Night had fallen over Elystria Prime, and the city's golden lights shimmered like scattered stars against the darkened sky. Yet beneath the surface, a storm of shadows moved—silent, calculated, and deadly.
Kiyoto Mushu Justin and Mitsui Tachaina stood atop one of the city's floating towers, watching the horizon. From afar, faint pulses of dark energy rippled across the clouds, each one a signature of the Abyss Order.
"They're mobilizing faster than I anticipated," Kiyoto muttered, crimson-gold eyes narrowing. "Kael's influence reaches far, and he's not alone. There are others in play."
Mitsui's heart raced. "Others? Like… what?"
"Predators from beyond our reality," Kiyoto replied. "Some I've encountered, some I haven't. But all are drawn to the Infinity Crown. All seek imbalance."
As if on cue, the clouds parted in jagged streaks of darkness. Hundreds of Abyss Order operatives descended from the skies, their armor gleaming with corrupt energy, weapons crackling with Voidstream. They struck with precision, spreading through the city streets like a shadowy plague.
Kiyoto activated Pulse Mode Ascendant. His aura erupted in golden-white brilliance, bending probability and space around him. The first wave of attackers was thrown back effortlessly, their movements disrupted before they even reached him.
Mitsui's Soulflux flared in response, threads of probability guiding her reflexes. She weaved illusions and misdirections, forcing enemies to strike at shadows rather than reality. Her confidence had grown since their last encounter, and now she fought not just to survive, but to protect Elystria Prime itself.
A squad of Abyss Order elite warriors broke through the defenses, converging on Kiyoto. Their leader—a towering figure cloaked in Voidstream energy, eyes glowing a deep crimson—stepped forward.
"You… the heir," he growled. "Kael's shadow may yet rise, but today, the Abyss will taste victory. Surrender the Crown."
Kiyoto's hand rested lightly on the hilt of Silent Dawn. The Infinity Crown pulsed in resonance. "Surrender is not in my nature."
In an instant, time seemed to bend. Kiyoto's blade cut through probability itself, slashing multiple attackers simultaneously without physically moving. The elite warriors staggered, their attacks missing entirely.
Mitsui leapt forward, weaving illusions that forced remaining operatives to collide. Her aura flared brighter than ever before, the threads of probability she now perceived guiding her every move.
Despite the overwhelming numbers, the Abyss Order faltered. Kiyoto's power, combined with Mitsui's growing Soulflux, created a battlefield where reality itself seemed to favor them.
The elite leader staggered, blood spilling from a wound that shouldn't have happened. "Impossible…" he gasped. "How can mere mortals—?"
"They're not mere mortals," Kiyoto interrupted, voice calm and commanding. "They are the defenders of balance. And they will not yield."
As the last of the operatives were dispatched, the city fell silent once more. Mitsui's chest heaved, exhaustion and adrenaline mixing in equal measure.
Kiyoto turned to her, a faint smile on his lips. "This was only a test. Kael is moving, and the Abyss Order will not be so easily contained next time. But you… you've proven yourself today."
Mitsui looked at him, determination blazing in her eyes. "I'll get stronger. I'll be ready for whatever comes next. I'll fight by your side—no matter the cost."
> The Abyss Order had advanced, and their assault was only the beginning. Elystria Prime had survived this night, but the war for the Infinity Crown—and the balance of all realms—was far from over.
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