The atmosphere in the Vault of Lost Souls had transformed into a scene of pure tension. The walls, decorated with ancient glowing runes, seemed to vibrate with the energy released by Alastor's presence. The echo of his power resonated in the air, challenging the group as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation.
Alastor, his resonant aura surrounding him like an invisible cloak, took a step forward. His every movement was accompanied by a low humming sound that shook nearby structures. "I thought I could let them live a little longer," he said in his icy voice. "But it seems I underestimated their capacity to interfere. That won't happen again."
Helena was the first to act. Extending her right arm, the surrounding metal responded to her call, forming a sharp spear that gleamed in the dim light of the Shelter. In one fluid motion, she hurled the spear toward Alastor, who simply raised his hand. A concentrated sound wave stopped her in her tracks, causing the spear to disintegrate into fragments that fell to the ground.
"Is that all you can do?" Alastor said, his tone filled with disdain. "I expected something more interesting from you."
The Group Coordination
Akihiko raised his katana, his eyes fixed on Alastor. "We can't face him alone. If we want to defeat him, we must work together."
Kael nodded as he quickly manipulated one of his devices. "I can interfere with their resonant waves, but I'll need time. Cover me!"
Aria moved quickly toward Kael, summoning a translucent barrier that covered them both as Helena and Akihiko stepped forward to confront Alastor. Isabella, meanwhile, began channeling soul echoes, letting their energy flow through the room, searching for a weakness in the enemy.
Helena attacked again, this time forming a shield with the surrounding metal while Akihiko moved quickly, looking for an angle to attack. But Alastor was no ordinary enemy. Every time Akihiko tried to get closer, Alastor unleashed a sound wave that destabilized his movements, forcing him to retreat.
"You're fast," Alastor admitted. "But the sound is omnipresent. You can't escape it."
Kael's Plan
Kael finally activated his device, creating a reverse frequency that began to interfere with Alastor's power. The echo surrounding the hunter weakened momentarily, and the group seized the opportunity.
"Now!" Kael shouted.
Akihiko charged at Alastor, his katana wrapped in dark energy channeled from the Void. The impact of his blow staggered Alastor, but the hunter reacted quickly, unleashing a sonic blast that knocked Akihiko to the ground.
Helena attacked immediately afterward, using metal fragments as projectiles that flew toward Alastor from all directions. Some managed to hit him, causing his resonant aura to flicker.
"It's good to see them coordinated," Alastor said coldly. "But this isn't enough."
Alastor's Past
As the battle continued, Isabella closed her eyes, concentrating on the soul echoes surrounding Alastor. "Even someone like you has hidden fears," she murmured as she held out her hands.
A scream echoed through the room, but it didn't come from Alastor, but from the walls themselves. The energy Isabella channeled caused the ancient runes to glow brightly, projecting images from Alastor's past.
In a harrowing vision, the group saw a young Alastor standing before a dozen recruits. An authoritative voice echoed in the background: "Choose. Only one can survive." Alastor, his hands shaking, drew a knife and advanced toward his comrades, tears streaming down his face.
"No..." Alastor murmured as the images continued to play. He tried to unleash a sound wave to disperse them, but Isabella intensified her power, forcing him to face his fears.
"Your echoes betray you, Alastor," Isabella said, her voice firm. "No matter how hard you try to hide it, you're still the boy who was forced to destroy everything he loved."
Alastor hesitated, his movements losing precision. For the first time, the hunter showed a crack in his emotional armor.
Akihiko's Decision
Taking advantage of Alastor's distraction, Akihiko stood up and raised his katana once more. "This ends here," he said, moving forward with renewed determination.
With a swift, precise motion, Akihiko struck Alastor in the center of his resonant aura, where Kael's interference had created a rift. The katana sliced through the energy field, striking the hunter directly. Alastor let out a guttural scream as his aura began to crumble.
"This isn't the end," Alastor whispered before dissolving into a wave of sound that disappeared into the air.
The Aftermath
The room fell silent, save for the group's ragged breaths. Helena lowered her weapons, staring at the spot where Alastor had been. "I don't think we've seen the last of him," she said coldly.
Kael deactivated his device, falling to his knees from exhaustion. "That interference nearly cost me all my circuits," he said with a tired smile.
Akihiko put away his katana and turned to the group. "We've bought ourselves some time, but this isn't the end of it. Viktor remains our greatest threat."
Aria placed a hand on Akihiko's shoulder. "We know. But today we proved we can take on anything."
As they left the Refuge, the runes on the walls began to slowly fade, as if the place acknowledged that its purpose had been fulfilled. But in the air, the echo of the battle still resonated, reminding them that the fight for the Tree of Eden was only just beginning.