Resort Landing

Chapter 16: Resort Vacation

As Jiece finished cutting down the last of the dozen grotesque flesh-melded creatures, his exosuit whirred softly, adjusting to his movements. He scanned the area, his eyes lingering on the trio scattered across the battlefield, unconscious. A grim expression etched itself on his face as he muttered into his comms, "Backup needed. Clean-up required, and medical attention for the shard users. Send a retrieval team."

While Jiece stood amidst the wreckage of his skirmish, miles away—fifteen miles southeast, to be precise—the tranquil resort island of Tuiyaki remained undisturbed by the chaos that was unfolding.

Roughly One Hour Earlier – Tuyaki Resort

Elias's face pressed awkwardly against the cold glass of the dropship's window, his cheek flattening as the vehicle zipped through the sky at incredible speed.