In the crystal chamber, soft luminescence danced across faces – SeventhSight settled beside Kairos, while Erebus leaned against the opposite wall, his piercing gaze dimming as exhaustion claimed him. Leni, SeventhSight’s childhood friend from Philippine Military Academy, whispered low and urgent, “Trust Erebus now, SSR – he’s brought us this far?” SeventhSight nodded slightly, eyes never leaving Erebus’s relaxed form.
Erebus’ chest rose and fell with slow breaths, eyes closed – then suddenly, his lids flickered open, piercing gaze locking onto SeventhSight. SeventhSight felt a shiver run down his spine as their eyes met across the chamber. Erebus’ voice was low and mysterious, “SSR SeventhSight… do you know why I spared your life in Mactan?” Leni and Kairos stirred softly, unaware of the intense conversation. SeventhSight leaned forward slightly, heart racing – “No, Erebus. Why?”
SeventhSight’s eyes narrowed slightly – curiosity mixed with wariness. Erebus leaned forward, elbows on knees, voice low and even, “You reminded me of someone I once knew… someone I failed to save – my brother.” SeventhSight’s grip on his knee tightened – surprise flickered across his face. Leni stirred fully awake, sensing tension – her eyes locked onto Erebus too.
SeventhSight’s voice was firm yet curious, “Your brother… what happened to him, Erebus?” Erebus’ gaze drifted downward, memories haunting his eyes. “He was killed in battle – Malakar’s forces ambushed our squad near Mayon Volcano. My brother, Kieran… he was barely 17. I was supposed to protect him.” Leni’s eyes widened slightly – she glanced at SeventhSight, then back to Erebus. SeventhSight leaned forward further, voice low and intense, “How did you survive when Malakar’s men killed everyone else?” Erebus’s jaw clenched – his eyes blazed with inner fire, “They didn’t kill me… they turned me. Malakar himself cast the dark spell.”
SeventhSight reached out slowly, grasping Erebus’s shoulder firmly but calmly, as if restraining a wild animal. “Easy, Erebus… that darkness isn’t you. We’ve seen your true self fight back.” Erebus’ blazing eyes slowly dimmed – his chest heaved with slow breaths. Leni nodded vigorously beside SeventhSight, adding softly “Yes, Erebus – you spared SSR, me, and Kairos… your heart still chooses good.” Kairos himself stirred fully awake now, eyes fixed intently on Erebus – then shifted to SeventhSight, as if seeking explanation.
SeventhSight squeezed Erebus’ shoulder gently before releasing and turning to Kairos. “Erebus was telling us about his past… how Malakar killed his brother and turned him dark.” Kairos’ eyes widened slightly, gaze shifting back to Erebus with newfound understanding. Erebus nodded slowly, voice low and gravelly, “Yes… but thanks to SSR and Leni, I’ve finally broken free.”
Leni smiled softly – SeventhSight added, “And now you’re helping us defeat Malakar – full circle, Erebus.” Suddenly Kairos stood up fully, looking around, “Enough rest – we have relics to claim before dawn.”
Kairos led them out of the crystal chamber, into the eerie blue torchlight of Biak na Bato’s passage. SeventhSight walked beside him, Leni and Erebus close behind. Three dark paths still stretched before them – Kairos stopped abruptly, eyes closed, focusing. “This way,” he said finally, choosing the left path. “Xeridia’s essence calls strongest from this tunnel.” Leni drew her weapon – SeventhSight nodded and drew his own – Erebus summoned dark energy blades.
As they entered the tunnel, darkness exploded into chaos – Aswang creatures dropped from ceiling shadows, while others emerged from walls and floor cracks. Leni slashed her blade wildly – SeventhSight fought with precise strikes, taking down multiple Aswang. Erebus spun dark blades – decapitating creatures left and right – but one giant Aswang grabbed Kairos from behind!
SeventhSight leapt forward, sword flashing towards the Kapre – but the giant creature swung Kairos like a shield, blocking attack! Kairos gasped, eyes wide – SeventhSight pulled back just in time as Kapre’s tree-bark fist smashed ground where he stood. Erebus attacked from behind – dark blades slicing Kapre’s back but it barely flinched – Leni joined, stabbing its leg wildly. The Kapre roared – dropped Kairos – and swiped at SeventhSight again – this time connecting – sending him flying backwards.
SeventhSight crashed into the cave wall – his body crumpled like shattered stone as the Kapre’s powerful blow sent him flying backwards. The sound of his impact echoed through the cavern – a haunting merge of flesh and rock. Kairos’ horrified shout pierced the air – “SSR!” – as he scrambled towards SeventhSight’s limp form. Erebus and Leni seized the distraction – unleashed a fierce onslaught against the Kapre: dark blades sliced, bullets tore through its bark-like skin. The Kapre stumbled backwards – its massive feet scraping against stone – before collapsing in defeat, its heavy body crashing down. Kairos reached SeventhSight – gently rolled him onto his back – and pressed two fingers against his neck, searching for a pulse.
Kairos’ eyes closed briefly in relief – SeventhSight’s pulse beat strong against his fingers. He gently patted SeventhSight’s cheek “SSR – wake up – we need you – the relic…” SeventhSight’s eyelids fluttered open – gaze foggy at first then sharpening into focus on Kairos’ face above him. He sat up slowly – rubbed the back of his head – winced at the tender lump forming – then looked around: Erebus stood nearby, Leni beside him – both victorious but wary. SeventhSight struggled to stand – Kairos grasped his arm firmly and pulled him up – SeventhSight swayed slightly before steadying.
SeventhSight sighed, “Thanks Kairos.” Kairos smiled faintly – released SeventhSight’s arm once he was steady and said “Anytime, SSR. Now – the relic. Nuno said it’s nearby.” SeventhSight nodded – glanced at Erebus and Leni who both nodded back – then led them further down the tunnel.
The air grew colder – the walls glittered with strange symbols – suddenly SeventhSight stopped – his eyes widened at a glowing pedestal ahead – upon it rested a crystal.
SeventhSight reached out slowly – his fingers wrapped around Xeridia’s Heart – sudden energy surged through him – visions flashed: Malakar’s defeat, peace restored to the realms. He opened his eyes – orb still clutched – and turned to the others “This is it – Xeridia’s Heart. Erebus, your turn – can you harness its power?” Erebus nodded intensely – began circling the pedestal slowly
“We’ll need a NeuroCore amplifier – my tech can sync with this crystal but we must build the device immediately – Malakar will sense this orb’s removal.”
They exited Biak na Bato Cave – dawn broke over the horizon as they emerged. Nuno Guardiano waited outside – nodded approval at sight of Xeridia’s Heart. Erebus led them to a hidden aircraft – flew towards Clark Air Base – their secret HQ. Inside the base, tech scattered everywhere – Erebus began building the NeuroCore amplifier immediately. SeventhSight watched intently – Leni and Kairos stood beside him – all waiting for the device that would change their fate.
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