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Arcane: TTB: Ch. 74
🕑 Added 2025-04-25 13:36:10 +0000 UTC"Move! Keep moving!" Bangalore barked as they fled through the darkness.
Behind them, that metallic howl echoed again, seeming to come from multiple directions at once.
He's trying to disorient us, Silco realized, maintaining a steady pace despite the growing pain in his side. Using the acoustics of the terrain to mask his position.
Bangalore led them through the terrain, choosing paths that minimized exposure. Vander had instinctively taken the rear guard position, constantly scanning behind them, while Sevika kept pace easily, somehow finding time to light a cigarette without breaking stride.
"How far to this facility?" Sevika called out, exhaling smoke that quickly dispersed in the night air.
"Too far to outrun him," Bangalore replied grimly. "We need to create distance first."
They crested a rise only to halt abruptly at the edge of a steep ravine, at least fifteen feet across with no visible crossing.
Sevika stepped forward, taking one last drag from her cigarette before flicking it into the ravine. "I can jump this."
"Not all of us can," Silco replied.
Orange eyes appeared on the ridge behind them. The distance was closing rapidly.
"Stand back," Sevika ordered, moving to a fallen tree nearby. With her mechanical arm, she gripped the trunk and pulled. Wood splintered as she tore it free. Within seconds, she had positioned the makeshift bridge across the ravine.
"Go!" she commanded, bracing the trunk as the others crossed one by one.
Bangalore fired specialized smoke canisters behind them, creating a dense cloud that billowed and expanded. "This will interfere with his optical sensors, but not for long."
As Cipher crossed the improvised bridge, his scanner beeped urgently. "He's at the edge of the smoke!"
A figure emerged from the haze, humanoid but clearly not human. Metal limbs, and a skull-like face with glowing orange eyes fixed on them.
"Cross, now!" Vander shouted to Sevika, who was still holding the trunk steady.
She vaulted across as Vander took her place, supporting the makeshift bridge until everyone was safely across. Then, with one powerful movement, he kicked away the supports, sending the trunk tumbling into the ravine below.
Revenant stood at the edge, and tilted his head. Then, without hesitation, he leapt, crossing the gap with inhuman agility. His metal feet landed just feet away from where Vander stood.
"Run!" Bangalore ordered, already pulling Silco along.
Vander backed away slowly, knife drawn, as Revenant approached.
"I can smell your fear," Revenant said, his voice unnaturally deep and distorted. "It's... intoxicating."
Vander's back hit a boulder. He was cornered.
Suddenly, an energy blast struck Revenant from behind. Cipher stood twenty feet away, one of Bangalore's weapons in hand, smoke still curling from its barrel.
The distraction was momentary but enough. Vander ducked past Revenant and sprinted toward the others. The simulacrum let out that metallic howl again but didn't immediately pursue.
---
"He could have caught us," Silco observed hours later as they took brief shelter in an abandoned observation post. "Multiple times, in fact."
"Killing isn't his only objective anymore," Bangalore explained, distributing water from her supplies. "After centuries as Hammond's puppet, he wants revenge, not just death. He wants his targets to suffer first."
"A vindictive machine with a flair for the dramatic," Silco mused, lighting a cigarette. "Fascinating."
"Nothing fascinating about a killer who enjoys the hunt," Vander replied darkly, checking his knife for damage.
"But there is value in understanding his methods," Cipher interjected. "If he's prolonging the hunt, it gives us opportunities."
Sevika stood, checking the horizon. "How much further to this facility?"
"We can reach it by nightfall if we keep moving," Bangalore replied. "But we need to be smart about it. This is open ground, we'll be exposed."
As they continued their journey, she taught them efficient movement techniques used by Apex competitors, sliding down inclines to maintain momentum, using natural cover for brief rest periods, reading the terrain for the most energy-efficient routes.
They navigated through a field of geysers that periodically erupted with superheated steam, timing their movements between eruptions.
"Your home must be in serious trouble," Bangalore commented to Cipher as they paused in the shadow of a massive rock formation.
"We face our own kind of predators," he replied, attaching a sensor to a piece of technology they'd salvaged.
Vander approached them, expression serious. "Silco spotted an automated patrol drone. We need to move."
They took cover just as a sleek, hovering drone passed overhead, scanning the area with pulsing blue light. Bangalore signaled to Sevika, who nodded in understanding. As the drone passed close to their position, she launched herself upward with surprising speed, her mechanical arm catching the device mid-air.
With one powerful squeeze, she crushed its sensor array before it could transmit a warning. The drone sparked and went dead in her grasp.
By late afternoon, they crested a final ridge and saw their destination, an industrial complex nestled against mountain terrain. The Hammond facility was partially powered down, its external lights operating at minimum capacity.
"Automated turrets guard the entry points," Bangalore pointed out as they observed from a safe distance. "And there will be internal security systems even if the place is evacuated."
Cipher used his scanning equipment, analyzing the facility's layout. "Three entry points. Main reception is heavily guarded by automated systems. Service entrance has fewer defenses but more exposure. Then there's the ventilation system on the eastern side."
