The six bearers of the Light Weapons trudged through the blizzard-ravaged Antarctic ice sheet. The wind howled like knives cutting at their faces; the cold seeped into their bones like iron. Even with the relics' protective power, the extreme polar environment left them gasping for breath.
"Visibility's near zero!" Nasser shouted, his voice nearly swallowed by the storm. "How do we find our way?"
"The relics!" Yeh Yao responded, raising the Phoenix Blade. "They can sense each other—and the energy of that temporal device!"
The six focused, letting the relics guide them. The six artifacts began to glow, their light piercing the snowstorm, pointing in one direction—toward the Ark base.
"Follow the light!" Yeh Yao ordered, stepping forward.
They struggled through the snow, each step a battle. But as they neared their target, the relics' glow intensified, lending them strength and courage.
Finally, through gaps in the storm, they glimpsed the outline of the Ark—a massive domed structure partially buried under the ice, surrounded by smaller buildings and facilities.
"We're here," Alicia murmured, her voice tense with determination. "Now what?"
"Stick to the plan," Yeh Yao replied. "Kristina, Michelle, and Nasser head to the power facility to disrupt the energy supply. Alicia, Eunice, and I will go to the central dome to stop the temporal device."
"Remember," Kristina cautioned, "our goal is to stop Alexander's plan, not fight the entire base. Avoid unnecessary conflict."
"Agreed," Yeh Yao nodded. "We don't know how many are just following orders, unaware of the truth."
"The countdown's under ten hours," Michelle checked her watch. "We need to move fast."
The two groups split up, using the blizzard's cover and the relics' power to approach their respective targets stealthily.
Kristina, Michelle, and Nasser moved toward the base's eastern side, where a smaller building housed the main power facility, according to their intel.
"See those pipes and cables?" Michelle pointed at thick conduits half-buried in snow. "They connect to the central dome—must be the energy transfer system."
"Guards," Kristina warned, spotting figures patrolling the entrance through the snow. "But not many. Probably most are indoors due to the storm."
"I can tunnel underground," Nasser suggested, raising the Earth Shatterer. "Enter directly, bypassing the guards."
"Good idea," Michelle agreed. "But be careful—no tremors or noise."
Nasser nodded, lightly tapping the ground to open a passage leading under the facility. The three crept through until beneath the building's foundation.
"Should be right above us," Nasser whispered, using the Earth Shatterer to create a small peephole in the ceiling.
Through it, they saw a spacious generator room filled with massive reactors, transformers, and control panels. A few technicians monitored equipment, but no visible guards.
"Some kind of advanced nuclear reactor," Michelle observed. "Probably to power the temporal portal."
"How do we disrupt it?" Kristina asked. "Destroying it outright could cause a meltdown."
"We don't need to destroy it," Michelle reasoned. "Just create a controlled energy fluctuation. See that control panel?" She pointed to a central console. "That regulates power output. If we access it, we can induce a temporary disruption."
"I'll distract them," Kristina offered. "You two handle the panel."
Nasser widened the hole, and the three climbed up, hiding behind large machinery.
"Ready?" Kristina whispered.
Michelle and Nasser nodded.
Kristina took a deep breath, then used the Angel's Blessing to project a bright light across the room. The technicians turned, confused by the sudden glare.
"Now!" Kristina urged.
Michelle and Nasser darted to the control panel. Michelle immediately began typing, her scientific expertise allowing her to adjust settings swiftly.
"Need a few minutes," she murmured, fingers flying. "Keep watch."
Nasser stood guard while Kristina maintained the diversion. Minutes later, Michelle smiled in satisfaction.
"Done. I've programmed a delayed energy drop—gradual at first, then a major fluctuation right at the portal's activation time. That should destabilize it."
"Perfect," Kristina approved. "Now let's regroup with the others."
They retreated through the tunnel, heading for the rendezvous point.
Meanwhile, Yeh Yao, Alicia, and Eunice approached the central dome. Defenses here were tighter—armed patrols, surveillance cameras, and sensors everywhere.
"A frontal assault is too risky," Eunice observed. "We need another way in."
"Ventilation system?" Alicia suggested, recalling their earlier recon. "Large facilities always need airflow."
"There," Yeh Yao pointed at large vents on the dome's side. "But they might be secured."
"Let me check," Eunice said, wielding the Whispering Gale. "I can sense air currents and obstacles."
