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Desorock Highland
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(JEFF'S POV)
The wounded Midnight Ranger was barely conscious when they reached him.
He was slumped against a shattered supply crate, armor cracked open at the chest plate, one leg bent at a wrong angle that made Yangyang's stomach twist. Blood had soaked into the ground beneath him, mixing with the corrupted rain.
His breathing was shallow. Wet even which isn't a good sign.
His helmet had fallen off. His face looks young.
Too fucking young.
His eyes fluttered open at the sound of footsteps. "Are you… Yangyang?" he rasped. "Oh… thank goodness…"
Yangyang dropped to her knees beside him immediately. "I'm here. What happened?"
He coughed, red staining his lips.
"The Thundering Mephis… it came back…"
Jeff stiffened slightly at the name.
The Ranger swallowed painfully. "I'm part of the Desorock Highland supply transport team… This is where our supply station is… We work to keep our soldiers alive…"
His fingers weakly gripped Yangyang's sleeve as if afraid she'd disappear.
"We were on our way… had to pass through this Tacet Field…" His eyes unfocused for a moment.
"Thundering Mephis… The rain brought it back to life… crushed our transport…"
A tremor passed through his body.
"In the end… I barely escaped… I can't move anymore…"
His breathing began to slow. "This place… dangerous… careful… please…"
His head lolled to the side.
His eyelids drooped.
Rover's chest tightened from the sight."He's fading—"
Smack.
The sharp sound echoed through the rain.
Yangyang gasped.
Jeff had slapped the Ranger across the face not brutally, but hard enough to sting.
The Ranger's head jerked.
"Hey," Jeff snapped firmly, gripping his jaw to keep him upright. "Stay with me."
The Ranger's eyes flickered open weakly.
"Don't give up yet. Not on my watch. Stay with me now."
Then as if in autopilot Jeff slid into motion like he'd done it a thousand times before. He adjusted the Ranger's position carefully, lowering him flat but slightly angled to keep his airway clear. His hands moved efficiently checking pulse at the neck, watching chest rise.
"Rov, I need space. Yangyang, talk to him. Keep him conscious."
He leaned close, eyes scanning the Ranger rapidly.
Airway — partially obstructed from blood.
Breathing — shallow, uneven.
Circulation — significant blood loss.
Jeff's jaw clenched. His mind was already calculating. ISS(Injury Severity Score)… multiple trauma. Leg fracture. Possible internal bleeding. Respiratory compromise. He ripped open the Ranger's chest plate carefully, fingers working fast despite the rain.
"Don't sleep on me now," Jeff muttered, tapping the Ranger's cheek again, lighter this time. "You fight it."
Yangyang leaned close. "What's your name? Stay with us."
The Ranger blinked slowly. "Kael…"
"Kael," Jeff repeated firmly. "Good. Stay with that. Focus on my voice."
He rummaged through his inventory pouch, pulling out gauze, compression bandages, field antiseptic. He located the worst bleed—upper thigh. Deep laceration.
"Rover," he barked without looking up.
"Pressure here."
She was already beside him.
Her hands steady, and warm pressed down firmly where he guided her. She didn't hesitate.
Jeff tore fabric, applied pressure dressing, wrapped tight.
"Yangyang, I need something rigid. Wood, metal, anything straight."
She moved instantly, retrieving a fractured crate plank.
Jeff aligned the Ranger's broken leg gently. The Ranger screamed hoarsely, body arching.
"I know, I know," Jeff muttered through clenched teeth. "Stay with me."
He immobilized the limb with the plank, securing it with strips torn from his own undershirt when bandage ran short.
Blood slowed.
Breathing stabilize slightly.
Jeff leaned close again, checking pupils. "Kael. Look at me."
The Ranger's eyes focused weakly.
"That's it. That's good."
Rain ran down Jeff's face, mixing with dirt and blood. His expression was fierce—focused in a way Rover had never seen before. This wasn't the cold shooter from earlier.
This was something else.
He slid one arm under the Ranger's back carefully, lifting him slightly to assess spinal stability.
