Chereads / Linking Stars (old) / Chapter 19 - Solo Ascent

Chapter 19 - Solo Ascent

December 31 4005 8:12PM

Derek stood atop the academy, Derek stood with a sinister smile curling on his lips. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of anticipation and malice, his plan reaching its critical stage his eyes as he prepares to proceed to the second phase of his plan against the academy

Derek's sinister plan entered it's second phase as a surge of dark energy emanated from him, enveloping the sky above the Celestial Sword Academy. The once-clear skies transformed into a swirling vortex of shadows, crackling with malevolent power. And from within that swirling abyss, a portal materialized, hovering ominously above the school grounds

As Derek's dark energy filled the sky, a sense of foreboding descended upon the Celestial Sword Academy. The atmosphere crackled with malevolence, and the once serene campus was shrouded in an eerie darkness. Students and faculty alike felt a chill run down their spines, sensing that something sinister was about to unfold.

"Light, I am coming for you..." says Derek menacingly

As the portals slowly stabilized on the sky, more monstrous creatures of various shapes and sizes began pouring out, their grotesque forms a stark contrast to the serene academy. The ground trembled under the weight of their presence as they descended upon the unsuspecting students and faculty, their menacing roars filling the air.

"What's new? Monsters coming to attack us unsuspectingly? Unoriginal..." Isaac's voice carried a tinge of indifference as he spoke, a small smirk playing on his lips. Ann, his close friend and fellow staffmember, couldn't help but express her frustration at his seemingly nonchalant attitude.

"Isaac! Can't you see that this threatens our safety?" Ann's voice held a sense of urgency, her eyes filled with concern. She tried to make him understand the gravity of the situation, the imminent danger they all faced.

"Yes but It's just repetitive and unoriginal, that's all..." replied Isaac as he glanced to academy rooftop where Derek reside

Isaac's response remained unchanged, his demeanor calm and detached. He brushed off Ann's concerns with a dismissive remark. To him, the repeated attacks by monsters had become mundane and predictable, lacking originality. It seemed as if he saw no reason to invest his energy or attention into the ongoing battle with no intent to go after Derek even as the headmaster of the academy and lets the battle unfold itself.

Isaac's nonchalant demeanor seemed to contrast with the urgency of the situation. While his companions fought tooth and nail against the relentless monsters, he appeared almost detached, casually fending off the creatures with his cane.

"Are you not going to deal with the current situation, Isaac?" Ann's voice held a mix of concern and frustration as she questioned her companion's lack of involvement.

Isaac, however, maintained his calm demeanor and offered an explanation.

"Let the students deal with their own problems. As teachers, it is not our place to constantly intervene and hinder their growth," he stated with a touch of sincerity in his voice.

Ann was taken aback by his response and attempted to voice her objections, but Isaac raised a hand, signaling her to stop. He continued to fend off the incoming monsters with his cane, effortlessly deflecting their attacks with seemingly no effort or effect.

In contrast, Ann focused her energy on casting spells, utilizing her magical abilities to hold back the encroaching threat. Despite her efforts, she couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration towards Isaac's nonchalant attitude.

Isaac's belief in allowing the students to face and overcome challenges on their own, without unnecessary interference, stood firm. He saw it as an essential part of their growth and development. While his actions might have seemed apathetic to some, he held a genuine belief in the potential of those under his guidance.

As the battle raged on, Isaac and Ann continued to fight side by side, each employing their own arts and approaches. The contrast in their attitudes was evident, with Isaac maintaining his calm demeanor, trusting in the students' abilities to handle the situation.

Whether his perspective would prove to be beneficial or misguided remained to be seen. Only time would reveal the true impact of Isaac's philosophy on the students and the outcome of their struggles against the relentless horde of monsters.

In the midst of the chaos, Isaac's unwavering faith in the students' growth and his refusal to stand in their way became a defining characteristic of his role as a teacher. The unfolding battle would put their abilities and resolve to the test against battles that would be soon be too much for them to handle as he slowly glance back at the roofstop as more portals slowly appear from the sky.

