The fractures pulsed violently as the group approached Dominion's Fracture Amplifier. The massive device towered over the fractured terrain, its jagged spires emitting waves of chaotic energy that distorted the air and sent tremors through the ground.
"We're running out of time," Rivan said, their tone urgent as they notched an arrow. "The amplifier's destabilizing everything—if we don't shut it down now, the fractures will collapse."
"Then let's stop talking and start breaking things," Ardyn growled, her blade gleaming as she moved forward.
Lira hesitated, her hands trembling as the shards in her pack flared brightly. The fractures' whispers filled her mind, overlapping into a single, commanding voice.
"Balance demands strength. Chaos spreads. The Custodian must act."
"I'll try to block the amplifier," Lira said, her voice trembling. "But I don't know how long I can hold it."
"You don't have to hold it forever," Rivan said, their voice steady. "Just long enough for us to take it out."
Dominion's Defense
As the group advanced, Dominion's forces moved to intercept them. Soldiers poured from armored vehicles, their weapons glowing with Nexus energy as they formed a defensive perimeter around the amplifier.
The commander stood at the heart of the operation, his gaze sharp as he barked orders. "Hold the line! Protect the amplifier at all costs!"
Rivan released their arrow, the disruptor-tipped projectile striking a soldier's weapon and sending a surge of energy that forced the others to retreat.
"Lira, go!" Rivan shouted, notching another arrow.
Lira nodded, stepping forward as the shards' light spiraled upward. The fractures beneath her feet pulsed violently, their chaotic rhythm syncing with her heartbeat.
Ardyn darted ahead, her blade slicing cleanly through the nearest attackers. "Whatever you're doing, Lira, make it fast," she called over her shoulder. "I'm not playing hero out here all day!"
The Amplifier's Pulse
The fractures trembled as the amplifier emitted another pulse, its chaotic energy rippling across the terrain in jagged waves. Lira staggered, clutching her head as the shards burned hot against her skin.
"It's pushing back," Lira said, her voice strained. "The amplifier—it's trying to overpower the fractures!"
"Don't let it!" Rivan said, their voice sharp. "The fractures are on your side—focus on the shards!"
Lira closed her eyes, her breathing shallow as she focused on the fractures' chaotic rhythm. The shards in her pack flared brightly, their light spiraling outward in shimmering waves that clashed with the amplifier's pulses.
The fractures' whispers grew louder, filling the air with fragmented words.
"Unity demands strength. Balance or chaos. Act now."
Dominion's Counterattack
Dominion's soldiers regrouped quickly, their weapons blazing as they advanced on the group. Ardyn moved with precision, her blade cutting through the attackers with brutal efficiency.
"They're not giving up," Ardyn said, her tone sharp.
"They don't have to," Rivan replied, releasing another arrow. "We just need to hold them long enough."
The commander stepped forward, his expression cold as he raised a hand. "Activate the final phase," he ordered.
A junior officer hesitated. "Sir, the amplifier isn't stable—if we push it too hard, it could—"
"I said, activate it," the commander snapped. "Do it now."
The amplifier flared brightly, its chaotic energy spiraling upward in massive waves that sent shockwaves through the terrain. The fractures beneath the ground pulsed violently, their rhythm spiraling out of control.
Lira cried out, falling to her knees as the shards in her pack flared brightly. "It's too much," she said, her voice breaking. "I can't... I can't hold it!"
Rivan ran to her side, their tone urgent. "You don't have to do this alone. Focus on the fractures—the shards will guide you."
"I'm trying!" Lira said, tears streaming down her face. "But they're breaking—everything's breaking!"
The Fractures' Plea
The fractures' light flared blindingly bright, enveloping the group in chaotic energy. The whispers in Lira's mind overlapped, forming a single, desperate plea.
"Unity or chaos. The Custodian must choose. Balance demands sacrifice."
Lira's breathing steadied as she gripped the shards tightly. The fractures' energy spiraled upward, syncing with the shards in a resonant pulse that clashed with the amplifier's chaotic waves.
"They're asking for something," Lira said, her voice trembling. "They need... a connection—something to hold them together."
"What kind of connection?" Ardyn shouted, slicing through another attacker.
Lira shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "They need someone—they need me."
Rivan's jaw tightened. "No. There has to be another way."
The fractures pulsed violently, their chaotic energy threatening to overwhelm the group. The amplifier's light flared brighter, its pulses growing stronger with each passing moment.
"There's no time," Lira said, her voice breaking. "I have to do this—or the fractures will collapse."