Chapter 530 118.3 - Abigail
Chapter 530 118.3 - Abigail
Chapter 530 118.3 - Abigail
HOWL~!
The wind howled through the frozen landscape, whipping up flurries of snow that danced in the air like tiny, crystalline shards.
The ground beneath was a blanket of white, stretching endlessly in every direction, broken only by the occasional jagged outcrop of ice.
A woman moved steadily through the snow, her footsteps leaving crisp, precise imprints in the powder. Each step was deliberate, her movements unaffected by the biting cold or the relentless wind that lashed against her.
Her body was wrapped in insulated clothing, the dark fabric designed to withstand the harshest of environments. Protective goggles covered her eyes, shielding them from the stinging snow and the blinding glare of the white world around her. Despite the hostile conditions, the woman's posture remained composed, her presence as unyielding as the winter that surrounded her.
As she walked, the smartwatch on her arm buzzed, its vibrations subtle against her wrist but impossible for her to miss.
RING! "Sigh...."
She paused, the wind momentarily muffling its sound as she lifted her arm. With a smooth motion, she tapped the screen, activating the call.
The holographic display shimmered in the cold air, and the voice of a man came through, clear and direct.
"Sentinel Reina," his voice carried a weight that cut through the wind, commanding yet respectful.
Reina's gaze remained fixed on the snow ahead, her expression hidden behind the protective gear, but her tone was calm and measured as she responded, "Anchor Steelclad."
"The other Anchors are requesting a report."
"A Report?"
"Yes. Regarding Adept Natusalune. There have been some complaints, as you know."
Reina nodded once, the gesture barely perceptible beneath her layers of protective clothing.
FLICK! With a flick of her fingers, a surge of energy rippled through the air, and in an instant, the snowy mountains were left behind in silence, the only trace of her presence being the rapidly fading footprints in the snow.
The scene shifted seamlessly from the icy wilderness to the warmth and precision of Reina's office. The walls, adorned with various strategic maps and glowing data streams, pulsed softly with the quiet hum of advanced technology.
Reina now stood in the center of the room; her attire transformed into a sleek, dark uniform that exuded authority and efficiency. Her goggles had been replaced by a sharp gaze that missed nothing, and her smartwatch had seamlessly integrated with the holographic interface in front of her.
Before her, the hologram of Anchor Steelclad flickered to life, his imposing figure standing in stark contrast to the sterile environment of the office.
Reading the report that has been presented to them, most Anchors could not help but nod their heads. In fact, what Reina was saying was indeed correct.
Such missions were where newbie adepts were sent to remote places, which often acted as training to make them understand the importance of time and human resources.
Most of them would fail solo missions, would understand the importance of teamwork, and would thrive in working with a team in a better case.
But even then, this mission seemed to be exceptionally hard, as there was a phenomenon called Lingering Resonance that was hardly found in this town.
"Are you sure about the authenticity of this report?" he asked, his gaze narrowing. "Such a tale seems almost too far-fetched, more suited to a work of fiction than a mission debriefing. A solo adept uncovering such a complex phenomenon, especially one as rare as Lingering Resonance, is nearly unheard of."
Another Anchor, a woman with a stern demeanor, added, "Indeed. Lingering Resonance is a phenomenon that even seasoned operatives struggle to deal with. For a novice to not only identify but also handle it successfully—one could be forgiven for questioning the plausibility of this story."
Reina met their skepticism head-on, her expression unwavering. "I understand your concerns, but I assure you, the report is accurate and has been thoroughly verified. The team that was dispatched to clear the phenomenon after Adept Natusalune's investigation found undeniable evidence supporting his findings."
She tapped the holographic interface, bringing up additional data that had been logged by the follow-up team. "The team discovered that the mayor and several other individuals in Shange Town had been subjected to Abyssal Energy, a corrupting force that is consistent with the presence of Lingering Resonance. This energy was traced back to a tragic event that had occurred before, one that left a powerful emotional and spiritual imprint on the town."
Reina explained that she did not mention that the mayor and all other people who were involved in this tragedy were no longer in this world.
'You did something reckless, but I shall cover for you once.'
There was no need to mention such details, was there?
Reina continued with her words after stopping a little so that everyone could absorb the information.
"Adept Natusalune's unique perception allowed him to identify the energy patterns and trace them back to the source—a young girl's soul, which had been trapped in a state of torment due to the unresolved trauma. The Abyssal Energy was a manifestation of her pain and suffering, affecting the entire town and its crops."
The hologram shifted to show the detailed findings of the follow-up team. "The team confirmed the presence of Lingering Resonance and, following Adept Natusalune's initial investigation, they were able to perform an exorcism to release the girl's soul, allowing her to finally rest. The phenomenon was contained, and the blight on the land has begun to recede, thanks to the actions taken."
The room was silent for a moment as the Anchors absorbed this information. The skepticism in their eyes was slowly being replaced by a reluctant acceptance. They understood that the situation in Shange Town was not just an ordinary mission but something far more complex.
While the danger it posed was not hard, solving the situation would be.
Steelclad, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke, his tone serious. "The presence of Abyssal Energy and Lingering Resonance is not something to be taken lightly. If the report is accurate, and I have no reason to doubt Sentinel Reina's verification, then this mission was indeed exceptional."
The cautious Anchor who had spoken earlier nodded slowly, his skepticism fading. "If this is true, then Adept Natusalune has handled a situation that would challenge even our most experienced operatives. His ability to uncover the truth behind such a complex phenomenon speaks to his potential."
Reina nodded, her voice calm and authoritative. "Exactly. Adept Natusalune has demonstrated not only exceptional investigative skills but also a deep understanding of the forces at play in the world we operate in."
The Anchors exchanged glances, their earlier doubts now tempered by the undeniable evidence presented. Steelclad gave a final nod of approval, his tone firm as he addressed the room. "We will continue to monitor Adept Natusalune's progress closely, but for now, it seems that our investment in him has been more than justified."
Reina inclined her head in acknowledgment, her expression one of quiet satisfaction. "Thank you, Anchors. I will ensure that Adept Natusalune continues to receive the support he needs to further develop his abilities."
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