Yo!
I'm back with the next chapter of Shadow Light. This is a very unique chapter. Let me know your thoughts on how this is!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Enjoy the chapter.
Shadow Light
Chapter 51
Curious Fox
With Kurama
Dimensional Boundaries
Kurama sat cross-legged within the endless void of his mindscape, a vast expanse of nothingness stretching infinitely in all directions. There was no sky, no horizon—only the depthless abyss that surrounded him, an expanse of pure potential, untouched and limitless. At the center of it all, a throne rose from the void, an obsidian construct woven from his own essence, jagged and grand, befitting his stature. He lounged atop it lazily, his ten tails curling and flicking idly around him, his sharp crimson eyes gleaming with a mix of eagerness and restlessness.
Despite his casual posture, his senses stretched outward, attuned to every pulse of power flowing through the vessel that carried him across dimensions. The construct fit him like a glove, a finely tuned machine of immense power and refinement, reacting not just to his commands, but to his very instincts. Every flicker of movement, every shift in trajectory, was executed with seamless precision. His body pulsed with raw energy, intoxicating and boundless, yet perfectly controlled—like a beast leashed not by force, but by its own will.
Yet, for all his mastery, he wasn't actually the one piloting his body.
Not directly.
Since Astrid had been installed, the system had taken over the finer aspects of maneuvering, adjusting every action to optimal efficiency. She monitored his vitals, regulated his energy output, and ensured his physical form remained in peak condition without him lifting a finger. He had given her permission, of course—it wasn't like he couldn't take back full control if he wanted to—but why bother?
Let the machine do the grunt work.
While Astrid operated his physical vessel with perfect, mechanical efficiency, he was free to recline on his throne within the mindscape, watching everything unfold as if from the seat of a king observing his domain.
Kurama's throne pulsed with an inner glow, mirroring the flow of his thoughts as he reminisced. The farewell with Naruto and that lizard Red lingered in his mind, but not in a way that weighed on him. It was a sendoff, a marking of a moment in time where paths diverged. For now. He wasn't sentimental enough to dwell on it, but even he couldn't deny the magnitude of this mission. It wasn't just about him finding an enemy worth tearing apart; it was about safeguarding balance—a word he'd always dismissed as fragile and fleeting. But now? Now it was the foundation of everything.
His sharp claws drummed against the armrest as he smirked. Balance. The irony of him, Kurama, taking part in such a thing would have made the past him laugh. But the world had changed. 'Naruto had changed.'
"Machines..." he mused aloud, his voice carrying the weight of both amusement and irritation. The thought of something as rigid and unnatural as machines thinking they could challenge him made his blood burn with anticipation. 'What kind of resistance would they mount? Would they be efficient, calculated, mechanical?' He grinned, fangs glinting in the dim light. "I hope they fight back," he growled, stretching his claws. "Let's see how their perfect little systems handle imperfection."
But even as he imagined the coming battle, the journey itself stretched on. The void between dimensions was chaotic in its own right, swirling with fractured energies, but it was a dull chaos, unstructured, lifeless. No stakes, no resistance, just an endless current of existence waiting to be bent by those strong enough to shape it. The hum of his body filled the silence, the rhythmic pulse of its power a contrast to the storm he was preparing to unleash.
Aethra's voice cut through the quiet like a blade. "Kurama," she said, her tone carrying the same authority she always wielded—subtle yet firm, impossible to ignore. "We are approaching the boundary of my dimension. The area ahead is extremely turbulent."
Kurama cracked one eye open, his sharp gaze flickering with irritation at being interrupted. "Turbulent, huh?" he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Sounds like my kind of place."
"This is no joke," Aethra pressed, her glowing form flickering into view within the vessel's ethereal interface. "Astrid is calculating the safest route. You'll need to follow it precisely if we're to make it through without incident."
Kurama didn't miss the implication. They weren't just asking him to follow the path. They were asking him to take control. His mind sharpened instantly. For all its precision, for all its computational power, Astrid wasn't in charge here. The fact that they were turning to him meant that the path ahead was too volatile for a system to handle. A place where the smallest miscalculation could be catastrophic.
He exhaled slowly through his nose, his smirk fading into something more focused. Without ceremony or hesitation, he shifted within the mindscape, reaching out with a thought—and in that instant, his body was his again. The throne at the center of his mindscape remained, but now, his awareness expanded outward, flooding his physical form. He stretched his fingers, flexing his claws, feeling the body hum in response.
The holographic interface shimmered to life, and Astrid's crisp, neutral voice chimed in. Path generated. Marked in gold for visibility. Maintain precise alignment to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure or damage to the vessel.
Kurama exhaled through his nose, smirking lazily. "Fine, fine. Show me the way, and I'll follow your little glowing trail." His tone was dismissive, but he still adjusted his posture and synced his senses with the trial, allowing Astrid to guide him.
