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Chapter 21

The air around the Eternal Rift crackled with dark energy, swirling violently as the cloaked figure chanted an incantation in an ancient, guttural language. The sky above seemed to mirror the chaos below, bolts of violet lightning arcing through storm clouds.

Furina tightened her grip on her sword, its blue water-like decorations glowing faintly. "Enough theatrics! Let's end this."

Yoshika stepped forward, her spear at the ready, the golden-pink floral designs glinting ominously in the storm's light. "This time, you won't escape."

The cloaked figure let out a sinister laugh. "You're brave, but foolish. Witness the power of the Abyss!" They slammed their staff into the ground, summoning shadowy beasts with jagged claws and glowing red eyes.

Neuvillette raised his hand, summoning a torrent of water that crashed down upon the beasts, slowing their advance. "Focus on the figure. I'll hold off these creatures."

Arlecchino charged forward, her scythe slicing through waves of shadows with terrifying precision. "Leave the minions to us. Go!"

Yoshika and Furina didn't need to be told twice. They advanced toward the cloaked figure, their weapons gleaming with elemental power.

The figure raised their staff, sending a surge of dark energy hurtling toward them. Furina countered with a sweeping arc of her sword, the water-infused blade cutting through the attack and sending droplets scattering like rain.

Yoshika leaped forward, her spear striking with pinpoint accuracy. The cloaked figure deflected the blow, but the force sent them staggering back. "You're stronger than before," they hissed.

"I've had enough of your games," Yoshika said, her voice cold. "Teyvat isn't yours to destroy."

The figure snarled, dark tendrils lashing out at her. Furina dashed in, slicing through the tendrils with ease. "Drama queen," she muttered under her breath. "This is my show now."

---

Meanwhile, Lyney and Lynette fought alongside Clorinde and Arlecchino at the edge of the rift. Lyney's flaming arrows lit up the battlefield, creating pockets of safety amid the encroaching shadows. Lynette moved with quiet precision, her sword striking with minimal yet effective force.

"They're trying to overwhelm us!" Lyney called out, dodging a swipe from a shadow beast.

Clorinde fired her gun, each shot charged with Electro energy that left the creatures stunned and vulnerable. "We just need to buy time. Trust Furina and Yoshika to handle the rest."

Arlecchino's scythe carved through the beasts like a storm of its own. "Stay sharp. The rift is unstable, and one misstep could mean the end."

---

Back at the center of the rift, the battle intensified. The cloaked figure unleashed wave after wave of dark energy, but Furina and Yoshika pressed on.

"You think you can stop the Abyss with sheer willpower?" the figure taunted, their voice dripping with disdain.

"No," Yoshika said, her spear glowing brighter with each strike. "But with my resolve, and the people I fight for, I'll end you."

She thrust her spear forward, its floral glow piercing through the dark energy and striking the figure's staff. A deafening crack echoed as the staff shattered, sending a shockwave through the battlefield.

The figure screamed, their form flickering like a dying flame. "You may have won this battle, but the Abyss is eternal!" With that, they dissolved into shadow, leaving only the chaotic rift behind.

Furina collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. "Did we... win?"

Neuvillette approached, his calm presence reassuring. "For now. But the rift must be sealed, or the damage will spread."

Yoshika stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she raised her spear. "Then let's seal it-together."

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖸𝖺𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖺𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝖾𝗇𝖽𝖾𝖽 𝗒𝖺𝗒