Azrael's voice, clear and mature, resonated through their neuro-link. "Mom, Dad, thank you for saving me. I will protect you no matter what happens." Adam and Lyra were shocked by this new, direct connection. As hours past and the plane continue on it's course Azrael was alerted.
"They are coming to us as we speak. I will show both of you my powers. Don't worry, I will be careful." Azrael said sensing the incoming threats.
Lyra detected special variants approaching in the sky, trailing them. "The special variants are coming!" she alerted everyone.
"Dad, open a hole and let me out," Azrael instructed Adam.
As the special variants rapidly approached, Adam opened a hole, allowing Azrael to drop down. Before the hole closed, Azrael spread his wings and flew directly towards the special variants.
"I can't just stand and watch. Let me help my son. I've got an idea," Adam declared. "Lyra, I need you to handle the plane." Adam released control and removed the universal tool.
Lyra took over, skillfully piloting the plane. Adam merged the universal tool to the roof of the plane, creating a small, double-seated section covered by the projectile system, facing the rear. The seats enclosed them, connecting to the internal air pressure.
"Johan, your hands can phase through, right?" Adam asked.
"Yeah, they can. I know what you want me to do. Don't worry, I will protect the plane and swat down as many of them as possible," Johan replied.
"Azrael, come back closer to us," Adam commanded via neuro-link.
Azrael, having just slashed one of the special variants, turned and flew at high speed. The other special variants and evolved variants chased him. Azrael gracefully avoided their projectiles, swerving and accelerating towards Adam.
As he reached the plane, he saw Adam and Johan on top, inside their covered section. He instantly understood the plan. Azrael moved strategically near the plane, baiting the variants to chase him, as Adam began firing at the evolved variants, severing their wings and piercing their heads.
As many dropped like flies, the special variants commanded the remaining evolved variants to ascend into the clouds, attempting to obscure their visibility. A surge of projectiles was fired at the plane, but Johan's invisible hands instantly blocked them, rendering them useless.
The special variants moved in a fast, blazing assault, making Adam's barrages miss. Before one could reach the plane, Johan smashed it with two invisible hands, crushing it into a pile of blood. Another special variant aimed for the front of the plane.
Lyra noticed it incoming. "Azrael, the front!" she yelled. Azrael instantly moved swiftly, slicing its head and grabbing its core to eat it. More swarms approached from below. Azrael used his sword, creating a wave of light that sliced through the horde.
Adam continued shooting strays, while Johan protected the plane from attacks. Lyra expertly maneuvered the plane, avoiding incoming attacks from the front.
A giant horde overwhelmed them from the back. Adam fired a giant boulder, but they easily avoided it. Even with multiple rapid-fire shots, the hordes drew closer.
Johan smashed the front of the hordes, but many more pushed forward. His hands blocked the incoming hordes, but the sheer momentum forced the plane to tilt dangerously downward. Lyra struggled to pull the plane back up.
Suddenly, a massive, giant creature's mouth emerged from below. Azrael transformed his head into a colossal mouth, engulfing the entire horde in a single bite. As Azrael continued crunching them, a burst of explosion erupted inside his mouth, causing Azrael to open it wide and fall unconscious from the injury. Johan swiftly grabbed Azrael with his invisible hands as Adam sniped the head of the special variant that caused the explosion.
"Protect Azrael's body and bring him to me!" Adam urged Johan. Johan swatted away all the variants closing in on Azrael.
Then, out of nowhere, a spear pierced through, stabbing Adam's shoulder. Johan immediately noticed the blind spot and covered it.
Azrael was brought inside the makeshift seating. Adam opened a hole, pulled Azrael in, and began channeling mana into him. "Azrael, breathe!" Adam commanded, even as blood flowed from the spear stuck in his own body. He held the projectile system, continuing his barrage. Johan swatted as many variants as he could while slapping Azrael to wake him up.
"Azrael is fine. Focus on the three special variants left. Once they are down, the evolved variants will not be as coordinated," Lyra informed Adam via neuro-link.
Suddenly, the plane's wings were wrapped in a gooey substance, slowing the plane down and pulling it.