章 76: lighting Man

As the group returned to Jekyll's house, they settled into various spots around the room, ready to share the information they had gathered. Ritsuka, Mash, and Gudako took the center, while the servants formed a protective circle around them. Mordred and Jekyll took seats near the fireplace, both looking expectantly at Ritsuka.

"Alright," Ritsuka began, "we need to share everything we've learned so far. Goetia is the main threat, and he's using these singularities to gather power. The sun being blocked is part of his plan to weaken us."

Jekyll nodded. "The dark clouds covering London have a magical origin. It's designed to disrupt any light-based magecraft, which affects you directly, Ritsuka."

Mash glanced at Ritsuka, concern in her eyes. "Senpai, what about your other abilities? Can you still use your shadow control, your umbrella summons, and your vampire powers?"

Ritsuka nodded. "Yes, those aren't affected by the lack of sunlight. We'll need to rely on them more heavily. Plus, we have a new ally now." He gestured toward BB, who was lounging on a chair, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Hello, everyone," BB said cheerily. "I promise I won't betray you or cause any endless summer loops. At least, not without permission."

Mordred rolled her eyes. "Great, just what we need, another unpredictable element. But if you can help us take down Goetia, then welcome aboard."

Before anyone could respond, there was a loud crash from outside. The group rushed to the windows and saw a figure standing in the street, surrounded by arcs of lightning. His presence was imposing, and the air crackled with electricity.

"Who's that?" Mash asked, gripping her shield.

"That's our lightning man," Ritsuka said, recognizing the figure. "He must be another servant. Be on guard, everyone."

The front door burst open, and the man stepped inside, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light. "I am Nikola Tesla," he announced, his voice booming. "I have come to aid you in your battle against the darkness that plagues this city."

Ritsuka stepped forward, extending a hand. "Welcome, Tesla. We could use all the help we can get."

Tesla shook his hand firmly. "I have been tracking the source of the disturbance. Goetia's influence is spreading, and we must stop him before it's too late."

Jekyll looked at Tesla, intrigued. "What can you tell us about the dark clouds and their effect on magic?"

Tesla nodded. "The clouds are not natural. They are infused with a powerful curse, designed to disrupt any magic reliant on light. However, my electrical abilities are unaffected, and I can generate enough power to counteract some of the effects."

"Good to know," Ritsuka said. "We'll need a plan to take down Goetia and clear the skies. Tesla, can you use your abilities to create a safe zone for us to operate in?"

"Consider it done," Tesla replied confidently. "But we'll need to act quickly. The longer we wait, the stronger Goetia becomes."

Mash turned to Ritsuka. "Senpai, what's our next move?"

Ritsuka looked around the room, meeting each of their eyes. "We gather our strength, formulate a plan, and strike at the heart of Goetia's operation. We'll need everyone's skills and abilities to pull this off. Let's get to work."

As the group began strategizing, Ritsuka felt a renewed sense of determination. With allies both old and new, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The battle for London, and ultimately the world, was about to begin.

As the group discussed their next steps, a sudden crackle of electricity filled the room. Everyone turned to see Nikola Tesla standing there, his hands glowing with electrical energy.

"Also, do you think it is that easy to fool us?" Maria Alter emerged from Ritsuka's shadow and swiftly kicked Tesla, sending him flying across the room. "Nice try, though. If I were an idiot, that might have worked."

Tesla hit the wall but quickly recovered, smirking as he stood up. "Impressive, but that was merely a test. I needed to confirm your reflexes."

"Test or not, we don't appreciate unannounced visitors," Mordred growled, drawing her sword. "State your business."

Tesla dusted himself off and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I've come to offer my assistance. Goetia's plan is as dangerous to me as it is to you. I have information that could be crucial to stopping him."

Ritsuka eyed Tesla warily. "Why should we trust you?"

"Because I'm one of the few who understands the magnitude of what Goetia is trying to achieve," Tesla replied. "And because I have no love for chaos and destruction. If London falls, it will be a blow to human progress and innovation."

