Life of a Light

Chap 12 - Meeting

The Rion Squad advanced in formation toward the designated Bagemite zone. The forest was dense, shadows pooling beneath towering trees. As they moved, Etzia paused for a moment, her nose twitching slightly.

"There's an unfamiliar compound in the air," she noted aloud, voice flat. "Metallic. Possibly organic decay. Unknown source."

She didn't expect a response, nor did she need one.

Temperature: approximately 70°F. Humidity: moderate. No wind interference. Everything around her was data—measurable, cataloged. Emotion served no function here.

A bridge came into view—ancient, rusted, stretching across a cliff with a wide river below. The structure was approximately ten feet in width and showed signs of corrosion. Crossing it was a calculated risk.

"We will proceed across the bridge in single file," Rick ordered. His tone was measured, efficient. "Maintain spacing. Do not engage in unnecessary conversation."

They crossed without incident, arriving at the targeted coordinates. Bagemites littered the area—iridescent stones pulsing with residual stellar energy. The team began collection immediately, storing the items in their specialized containers.

Etzia cataloged twenty-three fragments, logging their readings into her ISB device.

Then came the disturbance—measured footsteps, heavy and fast. Four figures emerged from the treeline. Chondria.

Height: approximately thirteen feet. Morphology: fox-like heads, elongated limbs resembling bat wings, claws. White and black fur. Bioenergy readings focused in a glowing blue center on each chest.

"Defensive positions," Rick commanded.

The squad's gear activated in sequence—transformations humming as tools took their combat forms. Etzia's own connector extended with a quiet click, energy pulsing at its core.

Rick and Asahi took point—sword and cleaver carving swift arcs through the air as they confronted the first Chondria.

Angali's hammer struck the second Chondria with full force. The impact sent her reeling, but she recovered, attacking again without hesitation.

Hyeon deployed his hedgehog spikes, surrounding the third Chondria in a containment pattern. Arlo exploited the opportunity with precise crossbow fire.

Etzia engaged the fourth target, her movements deliberate. No emotion—only logic. Her connector lanced out, striking the creature in its vital point. From the shadows, Haruka provided suppression fire.

Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.

The creatures collapsed in sequence.

"Clear the area," Rick ordered. "Return to the bridge. Move quickly."

As they regrouped, the ground trembled. Another Chondria approached—larger, quadrupedal, with a tail resembling a hammer. Its energy signature was significantly elevated.

"That is a Class-Delta Chondria," Rick said, eyes fixed on it. "Unlikely we can subdue it with current resources."

"We retreat," Rick confirmed. "Priority is squad safety."

They ran. The Chondria pursued. The bridge loomed ahead, and they moved swiftly across. Then—Haruka stumbled.

Rick responded without hesitation. "Haruka, up."

He lifted her onto his back, continuing the sprint.

Etzia was the last to cross. She turned. The Chondria was closing in, tail arcing upward.