He adjusts his glasses as he smiles in the middle of the threatening situation they fight in.

As the battle waged on, the night sky above the academy began to shift. The dark portal that had unleashed the horde flickered, its stability faltering. A surge of renewed determination coursed through the defenders' veins, knowing that their efforts were not in vain.

Light, Claire, and Liene found themselves thrust into the heart of the chaos, their instincts kicking in as they faced this unexpected onslaught. With weapons at the ready, they stood their ground, determined to protect their fellow students and fight back against the nightmarish creatures.

"Well, this certainly turned out to be a night we won't forget," Light remarked sarcastically, a hint of exhaustion in his voice.

Claire, standing next to him, couldn't help but smile at his comment.

"That's for sure," she agreed, her own weariness evident in her expression

Liene, who was standing nearby, observed the interaction between Light and Claire. Although she masked it well, a twinge of jealousy gnawed at her from within. She couldn't help but feel envious of the bond they shared, wishing she could have a connection with Light like Claire did.

However, Liene kept her feelings hidden, not wanting to disrupt the camaraderie that had formed among them. Instead, she focused on the task at hand and continued to fight alongside them, putting her jealousy aside for the sake of their mission.

As the night wore on and the battle continued, Liene found solace in the shared purpose they all had. Their unity as a team and their determination to protect one another and the academy helped to overshadow the pang of jealousy that occasionally crept into her heart.

As the approaching monsters drew closer, Liene quickly assessed the situation and pointed out the imminent threat to her companions to distract herself from the hidden jealously she had.

"More monsters are coming in..." points out Liene

As the horde of monsters continued to advance, Liene swiftly watches the situation unfold, her eyes scanning the surroundings. With a quick thinking, she utilized her surroundings to gain an advantage. Sticking her sword onto the ceiling, she created a makeshift pivot point.

With a nimble leap, Liene swung herself around, using her momentum to kick at the monsters with precision and force. Her kicks landed with impactful strikes, knocking back the creatures and momentarily disorienting them. It was a display of her agility and combat prowess, as she deftly maneuvered through the chaotic battlefield.

Meanwhile, Light and Claire prepared themselves for the next wave of attackers. Light tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes focused and his mind sharpened. Claire, on the other hand, readied her bow, positioning herself to provide support from a distance.

As the monsters closed in, Light unleashed a flurry of slashes and strikes with the stellar art he had -Nova Strike-, his sword cutting through the air with a swift and deadly precision. His movements were fluid and calculated, each strike finding its mark and incapacitating the enemies with ease.

At the same time, Claire took aim with her bow, drawing back the string and releasing a volley of arrows with remarkable speed and accuracy. She released her art against the monster -Storming Barrage- as the projectiles soared through the air, searching for targets with lethal precision, picking off the monsters that attempted to breach their defenses.

Together, they fought as a well-coordinated team, each member utilizing their own arts and abilities to overcome the onslaught. Their unity and trust in one another were evident, as they seamlessly coordinated their attacks and provided support when needed.

As the battle raged on, the trio fought with unwavering determination, their resolve unyielding in the face of overwhelming odds. They knew that their strength lay not only in their individual abilities but also in their unwavering bond as comrades and friends.

"I'd say this is one of the best nights I've had," says Liene with a hint of excitement.

"Right back at ya," responds Claire with a cheerful tone.

"Meh, my idea of a good night involves less fighting and more sleep," retorts Light sarcastically.

"Oh, come on, Light! Don't ruin this moment for us," chides Claire playfully, nudging him with her elbow.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the academy, Cain and Marcus frantically navigate through the hallways in search of Rose, who mysteriously disappeared. Their path is suddenly obstructed by a horde of menacing monsters, to make matters worse, more monsters appear behind them, cutting off their escape route, leaving them trapped.

"Oh, just when I thought things couldn't get any better," Marcus remarks sarcastically.