Focusing, she mapped the vents' layout. Minutes later, she opened her eyes. "The third vent has no obvious safeguards—probably because it's high up, deemed inaccessible."
"That's our entry," Yeh Yao decided. "But how do we reach it?"
"I can create an air staircase," Eunice said. "But I'll need your relics to amplify the effect."
Yeh Yao and Alicia channeled their relics' power with the Whispering Gale, forming an invisible path of wind leading to the vent. Carefully, they ascended, cut through the grate with the Phoenix Blade, and crawled inside.
The vent was dark and cramped, but the relics' faint glow lit their way. After a long crawl, they reached a grate overlooking what appeared to be the main control room—a circular chamber centered around the massive temporal device, surrounded by consoles and screens.
Dozens of scientists and technicians worked busily. Nearby, Dr. Alexander conversed with senior staff.
"Look at that screen," Alicia whispered, pointing at a large display. "The countdown's down to eight hours."
"And those readings," Eunice noted. "Energy levels are rising—they're doing preliminary tests."
"We need to get closer," Yeh Yao decided. "But crawling through vents is too slow."
"Could we disguise ourselves as staff?" Alicia suggested.
"Too risky," Eunice countered. "They likely have ID checks, and Alexander already knows our faces."
"Then we need a distraction," Yeh Yao mused. "Something to draw attention away."
Just then, the room's lights flickered, screens glitching—Kristina's team's work taking effect.
"Power fluctuation!" a technician called out. "Main reactor output unstable!"
"That's our cue," Yeh Yao said. "While they're distracted, we move."
Using the Phoenix Sword, he cut through the grate, and the three dropped down behind equipment, unnoticed in the chaos.
Alexander strode to the main console, demanding answers. "Why is the power unstable?"
"Unknown, Doctor," a technician replied nervously. "Could be the storm affecting external lines, or reactor issues. We're checking."
"Fix it," Alexander ordered. "Nothing can delay the plan. Activate backups if needed."
As technicians scrambled, Alexander turned to the temporal device, murmuring, "They're here, aren't they? The relic-bearers."
His aide stared. "You think they caused this?"
"Undoubtedly," Alexander said calmly. "They've tried to stop me across time itself. But this time, they'll fail."
The three exchanged glances. Alexander had anticipated them.
"We need direct access to the device," Yeh Yao whispered. "Find its weak point."
"But Alexander's right there," Alicia worried. "He'll spot us immediately."
"We need a bigger diversion," Eunice said. "Something to occupy everyone."
Suddenly, the door burst open—a guard rushed in. "Doctor! Intruders in the power facility! Surveillance shows three people using strange weapons!"
"Just as I expected," Alexander said grimly. "Increase security at all critical areas, especially here. Their target is the device."
As guards rushed out, Yeh Yao realized, "They think all intruders are at the power station. This might be our chance."
They waited until most guards had left, then formulated a plan.
"Eunice, create an auditory illusion—make them think intruders are elsewhere in the room," Yeh Yao directed. "Alicia and I will use our relics to warp space, getting us close to the device."
Eunice focused, using the Whispering Gale to project noises across the room. Guards and technicians turned toward the sound, distracted.
"Now!" Yeh Yao whispered.
He and Alicia combined the Phoenix Twin Sword to create a tiny spatial rift, emerging right beside the temporal device.
Technicians gasped as they materialized. Yeh Yao immediately examined the device—a complex assembly of metal, energy coils, and a central crystal pulsing with power.
"That crystal must be the core," Yeh Yao realized. "Destroying it might stop everything."
As he raised the Phoenix Sword, a calm voice spoke behind them: "I wouldn't do that if I were you."
They turned—Alexander stood there, composed.
"That crystal isn't just the device's heart," he explained, almost pedagogically. "It's a stabilizer. Destroying it won't stop the portal—it'll make it unstable, potentially causing a far worse disaster."
"Why tell us this?" Yeh Yao demanded, keeping the Blade ready.
"Because even as adversaries, I respect knowledge," Alexander replied. "And I want you to understand my plan's necessity."
"Necessity?" Alicia echoed incredulously. "Unleashing monsters and killing billions is necessary?"
"Evolution," Alexander said simply. "You saw the future—how humanity adapted to extreme conditions, grew stronger. That wasn't chance; it was inevitability."
