Shadows Of Deception

A CRACK echoed across the chamber as a red lightning bolt struck its mark, manifesting Lei Gong onto his seat among the towering, glowing columns of the Shadow Council. Each member sat on their imposing thrones, their silhouettes casting shadows that stretched ominously across the room, illuminated only by the faint hum of mystical energy pulsating from their seats.The tension in the air was palpable as Jiangshi, the enigmatic leader, welcomed Lei Gong back.

Before Lei Gong could sit comfortably, Greyjoy, the God of Fire, smirked arrogantly. "The great Lei Gong, ranking number 3, sacrificing an eye to deal with a lowly brat? How pitiful." His mocking laughter boomed across the chamber, his fiery aura flickering wildly. Lei Gong rose slightly, his remaining eye blazing with fury, prepared to retaliate, but before he could utter a word, BOOM.

Jiangshi's aura descended upon the room like a thunderstorm. The sheer weight of his energy pressed every member into silence. The columns vibrated, and the air itself seemed to distort under the force of his presence. "Enough," Jiangshi's voice was calm, yet it sliced through the tension with precision. "Lei Gong's task was not simple, and he has succeeded. We should praise his effort." His words left no room for argument, and the council members begrudgingly nodded in acknowledgment.

Jiangshi turned his attention back to Lei Gong. "Shiki's body," he commanded. With a faint movement of his hand, Lei Gong raised a single finger. CRACK. A red lightning bolt struck the center of Jiangshi's seat, delivering the lifeless, battered body of Shiki.

"Perfect," Jiangshi muttered, his voice laced with dark satisfaction. He stepped forward, placing his pale hand on Shiki's chest. A sickening glow emanated from his palm as Shiki's form began to disintegrate. Sand poured from his body, grain by grain, until nothing remained but a pile of dust at Jiangshi's feet. The council watched silently as Jiangshi absorbed the remnants of Shiki's energy, his aura swelling with newfound power. "His energy will serve a greater purpose," Jiangshi said, his eyes glowing faintly.

Back on the surface, Jin knelt on the ground, his hand glowing with dark energy as he channeled the power of his inner demon into the earth. The ground beneath him quaked, and a faint seal began to materialize. Runes and intricate symbols glowed with an otherworldly light as the energy expanded, enveloping the group. Suddenly, a bright flash consumed them all.

When the light faded, the team found themselves standing amidst the ruins of the lost city of Atlantis.

The city was breathtaking. Towering golden structures rose into the sky, their surfaces gleaming with intricate carvings and embedded jewels. The air was rich with the scent of fresh waters and an unexplainable aura of divinity. Rivers of liquid gold flowed through the streets, reflecting the light from the glowing domes that adorned the cityscape. Majestic statues of past kings and gods stood guard, their eyes seemingly alive, watching over the remnants of their once-glorious civilization.

"Wow," Seiji said, his voice filled with awe. "This place… it's unreal." Madagascar, standing next to him, nodded silently, his mouth slightly open. "I've never seen anything like this," he muttered, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by pure wonder.

But something was off. As they explored the city, Jin stopped, his brow furrowing. Though he was among his comrades, it felt as though they weren't truly there. He reached out to touch Seiji's shoulder, but his hand phased through as if they were mere illusions.

"Seiji? Madagascar? Can you hear me?" Jin called out, but there was no response. The others continued to marvel at the city, unaware of Jin's plight. It was then that he realized—he was alone.

"You cannot reach them," a voice echoed, smooth yet menacing. Jin froze, turning sharply. From the far end of the city, a figure emerged. He was a tall, darkly glowing man, his presence radiating malice and authority. His approach was slow but deliberate, the faint hum of energy surrounding him growing louder with each step.

Jin's fists clenched, his eyes narrowing as he prepared himself for what was to come. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the unease creeping into his heart.

The figure stopped a few meters away, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "We have much to discuss, Jin."