Chapter 40: The Battle Unleashed
The remaining siblings channeled their immense powers, their eyes gleaming with divine wrath. Even the weakest among them was still stronger than Arc, the previous adversary Ethan had faced. They vowed to make Ethan pay for his audacity, for daring to challenge beings of their caliber.
Suddenly, one of the brothers stepped forward, his presence emanating an overwhelming aura of holiness. He raised his hands in prayer, divine lightning crackling around him. His voice resonated with the words of the New Testament, invoking a power that surpassed mortal comprehension.
The heavens trembled as a colossal golden beam of pure energy erupted from the brother's hands, hurtling towards Ethan with the force of a supernova. The impact created an explosion so vast, its brilliance consumed the surrounding cosmos. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though the very fabric of existence would be torn asunder.
Yet, to everyone's astonishment, as the blinding light dissipated, Ethan emerged unscathed. His body remained intact, untouched by the devastating assault. A sly smile played on his lips, betraying his amusement at the brother's futile attempt to bring him down.
"Well, you're somewhat strong," Ethan remarked, his voice dripping with confidence. "But still not close enough."
In a flash of movement, Ethan darted towards Aetherius, his blade poised to strike once again. The brother's eyes widened with realization, but it was too late. Ethan's blade cleaved through his neck, severing his head from his body. As the lifeless form of Aetherius crumbled to the ground, Ethan's gaze shifted to the remaining brothers who watched in horror.
"What would happen," Ethan mused, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "if there were a being that never stops growing in power?"
His question hung in the air, carrying an air of enigma and provocation. Without waiting for an answer, Ethan unleashed his full might, striking the air with a force so immense that it distorted the very fabric of reality. Planets trembled, celestial bodies were thrown off their orbits, and even the colossal island beneath them quivered under the magnitude of his power.
The goddess, sensing the cataclysmic chaos unfolding, teleported to Ethan's side. Her divine presence radiated authority and command, her voice cutting through the tempestuous turmoil.
"Stop," she demanded, her tone firm and resolute. "Your battle is with me."
And so, the chapter concluded with the goddess and Ethan standing face to face.