Before Lars and the others can clash, the entire planet trembles.
The rips in the sky tear wider, spilling even more waterfalls of darkness.
Nox tilts his head upward, his eyes narrowing at the sight.
"Here she comes…"
Kayle raises her hand, her aura flaring.
"Well, that can't go unattended. You guys deal with that—I'll face my brother alone."
Gaia's voice cracks with panic.
"Dustin—but he's so much stronger than you!"
Kayle's eyes burn with determination.
"That doesn't matter! I'll figure out a way to beat him!"
Gaia yells louder, her emotions bursting.
"I don't want to lose you again!"
Kayle turns, her tone softer but firm.
"Don't worry. I'll win this time."
She charges forward, colliding with Lars as their clash shakes the battlefield.
Nox exhales and steps onto a floating diamond shard, letting it lift him into the sky.
"Well, off we go then."
Gaia stands frozen for a breath. She slaps her own face, steeling herself.
"Come on, Gaia. Focus. Don't let your emotions get in the way. Dustin's got this."
Her thrusters ignite, launching her upward. She soars alongside Nox, the sky filled with rivers of shadow cascading downward.
Gaia steadies her breath.
"Mister, what exactly are we facing?"
Nox's tone is grim.
"The third wave of doom. Darkness itself. When it descended upon this planet, it chose the lady of the planet as its main vessel. With its overwhelming power, it extended into two others—Lars, and the fallen King."
Gaia's eyes widen as she pieces it together.
"I get it now… she was using both of them to gather power—feeding on every life consumed by the darkness… and every ounce of fear expressed."
Nox nods.
"You nailed it. And she'll be far worse than Lars. That's why I've been saving the rest of my strength for this fight."
Gaia notices hundreds of glowing orange-armored golems rising through the skies beside them.
Nox gestures toward them.
"Even with this… we only have a ten percent chance to win."
Gaia tightens her fists.
"I'll raise those odds. We'll get more help. I've already figured out a plan—we just need to stall until they arrive."
Nox smirks.
"Quick thinking, Gaia Frostsilver. That may push our odds up to thirty."
Gaia spreads out digital screens around her, her voice sharp with resolve.
"We'll raise them even higher—to one hundred percent. I still have a friend strong enough to destroy this darkness."
Nox chuckles, impressed.
"Impressive. You came well prepared. I'm guessing that friend is the one who left for space yesterday."
Gaia nods firmly.
"You got that right. By the way… what's your name?"
Nox glances at her, then back to the looming abyss.
"Nox. King Nox. I know a noble like you has questions… but you'll have your answers soon enough."
Together, they fly toward the heart of the darkness.
Moments later, at the eastern village, Melon arrives at the shore. Prekayda and the villagers wait anxiously as the great whale dissolves into radiant light, leaving behind piles of fluffy, glowing sheep's wool.
From within the wool, Tomi, Jen, and Crank step out—battered, but mostly healed.
Crank stretches, flexing his muscles with a triumphant smile.
"We were victorious!"
The villagers erupt into cheers.
Jen's voice cuts through the celebration.
"Without Tomi, we could never have done it. He was the true ace in the hole for us."
Tomi chuckles softly, though his smile is weary.
"Well, it came with a cost. I've lost my Jester powers."
Prekayda approaches, her tone firm.
"Sir Crank, I am in need of your power. Come along now."
She leads him into Boa's building. Inside the chambers, Ignis and Boa lie side by side, both resting deeply.
Prekayda gestures toward them.
"Use your healing magic, so these two may rejoin the others much faster."
Crank nods. His hands glow, releasing waves of magic sheep's wool that spread through the room, wrapping Boa and Ignis in gentle light.
Meanwhile, Tomi and Jen entersthe village. A massive Golem stands there, its surface glowing with runes, and from within it Nox's voice resonates. Vel is already present, and she gestures for them to come closer.
Together, Tomi and Jen listen as Nox and Gaia's plan is laid out.
Far away in Taeo City, the crowd is still gathered before the giant screen on the skyscraper. Hopper stands at the front, his comms buzzing as Gaia's voice fills his ear.
His eyes widen at her instructions.
"Yes, Lady Gaia—as you wish!"
Ortis leans in quickly.
"What did she say?"
