Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 432

Chapter 432: War V

The next morning, the team gathered in the briefing room. Aiden stood at the head of the table, the crystal tucked safely into a pouch at his side. Holograms of the Shattered Spire rotated above the table, displaying detailed layouts and enemy placements.

“Here’s the situation,” Aiden began, his voice steady and commanding. “The Shattered Spire is more than a fortress. It’s the source of the Abyss’s power in this region. Nexus has confirmed that it’s a conduit, directly connected to the heart of their corruption.”

Rick leaned forward, his arms crossed. “So, what’s the plan? Storm the place and hope for the best?”

“Not exactly,” Aiden said. He gestured to the hologram, which zoomed in on a network of energy conduits running through the Spire’s foundation. “These conduits are the key. If we can disable them, we’ll cut off their connection to the Abyss. That’ll weaken the Spire and the forces defending it.”

Dren frowned. “And how do we disable them? They’ll be heavily guarded.”

“That’s where you and Rick come in,” Aiden replied. “While Myne and I create a diversion at the main gate, you two will infiltrate through this side passage.” He pointed to a narrow tunnel on the hologram. “It leads directly to the conduits. Once you’re inside, plant these charges.”

He placed a set of glowing devices on the table. “They’re infused with Everlight energy. When they detonate, they’ll disrupt the conduits and destabilize the Spire.”

Myne smirked, her confidence radiating. “And what about the Abyssal General’s replacement? You know they’ll send someone just as strong—or stronger.”

“They’ll come for me,” Aiden said, his tone resolute. “That’s why I’ll face them head-on. With the Everlight Core fragment, I can hold my ground long enough for the rest of you to complete the mission.”

Rick exchanged a look with Dren, then nodded. “It’s a solid plan. Dangerous, but solid.”

“Good,” Aiden said. “We move at dawn. Get some rest and prepare for the fight of your lives. This mission isn’t just about victory—it’s about survival.”

As the team dispersed, Aiden lingered, his gaze fixed on the hologram of the Shattered Spire. The Abyss had challenged him to face true despair.

He intended to show them the unyielding strength of hope.

Dawn arrived with a heavy stillness in the air, the kind that settled before a storm. The team gathered at the edge of their forward camp, their faces hardened with determination. The looming silhouette of the Shattered Spire dominated the horizon, its jagged edges piercing the ashen sky. Tendrils of dark energy snaked around its peak, a clear sign of the Abyssal forces’ unholy influence.

Aiden stood at the front, his sword glowing faintly at his side, the Everlight Core fragment tucked securely against his chest. He turned to his team, his voice calm but commanding.

“We all know what’s at stake,” he said, his eyes meeting each of theirs. “This isn’t just about destroying the Spire. It’s about sending a message. The Abyss isn’t invincible. We’ve faced their worst, and we’re still standing.”

Rick stepped forward, a cocky grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “And we’re about to remind them why messing with us is a terrible idea.”

Dren cracked his knuckles, the faint hum of his energy coursing through his arms. “Let’s just make sure we all come back in one piece. No heroics, Aiden.”

Aiden smirked slightly, but his tone remained serious. “No promises. Let’s move.”

The team split into two groups as planned. Aiden and Myne approached the Spire’s main gate, where hordes of Abyssal forces stood ready. The dark energy radiating from the Spire made the air thick and oppressive, but Aiden’s golden aura pushed back against it, carving a path of light.

“You ready for this?” Aiden asked Myne, glancing at her as she conjured shadowy tendrils that coiled menacingly around her.

“Always,” she replied with a grin. “Let’s make some noise.”

Aiden surged forward, his blade cutting through the first wave of Abyssal soldiers like a hot knife through butter. Each swing sent arcs of radiant energy slicing through the enemy ranks, scattering their formations. Myne followed closely behind, her shadowmancy weaving through the chaos to ensnare and crush anyone who slipped past Aiden’s assault.

The Abyssal forces retaliated, their attacks wild and frenzied, but they were no match for the pair’s coordinated onslaught. Still, the pressure was immense, and Aiden could feel the malevolent energy of the Spire pressing down on him like a physical weight.

Meanwhile, Rick and Dren navigated the narrow side passage, moving swiftly and silently. The tunnel was eerily quiet, save for the occasional distant rumble of the battle outside.

“This place gives me the creeps,” Rick muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Focus,” Dren replied. “We’re almost at the conduits.”

As they rounded a corner, they came face-to-face with a squad of Abyssal soldiers guarding the conduits. Without hesitation, Rick unleashed a barrage of energy blasts, the explosions lighting up the dark tunnel. Dren followed up with a powerful shockwave that sent the remaining soldiers flying.

“Clear,” Rick said, panting slightly. “Let’s plant these charges and get out of here.”

Back at the main gate, the tide of the battle shifted as a new presence emerged. The air grew colder, and a chilling laughter echoed across the battlefield. Aiden turned to see a figure descending from the Spire, clad in ornate black armor that pulsed with dark energy.

The new Abyssal General landed with a thunderous crash, the ground cracking beneath him. He was larger than his predecessor, his helmet shaped like a snarling beast, and his weapon—a massive halberd—dripped with corrosive energy.

“So, you’re the one who slew my brother,” the General said, his voice deep and resonant. “I must thank you for showing me his weakness. I assure you, I won’t make the same mistakes.”

Aiden stepped forward, his grip tightening on his sword. “I don’t care who you are. This ends here.”

The General roared with laughter. “Bold words for a mortal. Let’s see how long your light lasts in the Abyss!”

The two clashed in an explosion of light and darkness, their attacks shaking the battlefield. Aiden’s radiant energy clashed with the General’s abyssal power, the two forces vying for dominance.

Myne used the opportunity to disrupt the General’s movements, her shadowmancy striking from unexpected angles. “Don’t let up, Aiden! We’ve got this!”