ã€ŠThe Gateã€‹


 The Gate

    The Three Portals of Helheim 74B

    The three portals of Helheim were, for most of the inhabitants of the citadel, as much a mystery as their very own origins. Fourth-generation refugees, the residents of Helheim 74B were the unwanted outcasts of the human conglomerate, discarded by solar systems that viewed them as little more than dead weight. 74B, a planet on the fringes of the known universe, served as a dumping ground for crushed dreams. Here, technology wasn¡¯t synonymous with comfort. It was the invisible hand that ruled with brutality.

    The portals were Helheim¡¯s only connection to the rest of the universe. They operated on precise schedules, opening only to planets with similar conditions. No one knew how to control them anymore; the knowledge had been lost with earlier generations. To most, the portals were both salvation and threat.

    On Tuesdays and Fridays, the portal near Tyrin¡¯s house would open. As the family¡¯s secondary provider, he was forced to traverse it, risking lawless territories in search of sustenance. But that day, luck seemed to smile upon him.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m home. I brought a surprise.¡±

    The dwelling, a ten-square-meter cubicle, reeked of a thin broth boiling in an old cauldron. His mother, her face marked by the years, stirred the soup with slow, deliberate motions.

    ¡°Hi, son. Dinner is almost ready.¡±

    ¡°Mom, look what I brought to mix in!¡±

    He revealed a large piece of meat. The reaction was immediate:

    ¡°Where did this come from? You know we don¡¯t have money. Are you stealing, Tyrin?¡±

    ¡°Mom, relax. I got lucky this week. I made a good profit through the portal. We¡¯ve got enough food for the whole month.¡±

    She sighed in relief.

    ¡°Your father would be proud of what you do for us.¡±

    From the corner, a thin voice called out:

    ¡°Brother, what did you bring? Is there something sweet?¡±

    It was Frida, his younger sister. Her pink wheelchair gleamed even in the dim environment, a symbol of Tyrin¡¯s sacrifices. He smiled.

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯d forget about you?¡±

    From his tattered backpack, he pulled out a caramel apple.

    ¡°Do you like it? I made it myself. It took some tricky bartering.¡±

    Before he could explain further, Frida rushed forward, her chair bumping into his ankle.

    ¡°Give it to me already! It looks delicious!¡±

    To an outsider, their interaction might seem ordinary, but in 74B, moments like this were rare. Happiness was a luxury.

    74B was no place for bonds. Here, men rarely lived past 40, summoned by the Federation to fight in a distant war no one understood. It was a fate that Tyrin¡¯s father had also faced. Before leaving, he had taught his son the essentials: ¡°Always be prepared.¡±

    Since then, Tyrin carried the burden of his family¡¯s survival. The hostile environment allowed no respite. Metal creaked, pipes groaned, and the cold seeped into his very bones. Nights brought him only restless memories of his father¡¯s words.

    The next morning, the dim light in the corridor announced the start of a new day. He was preparing to face the portal once again.

    ¡°Mother, today is different. The portal is configured for a noble¡¯s planet in the Alpha system. They say it¡¯s the first time in decades we¡¯ll interact with a place like that.¡±

    She nodded, worried.

    ¡°Be careful, son. The unknown is never trustworthy.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    The central hall of the citadel was massive, spanning two square kilometers. The portal at its center stood like a monument from a legend: a circle adorned with glimmering stones, its surface rippling like living water.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    The crowd gathered, watching as the Pioneers¡ªthe explorers tasked with braving the unknown¡ªprepared to cross. Their dirty uniforms and rudimentary weapons betrayed the citadel¡¯s desperate state.

    ¡°Make way! The Pioneers are coming through!¡±

    Tyrin watched from amidst the throng. The portal activated with a brilliant glow, its connection to another world taking shape. However, before any human could pass through, protocol was clear.

    ¡°Corporal, send it.¡±

    A soldier held a small dog. The animal wagged its tail, but the man¡¯s gaze was cold. Without hesitation, he injected a substance into the dog¡¯s neck.

    The dog whimpered but was pushed into the portal. Its crossing served as the ultimate test of the destination¡¯s safety.

    The hall fell silent. Everyone waited, tense, for the implanted sensor¡¯s feedback. The glow flickered momentarily, and murmurs began to spread.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t look away. To him, this was more than a spectacle. It was a glimpse of something that could either change his life¡ªor end it.

    The portals of 74B were a bridge to the unknown, but also symbols of despair and survival. For Tyrin, their significance was clear. A medium-sized planet connected to the portal represented a unique opportunity, but he knew the situation was dire. The commotion in the hall made that evident. Hours dragged on, and the news was grim: no one sent through returned from the other side.

    As the hall emptied, Tyrin remained vigilant. In a closed room on one of the citadel¡¯s upper levels, a high-ranking meeting was underway, invisible to the public. Few had access, but the discussions within could decide Helheim¡¯s future.

    ¡°Major,¡± began the colonel, his voice heavy with frustration, ¡°are you telling me we¡¯ve lost a medium-sized planet in the Alpha quadrant? In Centurion Alpha? That¡¯s never happened before.¡±

    ¡°Sir, we sent seven men. Only the test subject returned. No one else is willing to cross.¡±

    The colonel leaned forward, his eyes blazing with anger. ¡°Then we send more. As many as it takes. I won¡¯t accept losing a planet like this.¡±

    One of the officers hesitated before suggesting, ¡°We could send an Astra.¡±

    The mention of the Astras brought silence to the room. They were the Federation¡¯s ultimate warriors, raised from birth in hostile environments, trained to survive and fight in any situation. But deploying an Astra was a delicate decision. They were rare, feared even by their own commanders, and many believed their loyalty was conditional at best.

    ¡°Astra Yank,¡± another officer proposed. ¡°He¡¯s older, past his prime for high-impact missions. But he¡¯s still stronger and more experienced than anyone here.¡±

    The colonel nodded. ¡°Bring Yank. Now.¡±

    The Last Astra

    It didn¡¯t take long for the imposing figure of Yank to enter the room. Standing over 2.1 meters tall, with white hair and a scar splitting his face, he was the embodiment of war. Despite his missing arm and battered armor, the respect he commanded was palpable. At his side, a giant wolf standing 1.7 meters tall moved with calm, reflecting the Astra¡¯s serenity.

    ¡°Corporal Yank, Astra 2-D, reporting. What do you need?¡±

    Yank¡¯s voice was firm and direct, as if each word were a calculated strike.

    ¡°We need you to cross the portal and retrieve the energy stone from quadrant 32,¡± the colonel explained. ¡°This mission is top priority. No deviations.¡±

    ¡°I understand. And if there are survivors?¡±

    ¡°Secondary missions are unnecessary. Obstacles are to be ignored. Focus on the stone.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡± Yank gave a slight nod and turned to leave.

    As he exited, silence filled the room. Everyone knew sending an Astra was an extreme measure. And everyone knew that, despite his state, Yank was still their best chance.

    For Tyrin, the portals represented possibilities: rare goods, perhaps a chance to improve his life and that of his family. But that day, something different hung in the air of the central hall.

    Rumors had spread like wildfire: an Astra was being sent.

    Tyrin had never seen an Astra in person, but he knew the stories. Almost legendary warriors, created to be stronger, faster, and smarter than any ordinary human. The mere presence of an Astra in the citadel was enough to draw a crowd.

    Yank entered the hall with steady steps. Standing over 2.1 meters tall, with white hair and visibly worn armor, he was impossible to ignore. At his side, a wolf of equally impressive proportions moved calmly, its gray fur gleaming under the dim light.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes locked onto him immediately.

    ¡°So this is an Astra,¡± he thought. There was something different about him beyond the height and the scar dividing his face¡ªit was the tranquility. Yank didn¡¯t seem to carry the aggression always associated with Federation warriors.

    As Yank passed, his eyes briefly met Tyrin¡¯s. It was just an instant, but it was enough for Tyrin to feel something strange: not aggression, hatred, or even anger, but understanding.

    He noticed the weapon in the Astra¡¯s hand¡ªa massive pistol that seemed heavier than Tyrin could even lift. Without an arm, Yank no longer wielded the iconic Astra rifle, yet his presence still radiated authority.

    The wolf beside the giant turned its head, looking directly at Tyrin. For a moment, he thought the animal might growl, but it didn¡¯t. Instead, the wolf tilted its head slightly, as if assessing him.

    Tyrin smiled nervously.

    ¡°Clearly, they¡¯re not risking giving this guy a new suit of armor,¡± he thought, trying to mask his unease.

    When Yank reached the center of the hall, he knelt beside the wolf and murmured something. The words weren¡¯t meant for anyone but his companion, yet the entire hall fell silent.

    ¡°May the strength bind me and you, my dear friend.¡±

    Tyrin was surprised. He had never imagined an Astra saying something like that, so... human.

    Before he could process what he had heard, the portal began to glow. Yank stood, gave the hall one last look, and stepped firmly into the light.

    The hall remained silent until he disappeared. Only then did the murmurs and conversations resume.

    Tyrin stayed where he was, thinking about what he had just witnessed. Yank¡¯s presence, the wolf¡¯s calmness, the unexpected phrase... It felt as though something much larger was about to unfold.

 The Gate - Chapter 2

    Aphehein ¨C Alpha Centauri

    Aphehein was once one of the most prosperous planets at the epicenter of the Empire. Its mild temperature, stable atmosphere, and strategic location made it one of the first planets colonized after humanity''s initial expansion. With a population of 12 billion, it was at the peak of what one could expect from an average planet.

    But now, Aphehein lay in ruins.

    Yank emerged from the portal onto a plain that resembled a desert of coal, marked by charred shadows and an unnatural silence. It was as if the planet itself had been burned and then abandoned.

    "Cerberus, stay close," he murmured, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "It''s too quiet."

    Cerberus, the immense wolf accompanying Yank, responded with a low growl. His ears perked up as he began sniffing the air, already on alert for potential threats.

    "Camouflage yourself. Let me know if you sense anything coming."

    With an almost magical movement, the wolf vanished into the landscape, his fur changing color to blend with the environment. Yank took a deep breath. There was something in the air¡ªa smell he couldn''t quite identify but one that stirred memories of the worst battles of his life.

    He wasted no time. Touching his special ring, he summoned the Mark 5000, a .50-caliber submachine gun with dual barrels and a tripod capable of anchoring to any terrain. The ring glowed, and the weapon materialized before him. Even with only one arm, Yank worked with superhuman efficiency, assembling the firing turret in a matter of minutes.

    "Work for me, girl," he muttered as the gun came to life with a mechanical hum. "Let''s take some bastards down."

    A distant howl echoed across the plain, and the tension in the air thickened.

    From the north came the sound of rhythmic clicks, like incessant teeth chattering. It was a sound Yank knew well but could never grow used to.

    "So, it''s Tyranos. Damn devourers."

    The creature appeared on the horizon. It was enormous, at least four meters tall. Its skin was a grotesque fusion of rotting flesh and scar tissue, adorned with human intestines and organs like grotesque trophies. Lifeless eyes dangled from its torso, while its distended abdomen clearly housed the remains of its victims.

    Yank''s stomach turned, but he stayed focused.

    "Cerberus, now!"

    With a silent leap, the wolf reappeared behind the creature. His claws, sharp as blades, tore through the tendons of the entity''s legs, causing it to collapse with a heavy thud. Even fallen, the beast remained grotesque, dragging itself forward with its arms as a guttural scream erupted from its deformed throat.

    Yank moved in. From his belt, he drew a chainsword designed to cut through even the toughest materials. With a firm strike, he drove the blade into the creature''s neck.

    The flesh was as tough as metal, and the saw screeched as it cut, but with immense strength, Yank managed to decapitate the creature. The stench of rotting flesh and bile filled the air, and he stepped back, vomiting as he wiped the blade clean.

    "Damn monsters," he muttered, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Cerberus, we need to move. Time is against us."

    Yank knew the Tyranos were dangerous enough on their own, but as they evolved, they regained senses that made them even deadlier. A fully developed Tyrano, with vision, hearing, and smell, could devastate an entire planet.

    As the sun dipped below the horizon, giving way to a long night, the sound of gunfire filled the air. It was the Mark 5000, detecting more movement.

    Yank crawled to the top of a nearby hill to get a better look. What he saw in the ravine below was even more grotesque than the devourer.

    A massive basin of flesh, blood, and bones formed what looked like a horrific cauldron. Mutilated bodies floated inside, some still bearing expressions of terror.

    "Titayaraus..." Yank whispered.

    The Titayaraus was one of the largest creatures known to the Federation, used by the Tyranos as a means of transporting their royalty. The monstrosity leaned its misshapen mouth over the cauldron, sucking up its contents with a nauseating sound.

    Yank knew he couldn''t waste time. He located his target about a kilometer away and began moving quickly.

    From the top of a dark hill, Yank observed the devastation ahead. The fortress was surrounded by dozens of Tyranos, moving like a grotesque tide around its walls. Creatures of varying sizes and shapes, all equally deformed and threatening, swarmed the plain.

    At the center of the siege stood a Tyrano General. Perched on a giant throne carried by colossal beasts, the General was a chilling sight. His slender, elongated body moved in a serpentine fashion, and his eyes gleamed with cruel intelligence. In his hands was a grotesque goblet fashioned from a hollowed human head, filled with fresh blood.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident."You still resist?" the General bellowed, his voice reverberating like a warped thunderclap. "Surrender, and I promise your deaths will be swift. We are hungry, and your bodies will be devoured whole!"

    Yank, deeply surprised, took a long breath, staying hidden. He knew his presence couldn''t be detected¡ªnot until he reached his objective.

    "Cerberus," he whispered to the wolf beside him. "We''ll carve a path. No one can see us."

    Cerberus growled softly, his ears twitching. He understood the command.

    The two descended the hill slowly, cloaked in shadows. The darkness and Cerberus''s natural camouflage were their greatest allies. Every step was calculated; every sound avoided.

    The first target was alone¡ªa smaller Tyrano patrolling the perimeter. The creature was nauseating in appearance, with long, spindly arms that nearly dragged on the ground and a waxy, melted-looking skin.

    Cerberus approached silently, like a predator. With a precise leap, he sank his fangs into the monster''s throat. There was no sound beyond a muffled gurgle as the Tyrano collapsed, lifeless. Yank quickly moved in, dragging the body into the shadows before it could be noticed.

    "One down," he muttered.

    After half an hour of stealth and lethal precision, Yank finally reached the area near the hatch. He knew exactly what to look for: the Koramia Gigas, an extremely rare tree used exclusively by the Astras to camouflage strategic locations.

    To most, the Koramia Gigas appeared to be just another dead tree. Its dry, gnarled appearance drew no attention. But to the Astras, it was a symbol¡ªa subtle marker indicating that something important lay hidden beneath.

    Among the bodies and ruins, Yank spotted it standing solitary amidst the desolation, its twisted roots buried in the scorched earth.

    He approached quickly, examining the base of the tree.

    "Koramia Gigas," he murmured, touching the rough bark. "You never fail."

    With a pull of his superhuman strength, he uprooted the dead tree, revealing a metallic hatch beneath.

    "Cerberus, we found it."

    The wolf moved closer, staying alert for any danger. Yank opened the hatch, and together, they disappeared into the underground, leaving the battlefield behind.

    Before opening the hatch, Yank cast one last glance at the battlefield. The General remained at the center of the siege, his skeletal arms gesturing wildly as he shouted threats.

    "They have no idea," Yank murmured, a faint smile forming on his lips.

    He turned the hatch''s lock and pulled it open. The entrance gave a soft hiss.

    "Let''s go, Cerberus. We''ve still got work to do."

    The wolf descended first, and Yank followed close behind, shutting the hatch behind them. The fallen Koramia Gigas tree beside the entrance remained as a silent symbol that an Astra had passed through this place.

    Inside the dimly lit corridor, Yank and Cerberus could hear distant commotion. It was clear the battle for the fortress was still raging, but Yank ignored the noise, heading in the opposite direction.

    "We can come back later, Cerberus. If we don''t find what we''re looking for, we''ll return to help."

    A few minutes later, they arrived at the designated laboratory in Quadrant 32. The area was in ruins, with signs of vandalism, shattered glass, and destroyed equipment. The glass room at the center was empty, but the unnerving energy lingering in the space kept Yank on edge.

    "Where is it?" he murmured, scanning the room with sharp eyes.

    Then he noticed a figure lying on the ground, almost motionless. He approached cautiously and heard a faint cry:

    "Help..."

    The woman was lying on her side, her eyes half-closed and her breathing weak. Yank knelt beside her, assessing her injuries.

    "Are you alright?"

    She moved slightly, her voice coming out as a whisper. "Astra...?"

    "Yank, Astra Class 2-B, at your service. Can you tell me the whereabouts of the Bhaskara stone?"

    The woman let out a bitter laugh that quickly turned into a groan of pain.

    "You''ve come for the spoils. How ironic... too late."

    Yank pulled a small vial from his backpack and poured the liquid into her mouth. "Drink this. It''ll help."

    She swallowed with difficulty, but within seconds, her breathing stabilized. Her skin regained some color, and she looked at him with disbelief.

    "Never thought I''d see an Astra save someone irrelevant. You must be from some backwater planet."

    Yank raised an eyebrow. "No human is irrelevant. My mission is the Bhaskara. But if it''s not here, I must fulfill another purpose. Can you stand?"

    The woman, now stronger, nodded slowly.

    "Karin. My name is Karin."

    "Understood. We need to get out of here. This place isn''t safe."

    As Karin followed the Astra, who still seemed to be searching for something in the corridors, she reflected on what needed to be done. It was madness, but if all was lost, they could flee to another planet, even one considered peripheral and irrelevant. Humanity had to prevail.

    Karin pointed toward a distant room. "Wait. Before we leave, I need to grab something important. Help me."

    She led Yank to a locked room. The digital panel blinked, but Karin quickly entered a code, muttering words of disdain under her breath.

    "That bastard tried to steal this from me, but he didn''t succeed. The code''s new, so screw him."

    The door opened with a soft click, revealing an untouched interior. At the center of the room were two gleaming capsules. One contained a vial marked 0-SSS, and the other held a black, opaque egg with the marking 0-S.

    "What''s that?" Yank asked.

    Karin carefully retrieved the items, cradling them as if they were priceless treasures.

    "This is why we were attacked. The vial contains the DNA of the precursor Astra. The egg was combined with the DNA of the strongest creature ever recorded. Together, they could create an unparalleled defender¡ªor a deadly weapon. It was our last hope. But who would''ve thought there was a traitor among us?"

    Before they could continue, footsteps echoed down the corridor. The door suddenly opened, revealing a tall man holding a briefcase and a gun.

    "Karin. You hurt my feelings talking about me like that. Did you really think I wouldn''t know? Now, hand over the briefcase and the egg."

 The Confrontation - Chapter 3

    The first bullet fired before Karin could respond, flying straight toward Yank. With his superhuman reflexes, he dodged, but the sound of the shot echoed loudly, alerting the Tyranos.

    ¡°Cerberus!¡± Yank shouted.

    The camouflaged wolf lunged at the man, sinking his teeth into the arm holding the gun. The traitor screamed as Cerberus brought him to the ground, tearing off his head with a brutal motion.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Karin asked, trembling.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Looks like you are too. Let¡¯s get out of here before more of them show up.¡±

    She glanced at the headless body of the man, then at Yank. ¡°Wait. That bastard has the briefcase, and I think I know what¡¯s inside. We need it.¡±

    She knelt down, trying to pull the briefcase from the dead man¡¯s hand. The corpse seemed to resist, but with a grunt of effort, Karin managed to rip it free.

    ¡°Got it. Hope you rot in hell, you son of a bitch. Ugh, now let¡¯s go.¡±

    Following Karin¡¯s instructions, they made their way to the machinery hall. There, she pointed to an old wall.

    ¡°Behind this is a tunnel that leads to an abandoned sewer. It was an emergency route, but it¡¯s been sealed off for decades.¡±

    Yank examined the structure. ¡°Step back. This will make noise.¡±

    He activated his chainsword, which began spinning with a shrill whine. Karin covered her ears as Yank cut through the wall. The noise was deafening, and soon distant screams began to echo.

    ¡°They¡¯re coming! Can you hurry up?¡± Karin yelled.

    ¡°Almost there! Cerberus, stay alert.¡±

    With a final strike, the wall gave way, revealing the tunnel.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Yank said, pulling Karin as Cerberus moved ahead to lead the way.

    The tunnel was long and dark, filled with the stench of rust and decay. They ran for about a kilometer before reaching the end: a wall of compacted dirt.

    ¡°We¡¯re close to the surface. We just need to dig.¡±

    As Yank and Cerberus dug frantically, Karin collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re still after us?¡± she asked, panting.

    Yank didn¡¯t stop digging. ¡°No doubt. But when they reach the machinery hall, they¡¯ll find the surprise I left for them.¡±

    ¡°What surprise?¡±

    He glanced over his shoulder with a sly smile. ¡°A hydrogen bomb.¡±

    The ground above began to give way, and light from the surface finally illuminated the tunnel.

    ¡°Come on, Karin. We¡¯re almost there.¡±

    With one last push, they emerged into a desolate field. A muffled explosion from the bomb rumbled in the distance, causing the ground to tremble slightly. Yank stared at the horizon, his eyes fixed on the next step of their journey.

    ¡°The mission isn¡¯t over yet. We need to stay alive. Let¡¯s keep moving.¡±

    The sunset over Aphehein painted the sky in fiery hues, while the air was heavy with the scent of burnt flesh and rust. Cerberus, ever vigilant, stayed ahead, sniffing out every step.

    ¡°We need to leave now. They¡¯ll be here soon,¡± Karin said, glancing nervously toward the horizon.

    Yank nodded, adjusting his grip on the chainsword. He looked at the digital map on his armor¡¯s display. The portal was about 5 kilometers away, but the terrain ahead was a treacherous mix of ruins and open plains.

    ¡°We¡¯ll stay out of sight. The General might be nearby.¡±

    They began moving, silently navigating the ruins of an old communication station. The toppled towers cast long shadows that seemed to embrace the survivors, while the wind whistled through the debris.

    Karin looked around, trying to process the chaos that had consumed her planet. ¡°Do you think he¡¯s hunting us? The General?¡±

    Yank didn¡¯t answer immediately. His experienced eyes scanned the environment, searching for any signs of movement.

    ¡°He¡¯s after the gem¡ªand us. That much is certain,¡± Yank finally replied. ¡°If he catches up, we¡¯ll have no choice but to fight. That¡¯s why we need to hurry.¡±

    Cerberus suddenly stopped, his ears perking up. A low growl escaped him. Yank raised a hand, signaling Karin to stop.

    ¡°What is it?¡± she whispered.

    ¡°Something¡¯s coming. Stay behind me.¡±

    A smaller Tyrano emerged from the shadows, its grotesque form coming into view: a thin body covered in bony plates, with sharp claws and a jaw that seemed too large for its face. The creature lunged quickly, but Cerberus was quicker. With a powerful leap, he took the monster down before it could make a sound.

    ¡°Good boy,¡± Yank said, patting the wolf before pulling Karin back onto the path.

    As they moved deeper into the ruins, Karin stumbled and fell to her knees, exhausted. Yank stopped, looking at her with a mix of impatience and concern.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.¡°We can¡¯t stop now. The portal is close.¡±

    ¡°I know, but...¡± Karin hesitated, wiping sweat from her forehead. ¡°I¡¯m trying to keep up, but I¡¯m not like you. I¡¯m not a warrior.¡±

    Yank knelt beside her, offering her a canteen of water. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be a warrior to survive. You¡¯re here, aren¡¯t you? That¡¯s more than many can say.¡±

    She took the water, breathing deeply before continuing.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why the General is here. It doesn¡¯t make sense. Generals don¡¯t leave their planets, not without a reason.¡±

    ¡°You think he lost his king?¡± Yank asked, trying to probe for more information.

    Karin shook her head, thoughtful.

    ¡°Maybe. But even so, that doesn¡¯t explain everything. If he lost his king, he should be fighting for control of his own planet, not here. It¡¯s as if... as if he has another priority.¡±

    Yank narrowed his eyes. He didn¡¯t like where this conversation was heading.

    ¡°Whatever the reason, we¡¯re not sticking around to find out. Let¡¯s move.¡±

    They finally emerged from the ruins into an open clearing. The portal was visible in the distance, its pulsating glow framed by two large metal towers.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± Yank said, pulling Karin to keep going.

    But something felt wrong. Cerberus began growling again, this time louder. The wolf¡¯s ears locked onto a specific direction, and Yank followed his gaze.

    In the distance, small figures were moving¡ªsmaller Tyrano creatures, like the one they had just encountered, but in greater numbers.

    ¡°They¡¯re blocking the path,¡± Yank said, drawing his sword.

    ¡°What now?¡± Karin asked, visibly terrified.

    ¡°We cut through them. Stay behind me and follow my orders. Don¡¯t look back.¡±

    Yank led the charge, slicing through the smaller Tyranos with surgical precision. Cerberus darted alongside him, taking down any that escaped the reach of his blade. Karin followed close behind, clutching the briefcase tightly.

    They were nearing the portal when a voice boomed through the air, freezing them in their tracks.

    ¡°Good evening, humans. Is that the proper way to greet you?¡±

    Yank stopped abruptly. The voice was deep and dripping with disdain. He looked ahead and saw the Tyrano General standing beside the portal, having just emerged from behind it.

    ¡°Ah, I really must work on those irritating mannerisms, don¡¯t you think? But where are my manners? You¡¯ve come so far; it would be rude not to greet you properly.¡±

    The creature¡¯s stature was unremarkable, but his presence was suffocating. He stood almost human-like, but his pale skin and glowing eyes betrayed his true nature.

    ¡°You know, humans are fascinating. So fragile, so persistent. It¡¯s why we¡¯ve never exterminated you completely. You¡¯re... entertaining.¡±

    Karin took a step back, but Yank stood firm, raising his sword.

    ¡°Enough talk. If you want something, come and take it.¡±

    The General laughed, a guttural and chilling sound.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re an Astra. One of the weaker ones, I presume. No matter. Even a good show needs a final act, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Before Yank could react, the General vanished in a blur, reappearing mere meters away. His punch landed squarely on Yank¡¯s chest, sending him to his knees.

    As Yank struggled to rise, the General advanced like an unstoppable shadow, grabbing Cerberus by the neck. The wolf, usually indomitable, snarled and thrashed, but the General''s grip was so strong that Cerberus''s paws barely touched the ground.

    ¡°Interesting... I can¡¯t quite understand this deep connection between you two. How does it work?¡± the General murmured, his glowing eyes radiating a sadistic curiosity. ¡°I want to understand it better. How can such a fragile human bond with something so fierce and untamed?¡±

    Cerberus lashed out one final time, snapping his powerful jaws toward the General¡¯s arm, but it was in vain. The monster didn¡¯t even flinch; instead, his grip tightened further. The sound of Cerberus¡¯s growls turned into a muffled whimper¡ªa sound that made Yank¡¯s blood run cold.

    ¡°No! Please, don¡¯t hurt him!¡± Karin screamed, her hands trembling as she clutched the briefcase.

    The General turned his gaze toward her, as if only just noticing her presence. His lips curled into a contemptuous smile.

    ¡°Humanoids... always begging. But what would you do if no one cared enough to listen?¡±

    He shifted his attention back to Cerberus, who kept struggling despite the deadly grip around his neck. Yank, still on the ground, managed to lift his head. His eyes met Cerberus¡¯s for one fleeting, but profound moment. There was no fear in the wolf¡¯s gaze¡ªonly unwavering loyalty.

    Grinding his teeth, Yank forced his body to move, but his muscles felt heavy, the earlier blow sapping his strength.

    ¡°Cerberus...¡±

    The General tilted his head, studying the wolf with an almost contemplative expression.

    ¡°You created these creatures to fight alongside you. Fierce, loyal, but... fragile. Let¡¯s see how long that loyalty lasts.¡±

    With a swift, merciless motion, he squeezed tighter until a sickening crack echoed through the air.

    ¡°Oops... Seems your beast wasn¡¯t so special after all, was it?¡±

    The General held Cerberus¡¯s lifeless body in his grasp, still warm, as if it were a trophy. He tossed it to the ground with disdain, the impact sending dust flying. Yank¡¯s eyes widened in a mix of shock and unbridled rage.

    A scream tore from Yank¡¯s throat, ripping through the silence like a blade. It was a sound filled with pain, fury, and loss¡ªa primal roar that seemed to reverberate through the air. The General grinned, baring uneven teeth in a gesture that was both mockery and menace.

    ¡°What a magnificent scream! Come, human. Show me your rage.¡±

    Yank, trembling with grief and fury, rose unsteadily to his feet. Though his body was still reeling from the General¡¯s earlier blow, his hatred drove him forward. He activated his chainsword, the buzzing blade roaring like a battle cry of its own. With all the strength he could muster, he charged and drove the blade into the General¡¯s side.

    The General let out a pained growl, staggering back a few steps. But his recovery was quick, and soon, a chilling laugh escaped his lips.

    ¡°Pathetic. Is that all you¡¯ve got? A noisy little toy?¡± He straightened, his glowing eyes burning brighter. ¡°I¡¯ll tear you apart so slowly your ancestors will feel it.¡±

    The General lunged forward, his movements unnaturally fast, forcing Yank to dodge as best as he could. The Astra¡¯s mind raced, torn between his grief for Cerberus and the desperate need to survive. This isn¡¯t over, Yank thought, gripping his weapon tighter.

    He knew he would have to fight smarter, not harder, if he was going to bring the General down.

 Karin and the Escape - Chapter 4

    While Yank faced the General, Karin ran toward the portal. She trembled as she recalled Yank''s words:

    ¡°If we encounter that General, let me fight him, and you run. My death has to mean something. Do you understand?¡±

    Every fiber of her being wanted to scream at him to stop, to run with her. But she knew he wouldn¡¯t. He was buying her time, sacrificing himself to ensure the briefcase reached the Federation.

    Less than ten meters from the portal, she looked back. Yank was still standing, fighting with everything he had. But she knew he was at his limit, and the General seemed to be toying with him.

    ¡°Come on, just like the others¡ªturn your hair blue. You all get more interesting when you do that... I don¡¯t have all day.¡±

    The General, mocking Yank, suddenly noticed the absence of the human woman. His expression shifted from amusement to rage.

