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Chapter 78: Shadows Over Planet Goth

With the planet finally free from Victor's curse, the family boarded their spaceship, their spirits lighter than they had been in days. The engines roared as the ship lifted off, leaving the now-thriving world behind.

From the cockpit, Safari peered through the glass, watching the green fields and glowing rivers shrink beneath them. "One down," he muttered. "But there's still a few more out there."

Angeleva stood beside him, her wings faintly glowing from the lingering effects of the planet's purified light. "And we'll face them together," she said calmly. There was no hint of the tense rivalry they once shared. For the first time, Safari caught a sense of genuine respect in her gaze.

"Together," he nodded.

But peace never lasted long with Ian around.

He popped into the cockpit with his camera, adjusting the lens dramatically. "And here we are, folks! Our victorious champions, basking in the afterglow of yet another planet saved!"

He zoomed in on Safari's exhausted face. "Look at that rugged determination. The steely gaze of a devil warrior who just slammed a Vampire General into oblivion!"

Safari groaned, waving him off. "Ian, we're literally flying through space. Cut the commentary."

But Ian wasn't finished. He twirled around, landing his camera squarely on Angeleva.

"And behold! The radiant fairy warrior, glowing like the very sun she fought to bring back! I give you: Angela the Luminescent!"

Angeleva blinked, clearly puzzled. "...That's not my name."

"Not yet!" Ian winked.

Then, as if on cue, he sidestepped to Olive, dramatically lowering his voice. "And finally, the ship's enigmatic engineer — the woman of mystery and mechanical brilliance. The only force in the galaxy that can bend even the stubborn circuits of fate!"

Olive, who had been tightening a bolt near the navigation panel, barely spared him a glance. "You're really not helping, Ian."

"But the people need to know!" Ian countered, following her like an overenthusiastic news anchor. "Olive, tell us! How does it feel to be the unsung heroine of the ship? The gear-turning genius behind every victorious journey?"

"It feels like you're about to get locked in the cargo bay." She smirked, but a faint tinge of pink crept up her cheeks.

Ian gasped, clutching his chest. "Harsh! But mysterious! The people will love this!"

Zack giggled from the side, while Jen shook her head, amused.

As the family settled into the ship's lounge, Safari and Angeleva found themselves side by side. The tension that once accompanied their every conversation had dissolved, replaced by something far more natural.

"You held your own back there," Safari admitted, leaning back. "And that Fairy Unity Beam — it was powerful."

Angeleva nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You didn't hold back either. The Devil's Unity Strike... It was like nothing I've ever seen."

Safari gave a small grin. "Guess we're not so bad as a team after all."

"No," she said, a rare smile crossing her face. "Not bad at all."

From across the room, Ian dramatically zoomed in with his camera.

"And there it is, folks! The spark of newfound camaraderie! Will this unlikely duo become the most fearsome force in the universe? Or perhaps... something more?"

"Ian." Safari growled.

"What?" Ian grinned. "I'm just doing my job!"

Olive leaned over, finally playing along. "Maybe we should put him on mute."

"NO!" Ian gasped. "The people must hear my voice!"

The ship echoed with laughter, the weight of their past battles momentarily forgotten.

The family was stronger. The mission was clearer.

And with every planet they saved—

Their bond grew.

Far across the darkened expanse of space, Planet Goth loomed. A cursed world, its skies were choked by permanent twilight, while twisted spires jutted from the desolate landscape. The air was thick with miasma, tainting everything it touched.

At the heart of this eerie domain stood a vast, ominous castle—Asmo's Fortress. Its towers coiled like serpents, the architecture a reflection of the twisted mind that ruled within.

Inside, in a grand throne room draped in crimson silk and black banners, Demon General Asmo lounged upon his throne. His crimson eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he gazed into a large, rippling mirror — a Blood Mirror, capable of displaying events across the galaxy.

The scene it showed was all too clear — Victor's defeat.

The moment Safari and Angeleva's combined blast obliterated Victor echoed in the reflection. The powerful Vampire General, once a formidable rival to Asmo, was reduced to nothing.

Instead of fear or anger, Asmo erupted in laughter.

"Hahaha! So the great Victor has fallen! Crushed by a fairy and a devil spawn? How pathetic!"

He slammed his clawed hand onto the arm of his throne, the sound reverberating across the vast chamber. Servants and demon guards lined the walls, trembling at the outburst.

"I always knew that bloodsucking fool was all bark and no bite. And now? Reduced to ashes! Such a disgrace!"

His laughter echoed through the fortress like a sinister melody.

But Asmo's amusement didn't stem merely from Victor's downfall. No, to him, it was an opportunity.

