Night time Manila unfolded beneath the descending plane like a twinkling black velvet canvas. The aircraft wheels touched down on NAIA’s runway with a gentle thud, sending vibrations through the cabin. Erebus gazed out the window, his piercing eyes fixed on the city lights, jaw clenched in concern for Ereia. Across from him, Kairos sat cross-legged on the seat, eyes closed in meditation, his slow breathing a soothing serenade. SeventhSight busied himself checking weapons and gear, the soft click-clack of guns and knives a stark contrast.
In the plane’s medical bay, Ereia lay motionless on a hospital bed, IV drip inserted in her arm, monitors beeping softly – Erebus had tended her wound, stitched and bandaged the Carrionborn bite mark. Erebus rushed to Ereia’s side, grasping her hand gently as the plane taxied. His eyes locked onto hers, willing her to wake. Meanwhile, SeventhSight opened the plane door, revealing Leni and Captain Ortega standing beside two black SUVs. Captain Ortega’s sharp eyes scanned the group – his face stern beneath his beret. Leni’s gaze softened as she took in Ereia’s condition.
As they descended, Erebus carefully lifted Ereia into his arms, carrying her to the first SUV. The group sped towards the underground base, arriving at a heavily fortified entrance. Inside, they entered the armory – walls lined with guns, knives, and advanced tech. Erebus already wore his full-body glyph suit, scepter in right hand, warhammer on left. Kairos chose dual energy blades that unsheathed from his wrists like sharp blue lightning. Captain Ortega handed Leni a rifle, then took a shotgun for himself. SeventhSight selected an ornate tome bound in black leather with silver runes – his hands glowing with dark energy as he touched it, then slipped on a ring with a polished obsidian stone.
Erebus carried Ereia into the base hospital wing, rushing past Leni’s gentle grasp. Captain Ortega followed closely, barking orders to base medics. Leni turned to SeventhSight and Kairos, whispering, “Ereia’s condition is critical – the Carrionborn bite spreads darkness through her veins.” Erebus laid Ereia on the hospital bed, IVs and monitors springing to life around her. Base doctors rushed in, surrounding her – one injected a serum, another scanned her vitals. The lead doctor turned to Erebus, “We’re stabilizing her, but the darkness advances – what’s the plan to save her?” Erebus glanced at SeventhSight, then back at the doctor, “We’re working on it.”
Erebus turned to the group, “Let’s discuss Ereia’s treatment in the briefing room – doctors, keep her stable.” He led them out, past Captain Ortega posting guards near the hospital wing. In the briefing room, a holographic display flickered to life – a 3D image of Ereia’s body appeared, darkness spreading through her veins. Erebus pointed, “The Carrionborn venom – any ideas how to neutralize it?” Kairos crossed his arms, “Nexarion magic could work, but I’m not skilled enough.” SeventhSight leaned in, “My dark magic might accelerate the process – but I sense a… spark within her. Something familiar.”
Intrigued, SeventhSight stepped closer to the hologram, his eyes burning with intense curiosity, “The spark within Ereia resonates with… Oblivion’s essence – yet opposed to its darkness.” Erebus’s grip on his scepter tightened, “Impossible. Ereia has no connection to Oblivion.” Kairos intervened, “Actually, Erebus – her unique heritage might link her to ancient Nexarion magic infused with Luxarion – light essence born from the same cosmos as Oblivion’s darkness.” Just then, monitors beeped rapidly – Ereia’s eyes flickered open in the hospital room displayed on the briefing room screen. Erebus rushed out, returning to find Ereia sitting up, IVs removed. She whispered, “Take me to Palawan… I want to protect you from what I’m becoming.” Erebus hesitated, then nodded – what did she mean?
Ereia’s voice barely audible, “The Carrionborn bite… I feel darkness spreading – soon I’ll turn. Take me to Palawan, let me fight alongside you… before I lose myself completely.” Erebus’s eyes widened, grasping her hand tightly. “No, Ereia – we’ll find a cure! “She shook her head slowly, “Too late… I’ve felt the transformation start. Palawan might be my last battle – with you, not against you… as one of them.” Kairos stepped forward, “Her Luxarion spark could amplify our magic against Oblivion summoning – worth the risk?” Erebus nodded slowly, resolve etched on his face.
Captain Ortega barked orders, “Gear up, team – we move out in 10 minutes!” Leni handed Ereia body armor and guns, which she strapped on slowly – her movements already slightly jerky. Erebus helped her up, eyes filled with concern. They rushed to the base hangar, where a stealth helicopter awaited – SeventhSight already inside, engines roaring. Kairos and Captain Ortega boarded, then turned to help Ereia and Erebus aboard.
The helicopter lifted off, disappearing into night skies over Manila. Leni monitored their approach on a screen – “Incoming intel: Sons of Ishmael and Order of the Veil surround an ancient temple in Palawan’s jungle – Oblivion summoning ritual underway.” Erebus gripped his scepter tightly, eyes fixed on Ereia – her skin pale, eyes sunken. Kairos pointed to a 3D hologram of the temple, “Ritual chamber deep within – we need to reach it before completion.” SeventhSight leaned in, “My magic can disable their defenses – but Oblivion’s influence grows strong.” Captain Ortega checked his watch, “We land in 5 minutes – gear check!”
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