r18novel Chapter 268: Gathering Starlight
Chapter 268: Gathering Starlight
The crisis brought about by the new variant of the Rift is gradually spreading to the edge of the universe. The awakening of the Guardians has become the universe's only hope, but the Observer knows that the power of a single new Guardian is far from enough to combat this ever-evolving threat. The Star Chart shines brightly amidst the fluctuations of Rift energy, and it begins to call out to every corner of the universe.
"All beings chosen by the Star Chart are guardians of the universe." The Observer's voice was deep and majestic, echoing in the Star Chart's radiance. "The remnants of the rift are adapting to the rules of the universe and threatening us in a completely new form. If we cannot unite, the balance will be shattered once more."
As the summoning signal was issued, the new Guardians, scattered across the dimensions of the universe, began to feel the guidance from the star map. They may not yet have fully mastered their powers, but their mission is clear: to protect the universe and prevent the remnants of the rift from fully resurfacing.
The bizarre fluctuations in fissure energy
At the same time, the residual energy in the fissure began to exhibit more complex properties. In multiple dimensions, this energy appeared to be attempting to combine with other forces in the universe to create a new form of life.
On a desolate planet on the edge of a dimension, an expedition discovered a strange phenomenon: the once lifeless rocks on the planet's surface suddenly began to shimmer, and energy flowed through the cracks, forming complex runes. Eventually, these runes coalesced into a vague life form.
"These life forms are using the power of the rift to reshape themselves!" the expedition leader exclaimed, and he immediately relayed the discovery back to the observers.
"The fissures have gone beyond mere destruction," the observer concluded after analyzing the data. "They are attempting to create their own order, completely independent of the laws of the universe. If this trend continues, the balance of the entire universe will be lost."
Guided by the star chart, the chosen new guardians began to gather at the heart of the rift crisis. Each guardian was filled with doubt and unease, but the star chart's call made them understand that this was not only their personal mission, but also the key to the survival of the entire universe.
The young Guardian Ares was among the first to arrive. He had already fought a battle against the Rift Variant and knew all too well the terror of these new threats. As he stood at the center of the star map and watched the other Guardians gradually emerge, he felt both relieved and subtly worried.
"So, these people are all chosen guardians like me?" Ares murmured to himself. His gaze swept over the diverse figures, including tall warriors, slender scholars, and young, naive beings like himself.
"Your destinies are now intertwined." The Observer's voice rang out, its radiance enveloping each Guardian. "The power of the Rift is reshaping the order of the universe, and your task is to ensure that this order does not threaten the balance."
"What exactly are these Rift Variants?" a guardian stepped forward and asked, his burly frame wielding a massive battle axe. "Should we destroy them, or fight them?"
“The variants of the rifts are destabilizing factors in the universe; they are both threats and opportunities,” the observer replied. “Your task is not simply to eliminate them, but to find their core, understand their intentions, and, if necessary, utterly destroy them.”
Ares stepped forward and asked, "Many of us don't even understand our own powers, or how to fight these mutants. What should we do?"
"The star map will guide you." The observer's radiance rippled slightly. "Your power will be maximized in the most active areas of the rift remnants. You need to cooperate with each other and have a clear division of labor. Remember, your goal is not just to fight, but to protect the balance of the universe."
The Guardians were divided into several groups, each responsible for venturing into different areas of active rift remnants to investigate the mutant activity and take appropriate action. However, as newly awakened Guardians, they lacked cohesion and even clashed due to their personality differences.
Ares is assigned to a team with Selina, a cool-headed sniper, and Wagner, a burly and straightforward warrior. Their objective is to reach a mineral planet corrupted by remnants of a rift.
“Listen, I’m the team’s commander,” Wagner said in a deep voice. “My plan is simple—go into the planet, find these variants, and destroy them in one blow.”
Selena scoffed. "Your plan is ridiculously simplistic. You haven't even considered that these variants might have more complex structures. We need to gather intelligence and understand their weaknesses, not just blindly rush in."
Ares stood between the two, somewhat awkwardly saying, "Perhaps... we can observe the situation first before deciding how to proceed?"
Wagner patted Ares on the shoulder and grinned, "Kid, you'd better learn to be decisive. Hesitation on the battlefield will only get you killed."
Each of the three, with their own thoughts, boarded the target planet. As they approached the area where the rift energy was concentrated, they discovered it was covered by a strange crystal. These crystals emitted a faint glow and moved slowly, as if they were alive.
Selena crouched down to examine the crystals, her gaze sharp. "These crystals seem to be the result of the fusion of fissure remnants and planetary material. They may be a precursor to a mutation."
Wagner frowned. "Then just destroy these crystals to prevent them from spreading further."
"No!" Selena immediately stopped her. "We don't know the specific function of these crystals. Destroying them rashly could cause even bigger problems."
Ares stood beside the crystal and suddenly sensed a faint fluctuation. He closed his eyes and touched the crystal with his rune sword; it seemed to be transmitting some kind of information from within. A moment later, he abruptly opened his eyes, his expression grave, and said, "These crystals are reserves of rift energy; they are preparing to nurture new life forms. If we don't stop them now, the entire planet will be overrun by mutants."
Wagner raised his battle axe. "Then let's not hesitate any longer, let's do it!"
As the Guardians began their operation, a violent tremor suddenly erupted within the planet. The crystals began to expand rapidly, releasing energy from the fissures that materialized into twisted life forms. These life forms were far more powerful than any previously discovered fissure remnants; they had clear targets and quickly surrounded the Guardians.
Ares swung his rune sword, a blazing blade of light slashing towards the nearest mutant and knocking it back. He shouted, "Selena, Wagner, watch out! These things are more dangerous than we think!"
Wagner charged at the enemy with a maniacal laugh, each strike of his battle axe carrying astonishing destructive power, but the sheer number of mutants was gradually taking its toll. Selena, meanwhile, stood at the rear, calmly and precisely targeting the mutants' cores with her sniper energy beams.
The Guardians are struggling against the hordes of Rift Variant fighters, but they gradually realize that only by cooperating can they overcome the crisis at hand.