Chapter 40 - The Moon Maiden
The Judgement Spear descended from the heavens.
Its golden light eclipsed the sun.
The mountain shook under its immense pressure.
Kai tightened his grip on his spear.
He knew one thing.
He could not stop that attack with strength alone.
"Everyone, behind me!" he shouted.
Selene refused to move.
"We stand together."
The Crimson Flame Fox stepped to Kai's right.
Ignis spread his tiny black-and-gold wings on the left.
The Lunar Frost Wolf and Frostfang Sabretooth stood before their partners, growling at the incoming spear.
---
Far above, Lucius watched silently.
"This is the end."
He lowered his hand.
The spear accelerated.
Just before it struck—
CRAAACK!
The frozen earth beneath the Temple exploded.
A pillar of silver moonlight shot into the sky.
The Judgement Spear collided with it.
BOOOOOOM!
The explosion illuminated the entire Kingdom of Astravia.
Snowstorms swept across the mountains.
When the light faded...
The spear had vanished.
In its place floated a young woman dressed in flowing silver robes.
Her long white hair shimmered like moonlight.
Behind her floated nine silver tails of pure spiritual energy.
Her calm silver eyes rested on Kai.
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared immediately.
---
Ancient Guardian Identified
Name: Luna
Title: Moon Maiden
Species: Celestial Moon Spirit
Rank: Divine
Status: Guardian of Fenrir's Seal
---
Lucius frowned.
"So... you survived."
Luna looked at him without fear.
"I endured because someone had to protect Fenrir."
Her gaze shifted to Kai.
"And because I believed the Beast Sovereign would return."
Kai blinked.
"You know me?"
Luna smiled gently.
"I knew your predecessors."
"I prayed I would live long enough to meet the next."
---
The Book glowed again.
Ancient Memory Unlocked
The First Beast Sovereign
Ten thousand years ago, the First Beast Sovereign entrusted Luna with protecting Fenrir until a worthy successor appeared.
---
Kai felt the weight of history settle upon his shoulders.
"So I've inherited more than a title."
Luna nodded.
"You have inherited a promise."
---
Lucius sighed.
"This sentiment grows tiresome."
He lifted both hands.
The remaining eleven golden rings ignited.
Each transformed into a weapon of light.
Swords.
Spears.
Axes.
Chains.
They hovered around him like a divine army.
"The era of Sovereigns ended long ago."
"I will ensure it never returns."
---
Luna raised one graceful hand.
Silver barriers spread around Kai and his companions.
"These barriers will not last long."
She looked directly into Kai's eyes.
"The Moon Crystal is hidden within Lucius's central ring."
Kai focused.
Using the Eye of Insight, he studied the glowing weapons.
Most radiated pure golden energy.
One...
The ring directly behind Lucius...
Contained a faint silver glow.
"The Moon Crystal..."
"He's hidden it inside his own relic."
Ignis nodded.
"He never intended to lose it."
---
Meanwhile, Fenrir continued to struggle against the corruption.
Its silver eye remained clear.
Its crimson eye burned with pain.
Within the spiritual realm, Kai heard the great wolf's voice once more.
"Little Sovereign..."
"Break the crystal..."
"I will handle the rest."
Kai smiled.
"I trust you."
---
The Crimson Flame Fox looked at Ignis.
"Think we can reach him?"
Ignis grinned.
"I've been waiting for you to ask."
Golden flames gathered around the tiny dragon.
The fox's crimson fire intertwined with them.
The Book flashed brilliantly.
New Combination Skill
Eclipse Blaze
Partners:
- Crimson Flame Fox
- Ignis
Effect:
Creates flames capable of burning corruption without harming living beings.
---
Kai spun his spear.
A crimson-and-gold flame wrapped around its blade.
Selene stepped beside him, her sword glowing with silver moonlight.
Luna floated above them, maintaining the barrier.
Kai looked at his companions.
"This ends now."
The fox's tail blazed.
"Let's save another guardian."
Ignis smiled confidently.
"And remind the Temple why Sovereigns were once legends."
Kai bent his knees.
Then, with Selene at his side, he launched toward Lucius in a streak of crimson, gold, and silver light.
The final battle for the Moon Crystal had begun.