Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The Eclipsion Guard

The Eclipsion Guard was a ragtag group of 200 survivors—soldiers, doctors, engineers, all with Abilities. They'd set up a temporary base in Portland's old armory, its walls reinforced with steel and enchanted runes (a product of Nova's Ability: Rune Forging). Over the next week, Elias learned their story: the Guard had been formed by Nova's father, General Thorne, before he was killed by a Wraith King—a larger, more intelligent breed of Wraith that commanded hordes. Now, Nova led them, struggling to keep hope alive.Elias's System became invaluable. He used his Energy Manipulation (unlocked after defending Portland) to power the armory's generators, his Enhanced Strength to repair the walls, and his growing influence to unite the Guard. But he didn't lead alone—his friends became his closest advisors. Mia, now his Second-in-Command, used her Danger Sense to detect Wraith raids before they happened. Jax trained the Guard's fighters, turning farmers and teachers into soldiers. Lila ran the infirmary, saving lives with her limited supplies. Leo, though young, became the base's heart—his laughter a reminder of what they were fighting for.But leadership came with pain. On the tenth night, a Wraith King led a raid on the armory. It was twice the size of a normal Wraith, its bones black as night, its claws dripping with venom. It broke through the walls, killing three Guard members before Elias could confront it. The battle was brutal—Elias used every ounce of his Energy Manipulation, firing blasts of violet energy at the King, but the creature healed itself faster than he could damage it. Nova tried to bind it with runes, but the King shredded her magic. Jax shot it in the eye, but the bullet only angered it."Elias! Its core is in its chest!" Mia screamed, her danger sense锁定 (locking onto) the creature's heart. "You have to destroy it!"Elias nodded, his body screaming in pain. He charged the King, dodging its claws, and drove his fist into its chest. He felt the core—hot, pulsing, like a star—and channeled all his Energy into it. The King screeched, its body glowing, before exploding into dust. Elias collapsed, his energy drained, his arm broken.Lila rushed to him, tears in her eyes. "You idiot," she whispered, setting his arm. "You could've died."Elias smiled weakly. "But I didn't. And neither did we."That night, the Guard gathered around the fire. Nova raised a cup of clean water. "To Elias Voss—our savior. Our leader." The crowd cheered, their voices loud and proud. For the first time, Elias felt like he belonged. Like he could do this—build something worth fighting for.