The Singularity

Staring deep into Léa's eyes, Onnamon poised to strike the final blow. Before proceeding, he wanted assurance.

"Young connoisseur, brace yourself for the impending tragedy. Spare yourself the chaos you aimed to prevent. I offer you a ticket to the abyss," he confidently chuckled, lifting his foot, prepared to step onto Léa's hands.

"It's a favor, connoisseur." With those words, he forcefully crushed her hand, causing her fingers to release the edge, and she plummeted into the crevice, her final moments filled with screams of terror and agony, anticipating impending death.

Close to their skirmish, Timothy and Aurora ascended a mountaintop. He planted his foot, under Aurora's observant gaze, and directed his attention towards the tower. Massive chains linked the mountain and tower, forming an uneven bridge.

"So, that's the nexus," he declared, inviting Aurora to pause and share in his smile. "The vitality permit. The source we must prevent Onnamon from obtaining."

The Vitality Permit, embodied by the sphere, seemed within reach, yet snagging it posed quite a challenge. The tower housing the Nexus stood amidst a watery expanse, ruling out swimming due not only to Timothy's physical limitations but also the dicey weather, with an impending tornado looming on the horizon.

With time ticking away, Timothy knew facing a tough adversary awaited him upon reaching the target—an antagonist akin to a boss, eager to snatch the power encapsulated within the energy sphere.

"How do you plan to get to the nexus? It's practically a death wish to try swimming or flying," Aurora noted, eyeing Timothy's calm demeanor, fixed on the path ahead.

"I'm not sure... Maybe the safest route to the nexus involves crossing the chains linking this mountaintop to the distant tower. As for you, playing it safe seems like the way to go," Timothy replied, considering Aurora's safety.

Aurora took in the rugged road winding around the immense lake and the tower, but there wasn't a clear path connecting that route to the tower housing the Nexus.

The most she could hope for by following that path was to get closer to their goal, but she knew she wouldn't be much help to Timothy. She wasn't much of a fighter and feared she might only slow him down.

However, going alone was risky too, with dangerous creatures lurking along the treacherous road, waiting patiently in the fading light to ambush their prey.

"We're running out of time. We can't let Onnamon beat us to the vitality permit... If I take the longer route, he'll probably get there first. But if I take the shorter one, I can't guarantee your safety from those beasts," Timothy said, noticing determination flickering in Aurora's eyes.

"I get how important it is for you to reach the Nexus before Onnamon does. I won't hold you back by needing protection. I'll take the longer path and try to stay out of the creatures' way," Aurora replied, assuring him.

"Make sure to take the shortcut. But stay safe..." She displayed a courage that surpassed their previous island adventures.

"Are you absolutely sure...? I don't want anything to happen to you just because I was too focused on reaching the Nexus instead of ensuring your safety..."

But Aurora remained resolute in her decision, placing her hand over her heart as she nodded to him, radiating confidence.

"I'll be okay. And even if I encounter trouble, it won't be your fault. I'll just need to be extra cautious and avoid any potential threats."

Timothy still harbored some doubts, unable to muster a smile in return. He was acutely aware of the dangers they faced. Yet, he trusted Aurora's instincts and climbed onto the rocky ledge.

"Alright... If you find yourself in any trouble... scream as loud as you can. I'll come running to help you as fast as I can."

The two exchanged a fist bump before heading off on their respective paths.

As Aurora dashed down the road, Timothy planted his foot on the chain and swiftly slid down the railings. Even if the weather turned rough and he got blown off, he had something to hold onto, unlike in the air or water.

With the weather still tolerable, he pushed forward as quickly as he could, aware that conditions could deteriorate at any moment.

However, just as Onnamon reached the tower housing the Nexus, he was greeted by the spherical object emanating electrical currents, energy sounds, and gentle breezes.

He had arrived at his destination faster than anyone else, despite being hindered by Léa.

"Ah, how I've longed for this moment. I can already sense the boundless potential within the Nexus. The true source of power that will render me invincible. I've reached it sooner than I ever dreamed. All that remains is to absorb its power and attain immortality."

As Onnamon spoke aloud, his senses tingled, and his eyes focused on the approaching figure—none other than Timothy, swiftly descending the chain.

"Ah, an adversary approaches. I didn't anticipate him actually following me to the Nexus. But now that he's here, I can test the power of the source, and he will soon realize the true might of a god."

Onnamon grinned, extending his palm outward and peering through the gap between his fingers as he locked eyes with Timothy.

"Vulnerable and easily overwhelmed. This should be a simple takedown." Dark energy coiled around his hand, crackling with red streaks of electric currents, pulsating with increasing strength and vigor.

In an instant, it surged through the air, zigzagging and accelerating toward Timothy, who spotted the red flash hurtling toward him, closing in rapidly.

"What the...?" Taken aback by the sudden assault, Timothy swiftly moved his arm aside, conjuring orange and red flames to counteract the chill in the air.

He thrust his fist forward, flames trailing behind as it collided with the incoming energy, generating a shockwave that rippled through the air, scattering raindrops in its wake.

Balancing precariously on the chain, Timothy readjusted his position and continued his rapid descent.

"Hmm... He withstood the impact on such a narrow platform. Quite impressive... Perhaps he's not as weak as I thought..." Onnamon mused, acknowledging Timothy's resilience.

To be continued...