Clark Base’s entrance loomed before them – a massive steel door slightly ajar, creaking in the fading storm’s wind. SeventhSight pushed it open, revealing a scene of utter devastation. Bodies of Malakar’s soldiers littered the flooded halls – drowned, battered, or crushed by debris. Water dripped from shattered ceilings, echoing off walls. Erebus stepped forward, boots splashing in the receding floodwaters. Ereia followed closely, eyes fixed on the carnage. SeventhSight whispered, “This…is what I unleashed upon them.” Erebus corrected him, voice low and even, “What Ereia unleashed. You just trusted her.”
Deeper in Clark Base, they discovered a hidden lab – doors sealed, windows blacked out. Erebus blasted the doors open. Inside, rows of operating tables held failed experiments – twisted bodies barely resembling humans. SeventhSight gagged. Ereia whispered, “Carrionborn…they were trying to create an army.” A figure emerged from shadows: Dr. Elara Vex, Erebus’ aunt. “Nephew…I’ve been expecting you. Malakar hoped to present you with his gift: an army of Carrionborn, loyal only to you…and him, through the Order.”
Erebus slams his aunt against the wall, enraged. “You twisted bitch,” Erebus growled, pinning her. “What did they promise you?” Dr. Vex smirked. “Immortality…and a seat beside the Order’s leaders when they reshape worlds.” SeventhSight interrupts, voice firm. “Erebus, we need to know what she knows about the Order’s plan.” Erebus shoves his aunt towards SeventhSight. “You ask. I’m done talking to her.”
SeventhSight grasped Dr. Vex’s arm firmly. “Talk. What’s the Order’s plan?” Dr. Vex sneered, but fear flickered in her eyes. “Malakar…was to capture Erebus, use his tech to channel Oblivion’s energy into our world…summoning the Devourer. With Erebus as their pawn, the Order controls the Devourer.” Ereia gasped. SeventhSight’s grip tightened. “Where’s the channeling device?” Dr. Vex spat at Erebus. “Your own Omicron Innovations…Elias’ old lab. Malakar’s men are activating it now.”
SeventhSight’s eyes blazed with urgency as he grasped Dr. Vex’s arm firmly, his voice low and even. “Talk. What’s the Order’s plan, and how deep are they entrenched?” Dr. Vex sneered, but fear flickered in her eyes like a candle flame in a tempest – her confidence wavering as she stood tall, surrounded by the wreckage of her twisted experiments as the air reeked of antiseptic and burned flesh, “Malakar…was to capture Erebus, use his tech to channel Oblivion’s dark energy into our world…summoning the Devourer of Worlds. With Erebus as their pawn, the Order controls the Devourer – reshaping reality itself. Malakar believes he’ll rule beside them…a delusion.”
Ereia gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as if stifling a scream. SeventhSight’s grip tightened on Dr. Vex’s arm, his jaw clenched. “Where’s the channeling device…the key to this madness?” Dr. Vex spat at Erebus’ boots, her eyes venomous. “Your own birthplace…Omicron Innovations. Elias’ old lab. Malakar’s men are activating it now. You’re just in time to witness the end…and your beginning, Erebus – as the Order’s pawn.”
Erebus’ face twisted in rage, yet his voice remained eerily calm. “SeventhSight, Ereia – Omicron Innovations. Now.” SeventhSight nodded, already moving towards the door. Ereia followed, her eyes fixed on Erebus – concern etched on her face. Dr. Vex cackled. “You’ll never stop it! Malakar has enough men—”
Erebus turned, his fist connecting with her jaw. Dr. Vex crumpled, unconscious. Outside the lab, SeventhSight and Ereia waited. SeventhSight asked, “Can we stop the device remotely?” Erebus shook his head. “My father built safeguards. We must be physically present…to destroy it, or use it.”
Erebus’ eyes locked onto SeventhSight, “We don’t destroy it. We control it… and unleash Oblivion’s wrath upon the Order.”
SeventhSight’s expression turned grim, “Erebus, that risks summoning the Devourer…” Erebus’ jaw clenched, “I know. But imagine the Order’s fear when their own weapon turns against them.”
Just then, Ereia’s comms device crackled. She answered, listening intently. “Malakar’s fleeing…Sons of Ishmael are regrouping in the Spratlys – Philippine territory claimed by China. US Pacific forces are mobilizing…this could escalate into war.”
SeventhSight’s eyes widened, “The Order wants chaos. If China defends its claim, other nations will take sides…perfect distraction for their plan.” Erebus growled, “We move now. Omicron Innovations, then the Spratlys. Malakar will lead us to the Order.”
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