Dimensional Eclipse – Chapter 15
Hope and Chaos
The atmosphere inside the Runes was anything but normal. All around, there was only fear and chaos. The aura of the Crimson Queen was so overwhelmingly powerful that it seemed to warp everything nearby. Every object, every particle of air, even the ground beneath their feet seemed altered, as if reality itself had shifted. Each student felt the pressure crushing down on them; the fear was so tangible that they struggled to even take a proper breath. All of them froze in place, unable to move. Any slightest motion could mean certain death.
Shirou: So… this is the monster they were talking about.
Noxy: There's no doubt now… this is why those students were so terrified inside the cave. The presence of this monster alone is enough to instill fear in anyone.
Kaede: Is this… the end for us? Can we do nothing?
Kaede: No… we have to do something.
The students remained rooted to the ground, paralyzed by fear. Not a single one dared move. Then suddenly, a sound broke the tense silence—something falling.
Emily, terrified, dropped the tag. As it hit the ground, it made a faint sound that immediately drew the Crimson Queen's attention.
The Crystal Queen swiftly targeted Emily, her crystalline weapon poised to strike.
Emily: No! Please… save me!
At that exact moment, a protective aura enveloped Emily.
Kaede: Aura Waves Force!
A gentle wave of golden energy surged toward Emily, propelling her several feet away from her spot. The Crystal Queen's attack missed, and Emily survived, though the Queen's anger flared instantly. With renewed fury, she unleashed a torrent of crystal strikes toward all the students.
The students scrambled for survival, activating their aura weapons to defend themselves. Despite their efforts, some were still struck and injured.
Fernando: Rock conqueror.
From the earth beneath, countless rocks erupted, colliding with the Crystal Queen's crystals, causing a massive explosion. Smoke and debris filled the area, giving the students a brief reprieve.
Kaede: This is our chance! We have to work together. Jessica, can you fight?
Jessica: Yes!
Kaede: Good. And Emma… can you fight?
Emma trembled, fear clouding her mind. She was unsure what to do.
Kaede: It's okay if you don't want to fight. I understand… you're scared.
Emma remained silent, unable to respond.
Kaede: Fernando, Jessica, we need to protect the rest of the students. Jessica, attack from behind. Fernando, attack from the front. Cover the others. Everyone else, take out your weapons and combine your strongest attacks. We have to deal as much damage as possible to give us a chance to escape. The odds are low, but if we don't fight, everyone will die. Gather your courage… and fight.
Hearing Kaede's words, the students felt a surge of determination. They realized the truth: if they didn't act now, they were doomed.
The smoke began to dissipate slightly, and the Crystal Queen struck again.
Fernando: Gaia Smash!
Massive stone pillars erupted from the ground, striking beneath the Crystal Queen and sending her flying into the air.
Kaede: Alright… now it's my turn. I don't know how but the name of this attack just came to my mind
Kaede: Ecliptic Edge!
A wave of golden light surged forth, destroying all of the Crystal Queen's attacks midair.
Kaede: Now! Everyone, use all your attacks! The Queen is in the air—this is our chance!
The students unleashed a coordinated barrage of attacks, channeling their aura energy and weapons into a concentrated assault.
Student 1: Wind Flash! Student 2: Uppercut! Student 3: Sea – Absol!
Around ten to twelve students launched their attacks simultaneously at the Crystal Queen.
The combined onslaught forced the Crystal Queen to pause briefly, revealing that she had taken minor damage. But it was not enough to seriously harm her.
Kaede: Noxy!
Noxy: Oh, so you noticed me, Kaede. Your eyes are sharp. Let's give her a taste of this!
Noxy: Autonomous Shield Second Form – Aegis Overdrive!
Noxy activated his shield and unleashed a massive energy blast at the Crystal Queen. The impact was visible to everyone.
Shru: Damn… my aura is still unstable. I can't help them right now.
Shirou remained silent, observing.
The Crystal Queen struggled to withstand Noxy's attack when suddenly…
Kaede: Jessica! Fernando! Now!
Jessica reacted immediately, unleashing her attack.
Jessica: Blossom Flare Barrage!!!
Energy balls materialized and hovered in the air, then were hurled at the Crystal Queen in a continuous barrage.
Kaede: As we had planned before coming here, we already knew there was a possibility we might encounter the Crystal Queen again. But since we had no other option — that tag was our last hope — we had no choice but to come here.
Before arriving, we had already decided that if we faced the Crystal Queen once more, running away would not be an option. We would have to fight — all of us together.
