Sonic The Hedgehog: Dark-Bright

[ UNIVERSE CENTRE ARC ] Chapter 74: The Portal to Spirit

Not much time had passed since they had disembarked from Raziel's ship, but the group was beginning to sense just how much he knew about this realm. Tails decided to voice their collective curiosity.

''Raziel... So, what exactly is this place? Shouldn't the place we're supposed to travel around be the Cosmic Interstate?" the fox asked, eager to learn more.

Alan cleared his throat. "This is the Parsing Road. It's quite different from the Cosmic Interstate in many ways. However, they share the same purpose – connecting each Zone in line. The Cosmic Interstate connects this universe to many other multiverses, while the Parsing Road seems to be confined to our universe."

Amy couldn't help but interject, even though she raised her hand politely. "But why is our universe so special?"

Raziel replied, "It was most likely caused by a strange phenomenon, possibly a unique disturbance. Did you know that spiritual energy can be quite potent, capable of creating magic?"

"Magic, you say?" the fox inquired.

"Some spiritual energies, although not from everyone, have the power to alter our very existence. This is why the Parsing Road feels different. It's speculated that it didn't naturally form but was created by someone else."

Knuckles jumped into the conversation. "So, the Parsing Road is the work of some entity. Could it be... a creation of a Deminin? That would explain our earlier encounter with the Watchers."

Raziel paused for a moment. "You're on the right track, but I doubt a Deminin could have accomplished this."

As they continued walking, Sonic shrugged. "Then what can Deminins not do?"

Alan spoke up, "In my ten years of facing Deminins, I've found that their powers usually revolve around violence. While they may possess willpower, they lack wisdom. It's doubtful they could create something like the Parsing Road."

"I suppose we'll learn more about these blue blubs later on," Sonic said with a chuckle. The blue hedgehog's laughter lightened the mood as they continued their journey.

Some time passed, and they found themselves in an area illuminated with a gentle glow. Raziel pointed ahead and announced, "This is the portal gate to the Universe Centre."

Dijon cast a skeptical gaze at the portal. "Guys, do you think there's someone at the portal, or am I just seeing things?"

Sonic squinted his eyes and spotted a group of blue figures in the distance. Their resemblance was unmistakable; they were Deminins. "Oh, it's them!"

Raziel guarded their rear, growing cautious in this part of the area. "I think it's best if we stay out of their way. I'll ensure all of you reach the portal without trouble."

Amy jumped with excitement. "Alright! Once we get there, no more troubles await us!"

Just seconds later, a short and timid creature hurled shurikens at them. Knuckles noticed the projectiles and deflected them with his fist. Alan appeared surprised. "Ah, this can't be... the Kurokage Deminin!" More of the same Deminins approached, and Raziel sighed. "I guess we have no choice but to fight."

Sonic took a battle stance, his confidence unwavering. "What's the matter? This is no joke to me." He initiated a Spin Dash and tore through the Kurokage Deminins before summoning his Soul Weapon to counter their defenses. Knuckles joined in, and Dijon began assisting as well. Soon, the entire group had vanquished the Deminins, while Amy observed with a determined look.

Raziel used his keen senses to detect more Deminins charging at them from a distance. "Don't get your hopes up. We still have to deal with them first."