WINDS OF TAINIA (5)

Calla Akeya came over with an unamused expression. "It is a spiritual mechanism, it will not ingest anything that is not spiritual energy. If we operate it with care, it will be a smooth process. However, the energy storage has turned fragile due to its old age. We must proceed with caution."

She turned to the most valuable member in the room – the person who wasn't even a part of their unit. "Chioni Wyn, may I ask for your assistance?"

Before the snow deity could agree, Marshall raised a hand in question. "Shouldn't we let Wyn rest? He already over-extended his spiritual energy with the river."

The snow deity sent him a somewhat irritated look. "I know how to measure my resources."

Calla Akeya insisted, "We cannot risk it. One careless action might cause an effect similar to an explosion. Chioni Wyn has a controlled spiritual flow, but the same cannot be said about you."

The corner of Marshall's mouth tightened. It was true that the heirs of the Chastity Tower were more capable. But they were still human, and needed time to recover.

As Chioni Wyn and Calla Akeya took their time to discuss the plan of action, a certain disciple was back to twisting his neck, trying to listen in.

Lai Rylan tugged him away by his collar. "Stop that. Just stand back and let them handle it."

But Marshall blurted out a suggestion. "What if we at least transfer some spiritual energy to both of you to help?"

Calla Akeya turned around with forced patience. "Shei Marshall, I respect your ambition, but there are times when the best way to lend help is to stay patient."

With such a diplomatic way of turning him down, the disciple had no choice but to slump in Lai Rylan's grip, hanging like a wet rag.

"Marsh, stop acting like a toddler and stand up," Lai Rylan shook him as if he was a cat being held by the nape.

"Well, I think my points weren't unreasonable," Marshall muttered, plucking the back of his collar from his friend's grip.

With a nod from Calla Akeya, Chioni Wyn placed their hands near the crystal ball, beginning the extraction.

Their spiritual energies intertwined, creating a dazzling mix of pale blue and golden hues that swirled around the vessel in a gentle flow.

"So pretty…" Lou Yumei whispered, taking a few steps back as a precaution.

Calla Kai watched with a strained neck, nodding in agreement.

Gradually, the spiritual energy within the sphere began flowing out in a controlled stream.

Above it, the mechanism voluntarily absorbed the loose energy, making a sound similar to cogs turning.

The disciples watched the process with open mouths, nobody moving a muscle.

The sizzling of the energies gave the impression that a lightning bolt could jump sideways at any moment, but it was well controlled by the two.

That is... until the mechanism began making a clattering sound.

"Wh-What's going on?" Calla Kai stuttered. "That sound isn't good! Is it supposed to make that sound?"

Marshall's eyebrows shot up as he looked to Chioni Wyn to gauge his reaction. Judging from the rigid expression on his face, it was not supposed to happen.

"The mechanism is old... We must speed up… the process... before it falls apart," Calla Akeya forced out, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead.

Lou Yumei frowned, backing further away, her unsure eyes darting around everyone present.

"You should stop, not speed it up! It's clearly not safe!" Calla Kai exclaimed, coming to get his sister, but the steel gears crashed against each other, freezing him on the spot.

The mechanism trembled with a menacing clang, clang, clang!

Calla Kai grabbed his head, covering his eyes. "Oh, no!"

"It's going to explode! We're all going to die!"

As the sound of rattling increased in volume, Calla Akeya turned her head towards the disciples with a firm order. Her voice cut through the growing noise with assuring steadiness.

"Everyone, form a barrier around the sphere. We need to contain the energy!"

Marshall, Lai Rylan, Calla Kai, and Lou Yumei quickly moved into position. All possessed the same golden flow type, their energies seamlessly blending to create a protective shield that surrounded the crystal sphere.

The golden light shimmered, casting long shadows across the ancient stone walls of the chamber. As the barrier took shape, the clattering of the mechanism intensified, sending tremors through the floor.

Wyn and Calla Akeya forced the condensed energy out at a quicker speed, their hands glowing with spiritual energy as they attempted to control the flow.

The snow deity's usually composed face looked even paler now, visibly struggling with the task. His breaths were forced through gritted teeth, barely even.

"What's that?!" Calla Kai shouted over the sound of clattering, staring at the mechanism with wide eyes.

Marshall followed his gaze and saw one of the steel gears was coming loose. He could almost see the disaster unfolding before it happened.

"A gear is coming loose!" Marshall warned.

Calla Akeya's eyes widened, but before she could react, the gear wobbled free with a metallic screech that sent shivers down their spines.

Marshall breached the barrier, lunging forward to hold the gear in place.

"Do not touch it!" Calla Akeya's warning came after his hands had already made contact with the mechanism.

The gear jumped out with incredible force, throwing Marshall off balance. Calla Kai turned away with a yelp, not ready to witness someone's death. Lou Yumei backed against the door, horrified, her hands covering her mouth in a silent scream.

Due to Marshall's intervention, the gear had switched directions. It flew straight at him.

"Shei Marsh!" Lai Rylan's voice rung out in the background, too far to help.

Wyn grabbed Marshall by the diagonal belt, yanking him away. The edge of the gear scraped his shoulder. They tumbled to the ground.

The heavy chunk of steel tore through the floorboards with a hungry roar. The crystal sphere cracked from the impact.

"I-Is anyone dead?" Calla Kai asked with his eyes squeezed shut.