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Chapter 26

The Abyss Herald raised its blade high, summoning waves of dark energy that rippled across the ruins. The oppressive power made the air thick, but the group stood firm, ready for the fight.

"Prepare yourselves!" Neuvillette commanded, his voice steady as water began swirling around his hands.

The Herald lunged first, its blade aimed directly at Furina. She parried with her sword, water clashing against shadow in a brilliant display of sparks. "Is that all you've got?" she taunted, a smirk on her face.

Yoshika circled around, her spear poised for a precise strike. With a swift motion, she thrust it at the Herald's side, aiming for the gaps in its armor. The Herald twisted, blocking the attack with its forearm, but the force of the impact sent it stumbling.

"Nice one!" Lyney shouted from a distance, releasing a flurry of Pyro arrows that burst into flames upon contact. The fire seared through the Herald's protective aura, forcing it to retreat.

Lynette darted forward, her sword flashing as she struck at the Herald's legs. Each movement was calculated, her silent precision contrasting with her brother's flamboyant style.

Arlecchino advanced next, her scythe cutting through the shadows the Herald summoned. "Enough of your tricks," she growled, her strikes relentless and heavy. The Herald roared in frustration, slamming its blade into the ground and creating a shockwave that knocked everyone back.

"Stay focused!" Clorinde shouted, firing a precise shot from her gun. The Electro-charged bullet struck the Herald's chest, sending arcs of electricity through its armor.

Neuvillette raised his hand, and a torrent of water shot forth, forming a massive serpent that coiled around the Herald. "Hold it down!" he ordered, his eyes glowing with power.

Yoshika seized the opening. She leapt high, her spear glowing faintly as she aimed for the Herald's core. The floral designs on her weapon shimmered, their light intensifying as she struck. The spear pierced through the Herald's armor, a resounding crack echoing through the ruins.

The Herald let out a deafening roar, its form flickering as its Abyssal energy began to destabilize. "You may destroy me, but the gate will open..."

Furina stepped forward, her sword glowing with a radiant blue light. "Not while we're here." With a powerful slash, she unleashed a torrent of water that engulfed the Herald, its form dissolving into the shadows.

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The ruins fell silent, save for the faint hum of residual energy. The group stood in the aftermath, catching their breath.

Neuvillette approached the central altar, his gaze stern. "The gate may not have opened yet, but the Abyss won't stop. We must decipher the rest of the tome and prepare for their next move."

Furina rested her sword on her shoulder, her confidence undiminished. "Let them come. We'll stop them every time."

Yoshika remained silent, her eyes lingering on the shattered remains of the Herald's armor. The battle had been won, but the threat of Celestia's gate loomed ever closer.

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗇𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗂𝗌 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝖼𝗎𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝗈𝗇 𝗆𝗒 𝗈𝖼 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗅, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝗌𝗄𝗂𝗉 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍😔