Chapter 83: The Chase Intensifies
The ridge loomed ahead, its jagged edges silhouetted against the faint glow of the distant Nexus. Adam and Kaelith pushed forward, their pace relentless despite their exhaustion. The collapsed canyon behind them offered no guarantee of safety; Adam could still feel the guardian's presence like a shadow creeping closer.
Kaelith glanced sideways at him. "You think that thing's still alive under all that rubble?"
"Alive?" Adam replied, his breath heavy. "Probably. Trapped? Hopefully."
The sound of shifting rocks echoed faintly in the distance, as though the guardian was already attempting to free itself. Adam grimaced. Time was slipping away, and Lysandra was still somewhere ahead, carrying the volatile artifact.
System Notification:
Artifact Status: Stabilized (Temporary).
Synchronization: Active.
The notification caught Adam off guard, and he slowed for a moment. Stabilized? That was unexpected. He shared the update with Kaelith, who raised an eyebrow.
"Either she's figured out something brilliant," Kaelith said, "or she's just as reckless as you."
Adam didn't reply. He hoped it was the former. If the artifact had stabilized, it meant Lysandra might have found a way to mitigate its chaotic energy. But it also raised questions—how, and at what cost?
They reached the base of the ridge and began their ascent. The climb was steep and treacherous, the rocks loose and prone to sliding. Kaelith cursed under her breath as she nearly lost her footing, but Adam grabbed her arm, steadying her.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Peachy," she muttered, brushing herself off. "Just focus on not dying, hero."
Halfway up the ridge, they found signs of Lysandra's passage: faint footprints in the dust and a strip of fabric caught on a thorny shrub. Relief surged through Adam, but it was quickly tempered by the realization that others might be tracking her as well.
"We're not the only ones following this trail," he said, pointing to a set of heavier boot prints that intersected hers. "Looks like Syndicate soldiers."
Kaelith scowled. "Great. More cannon fodder."
"Let's hope that's all they are," Adam said. "Come on."
The ridge plateaued into a narrow ledge, offering a view of the landscape below. In the distance, Adam could see figures moving toward the Nexus—more players drawn by the artifact's power. But closer to their position, a small group of Syndicate soldiers was advancing up the ridge, their weapons glinting in the dim light.
"Three of them," Kaelith said, squinting. "Standard gear. Shouldn't be too hard."
Adam nodded, formulating a plan. "We take them out quietly. We can't afford to draw attention."
Kaelith grinned. "Quiet's not usually my style, but I'll try."
They moved into position, using the rocky terrain as cover. Adam activated his Steal ability, targeting one of the soldiers.
System Notification:
Steal Activated: Target - Syndicate Operative.
Item Obtained: Pulse Dagger (High-frequency blade, ideal for stealth kills).
The weapon materialized in his hand, its sleek design and faint hum indicating its lethal efficiency. Adam motioned for Kaelith to take the left flank while he circled to the right. They moved in unison, dispatching the soldiers with precision and speed. Within moments, the ledge was silent again.
Kaelith wiped her blade clean, her expression smug. "Not bad for a 'quiet' mission."
Adam didn't respond, his focus already on the path ahead. The ridge continued to climb, and he could feel the artifact's energy growing stronger. Lysandra was close.
They found her near the summit, crouched behind a large boulder. The artifact rested in front of her, its glow pulsating faintly. She looked up as they approached, her face a mixture of relief and urgency.
"About time you showed up," she said. "We've got a problem."
Adam knelt beside her, examining the artifact. Its glow was steady but faint, as though it were conserving energy. "What happened? The system said it was stabilized."
"I managed to sync it with the local energy field," Lysandra explained. "But it's temporary. If we don't find a way to contain it permanently, it's going to destabilize again—and when it does, it'll make the last explosion look like a firecracker."
Kaelith whistled. "Fantastic. So what's the plan?"
Before Adam could respond, a low rumble shook the ground beneath them. He turned, his heart sinking as he saw the distant glow of the Nexus intensify. The collapsed canyon was no longer still; rocks tumbled down its sides, and a faint, fiery light seeped through the cracks.
"It's coming," Adam said grimly. "We need to move."
The trio began their descent, sticking to the shadows as much as possible. Lysandra carried the artifact, its glow dim enough to avoid immediate detection. But Adam knew it was only a matter of time before the guardian caught up with them.
As they navigated the treacherous terrain, Adam's mind raced. The artifact's stabilization had bought them time, but not much. They needed a permanent solution—and fast.
"Lysandra," he said, "what did you sync the artifact with?"
"The crystals in the ridge," she replied. "They're similar to the ones in the resonance chamber you blew up. I used them to create a temporary containment field."
Adam nodded. "Then maybe we can use the same principle on a larger scale. If we find a crystal deposit big enough—"
"—we might be able to contain it permanently," Lysandra finished. "It's risky, but it's our best shot."
Kaelith frowned. "And where exactly are we supposed to find a crystal deposit in the middle of this wasteland?"
Adam's simulation ability activated again, offering a brief glimpse of possible outcomes. One path stood out—a hidden cavern beneath the ridge, marked by faint energy signatures. It wasn't far, but it was in the opposite direction of their current route.
"There's a cavern," Adam said. "It's not far. We can use it to set up the containment field."
Lysandra hesitated, glancing toward the distant Nexus. "Are you sure? If we go that way, we'll lose our lead on the guardian."
"We don't have a choice," Adam said. "If we don't contain this thing, we're dead anyway."
Kaelith sighed. "Well, I didn't sign up for a suicide mission, but here we are. Lead the way, hero."
As they altered course toward the cavern, the ground shook again, and a distant roar echoed through the air. The guardian was on the move, and it was gaining ground. Adam clenched his fists, determination hardening his resolve. This was their only chance—and he wasn't about to let it slip away.
End of Chapter 83.