SeventhSight materialized at the New Eden teleportation checkpoint, a sleek glass structure on the outskirts of the city. After a brief security scan, he stepped out into the crisp Pacific air, taking in the towering skyscrapers of Aurora Heights. He walked to the nearby train station, boarded the Liberty Express, and rode the magnetized rails to the UN headquarters in Liberty District. The train’s AI, an androgynous voice, announced his arrival. SeventhSight stepped off the train and onto the bustling streets of Liberty District. The UN building loomed before him – a towering spire of glass and steel, emblazoned with the emblem of the United Nations. He entered the building, passed through security, and took the elevator to the top floor, where the meeting was being held.
The elevator doors slid open, revealing a long corridor lined with flags of the world’s nations.
SeventhSight walked towards the large wooden doors at the end, adorned with the UN seal.
The doors swung open automatically, and he stepped into the grand council chamber.
The room fell silent as world leaders turned to face him. The US President smiled and said,
“Honorable representatives of the world, I present to you SeventhSight, our ally in this war. SeventhSight, this is Prime Minister Li of China, President Mendoza of the European Union, and other leaders from around the globe.”
SeventhSight nodded respectfully. The US President continued, “We face three crises: the Carrionborn pandemic, Sons of Ishmael terrorism, and Erebus’ alliance with them. Intel suggests The Order of the Veil is involved. Let us discuss our united response.”
The room erupted into a cacophony of opinions and strategies.
Prime Minister Li spoke first, “We’ve lost Urumqi and Shanghai to the Carrionborn. Our military is faltering. We need international troops on our soil, now.” President Mendoza added, “We face similar struggles in Europe. But we’ve also seen Sons of Ishmael attacks on our cities. We must address both threats simultaneously.” Other leaders nodded in agreement, sharing their own struggles.
The US President turned to SeventhSight, “SeventhSight, your unique abilities and perspective are invaluable. How do you recommend we proceed?”
SeventhSight paused, collecting his thoughts before responding, “To defeat the Carrionborn, we need to understand their origin and weakness. My research suggests a connection to Erebus and The Order of the Veil. To combat Sons of Ishmael, we must cut off their resources and destroy their strongholds. But first, we must address the elephant in the room: Erebus’ sudden alliance with Sons of Ishmael. What triggered this union, and how can we use this knowledge against them?”
The room fell silent again, as leaders pondered SeventhSight’s words.
The US President nodded thoughtfully and said, “SeventhSight raises valid points. Let’s divide into committees: one for Carrionborn research, one for Sons of Ishmael strategy, and one for Erebus intelligence. SeventhSight, will you lead the Erebus committee? Your history with him makes you the ideal candidate.” SeventhSight hesitated, then nodded, “I accept. But I’ll need access to all intelligence, no matter how classified. Erebus leaves no digital trace, so we’ll rely on human sources and instincts.” The US President nodded, “Done. You’ll have full clearance. Now, let’s reconvene in two hours with our findings.”
The US President continued, “To combat Sons of Ishmael, we’ll start by suppressing their strongholds in the Middle East and North Africa. To fight the Carrionborn plague, we’ll establish quarantine zones around infected cities and develop vaccines in labs worldwide. Let’s reconvene in two hours with our findings and strategies for these efforts.”
The meeting adjourned, and leaders dispersed. SeventhSight stood alone, collecting his thoughts.
A familiar figure approached him from the far end of the room – Aria, her dark hair and expressive brown eyes a warm reminder of their past. Her hands were adorned with intricate, glowing tattoos – marks of her mastery over chronomancy. They hadn’t spoken since he left Elyria. SeventhSight’s heart swelled with nostalgia and longing.
“Aria…” he whispered, embracing her tightly.
Aria smiled softly, “It’s been so long, SeventhSight. I’m here maintaining the Chronosphere – New Eden’s defense relies on it. How have you been?”
SeventhSight stepped back, “Coping. You? And… have you spoken to your mother lately?
Aria’s expression turned solemn, “I heard what happened to Erebus in Urumqi… Eliana witnessed it. A bullet infected him with darkness magic, corrupting his mind.” SeventhSight’s eyes widened,
“That explains his sudden alliance with Sons of Ishmael. Do you think we can still save him?”
Aria shook her head, “I don’t know… but we should discuss this further elsewhere. Walk with me to the Chronosphere chamber? I need to perform a routine check.”
SeventhSight nodded, “I’d like that. Lead the way.” Aria smiled and walked towards a secure door on the far side of the room. SeventhSight followed, his heart still racing from their reunion. As they approached the door, Aria turned to him, “It’s good to see you again, SeventhSight.”
SeventhSight smiled softly, “You too, Aria.” The door slid open, revealing a long corridor. Aria stepped through, and SeventhSight followed.
As they walked towards the Chronosphere chamber, Aria spoke, “Eliana believes Erebus can still be saved. Do you think that’s possible?” SeventhSight considered her words, “I want to believe that… but his actions are very out of character. What makes Eliana think he can be saved?” Aria replied, “The darkness magic infecting him… it’s similar to a curse she’s studied. She thinks it can be lifted.”
They arrived at the Chronosphere chamber doors. Aria turned to SeventhSight, “I have to check the Chronosphere now. Will you wait here or head back to the UN?”
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