    ¡°Wait¡­ where is that female?¡±

    Finally glancing at the portal, he spotted Karin with the briefcase, and fury ignited in his eyes.

    ¡°A mere human trying to escape from me.¡±

    The General dropped Yank and began advancing toward her, abandoning his entertainment. That¡¯s when Yank summoned all his remaining strength.

    ¡°Where the hell do you think you¡¯re going, you bastard?¡±

    He grabbed the General by the waist, using his weight and strength to slow him down. The General casually shrugged him off, even as Yank clung with all his might. In a desperate move, Yank lunged toward the General¡¯s horrible, putrid face and sank his teeth into one of the General¡¯s eyes, biting down hard on the viscous organ.

    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!¡±

    The General¡¯s scream echoed across the field as he staggered back, finally stopping. Black liquid oozed from his empty eye socket, mixing with viscous blood.

    ¡°You... you... I will kill you!¡±

    The General raised his fist, his fury now completely unhinged. Yank, bleeding and exhausted, looked at Karin one last time.

    ¡°Go¡­ finish the mission.¡±

    The punch came with enough force to shake the ground and create a crater behind Yank. The impact struck Yank square in the face, followed by a horrifying sound like a thunderclap. His head exploded in a shower of blood and bone. His lifeless body collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

    Karin watched in horror as Yank was brutally killed. Her eyes were wide, but her body moved on instinct. She dragged herself to the portal, tears blurring her vision.

    The General, now a grotesque figure of pain and fury, moved like a wounded beast. The absence of one eye did not diminish the threat he posed; if anything, it amplified the intensity of his remaining gaze, burning like a smoldering ember. He roared¡ªa guttural sound that seemed to rise from the depths of his shattered soul, an echo of pure hatred spilling from his mouth.

    ¡°You will not escape!¡±

    With one final effort, Karin threw herself into the portal. The energy enveloped her body, and she disappeared, leaving the General alone in his rage.

    The grand hall bustled with constant activity. The two gates connected to two planets buzzed with the steady flow of people, goods, and sounds. An improvised marketplace had formed, where the shouts of vendors and the murmurs of negotiations filled the space. It was a place of pulsating life, but also one of palpable tension. The soldiers stationed around the single forbidden portal were on high alert, as if anticipating that something was about to happen.

    Suddenly, the characteristic noise of commerce ceased. A deep vibration filled the hall, reverberating through the walls and floor. Then, a deafening sound pierced the silence: a loud boom, followed by a desperate scream.

    ¡°Help me! Please!¡±

    All eyes turned toward the source of the sound. A woman emerged, running from within the forbidden gate, covered in blood. Her expression was one of pure desperation, and her steps were unsteady, as though she had left behind not just her strength, but also her sanity. She stumbled and fell in the middle of the hall, her eyes wide as if something monstrous were right behind her.

    Before anyone could react, the ground began to shake. The forbidden portal, protected by a row of fully armored soldiers, started to pulse. The structure, previously stable, seemed on the verge of cracking. A grotesque energy emanated from it, making the air vibrate like waves of heat.

    Then, the unimaginable happened.

    From the center of the portal, what appeared to be a grotesque hand emerged. It was immense, covered in misshapen, pulsating flesh with claws as black as obsidian. Blue veins glowed as if they carried living energy, pulsating irregularly. The hand stretched, trying to push fully through the portal, but was held back by the dimensional barrier, which was beginning to give way.

    The soldiers shouted orders. ¡°Formation! Protect the hall!¡±

    The crowd panicked. Many ran, while others froze, hypnotized by the horrific scene. The portal continued to tremble, and the creature on the other side seemed to be fighting with all its might to break through. The pressure became so intense that cracks began to form along the edges of the portal, as though the fabric of space itself was about to tear apart.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    With a deafening roar, the portal finally gave way.

    It shattered definitively, releasing a blinding explosion of light that knocked nearby soldiers to the ground. When the dust settled, something fell to the floor with a muffled thud. It was the grotesque arm of the creature. It flailed wildly like a headless chicken, writhing erratically and leaving a trail of black slime on the floor.

    The hall fell into absolute silence, broken only by the grotesque noises of the arm¡¯s movements. After a few minutes, it finally went still, lying inert on the ground, though the air around it remained heavy with dark energy.

    The soldiers quickly surrounded the broken portal and the grotesque arm, but their faces showed more fear than resolve. They knew that something beyond their comprehension had just occurred.

    The woman who had emerged from the portal lay unconscious on the floor, her body exhausted and smeared with blood. Two soldiers cautiously approached, checking if she was still alive. One of them murmured, ¡°Is she alive?¡±

    Karin sat in an uncomfortable chair, her body still trembling and her mind replaying the terrifying moments on Alphein. The room around her was sterile and cold, its metallic walls reflecting the harsh white light. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. But she had to finish what Yank had started.

    The door hissed open with a mechanical sound, and a woman entered. She wore an immaculate Federation uniform, with insignias indicating high rank. Her hair was tied in a severe bun, and her gaze was as sharp as her posture.

    ¡°Doctor Karin Lupane Krauss, correct?¡±

    Karin nodded, her eyes assessing the new presence.

    ¡°I am Calera, head of intelligence on this station. Before Director Dante speaks with you, I want to clarify a few things.¡±

    Calera sat across from Karin, adjusting her position carefully. There was something clinical about her demeanor, as if she were observing an experiment that needed to be documented.

    ¡°Understand that your arrival here has caused quite a stir. We don¡¯t often receive refugees from missions of this level... especially when they involve something as surreal as a Tyrano General. You understand the implications of this, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Karin took a deep breath, her fingers gripping the chair¡¯s arms.

    ¡°I understand. More than I¡¯d like to. I¡¯m not here to cause problems, but you need to take what happened on Alphein seriously.¡±

    Calera leaned forward, her hands clasped on the table.

    "We¡¯re taking this seriously, Doctor. But understanding what happened isn¡¯t enough. We need to know if what you¡¯ve brought¡­ justifies the loss of life, the destruction of an entire planet. Did you bring something that makes Yank¡¯s death, and the deaths of billions on your planet, worth it?¡±

    The words hit Karin like a blow. She felt her anger rising but fought to keep calm.

    ¡°I brought what I could. What was left. Yank died to ensure that, and you have the audacity to ask if it was worth it? Perhaps you should be asking why you sent a single man on a suicide mission.¡±

    Calera¡¯s eyes narrowed, but she didn¡¯t respond immediately. She seemed to weigh her words carefully before continuing.

    ¡°Yank knew what was at stake. He accepted the mission knowing he wouldn¡¯t come back. What I¡¯m interested in is what you¡¯re willing to share now. Because, Doctor, you know more than you¡¯re letting on. I can see it in your eyes.¡±

    Karin looked away, the weight of Calera¡¯s words pressing down on her. After a few moments of silence, Calera sighed and leaned back in her chair.

    ¡°Very well. Dante will speak with you now. But remember this: here, you¡¯re not just a survivor. You¡¯re an asset. And assets need to be¡­ managed.¡±

    She stood, smoothing her uniform with military precision.

    ¡°Good luck, Doctor. You¡¯ll need it.¡±

    With that, she left the room, leaving Karin alone.

    A few minutes later, the door opened again, and a man entered. He carried an air of calculated calm, his impeccable suit contrasting with the tension in the room. The door closed behind him, sealing the room in complete isolation.

    What transpired inside remained a mystery.

    Twenty minutes later, the door opened with a mechanical hiss, and the man emerged, carrying a briefcase with a firm grip. His expression was grim, his eyes fixed on some distant point as he walked down the corridor. Calera, waiting nearby with two officers, immediately picked up on the gravity of his demeanor.

    ¡°Mr. Dante, was the meeting¡­ productive?¡±

    Dante gave a brief nod, but his tone was tense.

    ¡°She brought what we needed, but she also brought more questions than answers. We need to act quickly, Calera. Nothing can get out of control now.¡±

    He paused and, with a sharp look, asked:

    ¡°The harvest. Is it complete?¡±

    Calera blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the abrupt shift in topic, but responded promptly.

    ¡°Yes, sir. An incident in the caldera this morning caused the loss of one of the specimens, but we¡¯ve met the quota of required fluids. The shipments are on schedule.¡±

    Dante pressed his lips together, absorbing the information. His eyes darkened, and he shook his head.

    ¡°How many died in the incident?¡±

    ¡°Only one, sir. But all the records have been updated, and we can replace them. The shipment is secured.¡±

    Dante rubbed his chin as though pondering something. His voice, when it came, was low but cutting.

    ¡°Bring me the names of all the children available on this station who are of age for implementation. I need that yesterday. Understood?¡±

    Calera frowned but knew better than to question him at that moment.

    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll begin compiling the data immediately.¡±

    Dante turned to glance at the door of the room where Karin was still being held. He took a deep breath, as though making an irreversible decision.

    ¡°And release the scientist. She will accompany me to Station Alpha.¡±

    Calera inclined her head in acknowledgment.

    ¡°Yes, sir. I¡¯ll make the arrangements for both.¡±

    Dante resumed walking down the corridor, and for a moment, the silence was almost oppressive. Calera watched him disappear around the corner, her thoughts churning as she tried to grasp the full extent of the orders she had just received.

    One of the officers standing beside Calera finally broke the silence:

    ¡°Chief, what did he mean by ¡®children of age¡¯?¡±

    Calera stepped forward, ignoring the initial question as she issued rapid orders.

    ¡°I want a full sweep of the harvest records. Every specimen, the results of aptitude and fluid tests, and the shipment dates. Review everything. I want a report in two hours.¡±

    The officer nodded and hurried off, but she remained still for a moment, staring at the door to Karin¡¯s room.

    ¡°Release Dr. Krauss. And ensure she¡¯s ready to leave immediately for Station Alpha with Dante. Make sure she doesn¡¯t know more than she needs to¡­ yet.¡±

    The tension on her face was evident. Something was amiss, and she knew Dante¡¯s request signaled a deeper, darker agenda than he was willing to admit.

 Glimpse of Us - Chapter 5

    One Day Earlier

    "Brother, I can''t believe you''re still watching those people. Mom told me to call you for dinner."

    Tyrin was sitting near the window of their modest home, observing the movement around the colony. He seemed absorbed, almost hypnotized by the sight of the workers and the imposing figures that passed by.

    "Yes, of course. I''m coming," he replied.

    Frida crossed her arms impatiently.

    "You''re not fooling anyone, Tyrin. You were watching that giant guy again, weren''t you? I saw you peeking when he walked through the portal earlier."

    Tyrin turned toward her with a mildly annoyed expression.

    "Frida, you weren''t supposed to tell anyone."

    "Oh, as if Mom wouldn''t notice. She always notices everything. Come on, dinner''s ready."

    At the small wooden table in their home, Cassandra served the meal carefully, dividing the simple portions equally. Despite their scarcity, she always made sure dinner was a moment of unity and comfort.

    "Son, you''re letting your food get cold. What''s on your mind?" Cassandra asked, her sharp eyes focused on Tyrin, who was absentmindedly pushing his food around.

    "Nothing, Mom, nothing," he replied quickly.

    Frida, ever quick to intervene, seized the opportunity to expose her brother.

    "I know! He was watching the giant guy go through the portal earlier!"

    "Frida!" Tyrin protested, but his sister just shrugged with a mischievous grin.

    Cassandra sighed, putting down her utensils. Her tone became firm but carried the same tenderness as always.

    "Tyrin, you need to stop going near those places. What if something comes through that portal? I can''t bear the thought of losing you too."

    The silence that followed was almost unbearable. The mention of their father hung in the air like a shadow. Tyrin, sensing his mother''s worry, finally broke the silence in an attempt to reassure her.

    "There''s no danger, Mom. Nothing non-human can cross the portal. They''ve installed biological barriers for that. That''s why they vaccinate the dogs before sending them through, to trick the sensors."

    Frida, always curious, leaned forward.

    "What do you mean, brother? What do the vaccines do?"

    Tyrin shifted in his seat, pleased to have something to explain.

    "The portals are programmed to allow only human organisms. Anything else, like an animal or a Tyrano, would be instantly rejected or destroyed. So, they use a vaccine that temporarily alters the dog''s DNA, making it pass through the portal as if it were human. It''s safe, but it''s cruel¡­ I hate seeing the dogs being used like that."

    Cassandra listened attentively, but the worry on her face didn''t fade.

    "And you think that''s enough to protect us? Humans built those machines, Tyrin. And humans fail. What happens if something non-human forces its way through? What happens if we lose control?"

    Tyrin fell silent for a moment, reflecting on his mother''s words.

    "I¡­ I don''t know, Mom. But they say it''s never happened."

    Cassandra sighed, returning to cutting her food in silence. The atmosphere grew heavy until Frida tried to lighten the mood.

    "Well, if something does get through the portal, Tyrin can use that old stick he calls a weapon. That''ll scare off any monster!"

    The three chuckled softly, but the sound was muted by the lingering worry at the table.

    After a few moments, Cassandra spoke again.

    "Very well. I''m working overtime tonight. Even though we have food for this month, we need to be prepared for the future. So please, both of you, go to bed early."

    "Of course, Mom. Promise you''ll come home early tonight?"

    "Yes, sweetheart. I''ll try."

    Cassandra, now alone, walked through the industrial corridors of the colony. The southern caldera was her second home, a place where she spent hours ensuring the systems stayed operational. It was grueling and dangerous work, but it was her only way to provide for her children.

    As she walked, she overheard two coworkers speaking in hushed tones.

    "Cassandra, have you heard about the northern portal? How many more people need to die before they realize that place is lost?"

    One of the women nodded in agreement.

    "We need to stand up to the leaders, or we''ll all be sent there one day."

    Cassandra, usually reserved, replied softly.

    "I¡­ I just think about the people they send. So many innocent souls."

    Before she could continue, she was interrupted by Hanibal, a young, overconfident worker who always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

    "Innocent? They were weak. But what went through today is an Astra. A real hero."

    The other women laughed derisively, clearly unimpressed.

    "Hanibal, get back to work. You were selected last month, and you already think you''re some great warrior?"Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Uncomfortable with the interaction, Cassandra excused herself.

    "I''m heading to the southern caldera. I''m late. Have a good evening, everyone."

    "Alright, see you later," one of them replied dismissively.

    As she walked away, she heard hurried footsteps behind her.

    "Wait for me!"

    It was Hanibal, running to catch up with her.

    "You''re going to the southern caldera? Can I come with you?"

    To reach the southern caldera, one had to traverse vast pools of boiling, molten liquids that covered much of the inhospitable region. These calderas were immense, with hues of red and gold that bubbled and emitted suffocating vapors. The heat was so intense that the air shimmered, distorting the landscape. The narrow walkways that cut across these pools were the only practical routes, saving hours of detours.

    But the walkways were far from reliable.

    They were narrow and fragile structures made of ancient, rusted metal that groaned and swayed with the slightest movement. No one alive remembered their construction, and they seemed to have been built with knowledge long lost. Despite precarious maintenance, the relentless heat and time had eroded much of their integrity.

    Cassandra, a veteran of these crossings, had learned to suppress her fears. As a child, the sight of the boiling calderas had made her knees weak, and for years, she had refused to use the walkways, opting for dangerous detours instead. But necessity and experience had hardened her resolve. She now faced the crossings with determination, though not without reluctance.

    Hanibal, however, was in a different position.

    New to the task, his eyes widened at the columns of steam rising incessantly from the bubbling liquid below. He tried to mask his fear, but Cassandra knew the look all too well¡ªit was the same fear she had felt years ago.

    "Are you nervous, Hanibal?" she asked, her voice calm but teasing.

    He glanced at her, trying to appear confident. "N-no. I''m just¡­ evaluating the walkway. It looks¡­ fragile."

    "Fragile is a compliment," Cassandra replied with an ironic smile. "These walkways were already old when I was a child. But they''re still here, aren''t they? They hold."

    Hesitantly, Hanibal stepped onto the walkway. The heat from the calderas rose like an oppressive wave, instantly drenching him in sweat.

    "Are you sure this is safe? I mean¡­ if someone falls¡­"

    Cassandra interrupted, pointing to the boiling liquid below.

    "If you fall, Hanibal, you won''t feel a thing. It''ll be quick¡ªlike diving straight into hell."

    He swallowed hard, and Cassandra regretted the joke when she saw the panic in his eyes.

    "I''m kidding," she said, softening her tone. "Just keep moving, one step at a time. Don''t look down. Just follow me."

    As they crossed, a sudden high-pitched noise cut through the air. It was the unmistakable sound of a pipe malfunctioning nearby.

    "We need to go back. Now!"

    The walkway trembled violently under their feet as the structure began to fail. The rusted metal groaned in protest, and Cassandra and Hanibal realized the walkway was collapsing. Below them, the primary caldera churned, its molten magma threatening to engulf them.

    "Faster, Hanibal! Don''t stop!" Cassandra shouted, trying to keep the boy moving.

    But no matter how quickly they ran, the walkway was collapsing too fast. A deafening sound of metal tearing filled the air, and before they could reach safety, the structure gave way entirely. In an instant, both were falling toward the seething magma below.

    Cassandra felt her feet leave the ground, and in pure instinct, she reached out and grabbed hold of a two-inch iron pipe still attached to the wall. Her hands trembled with the impact, and she held her breath as she felt the weight pulling her downward.

    That''s when she realized something even more terrifying: Hanibal was dangling from her legs, clutching them desperately. His wide, terrified eyes met hers as he screamed in panic.

    "I can''t... I can''t hold on..." he stammered, his voice breaking under the weight of his fear.

    A sharp, searing pain shot through Cassandra''s legs as the boy''s additional weight threatened to pry her hands free from the iron pipe. Her palms, slick with sweat, slipped inch by inch. She glanced down, catching sight of the boiling caldera of magma and uranium beneath them. The blistering heat surged upward in waves, threatening to consume them both.

    The voices of her coworkers, now helpless spectators, echoed from a distance:

    "Kick the boy off! You''re both going to die if you don''t!"

    "Let him go, Cassandra! He''s going to drag you down with him!"

    Cassandra clenched her teeth, blocking out the voices around her. She knew they were right, but something deeper, more primal, refused to listen.

    "I can''t!" she screamed, her voice filled with an emotion so raw that it silenced everyone watching.

    Her arms and legs burned with excruciating pain, but she tightened her grip on the heated pipe, feeling her knuckles nearly pop from the strain.

    "I just... can''t..." she whispered to herself, tears welling in her eyes.

    The weight pressing on her was more than just physical¡ªit was the emotional burden of a lifetime. Memories flashed through her mind: how she had relied on her husband to care for their family, only to feel powerless when he left and never returned. But this moment was different. This time, she couldn''t fail.

    For what felt like an eternity, Cassandra held on, defying the impossible. Minutes passed, her body trembling under the relentless strain. She glanced down at Hanibal, now silent, his face etched with both fear and shame.

    Gritting her teeth, Cassandra focused on the iron pipe. In the distance, she could hear faint shouts¡ªsomeone was coming with rescue equipment. But just as a glimmer of hope began to surface, the pipe let out an ominous groan.

    With a terrible screech, the metal gave way.

    For an instant, time seemed to slow. Cassandra felt the void around her, the crushing inevitability of their fall. As the heat from the caldera rose to meet them, she whispered a final thought to herself:

    "I hope he takes care of his little sister. I tried to protect them¡­ but I failed."

    Even in freefall, Cassandra never let go of Hanibal. Her arms wrapped around him with unyielding strength, defying the searing heat and the inevitability of their fate.

    To those watching from afar, what they saw in that moment was extraordinary. For ten grueling minutes, Cassandra had fought against every force pulling her down, holding onto Hanibal with the ferocity of a lioness protecting her cub.

    Despite the tears that streaked her face, bearing the unbearable weight of pain and despair, Cassandra never screamed. There was no cry of fear, no wail of hopelessness. Her strength was silent, a defiant resistance that spoke louder than words ever could.

    Even when the iron gave way and gravity pulled them to their final descent, she did not abandon the boy.

    Her sacrifice was more than an act of love¡ªit was a profound display of courage that transcended fear and agony.

    For the witnesses, the image of Cassandra''s fall became something rare, almost sacred. In a world as merciless as Helheim, where selfishness often triumphed over solidarity, Cassandra became a symbol of selflessness and sacrifice.

    It was like watching a flame burn brightly against the darkness, blazing with an intensity that left an indelible mark before finally extinguishing.

 The Irreparable News â€“ CHAPTER 6

    The room was dark, dimly lit by a single flickering bulb that cast shadows on the stained concrete walls. The smell was unpleasant, a mix of rusted metal and something burnt. Tyrin sat on a hard chair, his hands resting on his knees, his gaze fixed on an undefined point. In front of him, a woman with a tired face and tense expression observed him hesitantly.

    She cleared her throat, shifting in her chair, before speaking in a rehearsed, almost robotic tone.

    "Tyrin¡­ I''m sorry, kid. I couldn''t find anyone better to deliver this news, so I called you here. Unfortunately, your mother has passed away."

    The words were delivered bluntly, as if the woman were trying to maintain emotional distance and finish quickly. Tyrin didn''t react immediately. He stayed still, as if the information hadn''t reached him.

    "What do you mean, my mother¡­ died?"

    His tone was neutral, but the words seemed to weigh heavily in the air. The silence that followed was almost unbearable, broken only by the low, constant hum of a broken fan in the corner of the room.

    "It was¡­ an accident. One of the walkways near the southern furnace collapsed. She tried to save herself but¡­ she ended up falling into the main cauldron. There wasn''t time to rescue her. It was¡­ quick."

    The woman seemed uncomfortable, fiddling with the folds of her uniform. She knew there was no way to soften the blow. Falling into a cauldron heated by nuclear fission wasn''t something anyone could endure, let alone accept. Cassandra had already warned Tyrin about the dangers of the furnace, but never in his worst nightmares did he imagine it would become his reality.

    He closed his eyes, feeling the words swirl in his mind.

    "And where is she now? I need to see her." The moment he spoke these words, he felt foolish for thinking there might still be something left. The response came immediately.

    "There''s no body, Tyrin. The cauldron¡­ well, you understand."

    She hesitated, as if searching for the right words to explain the inexplicable.

    "But because of this, we''ve advanced her salary. We know you have a younger sister who uses a wheelchair, so we''ve done our best to ensure you both have some support for now. And if you need, we can offer you a job¡­"

    "In the furnace? No, thanks."

    Tyrin''s tone was firm, almost cold. He didn''t want to hear anything else. The woman tried to continue, perhaps to explain or offer more help, but he abruptly stood up and left, letting the door swing behind him.

    That night was suffocating. Tyrin sat at the table, staring at the empty chair where his mother used to sit. It was strange how the silence felt heavier than any words could. He should cry, should scream, but he couldn''t. Everything felt distant, as if he were trapped in a bad dream he couldn''t wake from.

    "When is Mommy coming back, brother?"

    The thin, innocent voice of Frida brought him back to reality. She held a small blanket, her eyes full of expectation. The question was like a knife, cutting deeply, but Tyrin hid the pain.

    "Not today, sister¡­ not today."

    Frida frowned, confused, but didn''t insist. She headed to her room, leaving Tyrin alone in the living room. He ran a hand over his face, trying to push back the tears threatening to escape.

    It took nearly a week for Tyrin to gather the courage to tell Frida the truth. During that time, he tried to keep everything normal, but the weight of the loss crushed him. When he finally summoned the strength, he sat beside her on the small bed in her room and held her hands.

    "Frida, I need to tell you something. Mom¡­ isn''t coming back."

    The little girl frowned, clearly not understanding.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    "Why? You said she traveled for work¡­ did she go somewhere really far away?"

    Tyrin took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

    "She¡­ went to a place where we can''t see her anymore. Do you know what ''forever'' means?"

    Frida looked at him, her eyes filling with tears. She didn''t fully understand, but she felt the weight of his words.

    "Forever¡­ is a really long time, isn''t it?"

    "Yes, Frida. A really long time."

    And then she cried. She cried like never before, and Tyrin held her as her sobs echoed through the small room. He said nothing because he knew no words could comfort her in that moment.

    When Frida finally fell asleep, exhausted, Tyrin sat there, staring at the ceiling.

    "I need to find food. I need money. But how am I going to do that?"

    The question spun in his mind, but no matter what solution he came up with, he always arrived at the same conclusion: he would have to leave. But who would take care of Frida while he was gone?

    Lost in thought, he fell asleep sitting there.

    The next morning, Tyrin felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as he opened his eyes. The silence in the house was almost deafening, as if the very air carried the emptiness left by Cassandra''s absence. He tried to avoid Frida''s gaze, knowing her unanswered questions weighed heavily on him.

    When he heard loud knocks on the door, he jumped to his feet. He just wanted a purpose. As he approached, muffled voices reached his ears.

    "So, this is the kid Dr. Karin wants? What''s so special about him? As far as I know, he''s just a punk dealing shady business on other planets."

    "It''s true. My son has way more courage and presence than this boy."

    "Shut up, you two!"

    Tyrin frowned, leaning against the door to listen more closely. Who were these people? He knew he hadn''t done anything wrong, but Helheim wasn''t a place where innocence kept you out of trouble.

    "Boss, let''s break this door down and take him."

    "That''s right."

    "Gentlemen, we don''t act like that. This place has eyes, and unnecessary rumors can spread. We''ll come back later with the local regent''s permission to enter, but not before."

    The conversation was interrupted when Tyrin suddenly opened the door. The men straightened at the sight of him, surprised by his boldness.

    "What do you want with me, gentlemen?"

    His tone was polite but carried evident irony. He kept a smile on his face as he crossed his arms. The provocation didn''t go unnoticed by the soldiers, who took a threatening step toward him before being stopped by a third man.

    "So, you''re proud. Interesting."

    The man''s eyes¡ªwhom Tyrin would later learn was Dante¡ªlocked onto him, scrutinizing every detail. The defiant stance, the sharp gaze, the way he protected the house behind him¡­ everything seemed to scream "potential."

    "Brother, who are these people?"

    Frida appeared, clutching Tyrin''s shirt tightly and resting the wheel of her chair against his calf. The boy placed a hand on her shoulders to reassure her.

    "It''s nothing, Frida. These are¡­ friends I met this week."

    Dante raised an eyebrow, impressed by Tyrin''s composure. He had expected a frightened child but found a young man carrying maturity beyond his years.

    "We came to talk about an opportunity. Do you have a moment?"

    "If these two stay outside, no problem. I don''t want their smell in my house."

    "You little brat¡­"

    "Silence. No problem. Soldiers, guard the door. I''ll be right back."

    Dante entered, observing the simple, worn-down interior of the house. He couldn''t help but notice the contrast between the visible poverty and the dignity Tyrin carried.

    "I''d offer you tea and snacks, but as you can see, we''re having some trouble."

    "That''s fine."

    Dante adjusted his tone, realizing he wasn''t dealing with an ordinary child.

    "You likely know the boy who died with your mother was one of the candidates set to leave this month. He had already taken the first dose. Now, here we are: I''m without a candidate, and you''re without your mother."

    Tyrin frowned. He was beginning to understand where this was going, but he still didn''t know what Dante expected from him.

    "Maybe you don''t know, but everyone selected for harvest receives a significant sum for their family. As long as you''re productive, we''ll shelter and take care of your loved ones."

    "What I know is that the money is pitiful, and their life expectancy is ridiculously short. I also know you don''t care for anyone after they die. That might work with others, but not with me."

    Dante sighed, crossing his arms.

    "I thought, after everything you''ve been through, you''d be less opposed to my proposal. The fact is, because of your mother, we lost an important harvest."

    Tyrin''s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. He stood abruptly, making the chair creak.

    "What are you implying? In case you didn''t know, my mother died along with him, and as far as I was told, your brave soldier screamed like a little girl. What does my family have to do with an accident caused by your poor infrastructure?"

    Tyrin''s intensity made the soldiers quickly enter the house, their hands ready to draw their weapons.

    "Is something wrong, sir?"

    Dante raised a hand, calming the men. He realized he had gone too far.

    "I apologize for my words, Tyrin. Perhaps I misspoke. What I mean is that this can be either an immense tragedy or an opportunity to change your life and your sister''s. I know few return, but this is the only way to ensure something better for her. And, honestly, I believe your mother would have made the same choice for you."

    Dante''s words made Tyrin hesitate. His anger gave way to a sense of helplessness. He knew the man was right, but accepting it felt like swallowing poison.

    "Get out of my house."

    "Of course, but think carefully. This is a unique proposal, and there are others like you with as much or even more potential. To be honest, I wouldn''t be here if someone hadn''t chosen you."

 The Harvest: The Uncertain Fate â€“ Chapter 7

    The harvest of future soldiers was celebrated as a spectacle of prestige on the Alpha and Beta planets. There, pride was intrinsically tied to enhanced genetics, the lineage of near-divine beings whose destinies seemed grand from birth. For them, the challenge of the harvest was almost a formality, an inevitable transition toward what was already encoded in their genes. But on the distant, forgotten planets, destiny was something else entirely. There, the future was a dense fog of uncertainty, where young people were cast into the unknown with a staggering mortality rate nearing 98%.

    On Helheim 74b, the event marking the selection of soldiers bore no resemblance to a celebration or a glorious rite of passage. Instead, it resembled a funeral procession. The chosen ones knew that, in the vast majority of cases, they wouldn''t return. Dreams of a triumphant homecoming were drowned out by the cries of anguish from the few rational souls who still clung to the possibility of survival. The money offered for participation in the harvest was tempting, but no amount of currency could compensate for the near-certainty of death.

    "Brother, why do you have to go? Are you going to abandon me too?" Frida''s voice cut through the silence, muffled by her pain and doubt. She was huddled in a corner of their small home, her eyes swollen from crying, her voice broken by sobs. It was a scene all too common among families whose children were called for the harvest, but the fact that there was no one else left besides the two of them made the situation even more harrowing. The small girl had no one else, and Tyrin was all she had left.

    Tyrin looked at her, his expression a mix of anger and helplessness. He wished things could be different¡ªthat he could remain by her side as the brother who had always cared for her, without having to leave for what was essentially a suicide mission. But the weight of reality pressed down on him. He knew there was no choice left.

