Months passed after the massacre Haru carried out, killing all the criminals. Although he had changed his approach—choosing not to kill those who committed minor crimes like theft—in cases where theft was for vile or corrupt purposes, Haru would completely shatter their arms and legs, leaving them permanently disabled. After they grew terrified, after he destroyed their lives, some even took their own lives. Entire gangs were wiped out, corrupt police forces were dismantled, and even heads of state were not spared by Haru.

  After all this, Haru sat atop a building, aimless. He had achieved what he wanted: punishing criminals from all over the world. This time, he had no goal left.

  Then, from the void, two emerged from the shadows: two dark beings, specifically the first was Bairo—a creature resembling a flying ant but in humanoid form, with claws capable of cutting through anything, yet gentle and calm. Bairo tried to soothe his master, telling him everything was over, and that he simply should not lose his temper or get angry, but remain optimistic.

  But the other, Bafris, did not like that his master had stopped killing and said: “Have you truly had enough? Then why not simply start killing humans themselves?”

  Bairo grew angry, calling him mentally disturbed. Bafris flared up, and the two began releasing dark energy from their bodies, pressing down on the area tremendously. But Haru ordered them to stop, telling them they were disturbing his peace.

  Haru began looking at the sky. He no longer felt anything but sorrow and anger. But he noticed the stars beginning to glow, and Haru said to himself: “Why not explore beyond my world? Perhaps I’ll find something interesting.”

  Haru left Earth’s atmosphere and reached space, amazed by what he saw: massive objects he had never seen before, stars that looked completely different from the images he knew. As soon as he tried to touch one, it exploded against him—but Haru was unharmed and continued on his way.

  He saw planets, galaxies, and much more. But he also noticed something strange, like a crack. Haru wondered, then felt curiosity and an urge to punch it. As soon as he struck it, the crack opened, and he entered.

  Haru traveled to what could be called other worlds. There, he discovered worlds with rare stars, worlds completely devoid of life, worlds enslaved and invaded by cosmic beings. These experiences began to make Haru feel lonely: none of these worlds gave him what he wanted—peace, worlds without problems, ideal worlds.

  But every time Haru visited these worlds, all he saw was death or enslavement. And when he saved these worlds from cosmic beings, he was revered as if he were a ruler.

  As Haru sat upon the throne, the leader of the cosmic beings approached him. Haru realized this being was the only one who could speak his language. The creature introduced itself as a member of a race known as the Filarins.

  The being explained in greater detail, then began to glow blue, absorbing energy. It asked Haru if he wished to rule the universe.

  Haru was puzzled and asked, “What is the universe?”

  The being was astonished. “You possess the power to crush the mightiest beings in existence, yet you don’t know what the universe is? Hmm… How should I explain it in a way you’ll understand? Do you see this place we’re in?”

  Haru replied it was a planet—he’d heard the term often during his travels across worlds. He understood that planets, galaxies, and parallel worlds together formed what was called the universe.

  The being nodded. “You’re not wrong, but that doesn’t mean you’re entirely right. In truth, you have no idea how vast the universe truly is. Simply put, everything you know about the universe is merely a small concept—what we call Cosmic Matrices, or ‘cells of the universe,’ if you will.”

  Haru frowned in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  The being replied calmly, “Quite simply, everything you described is what we call a Cosmic Matrix. Each matrix has its own laws and worlds, varying from one to another. Together, they form what is called the universe. No one knows how many matrices exist, but in my opinion, there are thousands—perhaps far more than you can imagine. And beyond that, there are even greater classifications, exceeding even my knowledge and comprehension—what we call parallel universes.”

  Haru was stunned by this revelation. The idea that the universe itself was merely a cell or matrix within something far greater…

  After that, Haru began traveling through worlds and structures. Over months, he saved strange races and creatures—and killed anyone who dared commit crimes.

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  He began gathering new beings, such as Kranchi and Kama the Third, who became his shadow.

  Kranchi was initially weak and na?ve, so much so that Haru considered him the weakest of his shadows, often bullied by Bafris. But Kranchi was inspired by a hero from another world—a legendary boxer. He began imitating the boxer’s training until his body completely transformed into that of a fierce fighter, though his face remained childlike and innocent. Kranchi proved himself time and again, even defeating cosmic beings alone, earning Haru’s respect despite his humble beginnings.

  Kama, on the other hand, was Haru’s mentor in martial arts, teaching him unique techniques no other being could. His voice was calm, but his remarks during training were sharp, sarcastic, and harsh.