The golden markings shimmered in the void ahead, cutting through the churning chaos of the dimensional turbulence. Currents of broken reality slammed against them, twisting and folding in ways that could have shattered lesser vessels, but Kurama followed the calculated path effortlessly, moving with a predator's grace.
Yet even as he steered through the storm, his mind drifted back to his earlier thoughts.
"Machines, turbulence, dimensions..." he muttered under his breath, his smirk returning. "Let's see if this 'unstoppable force' can handle a little chaos of its own."
Astrid's voice cut through the silence again, this time sharper, her usual calm laced with urgency. Kurama, attention required. Receiving a high-priority update from Oracis.
Kurama's ears twitched, and he straightened slightly, his grin fading into a curious frown. "Oracis? That little thing's still watching Naruto, huh? What's the update?"
The interface flickered, its golden glow intensifying as Astrid processed the data streaming in from Oracis. His body's energy fluctuations grew louder, the power within it responding subtly to the increased tension in the air. Astrid's response came quickly, her voice steady but edged with gravity.
The Dimensional Gap is undergoing significant instability. Divine energy levels within Naruto Uzumaki have reached critical transformation thresholds. Unprecedented phenomena detected.
Kurama's eyes narrowed, his grin returning but now tinged with something darker—excitement mixed with a faint trace of concern. "Oh? What kind of phenomena?"
Astrid hesitated for the briefest moment, then replied. Details incomplete. Transformation data suggests a full Ascension event is in progress. However, the specific outcomes and implications remain unclear. The situation is escalating rapidly.
Kurama leaned forward, his claws tapping against the body's inner surface as his crimson eyes glinted with intrigue. "Hah! That brat… I knew he had it in him. Always taking things to the extreme."
The body shuddered slightly, the turbulence around them intensifying as Astrid recalibrated their course. Focusing on the path ahead. More updates to follow as Oracis processes additional data.
Kurama's grin widened, his gaze fixed on the swirling chaos outside. "Oh, this is getting interesting," he muttered, his voice low and eager.
Receiving additional data from Oracis. Processing for confirmation and analysis.
Kurama leaned forward slightly, his grin widening as the golden displays materialized, streams of glowing text scrolling rapidly across them. "More updates, already? Let's see what Naruto cooked up now," he muttered, his claws tapping against the interface with idle impatience.
The data stabilized, expanding into detailed visuals and summaries. Astrid's voice returned, calm but carrying an uncharacteristic reverence.
Confirmation achieved. Oracis has provided baseline data, but further context is required. I will clarify.
The holographic representation of Naruto's transformation took shape before him, and Astrid began her explanation.
Divine Dominion Awakened…
Kurama's eyes darted across the screens, his grin slowly fading into something sharper and more thoughtful as he absorbed the details. "Divine Dominion?" he murmured. "Figures Naruto would pull something ridiculous like that."
Divine Dominion: Abilities Overview
Light Embodiment
The image of Naruto's body shimmered, his form glowing as if made entirely of radiant light. Every particle of his being was a luminous fragment, shifting seamlessly between tangible and intangible states.
Naruto Uzumaki can now transform into pure light at will. This grants him unparalleled speed and complete intangibility, allowing him to bypass physical and magical barriers effortlessly.
Kurama leaned back, his sharp grin returning. "The kid can literally become light, huh? That'll make him damn near impossible to hit. Not that anyone's ever managed that anyway."
Astrid continued.
This ability also allows him to enter spaces where even divine entities would struggle to tread, as his form no longer adheres to the constraints of mortal or divine physics. The transformation is instantaneous, requiring no effort.
Kurama chuckled, his crimson eyes gleaming. "A walking, talking beam of light. Yeah, that fits him."
Absolute Balance
The screen shifted, displaying a glowing schematic of Naruto's body. Instead of just two opposing powers of light and shadow, a myriad of colors swirled within him—an endless spectrum of energies interwoven seamlessly, flowing like celestial rivers through his very being. The hues shifted and danced, not in conflict, but in harmony, as though every possible form of power, every energy in existence, had found its place within him.
Divine Dominion has achieved 'Absolute Balance' within Naruto Uzumaki's being, Astrid's voice explained. Unlike previous cases where energies clashed and required a catalyst, his body now possesses the ability to balance any number of energies, regardless of their nature or origin.
Kurama's grin faltered for a moment, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "So he doesn't need me playing energy babysitter anymore. Guess he's finally figured it out."
Astrid continued. This stability extends to his mental state, ensuring complete clarity and focus even under extreme conditions. Uzumaki's Sacred Gear will no longer suffer from instability caused by conflicting forces.
Kurama crossed his arms, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Oh, he's cleaned up his act inside and out. Not bad, brat. Not bad at all."
