November, Two years ago

(Takara)

The courtyard's fragile silence shattered as a massive Portal tore open above, its jagged edges pulsing with a sickly dark radiance that drowned the festive lamps. From its churning maw spewed a giant Dark Celestial, his towering form an unholy fusion of Elfian grace and grotesque corruption. Bone wings, jagged and countless, sprouted from his back, casting shadows that writhed like living things. His eyes, twin voids of malice, swept the crowd, freezing every Soul in awe and dread. The air grew heavy, thick with the stench of corrupted Mana, and a guttural cry—half-laugh, half-curse—erupted from the creature, sending shivers through the huddled guests.

Danielu stood immobile, his glowing sword trembling in his grip, the sigil on his skin burning with renewed force as he experienced fear he couldn't suppress. Taki sprinted to his side, arms outstretched to shield him, his face pale but resolute. "Stay back, son," he whispered, voice cracking. The crowd cowered, their earlier relief a distant memory, as the Celestial's laughter echoed, a cruel mockery of their fragile safety. Sylia's barrier had just given way beneath the relentless force of the powerful creature's repeated assaults.

Danisha and Takara, their faces set with grim determination, regrouped swiftly. Their hands wove intricate sigils, conjuring a new multilayered barrier that shimmered with prismatic light, enveloping the courtyard.

However, the Celestial's power surged, a wave of dark energy splintering their shield with a deafening crack. Undeterred, they summoned another, their Dragons materializing overhead—massive, scaled beasts with eyes like molten gold. The siblings took flight, hovering above the crowd, their barriers a defiant bulwark against the looming threat.

"Danielu, stay put!" Danisha barked, her voice cutting through the chaos. Danielu's jaw tightened, his instinct to fight warring with the overwhelming fear he was facing.

He nodded, stepping back, his sword dimming as fear overpowered his defiance.

Dio, freed from his protective barrier by Sylia's Dark Bunny Guard, stumbled to Danielu's side and dropped to his knees. A small Dark Bunny summoned by Sylia's Bunny Guard followed him.

"Neron and Sylia will come, lad," he said, his voice strained, eyes darting to the sky where the Celestial's bone wings flared. He clutched Danielu's shoulder, but his own doubt was plain as strange, small Bunny Humanoids poured from the Portal, their form enveloped with Darkness, their eyes glinting with malice.

A sudden shift in the air drew every gaze. Sylia's Dark Bunny Guard shimmered, his form stretching and morphing into a ten-foot Bunny Lady clad in a sleek, swimsuit-like uniform, her glaives gleaming with an eerie light. Her smile was both radiant and terrifying, her eyes glinting with predatory glee.

Dio Jr shivered. His fear of the Bunny Lady was quite evident and, for some strange reason, it eclipsed even his fear of the monstrous foe above.

The Bunny Lady licked her lips, her voice a sultry purr. "Danisha, Takara, fall back. Dinner's on." She snapped her fingers, and doubles of herself materialized, each wielding twin glaives. "Operation Dinner is starting now!" she commanded. Her doubles, flanked by a swarm of small flying Dark Bunnies, surged skyward, intercepting the Celestial's Bunny Humanoids with ruthless precision. The foes were sliced apart, their forms collected into magical bags that the Bunnies gleefully held, as if harvesting ingredients.

After witnessing the carnage, Takara descended beside Taki, pursing his lips. "She just raised a Blessed Dark shield," he said, glancing at the faint, shimmering barrier now encasing the courtyard. "That one is no ordinary Bunny. She's a Division of a Dark Minor Goddess from the Dark Hell Dimension. Even that Celestial can't break through her shield."

Dio blinked, stunned.

The Celestial's glee had faltered. He tilted his head, as if seeking an escape, his bone wings twitching nervously. The Bunny Lady smirked, vanishing in a flicker of shadow only to reappear behind a human-sized Celestial hiding in the creature's wake. The smaller Celestial shrieked, his form multiplying in a desperate bid to flee, but the Bunny Lady's doubles mirrored the tactic, capturing each clone in summoned magical pouches. With a flourish, she seized the original, stabbing it with a glaive. His body slumped, lifeless, as she dragged it across the air like a trophy.

