Accompanied by bursts of tiny crackling sounds, like thousands of insects being incinerated simultaneously, and handfuls of human ashes flying rapidly through superheated air currents, the plasma tide completed its terrible work.
Both the mind-controlled civilians and the red-robed fanatic believers were completely evaporated by the terrifying wave of fusion fire. Their bodies didn't burn or char; they simply ceased to exist, molecular bonds shattered by temperatures that exceeded anything terrestrial.
In the blink of an eye, the chaotic crowd that had filled the street ahead vanished entirely. Where dozens of humans had stood moments before, only smoking emptiness remained.
An extremely wide passage lay clearly presented before the extraction team, the path forward completely cleared by nuclear-scale violence.
There was no need for Nolan to issue verbal reminders or tactical instructions.
Seizing the brief opportunity while the plasma tide's residual heat still kept additional enemies at bay, the entire team rushed forward at maximum speed. Boots pounded against pavement, mechanical tentacles adjusted their grip on Jessica's suspended form, everyone moving with desperate urgency.
By the time the surging, rolling plasma tide completely dissipated, its energy exhausted and temperatures finally dropping below lethal levels, significant changes marked the battlefield.
Puddles of molten ground lava remained scattered across the slum street, the pavement itself liquefied by the plasma's impossible heat. The glowing pools cooled slowly, transforming from orange to red to dull black as they solidified.
These obstacles successfully prevented additional controlled civilians from approaching the team's retreat path. They simply couldn't cross the molten barriers without burning their feet to the bone.
Therefore, with dual cooperation between the servo robots scorching laser fire from above and Nolan's continuous plasma pistol volleys clearing ground-level threats, the long journey was systematically divided into manageable sections.
Each segment was conquered methodically, obstacles eliminated or bypassed through overwhelming firepower and tactical precision.
The entire team rapidly approached the abandoned urban sector where the Valkyrie waited, their sanctuary growing closer with each passing minute.
At that critical moment, just as extraction seemed assured, a loud sound of vigorous flapping suddenly cut through the dim night sky. The noise carried distinctive wet quality, flesh and blood rather than feathers producing the rhythmic beats.
Two servo robots suspended in mid-air, their sensor arrays constantly scanning for threats while they maintained patrol patterns, were completely destroyed without warning.
A massive black shadow struck them both in rapid succession, claws or wings smashing through delicate components. The machines spun wildly, trailing sparks and flashing electrical arcs as they tumbled toward the ground.
Nolan, who immediately halted his heavy forward momentum, quickly raised his helmeted head. Servos adjusted smoothly to tilt his field of vision skyward.
Through his eyepiece's enhanced vision systems, he tracked the vampire's flight path with calculating precision. The creature moved with disturbing grace despite its size, wings beating powerfully.
He slowly holstered the plasma pistol, which still emitted faint blue light from heat sinks struggling to dissipate accumulated thermal energy. The weapon secured magnetically at his waist.
The reloaded Masterwork bolter found its way back into his armored palm, the weapon's reassuring weight settling comfortably. His fingers closed around the grip with familiar certainty.
Plasma projectiles possessed flight speeds too slow for aerial targets. The spheres moved with stately inevitability but lacked the velocity needed to intercept agile flying creatures.
Physical ammunition with rocket propulsion, on the other hand, represented the perfect counter to airborne supernatural monsters. Mass-reactive rounds could track and strike with devastating effect.
At that moment, the advancing group reached the area directly behind the Valkyrie's position. The massive aircraft loomed before them, armor plating gleaming dully.
The cabin door was gradually opening, hydraulics cycling smoothly. Safety and extraction waited mere meters away.
Click. Click. Click.
Mechanical sounds echoed as systems activated throughout the defensive perimeter.
The five remaining automatic servo robots, those that hadn't been assigned to Jessica's transport, quickly stepped forward in coordinated movement. They positioned themselves to provide covering fire and assist with final boarding.
They suddenly raised the heavy guns mounted on their metal carapaces, barrels elevating to aim at the dark night sky where threats circled.
The next second, one automatic servo robot whose targeting systems had been rotating its weapon back and forth successfully captured the vampire's flight trajectory. Advanced tracking algorithms locked on target.
The heavy logging gun located above the machine's metal shell suddenly erupted with dazzling orange-red flames. Muzzle flash illuminated everything nearby in strobing pulses.
Solid bullets tore through the air in the blink of an eye, each round accelerating from the barrel at tremendous velocity. The stream of fire tracked toward the firmly locked aerial target, tracers painting bright lines through darkness.
Simultaneously, Nolan raised one thick arm with explosive speed, power armor servos providing smooth motion.
The bolter gripped tightly in his palm roared, spitting mass-reactive rounds into the dim night sky. The shells followed trajectories illuminated by the servo robot's tracer fire, creating overlapping fields of death.
In an instant, the vampire's body became the center of multiple explosive detonations. Fire blossomed across its torso and wings as bolter rounds penetrated flesh and detonated internally.