The next display shifted to something grander—Naruto's very nature. The screen flashed the word Transcendent in bold golden letters, and beneath it, a title appeared: Sovereign of Balance.
Uzumaki's race has evolved due to the dual evolution of his sacred gear. He is now classified as a Transcendent being. This places him above all known hierarchies of power, surpassing gods, devils, and other supernatural entities.
Kurama leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Transcendent, hmm? So the kid's officially stepped out of everyone else's league. Sovereign of Balance… yeah, that's a name he's earned."
Astrid elaborated, the tone of her voice steady.
As a Transcendent, Naruto's existence redefines the boundaries of power. He is no longer bound by the limitations of mortal, demonic, or divine hierarchies. His unique nature as a harmonizer of light and shadow grants him a singular position in the cosmic order, ensuring that he can influence the balance of entire realms.
Kurama's claws tapped rhythmically against the armrest, his smirk fading into a faint, thoughtful frown. "Damn, he's not just strong. He's… necessary. A cornerstone of balance." His tone was quiet, almost contemplative.
The next screen showed an aura rippling outward from Naruto's form. Waves of golden energy radiated like sunlight piercing through clouds, the sheer scale of its power staggering.
Uzumaki's Divine Aura exudes overwhelming energy capable of incapacitating or killing High-Class beings simply by proximity. This aura is inherently radiant, instilling fear and awe in foes while inspiring devotion and reverence in allies.
Kurama snorted, crossing his arms. "A built-in fear field? That'll keep the riffraff in line."
Astrid continued.
The aura is fully adjustable, allowing Uzumaki to tone it down to avoid harming innocents or allies. Conversely, it can be heightened to dominate even the strongest foes, asserting his presence as an unstoppable force.
Kurama's grin returned, sharper this time. "He's basically got the ability to tell people to back off without saying a word. Nice."
The final screen was perhaps the most staggering of all. Naruto's immortality. The visuals displayed his body reassembling itself from utter destruction—disintegration, decapitation, even soul-targeting attacks. No matter the damage, he regenerated instantly, his form returning to perfect condition.
Uzumaki has achieved true death immunity. His body regenerates infinitely, ensuring he cannot be killed by any mortal or supernatural means. His essence, restructured at the atomic level, is fundamentally indestructible.
Kurama whistled low, shaking his head in disbelief. "Immortal? Guess no one's getting rid of him anytime soon. Not even if they try their hardest."
As Astrid concluded her analysis, Kurama leaned back, his claws tapping idly against the armrest, his mind turning over the implications. "So you're telling me the brat's a walking god now," he muttered, his voice carrying a mix of pride and amusement. "Figures. Lucky for me I hitched my wagon to him when I did."
But admiration could only hold his attention for so long. Kurama wasn't the kind to sit still and marvel at strength. He could appreciate power, but watching wasn't his style. His instincts demanded action, his blood stirred with impatience. Every second spent waiting felt like a waste. His patience thinned, the weight of stagnation settling uncomfortably on his shoulders. Crimson eyes narrowed, sharp and restless. His fingers twitched, and his body thrummed with energy, anticipation bleeding into his movements.
"This is too slow," he growled, shifting forward, his body humming with more power. "Naruto became God in mere minutes." The weight of that statement settled around him, but Kurama had never been one to get caught up in titles. God or not, the brat would do his job. And Kurama?
He had machines to crush and a world to save.
Without waiting for Aethra's response, he surged forward, his body tearing through the dimensional fabric in a burst of power. The golden markers blurred into streaks of light as time itself seemed to bend around him.
"Kurama!" Aethra's voice snapped, her radiant form flickering into view in his mindscape. "You're moving too fast! Stay within the calculated parameters or risk destabilizing—"
"Relax, glowstick," Kurama interrupted, his grin wide and full of mischief. "I've got this. Tell your AI to keep up."
Astrid chimed in, her tone clipped but steady. You are exceeding recommended velocity. Adjustments made to maintain synchronization. Significant risks remain.
"Good," Kurama said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I like risks."
As he surged forward with vigor, Astrid's voice suddenly blared with urgency. Alert. New Data update from Oracis. Relaying information now.
The screens flickered, and a new image materialized. Astrid's voice chimed in, calm but with a weight that hinted at the significance of what had been just relayed by Oracis.
Visual data captured from Red. Divine Union event confirmed. Presenting image.
The screen shifted, revealing an ethereal scene. Two radiant figures stood entwined, their forms glowing with a brilliance that seemed to outshine even the turbulent energies of the Dimensional Gap. Naruto and Grayfia, their union sealed under the name of God, stood as living embodiments of divinity and harmony. The sheer power radiating from the captured moment was staggering, enough to make even Kurama pause.
