Chapter 117: Forging a Key
The break before the final event was short, just long enough for a quick gear check and a drink of water. The air in the preparation area was thick with tension.
Teams were loading heavy-duty radiation shields onto their vehicles and chugging nutrient pastes designed for extreme environments.
"Well, boys and girls," Chris Magnus said, stretching his thick arms. "Time to go play in the sun. A very, very angry sun. If I start to smell like barbecue, someone please put me out."
Emma managed a small, nervous smile. "We’ll be fine. Ryan’s abilities should give us some protection."
Zara nodded, her eyes gleaming with an intense, scholarly light. "The chance to study a star up close... this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Just try not to get a once-in-a-lifetime sunburn," Chris muttered.
Ryan looked at his team. They were nervous, but they were ready. He then glanced at Scarlett, who stood beside him, calm and composed as always.
They shared a brief, almost invisible look. It was a look that said everything they had spoken about on the observation deck. We do this together. We win this together. And then we figure out the rest. It was all the reassurance he needed.
"Let’s go," Ryan said, his voice steady. "Let’s win this thing."
They walked towards the glowing portal that led to the Celestial Forge. As they approached, a wall of heat washed over them, so intense it felt like standing in front of an open furnace. The air shimmered.
"Whoa, that’s toasty!" Chris yelped, taking a step back.
Ryan stepped forward. He held out his hands and closed his eyes. A faint, silvery-blue aura, almost invisible, spread out from his body. It grew into a bubble of energy that enveloped his team, pushing the crushing heat away. Inside the bubble, the air became cool and calm, like a shady spot on a summer day.