---
> [Location: NovaCore Wastelands — Perimeter Ruins]
[Time: 10:18 AM]
[System Log: Surveillance Offline]
The Vault was quiet now.
The Void Engine, stable.
But peace didn't last long.
Xyro's voice returned, sharper.
---
◇──────◇[ SYSTEM LOG – ALERT ]◇──────◇
>> Incoming Signal Detected
>> Source: Unknown – Multiple Hostiles Approaching
>> Estimated Threat Level: CLASS A+
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Arin helped Elira to her feet. "Stay ready. It's not over."
A group of black-armored figures appeared from the shadows — marked with a glowing [R] symbol on their helmets.
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◇──────◇[ Enemy Identified ]◇──────◇
>> Faction: Reclaimers
>> Status: Hostile
>> Objective: Restore Void Engine Control
>> Estimated Numbers: 20+
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Elira frowned. "Who are they?"
Arin's expression darkened. "The Reclaimers… they want the Void Engine back."
Their leader stepped forward. A tall figure in advanced armor, helmet reflecting dark light.
---
◇──────◇[ Enemy Leader Identified ]◇──────◇
>> Name: Krael Nex
>> Type: Evolution Tier II – Void-Aligned
>> Threat Level: CLASS S
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Krael's voice echoed through a voice modulator.
"You've done well defeating Veyrion. But now, the Engine belongs to us."
Arin took a defensive stance. "Not happening."
---
◇──────◇[ New Objective ]◇──────◇
>> Defend the Void Engine from Reclaimer Faction
>> Secure Area Until Evac Signal
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Krael raised a hand.
"Engage."
The Reclaimer soldiers charged.
Elira's energy flickered, but she stood tall.
"I'm ready."
---
◇──────◇[ Skill Activated: Nexus Link – Defensive Mode ]◇──────◇
>> Effect: Boosts shield strength for both users
>> Pulse Sync: 135%
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Arin and Elira fought back-to-back.
Energy blasts lit up the ruins.
The ground trembled.
---
◇──────◇[ Combat Log ]◇──────◇
>> Enemies Neutralized: 7
>> Core Stability: 82%
>> Void Engine Integrity: 100% (Stable)
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Krael watched, unimpressed.
"You can't hold forever."
Arin smirked. "I don't need to."
Xyro's voice cut in.
---
◇──────◇[ SYSTEM UPLINK – SUCCESSFUL ]◇──────◇
>> NovaCore Defense Grid Reactivation: 40% Complete
>> Estimated Time to Full Activation: 3 Minutes
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Arin whispered, "We just need to survive."
Krael charged forward.
---
◇──────◇[ New Threat: Direct Combat with Krael Nex ]◇──────◇
>> Estimated Risk: HIGH
>> Recommended Action: Delay Until Grid Reactivation
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Arin blocked the first hit — Krael's strength immense.
Elira struck from behind, forcing Krael back.
---
◇──────◇[ Pulse Feedback: Balanced ]◇──────◇
>> Core Resilience: Holding
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
More Reclaimer troops fell.
The Void Engine pulsed faintly.
---
◇──────◇[ Void Engine Warning ]◇──────◇
>> Unstable Void Energy Surge Detected
>> Caution: Area May Collapse If Control Is Lost
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Krael's helmet cracked slightly, revealing a scarred face.
"You're stronger than I expected."
Arin tightened his grip. "And you're running out of time."
---
◇──────◇[ System Update: Defense Grid 95% Online ]◇──────◇
>> Activation Imminent
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
"Now, Elira — fall back!"
They both jumped back as a wave of blue energy spread through the ruins.
---
◇──────◇[ NovaCore Defense Grid: ONLINE ]◇──────◇
>> Auto-Turrets Activated
>> Targeting Hostiles
>> Status: Engaging
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Reclaimer troops were caught in the crossfire.
Krael shouted, "Retreat!"
They vanished into the shadows.
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◇──────◇[ Combat Ended ]◇──────◇
>> Area Secure
>> New Objective: Track Reclaimer Escape Route
◇────────────────────────────◇
---
Elira collapsed to one knee, exhausted.
Arin helped her up.
"This is just the beginning," he said.
Xyro agreed.
"Reclaimers won't stop. But now… we have the advantage."
---
◇──────◇[ Main Quest Updated ]◇──────◇
>> Title: Reclaimer Hunt Begins
◇────────────────────────────◇
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To be continued…