Maria Alter stepped forward, still on guard. "Fine, we'll hear you out. But one false move, and you'll regret it."

Tesla nodded. "Understood. Now, let me explain. Goetia is using the demonic pillars to amplify his power. He's harnessing the ley lines beneath London, tapping into an ancient network of magical energy."

Jekyll frowned. "If he's using the ley lines, that means he's drawing energy from all over the city. We need to disrupt his connection."

"Precisely," Tesla said. "We need to find the focal points he's using and sever them. I can help identify those locations."

Ritsuka nodded. "Alright. We'll form teams and start searching the city. Tesla, you lead one team and guide them to the focal points. Mordred, you'll take another team and cover the eastern part of the city. I'll stay with Mash and Gudako to provide support and coordinate."

Mash looked determined. "Let's move quickly. Every moment we delay gives Goetia more time to strengthen his hold."

As the teams prepared to set out, Ritsuka took a moment to address them. "Stay sharp and watch each other's backs. We're up against a powerful enemy, but we've faced tough challenges before. Let's end this and bring light back to London."

With that, the teams dispersed into the darkened streets of London, ready to confront the threat that loomed over the city.

Tesla clutched his head, pain etched across his face. "Also, kill me...he's trying to control me."

Maria Alter's eyes glinted dangerously as she stepped forward. "Gladly. Anyone that tries to hurt my Ritsuka dies."

Gudako sighed, glancing at Maria Alter. "And she's back in yandere mode. Alright, I'm staying back. Good luck, everyone."

"No," Ritsuka intervened, placing a hand on Maria Alter's shoulder. "We don't kill allies, even when they're compromised. There must be another way."

Tesla groaned, his eyes flickering between clarity and darkness. "There is...a device...in my lab. It can sever the connection...but it's heavily guarded."

Ritsuka nodded. "Then that's our next target. We'll get you to your lab and cut Goetia's control over you."

Mordred stepped up, her sword ready. "Lead the way, Tesla. But if you make any suspicious moves, I won't hesitate."

Tesla nodded weakly. "Understood...let's move."

The group quickly formed a protective formation around Tesla, with Maria Alter staying particularly close, her eyes never leaving him. They moved swiftly through the fog-shrouded streets of London, the oppressive atmosphere weighing heavily on them.

As they approached Tesla's lab, the ground trembled, and demonic creatures began to emerge from the shadows. Ritsuka, Mordred, and the others readied their weapons.

"Protect Tesla!" Ritsuka commanded. "We need him to reach that device."

The battle was fierce. Mordred and Maria Alter fought with a brutal efficiency, cutting down any enemy that approached. Gudako provided support from the rear, using her magic to bolster her allies.

Mash held her shield firm, deflecting attacks that came Tesla's way. "Stay close, Mr. Tesla. We'll get you through this."

Tesla, struggling to maintain his composure, guided them through the labyrinthine paths to his lab. As they finally reached the entrance, a massive demon barred their way.

Mordred charged forward. "Leave this one to me! Get Tesla inside!"

Ritsuka nodded. "Mash, Gudako, let's go!"

Inside the lab, Tesla directed them to a complex machine covered in arcane symbols and wires. "This...will cut the connection. I just need a moment to activate it."

"Make it quick," Maria Alter said, standing guard at the door.

Tesla worked feverishly, his hands trembling. Outside, the sounds of battle raged on, Mordred's shouts and the roars of the demon echoing through the walls.

Suddenly, the machine whirred to life, emitting a bright light. Tesla let out a cry of relief as the device did its work, severing Goetia's control over him.

"It's done," Tesla panted, collapsing to his knees. "I'm free."

Ritsuka helped him up. "Good. Now we can focus on stopping Goetia for good."

As they regrouped, Mordred came in, bloodied but victorious. "The demon's down. What's next?"

Tesla, now steady, looked at them with renewed determination. "Now, we destroy the focal points. And then, we take the fight to Goetia himself."

Ritsuka nodded, his resolve firm. "Let's end this."