Sung Min Ki stumbled out of the Chamber of the Blossom Tree, his body trembling from the weight of endless battles and deaths. Every step felt foreign, his surroundings warped with magical, surreal elements. Spells carved themselves into the air, glowing in unknown languages, whispering to him like voices from another life.
For what felt like eons, he had fought the Sleeves, their immense forms unrelenting. But after countless cycles of death and rebirth, Sung had finally overcome the last of them. He had devoured its body in desperation, absorbing its strength and taking its weapon—a massive, double-edged blade inscribed with ancient spells.
Shukketsu, the weapon called itself.
"Bleed."
Barely clothed, Sung tore the remnants of his outfit and took a half-shattered mask from the Chamber wall, its surface etched with the same glowing patterns that now lined his own skin. He clenched the Shukketsu, the blade thrumming with dark energy, and stepped into the light outside the Chamber for the first time in what felt like eternity.
His eyes adjusted to the outside world, now filled with familiar faces—though they were blurred by his fractured mind. Gok stood before him, resolute yet worn, his aura commanding.
But Sung's mind registered only danger.
Sung Min Ki:
"Is that all for this? All those years! GAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Sung roared, his voice raw with pain and fury, and swung the Shukketsu with all his might.
"SAIGNEMENT DE CRI!"
The blade responded to his rage, its ability activating in a violent eruption of energy. The ground split beneath their feet, and the entire dimension seemed to tremble. A massive, crimson arc of destructive force tore through the landscape, cutting the Blossom Dimension itself in half.
Monkey leapt forward, his body radiating a golden aura as he channeled his Zodiac Energy. With every ounce of strength, he intercepted the attack, barely holding it back as it threatened to consume everything in its path.
When the dust settled, Monkey collapsed to one knee, panting heavily, but alive.
Monkey (gruffly):
"You… you almost destroyed everything, kid."
Sung froze, the rage fading from his eyes as he dropped the blade.
Sung Min Ki (whispering):
"Hansoo… my younger brother… I'm sorry. I could have saved you. I'm so sorry."
He fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face, his voice shaking.
Sung Min Ki:
"I thought you were another Sleeve. My mind… it's broken."
Gok approached cautiously, his voice steady but filled with compassion.
Gok:
"You've been through hell, Sung Min Ki. But you're not alone anymore."
Sung looked up, and for the first time in what felt like centuries, his vision cleared. Standing next to Gok was someone he thought he'd never see again.
Sung Min Ki:
"Wu-Ji? Is it really you?"
Wu-Ji smiled faintly, tears glistening in his eyes as he stepped forward and embraced Sung.
Wu-Ji:
"You survived, brother. That's all that matters now."
The three stood together for a brief moment of solace.
The peace was short-lived.
Without warning, a sharp, whistling sound cut through the air. A spear, radiating dark energy, struck Whitepalm square in the chest. He staggered, his eyes wide in shock, before collapsing to the ground.
Monkey (shouting):
"Whitepalm!"
Gok turned, his heart sinking as Whitepalm's life force faded rapidly.
Gok:
"No… not now!"
But there was no time to mourn. From the distance, a figure emerged—a Sleeve, but unlike any they had faced before. This one was thin and humanoid, its body refined, almost elegant. Its presence exuded overwhelming strength, its aura radiating with the same energy as the Blossom Tree.
Sung Min Ki (whispering):
"They can evolve… even here."
The Sleeve stepped forward, its voice calm yet menacing.
Evolved Sleeve:
"Foolish mortals. Did you truly believe this realm would let you leave unscathed? The Blossom Dimension has no end… and neither do I."
The Final Battle Begins
The group formed a defensive stance, their resolve hardening despite their exhaustion.
Gok (to Sung Min Ki):
"This isn't over. Not until we destroy this thing and get out of here—together."
Sung gripped the Shukketsu, its energy responding to his newfound determination. He glanced at Wu-Ji, who nodded, his own power surging.
Wu-Ji:
"We've come this far. Let's finish it."
As the Evolved Sleeve prepared its attack, the final battle for survival in the Blossom Dimension began.