Alistair motioned for the soldiers to bring forward the crate. He squatted down, his balance impeccable as his armor hummed with a faint, almost imperceptible, vibration.
"Open it up," he ordered, a faint smile playing on his lips. He hummed expectantly as his soldiers pried open the crate cover, only to be greeted by a solid block of concrete. He sighed. "What even is this?" he murmured, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. A smirk tugged at his lips, knowing this wouldn't stop him. He placed a hand on the open crate, delicately pressing his fingers onto it before applying pressure.
Crackling sparks of red Nether energy bridged the surface of his polished armor and the rough concrete. In a split second, cracks swept across the concrete surface, reducing it to near dust, save for a few large chunks.
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Yes, the free use Nether is mostly inaccessible to most people, including Psions. They need to use a system of Krenis and Ganuxan Crystals to unleash the energies of Nether and Aether.
But, there's an exception, all those who are labelled as Class Keutres on the Georofi Scale can freely use Nether and Aether, their bodies produce and store the energies by themselves and they can draw out this energy just as easily.
Also, there are three other Classes on the Georofi Scale, ranging from most powerful to least, with Keutres Class on the very pinnacle;
• Ceitr Class
• Neluz Class
• Vertia Class
___________________________
The soldiers watched in silent awe, knowing that Alistair's Class Keutres status placed him at the pinnacle, above the Ceitr, Neluz, and Vertia Classes. The difference between his power and that of a Ceitr was akin to the difference between land and sky.
Beneath the concrete lay a layer of black metal. He chuckled. "My, my, what is this? Some joke?" Shaking his head, he pressed one of his fingers against the metallic surface. Once again, an arc of Nether energy bridged between him and the metal. It resisted for a fleeting moment before it glowed, yielding to his power. The metal parted to his touch, like the Red Sea to Moses.
Underneath the metal, a small case made of Aletriu greeted him. Alistair's eyes widened slightly. Aletriu was a super durable and rare metal, known for its ability to deflect nearly all Netheric and Aetheric energy used against it. It is bore deep within the mountains of Idanno, nearer to the mid northern parts. However, it was also highly radioactive, slowly poisoning anyone and everything in its close vicinity.
Alistair immediately stood up and backed away, setting up a small perimeter. "Perimeter, now," he spoke steadily, his voice carrying authority. The soldiers sprang into action, forming a tight, protective circle around the crate. He activated his comm device and reported back to base. "This is Alistair. We've encountered something interesting in the crate. It's a small case made of Aletriu."
Voxxe's voice crackled over the comms, light and teasing. "Aletriu, hm? You're a well-versed trouble finder, aren't you?"
To Voxxe's teases, Alistair smirked, leaning against the crate. "Indeed, Voxxe, indeed. Now, enough of that, I'm setting up a perimeter."
Voxxe sighed softly, the sound similar to how one feigns hurt, "You really know what to do and what not to, I guess I shall be heading out if I'm so obsolete." Voxxe's voice was teasing, he chuckled afterwards
To Voxxe's sarcasm, Alistair responded calmly, "Thank you," Alistair said with a soft grin, turning towards the gates of the ruined town hall.
"Well, first off," Voxxe replied, "I'd say you dodged a bullet there. If you'd kept poking around, you'd be glowing like a lamp right now."
"Always the optimist, Voxxe," Alistair said dryly, shaking his head. He chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair.
"Don't fail my expectations, be safe," Voxxe said, a hint of concern in his voice. "Lord Deone is already there. You know how he is. He'll be scrutinizing every move you make."
Alistair chuckled. "Isn't he always?"
"More than usual this time," Voxxe replied. "He'll be looking for any excuse to critique you, especially after this little Aletriu adventure. Try not to give him too much ammunition."
"I'll do my best," Alistair said, rolling his eyes. "Anything else?"
"Just one more thing," Voxxe said, his tone turning playful. "Don't let him rattle you. You know how he likes to test your patience. Also, I'm certain that there's something to the crate, we'd be investigating it once the investigation department gets its hands on the crate. Your force will be chosen for leading the charge post-investigation."
Alistair smirked. "Thanks Voxxe, I appreciate you and your words. I'll see you soon."
"Take care, Alistair," Voxxe said, signing off.
With the perimeter secured and his instructions clear, Alistair turned to his soldiers. "Hold this position until the specialists arrive. Keep everyone at a safe distance from the Aletriu."
The soldiers nodded, their faces showing a mix of relief and tension. They began setting up a more fortified perimeter, using portable barriers and sensors to ensure no one accidentally wandered too close to the radioactive material.
Alistair then moved to his Lis-32 dual-rotor VTOL, the engines roaring to life as the aircraft lifted off the ground. Lucian followed behind in his Lis-19 helicopter, the two aircraft slicing through the sky toward their next destination. Seven Lis-27s flanked the aircraft, their engines roaring and rotors chopping the air rhythmically.
As they ascended, Alistair glanced back at the perimeter, satisfied with the soldiers' quick response and efficiency. The sun began to set, casting long shadows over the landscape, as they sped towards the unknown challenges awaiting them in Wistear. The horizon glowed with the hues of twilight, a stark contrast to the darkness of their mission.