Present Day - Black Valley Military Base - Varenya
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As the pale dawn light spilled over the horizon, the military base stretched out like a sprawling beast, its runways glinting like polished steel beneath the awakening sun.
The air buzzed with an electric tension,a mix of fuel fumes, ozone from active electronics, and that unmistakable metallic tang of blood still lingering on armor.
Ethan stood at the edge of the primary landing strip, his tailored black tactical suit pristine despite the early hour.
Next to him loomed Gunnar, a silent giant in full combat rig, his scarred face betraying nothing.
Colonel Vex adjusted his officer's cap with mechanical precision, his cybernetic eye glowing faintly blue in the soft morning light.
And then there was General Dravik.
The newly minted warlord of Varenya stood tall in freshly pressed fatigues, his massive frame radiating barely contained energy.
