In the dark, swirling void of the Nexus Realm, Simon stepped up to the jagged throne. He looked up at Azathoth, his expression hidden behind his dark helmet, but his voice was tight with disappointment.
"Corvous disgraced us," Simon stated simply. "As expected, he died in just one slash."
"Understood," Azathoth replied, his glowing eyes staring blankly ahead.
Simon bowed his head slightly. "Master, I am so sorry, but I feel we are not operating at our full potential. Luciferio's race has been completely useless, and you keep sending them down one by one. Let's unleash a full-on attack all at once."
Azathoth suddenly leaned forward, a terrifying, unhinged grin spreading across his face. "I don't care. I don't fucking care."
Simon flinched, stepping back.
"I have no reason. I have no tragic backstory. I am just evil," Azathoth snarled, his voice vibrating through the dark dimension. "I will do whatever you want. You do anything you want. As long as it leads to suffering and death! I only want Luciferio to have the gems so that evil shall spread across all of creation, and hope becomes entirely meaningless."
Simon quickly composed himself, standing tall. "Okay, Master. Fine. Then let me go. I will bring you the gems, and I still have unfinished business with Ignis."
"You can go," Azathoth waved a dismissive hand, leaning back into the shadows. "Do whatever you want."
"I will handle it from now on. Luciferio's race is useless," Simon said, a dangerous edge returning to his voice. He looked up at Azathoth, his eyes cold beneath his visor. "I will make you proud... and I will gain favor over Luciferio."
On Earth, the Rangers gathered in Sophia's bedroom.
Sophia smiled weakly, her cheeks dusting pink. "It's okay. It was my fault."
Solara crossed her arms, raising a teasing eyebrow at them. "What are you two whispering about?"
Ignis quickly looked away and turned to Astrax, who was standing quietly by the door. "Why did you call us here?"
"We are having a Ranger meeting," Astrax stated. He walked over and sat down on the other side of Sophia's bed, his face completely serious.
Solara smiled warmly and waved. "Hi, Sophia."
"Hi, Solara!" Sophia beamed. Her eyes suddenly darted to Solara's wrist, going wide. "Oh my God, what is that?!"
Solara held up her arm, showing off a sleek, futuristic metallic band. "I created it so I can track the energy locations of monsters, and of us."
"Do I get my own? It is so cool!" Sophia bounced slightly on the mattress. "Sit down, Solara! Let's talk. How was the mission? Was the villain hard or easy?"
Ignis gave her a gentle, grounding look. "Quiet down, Sophia."
"Yes, I will make one for you," Solara promised with a laugh. "But let's listen to what Astrax has to say first."
Sophia covered her mouth, her face turning red again. "Sorry. I'm sorry, I have ADHD."
"It's okay," Ignis said softly. He looked back at Astrax, his brow furrowing. "So, who did you meet?"
"We met an alien again, who was after the gems," Astrax explained. "But this time... we met someone different." You are reading on g.com, the official source.
"Who? Who?" Sophia asked, leaning forward eagerly before catching herself.
"The Black Ranger," Astrax said firmly.
Ignis’s eyes widened. "The Black Ranger? An evil Ranger?"
"Yes," Astrax nodded slowly. "He said I should tell you... 'Serena said hi'."
Ignis blinked, totally blank. His face showed absolute confusion. "Who is Serena? I have no clue."
Astrax tilted his head, studying Ignis's face for any sign of a lie, but found none.
"Is there anything else?" Ignis asked, scratching his head.
"He also mentioned the Crown of Seven Days," Astrax added.
"Is that all?" Ignis pressed.
"Yes. That is all."
Solara stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Sophia's shoulder and looking at the rest of the team. "Whatever this is, we will handle anything as a team."