MasukShare
Chapter 55
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-30 05:10:43
Bab terkait
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 56
As preparations for the next phase of their campaign were being made, the rebel stronghold was bustling with activity. Voices overlapped in intense debates as maps were unfolded. But in the midst of the confusion, everyone was under a lot of stress from recent losses.Leaning against a table in the battle room's corner, Kael's thoughts were racing through a hundred possible outcomes. Although he was accustomed to making sacrifices, the growing toll on his people troubled him. They seemed to have to pay a price they could hardly afford after every triumph.Elara came over, her face gentle but worried. "You're repeating yourself," she remarked softly."What are you doing?" Even though he already knew the answer, Kael enquired.Having the entire world resting on your shoulders. You're not by yourself in this.He forced a faint, weary smile. "I feel like I am sometimes."His arm was touched by Elara. "A whole movement has been sparked by you. However, you must allow them to assist you. Ha
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-30Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 57
As night fell, the festivities at the camp came to an end. Sleep, however, was a far-off dream for Kael. He couldn't get the intercepted communication out of his head. There was a possible traitor among them, someone who could destroy everything they had worked so hard to accomplish.With the flicker of a lantern creating lengthy shadows on the fabric walls, Kael paced his tent. Although he was aware that hesitation could be deadly, the incorrect action could destroy their tenuous relationship.Elara came in, centring herself. "Are you still awake?"Kael gave a nod. "Elara, I can't get rid of it. If the message is accurate, it has the potential to destroy us."We'll deal with it," she stated resolutely. "But first, we must determine who we can rely on."Her eyes met Kael's, who was looking for clarification. "Where even do we begin?"Elara unfurled a piece of paper with scrawled comments along the margins. "I've already started to examine how information moves across the camp. The sen
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 58
Outside the big tent, Kael walked, his boots crunching on the parched ground. The weight of recent revelations hung heavily in the air. The camp was split as a result of Coren's betrayal—or was it a double-cross for their gain?Elara was already inside, giving the team a debriefing. With her arms folded and her back to the wall, Lyra stared at Coren, who sat in a crazily unconcerned manner. Zara said nothing, her eyes darting from one participant to another like a falcon spotting its prey.At last, Kael intervened. The gentle hum of voices was silenced by his presence alone. His tone was as cold as steel when he started, "Let's get one thing straight." All of us are here to combat the Syndicate. Go immediately if you don't share that objective.Coren grinned but remained silent.Elara cleared her throat. The information we were able to retrieve validates a number of vulnerabilities in the Syndicate's supply chain. We might disrupt their operations throughout the region if we attack qu
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 59
As dawn broke, Kael stood on the ridge with a view of the camp. The fury that was building inside of him stood in sharp contrast to the gentle orange glow of the sunrise. The feeling of betrayal gnawed at the boundaries of his resolve like a ghost. Someone in the Syndicate had to be the mole if they were aware of their plans beforehand.Elara joined him, looking worn out but resolute. Without introducing herself, she stated, "I traced the communications from last night." "Whoever gave the Syndicate the tip is doing a good job of hiding their identity."Kael's fists clenched. "Elara, we don't have time to waste. We might not live if the traitor takes action once more.She gave a nod. "We require a strategy. And we must move quickly.Placing the TrapTension permeated the air as the team gathered in the main tent. Kael looked at everyone, examining their expressions for any sign of remorse. Around the table sat Lyra, Zara, Coren, Elara, and a few others, their faces displaying everythin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 60
Zara's betrayal and eventual atonement made the dawn that followed feel heavier than any other. Normally filled with soft conversation and the rustling of preparations, the camp was eerily quiet. Like a load on their shoulders, each group member bore the burden of the previous day.Kael stood on the camp's edge, looking out over the horizon as though he were looking for answers that the terrain was unable to provide. The team started its routines behind him, but they moved slowly, deliberately, and almost reluctantly.Elara walked towards him, her face hazy. "You didn't get any rest, did you?"Kael gave a headshake. Too much to contemplate. Everything changes when Zara confesses and the Syndicate gains leverage.Elara stated plainly, "She's a liability."Kael retorted, "She's also an asset." She is aware of their tactics and vulnerabilities. We can make use of that."If the group doesn't break up first."Trust FracturesThe tension reached a breaking point around lunchtime. Never one
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-31Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 61
The campfire crackled, casting bars of light across the worn faces of Kael's team. The atmosphere hung heavy with tension, derived partly from exhaustion and partly from unspoken doubts that seemed to have been left by the chaotic mission at the Syndicate depot. They had succeeded, but the question of Zara's loyalty divided them.Kael sat apart from the others, sharpening his blade in silence. Lyra watched him from her seat near the fire, her sharp eyes occasionally flicking toward Zara, who had retreated to the outskirts of the camp. Elara sat with Coren, the two locked in a hushed conversation that was occasionally punctuated by Coren’s sharp gestures.“You’re letting this fester,” Lyra finally said, breaking the silence.Kael turned to her, his face unreadable. "And what would you have me do? Force them to trust her?""No," Lyra said, her voice low. "But you need to address it. The longer this simmers, the more likely it is to explode."Kael blew out a sigh, the weight of leadershi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-01Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 62
