Supreme Kai Realm.
The stone steps before the temple gleamed a cold jade white beneath the eternal halo.
Old Kai stood hunched over, gripping his staff so tightly that his knuckles had turned white.
He stood at the very top of the steps like a stone statue weathered by wind and rain.
Only the eyes hidden amid his wrinkles were still alive, fixed dead on the crystal ball floating in the air, turbulent waves churning in their depths.
Supreme Kai Shin stood half a step behind him. The gentleness had long vanished from his face, leaving only a livid pallor and tension.
He held his breath instinctively, his hand unconsciously clutching his robe, deep wrinkles already creased into the expensive divine garment.
Their figures were cast into the temple's vast shadow, looking especially small.
The oppressive feeling was nearly suffocating. Even the faint divine radiance flowing through the air seemed to have frozen.
Their gazes were held by invisible chains, locked firmly onto the crystal ball.
Within it was a familiar blue planet—Earth.
But now, an ominous dark red was spreading across its blue surface, sending chills through their hearts.
The image inside the crystal ball shifted soundlessly, each flicker bringing a deeper chill.
West City.
The prosperous city, once filled with traffic, crowds, and flashing neon, was now left with only deathly silence and a strange order.
On the streets, a dense stream of people flowed slowly like a black tide.
Some wore suits, some wore aprons, and students carried schoolbags.
Every face bore only that grotesque, meticulously crafted smile, each curve identical.
Their eyes, young and old alike, were wide and hollow, cold and eerie red light flickering in their depths, as though their souls had been ripped away and replaced with twin ghostly flames.
The footsteps were