Chapter 218: Arriving At The Umbra Continent
Linsley swiped his hand through the air, zooming in on specific regions highlighted in an ominous red glow.
"There are three areas of concern. The Shadowspire, which seems to emit an unusual, concentrated flux signature. The Endless Mire, where infected beasts are most densely packed. And finally, the Abyssal Rift—a massive chasm that stretches deep into the earth. From the readings, I suspect it houses their primary operations."
Ted frowned. "Three areas, all swarming with infection. Even with the three of us, tackling them all at once would be dangerous."
Linsley nodded, his tone unyielding. "We won't split up. All three of us will handle these areas one at a time. Even if it's overkill, we're not taking unnecessary risks. The Outer Gods' influence is strongest here, and the infection's density means their lackeys won't just sit idly by. We hit them with everything we have, together."
Lucy's golden eyes narrowed, her wings flexing slightly. "Efficient and thorough. It'll also send a clear message—there's no stopping us."
Ted exhaled, his tension easing slightly. "That's the safer choice. If we're united, we'll eliminate any surprises they throw at us."
Linsley's gaze swept across the room, his white flux pulsing faintly. "We start with the Shadowspire. Its flux signature is the most concentrated and volatile. If they're conducting something significant there, taking it out first will disrupt their operations elsewhere."
Lucy nodded. "Then we move to the Endless Mire. With all three of us, clearing the infected beasts will be swift."
"And finally," Linsley continued, "we'll confront whatever lies in the Abyssal Rift. That's where we'll likely find their command center and deal the decisive blow."
Linsley's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained resolute. "This isn't just about purging the infection. It's about ensuring the Outer Gods' influence is eradicated completely. No corner of the Umbra Continent will be left untouched."
The trio exchanged a final glance, understanding the weight of their mission.
With a sweep of his hand, Linsley summoned a portal, its glowing energy pulsating with the same resolve they carried.
Together, they stepped through, vanishing into the eternal night of the Umbra Continent as their unified assault began. Continue your journey on empire
…
The portal's energy rippled as the trio stepped through, emerging into the perpetual darkness of the Umbra Continent.
The air was heavy, oppressive, and thick with the lingering flux of corruption. Shadows stretched endlessly, the faint glimmers of crimson infection marking the land like ominous stars scattered across a black void.
Linsley's white flux shimmered faintly, his gaze scanning their surroundings with precision. "It's even worse than I thought," he murmured. "The darkness here isn't just natural—it's being reinforced by flux. The Outer Gods are actively suppressing the light."
Ted adjusted his stance, his flux forming a subtle barrier around him. "Even the atmosphere feels hostile. It's like the darkness itself is alive."
Lucy remained silent for a moment, her golden eyes scanning the bleak terrain. Then, without a word, her Angel of Redemption: Gabriel gift flared to life.
Her body became a beacon, radiant light spilling from her form and illuminating the surrounding area. Holy energy pulsed outward, washing away the oppressive shadows and leaving a trail of purified ground in its wake.
Linsley raised an eyebrow, his usual calm demeanor unbroken. "An angelic lightbulb? How fitting."
Lucy ignored the comment, the soft glow of her wings adding to her celestial appearance.
The continuous release of holy light bathed her in an aura of divine radiance, her presence standing in stark contrast to the darkness. "If we're going to walk into the heart of corruption, we'll need to see what we're dealing with. This should do."
Ted glanced at her, his voice tinged with approval. "It's more than just light. The flux here is retreating under its influence. This will make our progress easier."
Lucy's expression remained composed, though her faint smile hinted at her satisfaction. "It's not for show. Let's move."
The trio advanced, their combined flux creating an impenetrable force as they navigated the treacherous terrain.
The eerie silence of the Umbra Continent was occasionally broken by distant growls and the rustling of corrupted creatures stalking from the shadows.
As they approached the Shadowspire, the land became even more twisted.
Jagged spires of obsidian jutted from the ground, pulsating with a sickly red glow.
The structure itself loomed in the distance, a dark tower wreathed in swirling flux that seemed to drink in the surrounding light.
Linsley's gaze sharpened. "The Shadowspire. Its flux signature is unlike anything we've encountered before."
Ted nodded, his brown flux surging with destructive energy, a faint shimmer of annihilation swirling around him. "It's like a beacon for the infection. Whatever's inside is maintaining the darkness over this continent."
Lucy's holy light intensified, pushing back the encroaching shadows. "Then we destroy it."
The ground beneath them trembled as a horde of infected creatures emerged from the surrounding darkness. Twisted beasts, their forms warped by crimson flux, charged at them with feral intensity.
Linsley stepped forward, his white flux flaring. "I'll clear the way. Stay close."
With a motion of his hand, he summoned a wave of annihilation energy that swept through the horde, disintegrating the creatures in a brilliant flash.
Ted followed closely, his own annihilation gift flaring to life. Tendrils of destructive brown energy swirled around him, erasing the infected creatures in his path with merciless precision.
Each strike obliterated the twisted beasts entirely, leaving no trace behind—not even dust—as if they had never existed.
Lucy's radiant light, meanwhile, burned away the corruption clinging to the land. Her holy illumination cleansed and purified the darkened terrain, driving back the infection with unwavering brilliance.
The combined power of their gifts turned the once-tainted ground into a reflection of hope and renewal.
The Shadowspire loomed closer, its ominous presence growing heavier with each step. The oppressive aura seemed to challenge their every advance, yet the trio moved forward undeterred.
Linsley glanced at his companions, his white flux shimmering faintly as his voice cut through the din. "This is just the beginning. Whatever's waiting inside will be far worse."
Ted smirked, the brown energy rippling around him with raw destructive intent. "Worse just means more to annihilate."