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| NORFALL BARREN |
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( JEFF'S POV )
The closer they got to the statue, the heavier the air felt. The mist that clung to the ruins carried the metallic tang of lingering energy, and the stones beneath their boots shook ever so slightly with the resonance of the Threnodian's power.
"As expected," Jiyan said, scanning the path ahead,"the enemies are only getting stronger as we approach the statue. Have you been injured, Jeff, Rover, Yangyang?"
Yangyang brushed a lock of hair from her sweaty forehead, her eyes briefly glancing at Rover. "I'm okay… but Rover, she…"
Rover waved her hand dismissively, though the flinch in her shoulders betrayed the truth. "I'm fine. It's nothing."
Jiyan's gaze softened slightly, but his hands were already reaching for her, checking her arm. "Give me your hand."
Rover extended it, eyes watching him warily. "Huh?"
Jiyan ran his fingers over the small scratches on her forearm, his brow furrowing in acknowledgment. "Hmm… knew it. The battle has left you with a few scratches. I still have some first-aid with me. Please use them. The upcoming fights will be even more dangerous. If you get injured, you must let me know immediately."
Jeff's gaze flicked between them, jealousy written all over his face.
Rover caught it and gave him a subtle, smirk finding it cute. "Don't worry about it,"
Jiyan nodded. "Let's keep moving."
Ahead, several floating platforms hovered over a chasm, shifting slightly in the gusts of wind. "There," Jiyan pointed, stepping carefully, "perhaps we can make use of them."
Yangyang's hand went to her weapon instinctively. "Watch out! I can feel Tacet Discords ahead."
Rocks littered their path. "These rocks are blocking our way. We'll need to get rid of them," Jiyan said.
A crackling voice came through Rover's terminal. "Finally… Rover, Jeff you hear me?" Mortefi's tone was both relieved and urgent. "Our signals got blocked off by the Threnodian's power. Took us a lot of effort to get this call through."
Jeff tilted his head, listening. "Go on,"
Mortefi continued, "Your Terminal design is… impressive. Once this is over, I want a full analysis. But now, back to business. You're still within the Disruptor's range. We can provide fire support, but I strongly advise finding cover far away. You've seen its power."
Jiyan's gaze swept the ruined building. "Almost everything here is destroyed. We'll need a safe spot to take cover while the Disruptor fires. There." He pointed to a floating platform overhead. "Perhaps we can make use of it."
Yangyang nodded, adjusting her stance."Understood."
Jiyan readied his grappling hook. "Aim at that wall. We can pull ourselves over. Mortefi, it's time."
"Understood. Watch out, everyone!"
Mortefi's voice crackled in their ears. With a coordinated heave, the four of them launched forward, grappling lines snapping tight. Rocks shifted and tumbled as they pulled together, the ancient stones groaning under the strain. When they landed on the next platform, the small rise of wind and gravity gave them a brief, breathless respite.
"We did it!" Yangyang gasped, sweat dripping down her face, hair plastered to her forehead.
Mortefi's voice cut through the comms again. "The Disruptor's power is down to one-third. Only one more shot. After that, it needs to recharge. Take care, everyone. I'm on standby."
Jiyan scanned the rubble ahead, eyes narrowing. "Let's try pulling the floating boulders together. This should make our path clearer."
Rover moved beside him, gripping a rope with gloved hands. "One moment," Jiyan said, eyes scanning the angle of the stones. "We can work the terrain to our advantage. Let's pull that wall down on them. That'll trap anyone beneath."
The boulders moved with a metallic screech, dust filling the air, and debris showered around them. "Well done," Jiyan said, stepping back, evaluating the newly cleared path.
Another series of rocks blocked their ascent. "Same situation. Let's do it again," Jiyan instructed, motioning with precise gestures. The team moved as one, hauling stones, coordinating each movement with silent efficiency.
Then, perched upon a higher platform, a creature flickered into view—an Impermanence Heron, its feathers glowing with unnatural light. Jiyan's voice dropped to a whisper. "An Impermanence Heron? Here? Rover… let's approach with care."
Rover crouched, blade at the ready for the strike. "Got it," she murmured,
Every step was measured, every glance alert. "So many enemies along the way,"
"I couldn't have made it past them so fast without the both of you." His eyes softened briefly, glancing at each of them.
The top of the ruins was in sight now, and the air vibrated with the statue's power. "We're almost there," Jiyan said, jaw tight, hand brushing a loose stone for balance. "Its power… I can feel it growing. We don't have much time. Let's move."
Yangyang spotted a ledge above. "Some more platforms up there… how do we climb?"