    "Frida, I need you to be strong and listen to me." He took a deep breath, trying to summon the strength to deliver the news in a way that wouldn''t break her further. "I''m going to travel to a distant planet, but I promise I''ll be back before your birthday. I need you to take care of everything while I''m away. I''ll contact you every month I can. That''s a promise." He looked at her with a serious expression, doing his best to hide the storm raging inside him.

    His posture was firm, but his soul shattered with each word. He didn''t want to make this decision. He wanted to be the brother who stayed with her, who protected her. But this opportunity wouldn''t come again. The risk was enormous, but the reward even greater. The life he could provide for her, should he survive, was worth more than anything else he could do now.

    Frida looked at him, her large eyes brimming with a pain she couldn''t fully comprehend but could still feel deeply. She knew he was leaving her, but her trust in him was unshakable. She believed his promises because she knew he always kept them.

    "I love you, brother, and I''ll be waiting here for you. Until the end." Frida spoke with a firmness that surprised Tyrin. The little girl was growing up quickly¡ªfar quicker than he wanted to admit. She saw what he saw and understood far more than any child should be capable of. She knew he was walking into a death trap, but even so, she supported him.

    "I''ll always be with you, and even if I''m on another planet, I''ll do everything to make myself present. I just need you to be strong and hold on." Tyrin said, swallowing the lump in his throat. His own promise felt like a bitter lie. How could he promise something so grand when he knew his chances of returning were so slim?

    He crouched beside her and embraced her tightly, feeling his heart constrict with the pain of goodbye. The smell of his sister, the warmth of her hug¡ªit all felt so real and yet so distant. He didn''t know if he would survive the mission, if he would return to see her grow, to be by her side in better moments. But he knew that without her, he wouldn''t have taken even the first step toward this journey. She was his reason, his only reason for moving forward.

    "I love you, Frida." He murmured into her hair, the most sincere words he could speak. "I''ll fight. I''ll survive. I promise."

    Frida only hugged him tighter, as if her strength alone could keep him there, in the present, where everything still felt simple and safe. But she knew, just as he did, that the future was uncertain. They were about to part¡ªperhaps forever¡ªbut this moment, this embrace, would be what he carried with him. He had promised to return, and he would do everything to keep that promise.

    With a final sigh, Tyrin pulled away and looked at his sister, her eyes still filled with tears but now accompanied by a confident smile. He left her there, sitting in the pink chair he had given her, with the promise that he loved her. And with his heart in pieces, he stepped toward the path he knew to be perilous, but also the only chance to ensure her survival.

    Tyrin stepped outside, closing the door behind him. When he emerged from the underground, he felt the icy wind strike his face. The sky above was a vast expanse of gray clouds that seemed to press down on the horizon. Snowflakes fell slowly, painting the frozen landscape of Helheim in white. He rubbed his hands together to warm them, but it wasn''t just the cold that bothered him. The goodbye to Frida still weighed on his mind. His promise to return was a vow he couldn''t break, yet he wasn''t sure he could fulfill it.

    As he walked down the empty street, his boots crunched through the snow beneath him. The air carried an unsettling silence, broken only by the distant hum of industrial machinery. His eyes instinctively rose to the tallest building in the area, where Dante stood on the edge, gazing at the horizon. The man was motionless, his heavy coat swaying slightly in the wind.

    Tyrin paused for a moment, watching him. Dante seemed lost in thought, a solitary figure against the overcast sky. With a sigh, Tyrin decided to approach him. He knew this was the next step before boarding the ship that was already descending toward the colony.

    Tyrin climbed the stairs of the building, the air growing colder as he neared the top. When he reached the last step, he saw Dante with his back turned, staring fixedly at the horizon. The crunch of Tyrin''s boots in the snow caught the man''s attention, but he didn''t turn immediately. Instead, he spoke, as if he already knew who was there.

    "They''ve arrived earlier this year," Dante remarked, his voice calm but weighted with meaning.

    Tyrin stepped beside him, following his gaze. In the distance, a colossal ship was cutting through the gray sky, its pulsing lights stark against the bleak surroundings. Despite the distance, the ship seemed enormous, a metal shadow announcing its presence with a low, constant roar.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    "It wasn''t supposed to be this early," Tyrin replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He wanted to sound confident, but his nervousness was impossible to hide completely.

    Dante finally turned to him, his sharp eyes scanning the boy. It was as though he were evaluating every detail¡ªTyrin''s stance, his expression, his resolve.

    "Unfortunately, I only had three week to train you," Dante said, slipping his hands into the pockets of his coat. "But I have to say, you''re the most capable person I''ve seen, Tyrin. You have something others don''t¡ªa strength that comes from within. I understand now why Karin insisted on you."

    Tyrin didn''t know how to respond. He wanted to believe Dante''s words, but the idea of being "capable" felt absurd. He was just a boy from a forgotten planet, now about to embark on a journey few survived.

    "Stick to your promise," Dante continued, his voice growing more serious. "I''ve done everything I could, and now I hope you''ll do the same. Your sister needs you. I need you. Don''t leave that behind."

    The mention of his promise made Tyrin''s chest tighten. He knew that vow was all that kept him grounded. Without it, he had no reason to move forward.

    "I''ll come back," Tyrin said, his voice low but resolute. He wasn''t trying to convince Dante¡ªhe was trying to convince himself.

    Dante simply smiled.

    "I''m starting to believe you will."

    The sound of the ship grew louder as it approached, a roar that seemed to reverberate in the air around them. Tyrin looked at the horizon and saw the colossal vessel descending slowly, its engines spewing clouds of vapor that mingled with the snow below.

    It was an imposing sight. Every detail of the ship seemed to radiate power and strength, but it also carried a silent warning: those who boarded rarely returned. Tyrin swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment.

    "Let''s join the others. Whatever you need to do, do it quickly. There won''t be another chance once we''re aboard," Dante said, placing a firm hand on Tyrin''s shoulder.

    "I''ve done everything I needed. I''m ready." Tyrin replied, though he knew he would never truly feel ready.

    The two began descending together, the sound of their boots crunching through the snow filling the silence between them. The wind picked up, as if the planet itself were trying to hold them back for just one more moment. But there was no turning back. The future was calling, and they had to answer.

    "This is the last planet, Baron."

    The trembling voice of the servant echoed through the luxurious but slightly worn interior of the ship.

    "Damn it, this is the fifth time you''ve said that, you useless servant. Do you know how long it''s been since I''ve had any fun? I''m going to lose my mind if I spend one more day on this piece-of-crap ship."

    The Baron, a corpulent and disheveled man, huffed as he adjusted his extravagant, crooked wig perched atop his sweaty head.

    "I understand, Baron. The Emperor gave us express orders to visit every planet this year."

    "Blah-blah-blah¡­ I know that, damn it. What garbage planet is this we''re on now?"

    "Of course, Baron. The planet is called Helheim 74b. It''s located in¡ª"

    "Shut up. So this is the twin planet that survived the destruction? I thought we lost both of them."

    "No, sir. This planet wasn''t attacked by the Tyranos. We believe the terrain is too challenging for them."

    "Interesting. Anything else I should know?"

    "Well, this planet was the last to establish contact with Alpheim. The records are incomplete, but we suspect something unusual occurred during the last cycle."

    "Fabulous. Let''s descend. I want to meet these harvests. It is our noble duty to mingle with the scum of the universe. How does my wig look?"

    As the massive ship descended, its shadow engulfing the small colony, Tyrin stood among the other young candidates. He could feel the tension in the air, a weight that seemed to press down on everyone''s shoulders. Some held their breath out of nervousness, others out of pure fear. Tyrin, however, remained focused. He needed to prove his worth¡ªat any cost.

    "So this is the nobility of the Alpha planets?" he wondered, watching the spectacle unfold.

    A ramp extended from the ship, and down it came the Baron¡ªa grotesquely overweight man with a visibly disheveled wig, clumsily adjusting himself in a makeshift chair carried by emaciated servants. The scene was almost comical, but no one dared to laugh.

    "What the hell is this chair? Where''s the regent of this dump?" the Baron bellowed, unaware that his microphone was on.

    "Sir, the microphone¡­" the servant tried to warn him, but was silenced with a brusque gesture.

    "Citizens of this magnificent colony, we''ve brought gifts for the regents and have come to collect the harvest. I hope this pleases you."

    Behind the Baron, a caravan of servants descended, carrying chests of gold, silver, prime meat, and spices. It was the barter system the Federation used to appease the less prosperous planets and justify sending their youth to a near-certain death.

    "Well, boys and girls. I see many interesting faces. I want to meet and appreciate your¡­ ''gifts.'' You will be tested to your limits and face unimaginable challenges, but if you survive, you''ll have conquered the world."

    The Baron concluded his speech with a dramatic gesture, abruptly rising from the chair, which nearly collapsed under his weight. He quickly re-entered the ship, followed by other members of the delegation. Left behind was a tall, thin, and silent man whose presence had been overshadowed until then.

    "The Baron isn''t a man of many words. Consider yourselves honored to hear his motivational phrase. Gather your belongings; we leave in a few minutes."

    The platform began to rise slowly, floating gently toward the colossal ship that hovered above Helheim. The cold, biting wind caused the snow around them to swirl in the air, while the low, constant hum of the ship''s engines echoed as a prelude to the chosen ones'' fate.

    On the platform stood about ten youths, each holding something precious in their arms: wolf pups. These animals were a tradition for the chosen ones of Helheim, symbolizing the bond between the planet and its warriors. Every year, the candidates received the pups as a representation of their promise of strength and protection and, in return, vowed to care for them as part of their journey. Each had formed a life bond with their pup.

    All except one.

    Tyrin stood at the center of the platform, holding something entirely different: an egg. It was large, encased in an opaque black shell that seemed to shimmer faintly under the diffused light of the cloudy day. The egg was unique, enigmatic, and it made him stand out. He could feel the eyes on him¡ªsome curious, others disdainful.

    "So, where''s your wolf?" a blonde-haired girl asked with a smirk, pressing her pup against her chest to show superiority.

    "I have something better," he replied calmly, never taking his eyes off the egg in his hands. He didn''t feel the need to justify his choice; the egg held something special, something he didn''t fully understand yet but knew was important.

    "Better? That thing doesn''t even move. I bet it''ll break before we even get to the ship," another boy mocked, laughing as he stroked the sleeping pup in his arms.

    Tyrin ignored the comments, tightening his grip on the egg as if to shield it from their words. He knew the egg was more than it seemed. Dante had said it was special, and Tyrin believed him, even if he didn''t completely understand why.

    After a few minutes, the floating platform they stood on ascended, dozens of meters off the ground. The view of the planet below began to change. The white snow that blanketed everything now looked like an endless expanse, and the cloudy sky merged with the metallic structure of the ship.

    Tyrin looked toward where his home would be and managed to spot his sister, Frida, on the frozen ground, watching the platform drift away. Even from afar, he could see her red, tear-streaked eyes, the droplets falling freely down her face. He felt the same lump in his throat he''d felt when saying goodbye to her before leaving their home.

    "Goodbye, sister. I hope I live long enough to give you the life you deserve," he whispered, like a silent prayer.

    The other youths were occupied with their pups¡ªsome trying to calm them, others playing with them to ease the tension. Only Tyrin seemed truly focused, his mind fixed on the egg in his hands. He knew his journey would be different from everyone else''s. His egg wasn''t just a symbol; it was a mystery, a burden, and, perhaps, an opportunity.

 The Baron and the Game

    Inside the ship, the Baron watched the platform approaching through the large glass window that offered a view of the outside. He leaned back in his chair, chewing on something that looked like dried meat.

    "Ah, so these are this year''s chosen ones? Pathetic, as always," he murmured, leaning forward for a closer look.

    "Sir, it seems there''s something unusual this year. Look, that boy... he doesn''t have a wolf," the servant pointed to Tyrin, whose figure stood out at the center of the platform.

    "What''s he holding? An egg?" the Baron asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "Yes, sir. We don''t have any information about it. It seems to be something unique, perhaps a personal choice."

    "Unique? Hah! Don''t make me laugh. These backwater planets always come up with something to grab attention. I bet that egg is worthless," he laughed, but his eyes lingered on Tyrin a moment longer than usual. Something about the boy intrigued him, though he wouldn''t admit it.

    "Prepare the gamblers. This year will be interesting. Let''s see who survives until Destino."

    When the platform was finally hoisted into the ship, the sound of the pressure sealing the environment echoed through the compartments. The metallic doors closed with a heavy thud, definitively isolating the youths from Helheim. The floor trembled slightly beneath their feet, as though the ship was adjusting its balance to accommodate the new cargo. Tyrin glanced around, observing what would now be his temporary home¡ªand possibly the site of his first battle for survival.

    The corridor ahead was narrow and dimly lit, illuminated only by sporadically flickering fluorescent lights. The worn metal walls told silent stories of past battles; deep scratches, rust stains, and bullet marks formed a kind of war mural. The air was thick, carrying a faint smell of burnt oil and something else Tyrin couldn''t identify but that made his stomach churn.

    The soldiers guiding them showed no emotion. Tall, gaunt, dressed in faded uniforms, and wearing severe expressions, they seemed more machine than human. One of them raised a hand, signaling it was time to move.

    "Welcome to the first stage of your lives as champions. You are now under the custody of the Imperio. Follow instructions without question. Rest while you can." The voice was dry, monotone, as if the man was reciting a memorized speech.

    The youths obeyed in silence. The weight of the situation seemed to have finally settled upon them. Some whispered words of encouragement to themselves or to their wolf pups, while others simply walked with vacant expressions, trying to process what lay ahead.

    Tyrin, clutching his egg tightly to his chest, felt a mix of emotions. He didn''t have a wolf to comfort him, but he also didn''t want distractions. The egg was an anomaly, something that set him apart, and he knew it could be both a blessing and a curse. Dante''s words echoed in his mind: "Don''t waste this chance. Prove your worth."

    The youths were led to a large room that seemed to be an improvised dining hall. The tables were long and made of cold, unpainted metal. There was no decoration, except for a few cameras fixed to the walls and pipes releasing steam at regular intervals. The soldiers offered no explanations, only gesturing to indicate where each young person should sit.

    Tyrin chose a spot in a secluded corner, keeping the egg close. He watched the others settle their wolf pups into padded crates provided by the soldiers, while he carefully placed the egg beside him. Its presence drew attention, but no one dared to ask about it. The silence in the room was oppressive.

    Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a holographic projection appeared in the center of the room. It was the Baron, now wearing his most "formal" attire: a tunic that was too tight for his bulky frame and a poorly adjusted wig. He seemed relaxed, holding a glass of wine.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my ship. Congratulations on being chosen to represent your planets in this great opportunity. Many of you will not return, but for the few who survive, the glory will be immeasurable. You will be remembered as heroes, legends... or, at the very least, interesting corpses."

    He let out a shrill laugh that echoed through the room, but no one found it amusing.

    "Those wolf pups you carry? They represent your connection to strength and instinct. But remember, nothing will be given freely here. Everything will be earned with blood and sweat. Now, eat, rest, and prepare. The true test begins soon."

    With a dramatic gesture, the hologram disappeared, leaving only silence and the sound of tense breathing.

    After being taken to their quarters, the youths were instructed to rest and prepare for the next step. Tyrin, however, couldn''t relax. Sitting in front of the small window of his cabin, he watched his home, Helheim, shrinking in the distance. The planet, with its vast snowy plains, became a small white orb glowing in the void of space.

    "That''s why they call it the White Planet," he murmured to himself, impressed by the view.

    The nickname fit what he saw; Helheim was an unblemished world, its surface entirely covered by snow and ice. The sight should have been breathtaking, but for Tyrin, it was a melancholy reminder of everything he was leaving behind: his sister, his home, and the last remnants of safety.

    As he reflected, a shrill sound interrupted his thoughts. The blaring alarm echoed through the ship''s corridors, summoning everyone outside.

    "It''s time. This has to work," he remembered Dante''s warning about the alarm¡ªthe one unbreakable rule: always respond to the call.

    He quickly grabbed the egg, securing it carefully against his chest, and stepped out of the room. In the corridor, a thin, expressionless man pointed the way, but he didn''t bother to check the rooms that remained closed. The urgency was evident, but the crew''s silence only heightened the tension.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The path through the ship felt strange, with twisting corridors, corroded structures, and an environment more reminiscent of Helheim''s furnaces than the grand technology he expected from a noble''s ship.

    After nearly an hour of walking, something seemed off.

    "This ship isn''t that big. Where are we going?" Tyrin thought, unable to hide his unease.

    "Wait a little longer, and your questions will be answered when you know how to ask them," the enigmatic response of the man guiding them only deepened his frustration.

    ""We''ve been walking for almost an hour in circles. This doesn''t make sense!". Tyrin finally blurted out.

    The man stopped abruptly, turned, and gave an enigmatic smile. "That was the answer. We''ve arrived."

    A few meters ahead, a metallic door appeared in the corridor, as if it had materialized out of nowhere. Tyrin looked around, confused. The door hadn''t been there before. Before he could react, the man vanished without a trace, like a hologram.

    "Are you all going to just stand there? Move aside!" A tall, thin boy with curly hair, whom Tyrin vaguely recognized, stepped forward and confidently opened the door.

    What they saw on the other side was something none of them were prepared to face.

    "What the hell is that?" the boy exclaimed.

    Just a few meters away stood a creature that had until then been confined to children''s horror stories: a Tyrano, grotesque and terrifying. Its wide jaws, filled with sharp teeth, dripped with viscous saliva, while its bloodshot eyes radiated pure malice.

    The boy didn''t have time to react. In a movement too fast to follow, the Tyrano attacked. The boy''s desperate scream was cut short by the sound of bones crunching as half of his body disappeared into the creature''s mouth. The others watched, paralyzed with terror, as the grotesque sound of bones breaking and flesh being devoured filled the air.

    "It''s... a Tyrano!" someone finally screamed, breaking the silence.

    The creature, despite its now-bulging stomach, wasted no time. It was already moving to attack another victim. Tyrin reacted instinctively, moving away from the door and searching for an escape route.

    While chaos reigned among the youths, the Baron observed everything from an opulently decorated command room, with tapestries and furniture that contrasted sharply with the ship''s grim environment. Reclined in a chair, holding a wine goblet, his eyes gleamed with excitement as he watched the scene projected on a holographic screen.

    "Baron, it seems that this year things are... different," one of the officers beside him said in a worried tone.

    "Ah, shut up. They''ll die anyway, one way or another. I''m just giving their lives meaning. My entertainment. Hahahaha!" the Baron laughed, swirling the goblet in the air.

    "I understand, sir. But¡ª"

    "I said shut up. Let me enjoy this moment. Call the mothership and tell them we''ll open the betting pools. Let''s see who kills and who dies. Hahahaha!"

    "Understood, sir."

    As the officer left to carry out the order, the Baron leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the screen. He watched the youths desperately fight for their lives, his expression a mixture of boredom and sadistic curiosity.

    "Excellent. Let''s see what this backwater planet is capable of."

    Tyrin ran for his life, the sound of bones crunching and muffled screams filling the corridors. Every turn seemed like a trap waiting to ensnare him. He tried to focus, repeating the directions to his room in his mind.

    "Three left turns... six right..." he murmured, forcing himself to concentrate as the sounds of death grew closer.

    The screams were fading, but not because the danger was gone¡ªthe Tyrano''s targets were running out. He knew it would eventually come for him.

    "What''s its weakness again?" he thought desperately, searching his memory.

    Suddenly, a clear memory surfaced, vivid as if it were happening right then.

    Tyrin had been in a cluttered yet luxurious room. Books were scattered everywhere, tables overloaded with notes and holograms displaying complex data. In front of him stood the scientist Karin, her messy hair and oversized glasses making her look perpetually distracted as she adjusted something on a panel.

    "I''m fascinated, you know? I suspected from your background, Tyrin, but seeing it in person¡ªa photographic memory? That''s rare even on Alpha planets, and finding someone like you here in this dump... sorry for the language¡ªit''s fascinating."

    Tyrin looked at her, confused and slightly uncomfortable. Dante, sitting nearby, intervened firmly:

    "Dr. Karin, could you focus on something that will help Tyrin survive? I need him alive."

    Karin rolled her eyes but smiled. "Of course, Dante. But I must say, this ability will help us greatly."

    Dante crossed his arms. "Could you elaborate on that claim?"

    Karin sighed and pulled a massive book from a nearby shelf, slamming it onto the table with a thud. "Tyrin, answer me this: what''s the characteristic of the Tyrano, Class F42?"

    He thought for a moment before responding:

    "The Medusa Tyrano F42 is the first known quadruped from the First Era of the Great Invasion. They''re slow and dumb but strong and cannibalistic. They kill only to eat, though they get hungry every few hours. Due to the anatomy of their neck muscles, they can''t, like pigs, look up."

    Karin beamed, clapping her hands. "Bingo. He didn''t just read about them¡ªhe stored everything in his head. That''s beyond rare."

    Dante frowned. "I see that he studied the Tyranos, but what does this mean for now?"

    "Dante, he has the ability to access critical information in seconds. That''s what will save him."

    Back in the present, Tyrin stopped in front of his room. He knew he had no choice. Once inside, he left the door open, carefully placing the egg on the floor as bait.

    "It finally caught up to me. Alright, Medusa F42... quadruped. Weak point: the single ventilation opening at the nape of its neck. Attack from above is advised," he murmured to himself, summoning his courage.

    The Medusa F42 rounded the corridor, its grotesque presence filling the space. It looked larger up close than he''d anticipated, its muscles pulsating and its red eyes glowing with hunger. When it spotted the egg, the creature hesitated for a moment before lunging toward it, driven by a mix of curiosity and instinct.

    Without a second thought, Tyrin seized the opportunity. He launched himself onto the creature, driving his arm with all his strength into the opening at its nape. The Tyrano thrashed violently, trying to shake him off, but Tyrin held on tight, using the full weight of his body to maintain the attack.

    "It''s working... oh, crap... AHHHHH!" he screamed as the creature slammed him against the walls of the room.

    The next few minutes were hell. Tyrin''s arm was crushed in several places, but he refused to let go. With one final effort, he pushed even deeper, striking the creature''s vital point. A sickening sound of flesh tearing and bones breaking echoed through the room, and the Tyrano collapsed lifeless to the floor.

    Tyrin fell beside the corpse, panting heavily. His arm was bent at an unnatural angle, but he barely felt the pain. All that mattered was that he was alive... and that he had killed a Tyrano.

 The Observers and Bettors

    On the other side of the ship, the Baron watched everything through a holographic screen. His eyes were wide, a mixture of surprise and excitement lighting up his face.

    "Are you seeing what I''m seeing?" he asked his assistant, who was equally shocked.

    "Yes, sir. It''s the boy with the unknown egg."

    "Shut up! He killed a Tyrano with his bare hands."

    The assistant hesitated before responding. "Sir, I believe he knew the weakness. When we discovered the weak point of that subspecies, we nearly drove them to extinction."

    "You''re so anticlimactic. Gather the survivors and eject the ones still locked in their rooms into space. I want to see the remaining champions. Hahahaha!" The Baron laughed, visibly elated. "My friends won''t believe this story: a boy killing a Tyrano with his bare hands."

    As the Baron left the room, his assistant stood motionless, his expression grim. He knew this was only the beginning of the nightmare.

    The morning after the massacre, Tyrin woke up with pain radiating through his entire body. At first, the pain felt like a vivid reminder of his fight with the Tyrano. But when he opened his eyes and saw the translucent, glowing ceiling of the recovery compartment, he realized something had changed.

    He was no longer in the blood-soaked corridors of the Baron''s ship. Instead, he was floating in some kind of recovery tank. The liquid surrounding him was thick, cold, and seemed to pulse against his wounds. Though it gave him a sense of relief, there was something unsettling about being suspended and vulnerable.

    The room was filled with identical tanks, but the sight was disturbing. In each tank, young survivors like him were submerged, some missing arms or legs, others with deep bite or claw marks. Some tanks appeared empty, with only remnants floating inside¡ªa silent reminder that not everyone had made it.

    Tyrin tried to move, but the restraints held his body immobile, forcing him to remain suspended. The voices of scientists outside the tank caught his attention.

    "That boy is special. Not only did he survive, but he managed to kill a Tyrano with his own hands."

    "And without the gene activated. That''s something we need to investigate further."

    Tyrin felt a wave of unease as the scientists approached the tank. The leader of the group, an older man with graying hair, a wrinkled lab coat, and a disturbing grin, peered at him.

    "Let''s get him out. I want to see with my own eyes what makes this one so special."

    A younger scientist hesitated. "Dr. Oko, he''s still in the middle of the recovery process. If we pull him out now, his wounds could reopen."

    Oko''s sharp glare silenced her. "Do you have any other objections? Because if you do, I can ensure you''ll end up in the next tank for testing."

    "No, sir."

    With a curt nod, Oko ordered the tank to be drained. As the liquid was sucked away, Tyrin felt the cold spreading over his body. The discomfort grew as he was removed from the tank and placed on a stretcher.

    "So, boy, what''s your name?" Oko''s voice was sharp but curious.

    "Tyrin."

    "Well, Tyrin, tell me¡ªhow did you manage to defeat a Tyrano without the gene activated? That''s something even our best-selected champions can''t do."

    Still groggy, Tyrin hesitated before responding. "I... read about them. I knew where to strike."

    Oko raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Read? You read about them? A boy from a planet forgotten by the Empire?"

    Tyrin didn''t respond immediately. He didn''t trust the man, but he knew he had to be cautious. "My mother was resourceful. She gave me the means to learn. And I''m... good at remembering things I read."

    "Eidetic memory. Fascinating. That''s something we need to study. It''s uncommon even on superior planets. Maybe you''re more useful than I thought." Oko''s tone was half-mocking, but his genuine interest was evident.

    When Oko and the other scientists left, Tyrin finally had a moment to process everything. He felt a wave of relief at no longer being in the hellish corridors of the Baron''s ship, but he knew the next phase would be just as deadly. He needed to be ready.

    Against orders, he got up from the stretcher, feeling pain radiating from his still-broken arm. Carefully, he fashioned a makeshift splint from materials he found in the room and decided to return to his quarters. He needed a moment away from the questions and prying eyes.

    When he returned to the quarters, the reality of the previous day hit him like a punch. Many of the survivors were injured, mutilated. Tyrin, though exhausted and in pain, seemed to be one of the few whose body was still intact. But he knew it hadn''t been luck. He had survived because he''d been willing to do the impossible.

    The girl he had met on the day they entered the ship was no longer there. He didn''t know if she had survived, but the white wolf pup she had carried now sat alone in a corner, waiting for someone who would probably never return.

    Tyrin glanced at the egg someone had placed in his locker. He carefully picked it up, feeling its weight and significance. "No matter what happens, I will survive. I''ll become stronger. For me. For Frida." With those words lingering in his mind, exhausted and still dizzy, he staggered to his bed and fell asleep.

    A shrill alarm woke Tyrin abruptly. His body felt lighter, almost renewed. He touched the arm that had been broken¡ªit still hurt, but it was functional. He leapt to his feet, grabbed his shirt, and retrieved the egg . The egg seemed to pulse faintly in his hands, a strange presence that, somehow, gave him a sense of purpose.

    "I hope what happened last time doesn''t happen again... if it does, I''m definitely dead."

    As he left his room, the scene hit him like a slap. Children were scattered through the corridor, heads bowed and eyes vacant. Some were mutilated: missing arms and legs, their young bodies marked by the brutality they had endured. It was a harsh reminder that what they had faced was only the beginning.

    "Alright, boys and girls. I see you''ve finally realized how this works... or rather, the slaughter."

    The firm, arrogant voice cut through the oppressive silence. The speaker, a man in a pristine uniform, bore scars on his face that spoke of experience. He walked down the corridor with firm steps, his eyes scanning each of the survivors.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    "Know this: what you faced isn''t even considered a pet to the real monsters. Remember that, and follow me."

    Tyrin recognized the arrogance in his tone, but he also knew the man was right. The Tyrano he had faced was nothing compared to the true terrors that dominated the invasion stories.

    The group walked in silence, following the man through winding corridors, junctions, and dark tunnels. The ship seemed much larger inside than it appeared on the outside. Each step was accompanied by furtive glances between the surviving youths, who barely had the strength to question where they were being taken.

    After a long 35 minutes, the man stopped abruptly. He turned to the group, his expression serious, though his eyes shone with something akin to nostalgia.

    "You know, kids, I was once in your place. Afraid, cornered, not knowing what would come next. But let me tell you something important: fear will take you nowhere, except to the grave."

    He paused, letting his words sink into the minds of the young survivors. Tyrin realized that, despite the man''s cold tone, there was something truthful in his words.

    "We''re approaching our destination. Behold... the Mother."

    As the group entered a wider corridor with massive glass windows overlooking space, everyone froze. Outside, floating majestically, was the Mother Ship. It was colossal, a metal monster that seemed to defy the laws of physics and the universe.

    "The Mother of all ships is 400 km wide and 50 km long. All the Federation''s chosen are gathered there. You are but a grain of sand. Don''t act as if you''ve done anything extraordinary."

    Tyrin felt the man''s gaze linger on him longer than necessary. It was a clear message: don''t stand out without purpose.

    "Our external quadrant is under the command of Baron Konem. You''ve had the pleasure of meeting him, but know this: we''ll be in the northern quadrant, along with the other 72 planets under the Baron''s administration."

    The words weighed like lead. The Baron had already shown his cruelty. Being under his command meant living constantly on the edge of the abyss.

    "You are dismissed. Gather your things. We leave in 30 minutes. Anyone left behind will be discarded."

    Tyrin didn''t need to hear anything else. He bolted back to his quarters. He wasn''t the only one; others followed his lead. But unlike before, this time many of them stuck close, trusting that he knew the way.

    He sprinted through familiar corridors back to his room. In a matter of minutes, he packed his belongings and checked the egg once again before heading out. However, as he stepped back into the corridor, he noticed some children still wandering, lost or hesitating.

    Tyrin ran through the corridors with the determination of someone who couldn''t afford a single mistake. He knew every second lost could cost him his life. But deep down, there was something else¡ªa drive to cling to the promise he had made to himself to survive and protect what mattered most.

    Then, a thin, trembling voice cut through the air:

    "Wait for me, please!"

