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Chapter 53 - Battle against dark magic (Part 1)

(Omni – Base)

A red teleportation gate appeared in the heart of the core ranger base, and out of it stepped Zayne. The gate shimmered faintly before closing behind him, leaving a sharp hum in the air. Almost immediately, Alpha and Kara appeared beside him, their presence as punctual as always.

Zayne's eyes swept across the office. The room was large, its architecture sleek yet imposing, polished with an elegance that spoke of advanced design and power. But despite its beauty, it was empty—silent, almost lifeless. He sighed, his expression hardening slightly.

"I should really get helpers as soon as possible," he muttered under his breath. "A place as beautiful as this shouldn't be this desolate."

His words echoed faintly across the vast chamber. It felt wrong to him. The base wasn't serving its true purpose yet. This was supposed to be the forefront of defense against threats that could shake worlds, a central hub of operations that demanded activity, presence, and skill. Instead, it was empty. Cold.

His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he shook his head, as if shaking off the weight of the thought. "I'll start working on this after the mission," he resolved inwardly. He already had a few candidates in mind—individuals strong enough, capable enough to fill these halls with the energy it deserved.

He exhaled sharply, his attention snapping back to the task at hand. "Alpha, Kara, locate the Mystic Force base and their location in real time. I need a holographic visual data feed."

"Affirmative, sir," they both answered in unison.

The system hummed to life with a sharp beep! The locator engaged, and the advanced systems of the universal core activated instantly, its near-omnipotent scanner sweeping across the dimensional fabric. Information poured through the networks at incomprehensible speed, bypassing barriers that ordinary technology could never breach.

Within moments, Alpha reported. "It is done, sir."

Zayne's brow lifted slightly. "That fast?" he thought, impressed at the efficiency. Outwardly, he only gave a slight nod, concealing his surprise. His eyes fixed on the holographic visual that appeared before him.

And then he saw something that made his lips curl into a faint smile.

"Oh, quite interesting," he whispered. "I hope he gives me a good fight later." His tone held both curiosity and anticipation, a predator catching the scent of worthy prey.

"Alpha, lock on to the coordinates. I'll be teleporting in five minutes," he commanded firmly.

"Affirmative, sir. Kara, let's do this," Alpha replied.

Kara nodded, her mechanical eyes glowing as she fine-tuned the locking sequence.

Zayne rose to his feet, the weight of his decision settling in his posture. His hand moved with practiced ease as he equipped the Omni-Morpher, the sleek device locking securely around his arm. With a commanding voice, he declared:

"Omni-Morpher, lock on!"

[Locking on. Initiating Phase 1.]

A digital voice resonated from the device, followed by a surge of radiant energy that flared around him in crimson arcs. His aura pulsed with controlled intensity as the base itself seemed to respond to his power.

--- ✦ ---

(Mystic Realm – Path to Mystic City)

The Mystic Rangers were beginning to adapt to their new reality. The uncertainty of their sudden calling was still fresh, but Udonna knew well how to guide them. She had suggested a trip into the main city of the Mystic Realm, and now the group walked steadily along the glowing forest path that led toward it.

As they moved, Udonna spoke with the calm confidence of a mentor, pointing out the various beings that passed them by. The young Rangers could hardly contain their amazement.

They saw unicorns grazing gracefully near sparkling streams, their horns glimmering like crystalline blades. A flock of pegasi soared overhead, their wings casting fleeting shadows as sunlight danced upon them. Further down, wyverns circled in the distance, their scales reflecting emerald and sapphire hues. Elves walked among them on the path, their steps light and elegant, their gazes sharp yet welcoming.

For the Rangers, especially Chip, the sight was overwhelming. His wide grin seemed glued to his face. "Unicorns? Pegasi? Wyverns? This is insane! I mean—it's like walking into every fantasy book I've ever read!" His voice was practically vibrating with excitement.

