THE MULTIVERSAL CRIMINAL

Chapter 35: The Symbiotic World: Part 1

It was a blurry state of temporal stillness, with the world of the outside mingling in it in a state of utter incoherence. It was ambient almost, as Jayden plummeted downwards, his parachute snapped due to the extra weight. The cries of his crewmates rang in his head and the pounding of fists drummed his chest. His shield had given out. It wouldn't be long before he met his demise. He found solace in the thought that the IMG will be getting over with Juvo with only a single casualty. It would be a small price to pay in this grand victory. He mattered to them, he knew. But maybe this was the essence of his existence: to give hope to others, and be a sacrifice- a martyr- to be remembered and shown as an example to the aspirants.

All he heard now was static. He could no longer focus. His body ached with all the attacks that were being delivered constantly. In the eyes of Juvo he found nothing but an animalistic ferocity. The essence of his character had been lost. He was bereft of emotions now. His soul was in a trance, and his body had taken over.

Jayden did not expect to meet death like this. Just like the last time. Did he really deserve to die? Was this really the end? He questioned himself. There was no hope left.

But he wanted something more. He was leaving many behind. What would they do in his absence? What would be their condition in the wake of his end? They did not deserve to cry after what they had established. They had been the crew to venture into the multiverse and save it from the hands of a tyrant. What they had done had historical implications. They even had got a second chance at life. How could Jayden waste this opportunity? How could he die again after what he had accomplished?

No. He had to live. He had to carry on what they had started. It was his duty. The IMG was not ready to lose one of its first members. Not on its maiden mission.

Jayden snapped out to his senses. His suit had dampened the attacks but it still hurt him. Judging by how he was still alive, it said that Juvo probably couldn't access his blaster in this state. He was restricted to hand-to-hand combat. Just like how you can give a dog a gun but if it were to attack you, it would still use its fangs.

He had to use this to his advantage. He had been falling for a minute or two at least. He must be reaching the surface now. He had to do something now!

The impact would stop him in seconds, causing his body to crunch under his own weight. He had to increase his contact time greatly. But the parachute had given out. What else was there?

Firstly, he had to be on the other side. He kicked Juvo all of a sudden, taking him by surprise and sat atop him and send a powerful blow to his jaw. He roared in response.

This would result in Juvo meeting the ground first. There was no way he would survive after the impact. The question was, was this enough to assure Jayden's survival? It was not. Not even close.

But he had run out of time. He found the ground in a few seconds. He had no time to act. Juvo hit the ground. A fraction of a second later, Jayden felt the impact.

But it was unexpected.

Very unexpected.

The surface was nothing like what they had seen before. It stretched and stretched. It was like a membrane. Or maybe it was a membrane. They dug into it a few metres until it sprung back up. They made a massive air time again and landed on some forest. The trees were fleshy and softened the impact.

They were unscathed.

"It sure is a world to discover. Markus is going to be rich and famous for sure," Jayden mumbled to himself, snickering a moment later.

Juvo the beast, was phased out for a bit but he had his eyes on Jayden again. He threw himself on him, but Jayden ducked just in time to avoid the both of them colliding. Juvo landed a few metres back from where Jayden stood.