Chapter 153: Fractured
Scene: The group steps cautiously into the Aquarian Empire. The oppressive atmosphere presses down on them, the air thick with malice and faint traces of mana that feel almost alive. The vast temple is carved from black stone, the walls etched with glowing, sinister symbols. An eerie silence dominates, broken only by the occasional faint echo of their footsteps.
Narrator: The heroes and the Shadow Troupe have entered the heart of the Aquarian Empire. The darkness that surrounds them feels almost tangible, a living force that watches and waits.
Commander Elara: (whispering) Everyone stay sharp. We've barely stepped in, and this place is already screaming trouble.
Eren: (narrowing his eyes) No one here to greet us? That's odd.
Kaitaro: (calmly) They're watching. They know we're here.
The group exchanges tense glances as Kaitaro's words sink in. Commander Elara steps forward, motioning for everyone to huddle closer.
Commander Elara: (firmly) Alright, here's the plan.
Narrator: The group listens intently as Elara outlines their strategy, dividing them into three teams with specific objectives.
Commander Elara: Kaitaro, you'll lead the Shadow Troupe. Your job is to move unseen and gather intel. Find out everything you can about the gas Kuzan plans to release.
Kaitaro: (nodding) Understood. We'll leave no shadow unturned.
Commander Elara: Aria, Asher, Kaida—you'll take the left wing. Your mission is to locate Kuzan's science facility. Kaida, you're the key to reversing the transformation.
Kaida: (serious) I won't fail.
Commander Elara: (continuing) Eren, Rylan, Zarek, and I will move forward to deal with any enemies head-on and keep the rest of you safe.
Rylan: (grinning) Sounds like my kind of party.
Eren: (frowning) You sure about splitting up like this?
Commander Elara: (placing a hand on his shoulder) It's the only way. Kaitaro's telepathic ability will keep us connected. We move carefully and regroup when we have what we need.
Kaitaro closes his eyes briefly, his mana aura glowing faintly. Each group feels his presence settle in their minds like a faint whisper.
Kaitaro: (telepathically) I've locked onto your mana signatures. I'll relay information as it comes. Let's move.
Narrator: With their plan in place, the three groups split up. Aria, Asher, and Kaida head left, their steps cautious as they navigate the ominous halls. Kaitaro and the Shadow Troupe melt into the shadows, moving swiftly and silently. Meanwhile, Commander Elara's team presses forward, their weapons at the ready.
Scene shifts to Aria's group moving through the left wing.
Aria: (looking around) These halls feel endless. And no signs of life.
Asher: (focusing his Mana Burst) I can feel traces of something ahead. It's faint, but it's there.
Kaida: (grimacing as she studies the walls) These carvings… they're not just for decoration. They're pulsating with mana. It's like they're alive.
Narrator: The eerie quiet is shattered by Kaitaro's voice in their minds.
Kaitaro: (telepathically) Aria, Asher, Kaida. We've spotted movement. Three Aquarians heading your way, radiating strong mana. Be ready.
Asher: (his aura flaring) They're close.
The warning comes just in time. A surge of dark purple mana explodes from the shadows, slamming into Kaida and sending her sprawling to the ground, clutching her leg in pain.
Kaida: (crying out) My leg!
Aria: (quickly forming a Mana Barrier) Kaida, stay behind me!
Narrator: Three Aquarians emerge from the darkness, their twisted forms glowing faintly in the dim light. Their blue skin shimmers ominously, and their expressions are filled with malice.
First Aquarian: (mockingly) Look at this. Humans wandering into our domain. Did you think you could come here unnoticed?
Asher: (stepping forward, his eyes blazing with determination) We're not here to play games. If you want a fight, you've got one.
Second Aquarian: (sneering) Brave words. Let's see how long you last.
The three Aquarians attack simultaneously, their mana blasts colliding with Aria's barrier. The force cracks the barrier slightly, but she holds firm.
Aria: (gritting her teeth) Asher, get ready. I'll hold them off as long as I can.
Asher: (focusing his Water Mana) No need to hold back. Let's take them down.
Narrator: Asher releases a powerful wave of water, forcing the Aquarians to scatter. The first Aquarian retaliates with a dark energy projectile, which Asher narrowly avoids, countering with a high-pressure jet of water that slams into his opponent.
Kaida: (clutching her leg, watching the fight) I need to help…
Aria: (shouting) Kaida, stay down! We'll handle this.
The second Aquarian charges Aria, his claws glowing with dark energy. Aria leaps into the air, her Wind Mana propelling her upward. She retaliates with Wind Shards, the sharp projectiles slicing through the water and striking her opponent, forcing him back.
Second Aquarian: (snarling) You're fast. But not fast enough!
He lunges again, this time closing the gap between them. Aria twists midair, barely avoiding his claws, and fires another Wind Shard at close range, sending him tumbling backward.
Asher: (noticing the third Aquarian sneaking toward Kaida) Oh no, you don't!
Asher sends a massive sphere of water surging toward the third Aquarian, pinning him against the wall. The pressure from the water forces him to struggle for breath, but his sinister smile doesn't waver.
Third Aquarian: (smirking) You think this will stop us? You're fighting an ocean's worth of power.
Asher: (coldly) Then I'll drown you in it.
Asher's aura intensifies, and the water sphere compresses further, causing the third Aquarian to grimace in pain.
Aria: (panting) Two down… one to go.
The first Aquarian, enraged, releases a powerful blast of dark mana that tears through the battlefield, forcing Asher and Aria to dive for cover.
Kaida: (clenching her fists) I can't just sit here!
Summoning what little mana she can, Kaida creates a weak barrier that deflects the Aquarian's next attack, giving Asher and Aria the opening they need.
Asher: (yelling) Now, Aria!
Aria: (nodding) On it!
Together, they unleash a combination attack—Asher's water sphere merges with Aria's wind blades, creating a spiraling torrent that engulfs the first Aquarian, slamming him into the wall with tremendous force. The dark energy around him dissipates as he falls unconscious.
Narrator: The battle ends as quickly as it began. Aria and Asher stand over their fallen enemies, breathing heavily but victorious.
Aria: (turning to Kaida) Are you alright?
Kaida: (smiling weakly) I'll live. Thanks to you two.
Narrator: The group regains their composure, but the weight of the battle lingers. Kaitaro's voice echoes in their minds once more.
Kaitaro: (telepathically) Well done. But this was just the beginning. Stay alert.
Narrator: The chapter ends with Aria and Asher helping Kaida to her feet, their resolve stronger than ever as they prepare to continue deeper into the empire.