Chapter 41: The Gathering Storm

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In the aftermath of the battle, Teri and Kei sense a strange disturbance in the multiversal currents, something far beyond what they've encountered before. The quiet is too complete, and both of them know that peace in the multiverse rarely lasts long.

Kei (thoughtful):
"I don't like this. The void is gone, but something else is out there. Something... watching."

Teri stands on the edge of the sanctuary, his hand resting on the hilt of his plasma sword, scanning the skies.

Teri (seriously):
"We've been through too much to ignore that gut feeling. If something's lurking, it won't catch us off guard."

Suddenly, a bright flash of light appears in the sky above them. It's not a rift, but a portal—one radiating pure energy, not of the void, but something different, ancient, and incredibly powerful.

From the portal emerges a figure bathed in golden light, their form towering and celestial. Wings of pure energy spread wide behind them, and their eyes glow with the light of a thousand stars. This being isn't from the void, nor the realms of the multiverse Teri and Kei have ever known.

Celestial Being (booming voice):
"Champions of the multiverse, I come not as an enemy, but as a harbinger."

Kei steps forward, her magic swirling protectively around her.

Kei (cautiously):
"A harbinger of what? Who are you?"

The celestial figure descends gently, their wings folding as they land, their radiant presence dimming slightly, though still overwhelming.

Celestial Being (calmly):
"I am Astris, emissary of the Elder Pantheon, those who govern the balance beyond even the multiverse itself. Your battle against the void has not gone unnoticed. But now, a greater threat looms—one that not even the void could escape."

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