Ryn awoke slowly, the unfamiliar surroundings sending a rush of confusion through her. She was in a room that looked sleek and futuristic, its walls smooth and polished, softly lit by an ambient glow. She sat up slowly, her body feeling strangely invigorated. Checking her watch, she saw her health had been fully restored, and she had leveled up to 9. A notification pinged, revealing a new outfit: the Dropper Assault Suit.

Curious, Ryn clicked on the outfit option, and in an instant, it materialized onto her body. The suit was a sleek one-piece, with smooth lines and a striking red stripe down the front. The sheer sleeves added a touch of elegance, and the fabric felt like a second skin, almost as if she were wearing a cloud. She admired the outfit briefly before the door to her room slid open with a soft hiss.

An older woman stepped inside, her expression warm and welcoming. Her silver hair was neatly tied back, and her eyes held a wisdom that spoke of years of experience. "I’m glad to see you awake," she said, her voice gentle.

Ryn stood up, a sudden feeling of anxiety rushing through her. "Where am I? What happened to my friends?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

The woman shook her head softly. "I'm sorry, but you were the only one we found. Welcome to Nyon. I’m Jess," she said, extending a hand.

Ryn shook it, her mind racing. "Nyon? Where is that?"

Jess gestured towards a large window that dominated one side of the room. "Come, take a look."

Ryn moved to the window and gasped at the sight before her. The building she was in towered over a vast, dense forest, the treetops stretching out like a sea of green. Nestled in the center of this forest, carved meticulously into the earth, was the city of Nyon. It was a breathtaking sight, with modern architecture seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings. The buildings were interconnected by a network of bridges and pathways, with lush greenery interspersed throughout the city.

"Nyon is a sanctuary," Jess explained. "A place where we can live and thrive, away from the corruption and the dangers that plague other parts of Abos. We found you unconscious near the remains of your pod and brought you here to recover."

Ryn’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. "Thank you for saving me," she said, turning to face Jess. "But I need to find my friends. They were with me when...when everything happened."

Jess nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I understand. We will do everything we can to help you find them. But for now, you need to regain your strength and familiarize yourself with Nyon. There’s much to learn and see here."

Ryn nodded, though her heart ached with worry for Jax, Kyle, and the others. "Alright," she said. "But as soon as I'm able, I'll be searching for them."

Jess smiled. "Of course. In the meantime, feel free to explore the city. There are many here who can help you and provide the resources you’ll need for your journey."

Ryn took a deep breath, looking through her friends list on her watch with a growing sense of unease. Jax, Kyle, and Elara’s profiles were grayed out, the icons unresponsive to her attempts to message or start a voice chat. The profiles of the military personnel they had been with were even more alarming; each was marked with a big red X across their pictures. Panic surged through her. Did they die? Or were they simply too far away to communicate with?

Jess, sensing Ryn's distress, gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "They might still be out there, just beyond our communication range. Try not to worry until we know more," she said reassuringly.

Ryn nodded, trying to quell the rising tide of anxiety. Jess led her into an elevator that descended rapidly, even faster than the one that had taken her down into the lab. The sensation was disorienting, but Ryn braced herself, gripping the railing tightly. When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out into the heart of Nyon.

From ground level, the city was even more breathtaking. Buildings with sleek lines rose around them, interwoven with lush greenery that gave the place a harmonious blend of nature and technology. Paths and bridges crisscrossed above and around them, teeming with people going about their day.

Not far from where they stood, a beach stretched out with crystal clear blue water gently lapping at the shore. Above it, the rocky formation of Abos loomed, a reminder that the city was half underground. Yet, despite this, the sun shone brightly, its light filtering through strategically placed openings in the rock above, casting a warm and welcoming glow over everything.

"This place is incredible," Ryn breathed, taking in the sights. The tranquility and beauty of Nyon were almost overwhelming.

Jess smiled warmly. "We’ve worked hard to make Nyon a sanctuary. . Come, let me show you around."

As they walked, Jess pointed out various landmarks. "Over there is the central market, where you can find supplies and trade goods. And beyond that is the medical center, where our best healers and scientists work. You’ll find the training grounds to the west, where you can hone your skills and prepare for whatever lies ahead."

Ryn listened, absorbing the information. Her mind was still on her friends, but she knew she needed to understand this place if she was going to find a way to help them. "This is all so much to take in," she admitted.

"I understand," Jess said sympathetically. "But you’re not alone. We’ll help you in any way we can. And remember, Nyon might be hidden, but it’s not cut off. We have ways of reaching out, finding information. We’ll do everything in our power to locate your friends."

"Thank you, Jess. I don’t know what I’d do without your help."

Jess nodded. "You’re strong, Ryn. You’ve survived so much already. We have faith in you."

"Does Nyon have a council chambers?" Ryn asked.

Jess nodded with a reassuring smile. "Yes, we do. Follow me."

They walked through the bustling city streets, Jess led Ryn to an impressive building. Once inside, Ryn was struck by the familiarity of the place. The layout and design were similar to Yaris, and she felt a sense of comfort wash over her. Droppers moved around the room, taking requests from the bulletin board and starting story missions on the holographic globe. The atmosphere buzzed with activity and purpose, something Ryn felt she was lacking at the moment.

