Chapter 13: The return of the one true king

As Umbra, Akari, Ember, and Crystal caught their breath after the previous battle, a sudden chill ran through the air. Two Valkyries, radiant and fierce, descended from the sky, their wings slicing through the air with a menacing grace. Without a word, they launched their assault, their swords clashing with Umbra and Akari's in a symphony of destruction.

The battlefield erupted into chaos once more. The Valkyries moved with incredible speed and precision, their attacks a blur of steel and energy. Umbra, deflecting a series of rapid slashes, marveled at their prowess. "Why are you so much stronger than the other gods?" he asked, his voice steady despite the ferocity of the fight.

The Valkyries, their movements fluid and deadly, began to explain while continuing their relentless assault. "Our father granted us one percent of his power," one Valkyrie said, her voice resonating with an ethereal echo. "With that, our abilities transcend dimensionality and all concepts. He created a place outside of existence itself."

As if to confirm this, a voice echoed telepathically in their minds. The Father's presence was overwhelming, even from his distant realm. "Indeed, my children. With but a fraction of my power, they become unparalleled."

Umbra and Akari split their focus, each facing one Valkyrie. Akari, alongside her daughters, engaged in a fierce duel. Crystal and Ember unleashed their elemental powers, but the Valkyrie countered with ease. Crystal was flung into the sky by the Valkyrie, who summoned a spear and hurled it with deadly accuracy. The spear pierced Crystal's chest, and as she fell, the Valkyrie summoned another spear, ready to strike again.

"No!" Umbra's voice roared through the chaos. His aura flared, a dark and fiery storm, as he caught Crystal before she hit the ground. Rage consumed him, his power surging uncontrollably. The Father, observing from his realm, whispered to himself, "The return of the one true king."

The Mother's voice cut through the Father's musings. "Remember your place. Do not interfere with my plan."

Umbra moved with a speed that defied comprehension, his form a blur of shadows and flames. The Valkyrie, despite her strength, struggled to keep up. She created perfect clones of herself, each one equally formidable, but Umbra's attacks were relentless. His blade cut through arms, legs, and heads, leaving a trail of dismembered foes.

"You think your mortality is impressive," Umbra said coldly. "You haven't even noticed I've already cut you into thousands of pieces."

The Valkyrie, shocked, stammered, "Impossible."

The Father's voice echoed, "He has. You just haven't realized it yet."

Meanwhile, Akari and Ember were struggling against their own Valkyrie. The clash of swords was fierce, but Akari's strength was waning. Her head throbbed, and suddenly, she cried out in pain as she started to give birth on the battlefield. It was a baby boy.

Crystal, despite her injuries, used her ice powers to heal herself and leaped to her father's side. "I'm okay, Daddy," she said, her voice strong. She froze the Valkyrie in place. Umbra, his voice a dangerous whisper, said to the Valkyrie, "If you make my daughter feel like her ice isn't cold enough, I will kill you over a million times."

Crystal hurled the frozen Valkyrie towards the other one. Umbra, carrying his newborn son and supporting Akari on his back, gathered his daughters in his arms. They moved as one, a family united by strength and love.

As they prepared to leave the battlefield, an old man, a figure from Umbra's past, appeared. "What will you name your son?" he asked.

Umbra, without stopping, replied, "I don't have time to talk now."

Umbra's former academy students, witnessing his departure, called out in awe. "How did you get so strong? What's the secret to surpassing the gods? Can we follow you?"

Umbra, glancing back, said, "Follow me. Once we return to my kingdom, I will explain everything about this omniverse."

The Valkyries, recognizing Umbra's dominance, proclaimed, "All the other gods have fled. This is Umbra Kurayami."

With that, Umbra led his family and newfound followers away from the battlefield, their next journey just beginning.