"Y-you know me, I've had worse situations!" Cain responds with a mix of humor and nervousness.

With the monsters closing in on them, it seems like all hope is lost. However, Marcus wears a mischievous smile on his face. In an instant, he disappears in a puff of gray smoke, along with Cain. In their place, a stack of several blinking red dynamite sticks materializes.

The dynamite starts beeping and flashing red, its lights intensifying with each passing moment. The monsters begin to sense the impending danger. Suddenly, the dynamite explodes, obliterating the surrounding monsters in a spectacular blast.

As the smoke clears, Cain and Marcus reappear from their invisibility, unharmed and victorious, having used their cunning and explosives to overcome the overwhelming odds from a distance

"Well, you could say that was one hell of a 'boombastic' explosion," Cain says, unable to resist a pun.

"Dude, you make the worst jokes," Marcus responds, shaking his head in amusement.

"Oh, come on! It was an explosive opportunity!" Cain protests, disappointed that his pun didn't receive the desired response.

The two share a quick chuckle before regaining their composure and continuing their search for Rose, determined to find her and ensure her safety.

Meanwhile, as Light, Claire, and Liene swiftly dispatched the remaining monsters that stood in their way, they continue their way to exit to assess the situation and slowly, as they reached the door leading outside, a sudden sense of dread washed over Light. His eyes darted between Liene and Claire

In an act of desperation, Light run slightly faster than them and without any word, he swiftly locked the door in front of them, trapping Liene and Claire inside the building. Their voices filled with shock and disbelief, they pounded on the door, pleading for Light to let them out.

"Light! What are you doing? Let us out! LIGHT!" cried Claire, her voice trembling with disbelief.

"Sorry..." responds Light with slow tone

"Light! No, no no!" yells Liene

"Sorry but I just 'had' to do this..." says Light

He glances at them, as his slowly moves towards his attention towards the rooftop where Derek reside in as he slowly left them, as they continued to pound the door where he slowly climb the ladders on the way towards Derek, as he ascents above and glances with sincere thought where he must solo Derek, his common enemy from the start of the school and the problem he believes he must finish and fight alone without dragging anyone along to the problem he wish to face along.

From a far distance, as Isaac fends off the monster, he turns around as he senses Light strong will and unwavering resolve against Derek, Isaac's keen eyes followed Light's determined figure as he made his way towards the rooftop where Derek resided.

He glances at him, with his solo ascent against Derek, he adjusts his glasses to glance at him with an rising interest to his current capabilities as a student and his hidden capabilities that he refuse to show

"He certainly possesses a formidable spirit," Isaac muttered to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

In the midst of the chaos, as Light continued his ascent towards the rooftop, a sudden flashback engulfed his mind. The memories of a haunting event from his past came rushing back, overwhelming him with a mix of guilt, fear, and despair.

He was transported back to a time when he was still a young boy, confined within the walls of a training facility. The memory of that fateful day when everything changed resurfaced with vivid clarity.

As the building he had once called home even with the hell he lived in started to collapse, flames engulfed the corridors, swallowing everything in their path. Panic gripped his heart as he desperately searched for a way out. The air was thick with smoke, making it difficult to breathe, and the sound of crumbling walls echoed through the halls

Faces from his past began to materialize in his mind, each one a painful reminder of the losses he had endured. His sister, Karra, appeared before him, her warm smile etched into his memory. The image of his lost friends, the ones who had kept him company in that sterile white room, flashed before his eyes. Their laughter and camaraderie echoed through the depths of his soul.

The weight of guilt settled upon Light's shoulders as he relived those moments of helplessness. He had run away, leaving behind those he cared about, unable to save them from the impending disaster. The memories clawed at his conscience, filling him with regret and sorrow.

As he ascended the ladder, his mind focused on the task at hand, with very step he took, the more fucosed he was on the task. He could hear the distant sounds of the ongoing battle below, the clash of weapons and the roar of monsters. But he blocked out the noise, channeling all his energy into preparing himself for the impending confrontation with Derek.

