Her calm, ancient gaze rested on Sirzechs. "Ryo is strong. He is not just a warrior—he is one who understands balance, a quality rare even among dragons."
Sirzechs considered her words, then looked back at Ryo, his expression serious. "Very well, Ryo. I will recognize your right to wield the sword, but I ask one thing in return." He extended a hand toward Ryo. "Swear to protect both the Underworld and the human world from those who would misuse power. You may face enemies who seek to control you or claim your strength for themselves, but as long as you carry this sword, you carry the hope of the souls within it."
Ryo felt the gravity of the moment. Looking down at the sword of light, he could almost sense the presence of those who had granted it to him, their silent encouragement bolstering his resolve. He knelt before Sirzechs, his voice steady as he spoke.
"I swear, by the souls who gave me this power and by my own honor, I will protect both worlds from those who seek to bring harm. No matter the cost."
Sirzechs placed a hand on Ryo's shoulder, a powerful aura surrounding them as he nodded in acceptance. "Then you have my blessing, Ryo Uchiha. Stand and let this moment mark the beginning of a new chapter. There are dark forces brewing beyond our sight, and I believe your presence here will shift the tides to come."
As Ryo rose, he felt a renewed sense of purpose fill him, a certainty that he had chosen the right path. He looked to Sona and Ophis, both of whom offered him reassuring smiles. This was his mission now—a journey that would lead him through uncharted realms, and battles that would test the limits of his newfound power.
With Sirzechs's blessing and the spirits' trust, Ryo was ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that, whatever the challenge, he would stand as both a warrior and a protector, bound by his oath and the legacy of those he had freed.