The sky above SMK Keningau II darkened once more. Clouds spiraled unnaturally, and a shimmering vortex cracked open at the school field—twisting light and shadows together like a wound in space.
From this portal, dozens of monsters emerged—spindly beasts with glowing spines, insectoid fiends, winged hounds, and a colossal Medusa-like creature slithering behind them, regal and terrifying.
Students screamed from inside the classrooms, teachers herded them to safety—but only Chelestar stood her ground outside.
Her heart pounded, tail flickering. "This isn't normal... This one's different."
As the monsters charged, Chelestar sprang into action—dodging, weaving, and striking back using the limited abilities of her single tail. She fought like a blur, her quiet and gentle nature drowned out by the fire in her eyes.
Then the Medusa descended, eyes locked onto Chel.
"You want to protect him?" it hissed. "Prove yourself."
The duel began.
The monster's serpentine hair struck like whips. Chel fought defensively, using her environment to survive—reflecting glares with glass, outmaneuvering attacks with flips and wall-jumps. Bruised and panting, she still didn't back down.
Finally, with a spin and scream, she launched herself through a rain of venom—landing a clean, direct blow to Medusa's heart. As the monster faded into dust, three ethereal tails burst into existence behind her.
Tail 1: Kitsune Core
Tail 2: Power of Love – Generates a calming field that halts rage-based abilities and slows hostile actions.
Tail 3: Medusa's Gaze – Allows Chel to paralyze enemies with a stare or petrify weak monsters completely.
She gasped as power surged into her body—wounds healed, strength renewed.
But the portal hadn't closed.
Instead, it expanded—releasing even more creatures. Now, dozens were charging toward her.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.
"Chel! Move!"
Nel landed beside her, his eyes glowing violet. The markings of the ÆTORƎO burned across his skin, swirling like galaxies.
He didn't wait.
He dove straight into the horde, fists blazing with cosmic power. He absorbed the energy of beasts, taking on aspects of their form—spikes, wings, elemental breath, shadow limbs. Each enemy he consumed fueled his evolving form.
Chelestar stood behind him, now unafraid. She spread her arms—her field of love radiating outward, softening the monsters' fury and weakening their resistance. As they hesitated, she petrified several with a single gaze.
"Let's do this together!" she said, heart pounding.
Nel roared, dashing ahead. They fought as one—Nel the Primordial Force, raw and devastating; Chel the Kitsune Guardian, precise and radiant.
Beasts fell, the earth cracked, and powers clashed in explosions of color.
Nel suddenly sensed the portal core, a floating crystal of void energy at the vortex's center.
Chel covered him—her tails shielding him from a barrage while Nel concentrated his energy.
He rose into the air, channeling the might of the ÆTORƎO, and fired a cosmic lance from his chest.
BOOM!
The crystal shattered—blinding light flooded the field.
The monsters turned to dust.
The portal snapped shut like an eye closing forever.
Silence.
Nel landed beside Chelestar. His body trembled slightly, breath ragged. Chel caught his arm gently.
"You did it," she whispered.
"We did it," he corrected, with a faint smile.
Chel's cheeks turned red, and she looked away shyly—but didn't let go.
From a classroom window, unseen by them, someone watched.
A pair of golden eyes narrowed. "So… the Child of the Bang and the Kitsune girl. Interesting."
To be continued…