[BL] Guardians of Fate
Chapter 59 - 17: The Calamity of the Planet [4]

Chapter 59: Chapter 17: The Calamity of the Planet [4]

Ardyn only had a moment to look up in shock as the top of the stone statue plunged towards him. His instincts screamed at him at that very instant, but his body wouldn’t listen.

He just watched in horror, knowing that he couldn’t possibly dodge this crushing blow—

"Move!"

Just as the shout reached his ears, a huge fireball slammed into the falling statue just a few feet above him. The flames blasted like a missile, exploding the stones into scattered cinders and pebbles.

Ardyn jerked back as a few fiery embers rained down on his skin. He blinked quickly, shaking his head from the intense afterimage. Then his gaze settled on the familiar figure behind him, the man’s dark red hair blowing in the scorched wind.

"God! It’s you," Ardyn said, almost collapsing to the ground in relief. All this destruction really wasn’t good for his heart.

Okay, so he did plan to save me. Damn. I thought I was gonna be a goner right there!

Blade watched the tentacle-like root lash out from above, intent on destroying more buildings. Now the Calamity was just toying with them, treating Angelbay City like a dollhouse. It was infuriating.

"Get back," he ordered. "It’ll leave eventually. Let’s just wait."

There was no advantage in letting the Calamity know of their presence at this time. It would only bring trouble and unnecessary risk. So they backed up until their backs were against the left railing of the stairs.

Ardyn watched, swallowing hard, as the root arm slithered like a snake through the empty streets. It was bizarre to look at, honestly. It was grotesque and pulsating with malevolent energy, the aura so dark it almost made him nauseous.

Fortunately, after a minute or so, the root arm slowly retreated, and then the streets were clear.

Ardyn let out a long breath, one that he had been holding in this entire time.

"Are you unhurt?" Blade’s quiet voice rang in his ears.

Ardyn nodded. When he spoke next, his voice sounded shaky. "I’m fine."

"Will you be fine with going ahead to your destination?"

"I... I think so."

Blade nodded. "I’ll continue to cover for you, but once you’re on that bridge, I have to get back to my companions. They need me."

"Right. Right, I know." Ardyn nodded back to show that he agreed. "How is... Evan, by the way?"

"He’s preparing for the sealing. It takes a little more time to complete. The other Guardians are protecting him as we speak."

Ardyn’s eyes widened. "So he’s in danger right now? I thought he could — okay. Let’s do this instead: I’ll run ahead, but you need to go."

Blade frowned. "Pardon?"

"You should return to your allies. I’ll be fine here." Ardyn looked back at the top of the stairs, gulping at the sight of the trail of dark puddles the root arm had left on the streets. "I can take care of myself from now on."

"I do not think that’s—"

"Just go! I really will be fine." Ardyn waved at him and then began to run up the stairs, filled with a newfound determination. Blade, on the other hand, stared after him in surprise, momentarily stunned by the sudden action.

Ardyn felt a little ashamed. What had he been doing all this time? Evan had helped him so much and now he was acting so cowardly! He couldn’t let other people protect him forever.

He didn’t want to stand in the way of their mission. He had even told himself before that he would try to be less of a nuisance from now on.

I can do this, he encouraged himself, feeling the adrenaline rush through his veins again.

It was fascinating in a way. Ever since he had decided to run back to the city, this strange energy had filled his body, and it was nothing like he had ever felt before.

It was as if something inside him was pulsating, as if there was another little heartbeat somewhere. He didn’t know exactly what it was, but he had an inkling.

Finally, he reached the top of the stairs. Far to the north was another set of stairs, but one that led directly to the bridge.

Last night, the thought that the city was too big for him to explore hadn’t even crossed his mind. He had been too enraptured by his surroundings, by the beauty of it all and the liveliness of the citizens.

He hadn’t minded walking around and following Evan’s lead. After all, he had also been lost in his own thoughts, which would explain his slight daze.

But now every path, every staircase, and every bridge seemed too long, as if they stretched into infinity. It felt like his stamina was being challenged, and it gave him a sense of tension and pressure.

This is so tiring, Ardyn thought as he finally reached the bridge, chest heaving with exhaustion. He really couldn’t run anymore. He felt like he needed to sit down.

Come to think of it... this area seems almost clean. Untouched.

He began to cross the bridge, shivering the whole way. He glanced behind him and at the Calamity in the distance, feeling a little relieved to see that no danger was approaching... yet.

But the echoes of the distant battle still rang in his ears.

As Ardyn approached the center of the bridge, the big church building finally came into view. At the sight of it, he felt a sudden surge of energy, and before he knew it, his legs broke into a run.

He reached the doors, which were wide open, and stepped inside.

"Hello?" he called out, panting heavily. His voice echoed through the walls, creating an unsettling vibe. There was also a subtle scent of burnt incense, creating a completely different ambiance from the destruction going on outside.

He waited for a few seconds, but there was no response.

Is he here? he wondered.

On the other hand, the priest had mentioned that the man was trapped somewhere. To be honest, Ardyn hadn’t considered the size of the church itself, especially the fact that he might have to search every area to find the cloaked man. Besides, this was the first time he had ever set foot in the place. It was a bit daunting, to be honest.

He looked around for a while. The large room was lit by flickering candlelight, casting shadows on the patterned floor tiles. There were two staircases on either side of the great hall, leading to about three floors above, with numerous doors in each open corridor.

This is gonna take me a while. Damn it.

Where are you?

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