"Splitting up is too risky," Vander argued. "Especially with Revenant still tracking us."
"But time is against us," Silco countered. "Every minute we spend exposed increases our vulnerability."
Bangalore nodded. "We divide into two teams. I know the security protocols, I'll take Cipher to the main control room. We can disable the security grid from there."
"And the rest of us?" Sevika asked.
"Secondary team enters through the maintenance shaft. Secure the laboratory level where the prototype tech is stored."
"How do we communicate if something goes wrong?" Vander questioned.
Bangalore distributed small communication devices from her tactical vest. "Tactical comms. Range is limited but secure."
As dusk fell, they approached the facility. Bangalore and Cipher moved toward the main entrance while Vander, Silco, and Sevika circled around to the maintenance access point.
"Remember," Bangalore's voice came through the comm unit, "this place was designing and testing combat simulacra like Revenant. Anything you find can be dangerous."
"Understood," Vander replied quietly. "We'll proceed with caution."
Bangalore's military credentials partially worked on the security systems, giving them access to the outer doors. Inside, the facility was eerily quiet. Signs of hasty evacuation were everywhere.
---
Meanwhile, Vander's team had entered through a maintenance shaft, emerging into what appeared to be a research laboratory. Silco immediately began examining the equipment and materials.
"Some of these chemical compounds are far beyond anything available in Zaun," he noted, carefully collecting samples.
Sevika had found a separate section containing prototype mechanical augmentations. Using one of Heimerdinger's sensors, she analyzed a particularly advanced arm model.
Vander, however, remained alert, his senses detecting something the others had missed. "We're not alone here."
"Revenant?" Silco asked, hand moving to his weapon.
"Something else. The air circulation has changed since we entered. Someone activated systems recently."
---
In the control center, Cipher had managed to access the facility's central computer while Bangalore kept watch. "I've found schematics for Revenant's original design," he reported. "And research data on the memory manipulation technology they used."
"Download everything," Bangalore instructed. "Focus on the shield tech and weapons systems too."
"There's surveillance footage," Cipher noted, accessing a different terminal. "Recent activity."
The screen displayed Revenant's previous attack on the facility. Staff ran in panic as he moved from room to room.
Bangalore watched the footage grimly. "Shadow form lets him phase through solid objects. He can teleport short distances. His silencing technology can disable our shields."
Suddenly, the main lights throughout the facility engaged. Security doors began closing automatically, and an automated voice announced: "Security protocols engaged. Containment procedures active."
Over the comm, Vander's voice came through urgently. "We've been locked in the laboratory section. He's here."
As if in confirmation, a distorted voice echoed through the facility's intercoms. "Welcome. It's been so lonely here since everyone left."
Bangalore cursed under her breath. "We need to move."
They left the control room just as automated turrets descended from the ceiling, opening fire. She activated her shield, the energy barrier absorbing the initial barrage as they took cover behind a heavy console.
"Can you override the system?" she asked Cipher, returning fire with precise bursts.
"Not from here," he replied, checking his scanner. "But if we can reach the secondary server room, I might be able to trigger a reset."
---
In the laboratory, Silco had found his own solution to their predicament. Using his knowledge of chemicals, he had created a corrosive compound from available materials and was applying it to the door's locking mechanism.
"This would be much simpler with a proper lab," he muttered as the metal began to smoke and bubble.
Sevika stood ready. "Just get it open. I'll handle the rest."
The lock failed, and she forced the doors apart with her enhanced strength. The corridor beyond was illuminated by flashing warning lights.
"Which way?" Vander asked.
Silco consulted the facility map they'd been given. "The central atrium connects all sections. If we can reach it, we can rendezvous with the others."
They moved cautiously through the corridors, avoiding automated security measures where possible. Twice they were forced to disable turrets, Vander showing remarkable agility as he leapt between cover points to reach their control panels.
---
Meanwhile, Bangalore and Cipher fought their way toward the server room, using a combination of tactical smoke and shield technology to counter the facility's defenses.
"Silco, status report," Cipher called through the comm.
"Moving toward the central atrium," came the reply. "Encountering resistance, but manageable."
"Rendezvous there," Cipher instructed. "We'll approach from the north corridor."
All paths led to the central atrium which was a massive open space at the heart of the facility with multiple levels connected by walkways and elevators. As both teams converged on this location, the security systems suddenly fell silent.
The automated announcements stopped. The turrets retracted. The warning lights ceased flashing, replaced by normal illumination.
"I don't like this," Bangalore muttered as they entered the atrium cautiously.
"A trap," Vander agreed, his team approaching from the opposite side.
They met in the center of the space, weapons ready, backs to each other as they scanned the surrounding balconies and doorways.
"Where is he?" Sevika wondered aloud.
"Everywhere," came Revenant's voice, seemingly from all directions at once. "Nowhere. Does it matter? At the end, you will be part of this place."
From the shadows of an upper balcony, a figure emerged, more terrifying in person than in recordings. Revenant's movements were unnaturally fluid. He vaulted over the railing, landing with barely a sound on the atrium floor.