"Internal bleeding's possible," Jeff muttered low. "We need a medic station. Now."
Rover watched him, something soft and fierce in her gaze. Yangyang swallowed. "We're close to base. Not far."
Jeff nodded once. He adjusted the bandages one last time, double-checking tension.
Then, without another word, he crouched and carefully lifted the Ranger onto his back.
The Ranger groaned weakly.
Jeff secured his arms around his shoulders. "Hold onto me."
"Th-Thank you…" the Ranger whispered.
Jeff shifted him slightly higher, tightening his grip. "Shut up," he said gruffly. "Save your strength, Ranger."
Yangyang stood quickly. "We're close. Just beyond the ridge."
Rover stepped beside Jeff, ready in case he faltered.
"Move," he said.
They started toward the base at a fast pace. Faster than Jeff would've preferred while carrying a half-conscious Ranger on his back—but speed mattered more than comfort right now.
Each step jarred through his legs. Mud sucked at his boots. Rain streaked into his eyes, blurring his vision. The Ranger's grip around his shoulders weakened slightly.
"Stay with me," Jeff muttered under his breath. "Don't you dare check out now."
Rover ran close on his right side, eyes scanning the surroundings. Yangyang kept slightly ahead, sword glowing faintly as she read the Streams.
"We're almost there!" Yangyang called over the wind.
Then—
A low, distorted screech ripped through the battlefield.
Jeff felt it before he saw it.
"Contact—!" he started—A massive Tacet Discord tore through the rain from their blind side, its body jagged and pulsating with corrupted energy. It locked onto them instantly onto the wounded Ranger.
It lunged.
Jeff couldn't move fast enough carrying the extra weight.
Rover stepped forward—
But before the creature could close the distance—
BOOM!
A spear slammed into the ground between them with a thunderous crack.
The impact detonated a shockwave that split the rain in half.
The Tacet Discord was forced backward mid-lunge, claws scraping against invisible pressure.
The earth trembled.
"Watch out!"
Yangyang's face lit up. "General!" Through the rain, a tall figure stepped forward.
Jiyan.
His cloak fluttered behind him despite the heavy air. His grip on the spear was effortless, like it weighed nothing. His eyes sharp locked onto the Discord.
Rover froze for half a second. In awe.
Jeff blinked rain from his eyes, heart still pounding from the near miss. "You sure know how to make one hell of an entrance," he muttered.
Jiyan didn't smile.
"…Thundering Mephis."
The name carried weight.
"We must bring it down to keep pushing forward."
He stepped forward once.
The pressure in the air changed instantly. "…Begone."
The spear lifted from the earth and flew back into his hand as if summoned by will alone.
The Thundering Mephis shrieked and charged again.
This time—
Jiyan met it head-on.
He moved like a storm given human form.
One precise thrust pierced straight through the creature's torso. A pulse of controlled Resonance exploded outward, destabilizing its core. He pivoted smoothly, dragging the spear upward in a clean arc that split the Discord's upper half apart.
The creature tried to reform—
"Yangyang!" Jiyan called.
She understood instantly. Her sword flared bright, wind currents spiraling around the Discord's fragmented body, trapping it mid-regeneration.
"Miss Rover!" he commanded.
Rover launched forward without hesitation, blade gleaming gold. She dashed through the suspended mass and struck precisely where Jiyan had weakened it.
Her strike detonated the core.
The Thundering Mephis let out one final distorted roar—
Then shattered into dispersing fragments of blackened light.
Jeff stared. Damn… holy shit. He's not just a fucking general for nothing. This guy is strong as hell.
The Ranger on Jeff's back stirred weakly. "That's… our General for you…"
Jeff shifted him slightly higher. "Didn't I tell you to shut up? I'm gonna drop your ass." But his grip tightened protectively despite his words.
Yangyang exhaled in relief. "We did it!"
Rover immediately stepped to Jeff's side, checking him over quickly—eyes scanning for injuries he wouldn't admit to.
"I'm fine," he muttered.
She didn't look convinced for a second.
Jiyan stood still for a moment, watching the rain fall through where the creature had been.
