Chapter 55: NebaWave
[ Zetens 14/100 ]
When others arrived, the shock on their faces mirrored his own. The water had already reached the building's foundation and was steadily rising.
Dune turned to Elijah, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is there anything on this island that's taller than this building?"
Elijah shook his head. "Nope. This island's small. No mountains. Nothing taller than the trees around here. It's the only place we can stand."
Dune's mind was a whirlwind. "Then why hasn't the whole island sunk yet?" His thoughts kept running in circles. "And if the water's already here, how are the other 7 Zetens still alive?"
There was something off. His instincts told him they were being watched, but by who?
"What if they have an ability to survive in this toxic water?" Dune murmured, his voice low. "What if they're waiting for us to drown first so they can take the win? Who are these last seven? How are they still alive in the water?"
Elijah spoke up, his voice calm and casual. "Artifacts. You know, they might be using those."
Everyone turned to him. "Artifacts?" Dune asked, raising an eyebrow.
Elijah nodded. "Yeah. Weapons, armor, sometimes even jewelry, that's infused with Nebas. They could be protecting the wearers from the water, from toxic zeten attacks. You could have a necklace that blocks toxins, or a sword that forms a barrier around you, even armor that can make you float or walk on water." ... Also, we already know that some Noble families had information about the trials, so it makes sense for them to come prepared.
He paused, his face turning serious. "Those seven people probably have something like that. It's the only way they could survive in this water. No normal person could."