"Norrin, keep an eye out for the coordinates of the dimensional rift when you get a chance. I need to pinpoint the Celestials' ancient ruins."
Loren sent the message through Temporal Communication. "Splitting our forces across three defensive lines will only wear us down. Find the source, and we can cut off the Phantoms' supply in one stroke."
As the Silver Surfer swept away the attacking Phantoms, he extended his astral senses into the surrounding dimensional fissures, searching with all his might for the golden fluctuations of Celestial Origin.
A moment later, his reply came: "I've picked up a stable golden energy signal! I've roughly located the ancient ruins. They're hidden in an Interlayer Dimension beyond the convergence of the three timelines. That's where the ritual is taking place and the Spacetime Fragment is being kept!"
A sharp gleam flashed in Loren's eyes.
The opportunity had come.
He immediately adjusted his plans, sending a Temporal Communication to everyone on all three fronts. "Hold your lines and keep the remaining Temporal Phantoms occupied.
Norrin, draw off the Celestial Construct Guardians patrolling the perimeter. Once I've stabilized the temporal passage, I'll enter the Interlayer Dimension myself, destroy the Spacetime Fragment releasing the Phantoms, and stop the ritual!"
Once the ritual at the source collapsed, every Temporal Phantom spread across the three timelines would lose its energy supply and naturally disintegrate.
Within the dimensional rift, the Celestials sensed Loren's intentions and immediately went on alert.
"He intends to attack the ruins himself! Do not let him near the ritual's core! Activate the defensive array and mobilize the Construct Guardians stationed there. Stop him at all costs!"
Inside the Interlayer Dimension, countless gilded runes flared to life. A great host of Celestial Construct Guardians awoke and formed ranks around the ruins.
On one side,