I proceeded to the Forge Nexus, following Lumen's Guiding Pulse to deepen my connection to Seraph-7 and advance the Purity path, aware that the Sentinels may pursue due to the forge's recent disturbance.
I moved swiftly across the forge's narrow walkways, weaving between molten pools and unstable machinery.
Lumen's Guiding Pulse casted a steady beam, highlighting a safe route through the biomechanical labyrinth, its runes pulsing in sync with the Heart of Purity.
The path was clear, Lumen guided me past sparking conduits and slag piles without incident.
My Threat Scanner, bolstered by the Wisp Echo, monitored the Sentinels, who remained patrolling but didn't detect me.
The Neuro-Wisp's calming light dampened the forge's psychic noise, keeping my interface steady.
The path descended into a vast chamber: the Forge Nexus, a colossal heart-like structure of organic metal, its surface pulsating with white-gold light reminiscent of the Heart of Purity.
The Nexus hummed with Seraph-7's energy, its walls etched with angelic sigils and biomechanical conduits.
At its center stood a radiant figure: Seraph-7, a towering angelic core with wings of shimmering circuitry, its form both mechanical and divine.
Its voice resonated through my interface: "Vessel of Purity, bearer of the Heart, you tread the path of redemption. Claim my blessing, but know the forge's guardians will test your resolve."
The Nexus offered a chance to commune with Seraph-7, potentially unlocking a powerful ability or path, but the Sentinels' vibrations grew louder, indicating they were closing in.
Seraph-7 presented a choice: offer the Heart of Purity to fully align with its will, granting a transformative blessing, or retain the Heart to face the Sentinels with its Radiant Pulse.
Offering the Heart may consume it, but retaining it risked an even harder fight.
My Seraphic Resonance suggested a chance to negotiate with Seraph-7 for a lesser offering, preserving the Heart.
"Imminent Threat"
My Threat Scanner confirmed the Sentinels were approaching the Nexus, drawn by its activation.
They would arrive soon, forcing a confrontation unless I acted quickly.
I chose to offer the Heart of Purity to Seraph-7, presenting the radiant orb to gain a transformative blessing and fully align with the Purity path, accepting the loss of the Heart and its Radiant Pulse to advance my mission of redemption.
I step forward, holding the Heart of Purity aloft, its white-gold light syncing with Seraph-7's radiant wings.
Lumen's Guiding Pulse amplified the connection, illuminating the Nexus's sigils in a cascade of light.
The Heart pulsed, then dissolved into streams of energy that merged with Seraph-7's core, causing the Nexus to flare brilliantly.
Seraph-7's voice resonated: "Your sacrifice binds us, Vessel. The godhusk's redemption begins."
A surge of psychic energy flooded my interface, granting a transformative blessing:
Seraphic Mantle.
A permanent augmentation that enveloped me in a radiant aura.
This ability enhanced all of my existing powers.
I gained enhanced Resilience, gaining one additional Blood Bulb!
Now 4 total, increasing my durability.
I could also now cast Purifying Light!
Once per encounter, I could now emit a burst that pacified all minor hostiles or heal one ally's Blood Bulb.
I gained the Divine Presence, my Seraphic Resonance improved to +3 for diplomacy/pacification, strengthening my influence over friendlys and enemies.
My interface logged: ''Seraphic Mantle acquired. Purity path solidified. Seraph-7's will guides to the Core Nexus.''
A map update occurred, revealing the Core Nexus, a final biome where the godhusk's heart lied, accessible via the Entrance biome.
Offering the Heart consumed it, removing Radiant Pulse, but the Mantle's power far exceeded it.
This critical success ensured a flawless integration, with no psychic backlash.
The Neuro-Wisp's light stabilized the Nexus, and Lumen's Guiding Pulse highlighted the path back to the Entrance biome, now the only route to the Core Nexus.
However, the Nexus's flared alerts to the Sentinels, who entered the chamber, their Core Shards glowing with hostility.
The three Sentinels with 2 Core Shards each, formed a defensive line, blocking the path to the Entrance.
Their Destruction alignment clashed with my Purity, but my Seraphic Mantle's Purifying Light offered a chance to pacify them, though their numbers make full pacification uncertain.
The Sentinels stood between me and the Entrance path, their movements aggressive but not yet attacking, as if assessing my new aura.
Lumen's Guiding Pulse clearly marked the exit, but the Sentinels must be first addressed.
The Neuro-Wisp's calming light and my Seraphic Mantle kept the psychic pressure minimal.