    He stopped abruptly, his heavy breathing echoing through the empty corridor. Turning, he saw a girl barely able to stand. Her left arm was missing, as was one of her legs. The crude prosthetic she wore made an unsettling noise with every movement. But that wasn''t what caught Tyrin''s attention. It was the small cub in her arms¡ªa white lion, as fragile as its owner.

    "I couldn''t grab anything but my companion. Help me, please. I don''t want to die."

    Her expression was a mix of desperation and hope, her large, tear-filled eyes almost begging for salvation. For a moment, Tyrin froze. She reminded him of Frida, his sister. The fragility, the fear, the dependence. The sight struck him like a blade to the heart.

    He knew what he had to do, but reality was cruel. Helping her could slow him down. And slowing down could mean not making it in time. Not making it in time meant death.

    Time seemed to slow as Tyrin deliberated. Behind him, the footsteps of other survivors who had followed his lead began to echo. They were getting closer, but the girl remained where she was, clutching the cub tightly.

    "I need two people to help her," Tyrin said, his voice firm and authoritative, but laced with urgency.

    One of the boys in the group, with messy hair and a dirt-streaked face, scoffed derisively.

    "Shut up! Why do you think we''d help? Every man for himself here, kid. You wanna be a hero? Good luck. I''m not dying for her."

    The rest of the group murmured in agreement, their eyes making it clear they didn''t share Tyrin''s compassion. The boy who had spoken, stepped forward with an air of defiance.

    "Here''s an idea: help her and die with her. We''ll keep going. Everyone''s happy, right?"

    Tyrin stared at kid, not with anger but with understanding. He recognized that mindset¡ªsurvival at all costs. It was basic instinct. But he also knew there was something more at stake. It wasn''t just about helping the girl. It was about leading, about proving he could be something different, someone different.

    He took a deep breath and, in a calm but calculated tone, said:

    "Why do you think they''re following me? Why do you think they trust me to know the way? Because I''m smart enough to find the best routes. And you all know it. Now, either help me with her, or we all stay here until the clock runs out. Your choice."

    The kid frowned, glancing at the others, then back at Tyrin. Finally, he huffed and threw his hands up.

    "Damn it! Fine, fine. I''ll help. But you''d better know the way, kid, or I''ll kill you myself."

    Tyrin gave a faint smile, but it wasn''t one of relief. He knew they were still at a disadvantage. The girl was fragile, and even with Brian and another boy helping her, the group''s pace had slowed considerably. Every step felt like a risk, every second lost a nail in the coffin.

    "How much time do we have?" Brian asked, his voice heavy with frustration.

    "Enough if you shut up and keep moving," Tyrin replied curtly.

    The girl, despite her limitations, made an admirable effort. She didn''t complain, even when it was obvious that every movement caused her pain. The cub in her arms let out small whimpers, as if it could feel its owner''s suffering.

    Tyrin glanced at her again, and something inside him twisted. He thought of Frida and how she cried when he said goodbye. He knew that if he didn''t help this girl, it would feel like abandoning his sister. And he couldn''t live with that.

    "Left turn here. Then right, and straight for ten minutes," Tyrin said, taking the lead.

    They ran, stumbled, sweated, but they kept moving. Tyrin led with a confidence he didn''t even know he possessed. He visualized the map in his mind, every corridor, every junction, every detail that could help him find the shortest path.

    When they finally arrived at the boarding platform, the few remaining survivors who had made it there stared at them with curious eyes. Everyone was exhausted, but there was a faint glimmer of hope in their faces. Hope that was quickly extinguished when a familiar figure stepped into the center of the crowd.

    Baron Konem.

    He observed the group with a mocking smile, his cold eyes scanning each survivor until they landed on the girl Tyrin had helped. He approached her slowly, his gait almost predatory.

    "How interesting, but I must say I''m disappointed. You used my champion like I use my girls. Disgusting."

    He stopped in front of the girl, his fingers lightly brushing her cheek, as if admiring a piece of art.

    "You have something beautiful, splendid. Almost a slimy, vicious charm¡ªa raspberry in the scorching desert. What is the name, I don''t remember... "

    The girl, believing she had survived, gave a shy smile. Perhaps she was thinking of her mother, or maybe she felt relief at having made it this far.

    "I remembered. Hope. Bah..."

    The shot was quick. Simple. The girl collapsed to the ground, still smiling, as if she hadn''t even had time to register what had happened. The cub in her arms let out a mournful cry before being dragged away.

    "Know this: that word doesn''t exist here. Only the strong survive. Do what you did again, and I''ll kill you all myself."

    Konem walked away laughing, his footsteps echoing through the corridors. But no one moved. No one spoke. They were paralyzed, shocked, and terrified.

    Tyrin clenched his fists tightly. He looked down at the egg in his hands and murmured to himself:

    "I will survive. No matter what happens. No matter what I have to do."

    "Definitely, everyone here is insane."

 The Great Hall - Chapter 10

    The arrival at the mothership had been surprisingly uneventful, but the heavy silence filling the space was more deafening than any sound. All the survivors were lost in their own thoughts, haunted by the images and sounds of the previous day. Tyrin was no different. He felt as though a cold weight had been pressing on his chest ever since the girl had been killed. His mind replayed that moment over and over again: her confident smile, the hope reflected in her eyes¡­ all stolen with a single shot.

    He could still remember the dull thud of her body hitting the ground, the small cub instinctively running to her side, and the second shot, as cruel as the first. The sight of blood pooling on the floor... this wasn''t an execution. It was a spectacle. A reminder of the Baron''s absolute power.

    No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t push the scene out of his mind. Even his stomach, empty since their departure, seemed to want to reject something. "How can they live like this?" he thought as he followed the group down to join hundreds of other children in the main hall.

    "Everyone, move now and be at Gate 8 in 10 minutes!" barked the sharp voice of one of the Baron''s servants, echoing through the corridors of the ship. The children, still dazed, began moving quickly, trying to avoid drawing attention. The last thing anyone wanted was to face the wrath of a Baron''s servant¡ªor worse, the Baron himself.

    Tyrin moved with the flow, observing the faces around him. Some were completely unfamiliar, but others he recognized from fleeting glimpses in the corridors or dormitories. Nearly all of them kept their eyes downcast, fixed on the floor, and many still bore visible signs of the trials they''d endured. Poorly healed wounds, bruises scattered across their bodies, torn clothes¡ªsigns that they were alive by sheer luck or an almost desperate determination.

    "So, this is what''s left of us," he murmured to himself.

    The ship''s corridors were cold, made of gleaming metal, but devoid of any luxury. Each step he took seemed to echo too loudly, as if even the sound of his movements might attract unwanted attention. He reached Gate 8 along with the others, feeling the tension in the air grow thicker.

    As they passed through the massive metallic gates, Tyrin was struck by what he saw. The hall was a vast, open chamber illuminated by an artificial light emanating from large floating globes. There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of children gathered. All were organized into distinct groups, representing different planets or regions controlled by the Baron.

    The atmosphere was suffocating. It was hard to believe that all these young people had gone through experiences similar to his own. Some children appeared calm, but most displayed expressions of fear and exhaustion. Tyrin noticed that, despite the apparent differences, there was something that connected them all: a shared sense of helplessness.

    He found a spot near one of the walls and tried to blend in, avoiding attention. The tension was almost palpable, but it was shattered by the amplified voice of the Baron.

    "Finally, you are all gathered," he announced from an elevated pulpit. His imposing figure, cloaked in a cape adorned with symbols and vibrant colors, dominated the space. His presence was like a shadow that enveloped the entire room.

    "Welcome to my domain."

    His voice echoed with an almost hypnotic force. There was something unsettling about the way he spoke, a disconcerting balance between charm and menace. He paused deliberately, letting his words hang in the air like blades ready to strike.

    "Today, we will begin distributing the gifts," he continued, with a smile that Tyrin knew was laced with mockery. "Of course, I see that many of you have already received your gifts¡­" He laughed, and the sound was like a scratch on the soul of everyone present.

    "However, I ask that those who have not yet been blessed with the Gene proceed to the cabins indicated by your leaders."

    The groups began to move. Tyrin watched as children from warrior planets, the Essentials, organized themselves into impeccable rows, already resembling trained soldiers. They marched with discipline, their expressions so firm they seemed carved from stone. In contrast, other groups were chaotic¡ªfrightened children who had to be pushed or dragged along by their companions. The stark differences between the planets were striking. Some seemed to have sent their best; others, anyone who could still breathe.

    "Inhabitants of planets Tirinida, Traavaus, Platonic. Follow me," announced one of the Baron''s servants, his voice resonating through the hall.

    Meanwhile, Tyrin tried to approach the line of those who had not yet received the Gene. He knew he was late, but he had no choice. He needed to receive the dose, even if it meant facing the excruciating process he knew was coming.

    But before he could join the line, a heavy hand grabbed his shoulder.

    "Hey, you want to die? Get back to your team now!" barked a servant, his voice full of authority.

    "I need to take my Gene dose," Tyrin replied, his voice steady despite the knot tightening in his throat.

    The servant narrowed his eyes at him, disbelief clear in his expression. "Liar. All of you were dosed before being sent here. I reviewed the records myself."

    "What''s going on here?" The Baron''s voice cut through the air like a blade. He floated above the group, moving with an unsettling grace, his levitation field casting a faint glow around him.

    "My Lord Baron, forgive me," the servant said, dropping to his knees. "This boy claims he hasn''t received the Gene."

    The Baron landed softly on the ground, just a few meters from Tyrin. His gaze, laden with something Tyrin couldn''t decipher, settled on him.

    "Tyrin, isn''t it?" He approached, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and malice. "You never cease to surprise me."

    "Why haven''t you taken the Gene?" he asked, his voice now lower but still dripping with authority.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Tyrin took a deep breath before responding. "I was in training on my planet and was sent to replace someone who died. I didn''t have time to receive the Gene."

    An uncomfortable silence settled over the hall. All eyes were on them. Tyrin knew his explanation was true, but he also knew that any misstep could cost him his life.

    The Baron studied him for a long moment before laughing. "Ah! How delightful! I do hope you don''t die in that chair, boy. Death by Gene overlay is horrifying, even by my standards." He waved his hand, dismissing Tyrin.

    "Get out of my sight. Go to your cabin."

    Tyrin quickly moved to where he was supposed to take the injection but was met with a welcome surprise.

    "How did you get here? Actually, how were you allowed to be here? I thought only the Baron''s people were permitted here."

    Karin gave a faint smile, but there was a weary gleam in her eyes. Despite her composed appearance, it was evident she was carrying more than she let on.

    "You know, it''s a funny story," she said, crossing her arms and leaning against the nearby table. "Let''s just say¡­ I wanted to support you and be by your side."

    Tyrin raised an eyebrow. "Support? Since when did I become a priority for you?"

    Before she could answer, her expression turned more serious. "It''s not just about you, Tyrin. It''s about survival. Mine, yours, and everyone else who still matters. This mission was calculated, but for it to work, I had to make some sacrifices."

    Two Days Earlier

    The sky was blanketed with dense clouds, and the room where Dante and Karin were talking was steeped in shadows. Only the faint light of a flickering lamp illuminated the room, casting restless silhouettes on the walls.

    "I don''t want to go," Karin said, her fists clenched on the table. Her eyes were full of determination, but fear lingered in them as well.

    Dante, sitting across from her, seemed calm, but his eyes betrayed his concern. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But you have to go. You''re the key piece to avoid getting caught."

    "And what guarantees me that the Baron won''t kill me as soon as he realizes someone from the Inner Centurion is on his turf? Dante, you know how he is."

    "I do," he replied seriously. "But you''ve lost your planet, Karin. That''s a fact. The Inner Centurion won''t protect you. What you have now is an opportunity to hide in plain sight. And, in the process, we can use this to save what''s left of our cause."

    She stood up, pacing back and forth in the small room. "You''re asking me to surrender. You''re asking me to trust that the Baron won''t just get rid of me the moment I step onto his territory."

    "I''m not asking," Dante countered, standing up as well. He leaned toward her, his voice low but firm. "I''m telling you this is your only chance. There, you can become an auxiliary noble on a planet no one values. A planet the Baron barely pays attention to. You''ll go unnoticed but still have enough influence to survive. Better to be a living noble on a poor planet than a dead noble on a rich one, don''t you think?"

    She stopped pacing, her hands trembling slightly. "And if this goes wrong, Dante?"

    He hesitated for a moment before responding. "I''ve placed another pawn, in case the first one fails. If things go wrong, I''ll do what I can to get you out of there. But, Karin, this has to work. It''s the only way."

    She stared at him for long seconds before sighing deeply. "Okay. But I need all the information about this operation. I need your guarantee that I''ll be high-ranking on that planet. And I want it in advance."

    Dante gave a small, satisfied smile. "Deal."

    ______________

    Karin looked at Tyrin, who seemed to be absorbing everything in silence. He still had questions, but he knew he might never get all the answers.

    "So, you''re here¡­ undercover," he concluded, trying to piece it all together. "What do you want from me, besides survival?"

    "Yes, undercover. And what do I want from you? Simple, Tyrin. I want you not to die. You''re more important than you think."

    "Important? I''m just a kid sent to replace someone who died," he countered, shaking his head. "Why the hell would I be important?"

    Karin stepped closer, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "You''re a survivor. You understand things even the nobles don''t. You know how to play this game, even if you think you don''t. And if you manage to survive, we can change more than you imagine."

    He looked into her eyes, trying to understand her intentions. There was something there, something that felt bigger than him. For a brief moment, he wondered what she knew about him that he didn''t know himself.

    "Fine," he said finally. "So what happens now?"

    Karin gave a tired smile. "Now? Now you lie down on that bed and prepare for the transformation. It''s time for you to receive the Gene. And, well¡­ I hope you can endure it. Because it''s going to hurt. A lot."

    Tyrin swallowed hard but stepped forward. He knew he had no choice.

    "How much pain are we talking about?" he asked, trying to sound confident, but his voice betrayed him.

    "According to my calculations," she replied, preparing the equipment, "it''ll be the worst pain of your life. So, I suggest you scream. It''ll help."

    Before he could say anything else, she inserted the device into his arm. The pain was immediate, searing through every fiber of his body like liquid fire. He screamed, his body convulsing on the bed as Karin watched, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and determination.

    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Tyrin''s scream echoed through the room.

    Tyrin couldn''t process anything else. The pain was absolute torment, infiltrating even the smallest of his bones, as if every part of his body was being dismantled and reassembled the wrong way. He was sweating, trembling, and the involuntary screams poured out of his throat like a forced confession.

    "Scream! You need to scream to stay focused! It stimulates the synapses so they don''t shut down! Just a little more!" Karin shouted, raising her voice to drown out the agonizing sounds coming from Tyrin.

    She couldn''t take any risks. If he passed out, the chances of survival would plummet. She had already lost the other pawn to a bullet to the head, and Tyrin was her last chance to prove the risk had been worth it.

    ______________

    Karin, though maintaining a facade of control, was in a state of near panic. Her hands trembled as she adjusted the gene infusion monitors. She knew the odds were against Tyrin; the average human body couldn''t withstand full doses of genes without proper preparation. She whispered to herself:

    "Please, just a little more¡­ You can do this. You have to."

    The fluorescent liquid coursing through Tyrin''s body seemed alive, moving like a hungry predator through his veins. He could feel every molecule burning through his nerves, altering everything he was.

    "My sister¡­ Frida¡­" Tyrin murmured, gasping, as sweat poured from his face in streams.

    Karin heard the words but remained focused. There was no room for sentimentality. He had to survive.

    "Tyrin, listen to me! Focus on what''s ahead. Use this pain as fuel! You need to endure. The pain is proof that it''s working!"

    In Tyrin''s mind, fragmented images began to take shape. He saw Frida playing in the snow, laughing with her eyes shining with joy. But then his mind twisted those images, and he saw her crying, alone, as he was taken away.

    "I can''t die here. I can''t leave her alone. Not now."

    The thought gave him a sliver of strength. He screamed again, no longer in pain but in defiance. His body trembled violently, muscles contracting and relaxing in a frenzied rhythm as the gene continued fusing into his DNA.

    Karin monitored Tyrin''s vital signs. His heart rate was dangerously high, but stable.

    "You''re almost there, kid. Don''t let me down. You''re the key to all of this."

    Then, a wave of convulsions hit Tyrin, and his body arched on the bed. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose, mixing with the vomit already staining the floor. Karin grabbed his wrist, checking the pulse that seemed to be fighting to keep going.

    "Damn it! He''s at his limit!" she muttered, quickly adjusting the final dosage. "Tyrin, listen! It''s almost over. Just thirty more seconds. Thirty seconds!"

    Tyrin could no longer hear clearly. Everything was a blur of lights, pain, and shadows that seemed to mock him. Still, he clung to the promise he''d made to Frida.

    "I will¡­ go back¡­ to her."

    And then, the pain reached its climax. His body arched one last time before collapsing onto the bed, motionless.

 The New One

    Karin held her breath. The monitor next to Tyrin was flat. No heartbeat.

    "No, no, NO! Not now!" she screamed, pounding his chest with her fists, desperate to restart his heart.

    The monitor beeped once. Then twice. His pulse returned, weak but steady. Karin collapsed to her knees beside him, exhausted.

    "You made it... damn kid, you made it," she said, more to herself than to Tyrin.

    Karin looked at Tyrin''s body, still trembling involuntarily as a result of the brutal genetic fusion process. His breathing was uneven, but he was alive. That was more than she could have asked for, given the circumstances.

    She reached for the small automatic tattoo kit she had smuggled in. It was a simple but powerful device, equipped with precision needles and inks encoded with imperial patterns.

    "Damn it¡­ This is madness. Three rules broken at once," she muttered, running her hands through her sweaty hair.

    She moved toward Tyrin''s left shoulder. Normally, Astra marks were placed in more discreet locations, like the underside of the forearm or near the nape of the neck. But Tyrin wasn''t a normal case. He wasn''t supposed to be here. The gene she had introduced into him was from an entirely different planet¡ªan elite gene that didn''t match his origins.

    "If anyone finds out about this... we''re both dead."

    Karin took a deep breath. She knew the choice of the mark needed to strike a balance between hiding the truth and ensuring that, at first glance, no one would question his legitimacy as an Astra. The mark had to exude power and uniqueness.

    Size and Location

    Instead of something small and discreet, she decided to cover Tyrin''s left chest with the tattoo. Large and visible, but still something he could easily hide with a shirt or armor.

    Color and Origin

    The traditional color for the planet Helheim was icy white, but the gene she used came from Alta Prime, an elite planet whose marks were opulent gold¡ªalmost too flashy. She chose to blend the two tones, creating a gold mark with white detailing, something that could confuse basic imperial sensors.

    Symbol of Potential

    The mark needed to symbolize strength, intelligence, and survival. She designed a stylized wolf intertwined with geometric lines representing ascension and control. It would highlight the latent potential Tyrin now carried while masking its true origin.

    Karin activated the device, and the needles began their precise work. The sound of the motor was muffled, but to her, it felt like a siren screaming her crime. Every second that passed heightened her paranoia. She knew she was walking on a knife''s edge.

    As the tattoo took shape, Karin couldn''t shake the feeling that she was making a monumental mistake.

    "Focus, Karin. Focus. He''s our best shot."

    After a few minutes, the mark was complete. She turned off the device and looked at the final product. The golden wolf glowed faintly against Tyrin''s pale skin, with white accents that seemed to shimmer like snow in motion.

    "Perfect¡­ I hope."

    Karin stepped back and looked at him. Tyrin appeared drained, but still alive. She knew he wouldn''t understand the weight of what she had done for him¡ªor for herself. This mark wasn''t just a symbol of his submission to the empire. It was a lie, one that could cost them everything if discovered.

    She cleaned the tools and prepared to leave, but before stepping away, she whispered:

    "Kid, you have no idea what burden you just took on. I hope you''re up to it because I''ve put everything on the line. You''re my only way out. Don''t let me down."

    When Tyrin finally woke up, he would no longer be the ordinary boy from Helheim 74B. He would be something more. The mark on his chest would tell the world he was a survivor, a future Astra¡­ but also a walking lie.

    "Fridaaa!!!!"

    Tyrin''s eyes shot open, his heart racing, his body flooded with adrenaline that briefly made him forget where he was. As he looked around, he found himself in a white room, illuminated by soft artificial lights. The sterile atmosphere only reinforced the feeling that he didn''t belong there.

    His first instinct was to get up, but a strange discomfort coursed through his body. It was only then that he realized¡ªhe was completely naked.

    Before he could react, he heard soft laughter. Turning his head quickly, he saw two women standing at the door.

    "No need to worry, champ, we''ve seen it all. And I must say¡­ you''ve got nothing to be embarrassed about," said the first woman with a mischievous smile and a look that made him blush all the way to the tips of his ears.

    Trying to cover himself with the thin sheet, he mumbled something inaudible, but the second woman cut in before the first could say more.

    "Please leave the boy alone. He just went through the introduction, and that''s traumatizing enough." The second woman''s demeanor was more serious, almost maternal. She shot a disapproving look at her sister before approaching Tyrin. "Apologies for her behavior. We''re here to ensure you''re alright. Nothing more."

    Despite her reassuring words, Tyrin still felt his face burning with embarrassment. He tried to cover himself better as he observed the two. They were incredibly alike¡ªdelicate features, flawless hair, and piercing eyes¡ªbut their contrasting personalities were evident. One seemed to mock everything, while the other maintained a serious and professional demeanor.

    "Sorry for the unusual checks, but we need to verify that there weren''t any unexpected mutations. Rare, but¡­ not impossible, you know?" the more serious woman explained, picking up a strange device and walking toward Tyrin.

    "No one told me about that possibility," he muttered, feeling his discomfort deepen. He wasn''t fully aware of what they''d done to him while he was unconscious, but he was beginning to suspect it was far more invasive than a simple medical procedure.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    "Of course they didn''t. Who likes sharing the most horrifying details, right? Welcome to the real world, darling," the mischievous woman teased, tossing her hair back and laughing softly.

    Tyrin rolled his eyes and sighed. "Alright, seriously, where am I? And can I leave? I need to talk to someone¡­ someone important."

    The mischievous woman raised an eyebrow suggestively. "Ooooh, let me guess. She''s your¡­ girlfriend or something?"

    "Stop it," the other woman said, shooting a deadly glare at her sister. "The person he wants to speak with was probably already sent to the satellite planet. Mothership rules¡ªyou know how it works."

    The mention of a "satellite planet" left Tyrin confused. He frowned, trying to understand what that meant. "Satellite planet? What do you mean? Where was she sent?"

    The serious woman sighed deeply before answering. "Satellite planets are smaller bases used to house auxiliaries, technicians, and those without direct combat roles. They''re usually sent there because¡­ well, they''re out of the way."

    Her words hit Tyrin hard. He knew that the person he was looking for¡ªsomeone who had risked so much to stand by his side¡ªnow seemed farther away than ever. A wave of guilt and frustration washed over him, but he didn''t let it show. There was no time for regrets. He had to keep moving forward.

    "You''re clearly well enough to get up. Get dressed, and let''s move. We''ve wasted enough time," the serious woman said, returning to her professional demeanor.

    Before Tyrin could respond, the other woman tossed a pile of clothes at him with a sly grin. "Here are your clothes. Come on, boy, get dressed quickly. Oh, and be careful¡ªwe don''t want you distracting anyone along the way, okay?"

    Tyrin ignored the comment and began dressing quickly, avoiding looking at the two as he did so. The discomfort was palpable, but he knew he needed to get out of that room as soon as possible. He still didn''t fully understand what was happening, but he felt that every lost minute put him at greater risk.

    "Alright. I''m dressed. Where to now?" he asked, straightening his shirt with quick, tense movements.

    "Follow me. I''ll take you to the main deck. There, you''ll meet representatives from your planet. Be ready¡ªit might be¡­ intense." The serious woman nodded and opened the door.

    The walk was silent. Tyrin followed the two women through endless corridors, their white, cold lights casting long shadows on the metallic walls. Despite the ship''s size, everything seemed efficient, straightforward, and functional. The silence was only broken by the sound of their footsteps and the occasional hum of the machinery keeping the ship operational.

    Eventually, they reached a floating platform suspended in midair¡ªa technology Tyrin couldn''t fully comprehend. He hesitated for a moment before stepping on it, but the women encouraged him with a gesture.

    "Trust the technology, kid. This thing never fails," the mischievous woman said, winking at him.

    The platform quickly took them to a larger section of the ship. As they moved, Tyrin looked around, trying to take in his surroundings. He had never seen anything this advanced on his home planet. It was like stepping into a completely different world.

    When they arrived, the serious woman gestured toward a massive door. "Here we are. When you step through this door, you''ll see where you are and what awaits you. Good luck. I hope we meet again¡­ but not too soon."

    Before Tyrin could thank her or respond, the two women disappeared back the way they had come. He took a deep breath, placed his hand on the door, and as it abruptly opened, he was immediately greeted by a powerful voice.

    "Well, well, well. Look who finally woke up. You''ve arrived just in time. Get ready to descend; we''re approaching the first stop. I hope it''s not your last."

    The Baron''s voice echoed down the narrow corridor of the ship. Tyrin blinked a few times, trying to understand where he was. His body still ached, as though every muscle had been torn apart and pieced back together. He barely had time to organize his thoughts before one of the Baron''s assistants grabbed him and pulled him toward the preparation area. The ship''s vibrations, growing stronger with each passing second, indicated they were about to enter the atmosphere of a planet.

    Walking down the corridor with the other recruits, Tyrin saw the Baron standing before the ship''s massive observation window. Behind him, a huge red planet dominated the view. Its surface seemed to pulse, as though the planet itself were alive¡ªor decaying. Tyrin felt his stomach tighten. He knew something was terribly wrong.

    Still confused, he approached one of the recruits nearby. The boy, with dark skin and a hardened expression, was adjusting something on his combat gear while keeping his gaze fixed on the horizon.

    "You didn''t hear the Baron? Our first mission is about to begin," the boy said flatly.

    Tyrin shook his head, frowning. "Sorry, I just woke up. I have no idea what''s happening. What mission?"

    The boy looked up, studying Tyrin for a moment, as if trying to assess whether he was worth the effort. After a brief silence, he gave a half-smile that didn''t reach his eyes.

    "So you''re the divergent¡­ huh. Okay, I expected someone¡­ bigger, I guess."

    The response left Tyrin even more confused. He tried pressing for more information, but the boy raised a hand, signaling for him to wait. The ship jolted violently, causing several recruits to stumble. Lights flickered along the walls, and a robotic voice announced their entry into the planet''s atmosphere.

    As everyone grabbed onto whatever they could for balance, the boy turned back to Tyrin, his expression now serious.

    "Oh, I forgot to answer your second question. Our mission is simple¡­ DON''T DIE."

    Tyrin was too nervous to process much else. He knew that if the Baron''s command boiled down to "don''t die," the task ahead would be far beyond anything he could imagine. It would be brutal, merciless, and designed to push them past limits they didn''t even know they had.

    As he tried to collect his thoughts, Tyrin noticed the agitation around him. The other recruits, some staring blankly into the void, others laughing nervously, seemed to react differently to the mounting pressure. He gripped the rusty pistol he had been given, feeling its awkward weight in his hands. "How am I supposed to survive with this?" he thought, staring at the weapon that looked more like an antique than a functional tool.

    Before he could sink further into his anxiety, a movement caught his attention. A mechanical sound echoed down the corridor, and from one of the side passages emerged something that looked like it had stepped out of a technological nightmare.

    An Astra, fully equipped, entered the room. Its gleaming, bulky armor made it look more machine than human.

    The Astra''s footsteps thundered against the metallic floor, and all eyes turned toward it. It was impossible not to feel small in the presence of such an imposing figure, whose very presence seemed to crush the air around them.

    "Attention, recruits. My name is Calandriel A-27. Welcome to 78A." The metallic voice reverberated through the room. "We will be infiltrating Moon 78A of the planet Dovos. Our landing zone will be north of the Vex Military Station, approximately 10 kilometers away. The territory is entirely hostile."

    A murmur spread among the recruits but was quickly silenced when Calandriel stepped forward. "Quiet. We are not here to train you; we are here to test you. You have weapons and, for a lucky few, functional genetic support. But remember: there is no mercy in the field. Good luck."

    Tyrin''s heart raced. He looked down at the rusty pistol in his hand, then back at the Astra, whose advanced armor seemed like something out of a science fiction tale. "How do they expect me to survive with this?" he thought, swallowing hard as he tried to convince himself he''d find a way.

 The Questioning

    It took nearly three hours to descend to the planet due to the distance between the mothership and the natural satellite. The delay was also caused by interference generated by the planet itself. It was likely emitting some sort of electromagnetic disturbance, or perhaps its atmosphere destabilized in the presence of advanced technology. Either way, they made it.

    "We''re almost there! Grab your things now!" someone shouted down the corridor.

    Tyrin looked at his weapon¡ªa relic, obsolete compared to the more advanced firearms of the other recruits.

    "Okay¡­ but how do I use this thing?" he muttered, confused as he examined it.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me, right? Didn''t you pay attention during training?" said a nearby companion with a sarcastic grin, but he quickly added, "Just call on your genetic support, man."

    "Genetic support? What the hell is that? And more importantly, how do I use it?" Tyrin felt a twinge of irritation, but he knew he needed help.

    "It''s simple. Just call out your status. Worked for me. Good luck!" the boy replied, already walking off to prepare.

    Despite the short explanation, Tyrin felt like the tip could prove useful. He took a deep breath, ignoring the overwhelming sense of inadequacy clawing at him, and decided to try.

    "Status¡­" he said quietly, feeling a little ridiculous.

    ?? STATUS ??

    Rank: SSS / 00

    Strength: 4

    Resistance: 7

    Speed: 6

    Skill: 12

    Psyche: 0

    To his surprise, something extraordinary happened. A translucent hologram filled with information materialized in the air before his eyes, floating like a personal interface.

    "Dirty soldiers! Head to the landing zone immediately and prepare yourselves. I won''t be left behind because of two worthless fools!"

    The sharp voice snapped Tyrin out of his thoughts. He still didn''t fully understand what was happening, but one thing quickly became clear: after receiving the implanted gene, recruits were assigned tattoos that reflected their status. His only weapon was an ancient, battered piece. If this was a reflection of his value in the hierarchy, he was clearly at the bottom of the ladder.