"We saw a nearly extinct world," Yeh Yao countered. "People living underground in fear. That's devolution, not progress."
"A transitional phase," Alexander insisted. "Generations later, humans would emerge stronger, adapted. Natural selection—accelerated by me."
"At the cost of billions?" Alicia challenged. "That's not science—it's genocide."
"Sacrifices are necessary," Alexander said calmly. "Like forest fires allowing new growth."
"We won't let it happen," Yeh Yao stated firmly. "We'll protect this world."
Alexander sighed, almost sadly. "You still don't understand. This isn't about one world—it's about humanity's survival as a species."
He activated a console, displaying global environmental data—rising temperatures, sea levels, pollution.
"See these trends," he pointed. "Even without my intervention, Earth is becoming uninhabitable. In centuries ahead, it won't sustain human life."
"Then the answer is science and cooperation," Yeh Yao argued. "Not destruction."
"Tried. Failed. Countless timelines, countless attempts," Alexander shook his head. "Human nature prevents meaningful change until crisis forces it. Only extreme pressure triggers evolution."
"You said you've lived through hundreds of time loops," Alicia recalled. "What did you mean?"
Alexander's expression turned pained. "I'm trapped in a temporal cycle, reliving events, testing paths. I've seen thousands of futures—almost all end in extinction. Only one path—forced evolution through catastrophe—ensures survival."
"How can you be sure?" Yeh Yao challenged. "Maybe there's another way you haven't found."
"Because I've tried them all!" Alexander's composure cracked briefly. "Peaceful solutions, gradual reforms, technological fixes—all failed. Humanity won't change until disaster forces it."
As the debate raged, the lights flickered violently again—Kristina's team's sabotage deepening.
"Critical power instability!" a technician yelled. "Reactor output failing!"
"Activate backups now!" Alexander ordered.
"Doctor," an aide protested, "with power this unstable, activating the device could have unpredictable—"
"Calculated risk," Alexander cut in. "Proceed."
The temporal device hummed to life, the central crystal spinning faster, energy surging.
"He's activating it early!" Alicia warned.
Before they could act, the door exploded open—Kristina, Michelle, and Nasser stood there, relics drawn.
"Sorry we're late," Nasser said. "Met some resistance."
"Perfect timing," Yeh Yao exhaled in relief. "Alexander's jumpstarting the device."
The six regrouped, facing Alexander and his people.
"Six relics, six bearers," Alexander observed, almost satisfied. "Just as the prophecy foretold."
"Prophecy?" Michelle frowned.
"An ancient prediction," Alexander explained. "Of light and darkness' final clash. Six warriors facing destiny's choice. But it never said who'd prevail—that depends on your choice."
"We've made ours," Yeh Yao said firmly. "We choose to protect this world and its people."
"Even at humanity's long-term cost?" Alexander challenged. "Even if it dooms our species?"
"We believe in another path," Alicia said. "One without destruction."
"Then," Alexander sighed, "we'll see who's right."
He pressed a button—the device's energy spiked violently, the crystal blazing. The room shook as if in an earthquake.
"It's activating!" Michelle warned. "Energy reaching critical!"
"We need to combine our relics," Yeh Yao ordered. "Create a counter-energy field!"
The six formed a circle, pointing their relics inward. The artifacts glowed brighter, their power opposing the device's energy.
The two forces collided, creating a swirling vortex of energy. Reality itself seemed to warp around them.
"Hold steady!" Yeh Yao urged.
Alexander watched, then did the unexpected—he stepped forward and placed his hands directly on the crystal.
"What are you doing?" Yeh Yao shouted.
"Ensuring fate's fulfillment," Alexander replied calmly. "Whatever the outcome."
Energy surged into Alexander's body, making him glow from within. His form began shifting, growing taller, less human.
"He's absorbing temporal energy!" Michelle gasped. "It's altering his molecular structure!"
"He's becoming something else," Kristina warned. "We need stronger defenses!"
They intensified their relics' power, but Alexander—or what he'd become—grew stronger too. He raised a hand, firing an energy blast that cracked their barrier.
"He's breaking through!" Eunice cried. "We need more power!"
"Focus," Yeh Yao instructed. "Imagine our power united—light overcoming darkness!"
The six closed their eyes, merging fully with their relics. An unprecedented energy radiated from them, repairing the barrier and pushing back against Alexander.
