A Gem's Investment (JadeXFemReader)

Chapter 21: Plight

[Y/n's PoV]

The next night, I found myself stepping onto the abandoned field. The ground here was barren, and the air felt heavy with an uneasy stillness. The darkness enveloped my surroundings, making it difficult to see anything beyond a few feet.

As I began my approach to the field, my senses were heightened, alert to any suspicious movement or sound. I moved with caution to avoid making any unnecessary noise.

Jade had initially suggested bringing IPC soldiers along for the mission, but I firmly declined. I explained that having soldiers with me would only slow down my progress, given my lack of skills in communication and coordination. Of course she was not entirely happy with my decision but she respected my choice.

Hmm.

I immediately noticed the distinct aura that hung heavily in the air likely due to the presence of the Stellaron. It felt tainted, as if the field itself was already infected by its presence.

I knelt down on the ground, placing my hand onto the rough, dry surface. Then I closed my eyes, focusing my senses on the energy emanating from the soil.

This is the place for I could feel the malevolent presence of the Stellaron and its energy.

...?

As I looked ahead, something caught my eye- faint footprints on the ground. They were barely visible and was nearly washed away by the elements, but I could just make them out.

Someone has been here... and recently.

It seemed to lead further into the field towards an uncertain destination.

Ah?

Suddenly, a sharp headache gripped my head, causing me to clutch it involuntarily. It wasn't a normal headache caused by my health issues, but rather a response to this surrounding environment.

"Urgh..." I winced and gritted my teeth. .

"What is this..?"

Before I could fully process what was happening, a sharp projectile zoomed towards me with lightning speed. Luckily, my reflexes kicked in just in time, and I managed to dodge the attack. However, the sudden movement triggered by the headache caused me to stumble, losing my balance for a moment.

"What the..." I muttered as I tried to regain my footing.

I looked around for the source of the projectile and my gaze followed the trajectory of the projectile and landed on a figure in the distance- Catarina, a member of the Ever-Flame Mansion.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A little girl all alone in an abandoned field?" she taunted.

"Now, now, don't tease her like that or she might pee herself. You know there's more of her than meets the eye. Isn't that right, emanator?" Constance, who I fought before revealed herself in the shadows.

Why are they here.

"Haha! This will be fun."

Caterina's laughter echoed through the field as she propelled herself towards me with uncanny speed and precision. Her attack was swift and merciless, making it clear that her intentions is to incapacitate me as quickly as possible.

I evaded her attack as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. It was clearer who the culprits were behind the Stellaron's presence- the Ever-Flame Mansion.

...?

Just as I was focused on dodging and retaliating against Caterina's attacks, I noticed a different set of objects hurtling towards me- puppet threads, writhing through the air with uncanny precision. They seemed to possess a sinister sentience, weaving and wriggling as they sought to ensnare me in their embrace.