stonecrandall Page 174
Page 174
“It looks…like their commander, or something of a higher level.” Leah narrowed her eyes, magical energy gathering at her fingertips to form a shimmering sphere of light, ready to be released at any moment.
"Meishu, analyze that guy's data. We need to find his weakness as soon as possible," Zhao De gave the order through the communicator, adjusting his breathing as he prepared for the tough battle to come.
Chapter 147 Unknown Existence
Chapter 147 Unknown Existence
"Analyzing... Captain, this guy's energy reaction is unusually strong. We recommend prioritizing destroying its energy core. I'm locating it... Found it! The target's back, a tiny but crucial node. Hitting there could cause significant damage." Yu Meishu's voice was calm and swift, providing the team with invaluable tactical information.
"Received, target's back energy node." After confirming, Zhao De turned to Xiao Zhang and Liya. "Xiao Zhang, you're in charge of drawing attention. Liya, prepare for remote support. I'll try to approach and destroy its energy core. Everyone, this is a decisive operation; we must strike decisively."
"Understood!" the two replied in unison, their eyes burning with the flames of battle.
As the plan unfolded, Xiao Zhang used smoke grenades to create chaos and draw the enemy commander's attention, while Lia precisely unleashed an elemental storm from a distance, creating an opportunity for Zhao De's surprise attack. Taking advantage of this opening, Zhao De darted across the battlefield like lightning, heading straight for the back of the unknown entity.
"Look, Captain Chenxi, what is he going to do?!" Exclamations rose and fell from the crowd, everyone held their breath and stared, tense yet full of anticipation.
"He must have discovered something. Captain Chenxi always has a way!" an old man said confidently, his eyes full of trust in Zhao De.
Just as Zhao De was about to touch the target, the unknown entity seemed to sense the threat, suddenly turned around, and released a powerful energy wave, forcing Zhao De to dodge in an emergency.
"Watch out, Captain!" Xiao Zhang and Liya shouted at the same time, their worry evident.
Zhao De tumbled through the air, narrowly avoiding the attack, and then used the momentum to dash forward again, the tip of his sword gathering the power of light, thrusting straight at that tiny energy node.
"Now!" With a low shout, the sword pierced through the defenses accurately and struck the target. At that moment, the entire battlefield seemed to freeze; everyone held their breath, awaiting the outcome.
Suddenly, the unknown entity let out a deafening roar, and a dazzling light burst forth from within its body. Then it crashed to the ground, its massive body creating a huge crater and sending dust flying.
"Success! Captain Dawn succeeded!" The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, creating an unstoppable torrent.
"Captain, are you alright?" Xiao Zhang and Liya rushed forward and asked with concern.
Zhao De emerged from the dust, his clothes somewhat torn, but his smile was incredibly bright. "We did it, the result of everyone's hard work."
“But, Captain…” Leah pointed to the portal, where new fluctuations seemed to be appearing, and more unknown creatures were stirring.
"It seems the battle is far from over." Zhao De's smile faded, his gaze turning serious. "However, as long as we stand united, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome. Prepare for the next challenge, Children of Light!"
"Yes, Captain!" the team responded in unison, their voices firm and powerful, filled with boundless confidence in the future.
"Captain, what are those things?" Xiao Zhang pointed to the creatures that were slowly emerging from the portal. They were completely different from the previous enemies, much larger in size, with strange patterns covering their skin, and exuding an ominous aura.
“New enemies, new challenges,” Zhao De said in a deep voice, his eyes showing no fear, only a resolute determination to face the difficulties. “Meishu, quickly analyze these guys’ abilities.”
Chapter 148 Self-Repair Mechanism
Chapter 148 Self-Repair Mechanism
“It’s already underway, Captain.” Yu Meishu’s calm voice came through the communicator. “These creatures have a more complex energy structure and seem to possess some kind of self-repairing ability. Direct attacks may have limited effect.”
"Self-repair?" Xiao Zhang frowned. "Then how do we fight?"
“Don’t forget our strengths—intelligence and teamwork.” Zhao De smiled confidently. “Lia, if your elemental storms can continue to disrupt their self-repair mechanisms, we have a chance.”
