The Spare's Second Chance in Apocalypse-Chapter 81: Ch : Rescue Mission - Part 2

Selene held tight to Nora’s arm while Orion maintained the shimmering shield around them.

The worm-like monster slithered past, its segmented body scraping against the dungeon’s stone walls.

The ground trembled with each movement, dust falling from the ceiling in thin streams.

Selene kept her breathing steady, her Insight skill on high alert, tracking the creature’s every move.

When the monster finally disappeared into the dark, she exhaled slowly.

"It’s gone...for now. We can move forward now."

She whispered.

Orion lowered the shield, and the glow around them faded.

Selene rose from their hiding spot and took a careful look around. Her Insight skill worked overtime, filtering through the noise of the dungeon’s many threats to pinpoint the human life signs.

It wasn’t easy—the monsters’ auras were overwhelming—but after a few moments, she found what she was looking for.

But luckily for her, humans and monsters had different fundamental aura. A little bit of concentration went a long way for her.

"They’re not far. This way"

Selene said, her voice barely above a breath.

Nora and Orion followed closely as Selene led them through the winding paths.

The stone beneath their feet was uneven, and the air smelled of damp earth and decay.

Every step was careful, deliberate, avoiding loose rocks that could signal their presence.

When they reached a ledge overlooking a lower platform, Selene’s chest tightened. A group of survivors, huddled together, sat trapped between massive, coiling worms.

The creatures circled the platform, their bodies creating a moving barrier that prevented escape.

Nora’s expression hardened.

"I can distract them. If I draw them away, the survivors could cross over."

Selene shook her head.

"No. Your job is to protect Orion while he helps them over. I’ll be the distraction. I know these monster’s moments better than you do as well."

"But—"

"There’s no time to argue."

Selene’s tone left no room for negotiation.

"Orion, get ready to move them. Nora, cover him. I’ll clear the path."

Before they could stop her, Selene dashed forward, her feet light against the stone.

She leapt onto a broken pillar, her presence instantly drawing the attention of the monstrous worms.

Their heads snapped toward her, translucent skin shifting to reveal sharp, gnashing teeth.

"Over here, you overgrown maggots!"

Selene shouted, throwing a small stone at the nearest creature.

Could the worms hear her? Doubtful! But speaking out loud made Selene feel better anyway.

The worm hissed, and the ground vibrated as it surged toward her. Selene jumped to another platform, leading it away.

She moved with practiced agility, her body a blur as she danced out of the monsters’ reach.

Behind her, Orion’s hands glowed as he extended a translucent bridge from their ledge to the platform where the survivors were.

Nora stood by his side, her sword drawn, eyes sharp. The survivors hesitated, but with gentle coaxing, they began to cross.

Selene tapped into her system’s Amplify skill, marking both Nora and Orion as targets for her buff.

Instantly, their movements became more fluid, their reactions quicker. Nora’s blade flashed as she cut down a smaller creature that had slipped into their space.

Orion’s barrier held strong, even as debris from the dungeon ceiling rained down.

Nora’s system chimed with the notification of the buff, and her eyes widened.

"What—"

"It’s her skill. Miss Shadow can amplify our abilities. Stay focused."

Orion said, his voice tight as he maintained the bridge.

Nora narrowed her eyes.

"You know who she really is. Why do you still call her ’Miss Shadow’?"

Orion didn’t look at her, his focus unbroken.

"Because that’s what she asked me to do. Her happiness is more important than my preferences."

Nora bit her lip, the truth of his words settling over her. Despite the chaos around them, despite the danger, she saw the unwavering loyalty in Orion’s expression.

It was a loyalty built not just on trust, but on respect for Selene’s choices.

’It is something I was never able to give my sister.’

Nora felt jealous, but she knew she had no right to feel like this.

One by one, the survivors reached safety. Some were injured, their clothes torn and skin bruised, but they were alive.

Orion’s bridge shimmered as the last person crossed, and Nora quickly pulled them behind the shield.

Selene continued to weave through the dungeon, the worms crashing behind her.

She moved like a shadow, quick and elusive. But the monsters were growing restless, their movements more frenzied.

One worm lunged, and Selene twisted away, only to find herself trapped against a crumbling wall.

"Orion! She’s in trouble!"

Nora’s voice rang out.

Orion didn’t hesitate. He extended his barrier, a translucent wave that reached Selene just as the worm struck. The creature’s teeth met the shield, its momentum halted.

Selene used the moment to roll away, pushing herself to her feet. She met Orion’s gaze, gratitude flashing in her eyes.

"Thanks!"

"Anytime."

He called back, his voice strained with effort.

The monsters, now agitated and disoriented, began to turn on each other.

Selene took advantage of the chaos, slipping back to Nora and Orion’s side.

"All accounted for?"

She asked, her breathing heavy but steady.

Nora nodded.

"Everyone’s here."

The survivors looked at Selene with a mix of fear and awe.

She could see it in their eyes—the questions, the doubts, the hope. But there was no time to address any of it.

"We need to move. The way back won’t stay clear for long"

She said firmly.

Orion dropped the bridge, and the team fell into formation. Nora took up the rear, her sword ready, while Selene led the group.

Orion’s barrier wrapped around them like a protective bubble, and the survivors clung to each other as they marched through the dungeon’s twisted paths.

With every step, Selene’s Insight remained active, guiding them away from danger.

She could still hear the worms in the distance, their screeches echoing through the stone halls, but they were safe—for now.

Her heart pounded, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She knew this was only the beginning. But with her team by her side, Selene felt a glimmer of hope.