Striding on thin air, the Bunny Lady raised a hand, her followers gathering around her like a flock of gleeful predators. She glanced at the giant Celestial who was now sweating, his movements frozen in terror.

"Fear not. I won't touch you," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I know who sent you as a sacrifice. The kids need training. Shine, and you might escape the worst when the Mistress arrives. Hurt them, and we'll reward you." Her eyes gleamed with a promise of torment.

Dio, still kneeling beside Danielu, gaped as the Bunny Lady blinked to their side, her forces preparing to depart.

"Wait!" he cried. "You're abandoning us?"

She shrugged gesturing to the small Dark Bunny next to Dio. "This one will protect you. We've got a dinner to prep. The Mistress's Division won't tolerate delays—big shots are coming." She gestured to the pouches of captured foes. "These take time to cook."

Takara, his face pale, turned to Danisha. "What about us?"

The Bunny Lady's smile widened. "You're big, blessed by the House of Chester. Don't be such a coward. My barrier should hold until the Mistress is done dealing with the real foe. That one is just a sacrifice." She nodded at the giant Celestial.

Danisha's eyes widened, catching the Celestial's uneasy glance. "Sacrifice?" she pressed. "What do you mean?"

"Ask the Mistress," the Bunny Lady said, shrugging again. "The son of the falling Dark Nights Goddess orchestrated this. He sent this gift and stayed home." With a merry laugh, she leaped into a summoned Portal, her minions trailing behind, leaving an eerie quiet in their wake.

Takara turned to Danisha, his voice low. "What now? How do we handle that thing?"

Danisha crossed her arms as she flew towards her Dragon. "We don't. Neron and Liussa will fight him. We're normal human Mortals. They're Half-God Divisions. Danielu's too young so he can't do anything even with his Blessings."

Dio's jaw dropped. "My son's normal. Just Mortal." he sputtered, shaking his head.

Danisha glared down at Dio from her high seat atop her Dragon, tension burning in her eyes then froze.

Two new presences had just appeared beside the Celestial. Her breath hitched.

Liussa and an injured Neron had joined the battle, materializing within striking distance of the Celestial being. There was no time for explanations or arguments. The only thing that mattered now was survival.

She watched as the two launched themselves into the battle. Their movements were sharp, practiced but something felt off. Neron, though transformed into his teenage form, moved with visible difficulty. He relied entirely on his left arm, while his right hung limp, bloodied and marred by a wound so severe it should have rendered him unable to fight at all. Yet he fought on.

From the other side, Takara and Danielu charged forward to join them, racing toward their older siblings to offer support. From a distance, they unleashed Orbs of Blessed Light that stroke the Dark Celestial with precision and blinding force. Yet, the pair were unable to approach closer due to their foe's radiant shield that protected him from any lethal damage or close-range attacks.

Danisha's heart stirred. She felt a jolt of pride for Danielu.

Her brother had overcome his earlier fear. He was fighting without hesitation now.

Without hesitation, she spurred her Dragon forward. Wind howled past her as she flew her Summoned Dragon, slicing through the sky at blinding speed. She heard her father's panicked cries, calling after her but didn't look back and kept going, a smile flickering on her lips.

She surged into the battle, power roaring within her.

Her sword blazed with light as her eyes turned silver-blue, glowing with High Magic. She descended like a comet and struck the Celestial, her blade landing a heavy blow that ripped a cry of pain from the radiant being.

However, this small victory was a fleeting thing.

In seconds, Takara, Danielu and she were swarmed by creatures summoned by the Celestial, twisted beings crafted from unnatural essence and raw elemental power. The three siblings were forced to split their focus, diverting their strength to defend against the onslaught.

Neron and Liussa, meanwhile, kept their attention fixed on their true target, pressing forward with everything they had.

Danisha cursed under her breath. Something wasn't right.