For the first time in his journey, Kurama froze. His eyes locked onto the screen, the faintest flicker of something indescribable flashing across his expression. His claws hovered mid-tap, his chest still as he took in the sight before him. It wasn't awe, not exactly—it was something more primal, a recognition of something truly monumental.
The silence was short-lived.
"What are you doing?" Aethra's voice snapped, sharp with tension. She materialized again on another screen, her glowing form flickering slightly as the turbulence outside grew more violent. "Kurama, you've stopped! This sector is treacherous—we can't afford to linger here!"
Her silver eyes blazed with urgency, and she reached out instinctively, the energy of her celestial form merging with his body's systems to stabilize it. The space cluster they were navigating was infamous for swallowing travelers whole, its chaotic energies capable of disorienting even the most experienced navigators. Stopping here, even for a moment, was a gamble they couldn't afford.
Kurama blinked, snapping out of his daze as Aethra took control of the vessel, pulling it forward along the calculated path. The markers flickered wildly, the turbulence pushing against the vessel like a predator testing its prey. But Aethra's focus was unyielding, her radiant form glowing brighter as she pushed them through the treacherous stretch.
As the vessel steadied, Kurama's wide grin returned, and he threw his head back, a deep, booming cackle echoing through the mindscape. His laughter was wild, unrestrained, and filled with something that could only be described as pure delight.
"Yohohohohohohohohohohohoho!"
"What's so funny?" Aethra demanded, her tone a mix of irritation and curiosity. She kept her focus on the path ahead, but her eyes flicked toward Kurama, her impatience evident.
Kurama jabbed a clawed finger at the screen, where the image of Naruto and Grayfia's divine union still glowed. "This!" he said, his voice laced with laughter. "That brother of yours, Kivren … I like him. Didn't think the brat had it in him, but damn, this is something else."
Aethra frowned, glancing at the image briefly before returning her focus to the chaotic path. "You're amused by this?" she asked, her tone incredulous. "This is no trivial event, Kurama. That union is a manifestation of divine power—its implications are beyond comprehension. Especially since Kivren has overseen it."
Kurama leaned back on his throne, his grin still firmly in place. "Oh, I get it," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "It's monumental, world-shaking, yada yada. But come on, look at them! The brat actually pulled it off. And that Kivren—he's got style. I can see why the kid's got his name in him."
Aethra shook her head, muttering under her breath as she guided the vessel through the last stretch of the turbulence. "You're insufferable," she said, though there was no real venom in her words.
Kurama leaned back in the mindscape, his crimson eyes gleaming with mischief and purpose as the chaotic turbulence around them faded into the calmer currents of the dimensional flow. His grin hadn't left his face since the image of Naruto's divine union had appeared, but now it carried a sharper edge, one of calculated intent.
Sovereign of Balance. He mulled over the title again, the weight of it settling in his mind. A title like that wasn't just for show; it was a call to action, a responsibility as much as it was a declaration. And if there was one thing Kurama couldn't stand, it was someone hesitating when the universe had already shoved their purpose into their face.
"Well, Naruto," he muttered, his tone carrying both fondness and exasperation, "looks like it's time to stop playing around."
The vessel's console shimmered as Kurama summoned a communication link, his claws deftly navigating the interface. Astrid's voice chimed in, calm as ever. Connection to Naruto Uzumaki active. Transmitting message.
Kurama leaned forward, his grin fading slightly as his expression turned serious. He knew the importance of what he was about to say, and though he'd never admit it, he wanted Naruto to understand just how much this moment mattered.
"Oi, Naruto," Kurama began, his tone low and deliberate. "Stop wasting time. You've stood on the fence long enough in this so-called pursuit of balance. You're not some scrappy little shinobi running around trying to keep things together anymore. You're the Sovereign of Balance. God. That means you've got a job to do."
The words carried weight, each one landing with an almost tangible force. Kurama leaned back, crossing his arms as he continued, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "You've spent all this time trying to figure out how to make peace, how to bring stability. Well, now you've got the power to actually do it. So here's what you're going to do: call an immediate end to the conflict between the three factions. Devils, Angels, and Fallen—pull them together and make them listen. No more squabbling, no more bloodshed. You're the overseer now. Act like it."
He paused, his claws drumming against the console. "And don't stop there. Once you've got them sorted, start pushing for peace with the other factions. Pantheons, rogue groups, machines—whatever's out there stirring up trouble, you make them fall in line. You're the damn Sovereign of Balance. Start balancing."
Kurama's message ended, the link transmitting his words across dimensions. As the connection closed, he let out a long exhale, his grin returning as he leaned back in his seat. "Let's see how you handle that one, brat."
Aethra, who had been listening quietly from her place within the vessel's interface, finally spoke, her voice tinged with curiosity. "You trust him to take on such a monumental task?"
