40. Callum #2
The cracking began to spread out from the center, the lines forming as more groans sounded from the compromised structure.
The crack began to grow rapidly, the shattering spiderwebbing out from where it started.
Several more loud cracking sounds resounded across the Quarter, the cement slabs splitting over and over again.
It continued to fracture. Large crevices carved themselves into the towering cement structure as the wall’s integrity broke into pieces.
Shattering and splitting at an unstoppable speed.
The ground beneath us began to rumble, the tremors growing in intensity as the earth itself shook.
Shouts began to break out amongst the troops, every single angel taking to the skies in uniform ranks as we processed the sight before us.
Overhead, we heard screams and shouts falling from The Wall.
The citizens of Solis could be seen shouting commands, running from the cracking sections, black wings taking flight as they leapt off The Wall, retreating into Solis.
Before our eyes, the entire wall began to crack at once, the ground shaking and trembling with a fierce roar.
Then, all at once . . .
The Wall surrounding Solis Quarter began to fall.
Crumbling into fractured pieces before our eyes, as we stayed motionless.
In shock.
Cement and metal came crashing down as the structure itself began to collapse inward.
We could only watch as angels began throwing themselves off The Wall, cement slabs chasing them down as they attempted to fly to safety.
The ground continued to shake with tremors, The Wall crumbling far too rapidly as rocks and metal began falling in loud heaps to the ground, before crumbling to pieces.
Dust began rising, shouts of pain and terror filling the air as the entire wall came crashing down.
A wall that—by the Eternal alone—had destroyed itself.
Scream after scream filled the air, the summer winds picking up in force as sand and dust swirled. I lifted my dunewrap higher across my cheekbones, coughing as dust filled my lung, and I watched The Wall collapse in on itself.
A rumble filled the expanse, and as far as the eye could see, the shadowing, towering wall had crumbled to dust and rubble. Only slight areas and towers still remained standing, the cement slabs no longer solidly supported. All around us, only destruction and havoc could be seen.
Angels were trapped under fallen slabs of cement, while some angels flew toward the Quarter’s center, and other angels used their affinities to hold up sections of The Wall.
It was a brutal sight of force as The Wall itself collapsed fully, signifying the beginning of Solis falling.
A command rang out in the distance, and all heads turned toward the commanding words as Commander Drachen shouted the order to advance.
Shouts sounded from the aerial fleets. Those in Aurum advanced forward as the battle cry sounded.
Chaos broke out.
Angels surged forward, golden wings wide as they took to the Quarter. Affinities were unleashed, shouts sounding as they charged forward.
Fighting for Aurelia.
For Aeternus.
To defeat the corruption that Lucanus and his followers had unleashed on the Quarter.
Breaking rank, my wings spread wide as I took to the skies, flying higher above the rubble as I surveyed the Quarter. Axel and Eleana soon joined me high above the Quarter as we began to spin a spiraled descent into the battle fray.
Three shots rang out in rapid succession as I fired on the RSG that advanced.
I stood surrounded by rubble, chaos, and screams. I heard the shouted commands as aerial fleets flew overhead, colliding with RSG units.
Onyx feathers collided with gold as angels fought in the skies, while others covered the ground.
I’d only lowered my gun for a second when a round of shots rang out, and I dove behind an alcove of shattered cement.
The sharp edges of the cement cut against my vest as I landed in a roll.
Shots rang out around me, ricocheting off the cement I was hidden behind as I waited for the round to let up.
The wind picked up around me, snaking over toward me, and a string of curses fell from my lips as I called on my own fire affinity, letting the strands of fire dart toward the others. There was another guard nearby—attempting to call me out of hiding. I just needed to spot his—
There.
I raised my gun, aiming toward the male in the distance as he wielded his affinity and let the shot fire. The male collapsed with a cry, clutching his shoulder as he sagged against a column.
The two RSG beside him spotted me, drawing their weapons, but I was faster as I fired a round of fire-affinity-laced bullets in their direction, the shots hitting their target as they collapsed to the ground.
I heard a shout from overhead and glanced up to watch as two angels spun in an unstoppable descent, their lifeless forms falling through the sky before they crashed to the ground.
Fuck. I winced as blood spilled onto the ground where the two angels lay, crimson soaking into the streets of Solis.
I stepped over shattered rubble as another guard surged toward me. I didn’t think as I lifted my hand, calling on my vitas power. I felt his pulse beating just before Axel shoved me from the side.
“Don’t do it,” he growled in frustration as I shook my head clear.
He raised his gun, firing a shot that had the guard collapsing mid-step before he turned toward me. “Don’t you dare let your vitas affinity out before it’s time.”