Astralis: The Echoes of Valor: A LitRPG Quest for the Eternal Legacy by Remy Keller

Author:Remy Keller [Keller, Remy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14: The Burden of Leadership

The merciless sun of Emberlyn Deserts beat down on Alex and Riley as they trudged through the endless expanse of sand. The air shimmered with heat, distorting the horizon and making their journey seem even more insurmountable. Alex led the way, his M416 held tightly against his chest, his eyes constantly scanning for threats.

Riley watched him with growing concern. The Alex she knew—the leader, the friend, the beacon of hope—seemed to be slipping away with each step. His movements were mechanical, his face a mask of grim determination that bordered on recklessness.

As they crested another dune, the remains of a recent battle came into view. Twisted metal and bodies lay scattered across the sand, a grim reminder of the war that raged around them. Alex's pace quickened, his knuckles white as he gripped his weapon.

"Alex," Riley called out, her voice barely audible over the whistling desert wind. "We should rest. We've been walking for hours."

He didn't respond, pushing forward with single-minded focus. Riley jogged to catch up, grabbing his arm. "Alex, stop. You're going to burn out if you keep this up."

Alex whirled around, his eyes blazing with an intensity that made Riley take a step back. "We don't have time to rest," he snapped. "The Phantoms are always moving, always planning. We can't afford to slow down."

"And we can't afford to collapse from exhaustion," Riley countered, standing her ground. "You're pushing yourself too hard. This isn't like you, Alex."

For a moment, something flickered in Alex's eyes—a glimpse of the pain he'd been hiding. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by the same cold determination. "You don't know what I'm like anymore," he said, his voice low. "None of us are the same after what we've been through."

Before Riley could respond, the sound of gunfire erupted from behind a nearby ridge. Alex's reaction was immediate, his body tensing as he raised his M416. "Stay low," he ordered, moving towards the sound with practiced stealth.

Riley followed, her Vector at the ready. As they approached the ridge, they could see a small group of survivors pinned down by Phantom forces. The survivors were outnumbered and outgunned, their situation growing more desperate by the second.

Without hesitation, Alex burst from cover, laying down suppressing fire. His shots were precise, each one finding its mark with deadly accuracy. Riley moved to the flank, her Vector chattering as she provided covering fire for the survivors.

The battle was intense but brief. Alex's reckless charge had caught the Phantoms off guard, and with Riley's support, they quickly turned the tide. As the last Phantom fell, an eerie silence settled over the battlefield.

Alex stood amidst the chaos, his chest heaving, his eyes wild. Riley approached him cautiously, noting the tremor in his hands as he lowered his weapon.

"Alex," she said softly, reaching out to him. "It's over. We're safe."

He flinched at her touch, taking a step back. "It's never over," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "They'll keep coming, and more people will die.

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