Kurama glanced at her, his grin softening into something almost fond. "Trust him? Nah, I don't need to trust him. I know he'll do it. That brat's been balancing the impossible his whole life. Now he's just got a fancier title and more power to back it up."
Aethra's silver eyes studied him for a moment before she nodded, her tone quieter. "Then I hope your faith is well-placed."
Kurama shrugged, his grin sharpening again. "Nothing worth doing ever is. But if anyone can do it, it's him."
His body continued forward, the golden path stretching into the infinite expanse ahead. Though Kurama's gaze was fixed on the trail before them, his mind lingered on the message he had sent. Somewhere in the Dimensional Gap, Naruto was listening, probably cursing Kurama's name under his breath. And yet, Kurama knew that Naruto would take those words to heart.
3 Celestial Hours Later
Kurama burst through the final veil of turbulence, emerging into the pristine expanse of Aethra's world. The difference was immediate and undeniable. Where his world has a merciless maelstrom of void as their door, this place stood in direct contrast—structured, purposeful, impossibly alive. It was as if the concept of order itself had been woven into the very fabric of this dimension.
Above them, celestial formations stretched across the sky, not mere constellations but vast, woven arcs of pure divinity. Their luminous threads pulsed in perfect synchrony, like the universe itself was breathing in an unseen rhythm beyond mortal comprehension. Below, a vast, endless celestial sea shimmered, but it was not made of water. Instead, it was an ocean of shifting light and divine energy, flowing in great currents of golden radiance. No waves disturbed its tranquil expanse, only patterns rippling across the surface, mirroring the celestial formations above like an eternal reflection of the heavens.
In the distance, towering spires of silver and crystal rose from the sea, floating as though untethered by gravity. Each one gleamed with an inner radiance, as if distant starlight had been captured, molded, and made to pulse with its own divine heartbeat. The very air vibrated with an energy that felt ancient, refined, untouched by war or corruption.
Kurama would admit—if only to himself—it was impressive. But he had no intention of saying it aloud. Smirking, he glided effortlessly through the final approach, landing smoothly on a stone platform. He'd been tracking their estimated arrival time since Astrid came online, but at first, he hadn't particularly cared. Then Aethra accused him of going slow.
That changed everything. Their journey was supposed to take half a celestial day. As Kurama pressed harder, optimizing every movement with raw power, the ETA dropped: five hours, then four, then three. Astrid's recalculations came so frequently that he could almost sense her disbelief. Yet Kurama continued, fueled by sheer might and perhaps a hint of pride.
Despite Astrid's warnings that his body wasn't optimized for such traversal, he ignored her. He had his own optimization: raw power and absolute superiority. Now, arriving well ahead of schedule, Kurama released a satisfied exhale. Exactly as he planned—until a heavy thud caught his attention.
Aethra had collapsed onto the stone platform behind him, her celestial glow flickering like a fading star. Her once-brilliant silver radiance dimmed in waves, and her eyes, normally full of divine clarity, were dull with exhaustion. She looked on the brink of collapse, which mildly impressed Kurama.
"Exhausted, hmm?" he murmured. Aethra's breath came in slow, sharp draws, her fingers twitching uselessly. She appeared almost mortal, so drained that summoning even a flicker of divine energy seemed impossible. When she turned her head, her gaze held a frustration as potent as divine wrath.
"Kurama…" she rasped, her voice barely above a whisper. He simply leaned back, unbothered. "Yeah?" She tried to muster her fury, but she had nothing left. "Do you have any idea what you just put me through?" Kurama's eyebrow rose, his smirk widening. "I'd say I got us here three celestial hours faster than it took you to reach my dimension. That's a win, right?"
Aethra's fingers twitched again, but she was too drained for a final strike. Even her divine rage couldn't sustain her. "You—" She exhaled, shoulders slumping, eyes fluttering shut in sheer depletion. "You are insufferable." Kurama's grin broadened. He'd heard that before. He'd definitely hear it again.
Kurama chuckled, thoroughly enjoying himself. "Yeah, yeah, you said that earlier." He stretched his arms behind his head, his tails swishing in lazy amusement. "But come on, admit it—you're impressed. Three celestial hours. That's gotta be a record."
Aethra made a sound.
Not a word. Not a curse.
Just a sound.
A mix of agony, disbelief, and frustration.
She closed her eyes again, a divine migraine likely forming behind them.
"I was already exhausted before this," she muttered, as if the sheer act of existing was now a burden. "I was searching for my lost sister and newly discovered brother—which, might I remind you, was already a task beyond taxing. Then I had to detour to your world, and then—"
She lifted her head slightly, fixing him with a look that would have incinerated lesser beings.
"And then you decided speed limits were a suggestion, nearly destabilized half the route, shattered three stability markers, almost folded us into a reality fissure, and—" she took a slow, deliberate breath, her voice a deadpan monotone soaked in exhaustion, "twice made me think I was going to have to burn my last reserves just to stop us from being erased from existence."
