Chapter 39: Breaking the Line

Noah remained crouched behind the boulder, his breathing slow and measured as he watched the aberrations continue their patrol. The rhythm of their movements was steady, almost mechanical, as if programmed to repeat the same path over and over. The mid-level aberrations lumbered along with their grotesque forms, while the mutant moved with an unnerving fluidity that set his nerves on edge.

He tightened his grip on his blade. The plan was clear: isolate the first aberration, take it down silently, and then deal with the others. His energy reserves were full, and the grindstone's recent enhancements had boosted his confidence. This wasn't the reckless, desperate Noah from weeks ago—he was stronger now, smarter, and more prepared.

The first opportunity came when one of the mid-level aberrations veered slightly off its usual path, moving farther from the others as it investigated a pile of rocks near the cliff wall. Noah crept forward, his steps silent on the uneven ground. The grindstone's display tracked the creature's exact position, giving him the advantage.

When he was close enough, he struck.

Noah surged forward, his blade flashing in the dim light as it carved through the aberration's grotesque neck. The creature let out a garbled hiss, its body convulsing before collapsing to the ground. Noah caught it before it could hit the rocks, lowering it silently to avoid drawing attention.

One down.

He slipped back into the shadows, his eyes immediately scanning for the other two. The remaining mid-level aberration hadn't noticed its companion's absence yet, and the mutant was still on the far side of the clearing.

The second aberration wandered toward the center of the clearing, pausing near the iron doors. Noah waited patiently, letting it drift further from the mutant before making his move.

This time, he used his Energy Missile skill. With a flick of his wrist, a glowing projectile formed in his palm. He aimed carefully, releasing the missile with a sharp motion.

The glowing orb streaked through the air, slamming into the aberration's chest with a burst of force. The creature staggered, letting out a distorted shriek, but Noah was already on it. He closed the distance in seconds, his blade cutting through its torso in a swift, clean motion.

The aberration crumpled to the ground, its twisted form twitching briefly before going still.

Two down.

Noah glanced toward the mutant. It had stopped moving, its glowing eyes scanning the area. The grindstone's HUD flashed a warning: the creature had detected something.

"Damn," Noah muttered under his breath.

The mutant let out a low, guttural growl, its body crackling with energy as it began to prowl the clearing. Noah retreated further into the shadows, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. He needed to draw the mutant away from the doors, where he'd have more room to maneuver.

He picked up a small stone and tossed it toward the far side of the clearing. The mutant's head snapped toward the sound, and it let out a sharp hiss before stalking in that direction.

Noah circled around, positioning himself behind the creature. He took a deep breath, summoning another Energy Missile. This one was larger, its glowing surface crackling with power.

He launched the missile, aiming directly for the mutant's back. The projectile hit with a thunderous impact, sending the creature stumbling forward. It roared in fury, whirling around to face Noah.

"Alright, let's do this," Noah muttered, raising his blade.

The mutant charged, its claws crackling with energy. Noah sidestepped its first swipe, countering with a quick slash that left a deep gash in its side. The creature roared again, lashing out with a flurry of strikes, but Noah's enhanced agility allowed him to dodge each one.

He fired another Energy Missile, this one aimed at the mutant's leg. The projectile exploded on impact, shattering the limb and causing the creature to collapse to one knee.

Noah didn't hesitate. He surged forward, driving his blade into the mutant's chest. The creature let out one final, guttural shriek before collapsing in a heap.

Noah stepped back, breathing heavily as he surveyed the clearing. The three aberrations were dead, their twisted forms scattered across the ground.

He wiped the blood from his blade and approached the iron doors. They loomed before him, silent and imposing, the faded markings on their surface now more visible in the light of day.

Noah placed a hand on the cold metal, his mind racing with questions. Were the survivors from the research facility inside? Was Valerie? And if so, what had driven them to hide behind such fortified doors?

For now, those answers would have to wait. Noah stepped back, glancing at the clearing one last time before retreating to a safer distance.

He needed to rest and prepare before attempting to breach the doors. Whatever lay inside, he had a feeling it wouldn't be simple.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, Noah settled into a hidden spot overlooking the clearing. Tomorrow, he would make his move.

End of Chapter 39