Haruto could feel the power surging through him, stronger and more dominant than ever before. The moment his hand touched the ancient altar, an overwhelming wave of energy pushed him back. His body trembled violently, and within him, an immense sense of fullness emerged. He could feel Arlan Von Echeveria—if that was truly his name—awakening once more, as though two identities were now clashing within the same body.
But there was no time for deep reflection. Lucius, who had been closely observing the process, now stepped forward. "Your power has awakened, Haruto," he said with a serious tone. "But remember, power is not everything. Without control, it can destroy you and everything around you."
Haruto looked at him with a blank expression. "What am I supposed to do now?" His voice was hoarse, filled with tension. "I don't know if I'm ready for this... What should I do with this power?"
Lucius nodded slowly, fully understanding Haruto's turmoil. "This power exists within you for a greater reason, Haruto. This world needs you, and if you do not control it, not only will your life be at risk—everyone you love will become victims of this power."
Haruto felt his chest tighten. He had always known that his fate would never simply disappear. But accepting the reality that he had to live with this immense power—the power of a legendary war king—was an unbearable burden. "I don't want to be that person. I just want to live like an ordinary person. But this power..."
Lucius stopped him by raising a hand, his expression filled with understanding. "There is no 'ordinary' for you anymore, Haruto. This power is a part of you. If you ignore it, this world will suffer. But if you learn to control it, you can become its savior."
Haruto fell silent. This world—the one he wished to be a simple and peaceful place—was far darker and more dangerous than he had imagined. More and more, he felt trapped by the power within him, pulling him deeper into an inescapable destiny.
"I know I have to continue this journey," Haruto said, his voice firm, though doubts still gnawed at his mind. "But how do I control this power? How do I know I won't destroy everything?"
Lucius gave a faint smile. "That is why you must learn, Haruto. You need to understand your purpose. This power is not just yours. The world has been waiting for you to restore its balance. But your journey will not be easy."
Suddenly, a voice from the distance shattered the silence. "Lucius, do you really intend to entrust everything to him?" The voice was cold yet filled with an intimidating force.
Haruto quickly turned, spotting a tall figure clad in a black robe emerging from the shadows of the trees. His eyes glowed red like flames, brimming with undisguised hatred. "Who are you?" Haruto asked, sensing a dark power emanating from the man.
Lucius turned, his gaze calm yet firm. "He is a part of our past, Haruto," he answered in an unchanging voice. "His name is Darius Alveth. A legendary warrior who has never been able to let go of Arlan Von Echeveria."
Darius let out a cold chuckle, his red eyes gleaming as he stared at Haruto. "Arlan, is it? Do you really think I'll let you live like an ordinary person?" he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "This world needs a ruler, and you are the only one who can fill that void. The power within you will always attract people like me, Haruto."
Haruto clenched his fists, feeling the energy gathering within him, ready to erupt at any moment. "I am not Arlan anymore. I am Haruto Kisaragi, and I will not follow the fate you want for me."
But Darius merely smirked. "We shall see, Haruto. Destiny will reveal who you truly are."
Lucius stepped forward, positioning himself between Haruto and Darius. "Do not let them manipulate you, Haruto. This power can bring both salvation and destruction. What matters now is how you choose to use it."
Darius raised his hand, summoning a dark aura that wrapped around Haruto, pressing down on him with an immense force. Haruto felt his body growing heavier, but within him, a fire ignited—a mixture of anger, confusion, and helplessness, all merging into one.
"This is your first test, Haruto," Lucius said, preparing himself for the coming threat. "Control yourself. Control your power. This is not just about fighting. This is about choosing your path."
Haruto took a deep breath, feeling the overwhelming energy coursing through him. For the first time, he truly understood the meaning behind Lucius's words. This world did not just need power—it needed someone who could master it.
With newfound resolve, Haruto raised his hand, feeling an immense energy surge from within. A golden light surrounded him, merging with the energy he had inherited from Arlan. As the power was unleashed, a massive explosion erupted, shaking the ground beneath them.
"Can you control that power?" Darius asked, though this time, his voice was no longer filled with hatred—but admiration.
Haruto faced him with renewed determination. "I will not run from my fate anymore."