Jiyan's eyes flicked to a glowing current of wind. "Gravity Stream. Blocked at the moment. We'll clear the rocks, then let it carry us up."
With synchronized effort, they tugged, pushed, and swung, gripping stones slick with rain. "More rocks… careful footholds," Jiyan instructed, eyes scanning the precarious edge.
Yangyang's chest heaved as she gave a final pull. "Almost… there…"
A collective grunt, a heave of arms, and the massive rock finally moved. "Phew… we did it!" she breathed, wiping dirt from her face, hair damp and plastered.
Jiyan's gaze swept the final stretch. "We'll reach the top soon. Stay ready—this is only the beginning."
The narrow path ahead was a tangle of rubble and shattered stone, the roar of distant Tacet Discords echoing like a chorus of malice. Jiyan's eyes swept the barricade with steely precision, hands resting on the hilt of his weapon.
"The road ahead is completely blocked off," he said. He looked over at Jeff and Yangyang. "You choose where the Disruptor's last blast hits. Make it count."
Jeff didn't hesitate. "Fire now!"
Jiyan's hands clenched the edge of a rock as the energy from the Disruptor flared through the valley. "May it cleave out a path for us." His gaze lingered on the chaos beyond the blast. "This… this many enemies… we cannot fire the Disruptor again."
Yangyang suddenly froze, her boots skidding slightly on the dust-streaked stones. Her eyes narrowed, jaw firm.
"Yangyang, you…" Jiyan began, a flicker of concern crossing his usually impassive face.
She straightened her shoulders. "The Threnodian is only going to summon more of them as we move forward. We need someone to hold them off—to escort the others into the statue safely."
Jiyan's brow furrowed slightly, recognizing the resolve in her gaze.
"I understand you plan to do it yourself, General," she continued, eyes flicking briefly to Jeff and Rover, "but I think I am better suited for this task. We all want to defeat the Threnodian once and for all. And now that our shared goal is within reach… I do not want it to slip away."
Jiyan let out a slow breath. "…Indeed, Yangyang. Turns out I was the one being indecisive."
Rover hesitated, glancing at Jeff with a questioning frown. Jeff's jaw tightened as he considered the situation, eyes darkening with thought.
"Yangyang…" Rover's voice wavered slightly, unsure.
Yangyang stepped closer to them, eyes shining with determination. "I've witnessed the faith and fortitude of so many on our way here. It's time I fulfill their trust. Rover, Jeff… please, leave this to me. I'll have your back."
Jiyan's hand hovered near his chest. Then he nodded slowly. "Now, Jeff, Rover… please make the call."
Yangyang squared her shoulders, fists clenching at her sides. "I will stand guard here. The Threnodian will not be able to draw more power from the monsters in this area. I'll leave the rest to you."
Jeff's eyes flicked between Yangyang and Jiyan, heart thundering in his chest. Then he exhaled sharply.
"Yangyang's right."
Rover's mouth opened, ready to protest, but Jeff cut her off.
"That's why… I'm staying here with her."
For a moment, the world seemed to stop. Surprise flashed across Jiyan and Rover's faces. Yangyang's lips parted, a mix of relief and gratitude softening her usual steely expression.
Jeff shrugged slightly, a wry half-smile tugging at his lips. "What? You think I'm leaving you here all alone? Besides… I believe the General and my dear Rover can handle what lies ahead. I believe in them that much."
Jiyan's jaw relaxed minutely, the tension in his shoulders easing. Rover's frown softened, and she let herself be reassured by Jeff's conviction.
Yangyang's eyes glistened, a hint of emotion breaking through her usual composure.
"Now go. Save Jinzhou. We've got this."
Jiyan gave a curt nod, boots crunching against the rubble as he prepared to move.
Rover turned to Jeff, hesitation flickering across her features before she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a brief, decisive kiss.
His eyes widened for a fraction of a second—but he welcomed it, a rare, unguarded smile tugging at his face.
"You'll get more when I'm back," Rover said, stepping back but eyes locked on his.
Jeff chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing just a little. "I'm looking forward to it."
Yangyang exhaled sharply, pulling herself into her battle stance. Jeff mirrored her, pistols and rectifier beam at the ready.
Jiyan and Rover turned toward the path ahead, stepping into the chaos that awaited, leaving Jeff and Yangyang behind as silent sentinels.
The wind howled through the shattered valley, carrying with it the distant cries of the Tacet Discords, but the four of them were ready. Each heartbeat was a promise, each step a vow: that they would see this through.
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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. That's all; thank you for reading this fanfic, and I hope you have a good day.