★122
THIRD POV (HIDDEN ASTERI)
"My Lord."
Majo bowed.
"...Is long gone."
I replied, raising my hand as bait to unleash an attack that could be cast with a single thought.
"Barce-"
She screamed, but it was too late.
A flood of darkness erupted like a tide, nullifying more than half of the demons in an instant. Surprised by its destructive power, I looked down and noticed my hand was disintegrating, the darkness is too strong for this vessel.
'This strong?'
Though all Asteri possess this Dark Art, this Asteri's own was different. Too strong for what any regular vessel can hold.
'I have a few more to use before this vessel is destroyed. Now then-'
I lifted my hand to strike, but before the attack could form, Cosmic Petals spiralled around my arm binding skin and fabric alike. They bloomed with impossible precision, too perfect for any mortal control.
A soft chime followed, the petals glowing as a blinding flash erupted, obscuring my vision.
I acted in the last second, protecting my body as my right arm gave away into dust and light.
I looked up, my gaze drawn to the two celestial presence.
'Finally.'
"Retreat to Raja, we'll take it from here."
A soft, commanding voice order. It was Elaine.
"Call us whenever you need anything."
Majo lower her head, activating a wide range teleportation magic.
Atlas remained silent next to Elaine. His hand clasped behind him as he waited for the battlefield to clear. The space glowed red and all the demons were teleported to Raja.
"He's not the same. Just as Lady Hinamatsuri expected."
Atlas reported.
"Still no reports on Raja?"
"No. He's the only one."
Elaine answered.
With all of Star Military in Raja, they should be strong enough to keep the nation safe. Not form Dark Stars though.
"Good."
Atlas slowly descended to meet Asteri, his aura of death leaking as he approached them. Unlike before, his aura was more suffocating and deadly, it's finality stretching beyond biological and conceptual end.
"I have been wanting to face you head-on in a fight, Asteri. This is the perfect opportunity."
Asteri stood up straight without any reply.
"You haven't fully recovered. Don't be reckless."
Elaine spoke with concern. But Atlas knew better. Recle
"It is good to see you, Young Master. Forgive us, but we'll stop you before anything bad happens."
The two shot forward in the same breath, striking from opposite sides. Elaine, too weak to match their raw strength, infused her fist with her Art.
Asteri didn't even bother to turn his head. He simply crossed his arms, catching both of their punches mid-impact. His lips curved into a quiet, dangerous smile.
"Give it your best then."
To be continued...