Dust to Dust

"Get serious?" The creature's lips parted into a soul-chilling smile, its four rows of circular, jagged teeth on full display. "Show me more. Entertain me before you become a part of me. Before your powers fuel my regression... until I return to what I once was. Hahaha."

As its guttural voice echoed, the net of fiery tendrils surrounding Adam collided with him.

BOOM

The air trembled, distortion and vapor spreading on the platform overlooking the city. Each impact intensified the blast, creating a raging conflagration of light and heat alien to the abyss. Visible from thousands of kilometers, it pierced the dark sky, revealing the abominations that had been lurking before they scrambled in horror.

The melted rocks underneath splashed and roiled like a torrent battered by the explosion. But a voice drilled through the chaotic sizzles. Calm yet cracking in suppressed rage, it carried a definitive tone.