Blood Eater-

His heart was racing.

While his face failed to show any form of emotion, on the inside, his demons were screaming.

By now, every cadet within the Unit had gathered, standing before the colossal ring of stone and steel before them.

Being slightly raised atop a stone platform, it remained completely visible, even with the swarm of other heads standing between him and it. The more his eyes glared at its appearance, the more a slight chill began to grow down his spine.

It appeared like a spikey disk, offset to slightly swirl and encapsulate the gaping hole at its center. By all means, it failed to look even remotely human-made — even if it was, then it'd be more of a construct or statue than anything that would be practical.

And yet, all must acknowledge the sense of power which exuded off of its base. The sense of a frothing overflow of raw, unbridled energy.

The feeling felt oddly electric.

Silas stood just to Nyx's right, similarly encapsulated by the figure before them. Tightly did he clench the grip of his bow, hand visibly tensing up and loosening in quick succession. His expression remained rather serious, not daring to show even the slightest hint of fear.

And yet, Nyx could tell.

For the first time, many here would encounter their first Terror. They'd lay eyes on horrific beasts of unfurled rage and destruction. They'd get to experience first-hand their disheartening, horrific presence. You'd have to be insane to not be terrified.

The only thing which seemed to slightly calm everyone's nerves was the sudden appearance of Sir Vaelis, stern arms crossed behind his back whilst slowly pacing up onto the platform.

Following not far behind was a series of soldiers — a small patch stitched on their back being the symbol of Epsilon.

The Epsilon Unit Phantoms.

While they were too far away for Nyx to make out any major details, they undeniably had an aura of hell itself. Perhaps it was their cadence that tipped him off. Maybe their expressions, barely discernable from that distance. Regardless, it was painfully clear that these were elites. Veterans. Slaughterers of fear. Butchers of Terrors.

Once the cadets saw them, immediately they placed their hands behind their backs, raising their own postures as their bodies tensed up and solidified.

The Phantoms lined themselves just off to the side, patiently waiting for Sir Vaelis to give a speech before the mission. There were seventeen of them total, and not one showed any form of grief or worry. They were ready.

Only then, as if it were on cue, the silent portal began to hum to life.

It happened so abruptly that it only appeared like a flash of thunder. With great, indescribable amounts of torrent wind, it churned from within its frame, like a prisoner forced to be harnessed.

It's green tint felt sickly in nature, yet still had an odd allure to its appearance. From within its swirling mass, it seemed almost infinitely deep — an endless sea which could never be conquered.

The rhythm of its movements felt oddly hypnotic, as if trying to lure them into their graves.

"Cadets-!" Sir Vaelis' voice boomed, so loud you could almost hear an echo from within the Hall of Dawn's hallways. Not even the violent sounds of the gateway behind him could overshadow his voice.

As if unfazed, hands still placed behind his back, he continued. "Beyond this portal lies what remains of Neodera. The Epsilon Unit has been tasked with securing and eliminating a nest to its south-east, and you, as the Epsilon cadets, will follow."

He took a brief moment to glance over the cadets, letting out a slight sigh. "This mission is currently a... sensitive situation for many. No matter what you are to see, and no matter what you are to do, don't forget your obligation as soldiers. As cadets. You've promised your hearts and souls for this cause — now provide it.

We are not humanity's last hope, but we are its best. For those who have been forgotten, their sacrifices still live on in those who live and fight today. Soldiers — those who yearn to fight for our freedom — steel your hearts, and hearten your resolve. Let the Sixth Descent commence!"

Without much more of a word, every soldier present let out a prideful cheer. As if similar to a horde of bulls, we didn't hesitate to charge our way into the rift.

The closer and closer Nyx got, the more and more he could feel his nerves begin to get the better of him. It was only when he looked around and saw his comrades did those worries fade.

Whatever awaited them on the other side, they would face it together.

Even if Nyx didn't trust himself, he'd trust the other Epsilon cadets he'd trained with for a year. He'd trust their instincts and their wills.

He's trust Silas, and everyone else who was fighting the same battle.

Before him, he could see the first few cadets beginning to fade through. When it came to his turn, he was ready.

He wanted to slaughter- and he was ready.

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 - | Information I can share thus far | -

The Phantoms are divided into twenty-four subdivisions named after the Greek alphabet, known as Units/Houses. Nearly three-hundred years after the organization's founding, only eight Units still remain in active duty, while four are kept in reserve.

Each active Unit has their own members of Phantoms, as well a cadet group every year to train before they 'Ascend' to become a Phantom themselves.