The Absolute and those who can rule it

Chapter 25 [Light and Darkness]

As we arrive at the Yosuga residence, the scene that greets us is nothing short of apocalyptic. The once-pristine grounds have been transformed into a battlefield, scarred by the raw fury of unleashed magic. Jagged icicles jut from the earth like crystalline daggers, their surfaces reflecting the chaos around us. Craters pockmark the landscape, still smoking from the force of impacts. Patches of ground smolder with residual flames, while pools of water shimmer ominously, their surfaces unnaturally still. The air itself seems charged, heavy with the lingering remnants of expended power.

Amidst this devastation, my eyes lock onto two figures locked in fierce combat - Kai and Tempest. Kai's form pulses with the unmistakable aura of his Absolute mode, his movements a blur of deadly precision. Nearby, Rishia and Kaden are holding their own against a swarm of Holders, their faces etched with grim determination.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus despite the chaos swirling around us. "Darius, Noarin," I call out, my voice cutting through the din of battle, "back up Rishia and Kaden. I'll assist Kai against Tempest." My gaze falls on Lyra, and I add, "Lyra, guard Spica with your life."

We spring into action without hesitation. My bow materializes in my hands as I dash towards Kai, loosing a volley of arrows to cover his flank.

Tempest's lips curl into a sardonic grin as he notices our arrival. "Oh, look," he drawls, his scythe whistling through the air as he pushes Kai back, "the cavalry has finally arrived." He leaps backward, putting some distance between us.

Kai lands beside me, his chest heaving with exertion. I nock another arrow, keeping Tempest in my sights. "Nice work holding down the fort," I say to Kai, trying to inject some levity into the dire situation. "Sorry for the delay."

"Better late than never," Kai pants, hands on his knees as he catches his breath. "What about those magical beasts? Did you deal with them?"

I grimace, remembering the seemingly endless horde we left behind. "We... had to make a tactical retreat. But I have a feeling they'll be joining us soon."

Kai runs a hand through his hair, exasperation clear on his face. "Damn, seriously? You're bringing more trouble to our doorstep?"

I can only shrug, feeling equally frustrated. "They just kept coming, man. Retreating was our only option until your SOS came through."

Alright, boys," Tempest's mocking voice cuts through our exchange. He settles into a fighting stance, his scythe gleaming ominously. "Break time's over. Now that the gang's all here, it's time to kick things up a notch."

Suddenly, the ground beneath our feet begins to tremble. Tempest starts chanting, his voice taking on an otherworldly resonance. Before our eyes, a beam of pure darkness erupts from the earth, pulsing with malevolent energy.

"What the hell is happening?" Kai shouts, struggling to maintain his balance on the quaking ground.

As if in answer, more dark beams burst forth in the distance, forming a ring around the entire capital. The air grows thick with an oppressive energy, making it hard to breathe.

Tempest's face splits into a triumphant grin. "Time for takeoff," he announces with theatrical flair.

A sickening crack echoes through the air. I whirl around to see fissures spreading across the ground beyond the residence. To my horror, the earth outside begins to sink away - no, I realize with a jolt of terror, we're the ones moving upward.

"You've got to be kidding me," I mutter, disbelief warring with dawning comprehension.

Tempest stretches his arms wide, reveling in our shock. "Welcome," he proclaims, his voice dripping with sinister glee, "to the floating city!"