The fractures' glow brightened as the rippling ground beneath Rivan and Ardyn began to tremble. Strange symbols flickered across the shimmering surface, fading in and out like forgotten memories clawing their way back to the present.
"Rivan," Ardyn said sharply, her blade glinting in the fractures' erratic light. "Tell me we're not walking straight into another disaster."
Rivan didn't answer immediately, their focus locked on the shifting symbols. The fractures pulsed beneath their feet, syncing with the faint hum of the shards in their pack.
"They're showing us something," Rivan said finally, their tone even. "The fractures here—this structure—it's part of the Nexus network. But it's broken, fragmented."
"Like everything else we've found," Ardyn muttered, glancing over her shoulder. "I hope this piece is worth it because we're running out of time."
The Fractures' Distress
As they moved closer to the faint light on the horizon, the fractures' steady rhythm faltered, replaced by an erratic pulse that resonated through the air. The ground trembled violently, cracks spreading outward in jagged lines that glowed with chaotic energy.
Rivan stopped abruptly, their sharp eyes narrowing as the fractures' whispers grew louder. The words were fragmented but filled with urgency.
"Corruption... spreads. Balance... threatened. The Custodian must act."
"They're panicking," Rivan said, their voice low. "Something is disrupting the fractures—it's coming from ahead."
Ardyn frowned, her grip tightening on her blade. "Dominion?"
"Most likely," Rivan replied, their tone grim. "And whatever they're using, it's powerful enough to destabilize this entire region."
The Corruption Engine
Far ahead, the hum of Dominion's Corruption Engine grew louder, its jagged spires glowing with chaotic light. The device emitted waves of unstable energy that rippled through the fractured terrain, distorting the fractures' rhythm and sending violent tremors through the ground.
The commander stood near the device, his expression calm but intense. "The engine is working," he said, his voice sharp. "The fractures are responding to the disruption—we're breaking their connection."
A junior officer hesitated before speaking. "Sir, the energy output is increasing exponentially. If we don't control the output, we could—"
"We'll control it," the commander interrupted, his tone icy. "Keep the engine running. I want those fractures destabilized before they reach the next Nexus site."
"Yes, sir," the officer replied, issuing the order.
A Dangerous Confrontation
Rivan and Ardyn crested a jagged ridge, their eyes narrowing as the Corruption Engine came into view. The fractures beneath them pulsed erratically, their rhythm faltering under the device's relentless assault.
"There it is," Ardyn said, her voice low but edged with tension. "And of course, it's surrounded by Dominion."
Rivan scanned the scene, their gaze sharp. "They're using that device to corrupt the fractures—to break their connection to the network."
"Then we stop it," Ardyn said, her blade gleaming as she stepped forward.
"Not yet," Rivan said, placing a hand on her arm. "The fractures are still guiding us—they're trying to stabilize the area, but the engine is disrupting them. If we act too soon, we could make things worse."
Ardyn sighed, her grip tightening on her weapon. "And if we wait too long, Dominion wins. Your call."
Rivan hesitated, their focus shifting to the fractures' chaotic light. The shards in their pack flared brightly, their energy syncing with the fractures in erratic pulses.
"We need to disrupt the engine," Rivan said finally, their voice calm but firm. "If we can weaken its output, the fractures will have a chance to recover."
"And how exactly do we do that?" Ardyn asked, her tone sharp.
"By getting close enough to shut it down," Rivan replied. "Or destroying it entirely."
The Fractures' Guidance
The fractures pulsed faintly, their chaotic rhythm replaced by a steady hum that echoed through the shimmering terrain. The light on the horizon grew brighter, casting long, jagged shadows across the landscape.
As the fractures' whispers grew louder, their fragmented words formed a single, urgent plea.
"Balance... demands action. Chaos must... be contained. The path is... clear."
Rivan nodded, their expression resolute. "The fractures are ready—they're guiding us toward the engine. If we act now, we might have a chance."
Ardyn smirked faintly, raising her blade. "A chance is all I need."
The fractures beneath them trembled violently as the duo descended the ridge, their chaotic energy spiraling upward in jagged waves. The Corruption Engine loomed ahead, its pulsing light casting the fractured terrain in eerie brilliance.
"Stay sharp," Rivan said, their voice low. "This isn't going to be easy."
Ardyn grinned, her stance confident. "Wouldn't be fun if it was."
The fractures' light flared brightly as they approached, their rhythm syncing with the shards in Rivan's pack. The path ahead was dangerous, but the fractures' guidance was clear: this was the next step.