Pale gold streaks appeared on the tired faces of Kael's team as the first rays of dawn peaked through the dense forest canopy. The memories of their betrayal at the temple were still vivid in their thoughts, and the night had been long and sleepless. The wounds to their trust and morale were still fresh even after the injuries had been treated.Standing apart from the others, Kael gazed into the dwindling campfire's embers. His mind was racing with ideas of what they would do next. The Syndicate's treachery had shown a weakness—their conceit—but it had also served as a planned reminder of their dominance.He clenched his fists and whispered to himself, "We'll use that against them."A Strategy DevelopsThe crew convened around mid-morning to deliberate on their next course of action. Even though there was still a hint of hesitation, Kael stood in the middle, commanding their attention with his powerful presence.He started, "The Syndicate believes they have won." They believe that we
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-01Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 63
A strong feeling of anticipation filled the air as the day started, with the group's faces showing a mix of fear and determination at the entrance to the winding cave. Zara fiddled with her pack's strap while glancing over the rocky terrain that surrounded their route. Kael stood beside her, his weapon tucked under his shoulder, his eyes focused on the dark interior beyond.Lyra said, "This is it," in a steady voice that belied the gravity of the situation. Her face was illuminated by the flashing light of a device she was holding. "The readings confirm that the source is somewhere deep within."Elara took a step forward, her face composed yet determined. Her words, "We go together," "Don't split up. It seems as though this location was created to trap the irresponsible.Doran, who had turned into a really surprising ally, moved uneasily. He whispered, "I've heard tales of this place." Few people who enter ever manage to get out. They are not the same as others who do.Zara responded,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-02
Bab terbaru
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 112
The mysterious appearance hovered over Zara and Elias, causing the room to quiver. Its voice echoed with an otherworldly force, booming."I am the Keeper of Secrets, the defender of the truth in the Nexus. Its wisdom can only be claimed by the deserving.With his sword gleaming dimly in the low light, Elias took a step forward. "We wish to avoid hurting you. We are here to provide answers.The Keeper's icy, piercing laugh reverberated around the room. "Mortal, answers have a cost. Show your determination, or let the secrets you seek overwhelm you.The ProblemThe shadows surrounding the Keeper's uplifted arm twisted into enormous tentacles that swung out at them. Elias escaped the initial blow, just avoiding a sharp fragment of rock that splintered where he had been standing."Remain back, Zara!" he yelled.Zara, however, felt the pendant draw her closer, its light becoming brighter with each stride. "No, Elias. I also have to deal with this.The Keeper's tendrils moved to obstruct he
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 111
The trip to the Sanctum was exhausting and time-consuming. Unspoken secrets seemed to be alive in the woodland surrounding Zara and Elias. Zara gripped the pendant harder with each tree rustle, its dim illumination her only solace amid the encroaching darkness.With his blade out, Elias strode forward. His jaw was clenched in concern, and he was silent."What are you thinking about?" Zara asked quietly.He did not turn around. "The animal. What happened to it if it was ever human? More significantly, is it possible that we will experience that?The idea made Zara shudder. "I am not sure. But I am not going to give up just yet.At last, Elias's face softened as he looked at her. "Zara, I will not allow anything to happen to you. Regardless.She gave a small smile. "Remember, we defend one another?"The Initial IndicationThey arrived at a clearing after several hours. A huge stone archway, adorned with antiquated sculptures that gleamed dimly in the moonlight, stood in the middle.Elia
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 110
Zara’s heart pounded as the massive figure rose from the valley below. Its shape was unclear, a mix of shadows and shifting darkness, but its glowing eyes locked onto her. The pendant around her neck felt heavy, like it was pulling her toward the creature.“Elias,” she whispered, clutching the pendant. “What is that?”Elias didn’t answer right away. His sword was drawn, his face pale. Finally, he said, “That’s what they were warning us about. Something the Order couldn’t control.”The creature’s voice rumbled like thunder. “You dare to bring the Nexus here? Do you know what you have done?”Zara stepped back, her hands trembling. “I-I don’t even know what the Nexus is!”The creature let out a deep, echoing laugh. “Then you are more foolish than I thought.”A Sudden AttackWithout warning, the creature raised one of its massive arms. A wave of shadow surged toward them like a tidal wave.“Run!” Elias shouted, grabbing Zara’s arm.They barely dodged the attack as the shadows slammed into
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 109
Zara's heart pounded despite the silence of the ruins. Elias and she had just managed to get out of the Order's stronghold. On the shattered stone table between them, the stolen file now lay open, its contents leaking out in fragments.Elias gestured at a map. "This is where the Archon is located."Zara bent over. "What is it? A city? A secret base?Elias gave a headshake. It's a temple. One that is older than any we have seen. It is known as the Shadow Sanctum by the Order. It is the beginning—and possibly the end—of their authority.Zara ran her finger over the map. The place was remote, distant from any community or assistance, and deep in the mountains. "You mean we have to go?" With a serious expression, Elias said. "They'll target us first if we stay."The following morning, Zara collected their meagre belongings, which included a blanket, drink, and the pendant that was softly lighting around her neck. A file that Elias had read several times during the night was in his grasp.
