Lunar Bloom's victory over Nightstring Marionette sounded like a warning to the Shadow Generals. Noctis was not pleased.
In his shadowy domain, he glared at his subordinates.
— Selene has failed.
His voice echoed, cold as darkness.
— But that was to be expected. The moonlight always hesitates before shining fully.
Obsidian, the shadow warrior of brutal strength, raised his head.
— Allow me to act, my lord.
Noctis smiled faintly.
— Then go, Obsidian. Show these warriors the true weight of darkness.
Obsidian turned and raised his shadow blade. With one movement, he conjured a creature from thin air. A mass of darkness began to take shape, taking the form of a massive being clad in dark armor. Its face resembled an eyeless knight, and its sword was as long as a building.
— Shadow Knight, go destroy this city... and bring the warriors to me.
The monster knelt in a gesture of loyalty before disappearing into the night.
Obsidian smiled.
— Let's see if your light can cut through black steel, Lunar Bloom.
---
In the city, Rina was still recovering from her battle with Nightstring Marionette. She sat on a bench in the park, looking up at the crescent moon in the sky.
— That fight... was harder than I expected.
She closed her eyes, trying to calm her mind.
But then, a loud bang echoed through the city.
— What?!
Explosions of dark energy erupted in the distance, buildings shook, and screams began to fill the streets.
Rina jumped to her feet.
— It can't be... another attack already?!
She ran towards the destruction and saw the immense figure of Shadow Knight, his black blade cutting through poles and cars as if they were made of paper.
Civilians fled in despair, while the monster slowly advanced.
On top of a building, Obsidian watched the scene with his arms crossed.
— Come, Lunar Bloom. I want to see if your light can pierce my darkness.
Rina ran to an alley and raised her necklace.
— Lunar Reflection, shine!
Rina transformed into Lunar Bloom.
She leapt into the air, landing in front of Shadow Knight.
— If you think you can destroy this city with impunity, you are sorely mistaken!
The monster raised its black sword and brought it down hard.
Lunar Bloom rolled to the side, feeling the impact of the blade cracking the ground.
Obsidian smiled.
— Good speed... but your blade is not strong enough to face me.
Lunar Bloom clenched her fists.
— Let's see if you are right!
She spun in the air and concentrated energy in her hands.
— Lunar Crescent Slash!
The silver blade flashed and slashed toward the monster.
But Shadow Knight raised his black sword and blocked the blow effortlessly.
The impact knocked Lunar Bloom back.
— What?!
Obsidian laughed.
— My shadows are stronger than any light you can summon!
Shadow Knight charged forward, slashing his sword in rapid succession. Lunar Bloom dodged, but each strike caused tremors in the earth.
She tried to counterattack.
— Lunar Mirage!
The silver mist covered the battlefield, creating multiple copies of itself.
Obsidian shook his head.
— Cheap tricks.
He raised his hand, and black shadows spread out, dispelling the mist in seconds.
Lunar Bloom was exposed.
Shadow Knight swung his sword and landed a direct hit.
— AAAAAH!
She was thrown against a building, the wall cracking with the impact.
Lunar Bloom fell to her knees, gasping.
— He's… too strong…
Obsidian climbed down from the building, slowly approaching.
— Do you see, Lunar Bloom? Your light is weak. It can't stop us.
She tried to get up, but her legs were shaking.
Shadow Knight raised his sword for a final blow.
But before he could strike, a shower of glowing petals descended from the sky.
Obsidian retreated.
— What?!
Lunar Bloom opened her eyes and saw a silhouette approaching.
It was Sakura Eclipse.
— I thought you needed a hand.
Lunar Bloom smiled despite the pain.
— It took you a while...
Sakura Eclipse raised her hand.
— Time to return that attack!
She spun in the air and summoned her attack.
— Eclipse Blossom Strike!
Glowing petals shot out at Shadow Knight, striking him squarely.
The monster staggered, his armor cracking.
Obsidian clenched his fists.
— This isn't over…
He snapped his fingers, and Shadow Knight disappeared into the shadows.
Sakura Eclipse and Lunar Bloom stood alert.
But Obsidian just smiled.
— Next time, your light won't be enough.
And with that, he disappeared.
Sakura Eclipse helped Lunar Bloom to her feet.
— Is that okay?
— Yes… but he was too strong…
Sakura Eclipse looked up at the moon.
— We'll need to get even stronger. This war is just beginning.