The dust slowly settled, but the atmosphere remained tense. Ricky peeked from behind a large rock, trying to estimate the number of enemies approaching.
Ricky: "They're too many. If we fight here, we'll lose."
Kieran, with a cold expression, merely nodded. He scanned the steep cliffs around them, searching for an escape route.
Kieran: "There's a gap to the left. We can try to get past them before they close all the paths."
Sophie: "And if it's a trap?"
Kieran: "If we stay here, it's no longer a trap it's an execution."
The three of them moved quickly, running between the rocks, avoiding the enemy's line of sight. The sound of Selene's soldiers' footsteps grew louder, accompanied by strange noises from the devices they carried mechanical sounds, as if high-tech tools were searching for something.
__________
Above the cliffs, Selene watched their movements through her holographic prism.
Selene: "They're trying to escape. Follow the left path, and don't give them room to breathe."
Her soldiers moved with trained precision, but Selene remained standing, staring at the holographic map. She sensed something unusual, something not quite right about Kieran's presence with Ricky and Sophie.
Selene (whispering): "You really won't stop, Kieran… even after everything's burned."
_______________
Ricky, Sophie, and Kieran managed to reach the gap, but the path was narrow and dangerous. On their left, a wide abyss yawned, while on their right was a steep cliff that looked fragile.
Sophie: "If we slip even a little…"
Ricky: "Don't think about that. Just focus on your steps."
Midway, the ground beneath Sophie's feet suddenly cracked. Ricky quickly grabbed her hand before she fell into the abyss.
Ricky: "Hold on tight! Don't let go!"
Sophie tried to pull herself up, but the crack kept widening. Kieran quickly took a rope from his bag and threw it toward Ricky.
Kieran: "Hurry, we don't have time."
With great effort, they managed to pull Sophie up. Their breaths were heavy, but there was no time to rest. In the distance, the sound of soldiers' footsteps was drawing closer.
Sophie: "How much farther? We can't keep doing this."
Kieran pointed to a narrow corridor ahead of them.
Kieran: "Behind that corridor, there's something that can help us."
Ricky: "What do you mean?"
Kieran: "An ancient relic. Something that can turn the tide."
_____________
Elsewhere, Selene activated her device once again. A bright blue light flickered, projecting a more detailed map.
Selene: "So, you're trying to go there, Kieran? Do you think that relic still works after all these years?"
Selene smiled faintly, then raised her communicator.
Selene: "Pick up the pace. They'll reach the corridor before we do if we're slow."
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The three of them arrived at the entrance of the narrow corridor, its walls covered with strange carvings that seemed ancient and almost buried beneath dust and sand. The air inside felt cold, a stark contrast to the scorching heat outside.
Sophie: "What is this place?"
Kieran stepped forward, touching one of the carvings on the wall. The carving emitted a faint light that slowly formed into a complex pattern.
Kieran: "This is part of the old world. They called it the 'Earth Markers.' If we can activate it, we can cover our tracks and protect ourselves from Selene."
Ricky: "And how do you know all this?"
Kieran looked at Ricky for a moment, his face serious yet full of secrets.
Kieran: "Because I used to work for the people who created it."
Before they could ask more, the sound of footsteps behind them grew louder.
Kieran: "We have to move quickly. Help me activate it."
*****
Will they manage to activate the Earth Markers before Selene arrives? And what exactly is this ancient relic? What secrets does Kieran hide about his past?
To be continued in Chapter 6: The Earth Markers