Chapter 685 The Edge Of Death
As the spaceship ascended through the outer layers of Planet Euphoria's atmosphere, the dire state of Ashton's condition became even more apparent.
What had once been a strong and indomitable form lay weak on a makeshift medical bed within the vessel. Anna was unable to contain her grief. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched his frail hand, her heart heavy with despair.
"I'm here, Ashton. You have to fight this," she whispered between choked sobs, her voice trembling with fear of losing him. "Please, don't leave me."
Beside Anna stood Irina and Verina. They were not only Ashton's closest allies but also Anna's friends. Their usually mischievous expressions were replaced with a shared anguish.
"He is stronger than anyone we have ever seen," Irina said as her gaze remained locked on Ashton's pale face while Verina squeezed Anna's shoulder reassuringly. "He'll make it through! He has to!"
Amid this heartbreaking scene, Laihud worked tirelessly to stabilise Ashton's rapidly deteriorating condition.
His keen eyes scanned the array of medical equipment, his mind racing through the vast knowledge he had acquired over his long life. Yet, despite his expertise, he felt helpless.
The injuries Ashton had sustained during his battle with Kro'Han were much more severe than they looked from the outside. This was the case when he was wearing the armour. Without it, he would have died even before they boarded the ship.
"This transformation into a Precursor has altered his physiology beyond anything I've encountered before," Laihud mumbled. "I can't do much without the risk of inflicting more damage on him... damn it... there has to be something!"
Things took a turn for the worse as Ashton's vitals plummeted. Laihud panicked and called Vimur for help.
"Vimur, turn on autopilot and get here!" Laihud shrieked. "We need to perform CPR right now!"
"Fuck!" Vimur cursed back as he rushed to help Laihud.
Vimur abandoned his pilot seat to join Laihud in their desperate efforts to revive Ashton. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he applied pressure during CPR, his powerful hands working with Laihud's expertise.
"Come on, Ashton," Vimur muttered, his usually unwavering voice laced with urgency. "You're not one to give up easily. Don't you dare leave us now!"
However, despite their relentless attempts, Ashton's condition continued its downward spiral.
"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! We're losing him!" Vimur screamed as Anna broke down entirely.
Anna's sobs filled the cabin, a haunting chorus of despair echoing their helplessness.
But the seconds ticked by mercilessly, each deepening the chasm of despair that threatened to engulf them. It felt as though they were racing against time as they did everything they could to snatch Ashton from the jaws of death.
During this turmoil, the Guardians stepped forward. Their metallic forms moved forward, surrounding Ashton, as they seemed to communicate silently with one another.
"Please move aside," one of the guardians cautioned Laihud and Vimur. "We shall follow the protocol and help our master."
Vimur was against it, but Laihud dragged him back. After all, they had done they could to help Ashton, and yet they failed. Besides, the guardians were machines created by the precursors, so it was highly probable that they knew more about Precursor anatomy than they did.
The Guardians worked as a synchronised team, their actions precise and coordinated. One of them connected to a medical panel, its appendages deftly attaching to Ashton's head while one removed his armour.
Another monitored vital signs with a speed and accuracy that defied mortal capability. A third Guardian, its robotic eyes scanning Ashton's body, transmitted data to a central interface.
The remaining two guardians created various tools and equipment they would need out of their own bodies. Once everything was in place, they got to work.
Together, they initiated a series of medical procedures beyond conventional technology's capabilities. They administered medications, virtually adjusted the levels of oxygen and nutrients in Ashton's bloodstream, and even triggered nanobots to repair damaged tissues.
"How is this even possible?" Laihud mumbled as he scanned the readings.
"What's happening?" Irina, who was as clueless as everyone, asked laihud to explain.
"The guardians, they aren't just healing Ashton, but they are making him better," Laihud stammered. "I don't know how to explain it, but it's like they are taking apart a puzzle and reassembling it while keeping it untouched."
"What are you even saying?" Vimur scratched his head. "How can someone rearrange a puzzle without taking it apart?"
"I... think they are working on something like a clone before copy-pasting the results over Ashton," Laihud replied, shaking his head. "I know it's confusing, but that's the best way I can explain what's happening to you."
While Laihua talked, the automatons worked without any breaks or mistakes. It was a symphony of advanced medical interventions orchestrated by beings that operated on a plane of knowledge far beyond mortal comprehension.
As the Guardians worked, the atmosphere in the cabin shifted from one of despair to one of tense anticipation. Vimur and Laihud observed with hope and worry.
Minutes passed like hours. The silence was broken only by the rhythmic hum of the spaceship's systems and the faint beeping of medical equipment.
Anna's tearful gaze remained fixed on Ashton, her fingers intertwined with his. Irina and Verina, still standing by her side, exchanged worried glances.
Their actions soon yielded results. Ashton's heart stuttered, faltered, and then resumed a feeble rhythm. Ashton's chest rose as he took a shallow, ragged breath. It was a fragile sign of life, a flicker of hope in the darkness.
Anna gasped, her tearful eyes widening in astonishment. "He's breathing! He's breathing!"
The Twins shared a relieved smile as they hugged Anna, who was crying like she never had. Vimur and Laihud exchanged a knowing look before sighing in relief.
The Guardians, their task complete, withdrew with the same eerie efficiency with which they had helped Ashton. Their role was that of silent guardians, and they faded back into the shadows, leaving the mortals to grapple with the emotional aftermath of Ashton's brush with death.
However, Ashton wasn't entirely out of danger yet. The guardians had only managed to save him and stabilise his condition. But he still required help. Thankfully, Laihud knew where they could get all the help they needed.
"Vimur, head towards Kernel Tower," Laihud mumbled. "That's the only place we can deal with the rest of Ashton's injuries."
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