Chapter: January 16, 2026 — 7:48 AMAbove Laguna Province — Operation Sunfire, Phase One
The morning light stretched thin across the rolling hills of southern Luzon, filtered through wisps of cloud and ash. From above, the once-green sprawl of Laguna looked scarred and wrong. Patches of blackened ground radiated out from grotesque, pulsating Bloom Nests—biological tumors of flesh and vine rooted deep into the earth. They were spreading—too fast.
"Overwatch Command to Sunfire Group. You are clear for engagement. Repeat: weapons free."
