The air was still heavy with tension, but the battle was over. Zeraphon stood tall now, his radiant form steady, no longer burning with uncontrolled instinct. His gaze swept over the gathered team — Kael, Veyra, Orion, Lyra, Zevak, Cryalis, and Zero Step.
For a long moment, silence.
Then Zeraphon spoke — his voice deep, resonant, and steady:
"…I am Zeraphon. The Supreme Radiant. Embodiment of Cosmic Supremacy."
His eyes narrowed slightly as he surveyed the destruction around them.
"I owe you an explanation."
Kael stepped forward, calm but direct.
"That's exactly why we're here. What happened to this place?"
Zeraphon closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
"A force… ancient and monstrous… came to annihilate this multiverse. Its purpose was pure destruction — an unreasoning hunger to erase this reality entirely."
He gestured toward the distant shattered skies.
"I fought it. We clashed across countless dimensions… but in the end, it unleashed a final blast — one meant to unravel everything."
His fists clenched.
"I stood in its path. I absorbed the blow — held the core of this multiverse together. It cost me… everything I had."
He looked at the team, voice heavy with guilt:
"When I awoke, I saw new figures… and my instincts… I apologize. I was still locked in battle. I meant no harm."
Kael gave a slight nod.
"You fought to save this place. You have nothing to apologize for."
Veyra added warmly:
"You held the line. Without you, there'd be nothing left here."
Zevak chimed in with a grin:
"And you kept up with Zero Step — that says more than enough."
Zeraphon's gaze softened. For the first time, a faint smile crossed his lips.
"You fight with purpose. You stand as one."
Kael stepped forward.
"We're gathering warriors — beings who won't bow to chaos or ruin. We face a greater threat than this."
He extended a hand.
"Zeraphon… will you join us?"
Zeraphon looked at the hand, then at each of them — reading their strength, their hearts.
Finally, he placed his gauntleted hand in Kael's.
"You have my strength. I will stand with you."
The Cosmic Tyrants had gained a new ally — one whose radiance would soon turn the tide in battles yet to come.
End of Chapter 25