Our goal was to create an opening, to never give the Crystal Queen a moment to recover. We had to keep attacking her continuously, so that even if only for a short while, she would weaken — giving us the chance to escape.
Another attack struck the Crystal Queen.
Fernando: Earth Spikes!
Jagged rocks shot from the ground, but her body was so strong that they shattered immediately.
Fernando: She's incredibly tough.
Noxy: Autonomous third form Aegis Projection Shatter Wave!
Noxy projected four images of his shield, striking from multiple directions. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves through the area.
Kaede: Everyone is fighting with full power… but no matter how much we attack, she's far stronger than I imagined. Have these attacks even made a dent? I'm barely managing to keep up. Maybe I'm really that weak…
Shirou: They've fought before, and they've recovered fully, but look at their opponent… there's no way they can win against her. The tag is still close to the Crystal Queen—if I go for it, she'll definitely attack me. Getting there mid-fight is almost impossible. Somehow, we need to divert her attention.
Kaede: Keep attacking! Do not stop!
The students continued their relentless assault. It seemed, however, that their attacks barely fazed her. It felt as if she was simply toying with them. Unbeknownst to them, someone else was watching the battle from a distance.
Emma watched the scene, feeling helpless.
Emma: I'm useless… still good for nothing.
Shru: How long will this last? I have to end this quickly. Where's that tag? I can get it now.
Shru stepped into the fray to grab the tag, but the Crystal Queen noticed her instantly. She moved behind Shru with blinding speed, leaving no time for anyone to react.
Shirou: Is this girl insane? Does she have any sense at all? Why did she go there?!
Shru froze, her eyes wide in shock. She realized her survival chances had dropped to zero. Time seemed to slow for a moment.
All eyes turned to Shru as the Crystal Queen prepared to strike.
Emma's gaze locked on her, panic rising.
Emma: Why… why can't I do anything? Why am I useless…
A memory flashed before her eyes.
Emma: No, Dad… I don't want to be a warrior. I just want to live peacefully.
Emma's Father: Come on, my child, don't be so scared. You should be like your father—a warrior who protects his people.
Emma: That's why you and Mom are always fighting, always away…
Emma's Father: I do it to protect you and everyone else. One day, I want you to do the same. Use this sword to protect those close to you.
Present time — Emma: I can't be like Dad… I don't have that courage. But I can use what he taught me to protect my friends.
Emma's sword began to gleam with a brilliant yellow light, its blade pulsing as waves of aura energy gathered within it, building up in immense concentration.
Emma: Lumina Sever!
A powerful wave of aura surged toward the Crystal Queen, its energy so intense that even the Queen could sense it. Her attention immediately shifted toward the incoming attack.
From the front, a fierce burst of energy tore through the ground, ripping the earth apart as it raced straight toward her. The moment Shru noticed that the Crystal Queen's focus had turned elsewhere, she swiftly retreated to a safe distance.
Just seconds later, Emma's attack struck the Crystal Queen head-on — and an enormous explosion erupted, shaking the entire battlefield.
Noxy: What a phenomenal attack!
Shirou: I knew her weapon was strong… she just hasn't mastered it yet.
Kaede: Wow, Emma! That was incredible! Thanks to you, Shru is safe!
Emma's condition was worrying. Blood trickled from her nose and mouth, and she trembled.
Emma: I know I didn't use my attack perfectly… but I'm glad I saved her.
Kaede rushed toward Shru.
Kaede: Are you okay?
Shru: Yeah… just barely made it through.
Kaede: You were already badly injured. You didn't need to do all that. Stay back this time.
Shru: Understood.
Suddenly, from the spot where Emma had struck the Crystal Queen earlier, shards of crystal began hurtling toward her.
Emma's eyes widened in shock as the deadly projectiles sped toward her. She realized immediately that she had no way to defend herself—if even one shard hit her, she would die.
Everyone sensed the imminent danger. They turned back, their hearts pounding, but it was almost too late. The Crystal Queen's attack had nearly reached Emma. Then, in a split second, someone intervened.
Emily: Wind Storm!
With precise control of her third-category aura, Emily conjured a small but violent storm. Gusts of wind deflected the incoming crystals just enough to save Emma.
The Crystal Queen, witnessing the interference, grew furious. She unleashed the full extent of her powers. The aura pressure radiating from her was immediately palpable to all; it was now unmistakably clear that this was no longer a measured opponent—the Crystal Queen had revealed her true strength.
