Moments later
After dragging Kolade back to the helicopter, Kevin let go of him without saying much. Kolade slumped into a seat, breathing hard.
The soldiers didn't ask questions. They lifted off at once, rotors beating furiously, pulling them up into the violent storm. Rain smashed against the windows. Lightning flashed, illuminating Kolade’s dazed face.
The helicopter banked hard and fled the ruined city, engines howling in the gale.
---
Meanwhile, inside the crater
A deep, black pit yawned in the ruined ground. Lava glowed sullen red far below, painting the crater walls in molten color. Rain pelted down, sending white-hot hiss and steam swirling up in eerie fog. Water from the flooded streets gushed into the hole in rivers.
Suddenly, green auras flickered in the sky.
A bright gr
