Omniscient POV
The intense tremors shook Murias to its core, throwing the entire underground city into utter chaos.
People scrambled for safety, their faces twisted in panic.
The once-stable walls and ceilings of the underground haven creaked under the strain, as if the entire city was a giant-trapped beast struggling against its chains.
Chunks of masonry and concrete fell from above, shattering on the ground, the sound interwoven with cries of terror and confusion.
David and Cora fought their way through the crumbling city, navigating debris-strewn streets while the ground shuddered beneath their feet.
"Follow me!" David shouted over the din, glancing back at Cora as they ducked into a narrow alleyway.
His heart pounded, the urgency of their mission pushing them forward despite the destruction unfolding around them.
Murias' residential district was now plunged into complete darkness.
Power had been cut, and only a few flickering streetlights cast eerie shadow on the walls, creating a picture of imminent ruin.
Cora kept close behind David, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Her eyes locked onto a looming silhouette—her home, now dark and foreboding, standing against the chaotic backdrop like a ghostly reminder of a life slipping away.
"Please, let him be home…" she whispered desperately to herself as they reached the front door. Her fingers trembled as she fumbled with the handle.
"Dad!" she called out as soon as the door swung open, her voice breaking the heavy silence of the abandoned house.
There was no response—only the stillness of an empty home.
"Dad, are you here?" Cora's voice grew weaker, tinged with fear and helplessness as she moved deeper into the shadowy interior.
The once-familiar space now seemed alien, filled with darkness and an oppressive sense of loss.
They made their way through the empty hallway, the echoes of their footsteps a grim reminder of the urgency of their search.
When they reached the study, Cora hesitated for a moment before gently pushing the door open.
A dim light filtered through the doorframe, casting a soft glow on the room's interior.
"Maybe… maybe he's here…" David murmured, stepping cautiously inside.
There, sitting perfectly still at his desk, was Peter Cox—the Commander of Murias and Cora's father.
The study was arranged as meticulously as ever. Shelves of books lined the walls, and the heavy wooden desk stood in the center, a beacon of order amidst the chaos outside.
A single streetlight outside the window bathed the room in a warm, subdued light.
But it was the figure behind the desk that drew their attention—the man clad in a crisp military uniform, seated upright with his hands clasped in front of him.
Peter Cox remained motionless as they entered.
His face was partially veiled in shadows, the soft light illuminating only one side of his stern, somber expression.
His eyes were fixed on the door as if he had been waiting for them all along.
"Dad, listen to me!" Cora rushed forward, her voice strained with emotion. "The earthquakes are getting worse! The fountain in Central Square is spewing magma! We have to evacuate everyone right now, or they'll all die!"
Peter's gaze slowly shifted to his daughter, his expression unchanging.
"Please, Dad! Mark developed a way to protect people from radiation—we've made Amulets for everyone! As long as they have one, they'll be safe. And… Deborah and Matthew have found a new place for us. A place where we can live safely on the surface. We have a chance, but we need your help! We need you to get the FDB to mobilize the troops and help the people evacuate."
The room fell silent. Only the faint, ominous sound of the ongoing tremors filled the air.
"Sir," David stepped forward, his voice low but resolute, "the people of Murias need your leadership now more than ever. You are the only one who can command the troops and keep the evacuation orderly. If we don't act now, there won't be anyone left to save. Please, give the order."
For a long moment, Peter said nothing.
Then, without a word, he rose from his seat, his movements slow and deliberate.
He reached for his family's signet ring, removed it from his finger, and stepped toward David.
"Lieutenant Colonel David Miller, I hereby transfer my command to you," he stated in a calm, steady tone. "From this moment on, you have the authority to lead the FDB forces as you see fit."
David blinked in surprise, but when Peter extended the ring, he immediately grasped the gravity of what was happening.
"Yes, sir," David answered, his voice tight with emotion.
He accepted the ring, slipping it onto his finger. "I will not let you down."
This was no simple gesture—it was the passing of an entire city's fate, a mantle that now rested squarely on David's shoulders.
"Please, Dad!" Cora's voice cracked, her eyes shimmering with tears. "You have to come with us! The Amulets are ready, and with you there, people will believe us. They'll follow your lead. We can still make it if we leave now!"
Peter Cox shook his head slowly and lowered himself back into his seat, his shoulders heavy with an unspoken burden.
"You're right, Cora. You've done well—better than I ever could have imagined. Murias owes you all more than I can express. I hope you find peace on the surface. But… I cannot leave. I must see this through."
"No!" Cora sobbed, lunging forward and gripping her father's arms. "You're coming with us! I'm not leaving you here alone, I—"
"David." Peter's voice was firm, brooking no argument. He turned his gaze to the young officer, his eyes steely with resolve. "As Commander of Murias, I order you to take my daughter and lead the people to safety."
David swallowed hard, the weight of his new responsibility settling on his shoulders.
His throat tightened, but he snapped to attention and saluted.
"Yes, sir."
Peter returned the salute, the motion crisp and precise, before his expression softened ever so slightly.
"And… on a personal note, David," he said quietly, "I entrust my daughter to your care. Keep her safe."
David's heart ached as he nodded, his gaze unwavering.
"I will, sir."
With that, he wrapped his arm around the sobbing Cora and gently, but firmly, led her out of the study.
As the door clicked shut behind them, a deafening silence enveloped the room.
Then, a single gunshot shattered the stillness.