"Keep a tight perimeter! Don't let that thing escape! Shoot on sight!"
The voice of the squad leader echoed sharply through the camp's loudspeakers, ringing across the smoky battlefield like a war drum. Every soldier heard the order, and now there was no room for confusion. The hunt was on.
Within minutes, dozens of soldiers had converged on the crash zone. They formed a wide circle, surrounding the area where Lyra had fallen. Their weapons were raised while their eyes scanned for movement. The air felt electric with tension.
"Team Four reporting! we have visual contact!"
"Team Three also has visual! Crimson energy spotted!"
A pulsing, blood-red sphere sat in the center of a small crater, half-buried in ash and dust. The squads took cautious steps, fanning out to form a secure perimeter; each soldier was ready to open fire at the slightest movement.