    "Let''s get ready to land. Stay close and alert," came another command.

    Still disoriented, Tyrin quickened his pace, determined to catch up with the group ahead. As he drew closer, he was startled by the metallic sound of the hatch opening. For the first time, he saw the planet''s exterior with his own eyes.

    "So¡­ this is heat," he whispered, incredulous.

    Outside stretched an endless desert, a landscape few from his planet had ever seen¡ªand even fewer had returned to describe. Among the planets Tyrin had read about, none seemed to have an environment like this. The view was both unsettling and fascinating.

    The heat was dry, abrasive, almost suffocating. The air hit like a direct blow to the throat, making even breathing difficult. Tyrin felt the oppressive weight of the hostile environment around him.

    A scream echoed through the ship, cutting through the silence.

    "Help!"

    The sound sent shivers through Tyrin''s body. He wasn''t the first to hear it, but his reaction was instinctive. He whipped his head around, trying to locate the source as the crew around him descended into chaos.

    "Quick! It sounds like there are comrades still alive at the station!"

    The group followed the imposing Astra, running without question. The sprint, stretching nearly two kilometers, left many gasping for air. But for Tyrin, the most unsettling part was the Astra''s calm pace, as though it were merely walking while everyone else scrambled in desperation.

    "Sir, why are we running straight into an ambush? Is this part of the mission?"

    Calandriel came to an abrupt stop. She turned to Tyrin with a hard expression, her eyes shining with both irritation and curiosity.

    "Ambush? What exactly are you trying to say?"

    Tyrin hesitated. He knew that opening his mouth could put his life at risk. But the Astra''s piercing gaze demanded an answer.

    "Apologies, sir¡­ I just find it unlikely that a human made that sound."

    "Explain yourself, recruit."

    Tyrin took a deep breath. The words of Dante echoed in his mind: "Keep your opinions to yourself unless your life depends on it." He decided to take the risk.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "We''re in open terrain, sir. Visibility should be at least three kilometers. Even after running two, we haven''t seen anything. It doesn''t add up. The sound we heard¡­ it can''t have been a normal human. And I''m certain it wasn''t an Astra calling for help either."

    Calandriel crossed her arms, studying Tyrin with renewed interest.

    "Why are you so sure it wasn''t a fellow Astra?"

    "Because¡­ according to Article 367, paragraph 2, subsection 27, Astras, Vultras, and Zentros are prohibited from occupying natural satellites unless under direct orders from the Ultras."

    A heavy silence fell over the group. When another scream echoed, louder than before, everyone flinched¡ªbut Calandriel remained still, her eyes locked on Tyrin with a mix of distrust and intrigue.

    "What do you think we''re dealing with? And how would you handle it?"

    Tyrin swallowed hard. He knew every word that followed could decide his fate.

    "I believe it''s a Tyrina 57B, sir. Also known as a Mimic. It''s a bipedal creature, relatively weak in direct combat but dangerous for its ability to imitate human sounds. It rarely acts alone and is usually accompanied by centurions. They''re not intelligent but extremely arrogant, making them easy to deceive. My suggestion? Avoid direct confrontation and lure the creatures into a trap."

    The Astra raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips.

    "You''re smarter than you look. Good¡­ very good."

    She stepped away, walking with purpose as she retrieved her communicator to contact the ship. Meanwhile, the group around Tyrin began to whisper, torn between admiration and discomfort at the unexpected knowledge of the young recruit.

    "Sir, they''ve realized it''s an ambush. Permission to initiate the test immediately."

    "Let me guess¡­ it was that clever little recruit."

    "I must say, he''s taken a much more complex approach than I would have. Still, the means matter little if the end result is what we seek, right?"

    "HAHAHAHAHA! How can something so inferior be so¡­ clever? He must be one of those types who''s only intelligent. What a waste."

    "I agree, sir. Judging by his level, I can''t reach another conclusion. I''ll begin the mission now."

    "Yes, yes. Do as you wish."

    A few minutes later, Calandriel returned, her expression intense.

    "Alright, recruits. The mission is simple: eliminate the enemy and take the northern station before nightfall."

    She turned her gaze to Tyrin.

    "Tyrin, come here. Do you see that ''rock'' up ahead? That''s not a rock. It''s the feces of an adult Belzebuth. And if you''re as smart as I think you are¡­ you know exactly what that means. Good luck."

    Without waiting for a response, the Astra disappeared into the desert, vanishing over the horizon in seconds.

    The group was left behind, terrified and leaderless. Tyrin remained frozen for a moment, staring at the twisted vegetation ahead. What looked like a moving bush caught his attention¡ªand his breath.

    A young woman approached, interrupting his thoughts.

    "Tyrin, my name''s Rose. What do we do now?"

    For a moment, silence enveloped them all. Finally, Tyrin raised his eyes, looking at the small group now depending on him.

    "We need to get out of here before nightfall¡­ or we''ll die in the most grotesque and painful way imaginable."

    The citadel of Helheim 74B was an anomaly on the fringes of the Federation. A place where fallen-blood nobles clung to power like shipwreck survivors grasping at debris. Dante, a descendant of an ancient and respected lineage, embodied this resistance. Unlike his family, he believed that a return to glory would not come through politics but through personal effort. His idealism made him a curious figure: a noble who saw potential greatness in Tyrin, even amid the decay.

    "You need to learn the Federation''s internal regulations, Tyrin. I don''t want you to be defeated by ignorance. An Astra must be strong, capable, and intelligent. Read and memorize these three glossaries. Understood?"

    "If you keep your end of the deal, I''ll even memorize the Glossary of Federation Nobles," Tyrin replied.

    To Dante, Tyrin was a raw diamond¡ªdetermined and intelligent, but without direction.

    "If you follow my advice, you''ll become the best. Riches and power will be within your reach, both for you and your sister. I promise."

    A deliberate cough interrupted the moment.

    "Ah, Miss Karim! Decided to join us mere mortals?" Dante said with a smirk.

    "Very funny, Dante. I overheard something about regulations. Are you seriously making him study that in his free time?"

    "No misunderstanding here. He''ll read during your lesson. We already talked, and Tyrin said he could handle both."

    Karim raised an eyebrow at Tyrin, incredulous.

    "Do you really think this will work, Tyrin?"

    "Don''t worry. I remember everything I see. I can do two things at once," he said confidently.

    Even the skeptical Karim couldn''t deny Tyrin''s talent. But her lessons often tested her patience.

    "Tyrin, I understand Dante told you to read this, but I need you to focus on this part. It''s critical."

    "Apologies, I heard everything you said. But if you want me to look directly at you to feel comfortable, I can do that," Tyrin replied with a faint grin.

    Karim sighed, irritated by the boy''s apparent overconfidence.

    "You, kids! Where is the respect? Alright, let''s go. I need to show you the most dangerous and common tyrants that might cross your path. I''ll start with the one I believe is the strongest. So pay close attention, because knowing how to recognize the signs will decide whether you live... or die. The most dangerous one, the one you must always beware of, is..."

    Now, in the present, chaos had taken over. The group had been running for 15 minutes straight, the citadel already in sight.

    "Why the hell are we running straight toward the enemy?!" a boy shouted, exhausted and angry.

    Others began to voice their protests. Tyrin realized it was impossible to keep the group in the dark any longer. He came to an abrupt stop.

    "We''ll rest for 20 minutes. Then we''ll head to the citadel. There will be enemies, but together we can survive."

    "And who made you the leader? Why should we run toward our deaths? We could wait until nightfall and attack them by surprise," argued a small girl with a defiant stance.

    "I suggest we vote. Who''s with me?"

    A few hands went up, but Tyrin interrupted.

    "Waiting until nightfall is suicide. If we stay here, we''ll die with 100% certainty."

    "What are you talking about? We''re in a group, we know where the enemy is. This doesn''t make sense!"

    "Our problem isn''t the Mimic. It''s the Fluviel Executioner. The Tyrano Belzebuth."

    The group fell silent, terrified. Everyone knew the legend of the Executioner¡ªa killing machine designed to exterminate both humans and even distracted Astras. Facing it was like shaking hands with death.

    "That doesn''t make sense! We haven''t seen any signs¡­"

    "You''re wrong. That ''hard sack'' we saw along the way is its dung. There''s only one. No offspring. It''s probably watching us right now, waiting for an opportunity. If we stay here, we''ll be its dinner."

 The Clash

    Fear spread through the group like wildfire, and even the girl who had been leading the opposition gave up questioning Tyrin. No one wanted to become a meal.

    "Very well, now that we are all on the same page, I had an idea"

    That same night, in the human camp, something strange was happening. A child, stripped down to his underwear, was screaming desperately for help.

    Inside one of the tents, a grotesque creature grinned, its mouth smeared with dried blood and chewed human flesh. The ground around it was a macabre tapestry of carnage, a grisly work of art composed of human remains.

    The creature''s smile widened at the sound of the screams. It was almost ritualistic¡ªthe moment before the feast. As the gates began to creak open, it let out a guttural roar, preparing itself to welcome its next victim.

    "Tyrin, I think it''s working. The gate is opening," Damian said over the radio, his voice trembling.

    "Hold steady, Damian. It''s going to show up. It has to," Tyrin replied firmly.

    Damian, the trembling, half-naked boy, shivered with fear. His mind flashed back to the moment he had lost the bet that put him in this position.

    "What do you mean I lost?! Best two out of three!"

    "Everyone agreed on the draw. And all you need to do is follow the plan," Cassandra had explained impatiently.

    "It''s easy for you to say! You''re not the one out there exposed, damn it! What''s the plan again?"

    "Damian, calm down! The plan is simple: lure the Mimic. It''s arrogant and believes it has the advantage. We need to draw it out into the open," Tyrin had said.

    Now, Damian walked slowly, clutching the radio as he followed Tyrin''s instructions.

    "We''re close by. Just keep moving," Tyrin reassured him.

    The gate finally opened, and a figure stepped out. Damian froze.

    "Holy shit¡­ is that a human? But its face¡­ Arghhh!"

    What stood before him was the Mimic. Not just a deformed creature, but a predator with cruel, calculating intelligence. Its face was a grotesque parody of humanity, scarred and warped beyond recognition.

    Damian tried to stay calm, but his quickening breath betrayed the battle raging inside him: fight or flight.

    "Calm down, Damian. It''s taken the bait," Tyrin whispered through the radio.

    The decisive moment was near. The creature advanced slowly, its eyes fixed on Damian. And then, Tyrin''s plan would either succeed¡ªor they would all become the Mimic''s next meal.

    Damian''s stomach churned as he got a closer look. What had seemed human from a distance was a horrific sight up close. The creature was wearing the skin of a person.

    "That bastard¡­ it''s wearing someone''s skin! Urgh!" Damian groaned into the radio.

    The Mimic, still grinning with its twisted, deformed smile, waved at Damian as if inviting him to play. Its grotesque face twitched, its scarred and decayed features moving unnaturally. But something shifted in the creature''s eyes¡ªit had noticed something odd about Damian.

    Even so, it was too consumed by the anticipated pleasure of its attack to care. Saliva dripped from its maw, and its body trembled with predatory hunger.

    "Shit, Tyrin, it''s not even pretending anymore."

    "Keep going, Damian. It has to believe it''s safe to strike. If you back down now, it won''t follow. Be brave," Tyrin urged.

    "I want my mom," Damian muttered under his breath, his voice cracking.

    Three more steps. That was all it took to trigger the nightmare. The Mimic''s smile contorted even further, and with a distorted motion, it lunged toward Damian. The creature moved with a horrifying blend of unnatural grace and raw savagery.

    From inside the citadel, as if following a macabre conductor, forty smaller subspecies of the Mimic emerged. It was a monstrous procession, ready to join in the ultimate feast.

    "Don''t waste ammo on the Mimic! Its armor is too thick. Focus on the subspecies!" Tyrin shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

    He had explained the plan before, but he knew that in the heat of battle, nerves could take over. Everyone needed to remember: without the element of surprise, the Mimic was still vulnerable. But the subspecies, in their numbers, were the real threat.

    "Eat this, you bastard!"

    "Someone toss me a weapon! One of these things is chasing me!"

    The battlefield was pure chaos. Screams of terror mixed with gunfire in a cacophony of survival. For some, fear was paralyzing; for others, it was a call to action. For most of them, this was their first battle¡ªand no one wanted it to be their last.

    "Someone help Damian and keep these things away! I''ll try to distract the Mimic!" Tyrin yelled.

    He didn''t want to be the leader, but there was no other choice. He had to draw the Mimic''s attention, not out of heroism but sheer necessity.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    "Come on, you bastard. Catch me if you can!"

    Tyrin discarded his weapon, knowing it would only slow him down. He relied on his agility instead. It was a risky gamble, but he knew the Mimic''s primary weapon was its retractable claw.

    "Alright, according to Book One, its top speed is five. By the empire, let that damn book be right."

    The creature charged, revealing its grotesque form even more clearly up close. The stench of decay hit Tyrin like a physical blow, nearly making him gag. Its appearance was a horrific caricature, like a clown twisted into something nightmarish, its flesh rotting and oozing.

    When the Mimic struck, its claw lashed out with blinding speed. Tyrin rolled to the right at the last moment, barely avoiding the attack. Then again. And again. It was a frantic dance between predator and prey, with Tyrin dodging by the narrowest of margins each time.

    "Guys, if you could give me a hand¡­ now would be great!"

    Even with dust stinging his eyes, Tyrin refused to blink. He knew that any mistake would be fatal. Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by a metallic shriek.

    Before Tyrin could react, a spear slammed into the Mimic, pinning it to the ground¡ªand nearly hitting him in the process.

    "Cassandra, damn it! You almost killed me!"

    Breathing heavily, Tyrin looked up and saw who had come to his aid.

    "Thanks."

    The Mimic, now impaled, thrashed violently as it struggled to free itself. Tyrin knew its heart wasn''t in its chest but slightly lower.

    "Someone toss me a dagger!" he yelled.

    Damian, still trembling, managed to throw one. Tyrin caught it and ran toward the flailing creature.

    "The heart is below the navel," he murmured to himself.

    Taking advantage of the creature''s vulnerability, Tyrin drove the dagger into the precise spot. The Mimic let out a horrifying scream¡ªa mix of human and beastly voices¡ªbefore collapsing in total silence.

    As the creature''s body fell lifeless to the ground, a cold, metallic voice echoed in Tyrin''s mind.

    "Congratulations. You have leveled up."

    Still catching his breath, Tyrin turned to Cassandra, who smirked slightly.

    "Thanks."

    "It''s nothing. We need to help each other if we want to get out of this alive."

    "You''re Cassandra, right? Nice to meet you."

    "Hmm¡­ so I had to save your life for you to notice I exist? Hahaha," she teased.

    Before Tyrin could respond, Damian''s voice interrupted.

    "Guys, great chat and all, but¡­ where the hell is everyone?"

    Tyrin had already figured out what was happening. Dante had taught him that in this world, relying on someone else could be fatal. The outcome was always the same: betrayal.

    "Those bastards used our fight as a distraction to escape to the citadel," Damian muttered, his fists clenched in frustration. "Damn it¡­ what now?"

    "Calm down, brother," Cassandra said, placing a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to soothe him. "They must''ve made a mistake. Let''s go after them."

    It didn''t take long for the trio to reach the gates of the citadel, but they were locked from the inside.

    "Well, well, well. I thought you''d all be dead by now, but I''m happy to see you survived! That must mean you killed that thing!"

    The sarcastic voice came from Ronald, leaning out of a partially open metal window several meters above the sealed gate.

    "Stop messing around, Ronald! Open the gate! The sun is setting!"

    "I don''t think you understand the situation." Ronald''s lips curled into a mocking smile. "It''s packed in here. No room for you. Unless, of course, you fight each other. Maybe then we can make space for one more."

    The scorn in his voice was echoed by laughter from other children inside the citadel. It was clear this was a planned trap¡ªeven Rose seemed to have submitted to the betrayal.

    "Why are you doing this? It doesn''t make sense!" Damian yelled, outraged.

    "Are you stupid or what?" Ronald jeered. "We''re not a group, idiot. We''re judged individually. What do you think will happen when that idiot behind you decides he can leave us behind? You were a fool to trust him." He pointed a finger directly at Tyrin, smirking.

    "Don''t you people have any honor!?" Damian spat back.

    "Brother¡­" Cassandra interrupted softly, placing a hand on Damian''s shoulder. "Let it go. We''ll find another place."

    "Listen to the pretty girl next to you and disappear," Ronald said with another cruel laugh. "Be the prey tonight. Hahahaha!"

    With a final smirk, Ronald slammed the window shut. The heavy metal gate sealed off the group, leaving only the sound of the cutting wind across the plain.

    "We''re screwed¡­" Cassandra murmured, defeated.

    "Follow me," Tyrin said, his voice devoid of emotion.

    He absorbed everything with an eerie calm, turning and walking away from the citadel. The trio disappeared from sight, leaving the other children behind.

    Ronald lounged in the watchtower, a self-satisfied grin on his face.

    "They''re gone. I thought they''d scream a bit more," he remarked, almost disappointed.

    "Why didn''t we kill them when we had the chance?" one of the other boys asked, prompting murmurs of agreement from the group.

    "Shut up, idiots," Ronald snapped, rolling his eyes. "We can''t kill each other. That''s the rule. In here, we''re safe¡ªwe have food, shelter. All we need to do is wait for that thing to show up. We''ll kill it outside and get rid of their group in the process. Simple."

    "Ronald, you''re a genius!" Rose chimed in enthusiastically.

    "Yeah, yeah. Now spread out. Gather all the food you can find and bring it to the watchtower. We''ll wait here."

    The others eagerly obeyed, scattering to carry out his orders. Now alone, Ronald allowed his darker thoughts to surface.

    "Idiots¡­ you''ll all be my stepping stones to victory. I''ll survive, no matter the cost."

    Far from the citadel, the trio walked in silence until Damian broke the tension.

    "Why the hell did we run away like cowards? This doesn''t make sense!"

    "Maybe he has his reasons," Cassandra said. "Tyrin, why did we leave? Aren''t we exposed out here?"

    "We''re far enough away now," Tyrin replied calmly. "Do you know why we had to reach the citadel before nightfall?"

    "Because the Belzebuth sleeps during the day?" Cassandra guessed.

    "Exactly," Tyrin confirmed.

    The siblings exchanged confused glances.

    "What does that have to do with anything? We''re not following," Cassandra said, her voice tense.

    "Look around. We''re on a plain. We didn''t pass any place that offered shade or shelter from the sun''s rays. Except for one."

    "What do you mean?" Cassandra''s eyes widened as she began to connect the dots. "No way¡­"

    "It''s true," Tyrin sighed. "Do you really think the entire station fell to one Mimic and forty summons? Impossible. Someone helped. And that ''someone'' is still inside. Sleeping. But it won''t be for much longer."

    The silence that followed was broken only by the cold wind sweeping across the plain, which now seemed far more threatening.

    "He''s¡­ exciting in ways that make my loins tingle! Hahahaha! What I wouldn''t give to have an intelligent servant like him."

    Inside a room filled with computers and screens transmitting live footage of the natural satellite, the Baron watched intently, his gaze fixed on one particular screen. On it, with unsettling clarity, three young figures moved through the desolate landscape, their actions laced with grim purpose.

    "Baron, he merely exploited the obvious nature of the situation. It was clear his enemy would be inside the citadel¡ª"

    "Shut your mouth, you useless fool!" the Baron roared, his piercing gaze silencing the advisor instantly. "Do you have any idea the pressure I''m under to share my planets with those damn hyenas? We need to prove we''re more than just three measly chunks of rock! Those cursed Essentials are powerful, but they''re indulgent and rebellious. If those bastards weren''t so strong¡­"

    The Baron''s voice trailed off, his anger simmering. His attention returned to the screen, his lips curling into a sinister grin.

    "Yes¡­ this one is different. Let''s see how far you can go, boy."

 The Desperate Plan

    "Sir..." one of the assistants interrupted nervously. "The Essentials have already killed the Mimics and the Belzebuth. What should we do?"

    "Of course, they did," the Baron replied with a dangerous smile. "Send the rescue team and prepare a gala dinner. But don''t set a plate for me. Tonight, there will be a bloodbath, and I want to see who emerges as the victor. Hahahahaha!"

    Thousands of kilometers below, the children worked frantically and grotesquely. Around them, the bloodied remains of the Mimic lay scattered across the ground.

    "Tyrin¡­ what the hell are we doing? This thing only has rotten leftovers in its stomach! And the intestines¡­ urgh, it''s even worse! I''m gonna¡ª"

    "Hold it in and keep going," Tyrin ordered, his voice firm and dark. "We need everything this creature can provide. Camouflage is our only chance. We can''t die tonight. Besides¡­" He paused, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I believe we''ll have a chance to kill what''s hunting us. But you have to trust me."

    It took two hours of focused, silent work. The young group operated in a morbid hush, their clothes and bodies covered in the putrid flesh and entrails of the Mimic. When they were finished, they were unrecognizable: drenched in blood, rotting organs, and fragments of flesh¡ªbits of fingers and eyes clinging to their makeshift coverings.

    "I think I swallowed something¡­" Damian stammered, his face pale.

    "Shut up," Tyrin replied coldly. "Don''t make a sound. Night has fallen. It''s already awake. Stay silent and wait for my signal."

    Inside the citadel''s watchtower, five boys feasted on the food they had hoarded. Between laughter and words of encouragement, their confidence grew.

    "We''re going to survive, guys!" Ronald, the self-proclaimed leader, declared between bites. "We''re in a privileged and protected spot. All we have to do is keep an eye on what''s happening outside."

    "Thank you so much, leader," one of the boys said with reverence. "Without you, we''d be dead. We got rid of that idiot, and with luck, we''ll reap the rewards of this situation. We''ll survive!"

    "We''ll survive!" the others echoed enthusiastically.

    The celebratory atmosphere was abruptly shattered by a loud metallic noise coming from one of the nearby installations.

    "What was that noise, leader?" one of the boys asked, alarmed.

    Ronald froze, the smile vanishing from his face. That sound wasn''t natural. Something was moving in the darkness. And it was close.

    In the cold, desolate night, screams echoed clear and sharp, as if they were mere meters away. The sounds of bones breaking, agonized cries, and flesh tearing filled the air, creating a symphony of terror. Yet, the three children outside remained motionless, watching the horror unfold before them.

    The meat grinder. The executioner. The sentinel of pain.

    "Take your positions," Tyrin commanded, his voice firm despite the tension in the air.

    "They didn''t even have a chance¡­" Damian murmured, stunned. "I didn''t hear a single shot. Was it¡­ one-sided?"

    "Shut up, Damian!" Tyrin snapped. "Focus on the mission. We only have one chance."

    A few meters away, the Tyrano Belzebuth feasted. To it, human flesh was a delicacy¡ªa sweet, tender, irresistible flavor. The younger the victim, the more intense the experience. With each bite, its mind wavered between ecstasy and torment, for, like all tyrants, its fate was to be consumed by eternal hunger. Satisfied for only a brief moment, it would be dragged back into the unbearable agony of insatiable need. That was its curse.

    The grotesque, misshapen creature leaped over the citadel gate with monstrous ease. From afar, it resembled a horrifying blend of dog and demon, its crushed head and oversized tongue radiating pure malevolence. Each step it took was a warning: danger.

    "It''s coming, everyone," Tyrin warned. "Now is the time."

    Tyrim knew that that corner, where the mimic''s corpse was rotting, was the last place anyone would dare to be¡ªexcept for those who loved decay. For Belzebuth, the stench was something marvelous, a vile balm that brought him a strange sense of security. Ty, of course, was counting on that.

    Belzebuth had many striking characteristics, and almost all of them were terrifying. However, among the narrow scope of his flaws, intelligence was the greatest. That place, saturated with the smell of death and decay, was perfect¡ªa trap disguised for any enemy, but even more so for Tyrim.

    The creature crept toward the putrid remains of the Mimics, sniffing cautiously. Low groans escaped its throat. Slowly, its back began to open, accompanied by the grotesque sound of skin tearing, revealing rigid sacs that fell onto the viscous ground. This was the tyrant''s most vulnerable¡ªand most horrifying¡ªmoment.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    "Now!" Tyrin shouted.

    Without hesitation, Damian leaped onto the creature''s exposed back and began stabbing it repeatedly. The beast roared in pain and fury, thrashing violently. As it looked ahead, it locked eyes with Tyrin. Like a predator, it charged toward him, its deformed body moving like a projectile.

    Tyrin waited until the last possible moment before stepping aside. The charge missed him by mere millimeters. Even the creature seemed momentarily stunned to find its claws grasping only air.

    "Keep stabbing it, Damian!" Tyrin yelled. "Eventually, it''ll go down!"

    The tyrant''s roars grew louder, its confusion and rage building. Its primitive mind struggled to process the situation amidst the overwhelming stench of decay in the air. Each erratic attack weakened it further.

    "Right!"

    "Left!"

    Tyrin, hyper-aware of the beast''s movements, dodged its strikes with precision, exploiting every opening. But the rhythm of the battle began to shift. The tyrant, sensing its vulnerability, started closing the sacs on its back, attempting to shield itself.

    "Shit, shit! Help me! It''s closing its back, and I''m still inside!" Damian screamed, panicking.

    "Cassandra, we need to act!" Tyrin commanded. "Give me your weapon!"

    Cassandra hesitated. From the beginning, she had waited for her chance to finalize the plan, but now things were spiraling out of control. Reluctantly, she pulled something from her pocket.

    "If you think I''m going to let you blow up my brother, you''re insane!"

    "Now''s not the time for this! Just throw it!" Tyrin insisted.

    With tears in her eyes, Cassandra tossed the object¡ªa small metal disc¡ªto Tyrin, who caught it mid-air while continuing to evade the tyrant''s frenzied attacks. He knew there was only one way out. Someone would have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

    "Come at me, you bastard! Come on!" Tyrin roared, drawing the full attention of the monster.

    As the tyrant charged and opened its massive jaws to swallow him whole, Tyrin extended his arm and forced the disc deep into the creature''s throat. The pain was immediate, but the irresistible taste of human flesh compelled it to bite down instinctively.

    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Tyrin screamed.

    The cry of pain was followed by oppressive silence¡­ and then, a muffled explosion. Fragments of the creature were hurled in every direction.

    "You have leveled up."

    "You have leveled up."

    "You have leveled up."

    "You have leveled up."

    The message echoed repeatedly in Tyrin''s mind. He staggered, staring at the starry sky as the adrenaline drained from his body. The battle was won, but the price was steep. Before losing consciousness, Tyrin had only one thought: Home.

    On the cold, dark ground, a child missing an arm dreamed of home and a better life.

    "Are you certain he''s at this level? It doesn''t make sense," the Baron murmured, his expression clouded with distrust.

    "Sir, while he''s extremely intelligent, I believe luck played a crucial role in much of what happened," the doctor replied, nervously adjusting his glasses.

    "Keep close watch on that boy. And apply the reconstruction gene," the Baron ordered, his voice cold and calculated.

    "What? Are you sure, Baron? I''m not certain it''s worth wasting such a valuable resource on this particular specimen..."

    "Doctor..." The Baron''s voice hardened, each syllable dripping with menace. "Sometimes I wonder why I haven''t killed you yet."

    "Perhaps because I''m the most brilliant mind in your domain," the doctor replied with a cautious smile, trying to mask his fear.

    "Good point. But you know, you can continue to be brilliant even without two arms and two legs. Just obey me."

    "Of course, Baron. Forgive my audacity. I humbly beg your benevolence," the doctor said, attempting to sound submissive, though a faint tremor betrayed his voice.

    "Enough with the theatrics. Do as I commanded."

    Tyrin could hear fragments of the conversation, but his mind was too foggy to piece it together. Every fiber of his being was focused on one single task: survival.

    His heavy eyes fluttered open for an instant, revealing the same sight he had experienced just days earlier¡ªa cold, sterile room, the metallic stench of blood, and the blinding light above his head.

    "I need to stop almost dying... One day, I''ll actually die for real," he thought bitterly, the irony not lost on him.

    He had known the plan was insane. Using his own body as bait to lure the Tyrano Belzebuth was a gamble, a desperate and necessary move. There had been no alternative. He had to risk it all to win.

    But now the truth was unavoidable: luck would no longer be enough. He would need real strength¡ªstrength to face what lay ahead.

    "I know you''re waking up, kid," a harsh, sarcastic voice echoed through the room. It was the doctor. "I have to admit, you exceeded my expectations. You managed to attract the Baron himself to this lab and even convinced him to authorize the most expensive item we have. Hahaha! These days are full of inconsistencies. And you know what I hate most of all? Inconsistencies."

    Tyrin, forcing every muscle in his weakened body, quickly realized the cost of what he had done. His mind resisted accepting it, but the truth was inescapable.

    "I... lost my arm," he muttered.

    "AHAHAHAHAHA!" The doctor burst into hysterical laughter, sounding almost unhinged. "You knew this would happen the moment you came up with that brilliant idea of yours. Stupid, but brave. And, surprisingly, effective."

    The doctor approached, his barely contained anger flickering behind his glasses. He hated being out of control. Every unknown element in recent events felt like a direct challenge to his intellectual superiority.

    "Well, although I''m convinced you''ll die in the next mission, I have a little gift for you," he said, his smile unhinged. "Since you''re awake, it might be time to use it. I hope it hurts a lot. Good luck."

    Tyrin lacked the strength to resist. He could only watch as the doctor drew a syringe filled with a glowing liquid and brought it toward his chest. The luminous fluid shimmered under the cold, clinical light.

    "AHHHHHHHHH!"

    An excruciating pain ripped through Tyrin''s body, as if every cell were being forcibly torn apart and reassembled. His eyes widened in agony before the pain suddenly gave way to something entirely unexpected: a vision.

    A holographic window, filled with information, appeared in his mind.

    "Fluido X23 successfully incorporated. Substance 100% compatible. Recovery initiated. Estimated time remaining: 155:59:59."

    His eyes drooped, and consciousness slipped away like a sigh.

