Oblivion Hunter: Rise Across the Stars.

Chapter 11: Chapter Ten: Ties That Bind



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‎The scavenger shelter's old steel doors creaked shut behind Kael, Mara, and Nyx, sealing them away from the Rift-streaked sky. Inside, the stale air smelled of oil and burnt ozone, but it felt like safety.....if only temporary.

‎Kael staggered across the small room, every breath sharp with pain. He laid the precious Ascendancy Medical Core on the workbench next to the pulsing Monster Egg Fragment...Nyx's nest. Nyx curled protectively around the egg, blue eyes flicking to Kael with worried chuffs.

‎Mara lowered her rifle and pulled off her scarf. "Sit down before you collapse, Vorrin," she said roughly, but her eyes betrayed relief. She grabbed an old med-kit, cleaning the blood from his side.

‎Kael's mind spun with what he'd seen in Complex 04: the woman's face so close to Lira's, the data that proved someone in the Ascendancy had experimented on his family. His thoughts were interrupted by a weak voice calling from the back room.

‎"Kael…?" Lira's pale face peeked from behind the curtain, eyes glassy with fever. She looked worse than ever...skin waxen, lips dry, hair stuck to her forehead, but her eyes shone when she saw him.

‎Kael's heart broke. He lurched forward and pulled her into a gentle hug. "Lira, I'm here, I have something that'll help."

‎He retrieved the Ascendancy Medical Core. The System chimed softly:

‎[ITEM: ASCENDANCY MEDICAL CORE – CLASS ALPHA]

‎Action Available: Administer to Subject.

‎Estimated Recovery Probability: 92%.

‎Kael's hands shook as he pressed the core against Lira's chest. The crystal melted into silvery threads of light, sinking beneath her skin. Her body spasmed once...eyes going wide...before she slumped unconscious.

‎[ADMINISTRATION COMPLETE – Subject Vital Signs Stabilizing]

‎Time Until Full Recovery: 48–72 Hours

‎Mara exhaled "You did it, Kael." Her voice was softer than he'd ever heard it. She set a hand on his shoulder "You actually pulled it off."

‎Kael slumped back, exhaustion hitting him like a wave. "She's safe…for now."

‎For a few quiet minutes, the three of them rested in the dim shelter. Nyx padded up and nestled against Kael's leg, purring low and warm. Its tail flicked over Lira's blanket protectively.

‎Kael checking out his own status;

‎[SYSTEM STATUS SCREEN]

‎Host: Kael Vorrin

‎Race: Human (Scavenger-Class)

‎Level: 4

‎EXP: 360 / 400

‎HP: 22 / 100

‎Stamina: 14 / 60

‎Status: Critical (Recovering)

‎Strength: 6 (+1)

‎Agility: 7 (+1)

‎Stamina: 5

‎Intelligence: 6

‎Perception: 5

‎Luck: 2

‎Skills: Rift Strike (Lv. 1)

‎Mutation Potential: 0%

‎Beast Companion Slot: Active (Larval Rift Wraith: Nyx)

‎Quests Available: 0 (Awaiting Update)

‎Mara leaned against the wall, eyes distant. "I used to think surviving was the only point," she said quietly. "That if you fought hard enough, long enough, you might live another day. But you…" She looked at Kael, expression raw. "You fight for her, disregarding yourself until you are sure she will be fine, that's… different."

‎Kael blinked, surprised at her vulnerability "You don't survive alone, Mara."

‎She snorted weakly "I've been alone my whole life."

‎Nyx lifted its head, gaze flicking between them. Its mind-link shimmered, flooding Kael's thoughts with images:

‎Mara alone as a child in a burning city, Lira's fevered nights, Nyx's first moments of consciousness, fragile and hungry.

‎Kael met Mara's eyes "You're not alone anymore."

‎For a moment, Mara looked as if she might cry but then she shoved him lightly. "Sentimental idiot," she muttered, but her voice was hoarse.

‎Nyx climbed onto Kael's lap, pinning him with its weight and purring louder. Its eyes gleamed with strange intelligence, mind-link whispering "Pack…family…" before it curled up between Kael and Mara.

‎Kael reached out and ruffled the Rift Wraith's fur. "Yeah....Family."

‎Hours later....Lira stirred, eyes fluttering open. Her gaze fell on Mara "Are you Kael's friend?" she whispered, voice weak but clear.

‎Mara hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah....kid, I guess I am."

‎Lira's lips curved into a small, content smile. "Then… we're safe."

‎The shelter's monitors crackled. Kael's HUD flashed a new system alert.

‎[NEW SYSTEM NOTICE – MAJOR RIFT STORM APPROACHING]

ETA: 36 Hours Mandatory Quest Update Incoming

‎Kael's face hardened. "They won't let us rest for long."

‎Mara loaded a fresh plasma cell into her rifle. "Then we get stronger, together."

‎Nyx lifted its head, eyes reflecting Rift-light, a silent sentinel beside them.

‎Outside, thunder rumbled through the Rift-scarred skies. But inside the shelter, three broken souls and one fierce Rift Beast (companion) had found each other.

‎They were ready to face whatever came next.

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