Yohan, exhausted from using his siddhi, watched as the soul continued to regenerate. Despite his powerful abilities, the soul's resilience was something he couldn't overcome. His breath came in ragged bursts, his mind racing for a solution. Just as he was about to make another attempt, the air around them shifted.
A soft white aura surrounded the battlefield, and a calm but authoritative voice called out, "Stay back, Yohan. I will handle this."
Everyone turned toward the voice, and to their astonishment, it was Ethan, Yohan's father. Misaki, who had not seen him in years, stared in disbelief. "Ethan... you're alive?"
Ethan, his expression calm but focused, glanced at Misaki and nodded. "Yes, Misaki. I've been training in a nearby world, growing stronger. But we'll talk later. Right now, we need to take care of this soul."
The soul, still regenerating and brimming with chaotic energy, was now surrounded by the white aura. Its body began to tear apart, pieces of it being ripped away by an unseen force. It let out an agonizing scream as Ethan's power overwhelmed it, and, piece by piece, the soul was destroyed.
As the last remnants of the soul dissipated into the air, Ethan turned toward Yohan, a look of concern but also pride in his eyes. "How are you, Yohan?"
Yohan, still catching his breath, smiled slightly, relieved. "I'm fine, Dad. Thank you... I couldn't stop it."
Ethan placed a reassuring hand on Yohan's shoulder. "You did well, son. There are some battles we can't win alone. But together, we can face anything."
As the white aura faded and the battlefield grew quiet, Ethan's gaze turned serious. "Now that the soul is dealt with, there's something important we need to discuss." He glanced around, spotting Pyro approaching as well, his expression stern but grateful.
Ethan continued, his voice filled with urgency. "There are greater threats on the horizon, Yohan. You've unlocked part of your potential, but there's still much you need to learn. And I'm here to help guide you through it."
Pyro stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "We have much to prepare for, Yohan. That soul was only the beginning."
Misaki approached Pyro, her expression softening as she spoke. "Pyro, it's been a long time."
Pyro nodded, his usual stern demeanor relaxed slightly in her presence. "Yes, Misaki, it has."
Misaki glanced at Kofi, then back at Pyro. "He is your grandson, Kofi."
Pyro looked at Kofi with widened eyes, realizing the truth. "Oh, is he... my grandson?" He paused, his tone apologetic. "I'm sorry, Kofi. I saw you earlier on Earth, but I didn't recognize you. I didn't know."
Kofi, ever calm, shook his head with a slight smile. "It's okay, grandpa. You had a lot on your mind."
Ethan, standing alongside them, interjected with a serious tone. "Now is not the time for apologies. We need to prepare. We should form a squad, and each member must train harder than ever. I can sense that both the Samodiva Clan and Ashura are going to be significant threats. If we don't strengthen our forces, we won't stand a chance."
Pyro, though concerned, remained resolute. "Don't worry too much about the Samodiva Clan for now, Ethan. The real threat is Ashura. The seal I used on him will break in two or three months. We need to defeat him before that happens, but this time... he'll be at least ten times stronger. His soul has left and returned to his body, and that will only make him more powerful. We have to be ready for anything."
The weight of Pyro's words hung heavy in the air. Everyone knew that Ashura's resurgence would be catastrophic if they weren't prepared. Yohan, Kofi, and the others stood quietly, absorbing the gravity of what was coming. Misaki glanced at her daughter, Yavi, before turning back to Pyro and Ethan.
"We must act swiftly," Misaki said. "The Samodiva Clan might not be our immediate problem, but they won't sit idly by forever."
Pyro looked at his grandson, Kofi, and then to Yohan. "The next few months will be crucial. We need everyone ready."
Ethan nodded in agreement. "We've all got work to do, and no one can face Ashura alone. The time to come together is now."