"Understood, leave it to me." Leah nodded, her hands quickly forming hand seals, and the elements in the air surged, brewing an even more violent storm.
"Xiao Zhang, you're in charge of keeping them occupied and preventing them from concentrating on repairs." Zhao De continued assigning tasks, with every detail carefully considered.
"Roger that, Captain." Xiao Zhang adjusted his equipment, preparing to rejoin the battle.
Just as the three were ready, a trembling voice suddenly came from the crowd: "They...they seem to be talking..."
Everyone looked in surprise toward the source of the sound, only to see a young woman pointing tremblingly at the new creatures. They were indeed emitting a low hum, as if they were communicating.
"What are they saying?" Zhao De's heart skipped a beat, and he signaled the team to remain vigilant.
“Let me try.” Leah closed her eyes, concentrated, and tried to decipher the unknown language. After a moment, she opened her eyes, her expression complicated: “They… are looking for something called the ‘Heart of Light,’ which they say is the key to their world.”
“The Heart of Light?” Zhao De repeated softly, a vague guess forming in his mind. “It seems this invasion was not accidental. Mei Shu, can you trace the clues to this ‘Heart of Light’?”
“I’ll give it a try.” After a brief silence on the other end of the communicator, Yu Meishu’s voice rang out again, “I’ve found something. The source of the Heart of Light’s signal seems to be in the central area of our city, near the history museum.”
“A museum?” Zhao De pondered. “It has a vast collection of artifacts and could very well be hiding some secrets. We must find the Heart of Light before they do.”
"Captain, shall we set off now?" Xiao Zhang rubbed his hands together, eager to get back into battle.
“No, this time we have to outsmart them.” Zhao De shook his head. “Meishu, you continue to monitor the situation. Xiao Zhang, Liya, and I will infiltrate the museum. Remember, if things go wrong, notify us to retreat immediately.”
"Understood, Captain." Yu Meishu's voice revealed a hint of worry, but she knew that Zhao De's judgment was often the most accurate.
As night fell, Zhao De and his group silently infiltrated the museum. Inside, all was silent, save for the dappled shadows cast by the emergency lights. They followed the historical trail, approaching step by step the signal source of the Heart of Light.
“Here it is,” Lia said softly, pointing to a heavily guarded display case where a gem radiating a soft glow lay quietly—the Heart of Light.
“This is what they’re looking for.” Zhao De stared at the gem, a complex light flashing in his eyes. “We can’t let it fall into the wrong hands.”
"But how should we deal with it?" Xiao Zhang asked the crucial question.
"Take it back and let scientists study it; perhaps they can find a peaceful solution." Zhao De made his decision and was about to take action when suddenly, a dark figure darted out from the shadows with astonishing speed.
Chapter 149 Isolation from the Outside World
Chapter 149 Isolation from the Outside World
"Who is it?" Zhao De reacted quickly, his sword already drawn, blocking the way for everyone.
"Wait, it's me." A deep and familiar voice rang out, and a mysterious figure draped in a cloak stepped out of the darkness, his face appearing and disappearing in the shadows.
“You are…” Leah recognized him in surprise. He was the legendary hermit of the city, said to possess ancient knowledge.
"Time is of the essence; the Heart of Light cannot remain here," the hermit said urgently. "Its power is enough to change two worlds; it must be moved to a safe place immediately."
“We were planning to do that,” Zhao De replied, but he remained wary of this sudden helper.
"Trust me, I have a way." The hermit stretched out his hand, palm up, and an invisible force enveloped the Heart of Light. The gem slowly rose and hovered in his hand. "Follow me."
Led by the hermit, Zhao De and his group traversed a series of hidden passages, eventually arriving at an ancient underground chamber. The hermit placed the Heart of Light on a specially crafted pedestal, and the surrounding environment subtly changed, as if an invisible barrier had isolated this place from the outside world.
“This is a temporary safe haven,” the hermit explained, “but true peace still requires your continued efforts.”
“We will,” Zhao De said firmly. “However, we still have many questions.”
