The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 80: Ch : Rescue Mission - Part 1

The group moved through the trees, making sure to step at each branch carefully so as to not fall down.

Selene led the group, using her memories to guide them through the forest. Her memory was not perfect, but it was enough to help them not fall in any danger.

Just as they reached the deeper part of the dungeon, Selene decided that it was time for them to execute her plan.

She stopped and looked at the group behind her with serious eyes.

"We’ll split into two groups. Ethan, Zara, go with the officials and secure the ’Bounty Seed.’ Orion and I will focus on the rescue operation"

She announced and her words were met with varied expressions of suspicion and fear.

People did not want to split up, but they felt too afraid to speak up in front of Ethan and her as well. However, even during this time, she had volunteers that wanted to go with her.

Well, there was only one, but he made sure he was heard.

Noah stepped forward, eagerness in his eyes.

"I’ll go with you, Sele...I mean Shadow."

Selene shook her head.

"Your abilities are better suited for the other team. They’ll need your strength and ice control to handle whatever guards the seed. So I cannot take you with me."

Noah’s face fell, a protest forming on his lips. Before he could argue, Nora spoke up.

"I’ll go with Shadow and Orion. I might not be as quick on my feet as you Noah, but I can hold my own in a fight."

Noah looked unhappy, but he did not argue with Nora either.

Selene regarded her for a moment. She knew Nora was more level-headed than her twin, a trait that could make or break their mission.

"Fine. Stay close, and follow my lead."

She agreed.

The group split at the next junction. Ethan gave Selene a knowing look before disappearing into the shadows with Zara and the officials.

It was a look to call him for help if anything were to happen. And knowing Ethan, he would abandon everything else to come and help her out.

The air grew colder as Noah moved away, his frustration palpable, but he followed orders.

Once they were alone, Selene quickly found the way to the underground passage from her memories. This dungeon looked the same as the one she remembered.

Selene led Nora and Orion down the dim corridor, her steps deliberate.

The stone walls seemed to close in around them, and the deeper they went, the thicker the air became. She could feel Nora’s gaze on her, the curiosity mixed with caution.

"This will be a tough mission. We’re heading into dangerous territory, and there’s no telling what state the survivors will be in."

Selene warned.

Nora nodded, her grip on her weapon tightening.

"I’m ready. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy."

Orion walked behind them, his hands glowing faintly with his barrier magic. His presence added a layer of security, but Selene knew better than to rely too heavily on it.

This dungeon was unpredictable.

As they moved deeper, faint sounds of muffled cries reached them. Selene’s Insight picked up weak life signals ahead. She signaled for them to slow down, her body tense.

"Stay low and keep quiet. We don’t know what might be lurking nearby."

She whispered. But Nora had questions of her own that she wanted to get answered. That was what made her break her silence and ask Selene the question.

"Sele... I mean, Miss Shadow, how do you know so much about this dungeon? Did you run it before, or do you have some kind of dungeon analysis skill?"

Nora’s voice was soft but steady. She was trying to probe more into Selene’s skills. This time, Selene decided to answer her.

"You could say it’s a mix of experience and intuition. But don’t expect me to explain myself further."

Selene made sure to not give away too much, but also not too little to make Nora question her.

Nora’s lips parted as if she wanted to press further, but a low rumbling from beneath their feet silenced her.

The ground vibrated, sending small pebbles skittering across the floor.

Selene’s arm shot out, grabbing Nora by the wrist.

She pulled her back, and with a swift motion, pushed her and Orion behind a jagged rock formation.

"Orion, shield,"

She commanded in a whisper.

Orion nodded, his barrier enveloping them in a translucent blue dome. The shield blended into the surroundings, a faint shimmer against the rock.

A massive creature emerged from the shadows ahead. Its body was a sinewy mass of muscle and segmented armor, dozens of meters long.

The worm’s skin was a sickly beige, translucent enough that the pulsing veins underneath were visible.

Rows of jagged teeth circled its gaping maw, the flesh around it twitching with anticipation.

Nora’s hand moved to her weapon, a short sword strapped to her back, but Selene pressed a firm hand against her arm.

"Don’t move. Orion’s shield would make sure we are not sensed by these monsters."

Selene mouthed. Her expression left no room for argument.

The worm’s blind eyes swept over them, its senses more attuned to vibrations and heat than sight.

It slithered past, its enormous body dragging against the dungeon walls with a sound like nails on slate.

Time stretched painfully.

Nora’s breathing was shallow, her eyes wide.

Even Orion, typically unflappable, had gone pale. But he held the shield strong and only lowered it once it felt safe to do so.

Selene remained calm, her breathing even as she tracked the creature’s every move with her Insight.

When the worm finally vanished around a corner, Selene released a slow, controlled exhale.

"We move quietly. Stick to the higher ground and avoid the main path. There’s no guarantee we won’t run into more of them."

Nora nodded, her earlier curiosity replaced by a solemn focus. She followed Selene’s lead, careful to match her soft footsteps.

Orion dismissed the shield, his hands twitching slightly as he readied another skill.