"With Victor out of the way, the demons will remember who truly holds power!" His grin twisted. "And when those fools arrive here, I'll show them suffering they've never imagined."

Asmo's twisted mind began plotting, savoring the thought of crushing Safari's family beneath his heel.

The massive throne room doors creaked open as Gregory and Patricia entered. The air shifted, thick with the pair's presence.

Gregory's eyes locked onto Asmo, his imposing figure unwavering. "Victor was a fool. He let his pride blind him."

Patricia twirled a dagger between her fingers, her sly grin never faltering. "But we won't make the same mistake."

Asmo leaned forward, his forked tongue flicking between his teeth. "And why should I trust the two of you?"

Gregory smirked. "Because we don't fail. And we have unfinished business."

Patricia's eyes gleamed with malice. "Safari and that little fairy brat. They think they've won. But they have no idea what's coming."

Asmo considered their words. Though he had no love for Gregory's arrogance or Patricia's unpredictable nature, their hatred was a powerful weapon.

"Fine." He grinned darkly. "But know this — failure will not be tolerated. You may think you're ruthless, but I am the embodiment of desire. And what I desire..."

He licked his lips with sick delight.

"Is their suffering."

The mirror shimmered once more, displaying the image of Safari's ship, sailing toward the next challenge.

Gregory and Patricia stood tall before the Demon General, their wicked grins etched across their faces.

Without a word, they extended their arms. A pulse of celestial energy erupted from their bodies, swirling like a violent storm.

"Celestic Awakening!" Gregory roared, his voice booming.

A surge of orange darkness wrapped around him, forming into a hardened, jagged armor. His massive, weapon materialized in his hand — the Orange Devil Mace. Its sheer dark presence radiated destructive power.

Next to him, Patricia's transformation was equally breathtaking. Her body became enveloped in an ethereal purple glow, her sleek, violet armor adorned with gleaming patterns of light energy. With a sinister flourish, her weapon emerged — the Fairy Bow and Arrow. Its twisted design mocked the purity of a true fairy's bow, and the arrows seemed to hum with light energy.

Their presence alone was enough to make the demon servants cower.

"How do we look?" Patricia purred, twirling her bow playfully.

Gregory smirked, flexing his arm. "Quite the upgrade, wouldn't you say?"

Asmo, still seated upon his throne, observed the scene with delight. His crimson eyes gleamed, admiration twisted with amusement.

"Far more fitting," Asmo purred. "The two of you reek of dominance. Celestic Warriors no longer bound by weakness — I'm impressed."

Patricia giggled, her tone dripping with amusement. She then leaned against Gregory, her bow brushing gently against his armored shoulder.

"Greg, darling..." She purred, her violet eyes narrowing playfully. "Would you mind leaving this next little task to me?"

Gregory arched a brow, crossing his muscular arms. "Sorry, Patty, but that's not happening."

Patricia pouted dramatically, fluttering her eyelashes. "Oh, come on. Pretty please?"

"No."

"But it'll be fun!" She clasped her hands together, inching closer to him. "You know how much I enjoy... breaking things."

Gregory remained unmoved. "And I enjoy crushing my enemies. You're not taking this one alone."

Patricia huffed, but her mischievous grin remained. "How stubborn. But that's what makes you so... charming."

She reached up, tracing a finger along his armored chest. "Pretty, pretty please?"

Gregory groaned, rubbing his armoured face. He knew that tone all too well. No matter how powerful he was, arguing with Patricia was a battle no one could win.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he relented.

"Fine." He grumbled, his voice dripping with reluctance. "But don't get carried away."

"No promises!" Patricia beamed, already stepping forward.

Gregory shook his head, casting one last glance at her before turning away. His heavy footsteps echoed as he left the chamber, the massive doors closing behind him.

The Demon General chuckled darkly, his grin widening.

"My, my... You two are quite the pair. Lovey-dovey, aren't you?"

Patricia smirked. "Well, we don't deny it."

"Love." Asmo sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "A dangerous little game. But as long as that devotion fuels your strength, I care not."

Patricia's grin twisted. "Oh, don't worry. Love makes things so much... more entertaining."

She stepped forward, her purple aura surging. The Fairy Bow in her hands gleamed ominously.

"And speaking of entertainment—"

She drew an arrow, the crackling energy illuminating the throne room in a haunting glow.

"Time to test my powers."

Asmo's eyes widened slightly, the sheer pressure of her growing strength making even him shift in his throne.

"Interesting..." He murmured.

The air thickened once more.

Whatever Patricia was planning — it was certain to be nothing short of devastating.