Shirou: Shit… if this keeps up…
The Queen summoned countless crystals into the air, dark and ominous, their sheer number overwhelming. The students' conditions deteriorated as dread washed over them. Then, without warning, the Crystal Queen directed all of them at the students in a devastating attack.
Noxy: Autonomous Shield Barrier Projection!
Noxy quickly erected an enormous shield to protect everyone. As the assault struck, a massive explosion rocked the battlefield. The shield shattered, sending Noxy tumbling to his knees, blood trickling from his mouth.
Noxy: No… this is too powerful. No matter what I do… I can't stop these attacks.
Though his shield had destroyed many of the crystals mid-air, dozens more struck the students. Some penetrated shoulders, limbs, and even vital areas. Several students fell, mortally wounded. Chaos reigned, blood and fear staining every corner.
Shru wasn't spared; a shard pierced her leg. Emma was also badly injured. Fernando and Jessica were struggling to remain upright. No one was in any condition to fight.
Shirou: Shit… whatever happens, that tag has to be activated. It's our last hope.
Kaede's eyes reflected hopelessness. Shock, fear, and despair twisted his expression as he surveyed the carnage: students lying dead or screaming in agony.
Kaede: Why is this happening? What can I do? Is this… the end of us?!
Suddenly, someone grabbed his foot.
Shru: Don't be scared Kaede! We just have to activate the tag!
Kaede: Shru…
From behind, another voice called out.
Shirou: Both of you, listen to me carefully. I have a plan. Kaede, are you defensive or offensive?
Kaede: Uh… so far, I've only attacked defensively.
Shirou: Are you serious? Don't you even know? Whatever… Shru, give Kaede the monster core.
Shru: Oh… okay…
Kaede: But… why me?
Shirou: Now listen to me carefully. Absorb that monster core. It's the core of a B-grade monster. As soon as you do, you'll immediately rise to mid-D level, or if luck is on your side, you might even reach peak D level. All your damage and energy will be restored. With that, you'll be able to draw the Crystal Queen's attention toward yourself, while I go and activate the tag. You just need to keep her slightly away from the tag. Then, you attack her with the same strike you used earlier. That might make her falter, even just a little.
This will be our final chance, our last hope. If this opportunity slips away, everything is over.
Kaede: Understood.
Kaede immediately began absorbing the core, golden energy pulsing faintly around him. But the Crimson Crystal Queen's attention quickly snapped toward him.
Before she could act, a stone struck her, knocking her back slightly.
Shirou: Hey, bitch, look over here.
Despite his unstable aura, Shirou used his physical speed to draw the Queen's attention, essentially playing with death.
The Crystal Queen unleashed multiple crystal attacks toward him, but Shirou dodged them all with precise movements, leaving her momentarily stunned.
Nearby, someone was watching in disbelief.
Noxy: Did he just dodge all of that… without using aura? How is this even possible?
Meanwhile, Kaede began to absorb the monster core. Closing his eyes, he sat quietly, focusing on a single point. He held the core in his hands, channeling its energy into himself.
Suddenly, he found himself in an entirely different place — a dark, empty space, surrounded by silence in every direction. He had no idea how he had ended up here.
Then, he sensed something. A golden energy spread out in all directions, and the darkness instantly transformed into a radiant, glowing expanse, filled with golden light.
In front of him appeared a golden core. The moment Kaede touched it, a surge of powerful energy began to radiate everywhere, filling the space with a blinding brilliance.
Back to the battlefield…
Finally, Kaede leveled up. He had reached mid-C level, his powers drastically increased.
Back at the battlefield, Shirou lay on the ground, crystals piercing his chest. The Crystal Queen moved in for the finishing strike—but then she was hit by a massive golden shockwave from Kaede's attack. She was pushed backward for the first time, crashing into the debris.
Shirou: Kaede… that attack… how could you hit with that much power? Even though you leveled up, how do you have this much power?
Kaede: Shirou! Go! Activate the tag!
Shirou sprinted toward the tag, his determination unwavering.
The Crystal Queen noticed him and launched a barrage of glowing red crystals like bullets aimed directly at him.
Kaede: Aurora Slash!
Multiple golden slashes collided with the incoming crystals, obliterating them in midair. The Crystal Queen's expression twisted in disbelief.
Then, she retaliated with a colossal attack: massive sky-high crystals, emitting red energy, descended like skyscrapers toward Kaede.
Kaede: I can feel the energy… this is insanely strong… I won't be able to withstand it. Shirou, hurry and activate the tag!
Meanwhile, Shirou finally reached the tag. Pouring his aura into it, he began activating it.
Chapter 15 end