[MISSION DEPLOYMENT – Chain Balance Field Test]
[Location: District Industry 4 – Abandoned Steel Factory]
The pale sky looked scorched, reflecting the scorching sunlight onto the cracked steel and concrete surfaces. The air trembled, nearly invisible in the heat, carrying the scent of rusted metal and penetrating black dust that choked the throat. "Do you hear that sound? It seems like there's something inside the warehouse," Fitran shouted firmly, his eyes sharp as he scanned the surrounding area. The erratic clanking chains echoed from the open warehouse, seemingly amplifying the tension that enveloped the room.
Fitran and Makima stood on a cargo platform facing the dim and grim corridor of the factory. "We need to be ready," he said, his tone conveying urgency. Sunlight touched their faces, casting sharp shadows in their eyes that radiated a desire to take action. Makima nodded slowly, carefully observing every detail around her, sensing the impending threat.
She glanced at the tactical watch on her wrist, then looked at Fitran with a serious gaze. "Our target is—Steelbind Devil. We need to use this environment to trap the enemy before taking it down from within," Makima explained firmly, her voice reflecting the fire of enthusiasm and determination burning in her heart. This strategy required both cunning and adaptability, crucial elements given their precarious situation.
Fitran smirked; although his tone remained flat, there was strong conviction behind his words. "I'll take the lead this time. Every step must be taken with a well-thought-out strategy," he stated, emphasizing the responsibility he needed to bear.
Makima raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp as it focused on Fitran. "Make sure the chain is firmly in your hands… both literally and in a deeper sense. This responsibility lies on our shoulders." Fitran nodded, the weight of responsibility enveloping his heart, but he was ready to face whatever was to come.
🖥 [SYSTEM – Chain Balance Active]
Mode: Joint Command
Leader: Fitran Fate (HP 100%)
Support: Makima (HP 100%)
Passive Bonus: +2% Affinity & Resistance for each successful synchronization
With steady steps, they moved into the main corridor of the factory. "Let's quicken our pace; this will give us an advantage," Fitran said while scanning the surroundings, the temperature in the corridor felt oppressive. Among the stacked containers, the sound of scraping metal was growing closer, adding to the tension.
"Stay to the right," Fitran commanded firmly, his voice cutting through the oppressive noise. "Don't let this pillar obstruct your view."
Makima nodded, her determination evident on her serious face. "Understood. I will stay on the right side," she replied while moving, her eyes glinting sharply like an eagle surveying every corner. "This is a rational order… at least for now," she added, her tone indicating that she was contemplating every word spoken.
Suddenly, eight loud bangs echoed, shaking the ground beneath their feet. "Watch out!" shouted Fitran, his voice full of urgency, with no time to think twice. The tremors from the collapsing roof rocked the atmosphere, while large steel chains wrapped around the pillars, creating an invisible prison wall around them.
"Move quickly!" Fitran said again, his voice pressing, as if every second could determine their fate. He grasped the end of the black chain shaped like a [Chain Balance], pulling Makima closer with reassuring strength. "Follow me through that gap!" he urged, his voice rising above the chaos as he navigated through the constricting space ahead. The chain, seemingly alive in its grip, acted as both a lifeline and a weapon in their desperate flight.
"Why not let me lead, Fitran?" challenged Makima with a small smile. She created a swift trail behind her, before the steel wall closed completely. Tension coiled in her stomach, but she felt adrenaline surge within her, continuing to move quickly, as if time was their greatest enemy.
🖥 [ENEMY DETECTED]
Target: Steelbind Devil
HP: 100%
Trait: Adaptive Restraint – Cannot take damage if bound for more than 3 seconds. This unique ability serves as both a boon and a challenge, forcing combatants to strategize their every move with precision.
The creature appeared majestically—its entire body resembled a giant pressing machine designed for destruction. "This is no ordinary foe," Fitran murmured, his eyes locked on the menacing whirl of steel cables. "Watch its eyes. They're scanning us."
A heavy sound like a hammer striking metal echoed from the creature's chest as its massive body began to move. "This enemy is strong when defending, but it's vulnerable at the joints connecting its body parts," Fitran said, his tone sharp as he observed every movement. "I will create an opening. You take that opportunity."
"Of course. Lead the way, leader," Makima replied, her fingers dancing, and the chains of her contract vibrating in the air, as if waiting for a command. There was a spark of enthusiasm in her voice, yet it was overshadowed by the determination radiating from her gaze.
"When I give the signal, we strike together. Keep your distance; we don't have much time," Fitran instructed, keeping a watchful eye on the enemy's movements while carefully positioning himself, ready to act.
[COMBAT START]
Fitran quickly activated Voidlight Dash, his heart racing as he shot swiftly between the massive steel legs. "Remember, hit the knee joints!" he shouted, high adrenaline coursing through him as his weapon glided with impressive accuracy. The creature staggered with the anticipated strike, and before it could regain its balance, Makima was ready. "Contract Command: Compression Burst!" The sound of the explosion thundered, reverberating through the factory as she eliminated the function of the creature's left leg with a precise and lethal strike.
"In sync. We can get through this," Fitran said, his voice firm, yet within it echoed a fighting spirit that would not fade.
"Come on, pull the chain [Chain Balance] to speed you up. Move to a safer spot!" The energetic sounds around them, like the clamor of squeaking machinery and the tumult of battle, heightened the stakes as Fitran glided to a safer location, dodging the creature's spinning metal arms. He felt his heart pumping faster; every movement now felt more agile and directed, driven by the adrenaline of their perilous situation.
🖥 [CHAIN BALANCE SYNC SUCCESS]
+4% Affinity (71% → 75%)
+3% Resistance
The creature emitted a terrifying roar, steel wires from its grotesque body shooting out in all directions like unpredictable bullets. "Be careful! Every movement must be precise!" Fitran yelled, his hands swiftly grabbing the chain and pulling Makima closer to him while his eyes remained focused on the enemy. With a fluid motion, he swung his Voidlight Blade in a wide arc, aiming the blade's edge with intense concentration. "Cut them!" he shouted excitedly, as if fueling their fighting spirit, while he slashed through five wires at once, generating bright sparks of metal in the dark air, creating a spectacle that momentarily illuminated their desperate struggle amid the shadows.
"We need to move towards the core!" Fitran urged, his tone insistent yet optimistic, as if rallying their spirits to continue the fight.
Makima responded with a slight smile, feeling her adrenaline surging. "You're starting to develop a knack for strategic thinking like me, planning each step carefully," she remarked, her mouth forming a smile even as her eyes fixed resolutely on the enemy. In this post-apocalyptic industrial darkness, their cooperation was their only hope.