novelhk Chapter 280: The Collapse of the Rift Core
Chapter 280: The Collapse of the Rift Core
Deep within the Chaos Realm, the Rift Core, like a twisted star, emitted a purplish-blue light, constantly distorting the surrounding space under its influence. Ares, Selena, and Wagner stood before the core, all three feeling the suffocating energy fluctuations. This oppressive feeling was like invisible chains, attempting to crush their will.
“It’s trying to take control of us,” Ares said in a low voice, his rune sword trembling violently as if resisting the interference from the Rift Core. “But that only proves we’re getting closer to our goal.”
Selena pointed her sniper rifle at the core, her gaze like an ice blade. "This time it made no illusions, no probing. It knows we won't back down."
Wagner shoved his battle axe and sneered, "Then just smash it! No need to think about it anymore."
However, before they could take any action, the rift core suddenly released a powerful energy shockwave. The three were forced to scatter, and energy tendrils appeared around the core, acting as a giant barrier to protect it.
“It doesn’t intend to let us get close.” Selena quickly rolled to dodge the tentacles’ attack, while trying to fire with her sniper rifle, but the energy barrier was much stronger than expected, and her bullets had no effect.
“We can’t break through this thing with brute force!” Wagner swung his axe at the tentacle, but was thrown back several steps by the recoil. “We need to think of another way!”
Ares calmly observed the fluctuations within the rift's core, his gaze lingering on the roots of the tentacles, where faint specks of energy emanated. "The roots of the tentacles are its weak point!" Ares shouted. "Concentrate our attack there, and we can break through the barrier!"
The three quickly adjusted their tactics, focusing their attack on the roots of the tentacles. Wagner slammed his battle axe into the foremost tentacle, channeling all his power into it; the powerful impact caused the root of the tentacle to crack. Meanwhile, Selena used her sniper rifle to precisely fire from a distance, clearing away the small energy barriers surrounding Wagner.
Ares raised his rune sword, unleashing a scorching sword aura that severed another tentacle in two. The core, now partially deprived of its tentacle, began to vibrate violently, its energy fluctuations becoming even more volatile.
"Keep attacking!" Ares shouted. "Its defenses are beginning to crumble!"
The Rift Core clearly sensed the danger; it released more tentacles and summoned a swarm of Rift Guardians. These guards, resembling floating ghosts, each carried a violent energy surge, attempting to prevent the guardians from approaching the core.
"These guys are here again!" Wagner roared as he charged toward the Rift Guards. His battle axe cleaved through several enemies, but more guards surged forward, surrounding him completely.
Selena quickly adjusted her firing direction, using her sniper rifle to clear out the guards around Wagner, but the number of enemies was simply too great, and her ammunition was running out very quickly. "I need backup!" Selena shouted.
Ares rushed to Wagner's side, his runeblade unleashing a circular protective barrier that temporarily kept the Rift Guardians at bay. "Wagner, focus on the tentacles! We'll take care of the guards!"
"Understood!" Wagner gritted his teeth, raised his battle axe again, and smashed it down on the base of the tentacle. With a loud bang, the other tentacle finally collapsed completely, and the barrier at the core of the rift weakened once more.
Just as the three approached the core, the rift core suddenly stopped vibrating, and all the surrounding tentacles disappeared. The entire space fell into an eerie silence, with only the faint light flickering inside the core.
"What is it doing?" Wagner stopped what he was doing and stared warily at the core.
"This doesn't look like a retreat; it looks like something is brewing." Selena gripped her sniper rifle, quickly scanning the energy fluctuations at the core. "No! Its energy is rapidly gathering!"
Ares's expression changed. "It's trying to create an energy burst to engulf the entire area!"
"What?!" Wagner's eyes widened. "What do we do then?"
Ares looked at the runeblade, feeling a call emanating from its blade. It was an ancient resonance, as if the remnants of the anchor of destiny were guiding him. "I need to neutralize its energy with the runeblade! Wagner, Selena, cover me!"
Without hesitation, Selena quickly adjusted her sniper rifle and began clearing out the regrouped Rift Guardians around her. Wagner stood beside Ares, his battle axe raised high, ready to defend against any possible attack.
Ares approached the core of the rift step by step, the light of the runic sword growing ever more intense, while the energy within the core surged wildly. Each step felt like traversing a blade's edge, the impact of energy constantly trying to repel him.
"You cannot stop me." The rift's voice echoed throughout the space. "The rules of the universe are destined to collapse, and I will replace them and become the new order."
"Rules are not shackles, but the cornerstone of balance," Ares replied coldly, raising his rune sword high, pointing it directly at the core. "And you, you are merely a cancer on the universe, destined to be eradicated!"
The runic sword's light transformed into a dazzling pillar, piercing straight to the center of the rift's core. The core emitted a piercing shriek, countless runes peeled away from its surface, and the energy fluctuations became exceptionally violent.
The Rift Core attempted to retaliate, its tentacles surging forth once more, frantically attacking Ares. Wagner blocked the foremost attack with his battle axe, while Selena fired precisely, repelling the tentacles one by one.
“Ares, now!” Selena shouted.
Ares plunged the rune sword into the core with all his might, and the light instantly engulfed the entire space. The rift core let out its final roar before collapsing with a deafening crash.
As the light gradually faded, the Chaos Realm returned to an eerie calm. The Rift Core had completely disappeared, and the surrounding energy gradually stabilized, but all three could sense that the aftershocks of this battle were far from over.
"Is it over?" Wagner gasped, looking at the empty space before him.
“This is only a temporary victory.” Ares sheathed his rune sword, his gaze deep. “The Rift will not be given up easily; we must continue forward.”
Selena checked the instruments, a hint of weariness in her eyes. "There are other anomalies on the star map. The power of the rift is dissipating, but we cannot ignore any threat."
“Let them come,” Wagner grinned, raising his battle axe. “As long as we’re standing, nothing can stop us.”
The three exchanged a glance, readjusted their stance, and prepared for the next battle. Behind them, in the chaotic realm, a faint light flickered, seemingly foreshadowing some new crisis.