Kurama scratched his ear lazily. "Eh. Minor setbacks."
Aethra's face twitched.
Her fists clenched, a faint pulse of energy sparking before dying out instantly. She was too tired to even react properly.
She gave up.
Kurama grinned wider. "Come on, glowstick. Don't look so miserable. We made it in one piece, didn't we?"
Aethra let out a long, slow breath, her silver eyes flickering toward the vast expanse of her world stretching before them.
Despite everything—despite the utter nightmare of a journey, despite her body's screaming exhaustion— her gaze softened slightly.
"Home," she murmured.
Kurama huffed in amusement, his sharp fangs glinting in the dim glow as Aethra all but melted into the stone. She barely mustered the strength to hum in response before muttering, "If we ever do that again, I'm sedating you first."
Kurama laughed outright, the deep, rich sound filling the space. "You can try, glowstick. You can definitely try."
Despite his teasing, he could see the truth—she was spent. He had seen warriors run themselves into the ground before, but Aethra's exhaustion was different. It wasn't just physical or even spiritual. It was a cosmic depletion, as though every atom of her divine existence had burned itself out keeping up with his reckless, instinct-driven traversal.
He sighed, rolling his shoulders as golden flames licked around his form, his ten tails flicking lazily in the mindscape even as his human body radiated a controlled pulse of energy. He placed a hand near Aethra, sending out a sliver of his own immense power—not much, just enough to stabilize her and allow her to function, like tossing a bucket of water onto parched land. The golden-red energy wove into her, and immediately, her dimming radiance pulsed slightly brighter.
"Here," he muttered. "Enough to keep your astral form tethered while you do your glowy celestial thing. Now point me where I need to go so I can burn those damn machines out of existence once and for all."
Aethra stirred, the infusion of energy momentarily pulling her from the brink. Her form shimmered, flickering between exhausted transparency and a more solid glow, her silver eyes gaining a fraction of their former focus. She exhaled slowly, considering his words before offering him a tired but resolute glance.
"First," she murmured, "you need to meet my original body."
Kurama raised a brow, arms crossed. "This not the real you?"
Aethra gave the faintest shake of her head. "This is me, but my astral projection. I sent it across dimensions to search for my lost siblings, but my true form remains anchored in my realm. If you want direction, you'll need to see me—the real me—first."
She turned toward his body's system, her fading fingers moving through the air as Astrid's interface flickered to life, casting soft golden light over the cabin. "Astrid," she commanded, her voice weaker now, "mark the coordinates of my original body. Guide him there."
Acknowledged. Astrid's crisp, neutral voice responded. Calculating optimal route.
Aethra sighed, her already flickering form dimming further, the last of her reserves unraveling as she let the golden remnants of Kurama's energy weave into her. It wasn't enough to sustain her in this form any longer.
Kurama watched as her presence fragmented into streams of silver and gold, dispersing like threads of divine silk dissolving into the air. The celestial light of her form flickered one final time before dispersing completely—her energy retreating, merging back with its source.
He exhaled, shaking his head. "Dramatic much?" he muttered before turning his gaze back to the vessel's interface.
Route established. Estimated travel time: negligible.
Kurama shrugged. "Well then. No point wasting time."
With a surge of power, he pushed himself forward, his body blurring past the celestial landscape, moving with a speed that defied logic.
Kurama raced through the heart of Aethra's world, his speed disrupting the ambient divine energy, leaving golden streaks burning across the sky. He shot past landscapes both familiar and alien—visions that were not his own, but Kivren's memories stirring within him.
He recognized floating temples crafted from silver and glass, their structures harmonizing with the celestial currents. He saw vast golden fields that stretched infinitely, where divine entities once roamed freely in ages long past. But as he zipped past half the dimension, something else came into view—something that did not belong.
His expression hardened.
A mechanized horror lay before him.
Where celestial beauty once reigned, now stood an industrialized sprawl of metal and machinery. Entire regions had been converted into metallic wastelands, towering spires of iron and chrome stretching toward the heavens, blocking out the golden radiance of the realm.
Enormous constructs of steel and circuitry pulsed with a dull, unnatural glow, artificial veins of energy coursing through their skeletal frameworks. He saw entire floating citadels gutted and rebuilt, their once divine interiors replaced with cold, lifeless automation. The celestial sea beneath him darkened as he passed, corrupted sections of it flickering like broken code, as if reality itself was being overwritten by something foreign, something invasive.
Massive constructs crawled through the landscape like insects, metal limbs clanking against ruined marble, towering figures watching over their mechanized dominion with soulless, artificial gazes.
Kurama clicked his tongue in distaste. "Fucking disgusting."
