Chapter 2: Asterion Gates
An oppressive aura permeated the air, engulfing the apartment.
The equilibrium of the room shifted as powerful Envoys, including those at the pinnacle of their abilities, unleashed the full force of their aspect powers.
Hannah and Joseph found themselves momentarily paralyzed, realizing that Rex was still upstairs and would descend regardless of any instinct that compelled him to climb up.
Hannah was relieved that Rex had developed some awareness of danger, but he remained oblivious due to his young age.
"Do they possess the same Nexus?" one of the Envoys asked abruptly, causing Hannah's eyes to widen in astonishment.
"Nexus... like the Mirror Soul Nexus!" Hannah thought to herself.
She was well aware that only Rex possessed the Nexus. It was a unique type of soul that could unleash various power streams and hold countless affinities if cultivated properly.
Furthermore, ordinary humans could absorb the souls of deceased individuals like them and occasionally stumble upon rare Nexuses, which enhanced their vitality and granted them the abilities of the departed.
Hannah felt a sense of despair. Rex shouldn't come downstairs... No! He...
Faint footsteps echoed through the stairwell, indicating that someone was descending.
A profound sorrow hung in the air, immobilizing both Joseph and Hannah.
"Mummy, I haven't set the table for dinner yet. I'm sorry, I..." Rex's voice trailed off as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
Meanwhile, the Envoys grinned from ear to ear as the overwhelming aura of a Nexus pervaded the atmosphere.
"Come here, boy!" one of the Envoys shrieked loudly, causing Rex to flinch.
Joseph looked at Hannah intently.
"I'll give it my all now. Remind Rex to open his Asterion gate," Joseph said.
Hannah nodded in agreement.
In an instant, an eruption of energy erupted like a raging volcano, sending shards of stone and splinters of wood flying into the air.
Hannah moved swiftly towards Rex and pushed him aside...
In that moment, a terrifying shockwave shook the entire building, causing it to collapse upon its foundations. Other apartments disintegrated instantly, reduced to mere shards and fragments.
Joseph drew power from the Envoy realm to fend off the other Envoys but at the cost of his own life.
The gods had provided options for critical situations like this one, allowing individuals to borrow power from higher realms, even if they hadn't reached those realms themselves. However, after using this power, their life force, essence, and Mirror energy would be completely depleted, leading to their instantaneous self-destruction.
The four Envoys retaliated swiftly, utilizing various aspects.
One Envoy unleashed swirling black tendrils that collided with Joseph's forceful punch.
An ear-piercing sound resonated, and the tremors shook the area, sending chunks of stone and sand flying.
Hannah and Rex were filled with horror.
"Okay, honey, this place isn't safe for you. I want you to do something for me now," Hannah said urgently, picking up a large bar of cheese and handing it to Rex.
"Daddy and I taught you about the Asterion world, what they like, and how to open their gates. I want you to open that gate and stay safe in that magical world until mummy and daddy come to pick you up, okay?" Hannah gently caressed his cheeks and planted a kiss on them.
She wanted Rex to leave the real world, as the Envoys' greed for a weak Nexus might drive them to unimaginable acts, as long as it nourished their own souls.
Rex obeyed, following Joseph's teachings.
Countless shards of broken mirrors filled his ears, creating a cacophony of noise that threatened to distract him.
Blue and red lights began intertwining with Rex, starting from the soles of his feet and ascending carefully.
"Master, look... the boy is opening the Asterion gates," one of the Envoys exclaimed, dashing forward at an incredible speed to stop Rex's progress.
Hannah quickly shifted from her Enlister realm to the Envoy realm, also borrowing power at the cost of her own life to protect her son.
As her powers surged dramatically and combined with her special aspect ability, no Envoy could match her.
Hannah had the ability to manifest objects into reality, although it was limited by the amount of mirror energy she could absorb. Usually, these materialized objects possessed the strength of the summoner and became as solid and powerful as steel.
A deafening crack echoed as both Hannah and the other Envoy were blasted backward with tremendous force.
Rex was frightened. His parents were fighting and protecting him, but how would they survive such a battle?
Rex was relieved that he was leaving the real world for a magical one, sparing his parents from this burden, unaware that their fate had already been sealed.
After borrowing power, no one could survive the wrath of death it brought.
Finally, submerged in the blue and red light, a semi-world formed instantly, and Rex disappeared.
Hannah let out a sigh of relief. Her precious son was safe, and now it was her turn to give it her all. She and her husband would not survive, but at least they would protect their son.
She raised her fist, and from nothingness, a large katana materialized. When it struck the floor, a terrifying pressure descended, accompanied by a mysterious aura carrying unimaginable power that seeped into every soul present.
Hannah and Joseph's skin began to burn due to the exhaustion of their life force. They knew they would die, so there was no point in holding back.
The manifested katana glowed with a radiant redness. Flames danced around it, and in that moment, Hannah screamed.
"Come on, let's all die together! Honey, don't let any Envoys escape. They wanted a Nexus so badly, well, they'll get one in hell, hahahaha!"
Hannah's laughter echoed maniacally.
Those nearby felt an overwhelming sense of impending doom. They understood that these flames were not something they could easily overcome. No, they would not survive.
When the Envoys attempted to flee, that's when it happened.
BOOM!
A deafening blast reverberated through the neighborhood, accompanied by towering flames that reduced everything in their path to mere ashes.
All that remained of the fallen humans was the aftermath of the battle that had taken place, an aftermath that had sealed their doom.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone