The fated day has arrived…
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WALLACE GARRET
"Wallace, all preparations are in place," Gary announced with a confident tone. "Our troops are at the ready, the power source is fully operational, and the energy required is being channelled through a relic."
The moment to confront the Void Order had arrived, yet Kei was conspicuously absent. In our previous meeting, he had assured us of his punctuality, leaving me with no option but to exercise patience. If he failed to arrive within minutes, I would be compelled to initiate the plan without him.
"Just as we’re about to—" I began, interrupted by a voice echoing in my mind.
[He has returned.]
The message bore the signature of Nebeus, the caretaker, using his authority to communicate with me. Almost simultaneously, I detected Kei’s distinctive presence resonating somewhere in the distant fabric of space. The final piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.
"He’s back. Let’s move!" I declared, a surge of anticipation coursing through me.
"Very well. Cheryl, ensure everyone is prepared," Gary directed.
His attention then shifted to a luminous artefact resembling a cube, radiating an otherworldly energy. It carried an inexplicable connection to Earth, serving as a conduit for energy transfer between Earth and Limbo. I accepted the cube and its invisible tether binding it to a remote location on Earth.
Engaging my abilities, I sensed my connection within the expansive web of space. Among the myriad of faint white dots scattered across its expanse, each representing a distinct ‘token’ bearer, a prominent black dot signified our destination—the Void Order’s hideout.
Seizing the moment, I extended my influence, linking the countless white dots to the focal black one, thus initiating instantaneous translocation.
Upon opening my eyes, a cascade of ripples erupted, propelling individuals, including Gary and his niece, through a warp. The process drained my energy dramatically, prompting me to swiftly divert the energy flow from my body to the glowing cube clutched in my hand.
Suddenly, my body relaxed, as if a load had been taken from me. At the same moment, the cube flashed brightly and I could feel it drawing energy from the earth.
Every little white dot in the web of space seemed to move and be dragged towards the enormous black dot, as if lured by it. Soon, the web of space was emptied of white dots, and they were all united into a single black dot.
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Finally, I harnessed my abilities, evoking a ripple that encompassed and whisked me away.
**
The lair of the Void Order bore a resemblance to Limbo’s edge. Much like the latter, there was an absence of sun or moon, replaced by a celestial expanse stretching overhead, imbuing the surroundings with its luminescence. However, marked distinctions set this realm apart.
The cosmic tapestry above held a different aspect, resembling the aftermath of a dying star. Unlike the inky grass of Limbo, the ground here was coated in white sand that seemed to radiate an ethereal glow under the cosmic illumination, endowing the landscape with an almost magical aura.
Moving forward, a sprawling structure crowned with pointed roofs materialised on the horizon, likely marking our target. The distance appeared to be about an hour’s walk from our current location.
From my vantage point atop a massive stone peak, I surveyed the expanse below, where the sand extended as far as the eye could see. Arranged amidst the landscape stood our formidable army of eleven thousand, a force united in purpose. The cacophony of cheers, battle cries, and synchronised footfalls resonated in the air, a palpable testament to their readiness for action.
Our initial arrival had disoriented the assembled troops, a motley crew of various Dweller races. However, over the course of hours, we managed to transmit coordinated directives that gradually shaped them into a disciplined and organised unit.
At the forefront stood the valiant Paladins, each with their own respective teams. Following them were distinct detachments of Dweller armies, each distinct faction occupying their designated positions, separating from one another while still contributing to the overall force.
Among the front ranks, recognisable faces came into view: Davy, Cliff, Celina, Chandler, his sister, and several Paladins whom I had encountered during the previous invasion. Their resolute expressions conveyed their determination, underscoring the gravity of the impending confrontation.
Shifting my gaze from the assembled forces below, my attention turned to the figures encircling me on the rocky outcrop.
In close proximity stood some of the key personalities leading the battle. Gary Hall, accompanied by his niece, had taken charge, utilising an artefact to magnify his voice multiple times, ensuring his commands reverberated across the area.
Beside me, forming a cohort that observed the amassed troops, were Kei, Eugene, and Kabir.
"This marks a historical moment where Heralds convene in the flesh and fight side by side," Kabir’s voice resonated.
"I fervently hope this will also be the last instance," Kei responded with an air of solemnity.
My attention shifted to Kei, detecting an almost otherworldly presence surrounding him. His complexion appeared paler than before, and a black mask, covering only his eyes while leaving his mouth exposed, concealed the upper half of his face. Much like myself, he had made the most of the preceding three months, evident in the augmentation of his strength.
Kabir and Eugene, too, exhibited newfound power, albeit a slightly more modest increase.
"Awareness of our presence has been alerted!" A soldier hurried towards Gary, conveying the news.
Simultaneously, our gaze was drawn to the large edifice, cloaked in a shroud of black mist. In tandem, small crimson dots began to materialise around the structure, as if a sea of ebony fog had engulfed it entirely.
"They’re readying their forces. We must advance to the base as swiftly as possible," I said, communicating my assessment to Gary.
"Understood," Gary acknowledged, his anticipation evident.
Drawing forth a conspicuous artefact resembling a megaphone, he raised it to his lips and projected his voice with commanding force, sending his directive cascading down to our awaiting troops. "FORWARD, CHARGE! The War is Upon Us!"