Chapter 26: Virginia: Labyrinth

Summary

• The protagonist is anxiously awaiting news on Victra's status in ongoing battles.
• They are preparing the Nucleus for a drop, which is soon compromised by enemy particle beams damaging its thermal wall.
• As the Nucleus begins overheating, the protagonist orders emergency evacuations, prioritizing non-armored individuals first.
• Oro, a character without armor, is dramatically rescued from the heat and brought on board the lift with Holiday's help.
• The protagonist feels responsible for the delay and resulting damage but is focused on containing the invasion.
• They discuss the lift's malfunction and decide to utilize gravBoots to abandon the lift and escape via an alternate route.
• An encounter with enemy forces leads to a plan to avoid descending in the lift, as it would lead to them being trapped.
• They fight and ambush enemies as they navigate the corridors, trying to reach their command center in the Hollows.
• The protagonist is identified as the ultimate prize by enemies and they strategize how to maneuver away from the advancing enemy.
• There is a tense moment of silence before Holiday reports their tactic to make the enemy believe they are elsewhere has worked and shares news about a character named Kavax who is alive but captured.
• When the power goes out amid conflict, the protagonist uses their Sovereign implant to control the station doors, facilitating their escape.
• The protagonist reflects on not compromising empathy even in dire circumstances, distinguishing themselves from ruthless characters like Adrius or their father.
• The protagonist sets up an elaborate ambush for Apollonius, the leader of the enemy forces, with Holiday's assistance.
• There is a grisly battle with Apollonius, which involves clever tactics, traps, and face-to-face confrontation.
• Apollonius is ultimately trapped but at a high cost, shown by the intense struggle to subdue him and the death of a Lionguard.
• Apollonius is finally caught after a series of failed attempts and the use of a new weapon called a misericord.
• Before killing Apollonius, the protagonist calls for a retreat after a grenade goes off, allowing the enemy to rise again amidst confusion.