I've been hunting Micah down.

　His servants, the angels, are no longer the enemy of fixed damage.
　Even with Myka's [Flower Protection] skill, she can't prevent my skill damage.

　I'm not sure what to do.

"Enough with the ....... Protect me!

　I'm not going to be able to do that.

You've given up attacking and are on the defensive.

　But it's no use.
　If I close the distance, I can wipe out his defenses.

You'll get your orb back.
Give it back?　No way!　This belongs to Master Valerii!　You have no right to it!　You will never have it!
"Then I'll take it by force.

　I walked straight ahead.

"Stick to .......

　Myka backed away as if overwhelmed.

Don't think you'll be forgiven for what you've done to Ulin's village. Don't think you'll get away with it.

　At least I'm not going to let him get away with it.
　If we let him go, he'll probably do the same thing somewhere else.

　I'll make sure he's dealt with here before he causes any more casualties.

"Yeah!　Whatever you can do to stop it!　I'll run while you do!

　Mayka screamed.

　At the same time, all the angels that were guarding his perimeter rushed towards him.

　Some rushed forward, while others threw hammers at him.
　Some even flew on wings of light and attacked from the air.

　All of them vanish as soon as they come in contact with my black scales.

I won't let you get away, Mycah!

　I kept moving forward.

　He's faster than me.
　But I can block all of his attacks.
　Somewhere along the way, I'll be able to link up with Shea, and we'll catch him.

　That's when it happened.

"Your awakening is progressing, my host. It's good to see you.

　A voice with a smile echoed from the sky.
　A woman's voice.

It's the darkness.

What's with the sudden appearance?

　When I ask you a question, you only answer on a whim.
　Why did you come out at this time, ......?

Darkness and light are mutually enhancing entities. The stronger the light that shines, the stronger and deeper the darkness becomes.

　Explains the [darkness].

The more the darkness is nurtured, the more you will have the opportunity to advance to a new level. "The black phase (cli-photo) will open.
"Clifoto ......?

　I raised my eyebrows at the unfamiliar word.

　In the next moment, a black mist spreads out in front of me.
　From the other side of it, a huge gate appeared, several hundred meters high.

"This is...

　A black-purple glow lit up the inside of the gate.

　My vision darkened, and then...



　The next thing you know, you're in an endless wilderness.



"Where am I, ......?

　At least it's not Ulin's village.

　An ominous reddish-black wasteland of earth stretched to the horizon.

　No way, I thought.

　I remembered what Valerie had told me in the lab.
The answer to my question about light and darkness.



"Simply put, it's something with an enormous amount of energy that lies in a space different from this world.



　Could that "different space" be this place?

That's a good question.

　Before I knew it, there was a figure at my side.

　A lot of the time, it's just a matter of time.
　In contrast, the skin is endlessly white and smooth.
　Her black dress blends in with her surroundings like a noblewoman's.

　The eyes have no color, like the darkness itself.

You are ......
It's the first time I've seen you in such a clear embodiment.

It was darkness.

　A beautiful woman of a strange age is looking at me with a mysterious smile on her face.

　Did she look like this?
　I've seen her vaguely before, but I've never seen her before. .......

This is the Kuro Phase. This is a world where darkness hangs thicker than in this world. It is also my hometown.


"Is it still another world?

　In response to my question, the [darkness] nodded quietly.

　This is no time for idle chatter.

The other side is where Shea and Yurin are. We have to go back quickly...

　Mycah will kill them. ......!

"Time flows differently here than in this world. I'm sure you'll be fine.

I'm not sure what to do.

When we leave here, we'll go back to a moment later.
'Well, get me back there.

　I told her.

I have no use for the Kuro Phase.
Are you sure about that?　You want more power, don't you?

[Darkness] clears her throat and chuckles.

　More power....
　Yes, for the upcoming battle with Yuno, I'm looking for more power from the Darkness.

Is there anything in this world that can make me stronger?
"First you must know.

　In response to my question, [darkness] gave a somewhat evasive answer.

You have to meet them. You must face it. That existence.
...... Don't be so pompous, can you be specific?
"It is a woman's duty to hurry her lord, isn't it, hostess?

The Darkness seems to be quite happy.

Let me show you around. In order to lead you further into the darkness. This way, please.

　And so...

The journey of the Kuro Phase has begun.