The others chuckled at his enthusiasm, though they shared it deeply inside. The tension they had carried—the doubts about their responsibilities, the weight of being chosen—seemed to lighten with every step. Udonna had planned this well. By letting them witness the beauty of what they were meant to protect, she anchored their hearts to this place.

After what felt like half an hour of walking, the trees parted, and the city came into view.

The sight left them speechless.

The city rose in majestic tiers, its architecture a breathtaking blend of nature and magic. Towers carved from luminous stone glowed faintly under the sun, while enchanted runes lined the walls, humming with power. Canals of sparkling water wove through streets that bustled with life, where creatures of countless species moved freely. The air carried a sense of harmony—an unspoken unity binding everyone together.

Nick's eyes widened. "No way… this… this is real?"

"It's magnificent," Madison murmured, her soft voice barely audible, but full of awe.

Even Vida, usually composed, let out a whistle. "Well… this beats every city back on Earth."

Udonna smiled, pleased at their wonder. "This is Mystic City. A place where many realms converge. Here, countless beings coexist under the guardianship of magic."

Chip blinked rapidly, his mind struggling to keep up. "Wait, so you mean this realm is… a whole separate dimension from Earth? And the Mystic Force protects all of it?"

Udonna's eyes gleamed kindly. "Yes, Chip. But not only this realm. The Mystic Force stands watch over other dimensions as well."

Their jaws nearly dropped in unison. The sheer scope of what she said hit them like a wave. Protecting one realm was already beyond belief—but multiple?

"And… we'll help protect this realm too?" Xander asked, his voice cautious but curious.

"Of course," Udonna replied with certainty.

Vida narrowed her eyes slightly, her curiosity biting at her. "Then can we know how many realms exist? And what kind of realms they are?"

Udonna's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Telling you now would only distract you. In time, all shall be revealed."

The Rangers groaned inwardly, her cryptic answers already something they were getting used to—though that didn't make it any less frustrating. Still, her tone carried weight, and they could sense she spoke truth.

As they entered deeper into the city, their eyes caught the massive golden plaque at its gates, etched with runes that pulsed with enchantment. The words glowed faintly:

Mystic City

The sight alone made their hearts swell. Madison's lips parted softly, her words escaping in awe. "So beautiful…"

The others nodded silently, letting the atmosphere wash over them. For the first time since their journey began, they felt a sense of belonging.

But the moment was shattered.

A violent BOOM! shook the streets, an explosion ripping through the harmony. Smoke billowed from a far corner of the city as civilians screamed and scattered. The ground trembled faintly under the aftershock.

The Rangers froze, their eyes wide.

Udonna's gaze hardened instantly. "Dark magic," she whispered, her tone cold, sharp enough to cut stone.

The Rangers felt the chill run down their spines at her words. The tension gripped them immediately.

Nick turned to her, his fists clenching. "So… this is it, huh?" His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed the storm inside—fear, yes, but also resolve.

Udonna gave a single, grim nod.

Nick exhaled sharply, his determination locking into place. Before this, he had doubted himself—wondered if he was truly capable of protecting something so vast. But now, after seeing the city, the creatures, and the beauty of the realm, something shifted inside him. This place felt like home already, even if it was strange. And he couldn't stand the thought of it being destroyed.

He turned to his teammates, his expression resolute. "Let's do this, guys."

One by one, their faces hardened. Xander's grin faded into focus. Chip's nervous excitement solidified into courage. Madison's hesitation turned into quiet strength. Vida's sharp eyes glowed with resolve.

Udonna watched them, her heart swelling with pride. This was what she had hoped for. They were ready.

She raised her staff and murmured an incantation. A circle of glowing symbols flared beneath them, enveloping the group in light. In an instant, their bodies dissolved into streams of magic, vanishing from the street.

They were gone—teleported directly to where the darkness awaited

--- ✦ ---

What do you all think about the plot and world building? I'm a new Author, so I have limited skill with these. Please advise guys.

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