Eclipsed

Chapter 42

The chapter begins with Alric and Valen stealthily approaching the shadowy building. The air around them shimmered faintly, indicating the presence of a powerful forcefield. Alric paused, placing a hand in front of Valen to halt him.

Alric: "They've got a strong forcefield. Probably layered with Hiraigen runes for reinforcement."

Valen, smirking: "I can break through it easily. Let me handle this."

Alric, narrowing his eyes: "Not so fast. We can't just charge in. If they sense us coming, we'll be overwhelmed before we find Ren."

Valen: "True... So, what's the plan?"

Alric crouched and studied the field carefully. "Here's what we'll do. I'll create a distraction by channeling just enough energy to distort the barrier temporarily—make it seem like it's under attack from above. While they scramble to reinforce the top layer, you'll slip through the weak point on the west side. Keep your presence minimal. If you're spotted, you'll lead them straight to Ren, and this entire mission goes to hell. Got it?"

Valen nodded firmly. "Understood. Let's do this."

The plan unfolded seamlessly. Alric created a powerful energy surge above the structure, sending shockwaves rippling across the forcefield. The guards inside rushed to counter the disruption, leaving the western side vulnerable. Valen slipped through the weakened barrier, darting past patrols with the agility of a shadow.

Inside, the air was damp and oppressive, the stone walls illuminated by flickering torches. Valen moved silently, his eyes scanning each room for any sign of Ren. Finally, through a slightly ajar door, he spotted him.

Ren was inside, performing an advanced core exercise, his body strained but disciplined. The sight of him was both relieving and alarming—Ren looked physically stronger but emotionally drained.

Valen leaned in closer, whispering, "Pssst!"

Ren froze, his sharp instincts kicking in as he turned his head toward the sound. His eyes widened in shock. "Valen?!"

Valen grinned, stepping closer. "Yeah, it's me. What the hell, man? How did you end up here?"

Ren, still processing, hissed back, "How did you find me?!"

Valen started to explain, "It was all thanks to—"

Before he could finish, a sharp, thunderous roar cut through the air. From the shadows, Takehiko emerged, wielding a massive axe that gleamed with a sinister energy. With terrifying speed, he swung the weapon, landing a clean blow to Valen's torso.

Valen was thrown backward, crashing into the wall. Blood seeped through his tunic as he groaned, clutching his side. "Shit... that hurts," he muttered.

Takehiko advanced, his axe raised to deliver a killing strike. But before it could land, a blur of motion intercepted him.

Alric appeared, his golden hair flowing as he moved with incredible speed. His sharp blue eyes locked on Takehiko as he delivered a devastating punch to his stomach, the impact sending the hulking figure staggering back.

Alric, standing tall, flicked his hair back. "You good, Valen?"

Valen, wincing as he wrapped a bandage around his wound, gave a faint smile. "Just barely holding up..."

Ren, now fully alert, stared at Alric in disbelief. "Alric? What the hell are you doing here?!"

Alric smirked, glancing at Ren. "You look like shit."

Ren glared at him, his expression unreadable, before muttering, "He's still there."

Takehiko, recovering from the blow, rose to his feet, his dark energy swirling around him. Alric turned serious, his expression hardening. He looked at Ren and barked, "Get Valen and get the hell out of here!"