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 108
After the meeting, the forest appeared darker, with Zara's newfound knowledge bearing down on her every step. Other than the faint glimmer of the necklace around her neck, which pulsed like a heartbeat and reverberated with the energy of the Nexus, she had no map or guide.Her mind was racing with questions at the mention of the Order. Who were they? They had been observing her for how long? And why did they think they owned the Nexus?As Zara walked forward, her resolve was strengthened by the memory of their combat, and her hands clenched around Kael's knife. She refused to give in to the Order's demands.Zara arrived at the forest's edge as night fell and came out into a stony plain with old ruins scattered across it. As Mirela's pendant grew brighter, it led her to a dilapidated building that was partially submerged in the ground.As though the power of the Nexus still resided in the stones themselves, the air seemed different here, charged with electricity. Zara stepped forward w
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 107
With each stride Zara took, the woodland appeared to release a breath. The obelisk behind her pulsed quietly, illuminating the route she now walked with a warm, unearthly radiance. Even if she was by herself, the energy in her veins served as a reminder that she bore Kael's lasting legacy in addition to the Nexus's strength.The sounds of life returned as she ventured farther into the revitalised forest: the distant buzz of a stream, the rustle of leaves, and the chirping of birds. But beneath the colourful exterior, Zara felt uneasy. The world itself seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation of something.In the Clearing, a StrangerZara arrived at a spacious area after walking for hours. A tiny, worn cottage stood in the middle of it, encircled by a ring of blue flowers that appeared to glimmer dimly in the last of the sunlight. The air smelt like herbs, and smoke curled from the chimney.Zara stepped forward cautiously, her hand on Kael's knife hilt. Long ago, she had discove
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 106
The silence reigned. Once teeming with vibrant hues and boundless vitality, the Nexus now seems muted, almost melancholy. Zara's hands were shaking as she knelt on the chilly floor, pressing them against the empty pedestal that had once held the crystalline sphere. It was gone, and Kael was gone too.It was as if something essential had been torn from her chest. Despite the deafening quiet around her, Kael's last words, "You're going to save the world, Zara," continued to reverberate in her mind. I have faith in you.It didn't feel like Zara was saving the day. She felt inadequate."No," she muttered, violently shaking her head. "No, this isn't how it should finish." Her voice broke, and unrestrained tears fell down her cheeks. "This is what we were meant to do together."A rumbling rumble echoed through the room as the ground underneath her trembled. Zara looked up, tears clouding her vision. The Nexus was changing once more, its hues deepening into red and indigo. She found herself
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 105
Kael and Zara found themselves in a world they had never experienced before as the Nexus engulfed them. Their souls resonated with the almost sentient rhythm of the swirling colours and patterns all around them. They appeared to have entered a location where time and space met, the very pulse of life itself.The air seemed heavy with invisible energy, and every step forward was like wading through molasses. Kael anchored them both by maintaining a firm hold on Zara's hand. In spite of the confusing environment, he muttered, "Remain near. This location is attempting to tear us apart.Zara's lips formed a narrow line as she nodded. She sensed it, too—a faint pull, like if invisible hands were attempting to pull her away from Kael. However, it was an emotional experience as well as a physical one. Unbidden memories came to mind: times of uncertainty, pain, and dread, all of which threatened to weaken her resolve.The fluctuating patterns around them started to come together into shapes a
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 104
Following the collapse of the Labyrinth, there was a physical and psychological reckoning. Weary and bruised, Kael and Zara emerged into a windy, desolate desert. Their bodies and minds bore the scars of the labyrinth, as though it had ejected them back into the world. With its secrets still clinging to them, the maze's eerie murmurs seemed to reverberate with every step they took.A harsh reminder of the realities they now had to deal with was the sun burning overhead. Zara knelt to examine the chart they had taken from the centre of the labyrinth, but she had no idea where to go. Faint patterns and mysterious symbols were seen on the aged and torn parchment. Kael grimaced as he leaned over her shoulder."This symbol," Zara muttered as she traced a circle with fine lines extending outward. "It corresponds with the Archmage's ring's sigil."Kael gave a nod. It's a marker. A position of authority. This could be the place where we discover the truth, if that is what the Archmage intende