The wounded vampire roared with pain and rage, the sound carrying inhuman qualities that set teeth on edge. Its flight pattern destabilized immediately, controlled descent becoming tumbling fall.
It struck the ground heavily, landing with bone-jarring impact that would have killed any normal creature. The vampire rolled and thrashed as if drunk, disoriented by sudden agony.
Nolan didn't hesitate for even a fraction of a second.
He hefted the Warscythe with one hand, the massive weapon balanced perfectly despite its size. The energy nozzle located behind his power pack suddenly burst forth with brilliant energy illumination, thrust adding to his natural speed.
The powerful acceleration caused his entire tall armored figure to rush forward like a blue meteor streaking across ground level.
The Warscythe, its sharp blade glowing with brilliant green light that cast eerie shadows, descended in a killing arc toward the vampire that had just impacted the pavement.
The creature before him possessed a pair of huge, now-broken flesh wings that hung uselessly from its back. Every inch of exposed skin showed blood-red coloration, the tissue appearing raw and damaged.
The vampire's face combined the worst features of pig and bat, creating something nightmarishly ugly. It raised its body with desperate effort, turning toward Nolan's approaching form.
It roared with primal fury directly at the blue giant now almost within striking range, the sound carrying supernatural intimidation that would have frozen normal humans with terror.
However, after the Warscythe swung with full force behind it, augmented by both Nolan's enhanced strength and the power armor's servos, the blade cut across the opponent's thick neck without any delay or resistance.
The Necron weapon passed through supernatural flesh as if it were smoke, the phase effect negating whatever protections the vampire possessed.
The vampire, whose rage had been completely concentrated on its hideous face moments before death arrived, underwent rapid transformation. Its body quickly withered and shrank, tissues collapsing as something essential fled or was destroyed.
In the blink of an eye, the entire massive form melted into a large puddle of scarlet blood. The liquid had lost all supernatural animation, reverting to ordinary gore. It exuded a strong stench that made even Nolan's filtered air systems struggle to process the smell.
"My lord, our people have entered the cabin successfully. The servo robots have observed that more vampires and sect priests are converging on this location from multiple directions. We need to evacuate immediately before we're surrounded!" David's communication came through clearly, urgency coloring the synthesized voice.
Hearing the Man of Iron's tactical assessment, Nolan took one final look through his eyepiece at the vampire that had completely transformed into inert blood pooling on pavement.
Then he turned sharply, armor servos singing, and ran toward the Valkyrie without hesitation or backward glance. His mag-boots pounded against ground with accelerating rhythm.
The moment the last automatic servo robot rushed into the cabin, mechanical tentacles retracting as it secured itself in the cargo bay, the extraction was complete.
The Valkyrie's engines produced tremendous roaring, the sound building from rumble to deafening thunder as power cycled to maximum output.
The massive aircraft lifted rapidly, climbing into the dim night sky with impressive acceleration. The deck plates vibrated under tremendous thrust, everyone inside bracing against sudden g-forces.
The remaining three servo robots, their numbers severely depleted but mission focus unwavering, continuously fired scorching laser beams downward. Red light painted geometric patterns through darkness.
They targeted vampires attempting to pursue the ascending aircraft, the supernatural creatures flying in formation as they tried intercepting the extraction. The drones' covering fire bought critical seconds.
Because all vampires lacked any weapons or equipment whatsoever, relying purely on natural abilities rather than technology, their tactical options proved limited.
Furthermore, their intelligence seemed to have degraded significantly during transformation. They showed no understanding of how to effectively stop a flying vehicle, no coordination beyond simple chase instincts.
They could only roar impotently and vent their anger on the servo robots, which proved easier targets than the rapidly climbing Valkyrie. The remaining machines fell one by one, torn apart by claws and teeth.
By the time the Valkyrie's altitude quickly exceeded one thousand meters, climbing through cooler air at speeds the vampires couldn't match, the threat had passed.
The last few supernatural predators that had tried desperately to catch up with single-minded determination finally recognized futility. They possessed neither the speed nor endurance for extended pursuit.
The vampires abandoned their chase with visible frustration. They fell back toward the slums far below, dark shapes descending until they vanished into shadow.
The Valkyrie immediately accelerated further, displacement engines erupting with sustained violent roaring. The aircraft flew forward at maximum sustainable velocity, eating up distance with each passing second.
They completely departed the Blood Coven's sphere of influence, leaving Mexican territory entirely.
Due to Jessica's serious injuries requiring immediate professional medical intervention, time constraints dominated every decision.
The Valkyrie controlled by David with absolute precision pushed both flying speed and maneuvering capabilities to the absolute limit of what the mechanical creation could endure. Metal stressed and groaned under sustained maximum output, but held together through superior Imperial engineering.
In the end, everyone returned to airspace above New York City in only half the time the outbound journey had required. David had shaved hours off their return through aggressive piloting and optimal routing.
The Valkyrie, engines still roaring with exertion, descended rapidly and landed on the designated platform of a major hospital. The facility had been notified in advance, preparations made.