"The Thundering Mephis is a blend of countless fallen soldiers' Reverberations," His voice was calm—but heavy. "As long as more soldiers are still dying here, it will always return."
The weight of that truth settled between them.
"Not to mention…" His gaze lifted toward the rain-soaked sky.
"Countless souls of our brave soldiers remain trapped in this rain, to this day."
Yangyang lowered her head slightly. "…General."
For the first time, something flickered across Jiyan's expression.
Regret.
"…Sorry," he said, voice softer now. "I should've arrived sooner."
Rover's grip on her sword tightened.
Jeff adjusted the Ranger on his back again and met the General's gaze steadily.
"You're here now," Jeff said simply. Not blaming him for something he could've done. But just stating fact.
Jiyan gave him a small, approving nod.
"Let's return to base. The wounded must be treated immediately."
Jeff didn't wait for another word.
He started walking again.
This time—
With the General at their side.
The rain had thinned to a cold drizzle by the time they resumed walking.
Jeff adjusted the Ranger on his back, tightening his grip under the man's thighs to keep him from slipping. His shoulders were starting to burn, but he didn't let it show.
He glanced toward the tall figure walking beside them.
"Honored to meet you, General Jiyan."
His tone was respectful—but still very Jeff.
Jiyan inclined his head slightly.
"The honor is mine."
His gaze shifted to the injured Ranger secured firmly on Jeff's back. There was no mistaking the quiet gratitude in his eyes.
"Thank you for taking care of our wounded. I am forever grateful."
Jeff shrugged one shoulder carefully so he wouldn't jostle the splinted leg. "Don't worry about it."
Rover watched the exchange, studying Jiyan openly now. "You must be that General?" she asked, head tilting slightly.
"Yes." His voice was calm, steady. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Jiyan, the current General of the Midnight Rangers."
Rover narrowed her eyes faintly, studying his face like she was searching through memory. "I think I've seen you before…"
Jiyan's lips curved just slightly.
"Is that so? You're a mysterious individual with vast experience. If we had crossed paths before, I wouldn't be surprised."
Rover's gaze sharpened. "Are you a 'Phantom'?"
Yangyang blinked at the bluntness.
Jiyan, however, didn't seem offended in the slightest.
"The Phantoms are mere replicas of the past," he replied evenly. "Since this is our first time meeting, I wouldn't recognize you if I were one of them."
He paused, then added gently—
"But I do wish we could've met sooner, Rover. Jeff."
Jeff arched a brow slightly at hearing his name so naturally spoken.
"Madam Magistrate and Taoqi have informed me of your willingness to assist us," Jiyan continued. "Thank you for lending us a hand."
He clasped one fist over his chest briefly—a restrained but formal gesture.
"I should properly welcome you both with Huanglong's formalities. But the current situation forbids ceremony. I'll brief you on our plans as quickly as possible."
Jeff glanced sideways at him. "Straight to confidential stuff?"
"I've heard about your deeds from Madam Magistrate. You are a trustworthy ally according to her."
Ally.
Jeff didn't react—but he registered it.
Jiyan reached into his coat and retrieved two small vials filled with faintly glowing liquid.
"Here. The Retroact Rain antidote, developed by the Academy."
He handed them over.
"While it cannot shield you entirely from its effects, it should lessen the hallucinations."
Rover accepted hers, turning it in her fingers. "What if I was a 'Phantom,' then?"
Jiyan answered without hesitation.
"For someone to appear as a Phantom in the Retroact Rain, two conditions must be met: prior exposure to the rain and a deep connection to the affected area."
He met both their eyes.
"You were found in the Gorges of Spirits only recently. This is your first time setting foot in Jinzhou. That possibility is ruled out."
He paused.
"Moreover… you both possess an ability similar to the legendary heroes who once absorbed a Threnodian."
Jeff's brows knit slightly. "Jué prophesied about your arrival."
Jeff let out a slow breath. "Another prophecy of Jué, huh." I'm gonna have a talk with that freaking dragon later.