 Knowing the Enemies

    In space, the concept of time was an illusion. Hours blurred together too easily, which was why clocks were placed throughout the ship, in every corner, acting as persistent reminders of order amidst the chaos of the cosmos. Tyrin awoke to the sight of one of these clocks, its silent hands marking the time he had lost. He found himself standing, though he couldn''t recall getting out of the bed¡ªor whatever it was he had been lying on before. The infirmary was empty, an unusual sight considering that most who entered rarely left alive.

    "Good morning, Savior-nim!" a cheerful voice pulled him from his thoughts.

    "Good morning... I think. Where am I?" he asked, his voice still hoarse.

    "Uh... in my room, of course! Don''t you remember? You''re going to make me sad," Cassandra teased.

    "Cassandra, stop it," another voice cut in, calmer and more measured. "Sorry about her, Tyrin. My sister doesn''t always know how to talk. You''re in the infirmary. I brought you some water."

    "Thanks," Tyrin replied, taking the glass and sipping it. His throat welcomed the relief.

    "All jokes aside," Cassandra continued, her tone more serious now, "I''m glad you''re awake. We''re the last ones from our ''team.'' Thank you for helping us get off that planet."

    "And nice arm," she added with a smirk. "I hear you''re the first to receive something like that so quickly."

    "Don''t celebrate just yet," Tyrin said, placing the glass on a nearby table. "We haven''t even reached the planet where we''re supposed to stay. We still need to stay sharp."

    "Uh... I don''t think we mentioned this," Cassandra said with a sly smile. "We arrived yesterday."

    "Your ''beauty sleep'' lasted almost a week," Damian added. "You should thank her for taking care of you during that time."

    "What?!" Tyrin''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    "That''s right," Cassandra confirmed. "That''s how long it took for the fluid to fully take effect in your body. So, they put you into hibernation."

    "Hibernation? What do you mean?"

    "Look at your arm," Damian said, pointing at Tyrin''s regenerated limb. "It was rebuilt using Astra-grade technology, the highest level available."

    "And what does that mean, exactly?"

    "It means the Baron sees something in you," Cassandra explained, crossing her arms. "And that could be a good thing."

    "Could it? I''m not so sure being on his radar is a good thing," Tyrin replied.

    "I''d have to agree with you," Damian said. "But with one arm missing, you''d have been useless for where we''re going. So, like it or not, it was a blessing that he gave you this."

    "I see..." Tyrin murmured, his mind deep in thought.

    Cassandra offered a bittersweet smile. "Well, setting aside all the bad things, there''s only the good left, right? You woke up just in time to join us for the last dinner on the ship. We''ve had a week to meet everyone in the Baron''s conglomerate. Now I can show you who will be our new teammates."

    Tyrin nodded, though his mind still reeled from everything that had happened. Wherever they were heading, he knew the real challenge was yet to come.

    T hat night the dining hall was luxurious, adorned with gold and crystal ornaments. The guests seemed prepared for a grand celebration, dressed in extravagant outfits and flashing bright smiles. The sight made Tyrin uncomfortable. How could they act so carefree after the hell they had endured?

    More troubling was the thought that lingered in his mind:

    "Were we the only ones to suffer losses and hardships?"

    The possibility that his team had been the least prepared haunted him.

    "Well, as you can see, people are in high spirits," Damian said, noticing Tyrin''s discomfort.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    "I can see that," Tyrin replied curtly.

    "Don''t worry. Everyone here lost someone. In fact, some teams didn''t even come back," Damian said, gesturing to the empty tables around them. "To give you an idea, only about 40% of us survived that hellhole. The difference is, on this ship, there are people so crazy they seem not to care about anything."

    Tyrin felt a small wave of relief.

    "Thanks. I thought we were..."

    "Trash?" Damian finished with a crooked smile. "Well... compared to some of the groups here, maybe we are. But at least we''re alive. Come on, I want to show you something."

    Damian''s words were partially reassuring. Not being the worst meant they wouldn''t die just yet. But Tyrin wasn''t interested in being the best. He knew the universe was far too vast to indulge in such ambitions.

    "There, look," Damian said, pointing discreetly to a table in the corner of the hall. "Those are the Essentials. As you can see, they''re all nuts. Just looking at them gives me the creeps."

    Tyrin followed Damian''s gaze and spotted a group sitting together, clearly separated from the others. They maintained a low profile, but there was something unsettling about their unity¡ªlike an impenetrable wall. Each of them bore an expression that warned others to stay away.

    When Tyrin looked closer, he noticed something chilling: all ten of them were now staring directly at him. Their piercing gazes forced him to look away.

    "They''re... strange," Tyrin commented, trying to mask his unease.

    "Strange is putting it lightly," Damian laughed. "Those bastards look like they have eyes in the back of their heads. Anyway, now look at that table over there."

    In another corner of the hall, a group of women sat together, laughing loudly and chatting. Despite their relaxed demeanor, they exuded courage and pride.

    "Those are from the Farm Planets," Damian explained. "The elite of technology. I''m sure none of them died. They''re too rich for that."

    Tyrin frowned.

    "Aren''t those the planets that enslave their populations?"

    "Shhh! For the love of everything, do you want to get us killed?" Damian hissed, looking around nervously. "They''re way too rich for you to say something like that. And if you think the Essentials are crazy, it''s because you haven''t seen one of those women fight. They use magic."

    Tyrin''s eyes widened. On his home planet, magic was considered nothing more than a myth.

    "I thought magic was folklore. Did you actually see it?"

    "Oh, my friend, not only did I see it, but you will too. They don''t hide it. With the money they have, every leader of the Farm Planets commands hundreds of mages."

    "But why only women?" Tyrin asked, still trying to process the idea.

    "Ah, that''s an interesting story. On the first day, someone asked them that. Apparently, on their planets, only men can be leaders. The rest are killed as children or exiled. A harem planet, hahahaha. Crazy, huh?"

    "Yeah... Crazy," Tyrin replied, unsure what to think.

    Damian suddenly grew serious.

    "Now, pay attention. There''s one group you absolutely cannot mess with. Those over there."

    He pointed to a table isolated in the center of the hall. Everyone else seemed to keep their distance.

    "Why?" Tyrin asked, intrigued.

    "They''re the Pure Nobles. They have permission to kill anyone they want."

    A chill ran down Tyrin''s spine as he looked at the table. The figures seated there exuded an aura of authority, as if they were above any law or morality.

    "With those guys, Tyrin," Damian whispered, "don''t even breathe wrong."

    Tyrin nodded. He had read about the Empire''s tradition that stated:

    "No noble is replaceable, and it is agreed that, during the harvest, noble children shall be exchanged and used as supervisors to ensure the effectiveness of training and fairness in competition."

    "What you might not know is that they take that law very seriously," Damian continued. "Baron Dracont, for example, has Konem''s daughter with him. In exchange, his three sons are sitting right there."

    Damian pointed to three figures.

    "The twins are crazy, but the girl in the middle¡­ she''s pure cruelty. My advice: never get involved with them."

    "I see¡­" Tyrin replied, trying to absorb the information. "How do you know all this? I thought there were some restrictions on accessing these kinds of details."

    Damian smirked.

    "I could tell you a lot of stories, but to keep it short, my sister and I are bastards from the planet Orus."

    "But isn''t Orus a farm planet?"

    "Yes, and that''s the irony," Damian sighed. "But don''t compare me to those barbarians who only care about money. Our mother got us off that planet early. She didn''t want us influenced by their twisted ideology. But, one way or another, we have the same training they do. If you think I know a lot, it''s because you haven''t had a proper conversation with my sister yet."

    Tyrin nodded silently, realizing there was much more to Damian and Cassandra''s story than met the eye.

    "Anyway¡­" Damian shifted his tone. "Since we''re here, take the chance to eat something. When we get to our destination, luxuries like this will be rare."

    Meanwhile, at the central table, Baron Dracont''s children were speaking in a casual yet focused tone.

    "This year, the Kingdom of Konem doesn''t have anything interesting¡­ except for that boy," the eldest sister said, her eyes fixed on Tyrin.

    "Sister, I know what you''re thinking, but you can''t do that. He''s the Baron''s favorite."

    "For now," she replied with a mischievous smile. "For now."

    "You two need to focus," the eldest brother interjected, his voice firm and commanding. "We''re here to supervise, nothing more. Finish your reports and prepare for disembarkation."

    "You''re so boring, brother. I just want to play."

    "You''ll have your time. But not now. Let''s go."

    As the three stood up, the entire hall seemed to shrink. All eyes turned to them, following their every move. The mere presence of a noble in foreign territory was enough to inspire fear. Even after they left, their table remained empty¡ªno one dared occupy that space.

 The Planet

    The following day, the alarm signaling the arrival at the planet blared loudly and persistently.

    "BAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Tyrin woke up dizzy, his head pounding from the drinks Damian had offered the night before. He regretted letting himself indulge, but part of him knew he had to enjoy that last evening. Though he didn''t know exactly what to expect, one thing was certain: the planet they were heading to would be hostile. He''d tried to savor the fleeting peace while it lasted.

    "Looks like you didn''t sleep well. Not used to drinking?" Damian teased.

    "I''ve never drunk alcohol before."

    "Are you serious? Did you hear that, sister?" Damian said, laughing.

    "You two, shut up," Cassandra interrupted, her tone sharp. "We need to focus on what''s coming next."

    In the corridor, everyone was ready, waiting for the man who would lead them. After forty minutes, someone finally appeared.

    "Alright, everyone. Follow me to the main hangar."

    The path to the hangar was familiar to Tyrin, who had memorized the ship''s corridors. But what caught him off guard was the sight of the planet outside. It was colossal, an aberration that defied reason. Tyrin knew the ship maintained a safe minimum distance from any planet, but this one seemed disproportionate¡ªfar larger than anything he had ever seen.

    In the hangar, Baron Konem stood on an improvised altar of gold and silver, gesturing theatrically.

    "My beloved recruits," he began, his voice resonant and dramatic. "I wish I could tell you that the challenges you faced before were the hardest you''d encounter. But I''d be lying. This planet is a thousand times more dangerous. I don''t expect all of you to survive, but I''ll be pleased if a few prove worthy. Good luck."

    The words echoed through the hangar, but what stuck in Tyrin''s mind wasn''t the Baron''s speech¡ªit was the name of the planet. He knew of Vanaheim: nicknamed the "Realm of the Gods," it was anything but divine. It was a grinder, a place where the strong prospered and the weak were annihilated.

    "Well then," the Baron concluded, "prepare for landing."

    The Baron''s subordinates began shoving the recruits toward the transport ships.

    "But we need to pick up our teammates!" Tyrin protested.

    "Shut up, recruit. They''re already on the planet. Move or die."

    Inside the ship, Tyrin sat down among familiar faces, including Damian and Cassandra. In front of him sat one of the Dracont siblings. The tension in the air was palpable, but Tyrin focused on one thought:

    "I need to stay alive. For my sister. No matter what."

    "Alright, everyone," announced the pilot. "We''re departing."

    The descent to Vanaheim wasn''t just difficult; it was a test of survival in itself. The planet''s gravity¡ªthree times stronger than the Imperial standard¡ªturned every movement into a battle. The intense pressure didn''t just affect muscles and bones; it weighed on the soul, a constant reminder that this world wasn''t meant for the weak.

    And yet, Vanaheim was a planet of strange, dangerous beauty. Its native inhabitants, shaped by its brutal gravity, had skin harder than stone and bones as resilient as precious metals. Human fortresses dotting its surface were built from the remains of colossal creatures that had once ruled the land.

    These creatures, known as Dragons, were legendary¡ªgigantic, with some even capable of flight. But by the time humans arrived, the Dragons had already vanished, buried in the past as myths. If they still existed, they never revealed themselves.

    The fortress of V¨¦los, where the group was landing, was unique. Constructed within the skeleton of a Dragon, its architecture mirrored the planet''s harshness and majesty. Enormous ribs formed the arches of its entrance, while the skull served as the heart of the structure. Being there felt like walking through an ancient tomb, a constant reminder that even the mightiest could fall.

    "All of you, disembark now!" an officer barked from the ship. "We leave in five minutes!"

    The disembarkation was slower than Tyrin had expected. His muscles groaned with each step, and he felt the creaking of his spine under the gravity''s weight. As the group trudged toward the exit, a voice, arrogant and cutting, sliced through the air.

    "You inferior beings, move aside! I want to be the first to step onto this planet!"Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Unsurprisingly, the words came from one of the Dracont nobles. And as expected, everyone obeyed. Tyrin understood why: the laws that protected ordinary humans didn''t apply to nobles. They could kill anyone without consequence. In fact, there was even a law that encouraged it¡ªa political tool to maintain fear and hierarchy.

    "That''s right, rats. Watch as the strongest among you conquers this planet first!"

    With unchecked arrogance, the noble leapt from the ship. What followed was unexpected and grotesque. As soon as his feet touched the ground, his legs buckled under the planet''s intense gravity, shattering into multiple fragments.

    "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

    The noble''s scream echoed through the ship, breaking the stunned silence. Before anyone could react, a colossal figure appeared.

    A man, towering over three meters tall, approached the ship. His presence was overwhelming, as heavy as the planet''s gravity. Each step he took reverberated through the ground, and his voice boomed like thunder.

    "I see these apes haven''t learned anything after centuries."

    Beside him stood a severe-looking woman, her expression filled with disdain.

    "Each year, the warriors get worse. This year, I doubt we''ll even have one elite."

    "It''s too early for conclusions," the giant replied, though there was an edge of agreement in his tone.

    Tyrin watched, a knot forming in his stomach. The giant was immense in every sense¡ªa force of nature rather than a man. Even his appearance seemed beyond what Tyrin could classify as "human."

    The silence was broken again by the fallen noble, who managed to shout with the little strength he had left:

    "Shut your mouth, you brute! Do you know who you''re talking to?"

    The giant stopped. His icy gaze turned to the noble. Without saying a word, he raised his hand and delivered a slap. To Tyrin, the motion seemed slow, almost in slow motion. But the result was devastating. The noble''s head exploded like an egg, spraying blood and fragments of bone everywhere.

    "Holy shit, Caronte! You killed him!" the woman beside the giant yelled, clearly annoyed.

    "How is it my fault he was so weak? I just wanted to flick him¡­" Caronte replied, almost childishly.

    "Now my clothes are covered in this idiot''s blood. What a mess!"

    "Sorry, leader. My apologies."

    "Shut up. Take this trash to the caged beasts. They must be hungry. I''ll handle the rookies."

    What followed was even stranger. The giant, who seemed capable of leveling mountains, obeyed the woman with the deference of a servant. She turned to the rest of the group, forcing a smile.

    "Well then," she said. "It seems we''ve gotten off to a bad start. At least that guy did, hahaha¡­ Ah, well, never mind. Gentlemen, welcome to my territory. Now, jump!"

    Tyrin hesitated. When he finally looked out of the ship, he saw the sky. It was a deep red, mixed with hues of orange and gold. It looked like something out of a dream¡ªor a nightmare.

    Despite everything¡ªthe noble''s scream, the tension in the air¡ªTyrin found himself momentarily entranced by the beauty of the horizon.

    "Well then, since none of you will jump, here''s what we''ll do."

    The woman grabbed a radio clipped to her belt and spoke calmly:

    "Baron, the recruits need an incentive. Disable the ship''s gravity."

    The request, though polite, left no room for refusal. Within seconds, the ship''s gravity was cut. Everyone inside was thrown to the floor, helpless against the sudden change.

    Everyone except Tyrin.

    He realized too late that he was still standing. When he tried to fall like the others, the moment had already passed. The giant had noticed him, and a macabre smile spread across his face.

    "How interesting," murmured Caronte.

    "Did you see what I saw, leader?" asked the giant, now carrying a body over his shoulder.

    "I saw something that sparked my curiosity. Now it has my attention. But what is a specimen like this doing here? Is he from a religious planet?"

    "No, ma''am. Nothing on this ship is from any relevant planet. Apparently, the strongest one was the one who ended up dying."

    "I see¡­ Let them adapt to the planet''s gravity," the leader replied, her tone cold but intrigued.

    The giant turned to the group still inside the ship.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, you heard our leader: she is merciful. You will remain here until you manage to exit. Dinner will be served in six hours. That is how long you have to adapt. If you fail, you may return to the mothership. I''m not sure how the Baron handles deserters, but I strongly recommend you try to leave."

    With the same calm demeanor they arrived with, the two individuals departed, leaving the recruits to their fate.

    What followed was a silent hell.

    The gravity, three times stronger than standard, pinned most of the recruits to the ground. It took nearly two hours for some to begin crawling or attempting to stand. Several more hours passed before the first individuals managed to leave the ship, only to be immediately taken to the infirmary by waiting robots stationed near the exit.

    Inside the ship, the predominant sound was of screams and moans.

    "For the love of the Emperor, someone help me! I don''t want to die!" cried one of the recruits.

    Others simply wept, consumed by the pain and despair.

    With just over forty minutes left before the deadline, Tyrin finally managed to crawl to the edge and fall to the ground outside. Even then, he did not escape unscathed: a fractured wrist and a bit of theatrical performance secured his transfer to the infirmary alongside the others.

    The leader reviewed the reports with an expression of mild disappointment.

    "How many made it out?"

    "Half, ma''am."

    "Fewer than last year. Have we informed the ones who stayed behind that it was a bluff?"

    "No, ma''am."

    "Okay. Send everyone who didn''t make it to the mass-exchange machine. Those who made it out, too."

    "Did anyone prove capable of beginning training?"

    "No, ma''am. The least injured recruit fractured his wrist and seems to have damaged some internal organ. Even with maximum doses of sedatives, he''s still screaming in pain."

    "Pathetic. But I didn''t expect anything different from such a pitiful harvest."

    "And the religious ship? Did they adapt well?"

    "Of course they did. I''m tired of teaching those fanatics."

    "They''re exceptional in their own way, but they still lack the soul of a true strategist. In the end, they''re only good for fanatic suicide missions."

    "No Ultra candidates?"

    "We haven''t had a new Ultra in decades, ma''am. Let''s focus on producing as many Astras as possible."

    "Understood. Dismissed."

    Once the soldier left, the leader was left alone, deep in thought.

    "So why do I feel like we''re about to be surprised¡­"

 Starting

    The days turned into weeks, and the weeks dragged into months. The grueling routine of endless runs, sleep deprivation, and brutal training continued without pause. Some recruits succumbed to the pressure, going insane and taking their own lives. Others survived, but barely. The suffering was constant, turning everyone into shadows of who they once were.

    In the training field, the sergeant stared at the group as if observing a failed experiment, her eyes void of compassion.

    "I must say, a 20% casualty rate for this pitiful group should be considered a success," her voice cut through the air like a blade. "You''ve gone from insects to something between a pet and a human. Congratulations. That said, as we begin this new year, you will have classes and grades. Even warriors can''t afford to be idiots. Do you hear me?"

    In the overcrowded barracks, the recruits resembled zombies more than people. Many could barely stand, and some had mastered the subtle art of sleeping while standing. Tyrin, fighting exhaustion, was among them.

    He had lost count of how many times he had fainted from exhaustion only to be awakened by screams. He had also missed his 16th birthday, as well as his sister''s 12th. The longing for home weighed heavily on his chest, but the training left no room for memories or regrets. The only thing that mattered was survival. They trained in the morning, in the afternoon, and often through the night. Madness and sanity blurred, and even Tyrin questioned his own stability.

    "I have to stay awake. I can''t get hit. I need strength."

    Now covered in terrifying scars, Tyrin barely recognized himself. His body was lean but defined, with firm muscles that hadn''t existed before. He was a distorted version of the boy who had arrived there, and like everyone in the room, he was a perfect embodiment of what the training did: it broke them, rebuilding them by force. Some emerged stronger; others, irreparably damaged.

    The sergeant''s voice resounded again:

    "Today, you will sleep until the evening. Consider this your gift. Additionally, you will have a dinner worthy of Astras in training. But don''t be fooled: tomorrow begins the course on professions and survival. There, you''ll learn things just as difficult as what you''ve endured this year."

    As soon as the sergeant finished, the recruits collapsed where they stood. Tyrin was no exception. Sleep overtook him immediately, and for the first time in almost a year, he dreamed. It was a simple dream, but full of meaning: an intimate and warm moment, just him and his sister talking as they used to before all the madness.

    The sound of the siren startled Tyrin awake. He looked around and saw the others moving with the same urgency. The sound was like a command implanted in their minds. After a year of psychological torture, the siren had become synonymous with action.

    "Shit, I overslept," Damian grumbled, adjusting his wrinkled clothes. "Man, I just wanted a decent shower. Ty, did you dream? Holy crap, I finally dreamed!"

    "Yes, Damian, but I don''t want to talk about it. We need to hurry. You know what happens to the last one."

    "Of course. Let''s go. Today I''ll see my sister¡ªthat damn woman."

    "I heard she''s the best in her dormitory."

    "Of course she is. She has my blood!" Damian said with a nervous laugh.

    Tyrin just smiled. He knew Damian had unconditional admiration for Cassandra. Cassandra herself had asked Tyrin to look after her brother, and he did so whenever he could. Many of his scars came from protecting Damian in disastrous situations.

    "Do you think we''ll eat something decent today?" Damian asked, rubbing his stomach. "That scary woman said it''d be worthy of an Astra."

    "On my planet, we were used to eating poorly," Tyrin replied bluntly. "Good food only means we''ll pay for it later, with sweat and blood."

    "Man, Ty, talking like that ruins my appetite."

    When they arrived at the dining hall, they were stunned. It was a large and elegant space, with long tables full of children eating what looked delicious. Even Damian, coming from a more privileged background, was impressed. At the back of the hall, five imposing thrones seated massive figures, nearly three meters tall each. Their gazes swept over the hall, evaluating each recruit.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "Solaria, when does the last batch arrive?" asked the man at the center.

    "Lord Orion, they just arrived."

    "I can''t believe you took the liberty of waiting for this trash," grumbled Baku, a figure with a severe expression. "The best group arrived nearly forty minutes ago. This is a waste of time."

    "Baku, you forget that even the weakest can become the strongest. If I recall correctly, you weren''t part of the Essentials, and yet you stood out. Be patient."

    "Lord, your decisions are always wise, far beyond the reach of this fanatic," Vander, seated nearby, mocked.

    "Vander, I think you''d better stay quiet."

    "Tyrin, brother! Come sit here!" a voice called from the back of the hall. It was Cassandra, waving with a genuine smile. She now looked more mature, with a polished demeanor and upright posture, but her voice still carried the familiar joy of reuniting with loved ones.

    The two approached, and Cassandra immediately gave Damian a tight hug, holding him by the shoulders afterward.

    "Thanks for taking care of my little brother, Ty," she said, looking at Tyrin with a smile.

    "Hey! I''m right here, okay?!" Damian protested, trying to sound offended. "I admit he helped me... a lot. But I still have my value!"

    "Of course you do, Damian," Cassandra rolled her eyes with a light laugh, a relief amid the constant tension. "Come on, sit down. I have something important to tell you."

    They settled at one of the tables in the back of the hall. Despite the festive atmosphere, Cassandra maintained a serious tone. She leaned forward slightly, as if to ensure no one else could hear.

    "Listen, tomorrow we''ll be taken to the Foundation," she began, her voice low but firm. "That''s where everything changes. The Foundation is where theory and practice meet. There, we''ll have to specialize in an area. We need to stand out, or we''ll be discarded."

    "Discarded how?" Damian asked, furrowing his brow.

    "Literally," Cassandra replied darkly. "If you''re not useful, they''ll get rid of you. Either they send you back to the Baron as a failure, or they put you in suicide missions to clean the program''s reputation."

    Tyrin remained silent, absorbing the information. Cassandra continued.

    "I managed to get the curriculum for the possible classes. It''s extensive, but each discipline is an opportunity. We have to choose up to three where we can stand out," she said, pulling a small projection device from her pocket, activating a holographic list. The bluish light illuminated Tyrin''s face as he read.

    The options ranged from advanced strategy, war engineering, and tactical sciences to scout, pilot, and specialized close combat. Each discipline seemed more daunting than the last.

    "I suggest we focus on something physical, like combat or scouting," Cassandra suggested. "These areas are less competitive. They don''t promise an easy future, but the chances of passing are higher."

    "Of course, sister. I''ll go wherever you go. I have to protect you," Damian responded with a confident smile.

    "And you, Tyrin? What do you think?" Cassandra asked, her gaze fixed on him.

    Tyrin pondered for a moment, remembering the words of his trainer on his home planet. He always said Tyrin had quick reflexes and sharp intuition, qualities perfect for being a pilot. Despite the challenge, Tyrin felt he had to try.

    "I want to focus on becoming a pilot," he finally said with a tone of determination.

    Cassandra''s eyes darkened. She took a deep breath before responding.

    "Pilot? You know that''s the most competitive area, don''t you? All the elites from Alpha and Beta planets will be in that class. It''s the favorite of nobles and the children of the most powerful families. And you''re going to compete with them."

    "I know," Tyrin replied. "But my trainer said I could do it. I have a plan."

    "A plan..." Cassandra repeated, skeptical. She closed her eyes for a moment, as if struggling against the urge to argue. "Alright. But choose two more areas. That''s the maximum we can take, Tyrin. Don''t limit yourself. If something goes wrong, you''ll need alternatives."

    "Understood," Tyrin nodded. "I''ll also enroll in the scout program, to stick with you."

    "Great," Cassandra finally smiled. "If we''re together, our chances are better."

    "That''s right!" Damian interjected, trying to lighten the mood. "The three of us together? Nothing can stop us!"

    "Shut up, brother," Cassandra retorted with a laugh, though there was warmth in her voice.

    Even in that moment, amidst the pressure and uncertainty, Cassandra felt her heart warm. For an instant, everything seemed simpler, more bearable. But the feeling was interrupted by something she remembered.

    "Oh, speaking of which, Tyrin... Did you get your egg?"

    Tyrin blinked, confused. It had been nearly a year since he''d seen the egg he received at the beginning of his journey.

    "No... It''s been more than a year since I last saw it. What about you? How are your companions?"

    "Same here," Cassandra replied, looking down. "I feel through the bond that my companion is okay and being taken care of, but I have no idea what they''ve done with her."

    Damian crossed his arms, looking thoughtful.

    Cassandra sighed, resting her chin on her hand.

    "Whatever it is, I just hope they aren''t hurt. Because if they are..."

    She didn''t finish her sentence, but Tyrin saw the fierce determination in her eyes. He knew Cassandra would do whatever it took to protect her companion¡ªjust as he would, when he finally had his egg back.

    As they continued talking, the future seemed like an endless mountain to climb. The Foundation promised to be relentless, but Tyrin knew that every decision, every effort, was a wager on his own survival¡ªand on his sister''s.

    He looked at the siblings sitting beside him and made a silent promise to himself:

    "I''ll make this work. For me, for them, and for everything I still hope to achieve."

 The New Challenge

    Tyrin''s arrival at the preparatory school was far from conventional. Without a wolf companion, as would be expected of someone from his planet, no one really paid him much attention. Exotic animal companions were not uncommon among the nobles, who could afford rare and impressive beasts. However, one truth held across the universe: a weak person creates a weak creature. The notion that having a different kind of companion was a sign of something special for the commoners was, at best, a na?ve illusion.

    Still, Tyrin was not someone who blended into the background. Even among the other students, his posture and attitude made him stand out, though he himself seemed unaware of it.

    "You have ten minutes to get to your dorms and return here. We will depart on time," said the authoritative, booming voice of the giant supervising the group, his tone echoing through the room.

    There was no need to repeat the order. Before he had even finished speaking, the students were already rushing down the corridors. The consequences of being late were well understood by all.

    "See you soon, guys. Good luck!" Cassandra said, heading in the opposite direction from Tyrin and Damian.

    The two friends stuck together, navigating the mass of bodies squeezing through the narrow hallway.

    "Follow me, Damian. I know a shortcut," Tyrin said confidently.

    After almost a year in that environment, Tyrin had explored enough to know even the most hidden pathways in the school. The shortcut brought them to the dormitory in three minutes. Naturally, other students who were aware of his "peculiarity" followed them, taking advantage of his precise navigation skills.

    Damian huffed, visibly annoyed.

    "These parasites only know how to benefit from what you know. They''re worthless."

    Tyrin shrugged, his voice as calm as always.

    "We''re all stuck in the same shit, Damian. Flies don''t fight over scraps of dung."

    Damian laughed, though there was a resigned tone in his response.

    "Got it¡­ Sorry."

    "Relax. I''ve got everything I need. Let''s head back. Hey, are you guys leaving?" Tyrin called to the others in the dormitory.

    Everyone there saw Tyrin as a leader. He didn''t give orders or try to take charge, but his ability to solve problems quickly and make precise decisions made him someone they trusted. After nearly a year, following Tyrin had become synonymous with safety and survival.

    When the group reached the meeting point, the giant greeted them with a scrutinizing look.

    "Well done. You were the first group to arrive. Congratulations. Board the ship and be prepared."

    The giant found himself intrigued by that group. When he had been assigned to oversee that quadrant, he had felt disrespected. Looking after "flies," as he called the ordinary students, seemed like a task beneath his abilities. But there was something different about this group. They weren''t nobles, alphas, or even possessed essences, yet there was a peculiar strength about them¡ªan incongruity he couldn''t quite explain.

    The second-largest planet in the known galaxy was so colossal that it took three uninterrupted days of travel to reach the location of the preparatory school. For the students, accustomed to extreme training like starvation, those days were just another test.

    "Damn, I''m starving. I''d eat anything," Damian complained, exhausted.

    Tyrin remained calm, though he, too, felt the effects of the journey.

    "Save your energy, Damian. We''re almost there. We don''t know what awaits us when we arrive."

    Finally, after two more hours, the ship began to decelerate. The metallic sound of landing brought a mixture of relief and tension, quickly broken by the sergeant''s shout.

    "Out, now!"

    As they exited the ship, the students were met with something none of them had been prepared to see: a clear, blue sky, free of pollution, smoke, or snow. It was a surreal sight, though they knew it was merely a projection generated by an illusion machine.

    "Welcome to the preparatory school. Consider yourselves privileged. This environment was recreated to mimic our home planet. Now, line up and don''t screw around."

    The fascination with the sky lingered as the group marched toward a massive castle of impressive proportions. The structure seemed both ancient and modern, like a monument to both the past and the future.

