Chapter 1441 Rescuing Falco
Author's Note: Unedited Chapter
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The aim of the two figures seemed to be the infiltration of the zone, driven by motives known only to themselves.
The sensation of being in the dimension was nothing short of overwhelming. The absence of time rendering every moment eternal and every second, a lifetime of experience.
The eerie silence was broken only by the sound of their movements, which seemed muffled and distant in the dense atmosphere. The air was thick with an unnameable essence, making every breath an effort and every step a venture into the unknown.
Web-like threads spread with every single movement, causing their faces to twist with worry.
As they advanced, the reality around them seemed to react, shifting and morphing in ways that challenged comprehension. Indescribable shapes flickered in the periphery of their vision, and mute sounds echoed through the void. It felt as though the dimension itself was both aware and unaware of their presence.
Emerging from the swirling vortex of darkness, Gustav and Ria found themselves within a realm that defied logic.
They were surrounded by gargantuan rocky structures, each floating in the void yet connected by chains longer and more massive than any skyscraper conceived by human imagination.
The chains, forged from an unknown material, shimmered with an ethereal light, casting eerie shadows that danced across the void. The darkness there was alive, pulsating with a malevolent energy that seemed to watch and whisper.
As they cautiously navigated the surreal landscape, their eyes were drawn to a distant figure. The being, humanoid yet distinctly otherworldly, stood in stark contrast against the oppressive darkness. A massive, dark wing extended from its left side, unfurling into the void with a regal yet ominous presence.
Above its head, a spiky crown pulsed with power so intense it distorted the air around it.
Drawing closer, they observed the being's inhumane characteristics: eyes that glowed with an internal fire, skin etched with glowing runes of ancient power, and limbs that combined the elegance of a deity with the ferocity of a creature born from darkness.
Most strikingly, the being was bound by restraints that appeared almost sentient, coiling around its form and anchoring it to the surrounding floating rocks.
Gustav couldn't help but squint in suspicion.
They soon arrived in clear view of the being who seemed to be struggling with his eyes closed. Occasionally wriggling and writhing in pain that was invisible to the naked eye.
As they drew closer, they realized that the being indeed bore facial similarities with their friend.
"Falco?" Gustav whispered.
The realization hit them with a mix of relief and urgency.
"How is... he looks very different," Ria gazed at the part of his face that elongated into an upside down 'v' structure.
"Yes, but why is he restrained?" Gustav's gaze locked on the coils that bound Falco in place.
"If his father is truly who I think he is... why would he bind his son?" Gustav's concern grew as he observed the surroundings.
"Can you hear us?" called out Ria, his voice cutting through the oppressive silence.
The bound being's eyes flickered open immediately, his pupils dilating as the coils suddenly thrummed with unprecedented energy.
"Aaaaahhhhhhhh!" The being screamed in excruciating pain as a throng of darkness burst forth.
Bang! Bang!
Gustav and Ria were instantly blasted backward with intensity.
The dimension shimmered and pulsed from the sudden discharge, spreading to every nook and cranny, causing the other beings within to worry.
Gustav managed to put a protective layer of energy around himself and Ria before they got hit but even at that, they were both bleeding from their orifices.
Gustav's ears were ringing so badly that it affected even his vision.
His body began to slowly regenerate but he couldn't imagine just how much it would have affected Ria since even he was hit that badly.
"Gus..."
"Gus..."
He could faintly hear his name being called but it wasn't coming from Ria who was beside him.
The bound being's eyes flickered with recognition, and a voice, deep and resonant, yet strained by confinement, filled their surroundings.
"Gus... Gustav... You... came for me..."
"Falco... is it really you?" Gustav wiped the blood off his face while drawing closer.
The bound being nodded in response.
"Do... don't come... any closer... I don't want to huuu...rt you," his voice distorted repeatedly as he spoke.
His disillusioned look slowly rescinded as he seemed to have completely gained consciousness.
"We're getting you out of here," Gustav declared, his resolve steeling.
The moment Gustav touched one of the coils, his hand turned thin and bony like life was being sapped from it. He quickly retreated.
"Just tell us how to get rid of these restraints."
Falco's gaze shifted to the chains and then back to them.
"These are not mere physical bindings. They are forged from the essence of this dimension, a manifestation of its will to contain what it cannot control."
Ria seemed to be coming around at that point. He and Gustav exchanged a determined glance, understanding the gravity of their task. They must not only contend in a fight to free their friend but also engage in a battle against the very essence of the dimension.
'I could use Cohilia but that would pretty much ruin our cloak... HE will be aware of our presence if I do that.'
As Gustav contemplated their next move, the air around them began to thicken, and the whispers in the dark grew louder, more menacing. It was clear that something or someone was coming...
"You two need to leave... they always come to inspect me after a surge. Go!" Falco yelled with a look of urgency.
"We are not leaving you here. You are coming with us," Ria tried to touch the restraints with rocks wrapped around his hands but they all disintegrated upon contact.
"Listen, Falco... it took a lot to get here. After everything we have done to reach this point, giving up isn't an option. These restraints are trying to hold back your power right? But have you really tried to free yourself from them?" Gustav's question caused a hint of worry to appear on Falco's face.
"I'mma need you to unleash everything you've got so we can get out of here," Gustav urged Falco while scanning the surroundings.
"I don't think that is a good idea," Falco shook his head from side to side.
Pah!
Gustav landed a slap on Falco's face and pulled his head closer.
"Now is not the time to be uncertain. Either you do it right now or we're toast," He stated with a tone of urgency.
The slap seemed to work as a wake-up call for Falco as he suddenly reclined his face while energy began to gather around him.
"Find somewhere to hide," He suggested.
Ria and Gustav immediately distanced themselves from him and hid behind one of the massive pieces of dark rock in the distance.
The air around them vibrated with a raw, unfathomable energy. Falco's eyes blazed with fierce, dark flames, and the spiky crown above his head flared with an intensity that outlined the eerie glow of the chains. He then let out a roar, a sound that carried the weight of his captivity and the fury of a force long restrained.
The power that rippled from him wasn't just immense; it was primordial, a fundamental force that the dimension had sought to bind but never truly tamed.
In an instant, the restraints that coiled around him, the sentient chains that leeched his power, began to shatter. The runes that once glowed with an ominous light started to dim, their hold weakening. One by one, the chains broke, disintegrating into dust that was swept away by the shockwave of energy released.
The massive rocks to which they were anchored trembled and cracked, the very foundation of the realm shook under the unleashed might.
The ripple of power swept across the entirety of the dimension, causing the oppressive darkness to recoil and the whispering shadows to silence. It was like the darkness within the dimension was bending to his might and will.
...
Within the desiccated and dark planet, the rift on the left side of the monolith suddenly thrummed and out of it appeared a trio.
Gustav and Ria had returned with none other than Falco.
Although he looked much different than normal, they had achieved their objective within the necessary time frame.
Falco fell to his knees a moment later, causing the both of them to swiftly move to help him up.
"Don't worry I'm fine... it's just a regular occurrence since I transitioned," Falco muttered as his body vibrated for a bit.
"You sure you're gonna be fine?" Gustav inquired.
"Honestly... I feel you guys would have been better off leaving me in there. Now I pose a danger to everyone on this plane," Falco shook his head in worry.
"Whatever happens... we'll figure it out," Gustav placed a hand on his shoulder with a look of determination.
Falco wanted to share in his enthusiasm but he was still very bothered.
"Why haven't they returned yet?" Ria voiced from the other end.
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