Location: Tavara Underground Grid – Clone Chamber
The clash of swords rang out like thunder within the steel-lined chamber. Sparks danced with every strike as Victor's Vigilant Oath met Lucien's Serpent Fang, the blade forged in exile. Around them, chaos reigned—alarms blared, flames licked the walls, and Nora's team fought against The Ascendants' elite guards outside the chamber.
Lucien moved with unrelenting speed, his strikes wild yet sharp—fueled by rage and years of obsession. Victor, however, fought with focused precision. Each movement bore the weight of honor, legacy, and everything he had rebuilt from ashes.
"You think you're fighting for the family," Lucien spat, blade crashing into Victor's shoulder guard. "But all you're doing is repeating the cycle!"
Victor parried and countered with a vicious backhand strike, drawing blood across Lucien's cheek. "Then let this be the last repetition."
A sudden blast shook the floor. Debris rained from the ceiling as Nora and Major Rhoades burst into the room, guns drawn.
"Victor, now!" Nora shouted.
Victor didn't hesitate. He disarmed Lucien in a flash, kicking the blade away and driving him to his knees.
Lucien laughed even as blood dripped from his lips. "Do it. Prove we're the same."
Victor stood above him, breathing hard, Vigilant Oath at the ready. "That's where you're wrong."
He lowered the blade.
"You don't get redemption by spilling more blood," Victor said. "You get it by facing what you destroyed."
Before Lucien could respond, Emani entered, holding a control panel. "The clone system's been disabled. We can destroy the entire lab."
Victor turned to Lucien. "You're coming with us. You'll answer to the council—and the world."
Lucien sneered but didn't resist.
---
Location: Kane Estate – 48 Hours Later
Lucien sat in a reinforced holding cell beneath the estate, silent but alive. His clone project destroyed, his followers scattered, and his plans in ruin.
Victor stood outside, watching him through the glass. Nora joined him, her hand resting gently on his.
"Another storm weathered," she said softly.
Victor nodded. "But not the last."
They walked away together, back into the light of the rising sun.
---
Elsewhere – Unknown Location
In a shadowed chamber, a figure stood before a wall of screens, watching the events unfold.
"They've neutralized Lucien," a voice said from the darkness.
The figure turned, eyes glowing faintly. "Then it's time to activate Phase Two. Tavara's balance must fall... from the inside."
A new enemy had just marked their entry into the game.