Ryn approached the central terminal, which rose smoothly from the floor at her touch. She initiated a call to the Yarian Council. She had wondered if Lysandra knew of her husband’s fate. The screen flickered to life, and Lysandra's face appeared, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Ryn! It's good to see you," Lysandra exclaimed. "We've been worried."

Ryn nodded, a smile tugging at her lips despite her stress. "It's good to see you too, Lysandra. Have you heard from any of the others?"

Lysandra's expression turned serious. "No, we haven't. We're getting worried as well. It's been too long without any word from them."

Ryn's heart sank. She had hoped for better news. "Lysandra…I…I tried-”

Lysandra cut her off with a nod and her voice became heavy. “I know. You did what you could do. It’s okay.”

Ryn leaned against the terminal. “What am I supposed to do? I can’t sit here and wait.”

Lysandra's face softened with empathy. "I understand, Ryn. But sometimes, waiting is the hardest thing we have to do. Let me see if we can track them using the council terminal. You won’t be able to contact me with your watch since we’re so far apart so come back to the chambers regularly.”

Ryn nodded, though the stress gnawed at her. "Alright, will do. Thank you, Lysandra. And again…I’m so sorry.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"There’s no need to apologize, Ryn. Stay safe and keep in touch,”

The call disconnected, leaving Ryn staring at the blank screen. The room around her seemed to blur as the weight of her worry pressed down on her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The uncertainty clawed at her gut, but she knew she had to stay strong.

Jess placed a comforting hand on Ryn's shoulder. "You’ll find them. No need to give up hope now."

Ryn nodded, grateful for Jess's support. "Thank you. I just...I need to keep busy. Maybe there's something I can do here while we wait."

"Of course," Jess said with a supportive smile. "There are always tasks and missions that need attention. Let's see what we can find."

Ryn took one last look at the terminal, then turned to follow Jess. She knew she had to stay focused, to keep moving forward.

Ryn walked over to the globe and pulled up the missions in the area. Her eyes scanned the options until one titled "Strange pyramid in the forest?" caught her attention. She thought for a moment, recalling the previous lab she had encountered. Could this be another hidden facility? She selected the mission, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"I'll have one of our transport teams take you there in the rover," Jess offered.

"Thanks," Ryn replied, grateful she didn’t have to trek there.

Soon, Ryn found herself in the rover, which was spacious and comfortable. The vehicle had a row of six seats in the back and two seats in the front for the driver and co-pilot. The journey was smooth despite the bumpy terrain, the rover handling the uneven ground with ease. The forest grew denser as they approached their destination, the pyramid gradually coming into view.

"We're here," the driver announced, bringing the rover to a stop. "This is as close as we can get. The rest is on foot."

Ryn nodded, stepping out of the vehicle and taking in the surroundings. The air was thick with the scent of foliage and damp earth. The pyramid stood imposing and mysterious, partially obscured by the encroaching jungle. She adjusted her gear and took a deep breath, ready for whatever awaited her.

"Good luck, Ryn," the co-pilot said, giving her a thumbs-up.

"Thanks," Ryn replied, offering a small smile before turning her attention to the pyramid. She moved through the thick underbrush, her watch guiding her path with a clear route marked on its display.

Memories of her last encounter with a similar structure surfaced as she approached. Ryn remained vigilant, she watched all around her, making sure nothing would trip her up this time. The pyramid was an ancient stone structure, its surface covered in moss and vines, similar to the last one. It looked like it had been abandoned for centuries, yet there was an unsettling feeling that it was far from dormant.

Ryn found a set of stone steps leading up to a large, weathered door. She took a deep breath and pushed it open, the heavy door creaking ominously. Inside, the air was cool and musty. As she stepped into the dim interior, lights began to flicker on, illuminating a long hallway lined with intricate carvings depicting ancient rituals and battles.

"This feels familiar," she murmured to herself, recalling the hidden lab she had discovered before. She moved cautiously, each step echoing in the quiet corridor. She began to notice faint footprints in the dust on the floor. Someone had been here recently.

Reaching the end of the hallway, Ryn found another set of double doors. She paused for a moment before pushing them open, revealing a vast chamber filled with strange machinery and flickering monitors. A large console stood in the center, glowing with a soft blue light. Scattered around the room were signs of recent activity: a half-eaten meal, tools left on a workbench, and a flickering datapad.

Approaching the console, Ryn reached out to examine it, her fingers hovering over the controls. Just as she was about to touch it, she heard a faint noise. She spun around, her sword materializing in her hand, but there was no one in sight. The noise had come from the far end of the room, near a set of elevator doors.

Ryn cautiously eased her way over to the elevator, noticing that the panel indicated it had been used recently. She pressed the button, and with a soft ding, the doors slid open. Ryn stepped inside, the elevator descending smoothly into the depths of the pyramid. The further down she went, the colder and darker it became, the only light coming from the faint glow of the elevator’s control panel.