The Celestial's aura had surged with renewed force, and now nothing could touch it. His body shimmered with protective light, and his retaliation came swift and merciless.

A blast of pure energy slammed into Neron, and he couldn't withstand it.

He crashed through the Bunny Lady's protective shield, hurled backward by the Celestial's ruthless counterattack. Still in his teenage form, he spiraled through the air and landed on the ground near his father.

Only a quick spell he launched at the last second and Takara's telekinesis skill had kept him from smashing the ground by softening his fall.

Dio's eyes widened in horror as he saw his son tumble at his feet, trembling and clutching his wounded arm. Neron's glaive laid beside him. The illusion of his older form flickered, beginning to unravel.

Blood seeped from his injuries. His breath came in shallow gasps.

Dio knelt beside him, terrified to even touch him, afraid any contact might worsen the wound. He whispered a prayer in his heart, his hands shaking.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he found his voice.

"Are you alright?"

Neron gave a small, pitiful nod.

Moments later, Liussa fell as well.

The Celestial's attacks had overwhelmed her quickly. With a strangled cry, she dropped to one knee in the center of the courtyard, gritting her teeth. Her glare met the Celestial's triumphant grin. His bone wings flared wide, casting long shadows like a predator ready to finish the hunt.

Dio's stomach sank. His heart lurched.

All seemed lost.

Then something inside Danisha and Takara snapped.

Fury ignited. Danielu, knowing his body couldn't match the Celestial's physical might, stayed behind and focused on amplifying his siblings' strength and protections. His presence glowed like a conduit of Celestial Magic's support.

Takara's orbs of light turned searing, hammering the Celestial with renewed force. Danisha, her sword now ablaze with golden energy, sliced deep into the Being's flank. A howl echoed across the sky as white Celestial blood sprayed from the Creature's wound.

Danisha smiled.

Danielu's powers were working better than expected. She could feel the surge of power. His Blessed Magic flooded through her like Divine Protection and Empowerment.

Further away, in the courtyard, Taki stood stunned, while Liussa scoffed and muttered under her breath, "I guess they've abandoned all pretense about being normal."

Taki turned to her, confused.

Dio, still beside his wounded son, looked on in shock.

Neron, still gripping his arm, spoke through clenched teeth.

"The shield around that thing absorbs part of the Darkness and Dark Elemental attacks. It doesn't work against Lord Chester's Blessed Light Orbs, though. I heard his Blessed Light attacks are ruthlessly efficient against Dark Elemental Protections."

Dio stiffened. "Wait… that one is a Celestial?"

"Yes," Neron answered. "A lower kind, but it is still a powerful threat."

"I could have taken him down had I not been injured earlier," Neron continued, his voice rough with pain as he clutched his bloodied arm. "Liussa and I would've been more than enough. However, Liussa is currently divided, fighting several battles at the same time. Her attacks don't land properly since she's concentrating on other, more powerful foes. I'm also using Summons to battle a group of powerful foes elsewhere. We're spread thin and outmatched."

Dio's voice came low. "What…?"

Liussa looked down, shame etched in her features.

"We might not be able to hold them off for long," she admitted. "Neron, we need to redirect the enemy toward those three. It's the only way we'll defeat God Kerlion."

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Neron's head snapped up.

"Wait. You don't mean—"

"I do," she said firmly. "My Crow Guardian told me so. We're in Lord Chester's territory. If his kids are attacked, he'll intervene. He's bored anyway."

Neron exhaled heavily, eyes closing in resignation. Then he nodded.

"Fine. I'll make the arrangements. I'll direct my double who is currently guarding the North Gates to send them in. Alert the others."

"I'll inform Danisha," Liussa said. "She's closest to Kerlion's Elements."

Taki's jaw dropped as he watched his daughter undergo a stunning transformation.

Danisha's hair turned light blond just as her eyes shifted to a shining silver-blue. Her dragon transformed with her, scales glowing with golden light. Her clothing changed into Celestial golden and white habit, her sword reforged into a powerful God Blessed Sword, both shimmering with Light and Lighling. Her main Elements.

