Chapter 12: The end of false Gods

The glorious victory that Umbra and Akari had achieved against the gods of death and strength had been going on for another two months. Now that they were back in Umbra's original universe, they discovered that they were engaged in a never-ending conflict with gods and demons. As far as the eye could see, the formerly peaceful countryside had been transformed into a battleground, with rubble and burnt dirt covering the whole area. 

With his flame sword slicing through the air and killing demons with pinpoint accuracy, Umbra seemed to be standing tall. In close proximity to him, Akari used her light and shadow abilities, destroying her adversaries with a combination of elegance and violence. Despite their little stature, their twin children, Ember and Crystal, battled with them. Their formidable strength belied their diminutive size.

Through the use of her flaming skills, Ember unleashed torrents of flame against the demons, causing them to be entirely consumed in an instant. Crystal, her icy counterpart, was able to freeze her adversaries with a single look, and with a flick of her wrist, she was able to shatter them entirely into pieces. The twins moved with dexterity and accuracy, their movements demonstrating the intense training they had received beforehand. 

A number of Umbra's former pupils from the academy stood in the background and observed the fight from a distance. They were amazed by the sight of their former classmate, now a great warrior, leading his family in combat. They mumbled amongst themselves, doubting whether this was actually the same child they had known years before. 

Suddenly, the mood transformed. The sky darkened, and an overpowering sensation of power settled upon the battlefield. The principal gods had arrived: Tempus, the God of Time; Zanara, the Goddess of Creation; Deianira, the Goddess of Destruction; and Iradin, the God of War. Their presence was obvious, their energy sizzling in the air. 

Umbra and Akari felt the coming of these formidable entities simultaneously. Umbra promptly gathered up his kids, his voice calm and forceful. "Ember, Crystal, handle the demons and the minor gods. Your mother and I will take care of the important gods. Remember what I taught you. Ember, utilize your fire powers. Crystal, use your ice." 

The twins nodded, resolve in their eyes, and began their onslaught on the demons and lesser gods. Umbra and Akari turned to confront the four deities, their determination unshakable. 

Tempus, an ethereal figure with a flowing robe, and Zanara, dazzling and regal, faced Umbra. Meanwhile, Deianira, with her chaotic aura, and Iradin, a towering figure carrying a gigantic sword, moved on Akari. 

Umbra battled Tempus and Zanara. Tempus altered the flow of time, aiming to slow Umbra's movements. Umbra replied with his command of shadows, moving with blazing speed despite the temporal distortions. Zanara conjured numerous realms, creating illusions and obstacles to baffle Umbra. With his burning sword, Umbra slashed through these realms, reducing them to nothingness. 

On the opposite side of the battlefield, Akari confronted Deianira and Iradin. Deianira released waves of wild energy, intending to demolish Akari. Akari effortlessly ducked, her light and shadow powers building barriers to block the strikes. Iradin, with his tremendous power and massive sword, rushed toward Akari. Their swords collided with a thunderous scream, sparks flying with each hit. 

Amidst the furious struggle, the gods discovered Akari's weakened status owing to her pregnancy. Seizing the chance, they synchronized their assaults, seeking to overwhelm her. Akari, although being at 50% of her strength, battled courageously. Zanara and Tempus, recognizing an opportunity to shift the scales, developed a strategy. Tempus touched Umbra, transporting him to an alternate timeline. 

In the parallel reality, Umbra found himself in a bleak world. With grim resolve, he shattered the chronology, pushing his way back to his home reality. Tempus, undeterred, repeated the procedure, sending Umbra across multiple futures. Each time, Umbra destroyed the facts, inching closer to his bride. 

Meanwhile, Zanara constructed a multi-dimensional box, an unending maze meant to capture Umbra. Undeterred, Umbra destroyed the box, cutting Zanara's legs and stabbing her in the back. Her regeneration delayed, she ran in horror. Tempus, observing Umbra's unrelenting might, sought to flee across time and dimensions but was finally captured and defeated. 

Umbra came to the battlefield just in time to witness Iradin hurl Akari into the air. With a jump, Umbra grabbed her, landing behind Iradin. As their children, Ember and Crystal, came to join them, Iradin roared in indignation at the seeming disrespect. 

Umbra grinned, his voice cold and sharp. "What are you talking about? Your head has already been severed. You simply haven't noticed it yet. You're already dead."

A look of confusion crossed Iradin's face as he reached up, his hand brushing against the empty air where his head once was. Slowly, as if in disbelief, his head slid from his shoulders and tumbled to the ground. The mighty God of War fell, his colossal form crashing to the earth with a thunderous impact.

At that moment, two ethereal Valkyries descended from the sky, their wings shimmering with a radiant light. They landed gracefully, their presence commanding and serene, signifying the end of the gods' dominion.

One of the Valkyries stepped forward, her voice resonating with a divine authority. "All the other gods have fled in fear. None dared to face the wrath of Umbra Kurayami."

The other Valkyrie nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping over the battlefield. "This is the man who has defied the heavens and triumphed. This is Umbra Kurayami."

Umbra, Akari, and their daughters stood triumphant, the battlefield around them now eerily silent and still. They had faced the wrath of the gods and emerged victorious, their bond stronger than ever. The ruins and scorched earth that had once marked their struggle now served as a testament to their unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit.

Together, they had overcome insurmountable odds, and in that moment, they knew their connection was unbreakable. The battle was over, but their journey was far from complete. As they looked toward the horizon, they knew new challenges awaited, but they would face them together, united in strength and purpose.