The fractures pulsed violently beneath the ground, their chaotic energy spiraling upward in jagged waves. The artifact's glow intensified, its resonant hum vibrating through the air as the symbols on its surface shifted rapidly.
Rivan knelt beside the artifact, their sharp eyes scanning the glowing patterns. "It's showing us the Nexus's purpose," they said, their voice trembling. "The fractures aren't just part of the network—they're holding everything together. If they collapse, the entire system will fall apart."
Ardyn deflected another barrage of incoming fire, her blade moving with practiced precision. "That's great, Rivan, but unless that thing can shoot lasers, we've got bigger problems right now!"
Rivan ignored her, their focus unwavering as the fractures' whispers filled their mind.
"Balance demands clarity. Unity must be restored. The Custodian must act."
"The fractures are asking for a choice," Rivan said, their tone grim. "They need us to decide what comes next."
Dominion's Escalation
The commander stepped forward, his expression cold as he barked orders to his soldiers. "Push them back! Secure the artifact and eliminate anyone who resists!"
A group of Dominion soldiers advanced quickly, their weapons blazing with Nexus energy. Ardyn darted toward them, her blade slicing through the attackers with brutal efficiency.
Rivan notched an arrow, releasing it toward the nearest vehicle. The projectile struck a glowing conduit, sending a surge of disruptor energy that forced the soldiers to retreat.
"They're not stopping," Rivan said, their voice strained.
"They never do," Ardyn replied, her tone sharp. "Now finish whatever you're doing before they overwhelm us!"
The Fractures' Choice
The fractures' chaotic rhythm grew louder, their energy syncing with the artifact's glowing patterns. The ground beneath the group trembled violently, cracks spreading outward in jagged lines that pulsed with light.
The fractures' whispers filled the air, overlapping into a single, commanding voice.
"Unity or chaos. Balance demands strength. The Custodian must act."
Rivan placed both hands on the artifact, their breathing steady as they focused on the fractures' energy. Images filled their mind: the Nexus whole and unbroken, its harmonious light flowing through the fractures. But the vision shifted, showing the fractures collapsing under the weight of chaotic energy, their destruction rippling outward in jagged waves.
"They're showing me the consequences," Rivan said, their voice trembling. "If we fail to restore the fractures, everything connected to the Nexus will collapse. Every world, every system—it'll all fall apart."
Ardyn glanced back at them, her expression grim. "And if we succeed?"
Rivan hesitated, their gaze fixed on the artifact. "That's what they're asking us to decide."
A Desperate Gamble
The fractures' energy flared suddenly, casting the site in blinding brilliance. The artifact's glow intensified, its resonant hum growing louder as the chaotic light spiraled upward.
The commander shouted over the noise, his voice sharp. "Take the artifact now—before they activate it!"
A wave of Dominion soldiers advanced, their weapons blazing. Ardyn moved to intercept them, her blade cutting through the attackers with ruthless precision.
"Rivan, whatever you're going to do, do it now!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
Rivan closed their eyes, focusing on the fractures' chaotic rhythm. The shards in Lira's pack flared brightly, their energy syncing with the artifact in a resonant pulse.
The fractures' whispers became a single, desperate plea.
"Act now. Balance demands strength. Unity must be restored."
Rivan's breathing steadied as they reached a decision. "The artifact isn't just showing us the fractures' purpose—it's guiding us toward the next step. We can't destroy it. We have to trust it."
Ardyn gritted her teeth, slashing through another attacker. "You better be right about this."
The Artifact's Revelation
As Rivan placed both hands on the artifact, its chaotic energy surged outward, forming a shimmering barrier that enveloped the site. The fractures' pulsing rhythm synced with the artifact, their chaotic light stabilizing into a steady, harmonious glow.
The Dominion soldiers hesitated, their movements faltering as their weapons sparked and failed under the fractures' stabilizing energy.
"What's happening?" one soldier shouted, panic breaking through their discipline.
The commander's gaze sharpened, his voice edged with frustration. "Fall back! Regroup and prepare for the next assault!"
As Dominion's forces retreated, the fractures' energy subsided, their chaotic rhythm replaced by a faint, steady hum. The artifact's light dimmed slightly, its resonant hum quieting into silence.
Rivan opened their eyes, their expression filled with quiet determination. "The fractures are ready to move forward. They've shown us the path—we just have to follow it."
Ardyn sheathed her blade, her expression tense. "And what happens if that path leads us straight to another disaster?"
Rivan met her gaze, their voice resolute. "Then we stop it—together."
The fractures pulsed faintly beneath their feet, their energy guiding the group forward into the unknown.