The transport hovered over the jagged terrain of Karnaxis Rift, its engines humming steadily against the roaring wind outside.

Inside, the Beta Team clutched their gear, the weight of their first major mission with Team Unknown pressing down on them like a tangible force.

At the far end of the cabin, Team Unknown stood motionless, their black hooded cloaks casting them as shadowed sentinels, faceless. No words were exchanged, but their presence loomed heavily over the Beta Team, a silent reminder of the expectations placed upon them.

The pilot's voice crackled over the intercom. "Approaching the drop zone. Get ready."

Ember stepped forward, his commanding presence pulling every gaze toward him. His voice cut through the tension like a blade over the link.

Positions on landing. Beta One, Beta Two, you secure your designated zones as instructed. No deviations unless ordered. Clear?

Yes, sir, Kieran and Serra responded in unison, their postures stiff with resolve.

Without further preamble, Ember turned to his team. Move.

Team Unknown approached the edge of the transport, their cloaks billowing as the rear doors opened to the chaos outside. The ground below was obscured by a thick, shifting mist, its ominous glow hinting at the Void-tainted energy that saturated the area.

Without hesitation, Ember was the first to leap, disappearing into the swirling haze below. Bo followed, his descent silent and precise. Fon and Riggs moved next, their jumps executed with effortless grace. Finally, Val stepped to the edge and paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over the Beta Team before he vanished into the Rift.

The Beta soldiers stood frozen for a moment, their disbelief evident.

"They just… jumped?" one of them muttered, his voice barely audible over the wind.

"Get moving," Serra snapped, tugging at her harness. "We've got a mission."

The Beta Team began their descent, rappelling down ropes into the Rift. The unstable terrain came into view as they neared the ground—jagged rocks, collapsed structures, and the ever-present mist that seemed to pulse with an unnatural rhythm.

By the time they touched down, Team Unknown was already in position, their movements fluid and deliberate as they secured the landing zone.

Beta Team, move to your designated positions, Ember's voice commanded sharply through the Mind Link.

Serra, take your team east. Kieran, secure the west quadrant. Maintain communication and hold your lines. Do not engage unless ordered.

Kieran nodded, signaling his team to move. Understood, sir.

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Serra hesitated briefly but quickly composed herself. We're on it.

Ember turned his attention back to his team, his tone steady and precise.

Terra, set up a fallback point near the central ridge. Frost, maintain surveillance on the southern perimeter. Aura, take the eastern ridge for overwatch.

Copy that, came their unified responses as they moved to execute their roles.

Val's voice followed, directed at Ember. Perimeter clear. No immediate threats, but Void-tainted energy signatures are fluctuating.

HQ command, Ember said into the Mind Link, his tone clipped. Status update on the western quadrant.

Dr. Lewis's voice responded promptly. "Void energy spikes detected near Beta Two's position. It's erratic but growing stronger. Could be masking enemy movement."

Noted, Ember replied. He relayed the information through the comms. Beta Two, adjust your route. Avoid the western ravine and stick to higher ground.

Kieran's voice came through with a steady resolve. Copy that.

As the Beta Team moved into their respective zones, the weight of the mission became increasingly tangible. The oppressive mist seemed to close in, and the faint hum of Void-tainted energy grew louder with every step.

Bo's voice broke the tense silence through the Mind Link. Movement near the southern perimeter. Possible patrol.

Hold your position, Ember ordered. Do not engage. Terra, confirm visuals.

Nothing on the surface, Fon replied after a brief pause. But the terrain's unstable. It could be underground movement.

Stay sharp, Ember said. We're not taking chances.

Meanwhile, Riggs scanned the eastern quadrant from his vantage point, his sharp eyes piercing through the mist. Serra's team is moving into position, but they're exposed. Recommending repositioning.

Ember's response was immediate. Beta One, adjust your path. Use the rock formations as cover. Riggs will provide overwatch.

Serra acknowledged the order. Understood.

At HQ command, Dr. Lewis and his team monitored the live feed from Team Unknown's masks. The holographic display showed multiple camera angles, mapping the mission's progress in real time.

"Void-tainted energy signatures are converging on the central ridge," one of the analysts reported.

Dr. Lewis's gaze narrowed. "Umbra, potential convergence near your position. Prepare for contact."

Ember relayed the update through the Mind Link. Team Unknown, tighten the perimeter. Beta Team, hold your positions. HQ command has detected movement near the central zone.

Kieran's voice came through the comms. Beta Two is holding. No visual on the enemy yet.

The tension in the air grew heavier as the first signs of enemy movement emerged. The faint, distorted shapes of Void-tainted constructs began to appear through the mist, their grotesque forms illuminated by the faint glow of Void-tainted energy.

Contact, Bo reported, his voice steady. Southern perimeter. Multiple hostiles.

Engage and neutralize, Ember ordered. Keep them away from Beta Team.

Bo moved with precision, his icy abilities crackling to life as he froze the ground beneath the advancing constructs, halting their progress.

Aura, status on the eastern quadrant, Ember called.

Movement detected, Riggs replied. Serra's team is holding, but they're outnumbered. Engaging to cover.

The battlefield erupted into chaos as the first wave of Void-tainted constructs descended upon the soldiers.

Val's voice cut through the Mind Link. Hold your positions. Beta Team, maintain the line. Team Unknown, neutralize and regroup.

Despite the mounting pressure, every member moved with discipline and precision, their roles seamlessly executed as the mission unfolded.

In the HQ command room, Dr. Lewis's voice carried a note of urgency. "Void-tainted energy signatures are increasing. This is just the beginning. Brace yourselves."

The team pressed forward, the Rift's ominous glow casting long shadows over the battlefield. The mission was far from over, and every step forward brought them closer to uncovering the secrets of Karnaxis Rift.