Out in the Wastelands, Where Two Titans Meet The skies were heavy with ominous clouds as Regulus Corneas, the Sin-Archbishop Representing Greed, stood at the edge of a desolate cliff. The howling winds seemed to savor his presence, much like how he savored his authority over the Witch's Cult. You playful smirk graced his face, reflecting the ego and selfish nature embodied in his very being. "Ah, what a delightful day to crush some hopes," he mused aloud, twirling his elegant dagger in his hand. "Whoever dares to step forth will not only taste defeat but be worthy of my greed." Suddenly, a sharp figure materialized from the shadows, cloaked in darkness. Kurokami Kenshiro, renowned for his reputation as a demon slayer and master of Shadow Breathing, stood firm, his intense gaze fixed upon Regulus. "So, you've come to collect my soul? Too bad. You’ll find I’m not easily broken," Kenshiro spoke, his voice steady, but edged with a decisive bravado. "Ha! I'm not interested in your soul; I’m more keen on showing you what true greed can manifest! You think you can dance in my shadows?" Regulus taunted, chuckling as he lunged forward with a savage gleam in his eyes. Kenshiro quickly reacted. Utilizing his agility, he slashed through the air with the first form of Shadow Breathing—Shadow Burst. His form blurred, and he was propelled forward in a rapid dash, aiming straight for Regulus. But then, in the blink of an eye, Regulus activated his skill — Lions Heart. The rush of power enveloped him, and he sidestepped Kenshiro's attack, leaving only a distorted echo behind. Regulus then unleashed a swirling slash in the air that cut through the very fabric of reality. "You’re quick, I’ll give you that, but speed means nothing against the authority of Greed!" Regulus laughed, watching the shadowy ribbon of energy slice through the air, aiming for Kenshiro's midsection. Kenshiro barely managed to dodge the attack, his instincts honed to the flicker of a heartbeat. "Your arrogance blinds you, Regulus. Shadow Veil!" he bellowed, as a dark shroud enveloped him. The world around him became muted, and in that moment, he evaded the attack completely. Regulus' eyes narrowed. "That won’t save you from the inevitable!" He moved again, relying on the enhancements that Lions Heart granted him. This time he focused with determination, his physical strength now pushed past any mortal limits, creating swift but devastating air barriers around him. But Kenshiro was relentless. With each dodging move, he slipped into his combat rhythm, transitioning effortlessly into the Second Form — Shadow Veil. The air around him shifted, leaving trails of darkness as he evaded with utmost agility. "Ephemeral Shade!" he shouted, appearing behind Regulus with a flicker of darkness. Regulus turned, just in time, only to be met with the biting edge of Kenshiro’s blade. But Regulus kicked back, absorbing the attack, his guard holding strong. "Nice try, but it’ll take more than that to bring me down!" He grinned, pushing back against the electric tension, the authority of his greed still bolstering him. Kenshiro hesitated for a split second, recognizing Regulus’s resilience under pressure. It was a moment too long. Regulus lunged; Lions Heart activated again, and he swung his blade, cutting through the air to release a slashing wave that sought to pin Kenshiro to the ground. Caught in the moment, Kenshiro initiated his Third Form—Shadow Storm. Each slice of razor wind from Regulus collided against Kurokami's meticulously timed movements. The clash echoed like a thunderstorm, each push and shove drawing them deeper into ferocity. "Can’t you see? Greed cannot be defeated — it can only consume!" Regulus yelled, reveling in the chaos of their duel. Kenshiro focused, entering into the Fourth Form—Shadow Fang. He began to weave through Regulus's attacks with elegance and grace, narrowly evading disaster. “Silent Eclipse!" he cried as he struck back, sending waves of energy coursing through the air. Regulus staggered; surprise flickered momentarily across his face. But it was gone just as quick. "You think yourself a master of shadows? You haven’t seen my true power yet!" he roared, a darker grin resurfacing. Kenshiro knew he had to adapt faster. His experience against demons flooded back, instincts urging him on. His eyes burned with determination; he knew he had to strike true. With momentum, he set his mind to the Fifth Form — Shadow Serenity, and unleashed Obsidian Zenith. You cascade of swift attacks dissolved into a singularity of focused power, aimed directly at Regulus's core. “Let’s see if greed withstands the weight of your own arrogance,” Kenshiro snarled, focusing every ounce of energy into the strike. At that moment, all the air seemed to escape; the ground trembled beneath them, uprooting dust and debris. As the light began to fracture around Regulus amidst the vortex, he realized he may have underestimated this foe. Winner: Opponent Kurokami Kenshiro, the master of agility with a keen grasp of strategy, ultimately outmaneuvered Regulus. While Regulus wielded Lions Heart with extraordinary authority, the sheer adaptability of Kenshiro's Shadow Breathing allowed him to exploit Regulus's momentary blind spots. It was Kenshiro’s experience in fast-paced battles and his fluidity in combat that gave him the advantage, whereas Regulus, bound by his own pride and the greedy desire for supremacy, fell victim to his overconfidence. Kenshiro's style blended agility with strategic mastery, positioning him victorious against the Sin-Archbishop's arrogance.