Chapter 85: War at the Nexus
The stabilized artifact thrummed in Lysandra's hands, its glow a steady beacon that seemed to pulse in sync with Adam's quickening heartbeat. The notification about the global event had been clear: the Nexus's activation was a rallying call for every faction, and the race for dominance was now at its peak.
"We need to move," Adam said, his voice low but urgent. His gaze darted between Lysandra and Kaelith. "If the system's notifying us, it's notifying everyone else. They'll be here any minute."
Kaelith's expression hardened. "Then we better be ready for a fight, because I doubt they're coming for tea and diplomacy."
As they exited the cavern, the ridge stretched out before them, a jagged landscape that served as both battlefield and fortress. The sky above was awash with ominous colors, shifting between deep purples and fiery reds. Crystalline structures jutted from the ground, their sharp edges catching the unnatural light.
Adam glanced at his map. The Nexus entrance was marked as a glowing icon just ahead, a massive structure surrounded by pulsating energy fields. It was a sight to behold—a blend of ancient architecture and futuristic design, with towering spires and intricate carvings glowing with power.
But what truly caught his attention were the dozens of markers moving rapidly toward their location.
"Multiple factions inbound," Adam said, his tone grim. "We're about to have company."
System Notification:
Nexus Activation: 20%
Warning: Nexus Guardians Active. Hostile Entities Detected.
As if on cue, the ground beneath them trembled, and the air was filled with an otherworldly hum. From the surrounding terrain, hulking figures began to emerge—Nexus Guardians, their crystalline bodies glowing with the same energy as the Nexus itself.
"Great," Kaelith muttered, drawing her weapons. "We've got monsters and players to deal with."
Adam activated his Simulation ability, scanning the battlefield for potential strategies. The guardians were slow but powerful, their attacks devastating. The approaching players, however, posed an entirely different challenge—unpredictable and desperate.
"We use the guardians to our advantage," Adam said. "Let them thin out the other players while we focus on securing the Nexus."
"And how do you propose we do that?" Lysandra asked, clutching the artifact tightly.
Adam smirked. "We give them something to chase."
As the first wave of players arrived, the battlefield erupted into chaos. Energy blasts, arrows, and melee strikes filled the air as factions clashed with one another and the guardians. The ridge became a cacophony of sound and light, a deadly dance of alliances and betrayals.
Adam led his group through the chaos, using his simulation ability to predict enemy movements and avoid the worst of the fighting. Kaelith stayed close, her twin blades a blur as she dispatched anyone who got too close. Lysandra followed behind, using the artifact's energy to create temporary shields when needed.
"We're getting close!" Adam shouted, pointing to a narrow path that led directly to the Nexus entrance.
But their path was blocked by a squad of heavily armed players, their leader wielding a massive warhammer that crackled with electricity.
"Not so fast," the leader growled, stepping forward.
Adam's mind raced. They couldn't afford to waste time on a prolonged fight. He activated his Steal ability, targeting the leader's warhammer.
System Notification:
Steal Activated: Target - Thunderstrike Warhammer.
Item Obtained: Thunderstrike Warhammer.
The weapon vanished from the leader's hands and appeared in Adam's inventory. The man's expression of shock quickly turned to rage.
"Now!" Adam shouted, hurling the warhammer at the squad with all his strength. The weapon struck the ground, releasing a burst of electrical energy that sent the players sprawling.
Kaelith didn't hesitate, finishing off the disoriented squad with ruthless efficiency.
"Nice trick," she said, grinning at Adam.
"Let's keep moving," Adam replied, already heading toward the Nexus entrance.
As they reached the massive structure, the energy fields surrounding it began to ripple and shift. The Nexus Guardians, now fully active, were converging on the area, their glowing forms towering over the battlefield.
"We need to stabilize the Nexus before the other players get here," Lysandra said, her voice strained.
Adam nodded. "Do it. We'll hold them off."
Kaelith smirked, stepping forward to face the approaching guardians and players. "This is gonna be fun."
System Notification:
Nexus Activation: 50%
Warning: Energy Surges Detected. Prepare for Unstable Conditions.
The ground shook violently as the Nexus's power began to surge out of control. Lightning-like arcs of energy shot through the air, striking randomly and adding another layer of chaos to the battlefield.
Adam activated his Simulation ability again, searching for a way to buy Lysandra more time. He spotted a cluster of energy conduits near the base of the Nexus, their patterns suggesting they could be manipulated to create a temporary barrier.
"Kaelith, cover me!" Adam shouted, sprinting toward the conduits.
Kaelith moved to intercept a group of players who had spotted Adam, her blades cutting through them with precision.
Reaching the conduits, Adam quickly analyzed their energy flow. Using a combination of his Store and Simulation abilities, he purchased a stabilizing device from the auction system and integrated it into the conduits.
System Notification:
Temporary Barrier Created. Duration: 5 Minutes.
A shimmering field of energy enveloped the Nexus entrance, blocking the guardians and players from advancing.
"That won't hold them for long," Adam said, returning to Lysandra's side.
"It doesn't need to," Lysandra replied, her hands moving rapidly over the artifact. "Just a little longer…"
System Notification:
Nexus Activation: 80%
Final Stage Initiated.
The artifact's glow intensified, and a beam of light shot from its core, striking the Nexus. The energy fields surrounding the structure stabilized, and the chaotic surges began to subside.
The battlefield grew quiet as players and guardians alike turned their attention to the Nexus.
"It's working," Lysandra said, a note of awe in her voice.
But Adam's relief was short-lived. A new notification appeared, one that made his blood run cold.
System Notification:
Global Event Update: Apex Faction Detected. Elite Operatives Deployed.
Warning: High-Level Threats Incoming.
End of Chapter 85.