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Sylanwood, Diremaw: The Frozen Slopes: Lower Layer, Time: 2:00 PM
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As the blinding light of the explosion subsided, Ace and Ezra found themselves lying on the ground, battered and bruised.
The room they were in had been decimated, with debris scattered everywhere. Coughing and groaning, they struggled to their feet, their vision still blurred from the blast.
"Ugh, that... that was intense," Ace wheezed, clutching his side where he had taken the brunt of the explosion's force.
Ezra nodded, his ears ringing from the deafening noise. "Yeah, but at least we're still alive."
They looked around, trying to locate Chris amidst the aftermath. However, there was no sign of him.
"Did... did we get him?" Ace asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Ezra scanned the area, his bow at the ready. "I'm not sure. Let's be cautious. He might still be lurking around."
As they cautiously moved through the wreckage, they couldn't shake the feeling that Chris might return for another round.
Out of the rubble, Chris emerged, panting heavily and almost out of breath from the devastating attack.
His back was covered in bruises, evidence of him having shielded the GV mage during the explosion. She clung to him, her face flushed with gratitude.
"I forgot to tell you to leave it to me, didn't I?" Chris smiled at her, his voice strained, before gently letting her go.
She bowed to him in thanks and then hurriedly left the ruined area, leaving Chris alone with our heroes.
With a determined look, Chris turned his attention back to Ace and Ezra, who were still recovering from the blast. "Alright, time to deal with you both..." He muttered, his steps slow and deliberate as he approached them.
"ow." Debris struck his head, but he didn't flinch, his focus solely on the impending confrontation.
As Chris approached Ace and Ezra, the air was tense with anticipation. Ace slowly managed to sit up, his shield and sword still at his side, while Ezra struggled to his feet, clutching his bow.
"You're tougher than we expected," Ace admitted, grimacing from the pain but trying to stay focused.
Ezra nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you're not like the other Guardians we've faced."
Chris chuckled weakly, "I should hope not. We're the last line of defense for Glacial Vigorous. We can't afford to be weak."
Ace and Ezra exchanged glances, recognizing the resolve in Chris's words. Despite being on opposite sides, there was a newfound respect between them.
"But that won't stop us," Ace declared, raising his sword, determination burning in his eyes.
Ezra notched an arrow, adding, "We're here to save Elowen and put an end to your plans."
Chris's smirk returned, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "Then let's finish this."
In the echoing aftermath of the explosion, the trio stood ready, each prepared to give their all. Chris, despite his injuries, exuded an aura of unyielding determination.
As the tension reached its peak, Chris was the first to make a move. With surprising speed, he lunged at Ace, who blocked the attack with his shield. Their swords clashed, creating a dazzling display of sparks.
Ezra, positioned strategically behind Chris, drew his bowstring taut and aimed carefully. His arrow sailed through the air, finding its mark as it struck Chris's already injured left eye. Chris howled in pain, staggering back, "I'm going to bathe in your blood!"
Ace took advantage of the moment and unleashed a furious onslaught of strikes, forcing Chris to retreat further. Despite his injuries, Chris fought back with unwavering resolve, "Damn you!"
Ezra continued to fire arrows, now targeting Chris's limbs, causing him to lose mobility. It was a relentless barrage that left Chris severely wounded and struggling to stand.
Finally, Ace delivered a powerful strike, sending Chris sprawling to the ground. He dropped to the pile of rubble, defeated, and surrendered to the heroes, "I...have been...bested..."
Chris lay there unconscious on the pile of rubble, water from the waterfall trickling across his face.
Ace struggled to stand up straight, and Ezra helped him by wrapping his left arm around his neck, with Ace placing his hand on Ezra's shoulder.
"You alright?" Ezra inquired as Ace's head bled slightly.
"I can manage to stand a bit. What should we do with him?" Ace asked, glancing at the unconscious Chris.
Ezra considered the situation and responded, "There's nothing we can do but let him go."
Ace nodded in agreement, and with Ezra's assistance, they left the ruined area through one of the doors, leaving Chris unconscious.
Meanwhile, an observer had witnessed the entire scene: a familiar blue-haired man in a Hawaiian shirt.
Later, Chris slowly opened his eyes to see the ceiling. His head throbbed from the intense battle with Ace and Ezra.
"God... my head hurts," he mumbled, rubbing his temple.
As his vision cleared, he noticed something unusual: multiple yellow pupils staring at him.
It was The Watcher.
The creature gazed at him with its many eyes, then opened its beak, seemingly ready to devour Chris whole. Chris prepared himself for what seemed like an impending doom.
However, nothing happened. Instead, he heard a voice: "Bad bird! You've already eaten a hundred of them! Don't eat this one!"
Chris opened his eyes wider to see the man in the Hawaiian shirt, Sugar, desperately trying to prevent The Watcher from harming him.
Sugar successfully reprimanded The Watcher with a gentle bonk on the head, followed by some soothing gestures.
"You there! That was quite an impressive display of power you showed back there," Sugar remarked, complimenting Chris.
Chris, perplexed by the compliments and Sugar's intervention, raised an eyebrow.
Sugar continued, "You see, I've been traveling the world, seeking warriors who could serve as assets in my enterprise. Given that Glacial Vigorous is on the brink of collapse, I have a job offer for you."
Chris weighed his options. Loyalty to his grandpa seemed certain, but the powerful aura surrounding Sugar hinted at something more. Chris made his choice with a sly grin and said, "I accept."
This decision brought a smile to Sugar's face, as he lightly laughed, "Hahaha..."
Chris rose unsteadily, still recovering from the intense battle. He regarded the strange man and creature warily. "So...what exactly is this 'job offer' then?"
Sugar smiled, his eyes glinting behind tinted shades. "Straight to business, I see! I'm assembling a team of exceptional fighters from across the realms to beat those who are above the food chain. With your skills, you would make a fine addition."
He gestured grandly around him. "Together, we will explore new territories filled with untold treasures and dangers. You will be handsomely rewarded for your efforts, of course."
Chris raised an eyebrow, intrigued but still cautious. "And what makes you think I'd turn my back on Glacial Vigorous so easily?"
"Loyalty is an admirable quality," Sugar conceded. "But we both know GV's days are numbered. And I sense a kindred spirit in you - a yearning for greater challenges."
The Watcher loomed silently behind Sugar, various eyes focused unblinkingly on Chris, awaiting his response.
Chris weighed his options, then broke into a grin. "Well, you raise fair points. Sign me up then...on one condition." He crossed his arms expectantly.
"Oh?" Sugar tilted his head. "And what might that be?"
"That I get to battle against those who are against us," Chris answered, a hungry gleam in his remaining eye. Defeat still burned bitter, but the promise of fighting Ace and Ezra again roused his fighting spirit.
Sugar considered then laughed loudly. "I think that can be arranged, my pugilistic friend! The realms are filled with possibilities." He extended his hand. "So what say you? Join me on a quest for fortune and glory?"
Chris firmly grasped Sugar's hand with new resolve. If allying with this eccentric man brought stronger foes, the choice was clear. Their handshake seemed to seal both a business deal and the beginnings of an unusual kinship.
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