Chapter 25: The Essence of Total Darkness

Umbra and Selene continued their journey across the alien landscape, the crystalline structures towering above them like silent sentinels. The eerie glow of the sky cast long shadows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Selene had been quiet since the encounter, her mind racing with questions. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, she spoke.

"Umbra, that ability you used back there… 'Total Darkness.' What exactly is it?"

Umbra glanced at her, his expression unreadable, yet his eyes held a glimmer of something deeper—perhaps a hint of pride, or maybe something more profound.

"You want to understand," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Total Darkness is more than just a power. It's the embodiment of control, of dominance over all aspects of existence. When I invoke it, I create a metaphysical prison that ensnares not just the body, but the soul itself."

Selene listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "But how does it work? What makes it so… absolute?"

Umbra paused, considering his words carefully. "The power of Total Darkness is tied to the very essence of my being. It is a reflection of the truth that I am the One True King, and in my presence, all must bow. The moment someone comes into contact with me, whether through knowing me, touching me, or even being known by me, my soul transcends everything they know of if my soul has not transcended it already."

Selene's eyes widened in realization. "So, anyone who knows you or touches you… they become vulnerable to this power?"

Umbra nodded. "Exactly. It applies to all things, living or otherwise. The moment I focus my soul, they become subject to my reality. In that space, their soul is trapped within the darkness, bound by the same rules I have defined. To escape, they would have to destroy their own soul and mine—a task that is, for all intents and purposes, impossible."

Selene shivered slightly, not from fear, but from the sheer magnitude of what he was describing. "But… why let them go? Why not destroy them entirely?"

Umbra's gaze softened as he looked ahead, his steps steady. "Because, Selene, there is more power in mercy than in destruction. I could annihilate them, yes, but to allow them to live with the memory of their defeat—to let them know that they were completely at my mercy—that is a fate far more profound. It ensures that they will never challenge me again, and that my title as the One True King remains unchallenged."

Selene absorbed his words, understanding now the layers of strategy and thought that went into every action Umbra took. He wasn't just powerful—he was wise, calculating, and, above all, unyielding in his purpose.

"Is there no limit to this ability?" she asked, almost in awe.

Umbra stopped walking and turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine. "The only limit, Selene, is my own soul. As long as I have the resolve to impose it, Total Darkness will bend reality itself to my command."

Selene could only nod, her respect for Umbra growing with each passing moment. She realized now that walking beside him was not just an honor, but a privilege. She was witnessing the journey of a being who was not merely powerful, but transcendent—a being who was destined to shape the fate of all worlds.

As they continued their journey, the path before them seemed even clearer, the challenges ahead almost trivial in comparison to the power Umbra wielded. But in the back of her mind, Selene knew that with such power came great responsibility—and that the path to reclaiming his true power would be fraught with both triumphs and trials.

And as they walked, the shadows around them seemed to grow darker, as if the very essence of Total Darkness was lingering, waiting for the next soul to challenge the One True King.