"New playmates," he observed, orange eyes fixed on them. "You're not from the games."
"Form up," Bangalore ordered quietly. "Defensive positions."
"Why try to hide from death?" Revenant cocked his head. "When you knew I'd find you anyway?"
"We're not hiding anymore," Bangalore replied, raising her weapon.
"Yes," Revenant agreed, his fingers elongating into wicked talons. "That's what makes this fun."
He moved with blinding speed, shadow form allowing him to phase through Bangalore's first volley of fire. He reappeared behind their defensive line, talons slashing toward Cipher.
Sevika intercepted, her mechanical arm catching his strike. Sparks flew as they grappled, Revenant's strength clearly superior but her enhanced capabilities in this dimension allowing her to momentarily hold her ground.
Revenant disengaged suddenly, becoming shadow as Vander attempted to flank him. Reforming seconds later, he kicked Vander with enough force to send him sliding across the floor.
Silco had circled to one of the abandoned research stations. With quick, precise movements, he combined chemical compounds from the lab, creating a pressurized canister.
"Shields up!" he called, before hurling the improvised device toward Revenant.
The canister exploded in a blinding flash, releasing a caustic cloud that enveloped the simulacrum. Revenant howled as the chemicals temporarily interfered with his optical sensors.
"Hit him now!" Bangalore ordered, unleashing a barrage from her energy weapon.
Each shot struck with precision, forcing Revenant back step by step. Vander recovered and launched himself forward, tackling the disoriented simulacrum. They crashed into a control panel, the impact sending electrical arcs dancing across Revenant's metal frame.
But their advantage was short-lived. Revenant regenerated quickly, his systems adapting to the damage. With a gesture, he deployed silence technology.
A wave of energy temporarily disabled their shields and disrupted their communications.
"You cannot win," he stated simply, advancing once more.
Cipher had made his way to a terminal during the fight. His fingers flew across the interface, accessing the facility's core systems while the others kept Revenant engaged.
There has to be a weakness, he thought frantically. Something in the programming...
Then he found it, buried in the security protocols, an emergency override specifically designed for Hammond's combat simulacra. A failsafe they had never removed from Revenant's core programming.
"Bangalore!" he called. "Terminal three, use override code Phoenix-7!"
Understanding immediately, she fought her way to the indicated terminal. Revenant sensed the danger and moved to intercept her, but Silco created another chemical diversion, and Sevika used her enhanced arm to momentarily pin one of Revenant's limbs.
Bangalore reached the terminal and input the override sequence. For a moment, nothing happened. Then Revenant froze mid-motion, his orange eyes flickering.
"System reset initiated," came an automated announcement. "Simulacrum unit will reboot in thirty seconds."
"That won't hold him long," Bangalore warned.
They gathered the technology they'd salvaged and fled toward the facility's exit. Behind them, Silco's improvised explosive detonated with unexpected force. The blast damaged key infrastructure, causing system failures throughout the facility.
Alarms blared as they ran, automated announcements warning of critical systems failing. Fires broke out in multiple sections, and the security doors began closing in emergency lockdown.
They reached a narrow bridge over what appeared to be a processing vat filled with coolant fluid. As they started across, Revenant's howl echoed behind them, he had recovered faster than expected and was moving with terrifying speed through the collapsing facility.
"Go!" Vander ordered, stopping at the bridge's midpoint. "I'll hold him here."
"No," Sevika argued, taking position beside him. "You can't face him alone."
The others hesitated, but Bangalore urged them forward. "Keep moving!"
Revenant appeared at the entrance to the bridge.
"This isn't your fight," he said to Vander and Sevika. "Why sacrifice yourself for them?"
"Because that's what family does," Vander replied simply, bracing himself.
"Family, huh?" Revenant remained silent for a moment, then he attacked.
Vander met the charge head-on while Sevika targeted the bridge supports. The metal groaned and twisted under her assault.
Vander grappled with Revenant directly, using every ounce of his strength and combat experience to keep the simulacrum occupied. They struggled at the edge of the failing bridge, metal shrieking as supports gave way.
With a final powerful blow, Sevika severed a critical support beam. The bridge lurched violently, beginning to collapse beneath them. Vander and Revenant both lost their footing, tumbling toward the coolant vat below.
At the last second, Sevika extended her mechanical arm to its limit, catching Vander's wrist. He dangled precariously as Revenant plummeted into the coolant below, disappearing beneath the surface with a final, rage-filled howl.
Sevika pulled Vander to safety as the last of the bridge collapsed. They rejoined the others and fled the facility as emergency systems announced imminent power core failure.
Outside, they finally stopped to catch their breath, the salvaged technology secure in their packs. In the distance, Artillery Basin was visible, their extraction point was within reach.
But as they looked back, a plume of dark smoke rose from the facility behind them. And emerging from the ruins, a familiar silhouette with glowing orange eyes surveyed the landscape.
Revenant had survived.
Comments
Malphegor
Longer chapter cuz I want to end the Apex arc in 2 more chapters. The weapons and technology should prepare them for DC a bit better
