The air grew dense with power, almost suffocating. Raiden, Ash, and Astrid stood on guard, their eyes locked on Lyra, whose dark aura pulsated with unrestrained malice. The tension in the cave was palpable, every breath feeling heavier as the oppressive energy intensified.
"What... is happening?" Raiden muttered, his fists clenched as he stared at the sinister glow surrounding Lyra.
Astrid stepped forward, her eyes unwavering. "This is the level of magic I've been preparing for," she said. Her tone was steady, but there was a subtle edge of urgency. "It's time you both understood what's at stake here."
Raiden turned to her, his frustration evident. "Astrid, what do you mean? What kind of magic is this?"
She didn't look back as she spoke. "It's a Celestial Domain—a high level technique only a few mages can achieve. It's not just a spell; it's a manifestation of your will, your magic, and your very soul. When activated, the user creates their own reality where their magic is absolute. Within that space, their power is unmatched."
Ash's eyes narrowed as he processed her words. "So, once someone's caught inside, it's their rules... their battlefield?"
Astrid nodded. "Exactly. And if two domains clash, it's a battle of wills. The stronger domain consumes the weaker one, leaving the caster of the broken domain at the mercy of their opponent."
Raiden's expression darkened. "And what happens if you lose?"
Astrid's voice was firm, but there was an undeniable weight in her words. "You don't lose. Not if you want to survive. It also draws an immense of spiritual and negative energy and focus prolonged use can drain the casters life force, making it a double edged sword. "
Lyra chuckled, her voice dripping with mockery. "Well, well, looks like the little princess knows her stuff. Too bad none of it will save her."
Astrid took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Stay back," she commanded Raiden and Ash. Her voice carried an authority that left no room for argument.
She stepped forward, her gaze locked on Lyra. "You've underestimated me for the last time."
With her hands glowing faintly, she began to chant. Her voice was calm but she stood tall despite her exhaustion after using too much energy. With a determined voice she says :
"As shadows wane and stars ignite, despair rises from the abyss. Let chaos devour hope, and let darkness consume the light! The heavens shall bow to my will. For in this boundless realm of eternal torment, your fate is written in agony—Celestial Domain: Abyssal Desolation!"
The world around her seemed to shatter as a blinding light enveloped the cave. When the light subsided, Astrid and Lyra were gone.
Raiden staggered back, shielding his eyes. "What just happened?!"
Ash, though visibly shaken, forced himself to remain calm. "Astrid activated her Celestial Domain. She's created her own reality... but we can't follow her there."
Raiden slammed his fist against the ground, frustration bubbling over. "She just vanished! How are we supposed to help her now?"
Ash placed a hand on Raiden's shoulder. "This is her fight, Raiden. We'd only get in the way. After all we can't use magic."
Inside the Abyssal Desolation, the landscape was different. The ground was a swirling black void, with glowing stars that pulsed with energy. The oppressive weight of the domain pressed down on Lyra, who stood unfazed in the center.
"So this is your domain," Lyra said mockingly, glancing around. "I'll admit, it's... impressive. But do you really think this will stop me?"
Astrid's voice echoed from the void. "It's not about stopping you. It's about ending this."
The stars flared to life, and Astrid appeared, her body glowing with energy. Without hesitation, she launched her attack. Spears of light rained down from above, each one aimed directly at Lyra.
Lyra dodged, but the sheer speed and intensity of the attacks forced her onto the defensive. The winds howled, cutting through the darkness and leaving no room for error.
Astrid pressed her advantage, summoning chains of light that lashed out at Lyra. "This is my domain, Lyra. You're out of your depth."
But Lyra only smirked, her confidence unshaken. "You think you've won already? Poor, naive little princess..."
Raising her hand, she began to chant, her voice dripping with malice:
"Through the abyss of despair and the agony of countless screams, I weave chaos into your soul. As hope burns to ashes and fear takes root, you shall drown in endless torment. Witness the descent of my power—Celestial Domain: Eternal Night's Grasp!"
The stars in Astrid's domain flickered and dimmed as Lyra's power surged. Shadows began to spread, consuming the light and turning the once-beautiful realm into a twisted nightmare.
The two domains clashed violently, their opposing energies sending shockwaves through the space. Astrid gritted her teeth, pouring every ounce of her will into maintaining her domain. But Lyra's dark magic was relentless, feeding on the negativity and growing stronger with each passing moment, the two realities clashing violently, the two domains collide with explosive force, shaking the very fabric of magic itself.
With a final, devastating surge of power, Lyra's domain consumed Astrid's. The Abyssal Desolation shattered, leaving Astrid vulnerable and at the mercy of Lyra's Eternal Night's Grasp.
Astrid gasped as she was thrown to the ground. The oppressive pitch-black darkness of Lyra's domain closed in, whispering threats and promises of despair. Shadows swirling like living entities, their sharp edges slashing at Astrid from all directions.
Lyra loomed over her, her laughter echoing through the void. "This is the end for you, princess. Your light has been extinguished."
Despite her best efforts, Astrid couldn't fight back. Her strength was gone, her magic drained. As the shadows closed in, her consciousness slipped away, leaving her at Lyra's mercy.
Outside, Raiden felt a chill run down his spine. He clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over. "Astrid..."
Ash stood silently, his expression grim. "We need to be ready," he said quietly. "Whatever happens in there, we can't let her fight alone any longer."