Alexander strained, unleashing another blast, but their defense held.
"You don't comprehend your actions," Alexander's voice now echoed unnaturally. "You're preventing humanity's salvation!"
"We're preventing mass murder," Yeh Yao retorted. "We choose life over destruction!"
The stalemate continued, energies clashing. Equipment overloaded around them; walls cracked; the ceiling began collapsing.
"This place won't hold!" Nasser warned. "We need to end this now!"
"But how?" Alicia asked. "We're deadlocked!"
Michelle had an idea: "The crystal! It's Alexander's link to the energy source. If we sever it cleanly, we might cut him off without causing an explosion."
"But he said disrupting it would destabilize everything," Yeh Yao recalled.
"Under normal activation, yes," Michelle explained. "But now it's fused with Alexander—a new system. A precise strike at the connection point could safely break the bond."
"Worth trying," Yeh Yao decided. "But we need perfect timing."
"I can pinpoint the energy junction," Eunice offered.
"And I can deliver a surgical strike," Kristina added.
"Then here's the plan," Yeh Yao said. "The rest of us maintain the energy field while Eunice locates the weak point and Kristina strikes."
Eunice focused, using the Whispering Gale to trace energy flows. "Found it! A blue pulsating node at the crystal's base!"
Kristina adjusted the Angel's Blessing, then fired a precise energy beam. The connection point flared brightly—Alexander screamed as the bond severed, his form reverting to human.
"It worked!" Alicia exclaimed.
But their victory was short-lived. The temporal device began destabilizing, energy fluctuations growing wilder.
"The energy's going critical!" Michelle warned. "We need to channel it safely!"
"Create an energy conduit," Alicia suggested. "Vent it into the upper atmosphere."
The six redirected their relics' power, forming an energy channel skyward. The device's unstable energy surged upward, creating a spectacular aurora as it harmlessly dissipated.
With the energy discharged, the device powered down. The tremors ceased; the room fell still.
The six exhaled in relief, then turned to Alexander—now kneeling, weakened but conscious.
"It's over, Alexander," Yeh Yao said quietly. "Your plan failed."
Alexander looked up, his expression complex. "Perhaps in this timeline. But time has infinite branches. In some, I succeed."
"Not this one," Yeh Yao said firmly. "Here, we chose hope over despair, life over destruction."
Alexander was silent for a long moment. "Do you truly believe humanity can evolve without extreme pressure? That peace can save our species?"
"We believe in potential," Alicia answered softly. "In humanity's ability to learn and grow without catastrophe."
"I hope you're right," Alexander said at last, with surprising sincerity. "For all our sakes, I hope you're right."
A sudden, violent quake rocked the base.
"Earthquake!" Michelle checked a surviving monitor. "Alexander must have triggered some disasters before we stopped him!"
"The base is collapsing!" Kristina warned as cracks spread across the ceiling. "We need to evacuate!"
"All personnel, evacuate now!" Yeh Yao shouted.
As staff fled, Yeh Yao noticed Alexander still kneeling motionless.
"Alexander!" he called. "We have to go!"
Alexander smiled faintly. "My journey ends here, Yeh Yao. I've seen enough timelines. Perhaps it's time to rest."
"No," Yeh Yao refused, stepping forward. "I won't leave you."
Before he could reach Alexander, a massive ceiling fragment collapsed, burying the scientist.
"Yeh Yao!" Alicia pulled him back. "We have to leave!"
Yeh Yao cast one last look at the rubble—a silent tribute to his fallen adversary—then turned and ran with the others.
Using their relics to shield against falling debris, they escaped just as the entire Ark collapsed into the ice. Outside, the blizzard was easing, as if nature itself was calming.
"We did it," Alicia whispered, watching the ruins. "We stopped him."
"But at what cost?" Yeh Yao mused. "He truly believed he was saving humanity."
"The worst evils are often committed by those convinced of their righteousness," Michelle observed.
"What matters is we chose differently," Eunice said. "We chose hope."
"And now," Kristina said, "we ensure the disasters he triggered don't claim more lives."
"Our work isn't over," Nasser agreed.
The six stood together, weary but resolute. They knew challenges still lay ahead—but for now, they allowed themselves this moment of victory, this choice for hope.
In the fading storm, the six relics glowed like beacons—flames of hope that even the coldest, darkest places could not extinguish.