After the First Order mobilized its forces, an emergency response team was swiftly assembled.
The team consisted of five elite Wardens: Tala Maren, Rohan Elysius, Jinrei Kuroshi, Selene Yadomaru, and Kairo Tenel, each renowned for their skill and composure under pressure.
At the entrance to the First Order Headquarters, Commander Kaelis Shunrei watched as the five figures departed, his thoughts quietly turning over the situation.
"The Abyssal Shift is unfolding exactly as expected," he murmured.
Each Warden was formidable—Tala's unarmed combat mastery, Rohan's precision with Spirit Arm projections, Jinrei's specialized Ward Techniques, Selene's versatility, and Kairo's subtle, shadowed movements. Together, they were more than capable of responding to most Outer Rings crises.
Yet even Kaelis knew this threat was different. The Abyssal phenomena weren't ordinary rifts or rogue entities—they were orchestrated, precise, and terrifyingly efficient.
Meanwhile, Arin Solara observed from a distance, hidden among the shadows of the Outer Rings. His casual posture belied his sharp awareness. Though appearing relaxed, he tracked every movement, noting the Wardens' formation, the signals between them, and the faint but unmistakable presence of an Abyssal entity in the area.
He had arrived ahead of the team, blending in with his surroundings, slipping through patrols with Shunkyō Space Manipulation. The Outer Rings' streets were nearly silent under the full moon, yet subtle tremors in Astral Resonance hinted at something monstrous nearby.
At that moment, a towering Abyssal Shade emerged, its presence suffocating, its aura filled with malice and the taste of blood. It advanced toward Lyra—no, Selene Yadomaru—who immediately activated her Ward Techniques.
"Aether Barrier—Binding Net!"
A translucent web of spiritual energy expanded outward, attempting to restrain the Shade. But with a single swipe of its clawed limbs, it tore through the barrier effortlessly. Its movement was impossibly fast, descending upon her like a collapsing star. The gust from its fall ripped at the surrounding debris, yet Selene stood her ground, forced to rely entirely on instinct.
Before the Shade could strike again, another figure arrived. Rohan Elysius's Spirit Arm extended in a fluid strike, intercepting the Shade mid-air. The blast of Astral Resonance from his attack forced the creature to recoil. Tala Maren, Jinrei Kuroshi, and Selene soon followed, bringing their combined strength to bear.
Kairo Tenel arrived last, moving with almost ghostly calm, his presence unassuming yet undeniably sharp. Even Arin watched silently, a faint smirk on his face, recognizing the elegant precision of Kairo's movements.
Far above the chaos, Arin's shadow Doppel remained behind, a perfect alibi to mislead any watchers. In his true form, he had swapped into the guise of a middle-aged scholar using his Disguise Glasses, allowing him to observe the battle unnoticed.
From his vantage, he noted the Abyssal Shade's unique Astral signature, committing it to memory. He calculated possible weaknesses, countermeasures, and contingencies—not to intervene yet, but to prepare.
"Finally," he whispered. "The show begins."
Though the Wardens fought fiercely, one phrase kept replaying in Arin's mind: precision matters. Every movement, every distraction, every misstep could tip the balance. And tonight, the Outer Rings would be tested beyond anything the Ten Orders had faced in decades.