Chapter 117: Planetary Takeover

Goerld PoV

I gasped as the rempnants of the fake Yusan collapsed to the ground after it had exploded. If not for Commander Wilneth, then Tira, Zairius, and I would have been reduced into fine dust like the ground.

As the dust settled and the echoes of the explosion faded, I glanced at my comrades, relief flooding through me. We had survived, but the question lingered in my mind: what had caused the fake Yusan to explode like that? 

"Did we do that?" I asked, breathlessly. 

Tira shrugged. "Maybe. I-it all happened so fast."

"It overloaded with Ki, but I don't think that was our doing," Zairius muttered.

Wilneth stared uneasily at the ground. "The real Yusan is the only one who could've done so. But, while his ki control is impressive, I didn't think he had that much.

Zairius crossed his arms, contemplating the implications. "If the real Yusan has the ability to overload his own creation, then he's even more dangerous than we thought. We need to find Sarudei and the others before he can pull any more tricks."

I nodded, urgency coursing through my veins. "Right. We need to regroup and figure out our next move."

With our goal set, we moved cautiously through the remnants of the battlefield, navigating around debris and the smoldering remains of the fake Yusan. The air still crackled with residual energy, and every shadow seemed to harbor a potential threat. 

"Keep your eyes peeled," Wilneth instructed, her voice steady but alert. "We don't know if the real Yusan is watching us or if he has minions lurking nearby."

As we made our way toward the outskirts of the city. I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that hung over us. The chaos of the battle had left a pall over the city, and there was an unsettling quiet that followed the explosion. 

Tira glanced around, her expression tense. "Do you think they're alright? Sarudei and the others?"

"They have to be," I replied, trying to inject some confidence into my voice. "They're strong. If anyone can handle themselves, it's them."

We picked up our pace, eager to reunite with our allies. As we approached the outskirts, I spotted Sarudei, Tessa, Lia, Mirasa, Arare, and Roan coming into view. Their expressions quickly shifted from concern to relief as they saw us.

"There they are!" Zairius exclaimed, quickening his pace toward them.

As we drew closer, Sarudei's face lit up with relief. "Goerld! You made it!"

"Yeah, and we're glad to see you too," I said, my heart lightening at the sight of my friends. "What's the situation? Have you found any leads on the real Yusan?"

Tessa shook her head, worry etched on her features. "We felt the explosion, but we didn't know what caused it. We were just about to go back and search for you guys."

"Commander Wilneth thinks Yusan overloaded it, but as for why..." I said.

Commandef Wilneth hummed and glanced at the smoke coming forth the south. "Let's hurry and reunite with Commander Retas and Prince Huitlo."

Sarudei glanced at the sky and sighed. 

"Thinking of Vyran?" Tessa asked, her voice slightly teasing.

Sarudei blushed a little. "Yeah, he hasn't returned."

"If we're lucky, he went to help Retas and the prince," Arare muttered as he continued on his way.

Suddenly, the entire planet shook again.

"What's going on?" Lia asked as we hit the floor.

I stared at the ground and frowned. Something malicious waft around the planet, sending chills down my spine. It was as if the very earth beneath us was being corrupted by something evil and putrid.

"We need to get out of here and regroup with Retas and Prince Huitlo." Wilneth commanded, her voice carrying authority even amidst the chaos. 

Pushing ourselves back to our feet, we hurried toward the south, where the smoke was rising. The air felt charged, thick with tension, and I couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked just beyond our sight.

As we approached the source of the smoke, a giant gaping chasm, I spotted figures in the distance—two familiar silhouettes standing together. My heart raced with hope. Maybe they had information on the real Yusan.

When we got closer, I recognized the tired, worn faces of Commander Retas and Prince Huitlo. But there was someone else slumped against a nearby rock: Vyran, looking utterly exhausted.

"Vyran!" Sarudei exclaimed, rushing forward. Relief flooded her voice as she threw her arms around the weary warrior. "I'm so glad to see you safe!"

Vyran managed a weak smile, returning the embrace with a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad to see you too, Sarudei. I was worried about you all."

Retas stepped forward, his expression serious. "We've had our hands full. The real Yusan is more powerful than we anticipated." He eyed the ground.

"Where is the real Yusan?" Sarudei asked, letting go of Vyran.

"We almost got him, but he fell into the crevice," Vyran said.

"So, he took the cowards way out?" Sarudei asked, blinking.

"No," Vyran said, his face uneasy.

Prince Huitlo stood up and sighed. "We think he's become one with Sotes-3."

Arare gulped. "Uh, come again?"

"H-how?" Mirasa asked.

Vyran sighed. "I know it sounds crazy, but the planet is being filled with his ki. And in turn, he is using that to seize the planet's natural energy. If he keeps this up, this planet will become one with him."

"We could always blow up the planet," Retas muttered under his breath.

"Huh? But what about the people who live here?" I asked, my heart racing at the thought. The idea of sacrificing countless innocent lives to eliminate one enemy felt unfathomable.

Retas sighed, frustration evident in his eyes. "It's a last resort. But if Yusan merges with the planet's energy completely, he could become an unstoppable force. We need to find a way to sever that connection before it's too late."

Sarudei stepped forward, her jaw set with determination. "Then we need to act fast. If Yusan is siphoning the planet's energy, we have to disrupt that flow."

Vyran sighed. "He's merging with the planetary core. Maybe the Titanos can withstand the magma and pressure, but ther rest of you can't."

"You're wrong. We can't withstand it either," Tira said, glancing at the two commanders, her prince, and Zairius.

Prince Huitlo hummed. "Maybe I can, but not for long."

Vyran stared at his glowing hand. "Then it's up to me to do it." He straightened himself. "I'll be the one to put a stop to Yusan once and for all."

"Vyran," Sarudei said, frowning.

I wanted to say something, but I didn't see any other alternative. Vyran was the only one who could save this planet from being destroyed by the Titanos commanders.