As Light's memories resurface, he recalls the numerous encounters he had with Derek, each one more intense and dangerous than the last. From their initial face-off, where their powers clashed with equal force, to the moments when Derek purposely put him in harm's way, such as unleashing the monsters on the arena or sending Rathalos hunt them down.

Throughout their battles, Light could sense Derek's deep-rooted animosity towards him, but the reason behind it remained a mystery. There was no clear indication of what Derek truly desired, other than a relentless pursuit to kill him. It baffled Light, fueling his determination to understand the truth behind Derek's hatred.

Their confrontations with his first, as Derek lost by a landslide to his rageful nature to his recent that ended in a draw. Despite the intensity of their battles, Light had never managed to uncover the underlying cause of Derek's rage. It was a puzzle that consumed his thoughts and fueled his drive to put an end to this enigma once and for all.

His emotionless gaze as he slowly ascended to the rooftop, his eyes devoid of any hint of fear or hesitation, spoke volumes about his determination and resolve. It was as if he had detached himself from all emotions, focusing solely on the challenge that awaited him. The blankness in his glance held a sense of purpose, a clear intent to face his own demons and bring an end to the conflict without involving or burdening anyone else.

As Light reached the rooftop and stepped forward, his gaze remained devoid of emotion, a stark contrast to Derek's menacing smile. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the two adversaries locked eyes, a silent battle of wills unfolding between them.

Derek's smile widened, a mix of amusement and arrogance dancing on his lips. He had anticipated Light's arrival, relishing the opportunity to face off against his formidable opponent. But while Derek radiated confidence and darkness, Light stood before him with an unsettling calmness, as if he had transcended the realm of emotions.

"Oh hello, Light... So glad that you could join me as I envelop this academy in darkness..." says Derek menacingly

"Well, well, Derek. Look who's decided to grace us with his presence. Should I be honored or should I just yawn because you just seem to be in a bad mood after I beat you when you challenged me the first time..." responds Light sarcastically with a blank tone

"Ah, Light. You underestimate the power I possess. You won't be mocking me for long" says Derek in a menacing tone

"Oh, Derek, how original of you," Light retorted with a hint of sarcasm. "Sending monsters, causing chaos... It's like watching a rerun of a bad movie that I wished I could just delete from existence."

"Sending monsters and causing chaos? How original. I have a feeling your plan lacks that creative spark. It's like watching a rerun of a bad movie that I wished I could just delete from existence..." responds Light sarcastically, devoid of emotions of what to come

The tension between them rose, the air crackling with anticipation. Both knew that their battle would be a clash of opposing forces, light against darkness, determination against malevolence.

Light calmly puts on his gloves, his eyes devoid of emotion as he mentally prepares himself for the impending clash with Derek

Light's movements are deliberate and precise as he slips his gloves on. His face remains calm, a mask of stoicism hiding any flicker of emotion that might betray his inner thoughts.

"Is that so? Perhaps you'll find my next move more to your liking. Prepare to witness true power," says Derek in an intense tone, exuding confidence and determination.

"Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. Your power is truly awe-inspiring...if I were living in the Dark Ages, that is," responds Light with a slight snark, masking his true unease and concern.

"You'll soon realize the futility of your resistance," says Derek in a deep tone, his voice dripping with menace and superiority.

"Futility? That's a big word coming from someone who lost to Marcus because of his arrogance. Well, let me show you how real blades work," says Light in a sincere tone, his words carrying a sense of conviction and resolve.

"We shall see, Light... We shall see... Let's see how real I feel when I pierce your heart. Your overconfidence will be your undoing, Light," responds Derek in a deep menacing tone, his voice filled with malice and the promise of destruction.

Light's hand grips the hilt of his sword, drawing it from its scabbard with a smooth, practiced motion. His face remains impassive, his emotions tightly locked away as he prepares for the upcoming battle.

"I guess. But I'd rather die fighting for what I believe in than cower in fear like you..." says Light in a sincere tone, his voice filled with determination and a refusal to back down.