(Danisha as a Celestial)

She no longer looked like a Mortal Knight. She had become a Goddess Avatar born for battle.

And then she struck.

The Celestial screamed in agony beneath her blade before disintegrating. Danisha smirked, fully enjoying the outcome of her fight.

More blond Celestial beings descended from the sky and attacked the siblings, overwhelming them with their number.

Takara screamed as he poised for what was to become a fiercer battle. His young body shimmered with light and transformed.

He grew taller, his bearing regal yet battle-hardened. His hair had lengthened, flowing chestnut brown cascades past his shoulders, catching the light with an almost ethereal sheen—each strand seeming touched by starlight. His eyes were sharp and resolute, their deep hue exuding quiet strength, wisdom, and unyielding focus. There was a quiet storm behind them. A mix of inherited wrath and sacred purpose.

His earlier clothes had faded replaced by a celestial armor of silver and midnight blue, richly adorned with ornate golden filigree. The design was not only protective but symbolic. The swirling gold patterns across his breastplate resembled divine wings or sacred flames—hints of his heritage and power. The armor, while heavy, moved with him like a second skin, empowered by enchantments and ancient craftsmanship only granted to the Blessed of the Celestial Realms.

A single, elongated gold earring dangled from his left ear, shaped like a shard of divine crystal. It gleamed with a faint magical aura, suggesting it was more than just decoration. A Celestial Relic.

The light around him bent subtly, the very air acknowledging his Celestial essence. He seemed both grounded and elevated as if he had been claimed by the Celestial Realms. A protector. A warrior. A prince of judgment and mercy alike.

(Takara as a Celestial)

Takara smiled and launched a series of very effective attacks against his foes.

He fought fiercely against the blond Celestials and was soon joined by his brother Danielu, whose body had transformed into an adult form. Danielu now stood as a towering Knight, cloaked in the brown sacred armor worn only by Lord Chester's blessed followers.

Together, the three siblings fought with unmatched fury and unity, striking down their Celestial opponents.

However, more kept coming.

The sky was full of winged Celestials and Magic Creatures. The battle was far from over.

Takara froze, his breath catching in his throat as a voice shattered the air, commanding, thunderous, and laced with a strange childlike tone that seemed to echo from beyond the Realms of Mortals.

"That's enough."

The voice vibrated through the battlefield like a Divine edict.

"My boy was forced to grow big and abandon his cute form. Bring me Kelrion, now. Obliterate all his minions. I have no patience for small fries."

Danisha halted mid-step. Her sword lowered, and a serene smile tugged at her lips. The tension drained from her shoulders, her limbs loosening as though a great burden had been lifted. She simply stood and watched.

All around her, the Celestials began to disintegrate. Light surged from within their cores, bursting outward in violent brilliance. One by one, they disappeared, leaving behind only silence and the towering dark Celestial, who had remained untouched.

A tremendous pulse of power tore through the sky, and a Being materialized in the heart of it.

Ported in by divine will, the figure hovered trembling, his form paralyzed with what could only be Divine binding.

Then came the voice again, its pitch strangely youthful and filled with scorn.

"Here you are, Kelrion. You have deeply upset me. You shall be executed while facing my subordinate in a duel. I, Chester, can't tolerate your impertinence any longer."

Then the voice sharpened, reverberating like a war drum.

"Gaelerion! Go! You have my authorization to use the Judgment Hammer. Leave nothing behind but a toad we can fry.

Kelrion, I'm freeing you so that you can die while defending yourself.

I shall call your siblings Herealdi and Mearni to keep you company. Since they failed to stop you, they shall fight beside you.

You three so-called Gods are worms in this Sub-Realm. I've tolerated your foolishness long enough.

We should have wiped out every Flock tied to Izranavyl the moment we saw how far the corruption ran in those."

Kelrion shuddered. His eyes widened in alarm as his two sibling Gods appeared beside him. Herealdi and Mearni were restrained, their limbs entangled in glowing cords of Divine Magic they could not shake off.