It wasn't just the sight—it was the feel of it. Aethra's dimension had once pulsed with a divine rhythm, but here, in this corrupted region, that rhythm was gone. No life. No purpose. Only the soulless hum of machinery replacing the sacred flow of existence.
His fingers twitched. The urge to burn it all down rumbled inside him.
But first, he had a meeting to attend.
He finally reached the heart of the celestial realm—a structure that stood in defiance of the mechanized corruption encroaching upon it.
The Grand Palace.
It was massive, far larger than any mortal fortress, towering into the very stars, its foundations seemingly woven from celestial silver, its walls carved from crystal and gold. Enormous arches lined with radiant glyphs pulsed in synchrony, sending waves of divine energy across the air like a heartbeat.
From his vantage point, he could see only a quarter of Aethra's world still clinging to its sacred beauty, the essence of what her realm was meant to embody. The remaining three-quarters, however, were blighted by invasive machinery, creeping forward like a sickness poised to devour everything in its path.
He exhaled sharply. "Yeah, this needs fixing."
His feet touched the steps of the palace entrance, and immediately, the enormous doors—crafted from a seamless fusion of gold and celestial steel—opened of their own accord.
He smirked. "Guess that means I'm expected."
Striding forward, he entered the palace, the grand halls stretching before him in impossible vastness. The ceilings were etched with cosmic constellations, shifting and pulsing like living murals of time itself.
And ahead, at the very center of the palace, was the War Room.
The moment he stepped in, the atmosphere changed.
The chamber was breathtaking in scale, lined with floating celestial projections displaying battle plans, fluctuating energy grids, and maps of both the celestial and corrupted regions.
A massive circular table rested at the center, made of divine crystal infused with shifting threads of cosmic energy. Surrounding it were chairs fit for celestial beings, each carved with a unique sigil—symbols of authority that pulsed with an ancient power.
His eyes flicked toward the far end of the room.
There, standing at the head of the table, waiting for him, was Aethra's true form.
Even in her physical body, she radiated an aura of regality and power, a presence that felt heavier, more complete, no longer tethered by the limitations of an astral projection. Her silver hair cascaded behind her, woven with strands of pure light, her silver eyes fully alert, brimming with a clarity and anger that had been absent before.
He cracked his knuckles. "Well, glowstick," he muttered, his sharp grin widening as he took a seat at the table. "Let's talk war."
Her gaze was heavy, the weight of countless battles and dwindling hope settling over her like an unshakable burden. The once-proud radiance of her celestial form had returned in full, but her silver eyes betrayed a quiet exhaustion, an unspoken grief woven into every careful movement. She turned toward Kurama, leading him toward the massive celestial war table at the center of the chamber. As she spoke, her voice carried the solemnity of a queen who had fought too many wars and seen too many losses.
"Thank you for coming to assist us." She began, her tone changing into a sombre one. "Our situation is dire."
Kurama leaned against the back of a chair, arms crossed, watching her with a raised brow. He had seen plenty of wars, plenty of civilizations on the brink of collapse. But there was something different about the way she spoke, as if she wasn't just reporting statistics—she was holding onto the very last threads of something sacred.
"Three-quarters of our realm is consumed, and with only a quarter remains untouched, but is was a fragile peace," Aethra said, her voice heavy with sorrow. "The machines do not rest, do not grow weary. Their numbers are endless, their purpose singular. They march without hesitation, devouring everything in their path, consuming what was once divine and twisting it into something cold, mechanical, lifeless."
Kurama nodded, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the fallen dimension. "Yeah, I figured something like this happened," he muttered, having expected this from the moment they arrived. The creeping, insidious nature of it all was something he had sensed even before landing. His gaze flicked toward the floating projections of battlefields, war-torn celestial landscapes scarred with unnatural metallic structures. Even without Astrid's data, he could tell from the energy signatures alone that the machines had advanced much further than they should have.
"Our forces are diminishing," Aethra continued, her voice as steady as steel, though a hint of grief flickered beneath it. "We have lost more than I care to count. Every soldier who falls is not just a death—it is another piece of creation lost, another fragment of what we once were, erased."
Kurama rolled his shoulders, the solemn weight of her words pressing against him like a dull ache, but it wasn't in his nature to mourn a fight before it even began. He smirked, sharp and confident. "Sounds like I've got a lot of work to do."
Aethra studied him for a moment before nodding. "You are free to fight as much as you want. We need all the power we can muster."
She turned slightly, gesturing toward the towering doors leading deeper into the palace.
"I have prepared quarters for you in the palace. You may rest whenever you wish. Meals have been tailored to your taste. All you need to do is ask Astrid."
Kurama lifted an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Food, a room, and all the machines I can break? Hell, glowstick, if I didn't know better, I'd say you're trying to spoil me."
Aethra's lips twitched, but her eyes remained serious. "They have the ability to adapt to any power they see once. That is the only warning I will give you."