When the elevator finally stopped and the doors opened, Ryn found herself in another lab, this one even more advanced than the one above. The air was filled with the hum of machines and the flicker of malfunctioning lights. She stepped out, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of life.

The lab was in disarray. Papers were strewn across desks, and equipment was knocked over. Despite the chaos, there was an eerie silence, as if the lab had been abandoned in a hurry. Ryn moved through the room, checking the various consoles and monitors. Most were dead or displayed corrupted data, but one terminal was still active, showing a series of datapoints.

Ryn accessed the logs, reading through the entries. They detailed experiments and research on the Corruption, similar to what she had seen in the other lab. But there was something new here, references to a "Core Sample" and a "Containment Procedure." It seemed this lab had been working on a way to neutralize the Corruption, but the last entry was abruptly cut off.

Suddenly, the lights flickered and a warning siren blared through the lab. The main monitor flashed a message: "Containment Breach Imminent." Ryn's heart raced as she looked around, realizing she had to find whatever was causing this and stop it before it was too late.

As she turned to leave, she caught sight of a map on one of the screens, showing the layout of the lab and a highlighted path to the containment chamber.

Ryn knew she was getting closer when the air grew colder and the sounds of machinery became louder. She reached a massive door marked "Containment.”

Ryn pushed it open, revealing a cavernous room with a massive glass cylinder in the center, filled with a swirling dark substance. The containment alarms were blaring, and cracks were beginning to form in the glass.

Ryn knew she had to act quickly. She rushed to the control panel beside the cylinder and began working through the shutdown procedure she had seen in the logs. Her fingers flew over the controls, entering commands and overriding security protocols. As she worked, the cracks in the glass grew larger, and the dark substance began to seep out.

Finally, with a final command, the containment procedure activated. A series of metallic shutters closed around the cylinder, sealing it off and stopping the breach. The alarms quieted, and the room fell into an uneasy silence.

“What the hell is going on?” She muttered to herself.

Ryn made her way back to the elevator, a familiar voice called out her name. "Ryn," it echoed through the deserted lab, sending a chill down her spine. She spun around, her sword materializing in her hand, ready for whatever threat might be approaching. Across the room, emerging from the shadows, stood Vex. His presence unsettled her.

"Vex," Ryn said, narrowing her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

Vex smirked, his sword glowing faintly at his side. "The same thing you are," he replied, his tone casual but laced with tension. "Digging through old junk and trying to find details on this so-called Silent Moon Project.”

Ryn frowned, her grip tightening on her sword. "It was you, the containment chamber…” she said, taking a cautious step back. "You cause nothing but issues."

Vex raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender. "Believe what you want," he said. "But the truth is, we're both in over our heads with this. The corruption, the labs—none of it makes sense. I'm just trying to get to the bottom of it, same as you."

Ryn hesitated, weighing his words. Despite their past confrontations, there was a strange sincerity in his voice. But she wasn't about to let her guard down. She turned to leave.

"Leaving so soon?" Vex called out, his voice stopping her in her tracks. She turned back to face him, and he was now closer, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her uneasy. “Are you really going to walk away without a fight?"

Ryn's heart raced, the tension between them growing. She knew Vex was dangerous, and there was no telling what he might do next. The lab seemed to hum with anticipation, the air thick with unresolved conflict.

Suddenly, Vex moved with a speed that took Ryn by surprise, leaping into the air with his sword drawn. Reacting on instinct, Ryn swung around, her own blade meeting his with a sharp, resonating clang. The force of the clash sent a shock through her arms, but she held her ground, quickly leaping back into a controlled backflip to gain some distance.

Vex pressed forward with a series of rapid strikes. His sword met hers again and again, each blow heavier and more precise than the last. Ryn pushed back with all her strength, her muscles straining under the intensity of his assault. It was clear now—this flurry of blows was a special skill of his, one designed to overwhelm and incapacitate.

She managed to block most of his attacks, the clash of their blades creating a rhythmic, almost hypnotic pattern. But then, with a swift, unexpected move, Vex sliced through her defenses, his blade cutting a deep gash across her side. Pain flared through her, and she felt her body core dip down into the yellow. Gritting her teeth, Ryn rolled forward, using the momentum to her advantage. With her sword outstretched, she managed to slash into Vex's leg.

Vex winced, but a smirk played on his lips as he jumped back, creating some distance between them. He collapsed his nano-sword back into the cuff on his bicep with a fluid motion, the weapon disappearing as quickly as it had appeared. "Impressive," he said, his voice filled with admiration and mockery. "But I’m bored now. Be seeing you, Ryn."

Ryn stood there, her breathing heavy, her side aching from the wound. "Why are you doing this, Vex?" she demanded, trying to steady her voice.

Vex's smirk widened. "We're on the same path, whether you like it or not. Consider this a warm-up. We'll finish our fight later."

“Asshole!” She yelled out.

Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows of the lab, leaving Ryn alone with her thoughts and the lingering echo of their battle. She sheathed her sword back onto her wrist, her mind racing with questions and doubts. She already had so much on her plate and now another confrontation with Vex? Catching a break didn’t look like it was in the cards for her.