Chapter 14: (CH13)THE BLOODIED GATE
[GLOBAL HOST POPULATION: 992,417]
[LUIS MENDOZA - LEVEL 2 (33% Progress to Next Level)]
GFH Forward Operating Base "Iron Haven" - Manila Outskirts
Aya adjusted the strap of her katana as she stood at attention among the assembled forces. Fifty Hosts—some in GFH uniforms, others in scavenged armor—stood in disciplined rows alongside 20,000 regular military personnel. The air hummed with tension as General Azura, a broad-shouldered man with a face like weathered stone, climbed onto the makeshift stage.
"Listen well!" his voice boomed without a microphone. "The Lions-Bane has turned Manila into its hunting ground. We cannot fight it—not yet. But what we can do is ensure no more monsters enter our world through the chaos!"
A holographic map of Manila’s exits flared to life behind him—twelve major routes, all now marked for blockade.
"The Crimson Blades, the Free Host Coalition, the Shadow Pact—they’re all scrambling to escape the city. We will let them," Azura continued, his gaze sharp. "And when they reach these choke points, we will cull them. Every Guild Host we eliminate is one less threat to the people!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. "FOR THE PHILIPPINES!"
Aya’s grip tightened on her katana as her god’s voice whispered in her mind.