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[LOCATION: ABANDONED TEMPLE RUINS – SECTOR 9]
[TIME: 08:03 A.M.]
The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and ancient incense. Lin and Nel moved cautiously through the crumbling corridors of the abandoned temple, their footsteps echoing off the moss-covered walls. The Reactor Ring beneath Lin's cloak pulsed faintly, a rhythmic reminder of the power he now carried.
"This place... it's been untouched for decades, " Nel whispered, her eyes scanning the faded murals depicting forgotten deities.
"It's the last place they'd expect us to hide, " Lin replied, leading her deeper into the sanctum.
Suddenly, a low hum resonated through the chamber. Objects began to levitate—pebbles, dust, and fragments of debris swirling in a controlled orbit.
"He's here, " Lin muttered, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his blade.
From the shadows emerged Vasior, his eyes still concealed behind blood-stained gauze. The levitating objects settled gently as he stepped forward.
"Lin, Nel, " he greeted, his voice calm yet devoid of warmth.
"Vasior, " Lin acknowledged, positioning himself protectively in front of Nel. "What brings you here? "
"A bounty, " Vasior stated plainly. "Nel's head carries a high price. "
Nel's eyes widened in shock. "What? Why? "
"The Syndicate believes you possess knowledge that could destabilize their operations. "
"And you intend to collect? " Lin challenged, his grip tightening on his weapon.
Vasior sighed. "I don't want to fight you, Lin. But I have obligations. "
"Then you'll have to go through me, " Lin declared, stepping forward.
A tense silence filled the chamber before Vasior nodded. "So be it. "
The ensuing battle was a blur of motion. Vasior manipulated the environment with his levitation, hurling debris with precision. Lin countered with swift strikes, his blade meeting each obstacle with calculated force.
Amidst the chaos, Nel focused her energy, chanting an incantation that caused the ground beneath Vasior to tremble. Momentarily unbalanced, he faltered, giving Lin the opening he needed.
"Enough! " Lin shouted, pressing his blade to Vasior's throat. "Stand down. "
Vasior raised his hands in surrender. "I yield. "
"Then leave. And tell the Syndicate that Nel is under my protection. "
Without another word, Vasior turned and disappeared into the shadows.
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[LOCATION: HIDDEN REFUGE – SECTOR 9 OUTSKIRTS]
[TIME: 09:15 A.M.]
Lin and Nel sat in silence, the adrenaline of the encounter slowly dissipating.
"Thank you, " Nel said softly.
"I won't let anyone harm you, " Lin replied, his voice firm.
Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. In the midst of turmoil, a bond had been reaffirmed.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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