"I was told you would come to the Norfall Barrens one day," Jiyan continued. "To reclaim your lost power from Ovathrax."
Rover stilled. "Reclaim our lost power?"
"Yes. Madam Magistrate may not be aware of this, as it occurred before her appointment."
His voice lowered slightly.
"On the day I was selected as General… Jué told me this—" He recited it without hesitation. "'Beneath the full moon, guide the returning ones to confront Threnodian. From the threat itself, they shall reclaim the power to conquer it.'"
The words lingered heavy in the air.
"And if you are indeed the 'returning ones' mentioned," Jiyan said quietly, "we may finally rid ourselves of that monster."
He looked upward.
"You might have noticed something off about the moon. We call it the 'Void Plenilune.'"
Jeff remembered the unnatural glow.
"Once it fully takes shape… Ovathrax, the Threnodian of War, will reawaken."
His tone sharpened. "It is an ancient terror. It devours weapon frequencies to enhance itself."
His eyes went toward the distant battlefield. "The Norfall Barrens have become a graveyard of weapons after countless battles. Those remnants would only strengthen it."
Rover's grip tightened around the vial.
"But we must act now," Jiyan continued. "The Void Plenilune is already visible. Any delay could allow it to recover further."
Jeff nodded once. "Understood. What do we have to do?"
Jiyan regarded him carefully. "To remain calm in such an extreme situation… your composure is admirable."
Jeff huffed quietly. "An acquired trait. Needed it to keep my sanity."
Rover suddenly stepped forward, eyes blazing. "Okay," she declared. "Let's kick whatever it's called's ass!"
Her eagerness almost made Yangyang choke on a laugh. Jiyan quickly lifted a hand. "Hold on. We cannot afford to rush the plan."
Jeff let out a short laugh.
Then, deadpan—
"Any suggestions for music at my funeral?"
Rover elbowed him lightly.
Jiyan's expression softened faintly. "Fret not. Our enemy is strong—but not unbeatable. I am confident we will prevail."
He gestured ahead.
"We'll discuss specifics once we reach the base."
They continued walking.
"I've taken care of the Tacet Discords nearby on my way here," Jiyan added. "The path ahead should be relatively safe."
Yangyang suddenly slowed.
"Wait… Is that…"
Through the thinning rain, something massive loomed in the distance.
A towering silhouette made of warped metal and broken blades.
Jiyan's expression darkened.
"Ovathrax's statue. Built from repurposed weapons and debris. It has long loomed over Jinzhou as a symbol of our struggle."
The structure rose from the water, grotesque and imposing.
"We gravely injured it three years ago. The statue sank beneath the water."
His eyes narrowed.
"And now… it has resurfaced."
A quiet tension passed between them.
"Our enemy must be eager to strike."
He pointed forward.
"The Vanguard Base is just ahead. Let's hurry."
Jeff exhaled in relief. "Thank god. My back's getting sore carrying this guy."
The Ranger groaned weakly. "Sorry…"
Jeff shifted him slightly. "Just stay alive longer so you can repay me with interest."
Despite his condition, the Ranger gave a faint breath of a laugh. "Your good deed will be fairly compensated… don't worry…"
Jeff smirked. "That's what I'm talking about."
Rover shook her head, smiling softly.
Even Jiyan allowed the faintest curve of amusement to touch his lips.
The moment the wounded Ranger was taken from my back, my body swayed slightly.
"Easy," one of the medics muttered as they guided him onto a stretcher.
Inside the triage tent, everything smelled like rain, iron, and antiseptic all at once. A medic with rolled-up sleeves barked orders while pressing gauze into someone's shoulder wound. Another adjusted a resonance stabilizer, her hands steady despite the distant rumble of thunder.
The injured Ranger I carried managed to give me a weak nod before they pulled him behind a curtain.
I nodded back. "Stay alive," I muttered under my breath.
When I stepped outside, the cold air hit my face like a wake-up call.
The base was restless.
A pair of Midnight Rangers stood near the outer barricade, rain dripping from the edges of their pauldrons. One had removed his helmet; damp strands of dark hair clung to his forehead. His expression was pale, eyes locked on something in the distance.
