Exploring the Devil's Enclave.

Unconcerned with the rest of the world, laughter echoed around the modest fire lit by Nioh and his company as they settled into their makeshift headquarters. Unlike the luxury lodges established by other teams, adorned with amenities and comforts, their camp consisted of plain military tents. They roasted basic rations over the open flame, their laughter hearty and unrestrained as they recounted the day's events.

"And then I used my crown like whoosh! It was so cool!" Sol exclaimed, mimicking the motion with animated gestures, drawing amused chuckles from the group.

"It's getting late," Nioh interjected, his tone commanding but not harsh. "Everyone should rest. Keep your energy reserves full at all times. Do not engage with the other teams—just focus on hunting in the outskirts."

"Why are you dissociating?" Iris asked, her gaze sharp. "Are you heading somewhere?"

"Yes," Nioh replied as he stood, brushing dust from his uniform. "I'm going to do some exploring. I'll be back by tomorrow. In the meantime, you're in charge."

"Take care. See you tomorrow," Iris said as she watched his figure disappear into the dark.

"What do you think he's doing?" Cryo asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"My guess? He's looking for a contingency plan against the alliance," Iris replied.

"Do you really think they'd go that far?" Cryo asked, concerned.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to blow up the ridge with us still on it," Iris said with a weary sigh. "Either way, the only option we have is to trust the captain and stay vigilant."

Meanwhile, Nioh darted through the darkness like a phantom, his movements utterly silent, his presence nearly nonexistent. The shadows clung to him like a second skin, blending him into the void of night.

"We're getting close. Some people are surveilling the path," Ekoh's voice crackled softly, relaying real-time information.

"Got it. Lower the gravity around me," Nioh ordered. Instantly, the sensation of weightlessness enveloped him, and he accelerated, his speed now a blur as he approached the base of the volcano.

The base of the volcano was a jagged landscape of blackened stone and smoldering fissures. Crimson veins of molten rock coursed beneath the surface, casting an eerie red glow that pulsated like a heartbeat. The air was thick with heat and the acrid scent of sulfur, making each breath heavy. Wisps of steam hissed through cracks in the ground, creating an ever-present symphony of quiet menace.

Nioh crouched low, his footsteps featherlight as he maneuvered through the rocky terrain. A small group of Alliance members patrolled the area, their torches flickering in the oppressive dark. With a single, fluid motion, Nioh leaped into the shadows, crossing several meters effortlessly. He landed behind the surveillance team without a sound, his movements as imperceptible as the breeze.

From there, Nioh began his ascent toward the volcano's peak. The climb was treacherous—sheer cliffs of obsidian offered little grip, and loose gravel threatened to crumble beneath his weight. Lava channels snaked upward, lighting the path in hues of red and orange. Sweat beaded on his brow as he scaled the rugged terrain, his breathing steady and controlled.

The wind grew stronger as he climbed higher, carrying the scent of ash and embers. Far below, the world seemed to shrink, the flickering lights of the campfires now distant pinpricks in the dark. Every now and then, he paused to assess his surroundings, his sharp eyes scanning for traps or signs of movement.

With a powerful leap, Nioh vaulted onto a narrow ledge near the summit, gripping the rock with practiced precision. The heat intensified, and the roar of the volcano's core grew louder, a deep rumble that vibrated through his chest. The peak was within reach, and with one final surge of effort, he pulled himself onto the summit, the glowing crater now before him.

The fiery pit churned with molten energy, casting an ominous glow against the dawn. Nioh stood still for a moment, his calculating gaze fixed on the swirling inferno below. His silhouette was stark against the fiery backdrop, the first rays of sunlight creeping over the horizon to blend with the crater's molten red. He had climbed all night, and now the faint light of day began to illuminate the harsh volcanic landscape.

"There's a very powerful, unregistered energy source down there—probably a biocore," Ekoh informed him, his voice calm but alert.

"How come you're just registering it now?" Nioh asked, his tone sharp yet measured.

"It's likely in a dormant state. Or hibernating, if you will. Without this level of proximity, I wouldn't have detected anything."

"How would you rate its strength?"

"The signal is too weak to give an accurate reading," Ekoh admitted. "I'd need to get closer."

Nioh's eyes narrowed as he scanned the pit. "There's a path down there. Let's go deeper," he decided, not hesitating for a second. With practiced precision, he leapt into the pit, his form vanishing into the roiling heat below.

--

Back at camp, Sol awoke abruptly to the sound of violent, repetitive explosions reverberating through the air. The relentless noise shattered the stillness of early morning, jolting her out of her sleep. She stumbled out of her tent, rubbing her eyes, her groggy state quickly replaced by unease as she saw her teammates' grim expressions.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with urgency.

Kol, her brother, looked up, his frustration evident. "Rudra and Rolo are spreading the defense line," he explained, his tone laced with irritation. "They know we're outnumbered and expect us to fight in a concentrated area. This forces us to stretch thin."

Cryo's voice cut in, more composed but equally grim. "The Stone Locust have spread over 75% of the enclave. In just one night, they've undone all of our progress."

"Don't panic," Iris said firmly, stepping forward to calm the group. "We need to focus on strategy. Prince Nioh isn't here, but we have to trust in ourselves."

Sol's concern deepened as she analyzed the situation. "We can't defend such a wide area with just five of us. The Golden Road takes too long to recharge and is only effective in a small radius," she pointed out, her voice strained.

Cryo adjusted his bracers, his expression resolute. "Don't worry about it. We still have the full day to prepare for our next shift. Let's focus on what we can do."

Iris nodded. "Agreed. Let's gather information. We can't waste time speculating. Prince Nioh hasn't returned yet, but we have our abilities—and we need to trust in them."