The Eminence of Not-Shadow

Chapter 17 - Not-Shadow Appears? Phase ----

[Not-Shadow POV]

The time for vengeance has arrived. I alone hunt the Shadows.

With my own force...

[Crack]

and with borrowed power...

[Crack]

I destroy the isolated locations within the Sanctuary with a burst of darkness. The invisible walls crack, the peaceful and dark skies fade away, and the ground that they stood on was replaced with a singular shade of white. All the Shades were in silence, while I witnessed both John Smith and Tangotistic retreat towards me. One had their heart open again while the other was freed from their slime imprisonment. Staring at them, I was slightly apologetic.

Because even if they are just memories, their self-awareness was at their peak. I was just lucky that they could mentally overcome the fact that they were not real. Eta's recreation on the other hand...

I believe that she is not truly aware yet. Or at least, has not yet come to the realization. But regardless, everyone has played their roles well. The energy absorbed, along with Iris and Alexia's ongoing fight well soon be enough for this plan. But to get most of the profits, I will have to clean my own board.

Using my fake slime sword, I stab it into the ground, siphoning power from the broken Sanctuary. As it does, I redirect the power to both Tangotistic and John Smith. Alpha and the others continue to watch, still in brief shock. Although their summoned helper immediately realized the situation. 

"Oh no you don't!"

Starlight says as she flies towards me, preparing an empowered fist to hit with me.

"The power of the stars and the world beyond..."

I say as she continues to approach me.

"Are simply just another dream."

I rapidly form another sword, overloading it with my own mana. 

"!"

Starlight quickly stops heading to my direction, but I use that moment to close the distance.     

I swing only once. And with of swing containing the overloaded dose of mana, collides with the temporary mana within Starlight.

[Kaboom]

The result was an explosion that caused the cancellation of the summon and...

"The cube..." 

Eta says as she recovers from the brief shock, slightly disappointed.

...was destroyed in front of them.

----

[Eta POV]

"No matter..."

Witnessing the cube getting destroyed... was unexpected. But that was it. Unexpected.

"I can easily make spares."

"Wait, you could have made more spares?!"

Epsilon was shaking me... as she said that. 

"Well after witnessing... what I saw a bit before."

"Oh! Sorry! Because-"

"Eta, do you think it is possible to use that cube to power ourselves up?"

Alpha stops Epsilon from continuing to... shake me. 

"I need time... which if they are doing whatever they are doing... should be enough."

"So yes?"

"Yes, if my theory... is correct."