The calm after Mukul's first strike lasted barely a day. As dawn broke over the city, golden light filtering through tall buildings, Mukul and his five allies—Meera, Anaya, Kavya, Saira, and Liyana—felt it: the Conclave was retaliating. Dark energy rippled through the air, unnatural and menacing.
"They're coming," Mukul said, golden aura flaring subtly around him. "And they're not holding back this time."
Meera scanned the skyline. "This is bigger than before. Reinforcements, guardians, and… something else. I can feel it."
Kavya grinned, twirling her dagger. "Something else? Sounds like a party. I'm ready."
Anaya's eyes narrowed. "Parties don't win battles, Kavya. Strategy does. Focus."
Saira's calm tone cut through the tension. "We observe first, defend second, and strike only when necessary. Predict their moves."
Liyana smirked, "Predicting is fun… especially when chaos follows."
Mukul nodded. "Split into two teams. Meera, Anaya, and I will handle the frontal assault. Kavya, Saira, and Liyana flank from the sides. Timing is everything."
As they moved through the streets, shadows twisted unnaturally. Mystical constructs surged from the darkness—half-shadow, half-stone, their eyes glowing with malice.
"Guard yourselves!" Mukul shouted, energy coiling around him like a living shield.
Anaya and Meera struck first, precise attacks dismantling guardians while protecting Mukul. Kavya and Liyana attacked from above, disabling magical wards and taking out patrols mid-air. Saira's calm precision intercepted energy blasts before they could harm the group.
The Conclave's leader appeared, cloaked in dark energy, eyes glowing with fury. "You dare strike at us?" the figure hissed. "Tonight, the city will fall!"
Mukul stepped forward, golden aura flaring, heart steady. "Not while we're here. We protect the city, the artifacts, and each other."
The clash was instantaneous. Dark energy collided with golden light, creating bursts that lit the streets. The women moved in perfect synchronization, covering each other, striking from angles Mukul couldn't manage alone.
Meera guided Mukul, pointing out weak points in the constructs' formations. "Strike the nodes—focus on destabilizing their energy first!"
Anaya intercepted a guardian moving toward Kavya, taking it down with fluid precision.
Kavya leapt from a rooftop, striking two constructs simultaneously. "Told you, style matters!"
Saira deflected dark energy blasts aimed at Liyana, while Liyana disrupted magical wards, allowing Mukul to strike the Conclave's leader directly. Golden energy surged through his fists, destabilizing the dark aura surrounding the enemy.
The leader faltered but roared, summoning more constructs. Shadows twisted violently, energy surging in unnatural patterns.
"Stay together!" Mukul shouted. The women reacted instantly, forming a protective circle, each using their skills to neutralize threats while keeping Mukul safe.
With one final surge, Mukul channelled all his golden energy through the artifacts. A blinding pulse erupted, shattering constructs, dispersing dark energy, and forcing the Conclave's leader to retreat.
Breathing heavily, Mukul turned to the women. Each was bruised, exhausted, yet their eyes shone with triumph and determination.
"Teamwork," he said softly. "Unity, trust, and coordination—this is why we survive."
Kavya smirked. "And style, don't forget style."
Anaya rolled her eyes but smiled. "Coordination wins."
Saira nodded calmly. "Unity and vigilance always prevail."
Meera added, "Protecting each other—that is our true strength."
Liyana twirled her dagger, "And a little charm never hurts."
Golden light pulsed softly from the artifacts. The city remained tense, shadows lurking everywhere, but Mukul knew one thing: with the women at his side, no threat could overwhelm them.
The Conclave had struck back—but they had survived. And next time, Mukul knew, they would strike harder, smarter, and as a team stronger than ever.