Light charges in towards Derek, only for him to make a orange transaprent to sword to appear from his palm and block the attack, their weapons ringing out in a symphony of steel.

Light and Derek continue their intense battle, their weapons clashing in a symphony of steel and magic. Light's swordsmanship is unmatched, his swift and precise strikes pushing Derek to his limits. Derek, on the other hand, harnesses the power of his enchanted sword, unleashing devastating magical attacks.

Light, his voice dripping with sarcasm, taunts Derek;

"Is that the best you've got, Derek? I expected more from someone who claims to wield true power. Looks like your fancy sword can't save you now." says Light sarcastically

Derek, a menacing smirk playing on his lips, retorts;

"Oh, Light, you always underestimate me. You may be skilled with that glorified stick you're swinging, but my magic is beyond your comprehension. Prepare to witness true power." responds Derek menacingly

As they clash blades, sparks fly, and the air crackles with energy. Light's swordsmanship is a testament to his training and discipline, while Derek's magic-infused attacks are relentless and powerful.

With a swift leap, Light propels himself into the air, his body surrounded by an ethereal glow. He focuses his energy, channeling it into his stellar art, -Critical Solidus-. The air crackles with anticipation as he descends upon Derek with incredible speed.

As Light's sword descends, a surge of power emanates from the blade, shattering through Derek's defenses. The impact sends Derek stumbling backward, but he manages to raise his enchanted blade just in time to block the strike

As Light relentlessly presses his assault, his strikes come fast and furious, each one aimed at overwhelming Derek's defenses. But Derek, with his magical sword, proves to be an adept defender, parrying and blocking every attack with precision.

Inside Light's mind, a whirlwind of thoughts and determination pushes him forward. "Faster... faster!" he thinks, his focus sharpening as he strives to find a way past Derek's guard.

Drawing upon his reserves, Light activates his art, -Rage Ascension-. In a flurry of movements, he delivers a series of rapid, quadruple blows that test Derek's ability to keep up. With the final slash, Light creates an opening, seizing the opportunity to gain an advantage.

Light, a smirk playing on his lips, quips;

"Tell me, Derek, is all that darkness your attempt to compensate for something? Maybe a lack of real skill? It's amusing to see you rely on cheap tricks."

Leaping into the air, Light positions himself strategically, hoping to catch Derek off guard. But Derek, sensing the danger, begins to chant a spell. A spark of light emerges from his palm, growing brighter and more intense.

"Ascendation!" Derek shouts, his voice resonating with power.

A beam of brilliant light erupts from his palm, hurtling towards Light with incredible force as Derek released his spell -Accendation-. The impact sends Light flying backward, the beam's power taking its toll on his strength.

Struggling to regain his footing, Light watches as Derek approaches, a menacing aura surrounding him. Derek's intention to finish the battle once and for all is palpable, his determination unyielding.

With his sword raised, Light braces himself as Derek points his palm directly at him. The spell, known as -Eclipse Oblivion-, continues to unleash its destructive power. Light, pushing through his weakening state, fights to maintain his defense, the strain evident on his face as he desperately holds his ground against the relentless assault, blocking the deadly beam with his sword.

With every ounce of strength left in him, Light continues to stand his ground, blocking the relentless beam of light with his sword. The strain is evident on his face as he grits his teeth, refusing to let Derek's attack break through his defenses.

The beam of light intensifies, its power threatening to overpower Light. But he remains resolute, channeling his unwavering will and determination into maintaining his defense. He draws upon every art and technique he has mastered, leveraging his experience and training to withstand the onslaught.

Meanwhile, Marcus and Cain, in their search for Rose, run accross the dark hallways before coming across Claire and Liene desperately trying to open a locked door. The sound of their frustration catches Marcus's attention, and he approaches them with concern.

"Come on... Come on!" yells Claire

"What's going on? Why are you trying to open this door?" Marcus asks, his voice filled with worry.

