The next 36 hours were a blur of activity. The Guard worked tirelessly to fortify the warehouses: Jax's team rigged the loading dock with C4 explosives, triggered by a tripwire; Nova carved runes into the warehouse walls, infusing them with anti-Void energy; Mia led the civilians to the basement, setting up cots and distributing rations; Lila stocked the field infirmary with painkillers and tourniquets; Leo helped Elias carry crates of ammo, his small hands gripping the boxes tightly.Elias spent most of his time practicing the Energy Barrier. At first, it was weak—a thin violet shield that shattered when he threw a rock at it. But with Nova's help, he learned to weave runes into the barrier, strengthening it. "Runes are just a way to channel energy," she explained, guiding his hand as he etched a symbol into the air. "Your system gives you power; runes give it shape."By dusk, the barrier was strong enough to withstand a Wraith's claw strike. Elias stood at the loading dock, watching as the last of the traps were set. Mia walked beside him, her shoulder brushing his. "You're doing amazing," she said softly. "I knew you could lead—even back in Haven's Reach."Elias laughed. "Back then, I was just trying to keep us alive. Now… now I have to keep hundreds of people alive." He turned to her, his voice quiet. "What if I fail? What if everyone dies because of me?"Mia placed a hand on his cheek, her thumb brushing his skin. "You won't fail. Because you're not alone. We're all here—Jax, Lila, Nova, Leo… me. We fight together."Their moment was interrupted by Kaden, who limped over to them. "They're an hour out," he said. "I saw them—they're moving faster than we thought."Elias nodded, activating his Energy Barrier. A thick violet shield erupted around the warehouses, glowing brighter as Nova's runes kicked in. Jax gathered the fighters at the loading dock, their weapons raised. Lila closed the basement door, locking it behind her. Leo clung to Mia's hand, his teddy bear pressed to his chest. "It'll be okay, Mr. Fluff," he whispered. "Elias will protect us."The first Wraiths appeared on the horizon 45 minutes later. They charged, their screeches echoing through the ruins. The Energy Barrier held, but the impact shook the ground. Elias gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into the shield. "Hold steady!" Jax roared, firing his shotgun at a Wraith that got too close.The crimson Wraith King appeared, slamming its acid claws into the barrier. The shield flickered, and Elias felt a surge of pain—his energy was draining fast. "Nova!" he shouted. Nova ran to his side, her rune bandage glowing as she channeled energy into the barrier. "I can't hold it forever!" she yelled. "We need to trigger the traps!"Elias nodded, lowering the barrier for a split second. Jax pulled the trigger, and the C4 exploded, taking out a cluster of Wraiths. The horde stumbled, but the black Wraith King roared, urging them forward. Elias raised the barrier again, his legs shaking. He was running out of energy—and time.