"That statue…" he whispered, almost to himself. "It just showed up again…"
The Ranger beside him clenched his jaw, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. His hands were steady, but the worry around his eyes betrayed him.
"I saw it three years ago," he said quietly. "The night of the Battle Beneath the Crescent."
He inhaled slowly, like he was forcing the memory back down.
"We need to prepare."
I followed their gaze.
Across the flooded expanse of the Norfall Barrens, cutting through mist and rain, it rose.
A towering effigy forged from broken weapons and debris. Blades formed jagged ribs. Rusted spears jutted from its shoulders. Shattered firearms fused into a grotesque spine. Water cascaded down its surface as if it had clawed its way back from the depths.
The statue of Ovathrax had resurfaced.
Even from here, it felt… alive.
Like it was staring back.
A gust of wind whipped through the camp, tugging at cloaks and banners.
To the left, near stacked supply crates, several Midnight Rangers were in the middle of weapon checks. One crouched, carefully aligning the core of a resonance rifle, brows furrowed in concentration. Another tightened the strap of his gauntlet, testing the flex of his fingers.
"How's the weapons?" a broader-shouldered Ranger asked, "We're all set," the younger one replied, though he rubbed his thumb nervously along the rifle's frame.
The older Ranger caught it. He didn't call him out. He simply nodded.
"Good. We can't afford carelessness tonight."
Metal clicked into place. A faint sound vibrated through the air as frequencies calibrated.
A soft, composed voice drifted through the wind. "Greetings, General."
I turned.
Jianxin stood near the edge of the command tent, robes pale against the gloom. The rain dampened the hem of her sleeves, but she didn't seem bothered by it. Her posture was straight yet relaxed, hands loosely folded in front of her. Her eyes took in everything without judgment.
Yangyang blinked, surprise flickering across her face.
"Master Jianxin? I didn't expect to see you here…"
A warm smile curved Jianxin's lips.
Before she could respond, a familiar presence stepped forward.
Jiyan
"Jianxin arrived with one of the supply teams," Jiyan said. "She has been a great help."
Jianxin dipped her head slightly. "General, you flatter me."
Her gaze drifted toward the distant statue. For the first time, something heavier passed through her expression.
"I've heard people describe the Norfall Barrens as a graveyard," she said softly. "When it rains, they say you can hear cries in the wind… as if the fallen still linger."
"My Master once told me that life and death follow a natural course," she continued. "The heavens and earth form a vast chamber. Spirits depart… and return."Her fingers tightened subtly around her sleeve.
"But here, they are bound."
Her eyes lifted, steady now.
"I want to help release them."
No one laughed. No one dismissed it either. Because we all shared the same sentiment.
"Please," Jiyan said, gesturing toward the command tent.
Inside, the air was warmer but no less tense. A large tactical map stretched across the central table, pinned at the corners. Red markers dotted the Norfall Barrens. Supply lines were drawn in careful ink. Light flickered over terrain lines.
Jiyan placed both hands on the table, leaning slightly forward. "Our primary objective is to contain the reviving Threnodian," he began. "However, the Tacet Discords remain unpredictable."
He shifted a marker closer to the statue's position. "The Academy has confirmed they are not native to this region. They were conjured."
Rover folded her arms, one brow lifting. "By that thing."
"Yes," Jiyan replied evenly. "That is my conclusion."
"While Ovathrax remains weakened, we must act," he continued. "If we delay, it will feed on the countless weapons and the dead buried here. Every hour increases the risk."
His gaze moved between Rover and me.
"Our forces are stretched thin. Many are injured. We cannot afford reckless decisions."
Rover's jaw tightened, but she nodded.
Jiyan's eyes settled on me.
"I ask for your assistance in planning our strategy."
For a moment, the weight of it pressed against my chest.
The Prophecies.
The Reviving horrors.
I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my damp hair before stepping forward.
I placed my palm flat against the edge of the table.
"Alright," I said, meeting his gaze. "Let's fucking do this."
Rover smirked beside me, eyes lit with that familiar fire.