Poki's camera found Baph at the climax of his performance.
A soft hum of energy vibrated the air as the seven multi-colored vortexes behind him pulsed rhythmically, their light gathering to form a vibrant orb at his chest.
The energy pulsed, a mixture of all the colors of a dying sun, its vibrant spectacle magnified by the gray background of the horde.
"Oh, oh, look at this!"
Poki's voice scaled higher, the anticipation palpable in her words as she zoomed into the swirling spectacle forming around Baph.
The silence before the storm descended, an almost tangible lull in the battlefield as all eyes were riveted on the gleaming orb of energy, a technicolor dream against the grim backdrop.
"RRAHHHHHHHH!!!"
Baph's roar echoed, a raw guttural sound torn from the very depths of his soul.
As he screamed, he became one with the crescendo of the impending tempest, his very essence interwoven with the power he unleashed.
In the blink of an eye, the orb transformed into a dazzling beam.
Wisps of spectral confetti swirled around the concentrated energy, a stark contrast to the impending doom.
Their jubilant dance, so reminiscent of joyous celebrations, was an eerie prelude to the beam of raw destruction they embraced.
With a furious cry, Baph released the pent-up energy.
The beam shot out, an explosive force that carved a clean path through the horde.
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM*
As the last of the energy dispersed, Poki zoomed in on the trail of destruction, the colorful confetti-like particles dissolving into nothingness.
Baph stood victorious, the grotesque horde momentarily vanquished.
The spectacle was a testament to the bizarre blend of brutality and whimsy, an intoxicating cocktail that left one wondering if it was all a dream.
Poki turned the camera back to herself. The exhilaration in her eyes spoke volumes. A fleeting thought crossed her mind,
'Of all my streams, this might be the most intense yet.'
Her heart raced, not just from the thrill of the battle but the underlying fear for Baph amidst that raw display of power.
Poki's voice vibrated with excitement.
"Did you see that, my babies? That's the strength of our Void forces. That's our Baph!"
The live chat burst into a flurry of comments, the viewers sharing their shock, awe, and absolute glee at the spectacle they had just witnessed.
[ Oh wow! Brandon Void's forces always deliver! Reminds me of their first battle at the entrance of their fortress! They're truly the real deal !!! ]
[ Mommy Poki said 'one of'... I wonder how many Enlightened Ones is under Brandon's command? ]
[ Yes! Yes! Even though they're also using spears and shields, the General issuing commands isn't the same one as the other day at the Void Fortress! ]
[ +1 That general's armor was all red! And he had 6 vortexes! ]
[ I heard that more vortexes symbolizes greater power and potential, anyone who has more than 3 can be considered an elite! ]
[ OMG! How strong is the City of Void! ]
The collective cheer of the digital crowd matched the triumphant cries echoing from the soldiers on the battlefield.
In the chaos of the digital world and the realities of the battlefield, there was one shared truth - the might of the City of Void, the strength of Brandon's forces.
==========
<< Capital City - Outside The Presidential Palace >>
Crystal's boots clicked rhythmically on the cobblestone as she marched with intent, passing the meticulous row of soldiers standing at attention.
Each one, recognizing her, either gave her a discreet nod or a salute.
She could hear the distant murmurs of officials, and the faint sounds of the bustling city beyond the palace walls—a world unaware of the gravity of the discussions within.
The air was heavy with the scent of old stone, mixed with the undertones of the city's life.
As she approached the steps, she saw him - Sir Adam, her grandfather, engrossed in a heated conversation with several officials. Among them was Devon, his young face twisted with a blend of confusion and frustration.
Spotting her, Devon's voice rang out, a clear note of incredulity,
"Always in the limelight, aren't you, Crystal? Even now, with you two bas— … children?!"
Unwavering, she responded with a voice as cold as the steel of the soldiers' blades,
"I'm a Winchester and unlike someone, my rank wasn't handed to me on a silver platter."
Before the tension between them could escalate further, Sir Adam, a pillar of calm amidst the tempest, stepped in.
"Enough!"
He sighed before continuing.
"Why does every reunion turn into a squabble with you two?"
His voice softened as concern took over,
"Crystal, where's Ruby? And Jade and Baron?"
"They're safe in the shelter, what were you thinking asking Ruby to come along? If there were any danger…"
Her voice trembled, hinting at a rare vulnerability, unwilling to even finish the thought.
Sir Adam, his deep-set eyes filled with regret, let out a weary sigh.
"This was meant to be a show of strength. Nothing more."
Crystal fixed him with a piercing stare.
"You don't understand Brandon Void… Any hostility will not be tolerated, which squadron is clearing a path for their entry to the city?"
Before Sir Adam could speak, Devon, his face flushed with indignation, spat out,
"Why does he need an entourage? Who does he think he is? If he's as great as they say, shouldn't he be able to manage on his own?"
Crystal turned toward him, her voice dripping with condescension,
"Perhaps when you've seen as many battles as I have, you'll have a say. Until then, be quiet while the adults are talking."
Devon, his pride wounded, pointed at her, voice quivering with suppressed rage,
"You—"
Sir Adam raised his hand, an unspoken command for peace.
"Crystal, while I value your insight, President Reed has made some... decisions."
He glanced sidelong at the imposing figure of the president, a few steps away, engaged in whispered conversation with his advisors.
Crystal's white eyes, wide with realization and alarm, darted between the two men.
Memories of previous encounters with President Reed's decisions flooded back, each more alarming than the last.
"No... Don't tell me he's planning to..."
She trailed off, the weight of her suspicions leaving her voice strained.
Before anyone could respond, the distant growl of engines drew nearer, the ominous sound of military vehicles moving in formation.
All heads turned, attention grabbed by the oncoming convoy.