Chapter 80: Invasion!
In the apartment, after freshening up, Shinji laid down on his bed.
"Space rift."
Despite wanting to rest, his mind kept replaying the recent "light" notification.
Indeed.
His "lamp" had detected a space crack and deemed it "safe."
Having faced several invasions before, Shinji was somewhat desensitized to space rifts. Initially dismissing it, he returned with Haku and Karin.
But in his idle moments, he couldn't shake off the thought.
Shinji didn't want to invade other worlds through space rifts. Instinctively, he resisted disrupting others' peace.
Yet, he couldn't deny his curiosity about the world beyond this rift.
He yearned to discover what his "lamp" was and decipher the meaning of "lantern bearer." Why did the mysterious "lantern bearer" from the demon slayer world invade the ninja world?
These questions couldn't be ignored.
He must bravely explore and seek answers through discovery.
Perhaps, this space rift presented an opportunity—an opportunity for him to unravel the mystery of the "Lantern Bearer"!
Suddenly sitting up, Shinji resolved, "I'll use the light to conceal myself, ensuring I don't disturb anyone else's world."
He believed that as long as he strolled without polluting or destroying anything, there should be no issues.
Confirming with his "light" again, he asked, "Can I return anytime?"
[Affirmative.]
[Confirmed safe area beyond the space rift]
Shinji stood, donned the Akatsuki organization's red cloud cloak, and put on his mask. Whispering the code of conduct, "Do not pollute, do not destroy, do not communicate unless necessary—just observe."
With his disguise complete, Shinji nervously exclaimed, "Open the space rift!"
[Locating space rift]
[Proceed with invasion?]
Shinji hesitated briefly, then gritted his teeth, "Proceed with invasion!"
Swish.
Shinji vanished from the apartment.
Dizzy from the spin, he found himself falling upon landing.
Before he could rise, discomfort gripped his throat, as if inhaling fire-laden air filled with sparks.
Suppressing his discomfort, he stood, surveyed his surroundings, and froze.
The sky resembled burnt glass, riddled with fissures.
Through the cracks, Shinji glimpsed boundless darkness beyond, roiling and tumultuous!
No sun, no moon, no stars.
Only billowing flames and airborne ash.
Shinji averted his gaze, scanning the desolate wasteland. All around, charred earth exuded faint sparks amidst the blackened landscape.
"And this is called a safe area!?"
Shinji cursed inwardly.
It felt generous to liken this place to the aftermath of a nuclear explosion.
Then, he noticed a lamp in his hand.
"My light!?"
He examined it closely.
The lamp's design was ordinary—an exquisite bronze handle with a pot containing a substance akin to golden sand, occupying just one-fifth of the pot's capacity.
Realizing it was his own "lamp," Shinji secured it within the folds of his red cloud cloak, hanging it carefully at his waist.
Vigilantly scanning the distance, he noticed several figures, their identities unclear from afar.
Having already observed them, Shinji recognized their cautious demeanor—seven figures cloaked in black robes, concealed except for their stature. Only the edges hinted at concealed weapons.
"Even their weapons are hidden carefully."
Shinji's heart sank.
Among them, one figure stood taller, nearly two meters, sporting an eye patch and wrapped in bandages. Seated on a boulder, he leisurely smoked a cigar.
Spotting Shinji observing from afar, the robust man waved.
Shinji remained composed, maintaining his distance, alert and cautious.
The sturdy man rose from the boulder, approaching Shinji with a smile.
Upon reaching him, he studied Shinji and asked, "Newcomer?"
Shinji remained silent.
Acknowledging it would reveal his true colors; denying it, his cowardice.
Simultaneously, Shinji noted they spoke a strange tongue, yet he understood effortlessly.
Additionally, he observed a lamp hanging from the sturdy man's waist, its golden sand-like substance nearly depleted. Strangely, the diminishing sand glowed brilliantly.
Sensing Shinji's scrutiny, the sturdy man glanced at his own lamp and chuckled, "These are embers. More embers, more trades with them."
As he gestured toward the distant figures cloaked in black, cautious of divulging their identity.
Seeing through him, Shinji inquired simply, "Who are they?"
Grinning, the robust man replied, "Like you."
"Those seven are Lantern Bearers."
Shinji was taken aback.
Anticipating invading a specific world, he stumbled into a realm seemingly designated for transactions among "Lantern Bearers."
The robust man interjected, "Time's ticking. If you wish to trade, act swiftly!"
"What does that imply?"
The question returned, "How long do you think we can hold out here?"
"What's happening here?"
Growing more vigilant, Shinji demanded.
Typical "Lantern Bearers" concealed themselves in black robes to ward off thieves. Yet, this robust man stood openly, appearing familiar—raising Shinji's alertness.
Moreover, the lamp at his waist contained "embers," resembling golden sand on the verge of depletion—suggesting his intent to attack.
Taking a drag from his cigar, the robust man replied casually, "What else could it be? The Overlord's after me!"
"Overlord?"
The sturdy man pointed skyward.
Shinji realized instantly—the "Overlord" referenced the colossal figure amidst the darkened abyss beyond the sky.
A figure that instilled fear merely glimpsed from a distance.
End of chapter