Skybound Odyssey – Chapter 24: Storms of Nexus
The air around the Veilstorm Seas was unnatural—charged. Ryo stood at the bow of the Skywing Falcon, staring out over the horizon where clouds twisted like dragons and lightning licked the ocean's surface.
Beside him, Lyra adjusted the navigational scope. "No one's ever made it through the Veilstorm and come back. What kind of madwoman designed a citadel in there?"
Ryo's jaw clenched. "The same kind of Empire that called me a mistake."
Sena joined them from below deck, wind sweeping her curls back. "We've picked up a heat signature inside the Nexus Citadel. Massive energy pulses—like something's awakening."
"Vermillion," Lyra muttered. "He's not going to wait around. He's either trying to claim it… or wake it up."
Ryo looked down at the glowing core embedded in his chest. For days now, it had pulsed irregularly—like a heartbeat out of sync.
"He's drawn to it. Just like I am."
---
Nexus Citadel – Outer Gates
Dark and cold. That was the first impression. The citadel was made of black alloy, seamless and silent. Towers spiraled like obsidian thorns into the clouds.
And waiting at the entrance—Captain Vermillion.
A long crimson cloak rippled behind him, and his eyes glowed ember-bright. The burn scars across his chest were new—fresh reminders of their last battle.
"Well, well. Look who dragged his thunderstorm through the fog." Vermillion's voice was smooth and venomous. "Didn't think you'd have the courage to face me again, Stormheart."
Ryo stepped forward. "I'm not here for you. Move."
"Ah… but I'm here for you."
With a flick of his wrist, fire erupted in the air behind him. Dozens of red-cloaked mercenaries emerged, weapons drawn.
Sena raised her rifle. "We're outnumbered."
Ryo didn't blink. "We're not outmatched."
Lightning coiled around his fists.
---
The Battle Begins
Explosions rocked the courtyard as the Skywing crew clashed with Vermillion's forces. Lyra moved like wind through steel, dual blades deflecting heat blasts. Sena held the line with sniper-precision, each shot sending a mercenary to the ground.
And Ryo—he moved like a living storm.
He met Vermillion head-on, thunder crashing with each strike. Flame and lightning collided, casting mad shadows across the towering walls.
"You still don't get it, do you?" Vermillion hissed, pushing Ryo back. "This place isn't just a weapon. It's alive. And it answers to the one strong enough to claim it!"
As they fought, the citadel itself began to hum.
Doors peeled open. Lights flared red.
And from deep within… a voice echoed:
> "Subject Zero… DNA confirmed. Command link established."
Everyone froze. Even Vermillion.
Ryo's eyes widened. "It's… calling me?"
Suddenly, the ground shook.
From beneath the floor, an enormous platform rose—an ancient throne surrounded by control nodes.
In its center, an empty chamber the size of a person.
Sena gasped. "That's a pilot's core!"
Lyra turned to Ryo. "This whole place—it was designed to merge with you."
Ryo stepped forward, pulled by something deep and unrelenting. His hand reached out…
And Vermillion struck.