Hinojosa's defeat at the hands of the mysterious guard weighed heavily on him. The words "Come back when you have more power" echoed relentlessly in his mind, like a cruel reminder of how far he still had to go. His pride had been shattered, but beneath that, a burning desire to become stronger, to master his own power, began to take root.
For the first time in a long while, Hinojosa began to question his true purpose. Was power the answer to all his pain, or was it the cause of it? The more he thought about it, the more he realized that his journey wasn't just about vengeance. It was about understanding himself and learning to control the power that had consumed him since he first made his deal with the devil.
Days turned into weeks, and Hinojosa trained relentlessly. Every movement, every strike, was driven by the need to grow. He pushed his body and mind to their limits, seeking out ancient knowledge and dark teachings that would help him harness his power. But with each new technique he learned, the more he realized how little he truly understood. His power was vast, but it was uncontrollable—a chaotic storm within him that threatened to break free at any moment.
It wasn't long before he learned of a hidden temple, deep within the mountains, where those who sought true mastery over their power were said to undergo an awakening. The temple, however, was no ordinary place. It was a labyrinth of ancient trials, designed to test not just the strength of the body, but the will of the soul. Only those who proved themselves worthy were allowed to unlock the full extent of their power.
Determined to reach the temple, Hinojosa embarked on the perilous journey, cutting through treacherous landscapes and battling fierce beasts along the way. His power grew with each battle, but so did the darkness inside him. The hunger for destruction, the thirst for more power, gnawed at him like a relentless beast.
When Hinojosa finally arrived at the temple, it was unlike anything he had ever seen. The towering stone pillars were covered in intricate carvings, depicting ancient battles and gods of war. The entrance to the temple was guarded by a single figure—a tall, hooded man whose face was obscured in shadow.
"I am the guard of this temple," the figure spoke in a deep, echoing voice. "Tell me what you seek. I have been here for 11 millennia."
Hinojosa, with a determined look in his eyes, approached the gate. "I seek power. The power to control what is inside me, to become more than I am, and to understand the true purpose of my existence."
The figure nodded slowly, as though weighing Hinojosa's words. After a moment, he stepped aside, allowing Hinojosa to enter. Inside, the temple was dimly lit by flickering torches. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the silence was deafening. At the heart of the temple stood a massive stone altar, surrounded by pillars of light that seemed to hum with ancient energy.
Before Hinojosa could step forward, the hooded figure raised his hand. "To proceed," he said, "you must first answer the five riddles. Fail, and you will remain trapped in this temple forever."
The air grew heavier, and Hinojosa's heart beat faster. He nodded, ready to face whatever came next.
The first riddle echoed in his mind:
"What is consensus?"
Hinojosa closed his eyes, pondering. After a long silence, he answered, "Consensus is the agreement reached by a group, a common understanding."
The figure nodded in approval. The next riddle was spoken:
"What is love?"
Hinojosa's mind wandered to Sayo, to the pain of loss, and the torment of his heart. "Love is the force that binds us to others, the willingness to sacrifice for someone else's happiness, even at the cost of our own."
The figure stepped back, gesturing for him to continue. The next riddle was:
"Who are you?"
Hinojosa paused. This was the hardest one. Who was he? A broken man seeking redemption? A monster craving more power? After a long moment, he said, "I am Hinojosa Judasama, a man who lost everything, but refuses to lose himself."
The figure gave him a faint smile and spoke the next question:
"What is your goal?"
Hinojosa's heart swelled with determination. "My goal is to control the power that consumes me, to protect others from suffering as I have suffered, and to find my true purpose."
The figure nodded again, then spoke the final riddle:
"Who is beside you, who supports you?"
Hinojosa's mind flashed to the people who had once been his allies, to the memory of Sayo, and even to the voices of his fallen comrades. But now, he realized that he was no longer alone. He had chosen his path, and though his journey was solitary, he would no longer let the darkness control him. "I stand alone, but I am supported by my resolve and the lessons of the past. It is my will, my power, and my purpose that guide me."
The hooded figure stepped back, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light. "You have answered the riddles, but you are not yet finished."
With those words, the figure raised his hands to the sky. The temple trembled, and a surge of power flooded the space. The air crackled with energy as a blinding light enveloped Hinojosa. He felt his power surge to unimaginable levels, his senses expanding beyond comprehension.
When the light faded, Hinojosa stood before the hooded figure, his body radiating energy like a star. "You have passed the trials," the figure said. "Now, you are ready to awaken."
But the figure wasn't done. His voice echoed once more in the temple. "You shall meet 9 allies who will support you in your conquest. Their strength will be vital to your journey. But remember, only with them will you truly be able to realize the full extent of your power."
Hinojosa stood tall, his body crackling with energy. The darkness that had once consumed him was now under his control. He had awakened to his true potential.
But with this new power came a new realization: The King of Ace was still out there, waiting for him. And Hinojosa was no longer the man who had been defeated at the castle. He was something far greater now.
The journey ahead would not be easy, but for the first time, Hinojosa felt ready. He had awakened. Now, he would make sure that no one else had to suffer the way he had.
As he left the temple, the winds howled around him, carrying with them the whispers of what was to come. The road ahead was dark and uncertain, but Hinojosa was no longer afraid. The King of Ace would fall, and the world would know his name.
The true test was just beginning.