Claire and Liene exchange glances, their faces reflecting their anxiety. Liene takes a deep breath before responding.

"Light... Light is up there, fighting Derek all by himself, alone... Dammit..." Liene explains, her voice trembling with urgency.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Cain steps forward, motioning for everyone to stand back.

"Allow me," Cain says calmly. He raises his hands and focuses his magical abilities, channeling his energy into an unlock spell.

"Unlock!" he chants, his voice resonating with power.

With a surge of energy, the door obeys Cain's command and swings open, revealing the path that leads to the rooftop. Without wasting another moment, the group moves swiftly, their determination guiding their steps as they rush towards the rooftop to join Light in his battle against Derek.

"Don't worry, Light... We're coming," Claire thinks to herself, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination.

Claire glances from afar, at the rooftop where Light and Derek battle, as they ascend above to assist him

Claire's gaze remains fixed on the rooftop where Light and Derek clashed in a fierce battle. She can feel the weight of the situation and the urgency to aid her friend

At the rooftop, with every ounce of his strength, Light stands firm, his sword positioned as a barrier against the relentless beam of light that Derek has unleashed. The sheer force of the attack threatens to push him back, but Light remains resolute, channeling his energy into maintaining his defense.

As the beam surges forward with unyielding power, Light can feel the strain in his muscles, his arms trembling under the immense pressure. However, he refuses to waver. He draws upon his inner resolve, focusing his mind and body to withstand the onslaught.

As Light stands firm, his sword held high to block the powerful beam of light, a surge of memories rushes through his mind. Images of his friends, past and present. In that crucial moment, the memory of Karra, their shared experiences and the strength she brought to his life, ignites a fire within him.

With a surge of adrenaline, Light seizes the opportunity as he swiftly closes the distance between himself and Derek. His eyes locked onto his opponent, he halts the beam of light emanating from Derek's palm, dispersing it with a powerful clash of their energies.

Amidst the flurry of strikes, Light's voice cuts through the chaos, laced with determination and a touch of triumph.

"Didn't I tell you, Derek... I'd show you how real blades work," Light declares, his words carrying the weight of his conviction.

In a split second, Light unleashes a devastating slash from his sword, aiming directly at Derek. The blade cuts through the air with precision and speed, striking Derek's defenses and catching him off guard. The impact reverberates through the rooftop, momentarily stunning Derek as he stumbles backward.

Sensing his advantage, Light capitalizes on the opening he has created. Without hesitation, he launches into a relentless barrage of slashes, each strike guided by his impeccable swordsmanship. His movements are fluid and precise, his art -Nova Strike- manifesting in a flurry of rapid and powerful strikes.

The rooftop becomes a blur of flashing steel and sparks as Light's blade dances through the air. His attacks are calculated and relentless, leaving Derek little room to defend or counter. The sheer force behind each strike sends shockwaves reverberating through the surroundings.

As Derek hits the ground, a sinister laughter escapes his lips, echoing through the rooftop. It is a laugh filled with dark amusement and a hint of madness. Rising to his feet, Derek's eyes gleam with a newfound intensity, as if he has tapped into a wellspring of hidden power.

With a wave of his hand, an immense surge of energy crackles around Derek, enveloping him in an ominous aura. The air becomes charged with electricity, and a gust of wind sweeps across the rooftop, stirring up debris.

Light, caught off guard by Derek's sudden resurgence, is sent hurtling through the air. The impact jolts through his body, forcing the wind from his lungs. As he crashes against the rooftop, his limbs ache, and his vision momentarily blurs.

Struggling to regain his composure, Light pushes himself up, using his sword as support. His breathing is labored, but his determination remains unshaken. He scans the area, his eyes narrowing on Derek, who stands tall and imposing, a wicked grin etched on his face.

As Light struggles to find his footing and assess the situation, a surge of frustration and desperation wells up within him. The realization of Derek's heightened power and his own current predicament weighs heavily on his mind.