Yuri's gaze stays locked on the screen, where Gaia can be seen still soaring through the skies.
"She's planning something big…"
Hopper turns sharply, determination on his face.
"Yeah. We've got a lot to do."
Moments later, Hopper and the others rush into a nearby building and head straight for the infirmary. Inside, twelve Beacons of Light lie resting, their bodies recovering from battle.
Hopper wastes no time, explaining Gaia's plan in urgent detail. One by one, the Beacons rise and gather in a circle.
Hopper steps forward, summoning a brilliant sphere of light magic. The others add their power, each pouring their energy into the sphere until it grows immense, humming with radiant force.
With a mighty push, Hopper carries the sphere outside. His arms tremble with the weight of the combined magic as he unleashes it upward, rocketing it into the skies.
The blazing light streaks across the dark sky, racing toward its destined point.
Hopper collapses to the ground, gasping for air. Ortis and Yuri rush to his side.
Hopper forces out a strained breath.
"You two… you'll have to carry on the rest. After this, I can't do much more."
His chest glows as he splits his light powers evenly between them. Yuri and Ortis shine with radiant halo.
Hopper gives a weary smile.
"Carry out the plan. You're both beacons of light now."
The two raise their fists in salute.
"For Lady Gaia!"
In a flash they soar off into another direction. Hopper watches them go, his body trembling with exhaustion. Another beacon of light gently lifts him.
He closes his eyes, whispering,
"Now… we wait for Gilga to finish his creation."
Around him, twelve other beacons of light nod with determination.
Moments later, their sphere of light drifts through the darkness. Passing by amny hordes of shadowy monsters, black waterfalls, and swarms of writhing dark worms. At last, it reaches an underground base shielded by a glowing cube of magic.
As the sphere enters, the cube shifts colors from deep blue to radiant white. Inside, a ruined temple filled with surviving Stars are under the sudden light. The Stars look up, startled and confused, as the barrier above them blazes with brilliance.
The sphere appears, then drifts forward and halts. Many Stars draw back in caution—but one bold teenager steps ahead. Ignoring the others' warnings, he touches the sphere.
Instantly, his mind floods with visions—memories of recent battles, Gaia's grand plan, and the desperate struggle against the third wave of darkness. His eyes blaze open, glowing with an aura of light.
He stumbles back, gasping.
"Guys…! This is it! If you want to earn more points, then join me in this amazing plan!"
The Stars murmur among themselves. One by one, more step forward to press their hands against the sphere, each sharing in the revelation. Awe and fire light their faces.
The sphere pulses brighter, encouraging the hesitant to join. Soon, the chamber shines as dozens more connects, their bodies glowing with fresh light. Then, with a thunderous crack, the sphere bursts into a shower of golden fireworks that rain down on them all.
The Stars glow in radiant auras as shining words appear in the air before them:
"You are gifted the power of light. Fight back against the darkness. Join us to survive the Third Wave of Doom!"
The young Star turns, voice booming with resolve.
"Alright, is everyone on the same page?! We're all still here because we want to climb the leaderboards—this is our chance! The others out there are still fighting! They need us, and if we stand together, we can all survive this wave of doom!"
Cheers erupt across the temple, the Stars rally with renewed determination.
In unison, they surge upward, breaking through the barrier, and fly out into the sea of darkness like a storm of living comets.
Meanwhile, Ortis and Yuri soar through the suffocating dark forest, their light cutting through the shadows like twin beacons. They halt before a colossal tree, its trunk glowing faintly with soft streams of moonlight.
Yuri narrows his eyes.
"There's light… coming from inside."
The two step through a hollow opening, entering the vast interior of the tree. To their awe, a massive moonlit sphere floats at the center, its glow filling the chamber with tranquil radiance.
Yuri breathes out in wonder.
"I never knew such a place existed. Hard to believe Taeo managed to scout this out."
Ortis approaches the barrier. The aura hums against his skin.
Yuri leans in
"Can we even pass through this?"
Ortis presses his hand forward, his eyes widening in reverence.
"This magic… it carries the essence of moonlight itself."
Without resistance, his body slips through the barrier. Yuri steels himself, takes a deep breath, and follows.