In an instant, the bindings vanished, released by Lord Chester's will.

Above them, a new figure emerged.

A colossal being floated high overhead, his hammer raised. Radiant and terrifying, the God's very presence made the air heavy. His appearance left doubt that he was one of Chester's infamous Chipmuck Mascot Knights.

Liussa gasped, her head snapping toward her brother Neron, who sat frozen, his eyes wide, too stunned to notice her intense stare. "Neron, Lord Chester just summoned a Side Supreme God," she murmured, distressed.

Neron's throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, his gaze locking onto the scene as a black-haired God shimmered into existence beside the Side Supreme. The newcomer dropped to his knees, prostrating himself in fervent supplication. "Please, forgive me, my Lord. My brother asked for my assistance. I had no idea the child was under your protection. Our target was Lady Sylia's children, since we wished to seek retribution for my mother's demise. This, Karnelios, would have never come against you," he pleaded, his voice quivering.

The childish voice of Lord Chester echoed through the air, his tone thick with derision. "Gaelerion, get rid of that. Those Minor Gods, just because they were called higher Gods, think they have every right. Now, they beg for mercy. They seem to ignore that I am Chester. I have no mercy for lesser beings. Spirit of Mights, bring me his brother Kluvris. We shall enslave him for the next millennium. He could become useful. Sylia can take care of their Master in due time. That's the Dark Flock outside of this Sub-Realm, so it is not within my jurisdiction."

Karnelios lifted his head, his face contorted with dread, and managed only a desperate, "No, please," before his form began to shimmer and fracture. A searing light enveloped him, and he disintegrated in a writhing, torturous collapse, his screams fading into silence.

Moments later, another figure, whom Liussa presumed to be Kluvris, materialized in a flash of dark energy. The God's radiant countenance twisted grotesquely, his skin paling to an ugly white as one eye dissolved, replaced by glowing skin. A horn slowly protruded from his forehead.

As soon as his transformation ended, he sank to one knee, his deep red eyes gleaming with fierce intensity. "I, Valerios, Spirit of Enslavement, shall take good care of this one and eat the rest with my family. We thank you for your generosity, my Lord," he declared, his voice resonant with absolute reverence.

Chester's voice, now swelling with satisfaction, rang out clearly. "Excellent, you may depart . Now, hurry along, Gaelerion. Proceed according to the plan."

Takara's breath hitched as he watched the Side Supreme God move with terrifying swiftness.

Raising his hammer, Gaelerion brought it down with thunderous force, obliterating the three Gods in an instant, their forms crumbling completely before they could even raise a defense.

Beside Takara, Danielu, whose body shrunk back to his childlike form, broke into a radiant smile. He stepped forward and bowed deeply, his voice filled with awe. "Thank you, oh grand Lord Chester. Thank you, oh great God Kluvris," he proclaimed.

A translucent image of Lord Chester's Chipmuck form flickered into view, projected across the air. The mighty being tilted his head in a solemn nod. "All is well now. Tell your siblings they were not wrong to call for my help, but let them not think they can use me. They are not their mother. This is far from over. Those were Gods with big Flocks. Gaelerion, I am letting you deal with those. Take your time and keep a few to play with. You performed admirably."

Gaelerion inclined his head in a respectful bow, murmured his thanks, and then vanished in a swift pulse of light. Sylia's children, one by one, lowered themselves to their knees in reverence. Neron and Liussa stepped forward, their heads bowed, and offered apologies for having sought Chester's aid. Chester scoffed, his voice sharp with amusement. "Little devious things, just like your Bloodline's Guardians. Ily's Crow was responsible for such a terrible scheme. I knew it. He wanted to keep this Chester busy during one of Ily's dates," he declared.

Liussa blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion, while Neron grimaced, his shoulders tensing. Lord Chester's voice softened as he bid them farewell, but Danielu, his face anxious, took a step forward and pleaded for the destruction of the massive Celestial, which now trembled, sweat glistening on his form.

