Tension in the VaultaCorp Boardroom
In the highest room atop the VaultaCorp tower, the atmosphere was tense. The executives sat around a long table, their faces etched with frustration.
"What happened to the first pursuit team? Why couldn't they capture those insects?" Moris barked in a loud voice.
Dr. Thorne, with his usual arrogance, merely shrugged. "If you're so capable, Moris, go ahead and catch them yourself."
Another executive chimed in, "Moris, you're responsible for this mess. You should be the one to fix it."
Feeling cornered, Moris rose from his chair, his anger boiling over. A purple, glowing knife materialized in his hand. "Would you like me to escort you out, or will you leave on your own?" he threatened, his eyes blazing.
The executive who had mocked him, Evan, vanished in a blink, then reappeared behind Moris. "Moris, you're not the only one who can make threats. I could also make you stop breathing." His voice was cold and piercing, sending shivers down Moris's spine.
Dr. Thorne intervened, cutting through the escalating tension. "Enough! We need to find them before it's too late. There's no time for your childish squabbles."
The leader of VaultaCorp, always calm and authoritative, finally spoke. "I agree with Thorne. Evan, gather the remaining members and continue the pursuit. Don't let them live."
Meanwhile, deep within the Crystallis cave...
Salsa continued her training under the guidance of the Old Guardian. Rian and Anya watched from a distance, their hearts filled with worry.
"Focus your mind, Salsa," instructed the Guardian. "Feel the energy flow from the Crystallis, let it course through you."
Salsa closed her eyes, her hand reaching out towards the Crystallis. A blue light began to emanate from her hand, swirling around her. Suddenly, water from the nearby pool lifted, forming orbs that floated in the air.
"Good, Salsa!" exclaimed the Guardian. "Now, try to control their movement."
With intense concentration, Salsa moved her hand, guiding the water orbs into beautiful patterns in the air.
"Zoe, try swimming through these water orbs," Salsa said. Zoe, the small dolphin-shaped light, jumped and playfully weaved through the water orbs.
.On the other side of the cave...
Rian was busy repairing the defense system of the Water Crystallis cave, which consisted of stone golems embedded in the upper walls.
From above, Rian looked down at Salsa with a worried gaze. Does this mean Salsa will leave? Will I lose her again? Anya approached him, and sensing his unease, she gently grasped his hand, offering silent support.