On the other side, their eyes widen. Hidden inside the sphere's protection is a sprawling, vibrant community—native people and Stars living together in peace, their faces lit by the silver glow of the moon.
But the peace shatters quickly. Armed Stars rush forward, weapons raised. A tall, broad-shouldered woman with commanding presence steps ahead, her confidence radiating authority.
"Interesting…" she says, voice steady. "A Star and a native walk freely through our barrier. I am Space Lord Corvex. Tell me—what kind of powers allow you to enter?"
Ortis steps forward, defiant but respectful.
"We also carry the power of light. We came seeking your aid. The final battle of this wave of doom rages out there! Without your help, the world will fall to darkness. Even your moonlight cannot shield you forever."
Corvex becomes even more interested, smirking faintly.
"Desperate words. But look around you—what can Stars do without the strength of these natives? We were saved only by a boy who claims to be the Son of the Moon. His power, not ours, protected us. So tell me—how can you two survive alone in the darkness? How could you wield such light?"
Ortis clenches his fists.
"We're not alone. We're from Taeo City!"
Corvex tilts her head, unimpressed.
"Never heard of it. And how do we know you're not lying? The Darkness can take many forms—our fears, our hopes, even our heroes. Perhaps you two are simply illusions sent to deceive us."
Her weapon rises. The others follow, stepping closer.
Ortis falters, struggling to find the words—
—but Yuri suddenly raises his arm and slices his skin open. Blood spills down his hand.
"Can a being of darkness bleed like this?!" he shouts, his voice fierce. "We come under the order of Lady Gaia, to grant you the power of light. With our combined power of light and moonlight, we can drive back this darkness and save the world. I am a Cyan Spark of Taeo City—once Juiva City—and I will not stand by while darkness devours our world. Will you fight with us?!"
The chamber falls silent. Murmurs ripple through the natives, sparks of hope flickering in their eyes. Corvex's stern face softens into a smirk.
"Such conviction… from a non-Star. Your words ignite more fire than most Stars I've seen." She lowers her weapon, then glances at the crowd. "But the decision is not mine. It belongs to the Son of the Moon."
From the gathered natives, a boy steps forward. His body glows with a serene silver aura, his gaze calm yet unyielding. Moonlight flows from his very skin.
He approaches Yuri, then extends his hand.
"He speaks the truth. We must help them."
Yuri grips the boy's hand firmly. Ortis places his own over theirs. In that moment, light and moonlight merge, surging through the chamber in a dazzling flash.
The community gasps as the moonlit tree blazes with radiant energy.
Corvex watches with a confident smile.
"The order of Lady Gaia… another Star, perhaps. I wonder if we could ever meet."
High above the world, the sky splits open. Below, the dark ocean churns violently until a colossal tear swallows it whole. From the cascading waterfall of blackness, a figure steps forth—the Lady of the Planet. Her presence warps the air itself.
"This world belongs to darkness!" she declares, her voice thundering as shadows flood outward.
The ocean hardens into a solid plain of black stone. Towering dark pillars twist upward, stabbing into the sky like spears. From the corrupted ground, monsters crawl forth in countless warped forms, shrieking with madness.
Nox, Gaia, and the army of Golems arrives as the oppressive aura causes them to shield their faces, their bodies trembling against the crushing pressure.
Gaia steadies herself, eyes blazing.
"The plan is set in motion. We must do our part!"
Her arm shifts, glowing panels reshaping into a luminous blade of pure light.
Nox twirls his massive diamond shovel, smirking with iron resolve.
"Indeed. Before, I said I was going all out… but that was only with what I had then. Now? I've gathered nearly all my resources."
With a sharp command, his golems surge forward, colliding against the endless tide of monsters.
Nox raises his hand, summoning a crackling core—gleaming with remnants of the storm dragon. He encases it in diamond, and in a blinding burst, a titanic diamond storm dragon takes shape, its body a living fortress of crystal and lightning.
Nox leaps onto its head, gripping his shovel like a spear as the dragon's roar shakes the lands.
Beside him, Gaia's mecha transforms into a metallic frame expanding into a colossal robotic dragon. Circuits blaze with energy as its core flares to life.
From within the cockpit, her voice resonates with fierce determination.
"It's my time to shine!"
Both dragons roar in unison, hurling themselves into the blackened horde.