The one retrieved from The Void

Vastian sensed a raw, untamed power within the wolf spirit, a force of nature cloaked in illusion. He perceived flashes of images: the wolf shifting between realities, creating phantoms that misled and confused. There was a core of predatory cunning beneath the illusory facade, a primal instinct to hunt and deceive. But the wolf's potential seemed limitless, a canvas waiting for a master artist to bring its full potential to light.

A chilling darkness emanated from the serpent spirit. Its power was destructive, a force of nature bent on consuming all in its path. Vastian felt a primal hunger, a cosmic appetite that sought to devour existence itself. But this power was raw and uncontrolled, a tempest waiting to be harnessed.

The guardian spirit was a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Its power was vast and complex, tied to ancient symbols and cosmic energies. Vastian sensed a potential for creation and destruction, a balance between life and death. The spirit seemed to be a repository of knowledge, a cosmic librarian with the ability to shape reality through understanding. But this power was dormant, requiring a key to unlock its true potential.

The shadow entity was an abyss given form, a void with a consciousness. Its power was not merely destructive, but nihilistic. It sought not just to consume, but to erase the very concept of existence. Beneath the suffocating darkness, there was a whisper of creation, but it was a twisted, corrupted form of creation, birthing horrors from the depths of non-being.

He had to determine the ideal vessels for each spirit, then delve deeper into their essence. Understanding these entities was crucial for the hunt for the Forgotten. His primary focus would be mastering the Path and the effective utilization of Anima.

Four years slipped by unnoticed. The Hek family had evolved. Celine was now dating Luther, a businessman involved in military contracts. His presence at family gatherings was commonplace. Jacob, having completed basic training, was on the cusp of joining an elite military program, currently deployed on a testing mission. Aleara, Vastian, and Beck were in their final year of school. Clara and Arthur, while busy with their careers, prioritized family time with Aleara and Beck. Gerald and Abigail remained enigmatic, their activities shrouded in secrecy.

Soon, plans were made for Jacob's return home for his younger brothers' birthday. November 2nd was their shared birthday; Beck's exact birthdate was unknown due to his abandonment, so they'd chosen to celebrate together.

On that day, Jacob was immersed in the heart of a dense jungle with his unit. Two senior officers were evaluating their readiness for the elite program. One was a man, the other a woman—a striking figure of lethal grace. Her short, raven-purple hair was cut with military precision, framing eyes that held the depth of a midnight sea, flecked with predatory gold. Beneath the austere black kimono, a sleek underarmor hugged her lithe yet muscular form. A vibrant yellow sash, a defiant splash of color, cinched her waist with lethal elegance.

Her skin was pale, almost ethereal, as if sunlight was an alien concept. Her eyes held an inner glow, a predator's watchful intensity. There was a stillness to her, a predatory calm, suggesting a world viewed as a chessboard. Every movement was calculated, fluid, a ballet of controlled aggression. She carried herself with an air of quiet authority, a silent promise of power and precision.

The man was a counterpoint to her intensity. His sharp features and intense blue eyes commanded attention, a mask of icy calm over a mind constantly calculating. His hair, a striking shade of blue, was slicked back, revealing a high forehead marked by subtle lines of concentration. The angular planes of his face were accentuated by deliberate blue streaks, a signature of individuality. A meticulously trimmed goatee added a touch of refinement to his rugged appearance.

Clad in a high-collared jacket that exuded an air of understated authority, he moved with the quiet confidence of a predator. Beneath the jacket, a layer of advanced, tactical gear suggested a man prepared for any contingency. His posture was erect, his stance wide and stable, suggesting a lifetime dedicated to physical conditioning. There was an aura of controlled aggression about him, a silent promise of lethal efficiency.

Jacob was part of a three-person team. Joining him were two women. One, a striking figure, exuded an aura of futuristic elegance. Tall and poised, she commanded attention. Her outfit, a harmonious blend of tradition and technology, consisted of a glossy, translucent top and wide-legged pants shimmering beneath a black, asymmetrical jacket. A belt cinched her waist. Her vibrant red hair, styled in a complex updo, contrasted starkly with the dark tones of her attire. Circular red markings on her face hinted at a cultural or technological significance.

The second woman was a stark contrast. Shorter and more muscular, she had a practical, no-nonsense air about her. Her hair was cropped close to her head, a shade of sandy blonde that blended seamlessly with her olive skin. She wore a dark green combat suit, reinforced at the elbows and knees. Her face was marked by a series of fine lines, evidence of a life lived on the edge. Her eyes, a piercing blue, held a keen intelligence and a hint of weariness. She carried a compact, high-tech rifle, its design suggesting a blend of military and futuristic technology. Her movements were economical, suggesting years of rigorous training and combat experience.

Jacob, was clad in a dark, functional uniform, he moved with the silent precision of a shadow. His attire was a blend of military and tech-wear, designed for maximum mobility and protection. A tactical vest, laden with pouches and compartments, suggested he was prepared for any contingency.

The operation was a complex ballet of stealth and force, played out on a verdant stage. Six teams, each a specialized instrument, were closing in on a solitary figure hidden within the emerald labyrinth. The mission was clear: neutralize the target without compromising the delicate ecosystem. Team Alpha would establish a perimeter, their movements as silent as shadows through the undergrowth. Team Bravo, eyes in the sky, would provide aerial surveillance, their drones as silent as owls. Team Charlie, the breachers, were honed tools, ready to penetrate the fugitive's sanctuary. Team Delta, the medics, were a lifeline, ever-ready to heal. Team Echo, the intelligence unit, were the minds behind the operation, calculating every move. And then there was Team Foxtrot, Jacob's team, their role still shrouded in mystery.

The ruins were a monolithic scar on the jungle's verdant skin. Carved from ancient stone, the structure was a testament to a lost civilization with an affinity for the celestial. The colossal, weathered door was adorned with intricate carvings of stars and constellations, a stark contrast against the overgrowth.

Inside, the chamber was a cavernous space, dimly lit by shafts of sunlight filtering through cracks in the overgrown roof. The air was thick with the scent of decay and damp earth. Dozens of statues, once pristine, were now eroded and covered in a patina of green. Each depicted humanoid figures, but with exaggerated features and elongated limbs, their poses suggesting a ritualistic purpose. At the chamber's heart stood a colossal statue, its form androgynous and imposing. Arms outstretched towards an unseen sky, it was a silent sentinel.

"Team Charlie in position," a voice reported.

"Team Alpha in position," another confirmed.

"Team Bravo in position," came the third report.

"Team Delta in position," the final confirmation.

"Proceed," the man ordered, his voice low and commanding.

"Let's not miss a thing, Al," Kira murmured, her eyes fixed on the multiple screens.

When the order was given, Team Charlie sprang into action.