Allen's consciousness, like a ray of light plunged into a deep pool, continued to sink along that polluted energy path.
The surroundings were no longer the sight of the material world, but a distorted, viscous darkness. Countless malicious whispers exploded directly in his mind, attempting to erode his will and distort his perception. He saw fragmented memories—falling stars, civilizations burning in purple flames, life being drained and transformed into twisted monsters... These were all desperate scenes that the Lord of the Dark Abyss was trying to show him.
"Get out... you ant... your light... is disgusting..." The massive aggregate of evil thoughts churned deep within the seal, coalescing into faces of pain, anger, and greed, roaring at Allen's spiritual body.
Allen focused his mind, constructing a solid barrier with the Light of Purification, while relentlessly injecting more light into the darkness. Wherever his light touched, it was like a red-hot iron scalding ice; the darkness hissed and retreated temporarily, but more darkness immediately surged forward. This was a war of attrition, a battle of will and energy, each second rapidly draining his spirit and strength.
Outside, around the Crystal Tower, the battle had reached a fever pitch.
The sky was shrouded in churning dark clouds and chaotic streams of dark purple energy, causing visibility to plummet. Countless cloud beasts, completely controlled and with bloodshot eyes, surged forth from the clouds and the edges of the islands like a tidal wave! They had lost all reason, driven only by the instinct to destroy everything in their path.
"There are just too many of them!" Usopp complained loudly as he aimed his slingshot precisely at the eyes and joints of the cloud beasts, but his attacks didn't stop. His special plant Seed exploded among the beasts, creating entanglement, smoke, and explosions, effectively slowing down their advance.
"Roar!" The Cloud Roar Behemoth, having regained its power, became the strongest fortress in the defensive line. It let out a deafening roar, and the sound waves were like solid walls, sending swarms of Cloud Beasts flying and stunning them. It guarded the front of the Crystal Tower, its massive body serving as the most reliable barrier.
Zoro and Sanji were like two whirlwinds, active at the forefront of the defense.
" Three-Sword Style: Black Rope Dragon Twister!" Zoro's figure merged with the sword light, transforming into a giant sword energy tornado that rushed into the beast horde. Wherever it passed, the cloud beasts were all shredded into clouds that filled the sky.
Sanji's figure flashed in the air, " Diable Jambe - BBQ Set!" His legs were engulfed in flames, each kick carrying intense heat, igniting and exploding the attacking flying cloud beasts.
" General Franky —enter!" Franky leaped into his giant robot, his arms conjuring cannons and missiles, unleashing a barrage of fire. "SUPER—Fireworks Extravaganza!"
Brook, using his agile movements and ability to Soul Departure, weaved through the chaotic battlefield. His staff-sword, like a chilling glint of death, precisely pierced the cores of cloud beasts. "Song of Plunder - Snowstorm Slash!" The chilling aura emanating from the sword even temporarily froze a small area of cloud beasts.
Chopper transformed into a gigantic Monster Point, using his immense strength and body to withstand the impact while keeping a close watch on the battlefield, ready to rescue the wounded Winged Tribe warriors at any moment.
Nami used the Clima-Tact to try to disperse the dark clouds and create lightning strikes and strong winds to disrupt the beast herd, but the celestial phenomena under the influence of the Lord of the Dark Abyss were exceptionally stubborn, and her efforts had limited effect.
With their familiarity with the terrain and aerial advantage, the Winged Tribe warriors formed battle formations and fought a bloody battle against the cloud beasts with spears and energy bows. They knew that this was not only to repay a debt of gratitude, but also for the survival of their homeland and the entire airspace!
However, the number of cloud beasts seemed endless, and even more powerful beings appeared—
Several enormous cloud beasts, with even more twisted forms and covered in dark purple crystals, issued commands from behind the horde, acting like commanders. Their attacks contained even stronger Dark Abyss energy, capable of corroding the Winged Tribe's weapons and Franky's armor.
"We have to deal with those big guys first!" Zoro's eyes narrowed as he locked onto a giant cloud beast that resembled a multi-headed serpent.
"Ah, that's exactly what I was thinking too!" Flames erupted from Sanji's feet as he charged toward another cloud beast that resembled a giant lion.
The battle grew increasingly fierce. The defensive line began to bear immense pressure, with the Winged Tribe warriors constantly being wounded and falling, only to be rescued by their comrades at the cost of their lives. The tremors of the crystal tower also intensified, as if something from beneath the earth was violently assaulting it.
Inside the tower, Robin stood guard beside Allen, using her powers to grow countless arms on the tower walls and at the entrance, forming a protective net to repel any who tried to approach. Seeing Allen's tightly closed eyes and beads of sweat on his forehead, she knew the battle inside was equally dangerous.
"Hang in there, Allen," she whispered, her voice firm.
Just when the pressure on the external defenses reached its peak --
"Buzz--!!!"
The heart-shaped crystal at the center of the crystal tower suddenly burst forth with an unprecedentedly dazzling light! A pure, warm beam of light even pierced through the top of the tower and shot straight into the dark clouds, temporarily dispelling a small patch of darkness!
The purifying power that Allen infused seemed to have reached a certain critical point, creating a deeper resonance with the seal itself!
From the depths of the earth came the earth-shattering roar of the Lord of the Dark Abyss, a roar filled with pain and rage! All the cloud beasts froze, as if they had lost some control.
"It worked!" Nami exclaimed in surprise.
But everyone knows that this also means that the final, most frantic counterattack is about to begin!