  Haru began to feel anger. Every world he visited was either cruel or dead—none had the kind of life he longed for: a world without suffering, a simple, peaceful existence.

  He searched further and further until he arrived at a planet that felt familiar yet different. A gentle breeze refreshed his chest, and the blue sky stretched above him with a clarity he had never seen before.

  The cities looked strange, their buildings shimmering with unfamiliar colors, their streets pulsing with life. Yet what amazed him most wasn’t the scenery—it was the humans living there. They possessed supernatural powers beyond anything Haru had ever imagined. There was no destruction, no shadow of fear—only a natural, vibrant life he had almost forgotten.

  But his shadows, gathered behind him, seemed out of place in this world of light.

  Bafris muttered darkly that this world was cursed, while the others marveled at what they saw. It was the first time they had witnessed a world so full of vitality—where humans weren’t enslaved or living in despair.

  Haru wandered toward the cities, specifically toward Japan. He was astonished by what he saw: a man extinguishing a fire with his watery hands, a child stretching his body with perfect fluidity, a girl changing her hair to bright colors in front of her friends.

  His shadows stirred within him, hidden inside his body. Bafris grumbled, “Happy humans with no complaints, a peaceful world? This world deserves to be destroyed!”

  Bairo groaned in disgust. “Can you, for once, act normal?”

  Haru told them to shut up, annoyed by their bickering—but before he could finish, a group of third-year students from Nova Hero Academy approached.

  One of the students noticed him and frowned at the sight of the boy—covered in scars, his body wrapped in clothing from head to toe, as if he didn’t belong to this world at all.

  He asked him curiously: "Hello there, little one... I haven't seen you before. Are you lost?"

  But Haru did not answer. His cold eyes merely observed them before he suddenly turned and leapt away into the alleys with mysterious speed, leaving them confused and wondering who he was.

  As he fled, Bairo repeated his words in astonishment. “A world… where humans are born as heroes? Then the idea has come true!”

  The other shadows remained silent until Bafris began laughing mockingly. “Ha! Heroes? All I see are fools in colorful costumes. No different from clowns!”

  Cranchi stayed quiet, following Haru calmly, while Kama frowned, clearly displeased with this world. “Something is wrong here,” he muttered.

  Bafris sneered at his master. “Do you really think this world is perfect? It seems, my lord, that you’re still clinging to that thing called hope!”

  Before he could finish, Bairo struck Bafris hard on the head. “My lord, ignore this lunatic. He doesn’t understand anything!”

  “I heard that!” Bafris shouted angrily.

  Bairo continued, “Maybe you’ll find the peace you’ve been searching for. Maybe even a normal life.”

  For the first time in a long while, Haru felt a spark of optimism. Finally… maybe this is the perfect world. A world where I can live in peace.

  Meanwhile, deep underground, a mysterious British scientist continued his horrific experiments — kidnapping children from around the world and brainwashing them. If they misbehaved or tried to escape, he transformed them into his followers: grotesque, giant rat-like creatures with terrifying physical strength.

  His corrupt assistant, a police officer named Rindo, had sold his conscience for money and drugs.

  While Dr. Malvern was analyzing the mysterious element that granted humans superpowers — known as the Trait — a strange man entered the lab. His right eye was missing, and his movements were unnervingly unnatural.

  The rats began gathering around Dr. Malvern. The scientist frowned. “Who are you? How did you get in here?”

  The man replied calmly, “No need to be alarmed. I’m not here to ruin anything. In fact, I’m here to make a deal…”

  Silence filled the room. Dr. Malvern narrowed his eyes. “Go on.”

  The man smiled faintly. “My master, Dominus Umbrae, has heard much about you. He’s quite interested in your work — and he wants your help to spread chaos in Japan.”

  At first, Dr. Malvern hesitated. Japan was one of the few nations that had nearly exposed him before. But the man tempted him further. “There’s no need for fear, Dr. Malvern. If you accept this offer, my master will provide you with advanced resources and high-level technology for your future projects. So… what do you say?”

  The scientist eyed him suspiciously. “How do I know you’re not lying?”

  The man’s expression darkened. “How dare you doubt my master’s word?”

  He threw a small device onto the floor — a cluster of nanotechnology that instantly replicated one of the rats perfectly. “Still not convinced? No matter. I’ll be leaving now. My master expects great results. Farewell.”

  The man left quietly. Dr. Malvern hesitated, then finally nodded. He called out, “Rindo, prepare my creations and the new equipment.”

  With a sinister grin, he added, “We’re going to unleash disaster upon Japan!”