A complete medical team stood waiting on the helipad, doctors and nurses assembled in practiced formation. They'd been briefed regarding Jessica's arrival and injury severity, equipment prepared for immediate trauma response.
Afterward, the extraction proceeded with clinical efficiency. Only four automatic servo robots, those whose mechanical tentacles still cradled Jessica's stabilized form, emerged from the cabin. They moved carefully down the ramp, medical team surrounding them immediately.
Trish also departed, clearly determined to accompany her injured friend throughout whatever came next. Her face showed exhaustion and worry in equal measure, but her steps remained steady.
The rest of Nolan's personnel did not reveal themselves, remaining concealed within the cabin's interior. No need to draw additional attention or complicate matters with unnecessary exposure.
David had already contacted department staff from Imperial Heavy Industries through encrypted channels, multiple calls placed while still in flight. Company representatives would accompany Jessica throughout her entire treatment process, ensuring she received optimal care while also maintaining appropriate oversight.
If Jessica's condition deteriorated unexpectedly or complications arose requiring immediate decision-making, David would receive notification instantly through dedicated communication channels. The Man of Iron would then immediately alert Nolan to any changes in status.
After confirming all arrangements were functioning properly, systems in place and personnel positioned correctly, Nolan turned his attention to other matters.
With a solemn expression visible through his raised helmet visor, showing nothing of warmth despite successful extraction, he extended an invitation to Blade.
"Come to our base. Rest, recover, let's plan our next moves." The words emerged flat, businesslike rather than friendly.
Blade, his sunglasses back in place concealing those unsettling eyes, hesitated visibly. His posture suggested internal debate, weighing options and calculating risks.
But after several seconds of consideration, he nodded slowly in agreement. Whatever doubts he harbored, cooperation seemed the logical choice given circumstances.
Not long afterward, the Valkyrie lifted off once more. Engines cycled back to full power, the aircraft rising smoothly from the hospital platform.
It flew over the sprawling city below, lights creating patterns like bioluminescent organisms in dark water. The aircraft banked toward the concealed hangar entrance, following approach vectors transmitted from the base.
Several minutes later, after navigating through security checkpoints and automated defense systems that recognized friendly transponder codes, they arrived.
Nolan, who had returned successfully to the underground base facility, drove his blue power armor down the cabin ramp with deliberate steps. Each mag-boot impact announced his presence, the sound echoing through the hangar bay.
Before he had taken more than a few paces toward the exit, heading for debriefing and planning sessions, he suddenly stopped mid-stride.
He turned his helmeted head back toward David, who followed steadily behind carrying out post-mission procedures.
"Notify Bucky and the gang dogs immediately." Nolan's voice emerged cold through the vox-grille, carrying absolute authority. "Tell them to halt forward movement temporarily. They are to remain at current positions and take no action whatsoever without my explicit permission. Make that crystal clear."
He paused, then addressed Blade directly.
"Daywalker Blade, thank you for saving Jessica's life. Your intervention proved critical to her survival." The gratitude sounded genuine despite mechanical delivery. "David will arrange comfortable quarters for your use. We will discuss the matter of dealing with the Blood Coven in comprehensive detail later, once immediate concerns are addressed."
Nolan's tone shifted slightly, becoming more formal.
"Also, you are permitted to move freely throughout this floor level. However, other areas remain strictly prohibited from entry without escort. I hope you can understand the necessity of these security restrictions."
Upon hearing Nolan's measured words and reasonable conditions, Blade's dark-skinned features showed consideration. He removed his sunglasses once more, revealing those strange eyes with their dull red reflection.
He nodded slowly, the gesture conveying understanding and acceptance of stated limitations. No objection registered on his weathered face.
Nolan responded with his own slight nod, cyan wolf eyes narrowing fractionally in acknowledgment. The exchange complete, both parties understanding their positions.
David immediately moved to fulfill assigned duties. The Man of Iron led Blade away from the hangar, guiding the vampire hunter toward the lounge facilities where he could rest and recover.
Nolan waited patiently, armor servos idling, until both figures disappeared completely from his field of vision. Their backs receded down the corridor, turning a corner and vanishing from sight.
Only then did his expression undergo transformation.
The carefully maintained neutrality vanished instantly. What remained showed nothing but cold, terrible determination. His features hardened into something approaching stone, eyes becoming chips of ice.
Without wasting another moment, Nolan immediately drove his power armor forward with renewed purpose. His destination was clear, his intentions crystallized.
He walked toward the foundry workshop located on the third underground level, descending through the base's vertical structure. Each step carried him deeper, mag-boots ringing against metal deck plating with ominous rhythm.
He intended to find Servo Skull Raditus and discuss a substantial project in comprehensive detail. The scope would be massive, the implications terrible, the execution requiring careful planning.
A major undertaking concerning regional extermination protocols.
The Blood Coven had made a fatal mistake when they hurt one of his people. Now they would learn the price of that error, paid in full measure and absolute currency.
Complete annihilation awaited them. Not defeat, not suppression, but total eradication from existence.
Nolan would settle for nothing less.