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NORFALL BARREN
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( JEFF'S POV )
The wind whipped through the valley, tugging at their clothes and tossing stray strands of hair across dampened faces. Rain had slowed to a drizzle, but the mist clinging to the cliffs made the Norfall Barrens feel like another world entirely. Well shit to me this is another world.
Jeff's eyes scanned the rugged terrain as he approached Yuehui and Konglin. The infantry leader, Yuehui, stood tall. Konglin meanwhile, leaned against a crate, arms crossed against his shoulder.
"Greetings, Jeff, Rover!" Yuehui called out, "I've heard about you both. Impressive work." He extended a hand in greeting, nodding respectfully to his new comrades.
Jeff inclined his head slightly, a subtle acknowledgment, while Rover gave a curt nod.
"I'm Yuehui," he continued, "in charge of our infantry. This is Konglin, our ranged units leader. We're trying to map out the battlefield, plan how to make the best of this tricky terrain."
He gestured broadly toward the cliffs and narrow valley paths below. "Any suggestions? Anything you think might save lives out there, we're all ears. We must consider all options and brace for the worst."
Jeff didn't hesitate. His voice was calm, and authoritative, honed from countless past skirmishes. "We need to minimize casualties. Split the infantry into small, flexible units use the terrain to funnel them. Keep the ranged units elevated. If we prioritize chokepoints and stagger our defenses, we can contain the Tacet Discords without exposing our flanks."
Yuehui leaned in, lips pressing together as he processed every word. Konglin nodded slowly, a spark of admiration in his eyes. "I… hadn't considered splitting units like that. This could save lives. Well done."
Outside Jianxin stood at the edge of the base. "Rover, Jeff," she called, "I'll defend the base. General Jiyan has taken off with his team to distract the Tacet Discords. The Disruptor is yours to secure."
Rover straightened. "You got it."
Jeff gave a crisp salute, his eyes meeting Jianxin's for a brief moment. No words were needed.
At the gate, Yangyang approached a young ranger guarding the passage. The guard's armor was scratched, coat muddied from prior skirmishes.
"You must be…" the guard began, but Yangyang cut him off gently. "Yangyang, an Outrider. General Jiyan sent us. How are things here?"
The guard's gaze flicked nervously toward the valley below. "Those monsters… they struck without warning. A few of our troops are still holding the emplacement, but they're outnumbered. We've blocked access to protect the base—but I'm opening it for you. Please… they need your help. We're counting on you."
Yangyang's lips pressed into a thin line, eyes hardening. "We'll handle it. Point us in their direction."
Rain-slicked paths blurred under their boots as the trio moved. Yangyang's sharp eyes spotted the soldier immediately—cornered by a pack of Tacet Discords, his weapon useless against the unnatural horde.
Jeff's tacet mark ignited without hesitation, the replicated resonance of Chixia flaring across his body, heating his projectiles to create higher pressure resulting in a higher muzzle velocity and increased kinetic energy. The Tacet Discords fell like shadows before him, their energy dissipating under his pinpoint strikes.
Rover followed, blades slicing through them like butter. Yangyang, agile and lithe, used her momentum to knock back any that managed to slip past, the sound of her strikes sharp against the dull roar of rainfall.
Within moments, the immediate threat was neutralized. The soldier staggered forward.
Yangyang's voice carried concern as she crouched beside him. "We should be safe now… I hope you're alright. Let's check your wounds."
Jeff, Yangyang, and Rover approached the soldier they had just saved from the relentless assault of the Tacet Discords.
His uniform was torn and caked in mud, the crimson of his blood stark against the gray fabric of his uniform. He leaned weakly against a jagged rock, every breath ragged, each one a battle.
Yangyang knelt beside him first, her gloved hand hovering, hesitant to press too hard, afraid of causing more pain. "We should be safe now," she said softly, eyes scanning his face for any signs of recognition or hope.
The soldier's eyes fluttered open, dim but aware. He tried to straighten, though his body refused him. "General… is that you…" His voice was a mere whisper, cracked and hoarse.
Jeff crouched lower edged with urgency. "General Jiyan sent us," he said, His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair from the soldier's forehead, carefully.
A faint smile tugged at the soldier's lips. "Is that so… great…" He coughed, wincing, but his eyes glimmered with pride. "We know how important… this cannon is…" His hand twitched toward the side, revealing a small, intricately carved device—the Reparation Key—clutched in his fingers. "We kept it safe… never let them have it…"
Yangyang and Jeff worked in unison, trying to staunch his bleeding, adjusting his body into a safer position. But even as they tried, the soldier's condition remained stubbornly unyielding. His breaths grew shallower, and a quiet inevitability hung over them.
Rover's eyes darted between the soldier and Jeff, silently pleading, hoping there was still a way to save him. But when she met Jeff's gaze, she froze. His face was calm, resolute eyes that said plainly, it's already too late.
I tried replicating Baizhi's and Verina's ability, but shits not working for some reason. Damn It! I bitterly thought
The soldier's hand trembled as he passed the Reparation Key to Jeff. "This… Reparation Key… take it…" His lips quivered. "I may not see our victory… in person… please… please defeat that monster… for us…"
Jeff's hand closed gently over the small device. "We will prevail," he said unwavering. "I promise you that. You can rest knowing your struggle has paved the way… for those who come after."
Rover and Yangyang watched the soldier's features soften, a rare peace settling over his face. His eyes finally closed, a subtle exhale escaping as though he'd been holding his breath for too long.
"Thank… you…" he whispered one last time.
Yangyang lowered her head, voice choked but determined. "Yes… we will win. Please… rest in peace."
For a few moments, Jeff remained still, staring at the soldier's motionless form. Then he stood, a bubbling determination settling over him. "Let's go," he said, almost commanding, "We have a promise to keep."
The three of them rose together the weight of the fallen pressing on their shoulders—but also lighting the fire that would drive them toward victory.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE:
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Hello everyone, feel free to leave your collections, powers, reviews, and comments as you see fit. I'm planning to release a new resident evil fic. I want to know if I'll be good. That's all; thank you for reading this fanfic, and I hope you have a good day.