    "Students, my name is Professor Santos. Before you stands our school. Here, you will spend, if you''re lucky, the next four years." The professor spoke in a calm but firm tone. "You will have the freedom to choose your classes. Choose wisely. You may select up to three courses, and I strongly recommend you have options."

    The warning was clear. Many made their choices quickly and left the initial group, which dwindled to only a few in a matter of hours. Tyrin, however, took his time considering his options.

    "Well, I''ve already chosen to be a pilot and a scout. But what should the third option be?"

    For most, choosing three courses was imprudent. Excelling in even one was a monumental challenge. But for Tyrin, knowledge was power. The more options, the better. Then he found something that caught his attention.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Study of the Art of War."

    It was a course with few participants, without any direct practical application, and more of a complement to other courses. But for Tyrin, it was perfect¡ªa space to study strategies and refine his skills without distractions.

    After registering his choices, he followed the map generated by the machine to what would be his dormitory. He arrived almost at dusk, finding an old and decrepit structure. The wooden door gave way under his touch.

    "Did I make a stupid choice?"

    Inside, a heavyset woman with a sour expression looked around with clear dissatisfaction.

    "Another year without students. Damn it. I''m going to end up abandoning this place."

    Hearing knocks at the door, her expression changed. She quickly composed herself, trying to look professional.

    When she opened the door, she found Tyrin, a tall young man but still insignificant compared to the nearly three-meter-tall giant that was Gertrudes.

    "Pleasure to meet you. My name is Gertrudes. You must be my new student."

    "Yes, ma''am. I''m Tyrin. The map directed me here."

    "You can call me Miss. What''s your affiliation? You don''t look like an Essential, Alpha, or Beta."

    ¡ª Not at all, Miss. I''m from Helheim 74B, a planet on the outskirts of the Federation.

    ¡ª The twin planet? I thought all of you were dead.

    The surprise in Gertrudes'' eyes contrasted with Tyrin''s cautious enthusiasm. For him, this was the first time someone seemed to know anything about his origin. For her, he was just another student whose survival seemed uncertain.

    As she reflected, a noise brought her back to reality. Another student appeared to be arriving.

    ¡ª How lucky. Looks like this year will be more interesting than I expected. I hope they''re better than the boy.

    After a day of exploring, Tyrin already knew every corner of the facility he was in. He had a habit of mapping out his surroundings, which helped him feel more comfortable. However, to his surprise, the place had no hidden entrances or sealed doors, as he had expected. Everything was open and accessible¡ªexcept for Gertrudes'' room. And, naturally, Tyrin couldn''t resist inspecting that door as well, though he hadn''t yet tried to force it.

    Another thing he discovered was that, apparently, he was the only student enrolled in that course. Except, of course, for a red-haired girl with a serious demeanor who chose to sleep elsewhere. When Tyrin asked why she didn''t use the common dormitories, he was told that her noble caste was too high to mix with the others.

    Despite these peculiarities, Tyrin was excited. Classes were about to begin, and he was eager to learn more.

    In the first class, Gertrudes adopted a direct tone but gave Tyrin an unusual degree of freedom.

    ¡ª Tyrin, I like to let my students choose what they want to learn. So, what would you like to know? ¡ª she asked, crossing her arms as she looked at him.

    ¡ª Professor, if possible, I''d like to know about the Primordial and the first Astra.

    Gertrudes raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by his choice.

    ¡ª Hmm, interesting. There are some things about that I''m forbidden to talk about, but they''re few. Sit down, and we''ll begin.

    The classroom was modest, almost neglected. It didn''t seem to be cleaned regularly, but the absence of other people gave Tyrin the chance to focus entirely on what was being said.

    ¡ª Excuse me, Professor. Have you already started? ¡ª a feminine voice interrupted from the doorway.

    Tyrin turned around and saw the red-haired girl he had noticed earlier. Her attitude surprised him: she entered without introducing herself, something that, to him, was unusual and even dangerous. On his planet, he had seen people die for less. To his surprise, Gertrudes simply smiled.

    ¡ª Luci Lizzard. I didn''t think you''d attend class. Looks like I''ll have all my students together.

    ¡ª Apologies, Professor. My other class was canceled, so I decided to take advantage of your knowledge.

    ¡ª Feel free, dear. We were just beginning. I''m recounting a distant past for my student. Would you like to join us?

    The interaction between Gertrudes and Luci left Tyrin intrigued. Despite the immense physical difference¡ªGertrudes was a giant compared to the slender Luci¡ªthere seemed to be mutual respect between them.

    ¡ª Professor, feel free to answer this gentleman... ¡ª Luci began, turning to Tyrin.

    ¡ª Tyrin. Just Tyrin, please.

    ¡ª Tyrin... I don''t recall any noble house with that name. Which lineage are you from?

    Before Tyrin could respond, Gertrudes intervened.

    ¡ª He doesn''t have a house, Miss. It''s something simpler.

    ¡ª Yes, I''m just a simple man, ¡ª Tyrin confirmed.

    ¡ª I see, ¡ª Luci replied, quickly losing interest. ¡ª I''ll sit back here and read. When you''re ready to answer me, I''ll be available.

    Tyrin found Luci intriguing. She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but her cold and distant demeanor left him unsettled.

    ¡ª Well then, where was I... Oh, yes, I remember now, ¡ª Gertrudes resumed.

    The story Gertrudes told was fascinating, at least for Tyrin. She spoke of an ancient time when humanity considered itself the center of the universe. Humans were arrogant, lazy, and blind to their own weaknesses. They had nearly gone extinct countless times but always persisted, guided by visionary leaders.

    ¡ª We were weak, lacking willpower, and corrupted by desires, ¡ª Gertrudes said, her tone almost accusatory. ¡ª I don''t even know how we were lucky enough to become what we are today. Actually, I do. The Emperor was the solution.

    The hours flew by as Gertrudes detailed the victories and insurrections that shaped humanity. For Luci, however, the narrative was monotonous.

    ¡ª Professor, forgive me, but this is obvious. Details that even a child in my kingdom would know.

    Gertrudes ignored the interruption with a smile. What Luci didn''t know was that, for Tyrin, everything was new. Every piece of history was a revelation, and he absorbed every word with rapt attention.

    At the end of the class, Gertrudes looked directly at Tyrin.

    ¡ª Tyrin, that''s all for today. I noticed you didn''t write anything down. Be aware that I''ll expect you to remember every detail.

    ¡ª No problem. I have a good memory.

    ¡ª Fine. You can go.

    Although curious about what Luci wanted to know, the clear tone of Gertrudes'' dismissal made it evident that the invitation to leave wasn''t negotiable.

    Two days later, the moment Tyrin had been waiting for arrived: the pilot course. When he got to the location, he was met by a loud, no-nonsense instructor.

    ¡ª Do you think you deserve to be pilots? Go to hell! I only have 300 seats, and we have more than 5,000 candidates. I''ll give you a test, and only the best will make it. Now stay out here and prepare yourselves!

    Tyrin arrived just in time to hear the announcement and decided to wait. A few minutes later, the instructor and some assistants began handing out test papers to the crowd.

    ¡ª Alright, you sons of bitches. Open this crap and answer as many questions as you can. Don''t worry; I only put in easy ones. HAHAHAHAHA!

    The tension was palpable as the students began opening their tests. Tyrin, curious, did the same. When he saw the questions, he was shocked by the content. The test was far more challenging than he had ever imagined.

 Shame and Honor

    As Tyrin observed the situation unfold, he noticed that some classmates began opening the test as soon as it landed in their hands. Curiosity drove him to do the same, but what he found took him by surprise. The questions were not what he expected. Instead of calculations about how many missiles a war mortar could carry or the maximum weight a freighter could bear, the questions focused on mundane details, such as the number of chairs on a ship or how many flushes could be made before running out of water. For most, that exam would be a nightmare. However, Tyrin was never ordinary. His curiosity, combined with his impeccable memory, made the test almost a walk in the park.

    "Well, judging by the cries I''m hearing, it seems I''ve managed to refine the difficulty level quite well," the professor announced, his voice sharp. "Those with blue tests, come to me."

    To Tyrin surprise, his test wasn''t blue. It turned gold.

    "Hmm... How peculiar," said the professor, frowning. "You, in the back there, come to me."

    Tyrin hesitantly walked toward the professor, along with the students holding blue tests. Everyone stared at him with a mix of confusion and anger. He still didn''t understand what was happening but was startled when the professor addressed him.

    "Do you know the last time I saw a gold test, Mr.¡­?"

    "Tyrin , sir," he replied firmly.

    "Of course. You must be a very well-known noble. My apologies¡ªI haven''t met the new nobility in at least a hundred years."

    An assistant approached the professor and whispered something in his ear. The professor narrowed his eyes and smiled, now intrigued.

    "Well, well¡­ You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention. I don''t think I''ve ever seen anything like this. You must be an anomaly. Come with me."

    "Sir, we still have over 320 students to get through the exam. What should we do?" one of the assistants asked.

    "Set up some chairs, let them in. I need to talk to these children to understand how they allowed this... abomination to happen."

    Tyrin felt the envious gazes directed at him, but still uncertain of what was happening, he followed the professor.

    "Welcome, students. My name is Manfred Von Richt, and this is my class," the professor began, addressing the room. "I''d like to start by trying to understand what happened today. Can anyone tell me what this boy did?"

    The room fell silent for a long two minutes until, finally, someone raised their hand.

    "State your full name and answer."" Manfred said.

    "My name is Viktor Argos, professor. I believe the student in question aced the exam, hence the gold color."

    "Excellent, Mr. Argos. I know your family and your history. But I think I wasn''t clear in my question. I want to know how a subordinate of our society managed such a feat while you, nobles, failed."

    Manfred''s words dripped with disdain. Tyrin felt the weight of them and realized that, even light-years away from home, the truth had caught up with him. He was not a noble. Dante had warned him not to stand out for exactly this reason, but he had forgotten, and the professor was making sure to remind him.

    The stares from others, once confused, now turned to disgust. Tyrin knew that look all too well.

    "Gentlemen, look at this boy; he should be the floor, never the ceiling. In my time, we would have lost our heads for allowing something like this. I hope today is the first and last time this happens. Understood? Everyone back to your seats. You too, vassal. Thank you for motivating my gems, and I hope you continue doing so. Go back to your desk."

    The lesson continued as usual, but Tyrin felt his blood boil. Even so, he held himself back. At the end of the day, he didn''t want to win. He just wanted to survive.

    "Well, that concludes the class. Be prepared for the flight simulator next time. We need to eliminate 21 people, so your grades will determine who stays and who goes. Was I clear?"

    "Yes, professor," the class replied in unison.

    "Dismissed."

    That night, Tyrin gazed at the sky, lost in thoughts about the day''s events. Even so far from his home planet, the injustices and hierarchies seemed to repeat themselves, immutable like the stars. Still, there was something uniquely beautiful about that night, almost consoling. The colors of the sky, with hues he had never seen before, seemed to weave into a mosaic of hope and longing.

    He took a deep breath, letting the cold air fill his lungs, and for a moment, he felt connected to the past, the present, and the unknown future. He murmured to himself, his voice heavy with tenderness:

    "You would love the view from here, sister."

    The next day, Tyrin was on his way to the last class of the day when he heard a voice call out to him.

    "Ty, wait! Let''s go together."

    In the distance, he saw Damian and Cassandra, dressed in clearly expensive linen clothes.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    "I see you went shopping," Tyrin commented, amused.

    "Yes," Damian replied. "Father left some money with my sister, but, well, I only managed to get one outfit. Never trust your money to someone else."

    "Brother, I can hear you! Do you want me to beat you up again?" Cassandra retorted.

    "Hey, you two, cut it out. How was your week?" Tyrin asked.

    "If I had to sum it up, I''d say it was hell," Damian replied. "I regretted choosing the swordsmanship class. At least my sister is already recognized as the best shooter in the group."

    "I''ve been training since I was little, while you waste your time chasing girls," Cassandra shot back. "But what about you, Tyrin ? I heard about a commoner who stood out. I bet it was you. Was I right?"

    "It got to you, huh? I guess I overdid it. It was just luck," Tyrin deflected.

    "Luck? Sure!!!" Cassandra retorted.

    When they arrived at the scouts'' classroom, Tyrin felt an immediate sense of relief. He noticed that most of those present were like him: young people from simple backgrounds, far removed from noble pomp. It was a well-known, though rarely discussed, fact that contact Astras¡ªthose who would become combatants in real missions¡ªwere less appealing to the elite, who preferred to enjoy their accumulated fortune without risking their lives on desolate planets. Thus, most of the students present were lower-ranking nobles or commoners. However, this same reality also explained the high mortality rate of these classes.

    Unprepared people being thrown into situations they had never trained for, facing enemies they had never seen, was, in every possible way, a perfect recipe for carnage. And yet, there they were, ready to face the challenge. Tyrin , Damian, and Cassandra sat together, observing the room as they waited for the lesson to begin.

    The professor didn''t take long to appear. His presence was impressive.

    "My name is Custer. George Custer, general of the Vex Brigade, stationed on the border with the Tyranos. I''m on reserve this year, which is why I''ve been assigned to lead your classes. Before we begin, I want to get to know you and test you. So be prepared."

    The general wore full armor, something extremely rare and symbolic. He didn''t seem to care about the grandeur his presence imposed, but it was impossible to ignore. His features carried an exotic, almost magnetic beauty, though the countless scars marking his face dispelled any notion of perfection. He exuded the aura of someone who had survived indescribable horrors.

    "You''ve probably noticed my battle armor," he continued, striking the chest plate. "This is the uniform of border warriors and scouts, and it will be yours too. That is, of course, if you survive."

    Tyrin felt the weight of those words. There was no room for doubt or hesitation.

    "To test you properly, I''ve brought one of my most memorable battles. I''ve updated the data in Astral Fight. Anyone who survives the first ten minutes will be deemed fit. Take your collars."

    Most of the students hesitated, but Tyrin knew he couldn''t afford to stop and think. He grabbed one of the collars being distributed and held it, while Damian encouraged him:

    "Ty, don''t worry. Just put the collar on, and you''ll be taken into the game mode. We''ll be waiting for you on the other side."

    Damian confidently placed the collar around his neck, followed by Cassandra. Tyrin watched as a translucent bubble, resembling water, enveloped Cassandra''s face. She seemed to fall asleep instantly, though she was still breathing. The same happened to Damian.

    Tyrin looked at the collar in his hand, took a deep breath, and placed it around his neck. For a moment, the world around him dissolved, and he was thrown into the unknown.

    "So this is how it works. Alright. Let''s do this."

    The Abyss of Trundu

    "Welcome, player. Please wait¡­ mirroring data¡­ All set."

    When Tyrin opened his eyes, he found himself in a vast plain that ended in an abyss behind him. Ahead, on the horizon, columns of smoke rose against the gray sky. The metallic smell of blood hung in the air, and the sound of something distant and menacing grew louder. Everything felt terrifyingly real.

    "Alright, soldiers. We''re in the Battle of the Abyss of Trundu," Custer announced, his voice firm. "As I said, your objective is simple: don''t die. Those fighting in melee, come to my right. Those who prefer ranged combat, to my left."

    Tyrin felt the blood-soaked ground beneath his feet and the weight of the hostile environment around him. The noise of the unknown closing in made his heart race. He had never held a firearm in his life, so he moved to the melee group, trying to ignore his growing anxiety.

    "Very well, soldiers. Prepare for the wave of enemies."

    One of the recruits nervously asked:

    "Professor, what''s coming?"

    Custer gave a cold smile and leaned toward the boy.

    "Who said that, in war, you''ll know what the enemy will use? Or what it''ll be? Prepare for everything, and die for nothing. Grab your weapons and get ready."

    Next to Custer, a holographic projection of weapon options appeared. Tyrin quickly assessed his choices and selected the only weapon he recognized from his homeworld: a serrated automatic knife, similar to one he had seen in the holster of Yank, a veteran Astra warrior from his planet.

    "I hope this works... Now, what the hell is coming?"

    The sound of the enemies approaching was like distant thunder, growing louder by the second. When they finally appeared, the sight was enough to make Tyrin and the other recruits shiver: green-skinned, humanoid forms. Tyrin recognized the creatures immediately. He had seen them in an old book.

    "Bakus from the Nova Vex constellation," Tyrin said, a mix of fear and certainty in his voice.

    Custer smiled, satisfied.

    "Ahhh, well done, recruit. He recognized them! You all heard the boy! Now, what are you going to do about the Bakus? Impress me."

    Despite the professor''s words, most of the recruits were panicked. Aside from Tyrin , no one had any idea how to fight these creatures or even understood what they were¡ªfor all intents and purposes, they were new enemies encountered in humanity''s expansion. Damian and Cassandra moved closer, and soon others gathered around him, including members of the Baron''s circle. All of them looked at Tyrin , waiting for an answer.

    "Ty, how do we kill these monsters?" Damian asked nervously.

    Tyrin took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

    "The Bakus are strong, but they have clear weaknesses. They''re not very intelligent, but they''re extremely dangerous because of the protection they use. The key is to find whoever is controlling their flesh shields. If we don''t find them, we''re absolutely doomed."

    Cassandra frowned.

    "And how do we know who the controller is?"

    Tyrin shook his head.

    "There''s no way to know immediately. It''s trial and error. But there''s one clue: the controller will be the only one who, for some cultural reason or eccentricity, isn''t wearing armor."

    The environment around them seemed to close in like a trap. They were in a completely disadvantageous position. Behind them, the abyss blocked any retreat. Ahead, the Bakus advanced in suicidal waves, relying solely on the protection of their shields and their superior numbers. Tyrin knew time was short, and every second wasted put them in greater danger.

    He looked at the companions around him. Everyone was depending on him for survival. He couldn''t let them down.

    "Listen, we need to act quickly. Grab the biggest shield you can. Form a defensive line and protect the shooters while I try to locate the controller. Don''t spread out, and stay alert. We''ll get through this. Together."

    The words were more for himself than for the others. Tyrin gripped the knife in his hand, feeling the vibration of the automatic serration. He didn''t know if they could win, but he was determined to fight until the end.

    The deafening sound of the Bakus drew closer, and the first impact was imminent.

 Choices

    "Cassandra, can you identify any of them on higher ground?"

    Cassandra, with her massive weapon resting on the ground, began scanning the battlefield with her eyes, searching for Bakus positioned at an advantage.

    "Ty, I count at least ten of them on higher ground," she replied firmly.

    As he observed the chaotic movements of the students, Custer noticed, as he had expected, that the team had fragmented into several small groups. What he had not expected, however, was for one of the groups to demonstrate such cohesion, acting as a unit centered around a single leader, with no internal conflicts and everyone focused on a common goal.

    "This is a surprise," he thought, intrigued.

    "Colleagues," Tyrin''s voice rang out firmly, "I would like to suggest the turtle formation. Does anyone here not know how to do it?"

    "We know!" came the unanimous response.

    Custer, fascinated, continued to observe the small group of no more than twenty people, impressed by their organization and efficiency. In contrast, he felt disappointed with the other students, who, despite knowing their actions were futile, kept trying to attack the enemies indiscriminately, as if luck alone could bring them victory.

    "Cassandra, shoot those ten you identified. One of them is the one we''re looking for."

    "Understood."

    At the center of the formation, composed of boys wielding massive shields that blocked the enemy''s advance, Cassandra, from a higher vantage point, began firing with surgical precision.

    "Hold your positions! With your lives, if necessary!"

    The twenty members of the group fought valiantly, protecting Cassandra with their backs as she relentlessly fired at the Bakus. Each shot hit its mark, leaving no doubt that Cassandra wouldn''t miss.

    It didn''t take more than a minute for her to finally shout:

    "I hit the bastard! At six o''clock!"

    "Perfect. Now, let''s fight! Ahhhhhhh!"

    With a chainsaw in hand, Tyrin charged furiously, slicing through the muscles and tendons of the green beasts that seemed ripped from a nightmare.

    "Kill them all! Focus and strength! Survive! Ahhhhhhhh!"

    The battle stretched on for over forty minutes. Because they had chosen shields as their main defensive weapons, the members of the formation were limited to short, lightweight swords or similar weapons, which made eliminating the Bakus even more time-consuming. But in the end, the fight was over.

    "Gentlemen," declared Custer in a severe tone, "out of nearly a thousand, just over two hundred of us remain. I think that''s enough for today. I don''t need to say which group won, do I? Let''s go."

    Of the twenty members of Tyrin''s group, only six remained. Even Cassandra, in the end, had abandoned her massive weapon to join the formation and prevent it from falling apart.

    Back in the classroom, the students were exhausted. Although they hadn''t actually sweated or bled during the simulation, they felt every pain, every blow, as if it had all truly happened.

    After a few minutes of silence, Custer, with a watchful gaze, ordered:

    "Tyrin, come here. Explain to the class why you fought the way you did. Why did you let your grup be surrounded and, most importantly, why did you instruct Cassandra to focus solely on the Bakus on higher ground?"

    Despite their fatigue, the students fixed their eyes on Tyrin as he climbed the podium next to the professor. The curiosity was palpable, and even Custer seemed eager to understand the young commoner''s choices.

    "Well," Tyrin began, adjusting his posture, "according to the scribes'' records, in the Battle of the Pulpit in 10,324 of the Emperor''s calendar, the Astras, despite being outnumbered, chose to wear down the Tyranos by using the terrain to their advantage."

    "Tyrin, the Astras lost that battle," Custer interrupted sternly.

    "Yes, they lost. But they were facing the Tyranos, a superior enemy. The strategy, however, was sound. And I believed it would work against the Bakus, who, while strong, have clear weaknesses."

    "I see. Continue."

    "In the last battle for humanity''s survival, which we won, the Emperor led his entire army into a dead end. At the time, many thought it was madness, but he argued that a soldier''s greatest motivation is to return home to their family. He left his men with only one option: to fight. That inspired me to make choices that seemed risky but were grounded in reason."

    "Marvelous," said Custer, impressed. "But what about the turtle formation? You sacrificed your entire platoon for a gamble. What if you had been wrong?"

    "Like in the Battle of the Pulpit, I understood that choices must be made. I chose to trust the strategy. It made sense."

    The students listened attentively. Even Tyrin''s most controversial decisions seemed, somehow, logical.

    "Very well. In theory, decisions like yours show up in strategy games. But in practice, with lives on the line, most fail. I look forward to seeing how you fare in future battles. Welcome to my class. Survivors, return next week. Those who failed will need to take a new test. Dismissed!"

    "Holy crap, Ty, you''re amazing! You managed to impress General Custer! But how did you know he was in the Battle of the Pulpit?" Cassandra shouted, excited.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    "What do you mean, Cass? I don''t understand.""

    "Seriously? You didn''t know? He was the commander in that war!"

    "But didn''t that happen like 300 years ago?"

    "Humm... You really don''t know why most nobles prefer to serve instead of living a quiet life on their planets?"

    "Isn''t it because of the Federation decree?"

    "Yes and no. Some nobles can easily bypass those laws. But they''re all after one thing: drinking from the Source."

    "The Source? What''s that?"

    "I don''t know much about it, honestly. But they say that whoever drinks from the ''Source'' can live for centuries as if they were young."

    "I see... I haven''t studied that yet."

    "Unbelievable! Hey, brother, come here! Can you believe Ty didn''t know about the Source?"

    "You''re kidding, right? I thought he knew everything," Damian said, laughing.

    "Shut up, both of you. I''m heading back to the dorm. See you next week?"

    "Of course! Brother, let''s go grab that bread from the city. I''m starving. See you, Ty."

    "Oh, Ty, are you going to pick up your companion tomorrow?" Cassandra asked

    "They''ve authorized it?"

    "Duhhh! You should stay more informed. Anyway, starting tomorrow, you can retrieve your companion. I think they''re opening access to Gargantua. Good luck. Later!"

    Tyrin had many questions, but he chose not to bother the two siblings. For example, where could he access the news? Or, more importantly, what exactly was Gargantua? Even so, he somehow felt a mysterious connection that assured him his companion was safe. Perhaps it was this bond that kept him from worrying too much about their whereabouts. But now, knowing he could finally retrieve them, something deep inside Tyrin yearned desperately for the only companionship he had in this strange and cruel world.

    Later, taking advantage of the absence of the only classmate who shared his dormitory, Tyrin went to the library. He found Gertrudes, who seemed to spend more time among the shelves than in her luxurious office. He decided she was his best chance to clear up his doubts.

    "Gertrudes, sorry to bother you, but I have a few questions. Can you help me?"

    "Tyrin, good evening. Of course, welcome to my palace of knowledge. What''s your question? Would you like to read another book on warfare?"

    "Actually, my question is simpler this time. But since I know so few people, I thought I''d ask you."

    "Of course. Go ahead."

    "Tomorrow, I need to pick up my companion, but..."

    "Humm... Oh, right, tomorrow''s the day! Time flies, doesn''t it? Let me guess: you have no idea where to go, do you?"

    "Yes... and no. I wanted to know about that, but I also wanted to understand what Gargantua is."

    "Ah, now I get it. You''re a commoner, so you probably haven''t had access to certain basic knowledge. Well, I could explain, but I think it''s better... Hold on a moment."

    Gertrudes walked away and, after a few minutes, returned carrying three enormous books, which looked like extensive compilations.

    "Here you go. In these volumes, you''ll find all the information you''re looking for. Enjoy."

    Tyrin didn''t need to read much to begin understanding, but he knew that to fully grasp Gargantua, he would have to devour all three books. Despite his recently developed ability to read faster, he only managed to finish the preface of the second book that night. Even so, the first volume already provided a broad and fascinating overview:

    "So, ten thousand years ago, humans discovered this planet inside a black hole in the Aquila constellation. Is that even possible?"

    As he read, Tyrin tried to process the enormity of the discovery. The word "singularity" appeared repeatedly, standing out as the key element. The planet Gargantua was absurdly large¡ªlarge enough to be compared to medium-sized stars. This was only possible because the planet existed within the singularity of a black hole. The intense gravity compressed all matter at the center, preventing the planet from collapsing.

    Gargantua had no life on its surface, but within its gravitational pockets, it harbored vast caverns filled with complete ecosystems. For reasons still unknown, these pockets included something resembling a sky, with day and night cycles.

    "So, all companions are sent to this planet... But why?" Tyrin asked aloud, lost in thought.

    "That''s a question I''d love to answer. If I may," said Gertrudes, appearing behind him once again.

    Gertrudes seemed to be carrying some books she intended to take to her quarters, but upon noticing Tyrin''s curiosity, she decided to spend a few minutes clarifying his doubts¡ªanswers he would likely only find in the third book of the collection.

    "Professor, if it''s not too much trouble, I''d love to understand more about this," Tyrin said hesitantly.

    "It''s no trouble at all. In fact, this story is one of my favorites, and, coincidentally, it''s part of next week''s syllabus."

    She placed the books on a nearby table and adjusted her glasses.

    "Every noble family¡ªand select harvests, like you¡ªreceives their companions. That, you''ve probably already noticed, haven''t you?"

    Tyrin thought for a moment. He had indeed noticed that everyone who had arrived with him on the ship had a companion, but he hadn''t realized it was a universal feature.

    "The fact is," Gertrudes continued, "the planets of the outcasts don''t enjoy the best that the universe has to offer. It''s a shame, but it''s reality. However, among the nobles, there are companions that go beyond imagination. Beings so magnificent that they wouldn''t fit in this library... or even in this village."

    She paused, observing the growing curiosity on Tyrin''s face.

    "Now, let me ask you: how do you think they travel to other places, bringing along creatures so colossal?"

    "They... don''t bring them with them, do they?" Tyrin guessed.

    "Yes... and no," Gertrudes replied with an enigmatic smile. "In fact, all nobles¡ªand recruits like you¡ªreceive a medallion. This medallion has the ability to teleport their companions directly to their side. Don''t ask me how it works; the technology is beyond my understanding. But the fascinating thing is that, with a simple command, your companion appears instantly, no matter where they are."

    Tyrin''s eyes widened.

    "That''s incredible. But how do they survive on Gargantua? From what I''ve read, the planet is extremely hostile. And if they die there, what happens?"

    Gertrudes leaned slightly forward, her voice taking on a didactic tone:

    "Excellent question. Every time a companion dies on Gargantua, part of the vitality of your bond is used to bring them back. This process allows them to revive at your side."

    Tyrin furrowed his brow.

    "So, if my vitality runs out... I die too, right?"

    Gertrudes nodded slowly.

    "Exactly. But don''t worry. Your combat instructor will teach you how to steal vitality from the creatures you kill. It''s a natural process in this universe. However, if your vitality hasn''t diminished yet, it could mean that your companion is smarter than you think."

    Tyrin grew thoughtful. Despite his companion still being in egg form¡ªsomething that seemed vulnerable under any circumstance¡ªhe had never felt his vitality diminish. This realization intrigued him deeply. However, he knew that he would only find answers by rescuing his companion.

    With his head full of questions and his heart restless, he decided to call it a day. He ate the simple meal that was always left in his room and lay down, determined to rest as much as possible. Tomorrow, destiny awaited.

 Companion Wars

    The massive line stretched through the grand hall of Incubation, Creation, and Development ¡ª the ICE. A pompous name for a place where you were forced to leave and retrieve your companion animal during the academic periods. However, today was an exception: transport collars were being distributed free of charge to those who couldn¡¯t afford to buy them. Tyrin wasn¡¯t at the end of the line, but he was definitely far from being one of the first.

    ¡°I¡¯m probably going to spend the entire day in this damn line,¡± he thought, disheartened.

    ¡°Ty! I knew I¡¯d find you here!¡± exclaimed a familiar voice.

    ¡°Cassandra? What are you doing here?¡± he replied, surprised.

    ¡°I knew I¡¯d run into you, so I decided to drop by. You¡¯re annoying, but I¡¯m willing to spend the whole day by your side.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re going to enjoy waiting with me. This is going to take forever.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I brought something to keep us entertained. Look at this!¡±

    Cassandra pulled something out of her pocket that looked like a robotic bird and launched it into the air.

    ¡°I bet you¡¯ve never seen a companion battle before. The intersystem championship started this week. Let¡¯s watch it together.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just Tyrin who was surprised. Most of the people in line seemed just as impressed as he was. It was rare to see robotic birds like that, which broadcast live transmissions. Besides being extremely expensive, only nobles or wealthy citizens could afford them.

