Purification Commander-in-Chief Authorizes Shadow-Class Weapons

A green energy shield formed an impenetrable barrier behind Aisha. The Purification Force's energy blasts dissolved into harmless motes of light the instant they struck it. Kalgara and the Revolutionary Army squad followed close behind her, rushing out through the hospital's back door.

"Head east!" Kalgara ordered, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.

Aisha looked exhausted, but she remained alert. The Life Key glowed steadily green in her hand. "I'm afraid they've surrounded the entire hospital. We have to move fast."

A Purification Force soldier suddenly emerged from a corner. Kalgara reacted at once and kicked him away. "Looks like there are plenty of them."

They passed through the small grove behind the hospital and reached the edge of town. To their surprise, the residents who had been moving sluggishly with vacant eyes were regaining their senses. They were evacuating in orderly groups, as though following a plan laid out in advance. Younger people helped the elderly toward the island's western side, while the children were kept safe in the center of the procession.

"The Life Key's power really is extraordinary," one of the Revolutionary Army members marveled. "It looks like everyone's recovered."

Aisha nodded, a flicker of pride and relief crossing her face. "That's our duty as Guardians. The Life Key can heal more than wounds to the body. It can also restore minds eroded by Void Erosion."

They continued east, doing their best to avoid the town center. But the Purification Force had clearly cast a wide search net across the island. A squad of about ten was closing in from the side.

"Cover me!" Aisha stopped abruptly, gripped the Life Key with both hands, and began chanting an ancient incantation.

Kalgara and the others immediately formed a defensive line in front of her. As Aisha chanted,