Chapter 71 (LXXI) Search

Jackson groaned, grabbing his side as he walked to a nearby tree, falling to his knees as the WarFrame deactivated, the armor pieces vanishing as the gears turned, and he was left wearing his tattered white coat and his black cargo pants and combat boots.

He sat there, leaning against the tree, dropping the WarGlaives beside him as he caught his breath, "That was crazy," Jackson said softly, smiling slightly as he remembered how powerful he'd felt.

He sighed, sitting back against the tree and resting his hands on his thighs as the windows appeared, reflecting his completion of the challenges:

[Modified Challenge Completed!]

[You have survived the most brutal wave on La Séptima Isla and won every Challenge issued by Floor Guardian - Wuagi! You went straight from the freezer into the frying pan with these two challenges; what's going to happen next? Are you still up for it?]

[Reward: 7/10 Modified Challenges Completed! Complete all ten to receive the reward!]

[Reward received from Floor Guardian - Elissa: Blighted Panther Cloak]

[Eclipse Bracelet Received!]

[Blood Frenzy Amulet Received!]

[Hollowed Signet Ring Received!]

[+45 Available Points!]

"Two more floors, and I'll be able to get back... Please be nice and short..." Jackson prayed, dismissing the windows as he grunted, grabbed his swords, and sheathed one on each hip, placing the sheathed blade into the holster on his belt before quickly following the floating green orbs that appeared as he rushed to the next floor.

Jackson didn't even investigate the rewards he had received and immediately equipped all three items as they all appeared on his body in a bright flash. The Blood Frenzy Amulet appeared around his neck, the Eclipse Bracelet fit perfectly on his wrists, the Hollowed Signet Ring slid onto his pinky, and the Blighted Panther Cloak wrapped tightly about his shoulders.

The amulet was a simple leather necklace with a chunk of polished dark metal, almost obsidian, hanging around it. It was a dull grey color, with a large, round, crimson gemstone set into the center. The Eclipse Bracelet was a thin silver chain with a silver clasp and a small, oval, blue stone carved into a crescent moon set into the center, wrapping around a large, obsidian gemstone on it.

The Hollowed Signet Ring was a plain white gold signet housing a bright opal carved in the shape of a skull with a polished onyx in the left eye and a diamond in the right. The cloak had been woven from thin, silvery material, which shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting it like a mirror. The edges, epaulets, and hood were sewn in thick, luxurious black fur, with the hood concealing his face, allowing him to hide his identity.

Jackson looked himself over, removing his tattered jacket now that he looked the part of the mysterious assassin. He looked back at the floating orbs leading into the clearing where a portal floated and walked through it.

***

He stumbled into a dark cavern and looked around, blinking rapidly as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. He looked over his shoulder, seeing nothing but shadows and gloom. He looked ahead, seeing a faint light coming from somewhere far away.

He took a step forward as the challenge window appeared:

[Modified Eighth Floor Challenge]

[The night is always darkest before dawn! To locate the way to La Novena Isla, you must search for the light that shall guide you. Deep within the labyrinth of caves and tunnels beneath La Octava Isla, you shall find the Keystone. Not everything is as it seems; however, not every treasure is worth risking your life!]

[Locate and obtain the Keystone within three hours to obtain a special bonus. Locate between three and nine hours to receive a unique item. Locate between nine and twenty hours to receive a special reward.]

Jackson dismissed the message, looking down and seeing the smooth, glass-like surface beneath his feet. He looked at the walls, seeing them made of deep grey rock. He stepped forward, walking slowly and cautiously, stumbling before quickly getting over the initial disorientation.

Jackson stood back up, took a deep breath, checked his minimap to see only static, and sighed as he started to walk down the dark tunnel. He glanced at the wall, noticing the strange symbols etched into it.

He continued to look at the markings, trying to make sense of the writing. He stopped suddenly, looking at the ground, realizing he had just passed a dead end.

Jackson turned, heading back in the direction he came. He stopped, hearing something; glancing behind him, he saw a glimmer of light, a flicker of a flame.

Jackson ran, sprinting through the maze of twisting corridors, jumping and dodging around bends as he tried to catch sight of the source of the flames. He turned his head, gasping as he turned the corner to find the fire had vanished.

'A mirage..?' He thought, slowing his pace, 'I'm running myself ragged...' He slowed down, catching his breath, and calming himself as he brought out Khione and Umbra, who began wandering around curiously.

Jackson paused, steadying his breath as he stood still and listened carefully. He closed his eyes, slowing his breath as he could hear the sounds of dripping water dripping off the ceiling.

He could smell the wet earth, mold, and rot. He could feel the coldness of the damp, chilly air. He could feel the warmth of a fire, the heat radiating from it far and deep within the caverns.

Jackson opened his eyes as he started walking down the twisting tunnels, following the sensation from Umbra's trait as the two quickly chased after him. He quickly progressed to a jog as he continued his search, ignoring branching paths as they appeared, focusing on the direction of the urge pulling him.

"Kyu!!" Khione mewed loudly as she ran after him alongside Umbra, who screeched in agreement. Jackson increased his pace and began running as he darted through the descending tunnels, rapidly dipping down branching paths.

He could feel the heat growing stronger as he descended deeper underground. His heart raced as he sprinted through the winding passageways, making sharp turns as he followed the feeling.

He rounded another bend, coming to a halt as Khione and Umbra dug all four paws into the dirt, skidding across the ground and crashing into the back of his ankles.

Jackson frowned, holding back the smile as he stopped, turning his body as he stared at the crash piled up behind him. He looked ahead, finding the path blocked by a door made entirely of solid steel.