(Written by Solomon Paul)

As Amon stepped into the city, he was overwhelmed by the sight before him-towering buildings, flashing lights, and cars zooming down broad roads. It was unlike anything he'd ever seen.

Amon (in awe):

"Wow... awesome."

Still unsure if this truly was the famed city he'd heard of, Amon walked up to a couple strolling nearby and asked:

Amon:

"Excuse me... is this the city?"

Couple (smiling):

"Yes, this is Tokyo City. Where are you from?"

Amon:

"Me? Oh... I'm from Sora Village."

The couple's expression turned somber.

Couple:

"We heard about what happened there... we're really sorry. Do you need help? Are you looking for someone?"

Amon:

"No need to worry. I'm actually looking for my uncle."

Couple:

"Do you know where he lives?"

Amon:

"Not exactly... but I have his number. Would you mind lending me your phone? I don't have one."

Couple:

"Of course."

Amon:

"Thank you so much."

Amon dialed the number, his hands trembling slightly.

Amon (on the phone):

"Hello, is this Mr. Sasuke? Brother to Miss Elizabeth?"

Sasuke (shocked):

"Yes... wait... could this be-Amon?"

Amon:

"Yes. It's me."

Sasuke:

"I've heard so much about you from Elizabeth! How is she?"

Amon hesitated. His voice dropped.

Amon (quietly):

"She's gone... she died."

A heavy silence filled the call.

Sasuke (softly):

"Where are you now?"

Amon:

"I just reached the city. I'm near the boundary."

Sasuke:

"Stay right there. I'm on my way."

Amon thanked the couple and returned their phone. As he waited, a different story unfolded elsewhere...

---

Meanwhile... in the Demon Realm

Diane had made a shocking discovery. Her research into the magic Elizabeth once used had led her to an ancient revelation-Elizabeth had once been a top-tier member of the Anti-Demons, a clandestine group that recruited elite mages to battle against demonic forces. She had been an A-rank operative before resigning to become a nun.

Diane (grinning darkly):

"Though I couldn't uncover much about that nun... I did discover the origins of her magic. This could be valuable to my father-Lucifer, the Demon Lord."

---

Beyond the Cosmos - The Outer Throne

In the realm beyond multiverses, the gods gathered for a meeting. The divine halls of the Outer Throne echoed as Zeus, King of the Thrones, raised his voice.

Zeus:

"Why haven't any of you found Amon or Sora yet?"

Helmes, lounging casually as her personal angel Conan fed her fruit, spoke with a calm, knowing tone.

Helmes:

"Everything that happens has already been written. I've seen it all-even the end. There's no need to worry. She'll show herself in time."

Helmes, the Outer God who saw all of existence and every reality as a rewriteable book, had once tracked Amon and Sora-until they landed in the multiverse under Buddha's domain. Since then, Buddha's interference had shielded their paths from her sight.

Odin (gruffly):

"They're not in my Multiverse. I would've sensed even an ant's arrival."

Zeus turned sharply to Buddha.

Zeus:

"What about you? Do you know Amon's whereabouts?"

Buddha (calmly):

"Even if I did, I don't owe you any answers. And I better not find any of your sons' minions snooping around my multiverse again. Next time, I won't show mercy."

Zeus (furious):

"Don't test me, Buddha, or you'll regret it."

Buddha (walking away):

"I should say the same to you."

Helmes chuckled quietly.

Helmes:

"Heh... there he goes again."

Odin:

"He's always been like that."

Zeus clenched his fists in anger.

Zeus (muttering):

"You want war, Buddha? You'll regret it."

---

Buddha's Visit - The Trees of Sorrow

Buddha walked through a silent forest until he reached a mystical, glowing tree-The Tree of Sorrow, where a figure was bound in vines and glowing thorns. It was his old friend-Nathan, whose consciousness was nearly gone, his life force slowly drained by The Essence itself.

Buddha (softly):

"Yo... it's been a while. How have you held up?"

Nathan didn't respond. Only faint breathing remained.

Buddha (sighing):

"I warned you... but you didn't listen. That's why I isolate myself. I try to carry every burden alone. As an Outer God, I can't interfere-not without risking annihilation of all creation."

He rested a hand on the tree.

Buddha:

"Hang in there. Your son will bring balance. I believe that."

With those words, he vanished into golden mist.

---

Back in Tokyo - A New Beginning

A sleek sports car screeched to a halt near the city outskirts. A tall man stepped out, scanning the area before calling out.

Sasuke:

"Are you Amon?"

Amon:

"Yes."

Sasuke (smiling):

"Wow... you look so different from your photo. I'm Sasuke. Nice to finally meet you."

Amon:

"Yeah, nice to meet you too."

Sasuke:

"Have you eaten? I'm starving. Let's grab something."

Amon:

"I'm okay... I'll pass."

Sasuke (grinning):

"Don't hold back now. Come on!"

He playfully pulled Amon into the car. They drove through the bustling city until they arrived at a cozy restaurant with a glowing sign: Asura Restaurant.

Inside, a cheerful waitress named Cora approached.

Sasuke:

"Hey, Cora! Two bowls of your best ramen!"

As they sat down, warm food arriving at the table, Amon smiled faintly. For the first time in a long while... he felt a little at peace.

---

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT CHAPTER...