The air in Camelot was thick with unease. Reports of shadows moving in unnatural ways, whispers in the dark, and strange mutations in the land and wildlife were growing. The Vanguard gathered in the war room, the map of Britain littered with red markers indicating areas affected by the corruption.
Fantasia pointed to the largest concentration of anomalies—a dense forest near the Scottish border. "This is where the corruption is strongest. If there's a source, we'll find it there."
Arthur nodded, his expression resolute. "Then we leave at dawn. This cannot spread further."
Christopher leaned against the table, lighting a cigarette. "And here I thought I'd finally get a break to enjoy some domestic bliss."
Alora elbowed him, a faint smirk on her lips. "Keep dreaming, Shaman. You're marrying into chaos."
The Vanguard's journey to the forest was fraught with danger. The further they ventured from Camelot, the more the land bore the scars of Celantheris' influence. Trees twisted into grotesque shapes, their branches forming cruel, claw-like patterns. The ground squirmed beneath their feet as if alive, and the air carried a metallic tang.
Bandruí's fae guardians hovered nervously around her, their lights flickering. "The land is crying out," she murmured. "Whatever this is, it's deeper than we thought."
Pepsi walked beside her, her luminous form dimming slightly. "The corruption isn't just affecting the physical world—it's reaching into minds. I can feel its pull."
Arthur gripped Excalibur tightly, the blade glowing faintly. "Then we cut it out at the root."
During a rare moment of rest, Christopher, Alora, and Bandruí sat around a small fire while the others scouted the perimeter. The crackling flames cast dancing shadows on their faces, but their conversation was lighter than the darkness around them.
"So," Bandruí began, a teasing smile on her lips. "Wedding plans? Or are you two just winging it?"
Christopher chuckled, exhaling a plume of smoke. "Winging it sounds about right. Haven't even picked a date yet."
Alora rolled her eyes, leaning against him. "That's because someone keeps dragging us into apocalyptic crises."
Bandruí raised an eyebrow. "You're blaming him? You're the one who brought him into this madness."
They laughed softly, the sound a brief reprieve from the tension of their mission.
"But seriously," Bandruí continued, her tone softening. "Have you thought about what kind of wedding you want? I could help."
Christopher smirked. "Well, I was thinking of something small. Maybe in a forest. Preferably one that's not alive and trying to kill us."
Alora smiled, her gaze distant. "Something simple. Just the people we care about. A moment of peace in all this chaos."
Bandruí nodded, her expression thoughtful. "We'll make it happen. No matter what."
As the group pressed on, Arthur walked ahead with Fantasia, discussing the broader implications of the corruption.
"This is no longer just about Britain," Arthur said, his voice firm. "If we are to protect our people, we must extend our reach beyond these shores."
Fantasia glanced at him, her expression curious. "You're talking about a united world."
Arthur nodded. "The New United Kingdom cannot remain isolated. Corruption isn't confined to one place, and neither can our efforts to stop it. Humanity must stand together if we are to survive."
Fantasia was silent for a moment before responding. "It's a bold vision. But you'll face resistance. Not everyone will agree to unity, especially after the chaos of the merger."
Arthur's grip on Excalibur tightened. "Then we show them the strength of a united front. If we must fight for peace, so be it."
When they reached the heart of the corrupted forest, the air grew heavier, charged with dark energy. A massive crater pulsed with an unnatural glow, its edges lined with writhing tendrils of black and red. At the centre stood a structure that seemed both organic and mechanical—a remnant of Celantheris' twisted technology.
"That's it," Fantasia said, her voice tight. "That's the source."
The team approached cautiously, their weapons drawn. As they neared the structure, whispers filled the air, growing louder with each step.
"You do not belong here..." the voices hissed.
Shadows coalesced into monstrous forms, their glowing eyes filled with malice.
Arthur raised Excalibur, its light cutting through the darkness. "Hold the line!"
The Vanguard sprang into action, their movements coordinated despite the chaos. Firebrand's flames scorched the creatures, while Shadowleaf's arrows struck true. Bandruí summoned her fae, their combined energy forming barriers to protect the team.
Christopher and Alora fought side by side, their movements instinctive and fluid.
"Still think marrying me is a good idea?" Christopher quipped as he drove his blade into one of the creatures.
Alora grinned, her bow glowing with shadow energy. "I've faced worse than this with you. I'll take my chances."
As the last creature fell, the structure began to tremble. The glow intensified, and a dark figure emerged from its core—a towering entity that radiated malevolence.
"You think you can stop what has already begun?" it snarled, its voice echoing with the weight of countless realities.
Arthur stepped forward, Excalibur blazing. "We've stopped worse. And we'll stop you."
The entity laughed, its form shifting and expanding. "You are too late. The corruption cannot be undone. It is a part of you now."
As the Vanguard prepared for battle, Christopher glanced at Alora, his expression grim. "Looks like the honeymoon's on hold."
She smiled faintly, her gaze steely. "Let's finish this first."