The arrival of my five most trusted allies transformed the atmosphere within the Ashbluff palace from desperate urgency to focused determination. Cecilia, Rachel, Seraphina, Rose, and Reika had answered my call with the kind of immediate response that spoke to bonds forged through impossible trials and mutual trust that transcended normal friendship.
Each of them represented high Immortal-rank power combined with combat experience that few individuals could match. Together, they constituted a force that could challenge small armies or legendary-tier threats with reasonable hope of success. But even with their combined strength, I couldn't shake the growing certainty that what we were about to face would test us beyond anything we had previously encountered.
"A Calamity will rise," Kali whispered from where she leaned against the command center's wall, her expression carrying the kind of dark understanding that came from recognizing historical patterns repeating themselves.