Chester shook his head slowly. "That one is for your mother. He was made from shards of several Gods she wants. I can't intervene. He is her prey. She might already complain about me taking down God Karnelios. Survive until she returns. So is your task. You can't kill him, or she will be mad."

Danielu gasped, his eyes widening, but Chester's image had already vanished. The boy swallowed hard, his hands trembling then slowly descended to the courtyard. He landed lightly beside his siblings, who exchanged nervous glances, their bodies now returned to their normal forms.

Their father stood at a distance, his gaze heavy with doubts, having witnessed a performance no 'normal' children could accomplish.

A profound silence settled over the courtyard, disturbed only by the faint stirring of the Dark Celestial. Liussa's heart quickened, her fingers tightening into fists as she feared they might perish before their mother's return.

Her gaze shifted, catching a familiar sight. In a distorted corner of space, one of Sylia's Bunnies stood calmly, deftly preparing skewers beside a tray piled high with grilled meat. "Bunny, you're not helping?" she shouted, her arm thrusting toward the Celestial.

The Bunny looked up, his expression unruffled, and shook his head. "That one's the Mistress's prey, so I can't touch it. I'm making her skewers instead. Other Bunnies are making you some as well."

Liussa's jaw clenched, and she jabbed a finger at him, her voice rising. "We don't need skewers! We need help!"

It was too late, though. Several Bunnies emerged from a Portal, each stepping forward to approach Sylia's children with plates of skewers.

Danisha accepted a plate from a Bunny then shook her head slowly. "The plan's to wait for Mother while eating," she said.

Takara accepted a plate from another Bunny, gave a nod of agreement, and began to eat and drink, his movements slow and deliberate.

"Absolutely not!" Liussa roared, her voice echoing across the courtyard. "We have to combine our powers to get that one! Neron, are you with me?" She spun to face Neron, who winced, his hand clutching his injured arm. He had reverted to his younger form.

Neron's head bowed in shame but he suddenly looked up, startled, as he felt a familiar presence. His eyes widened in shock upon seeing a small black Bunny approach, walking steadily with a tray in one hand and a mug in the other. The Bunny reached out, patting Neron's back gently, and the boy's eyes immediately welled with tears.

"I failed you, Master Bunny," Neron choked out, his voice breaking as he fought back tears. "If not for Mother's Shadow Double, I would have ended up dead. She refused to heal me and left me injured so that I would learn from my pain and failure."

The Bunny's voice was warm and reassuring as he patted his shoulder. "You did well, lad. Few could face empowered Celestials in their territory. You'll soon grow stronger."

Neron wiped his tears with the back of his hand and vowed with fierce determination, "I will work twice—no, thrice as hard."

The Bunny nodded approvingly, giving his shoulder another pat. "Now, now. Have some of this milk and these sandwiches. I also made you skewers. You need to get your strength back." He gestured toward the mean skewer-making Bunny nearby. "Maybe my friend there will share some of his when your mother returns."

Long minutes dragged by, and Liussa's frustration grew. She suddenly sprang to her feet, her eyes catching what her siblings had also just noticed. The Bunny Lady's shield was weakening, its glow flickering. The Celestial, sensing the opportunity, grinned with malevolent glee.

Liussa whirled to glare at the skewer-making Bunny. "Hey! That shield won't hold for long! Won't you do anything? Let's work together and get that thing for good."

The Bunny, unperturbed, flashed a grin. "There is no way you can go through Liozarak's shield. Even I can't break it. Your sibling is Supreme God Level in this Sub-Realm. There is no way we can match his power level. He seems to be protecting that Celestial, since the Mistress wants that thing alive and whole—at least, until she cuts it herself."

Dio gasped, his jaw dropping at the revelation. Liussa's shock was the most pronounced among her siblings. Their sibling Liozarak, born of Master Mathias and their mother was on an entire different Level. He was no mere half-breed sired by a Mortal. Liozarak's father, Master Mathias, surpassed Gods in many ways. Liussa had encountered only a weak Division of him. The Source was a God-maker, a being of unparalleled might.

