The DWZ, previously disorderly yet managed, had now plunged into insanity. The roads were flanked by walls marked by battle, and the distant echoes of gunfire could be heard as mercenaries from different parts of the land gathered together like a pack of hunters. Melton's head carried a reward that made him the most sought-after man in the city.
Melton knelt behind a decaying structure, perspiration running down his face while he reloaded his gun. Nexus surveyed the area, continuously sending information about the incoming enemies.
"Four hired soldiers coming from the west." Nexus cautioned "Two of them possess cloaking devices, while one is equipped with cybernetic strength."
Melton maintained a consistent breathing pattern, even though the situation was intense. "Wow, so these are cloaking devices, huh? Is it possible for you to identify their precise positions?"
"I am currently working on it, Master. Their energy signatures may be weak, but they are still detectable."
Beside him, Jemmy crouched, her fists clenched as she felt her newfound power coursing through her veins. She had never experienced such a strong sensation before— the energy flowing through her body matched the intensity of her emotions. Her link to Melton was enhanced by the EXP share, something Nexus suggested since they're working together now. The EXP boosts her skills, but it also binds her future to his.
She looked at him with concern in her eyes. "Melton, we cannot continue with this indefinitely. We can only defeat a limited number of them before we encounter a barrier."
Melton grunted, keeping his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We are left with no alternative. We either make it through or we don't. That's the way things are."
Jemmy's expression turned down, her tone becoming gentler. "It's not as straightforward. You have been battling for such a long time that you have overlooked there is more to existence than simply staying alive."
He tilted his head slightly, giving her a look that was cold as Ice. "Maybe I can consider that later. But right now, I can't afford to think like that. Not with all these dogs without a leash out to kill me."
"Until I have become an untraceable Shadow, I wouldn't stop chasing them till I can't see their shadows"
Jemmy sighed, gripping her weapon tightly. "I'm with you, you know that. But don't shut me out."
Before he could respond, Nexus alerted them again. **"Targets are within range. Cloaked mercenaries on your left. Incoming in three, two, one—"**
Suddenly, the air shimmered as the cloaked mercenaries became visible, their energy fields flickering in and out. One lunged at Melton with a blade, but he was ready. In a fluid motion, he dodged and countered, delivering a vicious uppercut that sent the mercenary crashing to the ground.
Jemmy's eyes glowed with power as she extended her hands, summoning a pulse of energy that rippled through the air and hit the second cloaked mercenary square in the chest. He staggered backward, his cloaking field malfunctioning and flickering off entirely.
She smirked. "Not so invisible now, are you?"
The mercenary growled, brandishing a set of energy blades and rushing towards her. Jemmy remained firm, calling forth a fresh wave of strength. Her concentration was fixed, drawing strength from her bond with Melton. As soon as the mercenary approached, she released a shockwave that propelled him into a nearby wall, rendering him unconscious.
Melton had little time to absorb the win before the cybernetically-enhanced mercenary charged at him. The man's massive stature and rapid pace were truly astounding. He aimed a huge punch at Melton, who barely evaded the attack. The pavement cracked from the impact at Melton's previous location.
"You're quick," the mercenary growled, his voice a deep rumble. "But how long can you keep dodging?"
Melton smirked, wiping some blood from his lip. "Long enough to take you down."
The mercenary roared in frustration and charged again. This time, Melton didn't move. Instead, he shifted his stance and waited for the right moment. As the mercenary's massive fist swung toward him, Melton ducked low and used the momentum to deliver a precise strike to the man's side, targeting the weak spot between his cybernetic enhancements.
The mercenary grunted in pain but managed to grab Melton by the collar, lifting him off the ground. "Gotcha now."
Jemmy watched in horror as Melton dangled in the air, struggling against the mercenary's grip. She quickly summoned more energy, ready to blast the man away, but before she could act, Melton smirked.
Melton hastily retrieved a compact energy blade from his waist and thrust it into the mercenary's neck, targeting the junction of his cybernetic implants. The mercenary was shocked, his eyes widening as he let go of Melton and then stumbled back before falling to the ground.
Melton landed on his feet, breathing heavily. He looked at Jemmy, who still had her hands raised, ready to attack. "You can put your hands down now," he said, his voice tired but steady.
Jemmy lowered her hands, relief flooding her face. "That was too close. You sure you don't need me to bail you out next time?"
Melton chuckled softly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I had it under control. But thanks for the backup."
She approached him with a serious expression in her eyes. "Do not distance yourself from me, Dumb head. To make it through this, we must collaborate."
His exhaustion was evident in his expression as he gazed at her. "I am aware. However, I am unable to become too attached to anyone, it's how I am. I can't change that, not at this moment."
Jemmy's frustration was clear as she tightly clenched her fists. "I don't expect you to open up and work together easily. I'm requesting that you have faith in me. There is a big difference."
Before Melton could respond, Nexus spoke up. **"More mercenaries detected. Large group approaching from the east."**
Melton sighed, gripping his weapon tighter. "Guess we don't have time for this conversation right now."
Jemmy confirmed with a nod, speaking with determination. "We will have a discussion at a later time. Let's prioritize keeping ourselves alive for the time being."
They hurriedly retreated into the shadows as the next group of mercenaries approached. The city had turned into a battleground, with every stride leading them towards either triumph or demise.
Upon reaching a fresh viewpoint, Jemmy cast a quick look at Melton. "So, what are we going to do next?"
He scanned the area, his thoughts rapidly considering various tactics. "We lure them into a different snare. This time, we ensure that none of them leave."
Jemmy smiled, showing a flicker of her previous passion coming back. "You're finally speaking in a way that I can understand."
With the mercenaries advancing, Melton and Jemmy readied themselves for the upcoming fight. Collectively, they were a powerful duo, determined to bring Erebus to justice at any cost.
The only uncertainty was the number of bodies that would remain after it was finished.