Free Web NovelChapter 51: _Got You
Norfolk Virginia
Meanwhile, a few hours later the Phoenix Flight ship arrived close to the city’s harbour. Or at least, what was left of it.
Devon stood at the foredeck, hands on the railing. He was donned in a full-body black suit with the Phoenix Flight insignia on his left chest. Alisha stood beside him, silent but focused on the chaos ahead.
"Dear lord..." she muttered as footsteps sounded behind them.
"Look alive, ladies," Bruce stepped forward, wrapping his big arms around both their shoulders. "We’re about to join other Guilds in what could be our greatest mission yet."
The combat-type S-Rank was already getting on Devon’s nerves, but he said nothing. Most of his attention was pinned on the pulsing black Rift hovering above the ocean waters ahead.
As well as the massive beast towering over everything like a primordial titan. Even from this distance of several hundred meters away, the Leviathan seemed larger than life.
The water around it was pitch black, bipedal sea monsters arising in swarms to head further into the city. Hunters around the Rift were already in motion, raining attacks on the bipedal beasts while avoiding the Leviathan entirely.
"Why isn’t that thing moving?" Alisha queried. "It doesn’t make sense. It’s pushing the waters deeper into the city gradually. Keeps commanding the smaller beasts to attack. All while doing... nothing."
Devon shared her concern.
An SS Rank beast of that size would’ve easily flattened an entire city by now. It’s had till last night to do something that’ll make Norfolk completely wiped out.
Unless—
His eyes widened at a possibility that hit him. His gaze snapped toward the Rift. It was active as ever, pumping out more beasts without end. All within similar sizes, appearance and power range.
"Could they be..." he pursed his lips, fingers tensing. "... Stalling? Testing our strength while waiting for something?"
The implication in his words hung in the air. What could dungeon beasts be ’waiting’ for that was important enough to hold them back from total invasion?
"Alright, everyone!" The yell of the Guild Master behind them cut their little brainstorming session.
The three S-Ranks spun around to meet the sharp gaze of Magnus Ferguson. He wore a black combat suit, similar to Devon’s, but with extra layers. He also had a silver broadsword fastened to his waist.
Other members of the Guild hurdled around the older man. This included the other two S-Rank Espers in the Guild. And of course... Guide Han.
Han’s expression was stoic as always but Devon had caught him stealing glances at him since the ride began. He’d been led to believe that the Guide held no grudges concerning their break-up.
So why did those dark orbs look like he was plotting murder?
"As you can see all around us," the Guild master gestured at the ocean waters around them. Other ships gathered in tight formations, from different Guilds across the country. "We aren’t alone in this. Other promising individuals like yourself are present."
He paused, eyes lingering on Devon for a beat.
Then, "I’ll advise teamwork with not just each other but with any other Hunter out there. Whether Guide or Esper. This isn’t a display for who’s the most powerful Guild... It’s about survival. It’s about humanity."
Every face was grim. Even Bruce who’d been teasing a few seconds ago.
The silence gave way to the sound of beasts roaring in the distance and explosions from Esper attacks. Tension unlike anything Devon has felt before, gripped his lungs.
Suddenly, he couldn’t help but think of not just his nephew. But Ambrose. And that little bundle of happiness, Orion. This fight was for all of them.
So he’d better make it worth it.
"Our strategy is the same as earlier mentioned," the Guild master went on. "We spread out into the city. Annihilate the beasts that have taken over. And hold back the Leviathan until reinforcement from Mexico and Canada arrives."
"The city has been evacuated but there might still be a few hiding in their houses, offices or anywhere they consider ’safe’. Rescue anyone you find."
Just then, a sharp pull struck Devon’s mind. He nearly stumbled, body freezing in alarm as he swung his head around.
This... feeling...
"Ambrose?" He couldn’t believe it, glancing to his left.
What he saw there was a massive ship sailing forward, joining all the others. This ship was metallic silver and had the familiar symbol of Glacier Talon on the side.
Of course, he could see some of their team members standing close to the foredeck. Including Viktor and his mother.
But... no signs of Ambrose like the link suggested a moment ago.
"Every Hunter in this room knows the risks." Magnus, still in the spirit of his speech, folded his arms behind his back.
"Some of you may not come back from Norfolk."
Silence settled over the ship once again.
Devon and Alisha exchanged a look.
"But today?" The Guild master’s voice rose. "We remind the world why we built Guilds like Phoenix Flight!"
Applause resounded through the ship. Devon exhaled once, eyes locking with his grandfather. Neither said anything. They didn’t have to.
As this went on, another Guild’s ship had a different speech from their leader.
Irina stood before the assembled members of Glacier Talon, hands folded calmly behind her back. "Well... isn’t this delightful?"
A few Hunters exchanged uncertain looks.
"A Cataclysm-level anomaly," she continued, eyes glittering with excitement. "Do you know how rare that is? Some Hunters train their entire lives and never witness one."
Her gaze swept across them.
"And yet here we are." She gestured lazily toward the distant sea. "A Leviathan. An Echo Rift. Monsters evolving in real time. Oh, the Federation must be absolutely terrified."
Her smile widened. "But we... should feel honoured." She tilted her head slightly. "After all, history rarely knocks twice."
Irina turned toward the ships.
"Come along, my Talons." Her voice softened into something dangerously pleased. "Let’s go see what kind of monster the ocean has decided to give us."
Applause rolled through the ship.
And standing a good distance away from the group was Ambrose. Arms folded. Expression set into something decisive. And head angled toward the Phoenix Flight ship.
"Got you." He smirked when his gaze caught Devon, the latter completely unaware.
