Capítulo 13: Divide and Conquer
The deafening roar of the colossal monster still echoed in their ears when the BIO devices on their wrists buzzed simultaneously. A metallic voice, devoid of emotion, emanated from the devices.
"MISSION ALERT: MONSTER ELIMINATION. OBJECTIVE: LOCATE AND ASSEMBLE FOUR WEAPON COMPONENTS TO CONSTRUCT THE ANNIHILATION BEAM. SUCCESS GRANTS SURVIVAL; FAILURE RESULTS IN TERMINATION. TIMER: 60 MINUTES. WEAPON PART LOCATIONS MARKED ON HUD."
The team exchanged stunned glances as holographic maps projected from their BIOs. Four red markers blinked at different corners of the vast arena, each one perilously distant from the others.
Captain (Reika) was the first to speak. "We don't have a choice. If we stay together, we'll never reach all four in time."
"You're suggesting we split up?" Techie (Haruto) asked, his face pale. "That thing out there is huge. If we run into it alone…"
Shadow (Mika) stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "It's risky, but it's our only shot. The BIO wouldn't give us this mission unless it was possible."
Ace (Kaito) tightened his grip on the cannon, his jaw clenched. "Let's not waste time debating. We'll cover more ground if we split into pairs. Who's going where?"
Shadow's Plan
Shadow quickly analyzed the map. "Captain and I will head for the northern and eastern parts. Ace, you and Techie take the southern and western markers. Stay in constant contact through the BIO. If you run into trouble, call for backup immediately."
Captain raised an eyebrow. "You sure splitting us like this is wise?"
Shadow gave a curt nod. "You're the best with close-quarters combat, and I can cover you from range. Ace and Techie are adaptable. It's the best we've got."
Techie swallowed hard, but he didn't argue. "Fine. Let's move. That timer's not slowing down."
Ace and Techie: Southern Marker
The two sprinted across the battlefield, their footsteps crunching over debris. The eerie silence was punctuated only by distant roars and the faint hum of their BIO devices.
"Stay close, Techie," Ace said, his voice steady despite the tension in his chest.
"I'm not planning to wander off," Techie replied, clutching a smaller weapon he had scavenged earlier. His eyes darted nervously around, scanning for any signs of danger.
As they neared the marker, the ground trembled violently. A smaller, yet still imposing creature emerged from the shadows, its serrated claws gleaming.
Ace raised his cannon. "Keep it busy. I'll take it down."
Techie nodded, darting to the side and firing bursts from his weapon. The creature lunged at him, but Ace's well-timed shot struck its side, staggering it. Within moments, the beast collapsed, and the two rushed toward the glowing pedestal where the weapon part lay.
Techie grabbed the piece, a cylindrical core glowing faintly blue. "One down."
Shadow and Captain: Northern Marker
The northern path was a maze of jagged rocks and broken structures. Shadow moved with precision, her rifle raised, while Captain kept a blade in each hand.
"Stay sharp," Shadow muttered, her eyes sweeping the area.
"I always do," Captain replied.
They encountered a swarm of smaller creatures guarding the marker. Shadow fired calculated shots, taking out multiple enemies in quick succession. Captain darted between them, her blades flashing as she cut through the remaining attackers.
Reaching the marker, Shadow retrieved the weapon part, a sleek barrel component. "Two down. Let's move to the eastern side."
Ace and Techie: Western Marker
Ace and Techie's second destination was an abandoned facility littered with rubble. As they approached the marker, the air grew colder, and an unnatural fog began to settle.
"This doesn't feel right," Techie murmured.
Before Ace could respond, another roar echoed through the fog. A massive, armored beast barreled toward them, its red eyes glowing menacingly.
"Move!" Ace shouted, shoving Techie aside as the creature's claws slammed into the ground where they'd been standing.
"Great, now what?" Techie yelled, scrambling to his feet.
Ace gritted his teeth. "We hold it off until we can grab the part."
Shadow and Captain: Eastern Marker
The eastern marker was perched on a narrow ledge overlooking a chasm. As they approached, the ground beneath Captain crumbled slightly, and she stumbled.
"Careful!" Shadow grabbed her arm, steadying her.
Captain glanced down at the endless drop and exhaled shakily. "Thanks."
They reached the marker just as another group of creatures emerged, these more agile and vicious than the ones before. Shadow provided covering fire while Captain dispatched them with calculated strikes.
With the final weapon part in hand—a glowing power cell—they prepared to regroup with the others.
The Final Push
The team converged at the central point of the arena, each carrying their weapon part. Their relief was short-lived as the colossal monster roared again, charging toward them with unstoppable force.
Shadow shouted, "Assemble the weapon, now!"
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder