Sensing a moment of vulnerability, Shingo’s team seized the opportunity. Keiji, his resolve unyielding, plunged the Mikazuki-Munechika katana deep into a crack on Mayadenava’s side—a wound he had earlier inflicted. The cosmic entity roared in agony, its essence wavering for an instant.

Now was the time for the team to strike with all their might. Shingo and Shiori, their bond forged through countless battles, moved as one, their Masamune’s and Muramasa’s katanas wielding a deadly dance of precision and harmony. With each strike, their Cycle of Sun and Moon cut through the cosmic veil, their blades finding the weak spot that lay within Mayadenava’s core.

As the crack expanded, a luminescent light spilled forth—a beacon of hope amidst the surrounding darkness. The celestial energy drained from Mayadenava, flowing like lifeblood through the wounds inflicted upon it. The cosmic entity writhed in pain, his power waning with each passing moment.

The team’s collective effort had weakened their adversary, exposing its vulnerability to the forces of the universe. They fought with a newfound sense of purpose, their spirits aflame with the knowledge that they stood on the precipice of victory.

Yet, the battle was far from over. Weakened but far from defeated, Mayadenava lashed out with his remaining strength. Cosmic tendrils writhed and thrashed, seeking to ensnare the warriors who dared challenge his dominion.

Undeterred, Shingo’s team pressed on. They dodged and parried with unwavering focus, their movements fluid and precise. Each strike, each spell cast, was infused with the knowledge that their unity held the power to vanquish even the most formidable of adversaries.

Amid the chaos, their voices rang out, intertwined with the symphony of battle. “We are the defenders of the universe,” Shingo called, his voice carrying the weight of their collective spirit. “Together, we shall prevail!”

Their resolve echoed through the cosmic void, fueling their determination. They fought with a sense of purpose that transcended individual aspirations, their actions guided by the understanding that their fates were intertwined.

As Mayadenava’s strength waned, its form flickering like a dying star, a surge of triumph surged through Shingo’s team. They had endured the cosmic storm, weathered the darkest of nights, and now stood poised to deliver the final blow.

With one last coordinated strike, their weapons plunged into the weakened core of the celestial entity. The crack grew wider, and with a resounding release of energy, Mayadenava collapsed in upon itself.

Still kneeling, Mayadenava clutched his punctured chest and spoke, “So, this is the flow of fate. I must say, it’s ironic that destiny has chosen the people with lesser power than mine to prevail.” He wondered aloud, “Is it not my time yet to reign over the universe, in the Source’s stead?”

“It’s never a matter of time,” Shingo replied firmly, “You are not destined to rule over the universe. Even if your time has come, you’ll never rule if you’re not destined for it.”

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Shiori added, “Your true destiny and calling is to prevent the Black Hole from expanding, swallowing everything in its path into oblivion. Stars, planets, and all.”

“That was the Source, Amenominakanushi’s grace for you, the only reason to keep you in existence,” Mariko chimed in.

“So, for your own sake, and for the universe you seek to rule, please return to your destiny as a true hero,” Ryonoken said, his voice ringing with conviction.

“The true hero and guardian of the universe,” Chiyo affirmed.

Keiji spoke up, “What good is it to be the ruler, the God Emperor of the Universe if you don’t have a universe to rule upon?”

Mayadenava considered their words, but then he spoke defiantly, “I’ll move to another dimension, where the Black Hole is far away and well guarded.”

“And the Mayadenava in that dimension will be angry and fight you. You don’t want that to happen, right?” Gale said, pointing out the obvious flaw in his plan.

Mayadenava’s grimace deepened as he clutched his wound. It was clear that he was losing strength. Nishi seized the opportunity to reason with him, “So, what’s it gonna be? It’s no use pretending you can resist destiny while you actually can’t.”

Shiori added, “So, just stand and wait over there and let your true destiny come and take you where you belong.”

But Mayadenava refused to give up. “No! It’s my nature to defy destiny! I don’t accept this result! I still have lots of go!” he said, gritting his teeth.

“If I can’t rule the universe, I’ll destroy it, one planet at a time!” he threatened. “Worship me and you’ll live, resist me, and you die! Starting from Terra Everna!”

The group was silent for a moment, considering their options. But Shingo was quick to act. With his sword at the ready, he stepped forward and declared, “I’ll never let that happen!”

Suddenly, electric currents surged through the floor, and Mayadenava screamed in agony. He was in his weakest and most vulnerable state as the soul-separation procedure in the machine activated. Yasuaki Abe had just initiated it, hoping to send Mayadenava’s soul back to the Black Hole Doorway where he had come from.

“What the hell is this thing?” Mayadenava shouted, trying to resist the procedure.

“I’ve just activated the soul separation procedure in this machine!” Yasuaki Abe replied.

Mayadenava had another idea. “Since you want to rip me off my body, Yasuaki Abe, I’ll take the most important person to you!” he said with a sinister smile.

Nishi, Yasuaki’s daughter, cried out in terror, “No, no, no, don’t!”

“You brought this upon yourself, Yasuaki Abe! Now embrace me!” Mayadenava replied.

As the soul-transferring mode commenced, Mayadenava’s soul was being forced out from the Vessel’s body. True to his word, the demon’s soul flew toward Nishi, the daughter of Yasuaki Abe.

Yasuaki Abe exclaimed, “Not on my watch!”

Mayadenava replied, “Your funeral!”

Mayadenava’s spirit moved right through Yasuaki and Junishi, piercing Nishi with a thrust of cosmic energy. Shiori and her friends cried out in horror, “Nishi!”