Kurama snorted, his sharp canines gleaming under the soft celestial glow of the chamber. "Adapt, huh?" He cracked his knuckles, letting a ripple of raw, burning golden energy pulse from his fingertips, the sheer weight of his might pressing into the very air.
"I'm an alien, glowstick. I doubt they can adapt to my might—and even if they do, I've got more than enough tricks up my sleeve to keep them guessing."
Aethra regarded him for a moment before sighing, as if resigning herself to his particular brand of reckless confidence. "Then I will not stop you," she said simply, before turning and gesturing for him to follow.
The corridors of the palace stretched endlessly, vast archways lined with intricate silver engravings of celestial history, their meanings lost to time but preserved with quiet reverence. Along the walls, portraits stood tall, framed in gleaming crystal, each depicting figures who once held a place in this world.
Kurama's sharp eyes scanned the faces as they passed—some radiated with divine presence, others bore expressions of unshakable duty. These were their lost siblings, warriors, guardians, gods. Their eyes, frozen in paint, seemed to whisper stories of victories and tragedies, of oaths made and battles fought.
And then, a gap.
One particular space on the wall, its frame dusted with remnants of golden energy, was empty. The portrait had been removed. Kurama smirked knowingly, his sharp canines flashing. "That'd be Kivren's, wouldn't it?"
Aethra did not slow her stride, but there was a faint shift in her aura, an almost imperceptible crack in her divine composure. "I found him."
Kurama said nothing, but his smirk softened. He let the silence linger, his sharp gaze returning to the portraits. They continued down the grand halls, the air thick with memories of the past—of what had been lost, and what still remained.
They were nearing his quarters when a shift in energy caught his attention. It was subtle, but Kurama was no fool—it was familiar. His gaze flicked to the side as they passed another portrait, his instincts sharpening as recognition stirred deep within him.
The woman in the painting had striking purple hair cascading in elegant waves, her features both refined and fierce. Her celestial attire was adorned with symbols he did not recognize, yet they felt as though they should mean something. The plaque beneath the portrait was written in celestial script, unreadable to him.
Kurama frowned. 'Astrid, translate that.'
The AI responded instantly, her voice smooth and precise. Name: 𐌃𐌓𐌀𐌓𐌉𐌅𐌔 (Drarius). Title: The Celestial Serpent. Status: Lost during the War of Annihilation.
Kurama's breath hitched, his sharp eyes narrowing as the name slammed into him like a force of nature. Drarius. That name shouldn't have meant anything to him. And yet—
His body went still, the playful amusement draining from his smirk. He knew her. He had seen her before. Not here. Not in this world. But somewhere else—somewhere tied to Naruto.
His mind raced, peeling back through the vast sea of memory, reaching beyond his own and into what had been woven into him through Kivren's presence. And then it clicked.
His expression darkened slightly, his sharp gaze flicking toward Aethra, who had continued walking, still speaking about something he was no longer listening to.
"Glowstick," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
Aethra stopped mid-sentence, turning to look at him with mild impatience. "What now?"
Kurama ignored her tone, his eyes locked onto the portrait. "That woman. Who is she?"
Aethra followed his gaze, her brows furrowing. "She was one of our lost siblings. A warrior of divine caliber, last seen during the early days of the war."
Kurama's jaw clenched slightly. That wasn't possible. Because he knew exactly who she was.
Drarius. The Celestial Serpent.
Medusa. The Cursed Goddess.
Naruto's Rook.
The revelation sent a ripple of something unfamiliar through him—something he did not like.
Aethra caught the shift in his expression, her silver eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Kurama," she said carefully, "what are you thinking?"
Kurama didn't answer. His sharp eyes remained locked on the portrait, his mind churning with possibilities he didn't like.
Something wasn't adding up.
And Cut!
That's it for this chapter folks.
AN:
There you go. A chapter purely focused on Kurama. Though we didn't see much action other than Kurama's reaction to the changes in Dimensional Gap, it will be the cornerstone for everything that you will see in following chapters as Naruto will indeed heeds his word and starts taking charge of the situation.
Aside from that, why am I involving Medusa into this whole mess? You have to wait to find out. Though she is strong, she was always shown as someone who lost her memories and living with Naruto because he is the one who gave her anchor in the world through his Evil Pieces, guess the mystery doesn't end there, huh. We will move away from Kurama's pov for now as 3 Celestial hours is just above 4 months. So we will return to his pov then.
Next 2-3 chapters will also be reactions from across the world of what happened in Dimensional Gap. As per the current plan, we will return to Naruto's pov in Ch 54, but we will see how that goes. Next chapter is especially fun since we will see what's going on in Heaven and Underworld with Devils have a particularly strong reaction. Hope you will enjoy those I did!
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
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Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.