Loud sirens blare across the expansive military base, a relentless alarm signaling the impending danger.
The air is heavy with tension, yet no chaos erupts. Instead, clear, authoritative commands ring out, as officers and soldiers methodically assume their positions.
Seren stands with Finn, Kiaran, and Nico among a group of twenty recruits. They've gathered before Officer Samir, whose commanding presence keeps everything under control.
She watches as the others fall into formation, some nervous, others calm, but all determined to live up to their training.
Across the square, Officer Kael barks orders to another company.
His voice is loud, piercing, and precise, prompting his soldiers to respond with swift, coordinated movements.
Seren glances over and spots her father, General Marcus Veylith, observing the proceedings from a distance.
His hands are clasped behind his back, his sharp eyes meticulously scanning the troops. His now permanent stationing here has transformed the entire base into a critical hub for the war against the Abyss, an unmistakable symbol of its strategic importance.
Officer Samir raises his voice to focus the group's attention.
"For some of you, this may be your first deployment. Others have already experienced one or more. Stay vigilant regardless. The rescue of civilians is our top priority."
His tone carries cool determination. It's clear he's delivered this speech countless times, yet it hasn't lost its edge.
Seren notices Finn casting a sidelong glance at the other recruits, many of whom appear visibly shaken by Samir's words.
People without the ability to wield Essence but who possess an Essence Core are sent into dangerous Essence Storms, hoping they'll absorb the excess energy and survive the Voidfire to awaken their powers.
Officially, they're called Spark Initiates, but most dismissively refer to them as cannon fodder.
Being a Spark Initiate is like playing a deadly lottery. The reward of awakening as a Sparkbearer and potentially climbing further up the ranks is tempting.
Yet the constant dread of being sent into an Essence Storm takes a psychological toll on many. Failure to survive the Voidfire means death and a potential Void Breach.
"Prepare to move out!" Samir calls, breaking the brief silence that followed his speech.
The group is divided among three armored military vehicles, imposing machines that showcase cutting-edge Essence technology.
The vehicles shine in a dark green, sunlight reflecting on their armor plates made from the tough scales of Abyssal reptiles, creatures with no natural equivalent in terms of danger on Earth.
Earth's resource shortages made humans creative in terms of weapon design. There is also the benefit of otherworldly armor being much more resistant, and also leaving the possibility for enchantments.
As the troops board the vehicles, the activity outside quiets. Inside, the space is cramped and dim.
Seren sits beside Finn, who stares silently ahead, while Kiaran chuckles at a joke Nico made. Despite the tension, Kiaran seems to have a knack for lightening the mood.
Still, Seren can't shake the growing unease creeping into her thoughts.
Through the window, she watches the city blur past. Skyscrapers pierce the sky, and their glass facades are shiny, as they reflect the sunlight.
One building stands out, a massive structure rising over a thousand meters, its illuminated "EU" logo and iconic twelve golden stars are a beacon of unity and hope, at least for most people.
It's the heart of the European Union, a testament to a strong government still standing against the ever-increasing threats.
Her thoughts are interrupted when she feels it, a subtle yet oppressive presence vibrating through the air. The other recruits soon react, their nervous energy palpable. The Essence Storm is close.
The armored vehicle wheels come to a halt, and the hiss of hydraulic doors slice through the tense silence.
"Ready?" Kiaran asks, checking his weapon, while Finn forms a shimmering blue barrier around his hand, bracing for the worst.
"It's just a Category 1. I've seen worse" Nico mutters, though his voice betrays a hint of uncertainty.
The doors fully open, and harsh sunlight floods the vehicle's interior. Seren instinctively raises a hand to shield her eyes as she steps outside. The scene before her is one of devastation.
The marketplace, once bustling with life, is now a battleground, rubble, overturned stalls, and scattered goods litter the ground.
"Move out!" Kael's commanding voice cuts through the chaos of the Essence Storm, as well as the faint howl of the wind.
Seren, Finn, Kiaran, and Nico form a team. Seren leads them with a confident stride, her sword, Aurethium, resting lightly in her hand.
The blade is an artifact of remarkable craftsmanship, originally belonging to her father. Forged from a gleaming silver-like metal, it looks like its molten light while the sun is shining.
Its slim, elegant design is adorned with engravings that tell tales of a lost era filled with myths and legends.
At the heart of its guard lies a flawless ruby red crystal, an Essence Crystal, glowing with stored energy, ready to empower its wielder at a moment's notice.
Essence Crystals are the product of research aimed at harnessing the energy of Essence Storms for practical use.
However, the technology is flawed: the energy required to trigger an awakening cannot be contained in simple crystals. Which in return means, Essence Storms carry far too much power.
The energy needed to create a Void Breach varies greatly, meaning that even with a swift military response, a breach can still occur if enough energy converges fast enough, or if every Spark Initiate fails in his mission.
Her heart pounds faster, but she pushes the fear aside. The mission is classified as training, but she knows the danger is very real.
"Our objective is simple," she says. "Find civilians and bring them back alive."
Finn glances at her sword. Seren Veylith, someone with full name and noble lineage, it doesn't even surprise him that she owns such a refined weapon.
Kiaran waves his hand over his teammates' equipment, they begin to glow faintly. The weapons feel sharper, deadlier.
With that, the preparations are complete. The mission begins.