"Shit..." Light utters, his voice laced with a mixture of frustration and urgency. It's a momentary lapse of composure, a raw expression of the difficult circumstances he finds himself in. But as quickly as the expletive escapes his lips, Light regains his focus.

As Light musters his strength to stand up, he feels a gentle grip on his hand, surprising him. He lifts his gaze to find Claire looking down at him with a soft smile.

"Light..." Claire's voice is filled with concern and determination.

Light's confusion is evident as he tries to comprehend the situation. "Claire? What..."

Claire interrupts him, her voice resolute and unwavering. "We came here to help you out."

Light's eyes widen in astonishment as he takes in the sight before him. Marcus, Liene, and Cain are approaching, their expressions reflecting their determination to assist him in his battle against Derek, who is engulfed in an even stronger surge of darkness.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad to see you," Light admits, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

Claire smiles warmly at him, her presence providing comfort amidst the chaos. "Well, we're here now," she replies with determination.

Light's emotionless gaze shifts from Claire to his approaching allies, Marcus, Liene, and Cain. As they join him in the face of Derek's escalating darkness, a flicker of determination ignites within Light's eyes. He rises to his feet, a pillar of unwavering resolve.

"Well then, Let us start our battle..." says Marcus as he gazes around his friends

As Derek unleashed a surge of dark magic, his aura pulsating with increased power, Light, Claire, Marcus, Cain, and Liene prepared themselves for the impending battle.

Light and Marcus stood shoulder to shoulder, their melee weapons at the ready, prepared to confront Derek head-on. Light tapped into his incredible speed, utilizing his art -Catalyst Blast- to unleash a rapid barrage of slashes, his scythe blurring with each strike. Marcus, on the other hand, showcased his precision with his art -Whirling Crescent-, executing calculated slashes that seamlessly flowed from one to another.

Meanwhile, Cain strategically positioned himself, his staff held firmly as he focused his magical abilities. With precise gestures, he channeled his power to neutralize and counter the dark magic radiating from Derek's body. Dark energies swirled around the rooftop, encircled by Cain's mastery over magical manipulation.

Claire and Liene took up their positions from a safe distance, utilizing their ranged abilities to provide vital support. Claire's keen aim and swift reflexes came to the forefront as she unleashed precise shots with her art -Swiftshot Precision-, each arrow finding its mark with deadly accuracy. Liene, armed with her kyoketsu-shoge, leapt and twirled through the air with grace, her blades whirling and dancing as she continuously assaulted Derek from different angles.

Together, their combined efforts formed a harmonious symphony of speed, precision, and ranged expertise. Their relentless onslaught began to chip away at Derek's defenses, slowly weakening him and forcing him to defend against their relentless assault. The rooftop became a battleground of skill and determination as their coordinated attacks pushed Derek further towards the edge.

Meanwhile, Isaac stood at the front of the school, his weapon in hand as he casually fended off the relentless onslaught of the monstrous creature with Ann as backup a long with the group of students that followed them. The sounds of chaos and panic filled the air as students around him desperately tried to defend themselves from the creature's vicious attacks.

In the midst of the chaos, his gaze caught sight of Derek atop the school building, a wry smile forming on his face. Isaac's expression hardened, a mix of determination and anticipation. He knew that Derek's presence signaled a much larger threat, but instead of feeling fear or despair, he looked at them, especially Light with an interest.

Well, it seems that this problem we face is already figured out..." Isaac's thoughts rang out with a confident and self-assured tone. His smile, though subtle, reflected a sense of relief and determination.

Back at the rooftop, Light and his allies relentlessly delivered a flurry of strikes against Derek, landing blow after blow. Each hit seemed to weaken him, but just when they thought they had the upper hand, Derek's eyes blazed with an intense determination. With a surge of power, he unleashed a devastating wave of energy, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.

The impact was tremendous, launching Light, Marcus, Cain, Claire, and Liene backward, their bodies propelled through the air by the force of the blast. The sheer power of the shockwave overwhelmed them, causing them to crash into nearby structures and debris.