Location: Dominion Crypt – Beneath Mount Kazari, Eastern Continent
The crypt's stone walls quivered. Dust rained from the ancient ceiling as the air shimmered with unnatural heat. At the heart of the subterranean lair lay a blackened altar surrounded by twelve levitating shards, glowing with blood-red light. One of them suddenly cracked open, a pulse of energy radiating out like a ripple in space-time.
A cloaked figure, eyes glowing violet, stepped forward. "He has been named."
A second figure, shrouded in shadow and bone armor, hissed through fanged teeth, "The prophecy accelerates. He who holds the boy controls fate itself."
The first nodded solemnly. "Then we move for the Shard of Veyrun. Tonight."
The chamber trembled again.
---
Location: Kane Tower – Underground Research Division
Victor stared at the glowing scans on the transparent display wall. Eli's neural pathways lit up in impossible patterns—beyond human, even beyond enhanced.
"He's processing reality on multiple spectrums," Nora said. "Dreams, past memories, even dimensional shifts… It's like his consciousness exists in more than one timeline."
Victor frowned. "And he doesn't even know what he can do yet."
Dr. Reyes approached cautiously. "The boy is a relic. Or rather… a vessel forged to house one."
Victor narrowed his eyes. "He's a child. Not a weapon."
"But the relics won't care," Dr. Reyes warned. "Nor will Dominion's remnants. They'll come, and this time, they won't send Harbingers."
Nora folded her arms. "Let them try."
---
Location: Eli's Quarters – Kane Tower
Eli sat by the large window, gazing out at the city lights. He touched the glass, eyes glowing briefly.
"I saw her again," he whispered.
"Who?" asked Zuri, who stood by the door.
"The woman in gold armor. She was crying. And… she was burning."
Zuri crouched beside him. "A vision?"
Eli shook his head. "A memory."
Before she could reply, the lights flickered. A subtle hum of danger filled the air.
Eli turned to her. "They're close."
---
Location: Skies Over Tavara – Dominion Assault Cruiser "Nightcoil"
Dozens of Dominion warships tore through cloudbanks, cloaked from satellite detection. At the helm stood General Varnak, clad in obsidian armor laced with runes. He watched a hologram of Eli projected above the navigation deck.
"This child carries Veyrun's mark. If he is not turned… he must be destroyed."
His second-in-command, a creature with bark-like skin and molten veins, asked, "And the Kane forces?"
Varnak's voice was cold. "Burn everything between us and the boy."
The order echoed through the ship.
Below, the skies of Tavara began to darken as war approached.
---
Location: Strategic War Room – Kane Tower
Red alerts blared. Linda stormed in with her rifle slung over her back.
"We've got at least twelve cruisers descending fast. Dominion sigils confirmed."
Peter's jaw tightened. "So, they're done playing."
Victor stared at the blinking red dots on the map. "Everyone to battle positions. No one's touching the boy."
Nora whispered to herself, "It's beginning... The Second Surge."
Victor looked up. "Then let's make sure we finish it."