Encino – Streets
The sound of helicopters grew louder in the distance, cutting through the tense silence of the streets. Mike, Johnny, and Tory moved swiftly, staying low and using the cover of abandoned vehicles and alleyways to make their way toward the FANG V2 compound. Every step felt heavier than the last. They could feel Kessler's presence, her eyes watching them from every corner. The Wraiths might be down, but Mike knew that something worse was coming.
"We're almost there," Mike said, his voice grim but focused.
Johnny, rubbing the bruise on his ribs, grimaced. "Doesn't feel like 'almost.'"
Tory's expression was unrelenting. "We need to keep moving, Mike. We don't know what's waiting for us in that compound."
Mike's eyes were locked on the path ahead. "Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. But this ends tonight."
As they moved closer to the compound's fortified perimeter, the shadows grew darker, and the air thickened with a sense of inevitability. The quiet hum of the compound's generators became a steady background noise, the heartbeat of Kessler's operation.
But then, they heard it. A mechanical hiss—followed by a thundering roar.
Germany – FANG V2 Compound
Inside the compound's central control room, Kessler watched the video feeds, her fingers lightly tapping against the edge of the console. She had anticipated Mike's movements, predicted his every step. But this time, her preparations were different.
She turned to a nearby technician, who was anxiously monitoring the systems. "Prepare the final phase. Initiate Erebus's backup. It's time to finalize the transition."
The technician nodded quickly, fingers flying over the keys as the hum of the compound's machinery grew louder, echoing through the steel walls.
From another hidden chamber deep within the compound, the containment unit began to activate. A low, resonating growl filled the room as mechanical arms moved swiftly to release the next weapon. The backup plan was in motion.
Kessler smiled to herself. Mike Harris had been useful—almost too useful. Now, it was time to end this charade.
Encino – FANG V2 Compound
Mike's group approached the compound's outer walls, staying in the shadows as they assessed their surroundings. The high walls were fortified, with armed guards patrolling the perimeter.
"This isn't going to be easy," Tory muttered. "There are too many of them."
Mike scanned the area. The entrance was heavily guarded, but there was a service door on the far side that looked like their best shot.
Johnny nudged him, a crooked grin on his face. "Let's make some noise. Draw them away."
Mike nodded. "On three. One—"
Before he could finish, the ground beneath them rumbled, a tremor shaking the air. The helicopters overhead began to circle tighter, and the ground shook harder.
"What the hell was that?" Johnny shouted, barely able to keep his footing.
Tory was the first to react, her eyes wide with alarm. "That's not normal."
Then the roar came.
It was deep—almost animalistic. A sound that didn't belong to any living creature they had ever heard. It reverberated through the earth, shaking the concrete beneath their feet. It wasn't a sound of nature. It was a machine's scream.
Mike's heart dropped. "They've activated it."
Johnny cursed. "Whatever it is, it's coming for us."
Before they could react, the service door they had been eyeing exploded outward. Metal twisted, buckled, and was thrown across the street as something massive surged from within the compound.
It was a creature of steel and flesh, its form a grotesque fusion of man and machine—Erebus, Kessler's backup plan. A hulking, monstrous figure with mechanical limbs, covered in layers of armor and glowing red eyes. It was a perfect blend of human physiology and machine-like precision. It was the apex of Kessler's twisted experiments.
The ground trembled with every step it took. It moved with terrifying speed, its metal hands extending, claws flexing as it scanned the area.
Mike's blood ran cold. "We need to move. NOW!"
Johnny didn't need any further encouragement. "Let's finish this."
Inside the Compound
Kessler's cold, calculating voice echoed over the compound's intercom system. "Phase Four has begun. Erebus is unleashed. It will cleanse the world of your interference."
She pressed another button on the control panel, and the lights dimmed, followed by a chilling series of sirens. The backup generators kicked in, casting the compound in an eerie, greenish glow.
Mike's voice crackled over the comms. "We've got one chance. We need to get to the control room and shut down Erebus before it tears us apart."
Johnny gritted his teeth. "It's going to be tough, but we've dealt with worse. Let's move!"
FANG V2 Compound – Outside
Erebus surged forward, its eyes locking onto the trio as it approached. The sound of its heavy steps sent shockwaves through the air, rattling windows and sending dust spiraling into the wind. It was fast, relentless, its mechanical limbs slicing through the night air as it barreled toward them.
Mike's mind raced. This was no ordinary fight. It wasn't just about strength anymore. Erebus was designed to counter everything they had.
The beast swung its massive arm at Mike, the force of the blow enough to crush a car. Mike dove to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the blow. His heart pounded as he quickly regained his footing.
"Johnny! Tory!" Mike shouted. "Distract it!"
Johnny and Tory moved as one, launching themselves toward Erebus with weapons drawn. Johnny threw a flashbang, the bright explosion momentarily disorienting the machine. Tory followed up with a series of rapid strikes, trying to exploit any weakness she could find in its armor.
But Erebus was relentless. It retaliated with terrifying speed, knocking Johnny back with a swipe of its arm, sending him crashing into the side of a truck.
Tory leaped to her feet, spinning toward the machine with renewed intensity. "Mike, we can't take it head-on. We need to find its weak point!"
Mike nodded, his mind working rapidly. "Its core. We need to get close enough to disable it."
The trio darted forward, using the chaos as cover. They dodged the machine's strikes, weaving through debris, until they reached the entrance to the compound.
"Inside! Go!" Mike yelled.
Germany – FANG V2 Compound – Control Room
Kessler's eyes glinted with anticipation as she watched the chaos unfold. She pressed a final button, her hands trembling with excitement. "It's time to finish this."
-----
The battle with Erebus is only just beginning, but Mike and his team have made their move. As they make their way deeper into the compound, Kessler prepares to deliver her final blow. Will they reach the control room in time to shut down the monster she's created, or will they fall to her nightmare? The final moments are closing in.