The fractures' light pulsed violently, illuminating the broken spires of the crystalline structure. The ground beneath the group trembled, cracks spreading outward in jagged lines that glowed with chaotic energy.
Lira staggered, her breath coming in uneven gasps as the shards in her pack flared brightly. "They're showing me everything," she said, her voice trembling. "How this Nexus broke—how it was destroyed."
Rivan steadied her, their sharp eyes scanning the glowing fissures. "What do you see?"
Lira closed her eyes, focusing on the fractures' whispers. The images in her mind sharpened: a vision of the Nexus whole and radiant, its harmonious energy flowing through the fractures. But the vision shifted violently, showing a sudden surge of chaotic light as the Nexus shattered, sending shards and fractures spiraling outward in destructive waves.
"It was deliberate," Lira said, her voice breaking. "Someone broke the Nexus on purpose—they used the fractures as a weapon."
Dominion's Trap Springs
Before Rivan could respond, a faint hum filled the air, growing louder with each passing moment. The ground trembled violently as Dominion's vehicles crested the ridge, their lights cutting through the chaotic glow of the fractured site.
"They're here," Ardyn said sharply, her blade gleaming as she turned toward the sound. "And they've got us boxed in."
Dominion's soldiers moved swiftly, their weapons glowing with Nexus energy as they surrounded the group. The commander stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding.
"This ends here," he said, gesturing toward the crystalline structure. "Surrender the shards and step away from the fractures—or we'll bury you with them."
Rivan raised their bow, an arrow notched and ready. "You'll have to take them first."
The commander's gaze narrowed. "So be it. Advance!"
The first volley of energy blasts struck the ground near the group, sending debris flying. Ardyn leaped forward, her blade slicing through the nearest attacker with precise, lethal movements.
"Lira, do something!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
The Fractures' Power
Lira staggered as the fractures' whispers grew deafening, their chaotic rhythm syncing with the shards' pulsing energy. The crystalline structure flared suddenly, its jagged spires casting blinding light across the site.
"The fractures—they're reacting to the fight," Lira said, her voice trembling. "They're pulling everything toward the Nexus!"
Rivan fired another arrow, the disruptor-tipped projectile striking a Dominion soldier's weapon and sending a surge of energy through their ranks.
"We can't hold them off forever!" Rivan called, their voice strained. "Lira, if the fractures are responding to you, then use them!"
"I don't know how!" Lira shouted, tears streaming down her face.
"You don't have to!" Rivan replied. "Just focus on the shards—they'll guide you!"
Lira closed her eyes, clutching the shards tightly as their light spiraled upward. The fractures beneath her feet pulsed violently, their chaotic energy forming a shimmering barrier around the group.
A Dangerous Surge
The fractures' energy flared brightly, casting the entire site in blinding light. Dominion's soldiers hesitated, their weapons sparking as the chaotic energy disrupted their systems.
"What's happening?" one soldier shouted, panic breaking through their disciplined ranks.
The commander barked an order. "Hold your ground! This is just a distraction—focus on the objective!"
But the fractures' energy surged again, sending a shockwave through the site that knocked soldiers off their feet. The crystalline structure trembled, cracks spreading across its surface as its light grew brighter.
"Lira, stop!" Ardyn shouted, her voice edged with panic. "You're going to bring the whole place down!"
"I can't!" Lira cried, her voice breaking. "The fractures—they're pulling too hard!"
Rivan moved quickly, placing a hand on Lira's shoulder. "Focus. The shards are amplifying the fractures, but you can control them. You've done it before—you can do it again."
Lira nodded weakly, her breathing unsteady as she tried to calm the shards' chaotic energy. The fractures' light dimmed slightly, their rhythm stabilizing into a steady, resonant pulse.
A Narrow Escape
As the fractures' energy stabilized, the crystalline structure emitted a low, resonant hum. The ground beneath the site trembled one final time before falling silent, the chaotic light subsiding into a faint glow.
Dominion's soldiers scrambled to regroup, their movements chaotic as they retreated under the fractures' unpredictable energy.
"Fall back!" the commander shouted, his voice cutting through the confusion. "This isn't over!"
As the soldiers retreated, the group stood in the heart of the fractured Nexus, their breaths ragged. The shimmering barrier around them flickered once before fading completely.
Lira collapsed to her knees, her hands trembling as she clutched the shards. "It's over," she said weakly.
"For now," Rivan replied, their tone grim. "But they'll be back."
Ardyn sheathed her blade, her expression tense. "Next time, they'll bring more than just soldiers."
The fractures beneath the site pulsed faintly, their energy guiding the group forward into the unknown.