Chapter 7: The Star Pirates' Armada

Kai and Lyra stepped out of the ancient temple, the atmosphere around them thick with tension. The once-clear sky was now overshadowed by an ominous sight—a fleet of 100,000 colossal starships hovering in orbit, casting massive shadows over the landscape.

Lyra's eyes widened. "The Kronax Star Pirates… I've heard of them. They're infamous across the Dark Multiverse. Why are they here?"

Before Kai could respond, the temple behind them began to pulse with energy. A radiant figure emerged—Zyro, still glowing faintly after their battle.

"The barrier has been lifted," Zyro stated, his voice grave. "Had it not been active during our fight, this multiverse and several adjacent ones might have been obliterated by the fallout of our clash."

Kai clenched his fists. "You're saying the temple shielded the multiverse from our battle?"

Zyro nodded. "Indeed. Andreas foresaw the destructive potential of this relic and prepared accordingly. But now that the relic has been claimed, the temple's protections are gone."

The ground rumbled as massive beams of light from the pirate fleet illuminated the area. The ships began descending, and a booming voice echoed from the largest vessel.

"Kai, the wielder of Andreas' relic! Surrender it now, and your deaths will be swift and merciful!"

Lyra grimaced. "They're not here for negotiations."

Kai activated his cosmic mode, his body transforming into pure energy. "Let them try. Zyro, will you fight with us?"

Zyro shook his head. "My duty was to guard the relic and test its chosen wielder. The battle ahead is yours to face."

Kai narrowed his eyes but nodded. "Then keep the temple safe. Lyra and I will handle this."

The First Assault

As the pirates deployed their forces, thousands of smaller fighter ships swarmed toward Kai and Lyra. The ground trembled under the weight of their approaching army.

Lyra drew her plasma blades, her face set with determination. "I hope your cosmic powers can handle this, Kai."

Kai smirked. "You're about to find out."

With a single motion, Kai unleashed a wave of cosmic energy, obliterating an entire squadron of fighters. The pirates retaliated, raining down energy blasts that lit up the battlefield. Lyra moved with precision, her blades cutting through their ranks like a storm.

Despite their overwhelming numbers, the pirates seemed cautious. They weren't here to destroy but to capture—and their focus was entirely on Kai.

The Leader of the Kronax Pirates

As the battle raged on, the flagship of the fleet descended, its massive frame shaking the very air. From its ramp emerged a towering figure clad in dark, ornate armor. His presence exuded authority and raw power.

"Kai," the figure bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. "I am Commander Draxor of the Kronax Star Pirates. Relinquish the relic, and I may spare your allies."

Kai stepped forward, his aura blazing. "You want it? Come and take it!"

Draxor laughed, his voice dripping with contempt. "Very well. Let's see if you're worthy of holding Andreas' legacy."

As Draxor charged toward him, wielding a massive energy blade, Kai braced himself for the fight of his life. Lyra continued holding off the pirate forces, her skill and agility unmatched.

In the midst of the chaos, Zyro watched silently from the temple's entrance. "Andreas," he murmured, "your chosen heir is being tested. Let us see if he truly deserves your power."

The battle was far from over, and the outcome would determine not just Kai's fate but the balance of power in the Dark Multiverse.