The Mytho Chronicles: Eclipse Of Faith

Chapter 67: The Battle of Wits and Will

The battlefield was a storm of chaotic energy, and the Titan of Desolation, Armagus, loomed over it all like a living mountain. Its every movement caused tremors that shook the earth, and its presence alone was enough to instill fear in even the bravest sorcerers. But Ryota Takeda was not about to let fear dictate their fate.

As the Titan roared, its voice splitting the heavens, Ryota gathered his team, his expression focused, his mind racing through possibilities. He knew they needed a plan that could exploit the creature's weaknesses—something Kyoko had hinted at in the previous chapter.

"We need to target the Titan's footing," Ryota announced, his voice cutting through the noise. "If we can destabilize it, we might have a chance to bring it down."

Kyoko, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "Armagus is powerful, but it's not invincible. If we can disrupt its balance, we might be able to topple it—or at least weaken it enough to strike at its core."

The others listened intently, their expressions a mix of determination and anxiety. This was a monumental task, even for them, but they knew it was their only option.

"We'll have to work together," Ryota continued. "Ren, I want you to use your Astral Fist to strike at its footing with everything you've got. If you can destabilize it, we can focus our attacks on its core."

Ren nodded, his resolve firm. "Understood, Sensei."

Miyu, Aiko, and Yumi exchanged glances, each of them steeling themselves for the battle ahead. They knew what was at stake, and there was no room for hesitation.

As they prepared to execute the plan, the Titan of Desolation began to move, its massive feet shifting as it lumbered toward them. The ground trembled with each step, and the sorcerers could feel the oppressive weight of its power bearing down on them.

Without warning, the Titan's colossal foot came crashing down toward the group, its intent clear: to crush them beneath its weight. Ren reacted instinctively, leaping into the air with a burst of Mytho energy, narrowly avoiding the impact. As he floated above the battlefield, he let out a roar that echoed through the skies, his determination shining through.

With a powerful descent, Ren unleashed his Astral Fist's ability, Phantom Strike. The energy of his strike glowing with an ethereal light. The force of the punch connected with the Titan's foot, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. The impact was immense, reverberating through the Titan's body and causing it to stagger. A deep, guttural scream erupted from the creature, a sound that was both physical and spiritual, as Ren's attack struck not just its flesh, but its very soul.

But the effort took its toll. Ren, hovering in midair, felt his strength rapidly draining, his body screaming in exhaustion. He had given it everything he had, and now he was paying the price. Still, he refused to give up. He couldn't—not now.

"Ren!" Ryota called out, his voice urgent. "Fall back! You've done enough!"

Miyu, Aiko, and Yumi rushed to Ren's side as he landed, their concern evident. Miyu, her violet eyes filled with worry, reached out to him. "Are you okay?"

Ren, breathing heavily, nodded. "I'm fine... Just a little drained."

Aiko placed a hand on Ren's shoulder, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with genuine concern. "You need to take it easy, man. We need you in one piece."

Yumi, always ready, immediately began channeling positive Mytho energy to heal Ren's wounds. "We're not losing you, Ren," she said firmly, her hands glowing with soft, soothing light. Miyu and Aiko followed suit, each of them using their own Mytho energy to heal and replenish Ren's strength.

As Ren's energy slowly returned, Ryota turned his attention back to the Titan. "We need to use the Nexus Crystal," he said, his tone resolute. "It's our best chance at defeating this thing."

He looked over at Yumi. "Yumi, retrieve the Nexus Crystal. We're going to need it."

Yumi nodded and began to focus her energy, ready to summon the crystal. But before she could act, a mocking laugh echoed through the battlefield, drawing their attention. Tetsuya, standing on the head of the Titan, looked down at them with a twisted grin.

"The Nexus Crystal?" Tetsuya sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "You fools. Did you really think I'd let you have the real thing?"

With a flourish, Tetsuya revealed the true Nexus Crystal, floating above his hand, its power radiating like a beacon. "This is the real Nexus Crystal," he declared, his laughter growing more maniacal. "And it's in my hands! All your efforts... all your struggles... were for nothing!"

Ryota's fists clenched, anger and frustration boiling beneath his calm exterior. He had the real crystal all along... The thought was like a knife to his chest, but he couldn't let it distract him. Not now.

The Titan, under Tetsuya's command, moved once more, its massive form shifting as it attempted to crush them. But in its movement, something unexpected happened. The Titan's foot slipped on the uneven ground, causing Tetsuya to lose his balance. He staggered, and in that split second, an opportunity presented itself.

Nika, always quick to act, saw the opening. Her eyes narrowed, and with a burst of Ethereal Resonance, she projected her spirit forward, moving with lightning speed. In an instant, she was beside Tetsuya, her hand outstretched toward the Nexus Crystal.

Before Tetsuya could react, Nika's hand closed around the crystal, and with a swift motion, she yanked it from his grasp. The Nexus Crystal was now in her possession.

The battlefield fell silent as everyone processed what had just happened. Then, almost in unison, a cheer went up from the sorcerers. "Nika did it!" Aiko exclaimed, his face breaking into a wide grin.

Miyu and Yumi were overjoyed, their earlier worry replaced with relief and pride for their sensei. "Nika sensei, you're amazing!" Yumi shouted, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Ryota, still processing the turn of events, couldn't help but stare at Nika. In that moment, he saw her not just as a colleague, but as a formidable warrior, cunning and strong. His heart swelled with pride and something else—something deeper, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

Nika, holding the Nexus Crystal tightly, looked over at Ryota. She caught his gaze, and for a brief moment, the world around them seemed to fade away. But then the Titan roared again, snapping them back to reality.

Tetsuya, his face twisted in rage, let out a furious bellow. "This isn't over! I will not be defeated by the likes of you!"

He made a move to flee, but Ryohei was ready. With a wave of his hand, he summoned the forces of nature, roots and vines erupting from the ground, wrapping around Tetsuya's legs, holding him in place.

"You're not going anywhere," Ryohei said, his voice calm but firm.

Kyoko stepped forward, her silver eyes glowing with power. "I'll reinforce the bindings," she said, her hands moving in intricate patterns as she channeled her sealing magic.

Tetsuya struggled against the bindings, but it was no use. He was trapped, his power momentarily contained.

Ryota, a smirk forming on his face, stepped forward. "We're not done yet, Tetsuya. You unleashed this Titan, and now we're going to bring it down. You just wait."

The chapter ended with this cliffhanger, the sorcerers standing together, their bonds strengthened, ready to face the ultimate challenge. Tetsuya's defeat was far from certain, but with the Nexus Crystal in their possession, the tide of battle was beginning to turn. The Titan loomed above them, still a formidable threat, but now there was hope—a chance to end this once and for all.