As the Council of Captains unleashed their newfound dark powers upon the twelve guardians defending the barrier, the battle began to turn decisively in their favor. Each captain fought valiantly, effortlessly overpowering their adversaries. Captain Byakko, the master of ice, encased three guardians in a dark frost before shattering them with precision. Captain Suzaku, the fiery warrior, incinerated another trio of guardians with her dark flames, leaving no trace of their existence. Captain Genbu, the earth manipulator, caused the ground to tremble and swallow three guardians into its depths, sealing their fate. Captain Seiryu, the master of water, channeled dark waves that washed over the remaining trio of guardians, drowning them in darkness. Their combined efforts were overwhelming, and the guardians, once formidable adversaries, were now being defeated with ease. The barrier protecting the amulet was weakening, inching closer to its destruction. Meanwhile, Ace Kurotsuchi moved swiftly through the battlefield, destroying every single monster that stood in his path. His dark powers were a force to be reckoned with, and the malevolent creatures that had once been a threat now fell before his might. As Ace continued his onslaught, he encountered a new and formidable monster. It was unlike any he had faced before, and he could sense a malevolent energy emanating from it. With a focused gaze, he activated his Seirei no Rikai, allows its user to instantly see and understand the name, age, race, power, and techniques of anyone they gaze upon. This provides a significant advantage in battles and helps the user fine-tune their own abilities for maximum efficiency and potency. The information revealed by his Seirei no Rikai left Ace with a sense of unease. The name of the monster, its age, and its true nature hinted at a greater mystery and a looming threat that extended beyond the battlefield. Ace knew that he needed to confront this new adversary and uncover the secrets it held. With determination burning in his eyes, he moved to engage the formidable foe, leaving the captains to continue their triumphant battle against the guardians. As Ace Kurotsuchi approached the formidable monster that stood in his path, he was taken aback by a startling transformation. The creature, previously menacing and monstrous, underwent a dramatic change before his eyes. In an instant, the creature's form shifted, and before Ace stood a young girl. She had long, flowing black hair that cascaded down her back, and her eyes were a piercing shade of red. Horns adorned her head, giving her an otherworldly and enigmatic appearance. Ace, ever vigilant, recognized the shift in the creature's form but remained cautious. The sudden transformation raised more questions than answers. Who was this girl, and what connection did she have to the malevolent darkness that had plagued the realms? But she immediately launcher herself to Ace trying to attack him. As Ace Kurotsuchi evades the attack, it became clear that she had been modified by Malachar, her transformation serving as a sinister weapon. There was no dialogue, only a swift and deadly motion as the girl summoned a sword into existence and lunged at Ace with blinding speed. For the first time in his 500 years of existence as the most powerful being, Ace felt a pang of worry. The girl's slashes were not only incredibly fast but also precise and consistent. Each strike was a threat, and Ace realized that even a minor cut from her blade could prove lethal. Their battle raged on for what felt like an eternity. Ace found himself pushed to the limit as he struggled to defend against the relentless onslaught. The girl's attacks were unrelenting, and her intent to kill him was undeniable. Ace knew that he had to take this battle seriously. With a deep breath, he began to charge his newfound technique, Kuhaku Goku. It was a formidable power, capable of making anything on its path cease to exist. But just as he was about to unleash it, the girl executed a swift slash that cut through his red sphere of power. The Kuhaku Goku dissipated, and Ace's arm was severed in the process. Pain surged through him as he stepped back, the gravity of the situation sinking in. The girl's abilities were not to be underestimated, and Ace now faced a formidable adversary who could match his power. As the chapter came to a close, Ace's severed arm fell to the ground, and the battle against the modified girl reached a critical juncture. The outcome remained uncertain, and the fate of the realms hung in the balance as the two powerful beings clashed in a duel of destiny.