Tobio's eyes snapped open, glowing with a fierce determination as the oppressive darkness closed in around him. He'd had enough of the illusions, the games, and the endless trials. Every step forward seemed to drag him into another god's domain, each more bizarre and dangerous than the last. His body ached, his chakra reserves were nearly empty, but his resolve burned brighter than ever.
"Enough of this!" he roared, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
With a single, sharp breath, he focused his remaining chakra into a technique he hadn't used in years. His hands moved through the seals with practiced precision, though his movements were slower, burdened by exhaustion.
*Tiger → Dragon → Ox → Dog → Ram.*
"Demon Binding Chains!"
Ethereal chains erupted from the ground, glowing faintly as they coiled through the darkness like serpents. They slithered toward Somnia's ever-shifting form, their ends sparking with spiritual energy.
Somnia's figure flickered, shifting from a towering celestial being to a wisp-like shadow, then to a child wrapped in starlight. The god's form tried to evade the chains, but Tobio had poured every ounce of his will into the technique.
The chains snapped into place, wrapping tightly around Somnia's form. The dream god stilled, their prismatic eyes narrowing as they examined the binds holding them.
"What is this?" Somnia's voice echoed in Tobio's mind, calm yet tinged with curiosity. "You dare bind me in my own domain?"
Tobio staggered but forced himself to stand tall, his hand gripping *Kagekiba* tightly. "I've had enough of your tricks. I'm not here to play games, Somnia. I need you to take me to Amorus. Now."
Somnia tilted their head, their expression unreadable. "And if I refuse?"
Tobio's gaze hardened. "Then I'll make sure you regret it."
Somnia chuckled, the sound echoing like a chorus of voices. "You amuse me, mortal. Binding a god in their own domain is no small feat, but do you truly believe this will hold me?"
The chains trembled as Somnia exerted their power, the weight of their divinity pressing down on Tobio like a crushing wave. His knees buckled, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to maintain the technique.
"I don't care if you're a god," Tobio growled through gritted teeth. "I've faced worse than you, and I'm still standing."
Somnia paused, their flickering form stabilizing into a single shape: a serene figure cloaked in a shimmering robe of stars. "You're desperate," they observed, their voice softer now. "Desperation fuels courage, but it can also lead to ruin. What makes you think Amorus will help you?"
Tobio's grip on the chains tightened. "I don't have a choice. Heikō is gone, and the balance of everything is falling apart. If Amorus is the only one who can help me find him, then I'll do whatever it takes to reach them."
Somnia's gaze bore into him, their eyes a swirling mix of colors that seemed to pierce through his soul. "You speak of balance, yet your journey has been one of chaos. You've cut through domains, disrupted order, and defied the natural flow of existence."
"I'm doing what I have to do," Tobio shot back. "If that means pissing off a few gods, so be it. I won't stop until I find Heikō."
Somnia's lips curved into a faint smile. "Very well. Your resolve is… commendable."
The dreamscape around them began to shift, the oppressive darkness lifting as the chains binding Somnia dissolved. Tobio fell to one knee, his chakra reserves nearly depleted, but he kept his eyes on the god.
"You have passed my test," Somnia said, their tone almost amused. "Few mortals can break free of my illusions, let alone bind me. You've proven your determination."
"Does that mean you'll take me to Amorus?" Tobio asked, his voice hoarse but steady.
Somnia nodded, their shimmering form beginning to fade. "I will guide you to the threshold of their domain, but be warned: Amorus' domain is unlike any you have encountered. It is a place of boundless love and desire, but also one of painful truths and impossible choices. Be prepared to face yourself, Tobio Ukihara."
With a wave of Somnia's hand, the dreamscape dissolved completely, replaced by a corridor of radiant light. The path stretched endlessly in both directions, its walls pulsing with a rhythmic glow.
"This is the path to Amorus," Somnia explained. "Follow it, and you will reach their domain. But tread carefully—this path is not without its challenges."
Tobio nodded, forcing himself to his feet. He sheathed *Kagekiba*, his hand lingering on the hilt as if drawing strength from the weapon. "Thank you, Somnia."
The god inclined their head. "Do not thank me yet, mortal. Your journey is far from over."
With that, Somnia vanished, their presence leaving an almost tangible void in the air. Tobio took a deep breath, steadying himself before stepping onto the path of light.
As Tobio walked, the corridor began to change. The walls shimmered with images of people and places he didn't recognize, yet they felt strangely familiar. He saw glimpses of a woman with long, dark hair, her face obscured but her presence warm and comforting. He saw a younger version of himself, training under Heikō's watchful eye.
The visions stirred something deep within him—a longing, a pain he hadn't allowed himself to acknowledge.
"Amorus…" he muttered, his voice barely audible. "What kind of god are you?"
The corridor suddenly widened, opening into a vast expanse of light and shadow. In the distance, Tobio could see a towering structure—an ornate temple that seemed to pulse with a heartbeat of its own.
He took a step forward, his resolve firm despite the exhaustion weighing him down. Whatever awaited him in Amorus' domain, he would face it head-on.
For Heikō.
For the balance of the world.
And for himself.
To Be Continued...