"All the answers lie in the long river of time." The hermit smiled slightly, turned to leave, and said, "Remember, true power comes from the light within."
"Wait, what's your name?" Xiao Zhang couldn't help but ask.
The hermit did not turn back, leaving only the words: "In the dust of history, I am but a passerby."
With the hermit gone, the secret chamber returned to silence. Zhao De, Xiao Zhang, and Liya exchanged glances; they knew that although the crisis was temporarily averted, an even greater challenge awaited them.
"Captain, what do we do next?" Xiao Zhang asked.
“First, we need to contact Meishu and tell her about the situation here, so that she can continue to monitor the movements of those creatures,” Zhao De said in a deep voice, his gaze firm. “At the same time, we need to start looking for more clues about the Heart of Light and that world. Since the hermit mentioned that it can change two worlds, there must be documents or ancient books that record relevant information.”
"By the way, Captain, who exactly is that hermit? How does he know so much?" Leah's curiosity was fully aroused, and her eyes sparkled with the light of exploring the unknown.
"Whoever he is, at least for now, he doesn't seem to have any ill intentions towards our goals," Zhao De replied, his mind also filled with doubt. "We'll discuss this later. Right now, the most important thing is to strengthen our defenses and prevent the Heart of Light from being taken away."
The three quickly returned to the communicator, and Zhao De contacted Yu Meishu.
“Meishu, the situation has changed. The Heart of Light has been safely moved, and we are now in a hidden location,” Zhao De briefly explained.
“It’s good that you’re safe, Captain. Those creatures seem to be searching for the Heart of Light as well, and their search area is expanding.” Yu Meishu’s voice was tense. “I will do my best to interfere with their detection and buy you time.”
"Well done, Mi-sook. We'll find a solution to this as soon as possible," Zhao De encouraged, then closed the communication.
Chapter 150 The Consciousness of the Heart of Light
Chapter 150 The Consciousness of the Heart of Light
“Now, let’s split up.” Zhao De assigned the tasks. “Lia, you use your abilities to try to decipher more information about the Heart of Light; Xiao Zhang, you are responsible for organizing all the relevant materials in the museum, especially the parts about ancient legends and interdimensional communication; I will contact some reliable experts to see if they can provide assistance.”
"Understood!" the two replied in unison, and then got to work.
A few hours later, in a secluded corner of the museum, the three reunited, each with a new discovery.
"Captain, I found a description of the Heart of Light in an ancient book. It seems to be the key to connecting the two worlds, but it's also a double-edged sword. Improper use could lead to disaster," Xiao Zhang reported, his voice filled with worry.
“I’ve made progress on my end too,” Leah continued. “Through telepathy, I’ve vaguely sensed the consciousness of the Heart of Light. It seems to be looking for someone who can guide it to use its power correctly.”
“This sounds like a choice of fate.” Zhao De pondered for a moment. “We not only need to guard against those creatures, but also find this person and guide the Heart of Light onto the right path.”
"Captain, if that person really exists, how can we be sure?" Xiao Zhang asked.
“Intuition,” Zhao De replied succinctly and forcefully. “Sometimes, intuition is more reliable than any evidence. We have to trust the voice of our hearts.”
Just as the three were discussing, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the museum, followed by hurried footsteps, as if some emergency was taking place.
"Oh no, those creatures may have found this place!" Zhao De's face hardened, and he immediately made a decision. "Quick, we have to leave here. We can't let the Heart of Light be exposed."
The three quickly packed their belongings and prepared to leave. Just as they were about to leave the sealed room, a panicked staff member rushed in, panting, "Outside! There are strange creatures outside! They...they seem to be looking for something!"
“We know,” Zhao De replied calmly, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination. “We’ll handle it. You should find a safe place to hide first.”
The staff member nodded gratefully and hurried away. Zhao De, Xiao Zhang, and Liya exchanged a glance, then followed closely behind, heading towards the unknown challenge.
"Are you ready?" Zhao De asked in a low voice, gripping his weapon tightly, ready to face any possible battle.
"I've been preparing all along." Xiao Zhang's tone carried a hint of excitement; he didn't seem afraid of the upcoming battle.