Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Ambush and Defense
After leaving the Forbidden Ruins, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che continued along a rugged mountain path. As night fell and a biting wind pierced the air, the entire Northern Frontier seemed shrouded in an eerie aura. The secrets they had uncovered still stirred in their hearts, making them even more cautious of what lay ahead. Shuang Yue clutched the ancient jade tightly; though his face showed determination, he knew deep down that the true danger was far from over.
Suddenly, an unusual gust swept in from all directions—as if a hidden force were gathering in silence. In that moment, a cold, low roar split the air, and countless dark silhouettes surged toward them like a tidal wave. It was an ambush laid by Desolation's minions. Enemies emerged from steep cliffs, hidden groves, and crevices in the ice, each shadow exuding a potent aura of devouring, as if capable of consuming everything without a trace.
A chill ran through Shuang Yue's heart. He immediately drew his sword, spinning into action as he shouted, "Watch out—enemies are coming!" Amid a thunderous roar, Ray brandished his short sword with a cold, knowing smile—clearly ready for combat—while Yun Che retrieved a rune stone from his pouch, preparing to cast the ancient incantations he had learned. The cold wind howled, and otherworldly light intertwined in the air, as if a devouring force from a black hole were lashing at them from every corner.
The enemy's onslaught was ferocious; powerful energy waves swirled like dark vortices, tearing through their surroundings as if ripped apart by a black hole. Drawing on the refined laws of his Inner Universe, Shuang Yue calmly unleashed his unstable power. A surge of blue energy erupted from his palm in the form of a shield that instantly neutralized several violent impacts. The shield shone brilliantly on the icy battlefield—like a bright moon in the dark sky—offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
As the battle escalated, enemy numbers swelled. Dark silhouettes emerged continuously from every hidden nook, transforming the Northern wasteland into a battleground stained with blood and snow. Ray moved with agile precision, his sword strikes as sharp as glacial blades, leaving afterimages in the night. Whenever an enemy lunged, he deftly dodged and counterattacked in the brief openings. Meanwhile, Yun Che chanted defensive incantations, using his rune stone to disperse some of the otherworldly energy and buy precious time for his allies.
Shuang Yue observed that, although the enemy attacked fiercely, their strikes followed a distinct rhythm—a calculated assault that revealed Desolation's meticulous planning. He realized this tactic aimed to create a massive energy breach on the battlefield, ultimately paving the way for a total devouring of their position.
Roaring, Shuang Yue clenched his fists and channeled the power of his Inner Universe. In a flash, he unleashed his "Devour and Rebound" technique. The blue energy shield around him swelled, absorbing the enemy's energy and converting it into his own strength. Under this overwhelming force, the dark shadows began to retreat; some even lost control, shattering into fragmented wisps. His counterattack not only stabilized the situation but also sowed doubt among the enemy—they had never witnessed such a reversal of power.
Seeing this, Ray nodded in approval and exploited his agility to launch a series of rapid strikes. Sidestepping and leaping, his swordlight sliced through a group of dark shadows attempting to flank them. Each blow carried the chill of ice and snow, dismembering enemy forms. The chaos forced some of the attackers to retreat, seeking better positions.
In the midst of the fray, Yun Che's presence was particularly striking. He softly recited ancient incantations as beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. With each spoken spell, he gradually built protective barriers with his rune stone, intercepting scattered energy fragments. Though his movements were measured and deliberate, every incantation granted the team critical moments of respite.
The battlefield, whipped by the wind, was a scene of shattered ice, blood-stained snow, and scattered remnants of dark shadows—a brutal testament to the conflict. As the enemy's assault finally subsided, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che stood at the center of the frigid battleground, surveying the devastation with heavy hearts. Ray wiped the sweat from his brow and murmured, "That battle was tough, but our coordination left the enemy helpless." Yun Che nodded silently, adding, "Every encounter is a chance to grow. Only by learning to harness even this wild, devouring energy can we truly master the laws of our Inner Universe and protect this land."
Shuang Yue spoke softly, "Today's battle not only revealed the savagery of Desolation's minions but also reminded us that only by wielding our Inner Universe with wisdom and restraint can we find a glimmer of light amid the darkness." He caressed the ancient jade in his pocket, its faint blue glow seeming to affirm that this was only the beginning—greater challenges loomed ahead.
As the enemy retreated, the three exchanged determined glances. They silently vowed that, on the road ahead, they would face even greater threats from Desolation and the otherworld, united by unwavering conviction and ever-refined techniques. The cold wind continued to howl, but they knew that together, they could forge their own legend in this frozen wilderness.
When night fell again, they set up a modest camp. Around the flickering fire, Ray softly remarked, "Today we faced an unprecedented challenge—from the enemy's organized assault to that stunning counterattack. Every moment reminded us that the laws of our Inner Universe are not only the source of our power but also the key to our survival." Yun Che added in a somber tone, "I once lost myself in the endless pursuit of power. Today's fight showed me that only by holding fast to our true purpose, with wisdom as our guide, can we avoid the path of destruction."
Gazing at the enemy shadows thinning in the distance, Shuang Yue murmured, "We must learn from every clash and continuously perfect our inner laws. Desolation's schemes will rise again, and only by being fully prepared can we protect this land and rewrite our destiny." Their voices mingled grief with steadfast resolve, like an unquenchable flame amid the bitter northern wind—burning with hope and duty for the future.
In the quiet aftermath, as the battlefield still glowed with residual warmth and scattered red hues, the three warriors sat by the campfire, sharing reflections on the fight. They knew that every encounter was fate's test and that true strength was forged only in these harsh trials. That night, the Northern wilderness lay silent, but deep within their hearts, a hidden power steadily grew—a power that would become the bedrock of their future journey.
Before the night ended, Shuang Yue, Ray, and Yun Che made a solemn promise to each other: no matter how treacherous the path ahead, they would stand shoulder to shoulder, united against the apocalyptic tide unleashed by Desolation. This sudden ambush and their determined defense not only confirmed the budding bond among them but also instilled an unbreakable belief that, in the cold and ruthless Northern Frontier, only courage, wisdom, and unity could truly rewrite destiny.