FREEFALL

Skybound Odyssey – Chapter 6: Freefall

The Stormchaser groaned as fire spread across its hull, smoke billowing into the sky. The ship was falling, its Aerostone flickering like a dying flame.

Lyra gripped the railing, eyes wide with panic. "Ryo! The engine's failing! If we don't stabilize it, we're dead!"

Ryo clenched his fists, glaring at Malgrove. "You really don't know when to quit, huh?"

The pirate captain wiped the blood from his lip and chuckled. "I always make sure I win, kid."

Before Ryo could charge at him, Malgrove grabbed a rope attached to his own ship and leaped off the Stormchaser. His crew followed, swinging back to their vessels as the Crimson Talons retreated into the clouds.

Lyra gritted her teeth. "Cowards! They knew they'd lose, so they bailed!"

Ryo had no time to chase them—he had to save the ship.

The deck tilted dangerously as they plummeted toward the ocean below.

"Lyra, get to the engine room! Tell me what's broken!" Ryo shouted.

Lyra was already moving. She disappeared below deck as Ryo sprinted to the helm, gripping the wheel. He turned it desperately, trying to steady their descent, but the ship was barely responding.

Lyra's voice crackled through the intercom. "It's bad, Ryo! The Aerostone's core is unstable—too much damage! We need to reboot it manually!"

"How?!"

"There's an override lever near the main turbine, but it's jammed!"

Ryo cursed under his breath. Of course it is.

With no other choice, he bolted toward the engine room. Smoke filled the narrow corridors as he reached the turbine chamber. The massive Aerostone pulsed weakly, its energy fading.

Lyra was already there, prying at the override lever with all her strength. "It won't budge!"

Ryo cracked his knuckles. "Move."

Lyra jumped back as he grabbed the lever with both hands. Sparks crackled around his arms, golden light flaring to life. With a roar, he ripped the lever down.

A massive shockwave burst from the Aerostone, blasting outward like a thunderclap. The ship lurched, stabilizing just before hitting the water.

For a few agonizing seconds, everything was silent.

Then…

WHOOSH!

The Stormchaser shot back into the sky, soaring above the waves.

Ryo exhaled, falling onto his back. His whole body ached, but he couldn't help but grin. "Told you… I don't lose."

Lyra flopped down beside him, coughing from the smoke. "You're so lucky that worked."

The ship was battered but still flying. They had survived.

But as they drifted through the sky, a thought nagged at Ryo.

Malgrove had recognized his power. And if the Skyborn Empire found out about it too…

Their journey had just gotten a lot more dangerous.