Chapter 74: Shattered Plans
The corridor leading from the second anchor plunged the trio into darkness so dense that even Lysandra's glowing blade barely pierced it. The oppressive silence was broken only by their footsteps and the faint hum of the artifact in Adam's hands. Its pulses were slower now, as if warning them of the challenges yet to come.
"Something feels wrong," Kaelith said, her voice barely above a whisper. She scanned the walls, her daggers drawn. "This isn't like the other sections."
Adam frowned, focusing on the simulation ability charging in his HUD. "The Nexus is adapting. It knows we're getting closer."
Lysandra paused, motioning for silence. A distant clattering echoed from ahead, followed by guttural growls. Shadows moved unnaturally across the walls, hinting at something monstrous lurking just out of sight.
"We don't have time to fight everything," Adam said, gripping the artifact tightly. "Stay close, and don't engage unless we have to."
System Notification:
Zone Effect: Nexus Malice.
Increased aggression in entities. Artifact interference detected.
The artifact's glow dimmed momentarily, causing a pang of unease to shoot through Adam. The system's interference was growing stronger, threatening to neutralize their only means of navigation.
"Great," Lysandra muttered. "Now even our tools are turning against us."
Kaelith chuckled darkly. "We'll manage. We always do."
As they pressed on, the growls grew louder, merging into a deafening roar. The source revealed itself moments later—a hulking, multi-limbed creature with jagged scales and burning eyes. It charged toward them, the ground trembling under its weight.
"Scatter!" Adam yelled, diving to the side as the creature's claws slammed into the ground where they had stood. Dust and debris filled the air, obscuring their vision.
Lysandra darted around the beast, her blade slicing through its side. Sparks flew, but the creature's thick hide absorbed most of the impact. Kaelith flanked it, her daggers finding purchase in its exposed joints.
Adam activated Steal, targeting the beast in desperation.
System Notification:
Steal Activated: Target - Abyssal Ravager.
Item Obtained: Abyssal Spines (Throwable weapons imbued with corrosive energy).
The spines appeared in Adam's hand, crackling with dark energy. He hurled one at the creature's head, the impact causing it to rear back with a pained screech. The corrosive energy ate through its scales, leaving a gaping wound.
"Keep it up!" Adam shouted, throwing another spine. Lysandra and Kaelith exploited the opening, their combined attacks driving the creature back. Finally, with a coordinated strike, Lysandra plunged her glowing blade into the beast's chest, ending its rampage.
The Ravager collapsed, its body dissolving into wisps of black mist. The trio stood panting, their exhaustion evident.
"Please tell me that's the worst of it," Kaelith said, wiping blood from her cheek.
Adam shook his head. "Not even close."
The artifact pulsed again, guiding them to a towering doorway carved with intricate runes. The energy emanating from the door was overwhelming, a mix of power and malice that sent shivers down Adam's spine.
"This is it," Lysandra said. "The next challenge."
The door creaked open as they approached, revealing a sprawling chamber filled with glowing crystals. At its center floated a massive sphere of swirling energy, tethered to the ground by chains of light. Surrounding it were spectral figures clad in armor, their forms flickering between solid and ethereal.
"The third anchor," Adam said, his voice low. "And its defenders."
Kaelith smirked. "Let's make this quick."
But as they prepared to engage, the chamber shook violently. A deafening roar echoed from above, and a new figure descended—a towering wraith shrouded in flames. Its presence radiated pure malice, and its eyes locked onto Adam with unrelenting intensity.
System Notification:
Nexus Warden Detected.
Threat Level: Catastrophic.
The Warden raised a massive, burning sword, swinging it in a wide arc. The ground split beneath the trio, forcing them to scatter. Adam's heart raced as he activated Simulation, searching for a strategy.
Simulation Activated:
Outcome Probability:
Direct Attack: 15% Success. Environmental Manipulation: 70% Success.
"Use the crystals!" Adam shouted, pointing to the glowing structures. "They're linked to the anchor!"
Lysandra and Kaelith nodded, adjusting their strategy. Lysandra drew the Warden's attention, her blade flashing as she danced around its attacks. Kaelith targeted the chains tethering the anchor, her daggers slicing through the glowing links.
Adam focused on the crystals, their energy resonating with the artifact. He placed the device against one, channeling its power. The artifact began to glow brighter, its energy building to a critical point.
"Keep it distracted!" Adam yelled as the artifact pulsed violently.
The Warden roared, its attention shifting to Adam. It raised its sword, preparing to strike, but Lysandra intercepted it with a powerful slash. Kaelith severed the final chain, and the anchor's energy surged, destabilizing the Warden.
"Now!" Adam shouted, unleashing the artifact's power. A blinding light filled the chamber as the anchor shattered, its energy consuming the Warden. The spectral defenders dissolved alongside it, leaving the trio standing amidst the wreckage.
System Notification:
Anchor Destroyed.
Progress: 3/5 Anchors Neutralized.
Adam collapsed to his knees, the artifact now glowing with an intensity that hinted at its growing potential. Lysandra and Kaelith approached, their exhaustion mirrored in their eyes.
"Three down," Lysandra said, offering Adam a hand. "We're halfway there."
Adam accepted her help, standing with effort. "Let's keep moving."
Kaelith grinned despite her fatigue. "Next time, let's hope for fewer catastrophic threats."
The next path revealed itself, a glowing corridor stretching into the unknown. Their journey was far from over, but their resolve burned brighter than ever.
End of Chapter 74.