Liussa had no time to reflect one her brother's motives and intervention. Their foe grew restless, his power surging as he summoned winged creatures that took flight over the courtyard. One of them plunged with a swift dive, piercing the faltering shield with its claws.

The mean Bunny looked up, his ears twitching, and muttered, "Ouch, we are in trouble."

The Dark Celestial roared in triumph, his bone wings flaring wide as the Bunny Lady's shield shattered with a resonant crack. Neron and Liussa leapt into fighting stances, their movements synchronized. Danisha and Takara joined them, their Dragons bellowing as they started powering up, the air around them now crackling with energy. Danielu darted forward, aligning with his siblings as they prepared a coordinated assault.

They all froze in their tracks as an armored Knight Summon of their mother appeared, her Darkling sword—a blade they knew all too well—flashing through the air. She sliced the foe's creatures with ruthless precision, their agonized screams echoing as they perished in great torment.

The siblings winced, a pang of pity stirring within them. The Celestial, who was likely linked to the creatures' pain through a Summon Link, roared in pain before recoiling in fear, his movements halting.

Another of Sylia's summoned Lady Knights emerged, her hands weaving magical threads that ensnared the Celestial, leaving it writhing in agony. With a flicker of Magic, she flashed to the children's side, raising her arms to erect a new barrier which glow looked steady and unyielding. The children erupted in cheers, some breaking into chants that further unnerved the Celestial. He surged with power, his form pulsing, forcing the siblings to huddle behind the resolute Lady Knight.

Jimmy and Danielu exchanged a glance, their faces lighting up with smiles after they witnessed a shadow streak across the sky. Sylia, now clad in a flowing black dress, soared into view, holding in both hands strange glaives that shimmered with an ethereal glow. She dived with a graceful arc, and with a single, fluid strike, she cleaved the Celestial. A fragment of the creature fell, transforming into a short, ugly black creature. The rest of the Celestial's form was absorbed into her glaives, consumed within a swirling vortex of shadow and starlight.

Sylia landed lightly in the courtyard, her boots glinting faintly in the dim light. She cast a glance over the group, a sly smirk playing on her beautiful face. "Hey, what's up?" she quipped, her tone light but commanding.

The courtyard seemed to release a collective breath, the tension shattering like a taut thread. Danielu's sword slipped to his side, his sigil fading as Taki pulled him into a tight embrace. Liussa sank to her knees, her chest heaving with exertion, while Neron managed a weak smile, his hand still clutching his injured arm.

Danisha and Takara landed beside them, their Dragons and other Summons dissolving into the air. They knew the battle was over; their mother had returned with her formidable Summons.

Dio Jr. scrambled to his feet, his eyes narrowing warily at the smirking skewer-making Bunny. He suspected it hailed from Dark Hell, though he had no proof. His father, Dio, broke into a broad grin and let out a triumphant cheer, soon joined by the children, who rushed toward Sylia, their heroine and savior.

Sylia's gaze swept over the courtyard, pausing on Danielu. "That Celestial was just a decoy," she said, her brow furrowing, her voice low but carrying an undeniable weight. "The real threat is the son of the falling Dark Nights Goddess, and he is still out there, pulling strings." She twirled a glaive in her hand, its hum sending a shiver through the air. "They want you gone, Danielu. Your Blessing's more than a gift. It's a threat to them."

Danielu's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. "A threat?" he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sylia's frown deepened, her eyes darkening with resolve. "Fear not. I will handle that one." She turned to address the group, her tone firm. "You are all safe now. Have some rest. We may resume our party for those still up to it. I shall send the others home with food and drink. We will be compensating you all for this inconvenience."

Dio Jr. gulped, his voice barely audible as he murmured, "Inconvenience?"

He could scarcely fathom the woman's boldness. His father's face transformed, alight with enthusiasm, as he thrust his fist skyward, shouting with a satisfied grin, "You heard the Lady! Time to party."

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