    ¡°Okay... but what exactly is this battle?¡± Tyrin asked, still confused.

    ¡°Hmm... It¡¯s impressive how smart you are about some things and completely clueless about others,¡± Cassandra teased. ¡°In the universe, few things get as much attention as companion battles. And today, we¡¯re going to watch a fight between two noble Betas houses. While neither is famous for having particularly noteworthy companions, it¡¯s still going to be fascinating to watch.¡±

    On the projected screen, an enormous coliseum appeared. On one side, a giant deer about six meters tall, with immense, sharp antlers. On the other, a bear that was slightly smaller but looked powerful and muscular.

    ¡°If I had to bet, I¡¯d say the bear has a significant advantage. I  know much about that giant deer, but the Ursidae family is famous for the insane resilience of their companions. From the size of that bear, the Astra controlling it must have fought in plenty of battles before,¡± Cassandra remarked.

    Tyrin couldn¡¯t imagine anything so grand. The most impressive creature he¡¯d ever seen was Yank¡¯s Wolf, but even that seemed insignificant compared to those two titans fighting as if their lives depended on it.

    ¡°Look, Ty, it¡¯s starting!¡± Cassandra said excitedly.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the seventy-seventh battle for the district control of Gargantua 35!¡± announced a booming voice. ¡°Today, in the quarter-finals, we have the leader of the Ursidae family, Dimitry!¡±

    A deafening wave of cheers and applause erupted from the audience. Tyrin could barely hear his own thoughts, but something in the announcement piqued his curiosity.

    ¡°Cass, what¡¯s this prize they¡¯re talking about?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t know anything, do you? Hold on, let them finish the introductions, and I¡¯ll explain.¡±

    ¡°And on the other side of the arena,¡± the announcer continued, ¡°the champions of last year and many years before, the legendary Timorensei!¡±

    The crowd¡¯s reaction was unexpected: only a few clapped, while a wave of boos and angry shouts filled the stadium.

    ¡°You know they increased the cost of keeping companions in District 35 last year, right?¡± Cassandra explained. ¡°Basically, they made it impossible for any commoner to stay safe here.¡±

    Tyrin remembered something he had read in The Book of Gargantua, Volume 1. The reason companions didn¡¯t die endlessly was because of the protected districts, led by nobles and their powerful beasts. However, there were at least a hundred registered districts on that planet, and moving from one to another was nearly impossible. A planet the size of a medium star made such moves equivalent to centuries-long journeys. Staying in the starting district was almost a sentence, especially when the leaders had the freedom to impose exorbitant fees.

    ¡°I hope the Timorensei lose. They¡¯re the biggest bastards I know,¡± Cassandra grumbled.

    As she complained, the fight began. The bear seemed incredibly strong and heavy, while the deer was agile and graceful. However, after a few exchanges of blows, it became clear that the deer¡¯s antlers weren¡¯t just for show ¡ª they pierced the thick layer of fat on the bear¡¯s belly.

    ¡°This fight seems a bit one-sided, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Tyrin commented.

    ¡°Relax. Bears from the Ursidae family get stronger when injured. In a moment... oh!¡± Cassandra stopped talking as the bear landed a violent swipe to the deer¡¯s face, dislocating its jaw with a devastating impact.

    "This fight is already over. Look at that Beast''s face," Tyrin stated confidently.

    "Calm down, Ty. Now you''ll understand why those bastards have ruled the district for almost ten years."

    Tyrin witnessed something surreal: the deer, after letting out a terrifying cry, began regenerating at a speed visible to the naked eye. The bear, sensing the danger, lunged forward again, attempting to bite and stop that absurd recovery.

    However, with an intense glow, a golden crown appeared above the deer''s head. Just as the bear was preparing to throw its full weight at its opponent, a blast of incandescent light shot out from the crown, piercing the bear''s belly from side to side. The bear let out a cry of pain that echoed through the coliseum before collapsing, unable to continue.

    "And the winner is... the Timorensei! Let''s give them a big round of applause!" the announcer declared with rehearsed enthusiasm.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    As the audience clapped and cheered, Tyrin couldn''t tear his eyes away from the brutal scene. The bear, covered in blood, lay lifeless on the ground while an elderly, weathered-looking man ran toward the fallen creature, chanting words Tyrin couldn''t understand.

    "The Elder of the Ursidae family is brave," Cassandra remarked with a hint of admiration, which quickly turned into disdain. "He¡¯s probably going to sacrifice all his vitality to save the companion. I hate those damn deer. Did you know they''re one of the few species in the universe capable of using solar and healing magic? It¡¯s way too overpowered!"

    "But what happens now? What''s next?" Tyrin asked.

    "Not much. They¡¯ll probably keep winning. Ty, I sincerely hope your companion doesn''t get sent to District 34. At least for the next battles, you can bet on the winners. That¡¯s a sure thing," Cassandra explained, watching as the crowd began to disperse.

    The idea of betting intrigued Tyrin. He had never seen anything so peculiar: there were no goods or items involved, just the anticipation of an outcome. While it seemed risky, Cassandra appeared skilled at the game, winning often. When she lost, however, her irritation was almost comical.

    "Thanks for keeping me company in the line, but I¡¯m next," Tyrin said, finally reaching the service desk.

    "True. Well, if you want to watch more battles, just call me. I¡¯m heading out," Cassandra said goodbye, leaving with the same energy she had arrived with.

    Watching the battles had been eye-opening for Tyrin. The universe seemed far bigger and more diverse than he had imagined, and, to his relief, giant monsters appeared to be the exception. The battles following the Betas were more plausible, featuring smaller but equally fascinating creatures.

    When he entered the service room, he was greeted by a girl with golden hair streaked with pink highlights.

    "Okay, your name is Tyrin, right? Interesting... it looks like your companion is still in its egg. Because of that, unfortunately, we can¡¯t assign it to any district yet. But from what we can see, it should hatch this month. I¡¯ll need you to take this taming collar. We don¡¯t know how it¡¯ll react when it sees you for the first time, do we? Oh, and we¡¯ve already assigned it to District... 76."

    "Is that district any good?" Tyrin asked, curious.

    "Hmm... it¡¯s a cheap district, but it seems to have just undergone a change in leadership. I don¡¯t know much about it," the attendant admitted, consulting a holographic terminal. "Let me see here... Ah, the new leadership belongs to the Dracones family. Have you heard of them?"

    "Yes, I know them. Thank you very much," Tyrin replied with a slight nod.

    "You¡¯re welcome. Just one more thing: while we¡¯ve identified that your companion will hatch this month, we couldn¡¯t determine its species or origin. That¡¯s why the collar is necessary. We¡¯d like to request permission to register it as soon as it¡¯s born. Can you tell us anything about its appearance or the planet it came from?"

    "Well... I don¡¯t think so. It was a gift," Tyrin replied hesitantly.

    "How curious. Well, we¡¯ll wait for the registration once it¡¯s born, okay?"

    "Okay. See you later," Tyrin said as he left the room.

    He knew that many things had been hidden by Dante, but he preferred not to delve too deeply into those mysteries. As curious as he was, there were limits he couldn¡¯t cross. His sister depended on it.

    The following week, lessons with Gertrudes continued to be interesting and promising. Tyrin hadn¡¯t yet managed to get close to the classmate who controlled the district where his companion would be sent, but the days were productive. However, Manfred, the Piloting instructor, made his disdain for Tyrin increasingly clear day by day. Manfred¡¯s noble demeanor reflected a deeply ingrained prejudice against the lower classes, who were taught from a young age to fight for scraps. Despite his efforts to frustrate Tyrin with impossible challenges, the professor knew the boy was anything but stupid or desperate. And that irritated him deeply.

    "Students, today we will begin the piloting lesson with our quantum test system," Manfred announced in his deep, haughty voice. "Each of you has a prototype of the tool on your desk. Put it over your eyes and say the word ¡®Start.¡¯"

    The device Tyrin picked up looked like a strange pair of goggles, similar to the collar from Custe¡¯s class. When he put it on and said the magic word, he was immediately transported into a dark, immersive environment. It was a vast, empty space that reminded him of the starry sky he had seen outside the ship.

    ¡°This is space. But how am I able to breathe here?¡± he asked himself, trying to make sense of the situation.

    Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the silence, making Tyrin flinch.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, this is the setting of one of the greatest battles the universe has ever seen. Here, at the cost of countless lives, we defeated the Tyranos¡¯ greatest fleet.¡±

    Humanity had long realized that fighting on Earth was a devastating disadvantage. Even the Astras couldn¡¯t stand against the sheer numbers of the Tyranos in open warfare. However, space presented a different battleground. It was where human strategic intelligence and destructive technology could triumph over the enemy¡¯s brute force and overwhelming numbers.

    ¡°We are in the Alpha Centauri region. Our academic year will revolve around this historic battle,¡± the voice continued. ¡°Each of you will command humanity¡¯s fleet and fight as the ultimate representatives of our species. Our goal? Victory, of course. But more than that: I want you to achieve a crushing victory. Show me what you¡¯re capable of, and perhaps...¡±

    ¡°Understood?¡± repeated Professor Manfred, his stern voice breaking the silence.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the students replied in unison, though many were hesitant.

    Tyrin, like the others, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the scene before him. Gradually, thousands of Tyrano ships appeared in the sky, advancing toward the home planet of the Emperor. But waiting for them was nothing less than humanity¡¯s entire fleet: frigates, fighters, and colossal ships, including the massive mothership that had brought Tyrin to Vanaheim.

    ¡°So this is how it happened...¡± he murmured to himself.

    Before he could process anything further, he was ¡°transported¡± into the largest ship of the fleet. Hidden behind the planet, it was a colossal masterpiece¡ªa floating citadel. Even the imposing mothership seemed insignificant beside it.

    ¡°Sir, we have our enemies in sight. They haven¡¯t detected us yet. When would you like to begin the attack?¡± boomed a deep voice.

    Tyrin, with no prior knowledge of strategy or combat, quickly lost control of the situation. It didn¡¯t take long before the simulator terminated his attempt, transporting him back to the classroom. He removed the goggles with trembling hands, his face reflecting the shock of the experience.

    Around him, the other students looked just as shaken, staring blankly into space. One thought hammered in Tyrin¡¯s mind: ¡°It was impossible to win that fight.¡±

    Professor Manfred paced the room, observing the students with the same mocking smile that had been plastered on his face since the start of the class.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve all had a reality check,¡± he said, clearly pleased. ¡°Our Emperor is a genius beyond comparison. Even so, we lost nine-tenths of our fleet in that battle. All that remained was the ship that brought you here and a fragment of the Empire¡¯s flagship. But he won. Against a ratio of five to one. Facing ships that were stronger, faster, and, at the time, more heavily armed. So, my dear students, good luck.¡±

    Manfred paused, savoring the weight of his words, before concluding:

    ¡°You will have access to the simulator for an entire year to try and win this battle. Class dismissed.¡±

    The students left the room, heads low and lost in thought, with the exception of Manfred, who wore a triumphant smile as if he had crushed their spirits.

    ¡°Well, I think that puts an end to your arrogance,¡± he muttered aloud, clearly satisfied with himself.

    Tyrin, lost in his thoughts, barely noticed when Cassandra tapped him lightly on the head with a baton.

    ¡°Damn it, Ty! Snap out of it! The professor¡¯s staring!¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Cass... I was distracted.¡±

    ¡°I can see that,¡± she replied, shaking her head. ¡°Anyway, get up already. You need to help me in Custe¡¯s class.¡±

    As he left the room with Cassandra, Tyrin couldn¡¯t shake the vision of what he had experienced in the simulator. His mind kept returning to the battle. He had lost with a ratio of seven to one, and none of it made sense. The Tyranos didn¡¯t seem like a foolish or disorganized species. On the contrary, everything about the battle suggested that someone incredibly intelligent was coordinating the attacks, manipulating the pieces from afar like a master strategist weaving an intricate web of war.

    Who was really behind that offensive? Tyrin thought, following Cassandra down the hallway.

 Status

    In the class for scouts, the recruits were training in individual combat. Being a scout meant facing threats alone, surviving where no one else could. To prepare them, the training was brutal: duels, two-against-one fights, and relentless exercises. It didn''t matter how much they stumbled at the start. They had to improve¡ªand fast.

    "Students," began the instructor, his firm, cutting voice echoing off the training room walls. "Today you''ve learned the basics of combat with baton and dagger. Tomorrow, we''ll move on to longswords and clubs. I expect real progress from each of you. Devos," he said, his gaze shifting to a visibly uneasy recruit, "I see you''re restless. Do you have something to share?"

    Devos, a tall young man with a nervous stance, hesitated. An awkward silence filled the room before he finally answered:

    "Sir, when will we learn how to use firearms? Wouldn''t that be... more practical?"

    Instructor George tilted his head slightly, crossing his arms as a cold smile played across his lips. His eyes pierced through Devos like blades.

    "Mr. Devos Frabici, it seems you''ve missed the essence of my lesson. Let''s conduct a little test. Take a firearm from that table. Any one of them."

    The air grew heavy. Tyrin, who had been watching the scene unfold, felt the tension rising like a rope about to snap. Devos hesitated, but he knew disobeying a direct order was a fatal mistake. Swallowing hard, he approached the table and selected a pistol.

    Instructor George watched him with sharp eyes, his voice dripping with irony.

    "Now, Devos, unlock the weapon. And shoot me."

    Shock rippled through the room. Devos froze, his face a portrait of discomfort.

    "Sir, I... I can''t do that."

    "That''s an order, Devos."

    Breathing deeply, his hands trembling, Devos reached for the safety switch. But before he could finish the motion, a sharp gleam sliced through the air. A dagger embedded itself in his palm.

    "AAAAARRRGH!" Devos'' scream tore through the silence. He staggered backward, clutching his wounded hand as blood dripped onto the stone floor. Some recruits instinctively recoiled, stunned, but Instructor George remained unmoving.

    "Recruit Devos, lift your head. Stop whining. Someone take him to the infirmary. Now."

    Two recruits rushed to help Devos, who was still trembling in pain, while George addressed the rest of the class. His tone returned to calm, but it carried an inescapable weight.

    "Did you all understand what just happened here? Firearms are practical, yes¡ªwhen you know what''s coming. But they''re loud, they draw attention. And sometimes, in the field, you won''t have time to unlock a weapon or line up a shot. Daggers, batons, blades¡ªthese are your extensions. Tools for the unexpected. And you will master them. Or you will die trying."

    The recruits swallowed hard. The message was clear.

    "This class is feared by nobles because of the mortality rate. But the few who survive it become the best scouts this kingdom has ever seen. So decide now: are you ready for the challenge?"

    "Sir, yes, sir!" they answered in unison.

    "You''re dismissed. Cassandra, stay. I want a word with you."

    Tyrin and Damian exchanged curious glances but quickly understood. Cassandra was the most talented student in the class, and George had an unerring instinct for identifying the best.

    "Go on ahead," she said with a confident smile. "I''ll catch up with you later. Ty, try not to doze off in the next class."

    "No problem," Tyrin replied, laughing. "Good luck."

    As the others left the hall, Cassandra remained at attention, waiting for the instructor''s orders. But before he could say anything, Tyrin had already stepped into the corridor.

    In the corridor, Tyrin was stopped by Damian, who looked concerned.

    "Tyrin, since we''re alone, I want to ask you something while my sister isn''t around. Got a moment?"

    "Sure, Damian. What''s up?"

    "It''s about the dissection class... I''m struggling with it."

    Tyrin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You chose that class, didn''t you? Why are you having trouble?"

    Damian sighed, avoiding his gaze. "I thought I''d be good at it, but... there are people way better than me. I saw you dissect that Mimic. It looked like you''d been doing it for years."

    Tyrin chuckled lightly. "That was more luck than skill, but thanks. Honestly, I''m thinking about specializing in it. I heard that those who master dissection can make a lot of money on the black market. What do you think about training together?"

    Damian looked relieved and excited at the idea. "Really? That would be amazing! How about starting next week? I''ll bring two specimens for practice. Maybe a Bakus. I heard some were taken down recently."

    Tyrin frowned. "Bakus? Taken down where?"

    "They say it was during an invasion... or something like that. I''m not sure. All I know is there was a massacre. At least the bodies are available for purchase now."

    Tyrin became thoughtful. Something felt off. The Bakus were territorial, but not invaders. There was something strange about the story.

    "Damian, let me know when you find out more about this, okay? I want to understand what really happened."

    "Will do. See you next week?"

    Tyrin nodded, but his mind was already racing. Something wasn''t adding up. And he needed to figure out what it was.

    For over a hundred years, the Bakus'' attempts to expand had been ineffective due to their lack of advanced technology. Why would they attack now?

    "You know where to find me," Tyrin said, concluding their conversation.

    Later that night, Tyrin was deep into his search for information. He knew that if anyone could help him, it would be the librarian and researcher Gertrudes. Despite her constant complaints about how Tyrin disturbed her at the worst times, she was an invaluable source of knowledge.

    "Ms. Gertrudes, I know I''m a nuisance, but I need your help."

    "Again, Tyrin? You may be my student, but this is getting tiresome. You do know I also have my own research, don''t you?"

    "Sorry to bother you, but I got curious about... the Bakus invasion. I tried to get information in several places, but it seems like no one knows anything."

    The moment he mentioned the Bakus, Gertrudes froze in place. She turned quickly, her face now serious and laden with concern.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings."Where did you hear this? Who''s your source?" she asked, her voice low but firm.

    Tyrin was surprised by the intensity of her reaction. He hesitated before responding:

    "A colleague mentioned it. Why? Is it important?"

    Gertrudes took a step toward him, locking her gaze with his.

    "If that information is circulating, it means either someone talked too much... or something very wrong is happening. Tyrin, you don''t understand. The Bakus don''t attack like that. It''s not their way. There''s more behind this invasion than we can imagine."

    "What exactly is going on, then?" Tyrin asked, his curiosity now turning into unease.

    Gertrudes paused, deliberating for a moment. Finally, she spoke:

    "I don''t know yet. But if I were you, I''d start paying attention. If the Bakus are acting out of character, it means something¡ªor someone¡ªis provoking them."

    Tyrin nodded, feeling the weight of her words. He knew he needed more answers. And to get them, he would have to delve deeper into the mystery.

    The next day, Tyrin was scratching the back of his neck, feeling a bit uncomfortable with Gertrudes'' intensity. He wasn''t used to seeing her lose her composure, especially over what he thought was an innocent question.

    "I... I think I have about 60 points saved up," he replied hesitantly.

    The silence that followed was deafening. Gertrudes'' eyes widened, her mouth slightly open in a mix of shock and disbelief.

    "Sixty points?" she repeated, almost in a whisper, before exploding: "BY THE EMPEROR! Tyrin, are you telling me you have enough points saved up to jump nearly 15 whole levels, and you HAVEN''T DONE ANYTHING WITH THEM?"

    Tyrin tried to explain, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

    "I didn''t think it was that important! My philosophy is different, you see? If I know my enemy well, I¨C"

    "¨Cwin all the battles, yes, yes, I''ve heard that before," Gertrudes interrupted, exasperated. She let out a frustrated huff. "But you''re ignoring a basic fact: an Astra''s body is designed to be optimized with every point. A single level isn''t just brute strength, Tyrin. It affects your endurance, reflexes, cognitive capacity, everything! You''re essentially fighting with one hand tied behind your back!"

    Tyrin frowned, processing her words.

    "So, you''re saying I should''ve used those points?"

    "Obviously!" Gertrudes stepped closer, placing her hands firmly on his shoulders as if she wanted to shake him to emphasize every word.

    "An Astra doesn''t have the luxury of ignoring this. You might be brilliant, you might be strategic, but against an enemy that uses every ounce of advantage they have, you won''t last! Tyrin, you underestimated something that''s the essence of your own survival."

    "Okay, okay, I get it," Tyrin said, trying to calm her down. "But now what? What do I do?"

    Gertrudes took a deep breath, regaining her composure. She stepped back, rubbing her temples.

    "First, we''re going to analyze your points. I''ll help you allocate them as efficiently as possible. Second, we''ll talk to someone who can teach you how to use your new capabilities. It''s going to be painful, but necessary. And lastly... never again, NEVER AGAIN, ignore something like this."

    Tyrin nodded, feeling a little embarrassed.

    "Alright, I trust you."

    Gertrudes sighed and pointed at Tyrin''s face.

    "Access your status. Let''s fix this right now."

    As Gertrudes guided him through the process of distributing his points, Tyrin''s thoughts drifted back to the conversation from the night before. Something about the Bakus still bothered him deeply. The idea of a species so powerful yet disorganized, fleeing their territories and suffering crushing defeats on human ground... there was something behind this. Something the Empire seemed determined to hide.

    "Tyrin, are you paying attention?" Gertrudes asked, noticing his distant look.

    "Yeah, sorry," he replied, refocusing on the terminal. "It''s just... there''s something else going on, isn''t there? Not just with me, but with all of this. The Bakus, whatever happened to them... have you found out if there''s something bigger behind it?"

    Gertrudes studied him for a moment, gauging the seriousness of his question. She shook her head, resigned.

    "I don''t know, Tyrin. But I can tell you one thing: if there is something bigger, you''re nowhere near ready to deal with it. So, get strong. And fast."

    Tyrin stared at the screen in front of him. The numbers glowed in cold, clinical tones, as if judging him. Maybe Gertrudes was right. He couldn''t afford to overlook anything anymore. Not now.

    "Let''s begin," he murmured, his voice echoing faintly in the quiet room.

    He was ready to allocate the points.

    The sound of the interface reverberated through the cramped space, a soft click followed by a continuous hum. Each adjustment in the configuration seemed to send an electric current through his body, filling him with a strange, almost intoxicating energy. It was a clear omen: something was about to change. Not just for him, but for everything around him.

    When he finished, Tyrin left the room, carrying with him a paradoxical feeling of relief and unease. As much as he tried to shake it off, Gertrudes'' unusually concerned look lingered in his mind. Why had she reacted that way? His status couldn''t be that different... could it?

    "Probably just because I never paid attention to these details," he thought, shrugging, trying to dispel the tension.

    On his way to the cafeteria, Tyrin tried to keep his mind occupied. Meanwhile, Gertrudes remained in the room, frozen, staring into the void. His words echoed in her head like an inescapable sentence: 63 points available.

    That was, at the very least, impossible. At least according to all known laws about Astra status. The only time something similar had ever been documented... she recalled, swallowing hard. "But that person died a long time ago."

    The room plunged into absolute silence, interrupted only by the faint whisper of her own thoughts.

    "How can this be real?" she murmured to herself, her tone grave and hesitant. "He doesn''t seem like the type who would lie. But... 63 points? He''s at level 7! Even Kaladum, the legendary SS-ranked Astra, never reached that. Could it be a mutation? A system error? Or..."

    She hesitated before whispering the name, as if afraid of the weight it carried:

    "Freydis?"

    Gertrudes closed her eyes, pressing her temples as if trying to organize the whirlwind of thoughts dominating her mind. Part of her wanted to report this immediately. After all, if Tyrin truly was an anomaly, he could be an unprecedented discovery. Something capable of altering the Astra''s history forever.

    But she had seen something similar before. And what followed wasn''t a glorious ending¡ªit was a disaster.

    Revealing this information to the Empire could be a death sentence for Tyrin. They wouldn''t hesitate to study him, dissect him, use him as a tool.

    "If he''s studied... or worse, used... he won''t survive," she murmured, her voice heavy with anguish. "But if I say nothing, and he doesn''t learn to control this... he''ll attract everyone''s attention."

    The dilemma ate away at her, each possibility more terrifying than the last. She spent the night wide awake, surrounded by piles of old books and reports on Astra status, desperately searching for an answer. No text, no research offered any explanation for what Tyrin might be.

    Meanwhile, Tyrin was finishing a simple dinner in the cafeteria. Somehow, his mind was free of worries. He even allowed himself a moment of optimism as he headed to his dormitory.

    "Maybe these points really will make a difference," he thought, letting a slight smile cross his face.

    As he lay down, he opened the interface one last time, staring at his updated status as the darkness of the room enveloped him.

    ?? STATUS ??

    Classification: SSS / 00

    Strength: 4 + 15

    Endurance: 7 + 15

    Speed: 6 + 13

    Skill: 12 + 20

    Psyche: 0

    The numbers glowed on the screen, cold and impassive, as he tried to decipher them. The "SSS Classification" was something he knew to be extremely rare, but the "Psyche" field marked as zero intrigued him even more. He had never seen that statistic before, and no explanation seemed plausible.

    "Psyche... What does that mean?" he whispered, his eyes locked on the screen. Not even Gertrudes seemed to know about this part of his status.

    His mind wandered, searching for answers. The strange sensation of latent energy still pulsed within him, as if something was on the verge of emerging.

    Without answers and overcome by exhaustion, Tyrin closed his eyes. Whatever it was, he would find out soon enough.

    While he slept, however, the unease he had planted in Gertrudes grew, like a seed of doubt and fear. She knew something greater was at play¡ªand Tyrin was at the very center of it.

 Test - Part 1

    The next morning, Tyrin woke up feeling renewed. He was excited about the improvement in his status. However, Gertrudes'' words from the previous day echoed in his mind: a high status, on its own, meant nothing. He would need to train hard to maximize his body and adapt to his new power. Determined, he got up early, but his training plans were interrupted when Gertrudes called him to the room.

    Unsure of what to expect, Tyrin entered the space. As soon as he stepped inside, he noticed something was off. Gertrudes was pale, with dark circles under her eyes, but her gaze retained its characteristic intensity. Her eyes analyzed him as if trying to unravel a mystery.

    "Tyrin," she began in a serious tone. "Today, we''re going to do something different."

    Tyrin frowned, intrigued. "Of course. What would that be?"

    Gertrudes took a deep breath before responding. "I want you to show me your full status, but not just in numbers. We''re going to run some tests. I need to confirm something. And after that¡­ we''ll have a serious conversation."

    The gravity in her voice made Tyrin swallow hard. "Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?"

    She shook her head slowly, her face heavy with concern. "No, you didn''t do anything wrong. But¡­ something about you doesn''t make sense. And we need to figure it out before anyone else notices."

    A chill ran down Tyrin''s spine. For the first time, he began to question whether what he considered "normal" might actually be something very different¡ªand perhaps dangerous.

    "As you know," Gertrudes continued, crossing her arms as she paced around the room, "I can''t directly see your status. All we''ve done is allocate your points based on your goals. However, I''ve noticed something intriguing: you mentioned being level 7. But the results seem¡­ inconsistent. I want to test the effectiveness of the points we allocated."

    "And how do you intend to do that?" Tyrin asked, intrigued.

    She pointed to the table behind her, where four strange items rested. Tyrin examined them curiously: a thick glove made of plastic material, similar to the ones his mother used in the boiler; a rounded strip of cloth, seemingly useless; a pair of goggles that resembled those used in piloting lessons; and a metal box with an open top.

    "Can you use and test these items?" Gertrudes asked.

    Even with his head full of questions, Tyrin nodded.

    "Perfect," she said, with a rare encouraging smile. "We''ll start with the glove. Put it on and squeeze your hand with all your strength. At the same time, I''ll wrap this strip around your shoulders, up to the height of your elbows. It will tighten progressively. Let me know when you''re near your limit. Don''t worry, the strip is designed to release before it can seriously hurt you. This is just a test of strength and resistance."

    "All right. I trust you, professor."

    "I''m glad to hear that. Now focus. I want you to give it your all."

    After preparing, Gertrudes stepped back, giving space for the test to begin. The strip began tightening around his shoulders. At first, it felt like a weak hug, like that of a child. But as time passed, Tyrin felt the pressure increase alarmingly. It was as if he were squeezing himself, and then as if a steamroller were crushing his muscles.

    With each passing second, the discomfort turned into intense pain. His legs began to tremble, but he bit his lip and held firm. Meanwhile, Gertrudes observed him attentively, jotting down notes in a notebook. Her expression was a mix of fascination and concern.

    "Impressive," she murmured, but Tyrin barely heard her. His mind was focused on enduring the growing pressure.

    As he was squeezed to his limit, Tyrin clenched his fists with incredible strength, fighting to withstand the pressure. The strip seemed alive, tightening more and more, testing his muscles and his determination.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "You can stop, Tyrin. Thank you for holding out as long as you could," Gertrudes said, with a mix of relief and fascination.

    As she collected the items Tyrin had used, Gertrudes confirmed what she had already suspected. His point distribution in strength and resistance was, in fact, extraordinary. But that only made everything more confusing.

    "Now, onto the next test. Put on these goggles and then place your hand inside this box, please," she instructed.

    Without hesitation, Tyrin obeyed. As soon as he put on the goggles, he was transported to a completely different place. It was a vast white space, resembling a frozen plain. Suddenly, a voice echoed, as if speaking directly into his ear:

    The voice echoed in his ears:

    "Welcome to the speed aptitude test. Your mission is to dodge the balls that will be launched at you. Good luck."

    Before he could fully process the message, a snowball flew in his direction. It moved slowly, almost playfully. For a moment, Tyrin was reminded of his sister and the rare times they had been able to play together. The memory was sweet but fleeting. Soon, the speed of the balls began to increase.

    Each new throw demanded more focus and quicker reflexes. What had started as a simple exercise turned into an intense challenge. Tyrin dodged instinctively, his movements becoming sharper and more precise with every second. After fifteen grueling minutes, he finally removed the goggles, panting heavily.

    "I''m sorry, professor, but that last throw... I didn''t even see where it came from," he admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow.

    To his surprise, Gertrudes didn''t respond immediately. She stood in front of a board, furiously jotting down notes, her eyes wide with both shock and fascination.

    "So... you weren''t lying after all!" she exclaimed, turning to face him.

    Tyrin frowned, confused. "I''m sorry, professor, but I don''t understand."

    She sighed, clearly trying to collect her thoughts. "I won''t lie, Tyrin. I''m completely stunned by your status. I need you to promise me one thing: never talk about it with anyone. Ever."

    Her tone was serious, almost foreboding. Tyrin felt a chill run through him.

    "But why? What''s wrong with my status?"

    "There''s nothing wrong with it. It''s... beyond normal. What you gain per level is completely outside the standard. Even with all my experience, I''ve never seen anything like it," Gertrudes said, pausing for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Tell me, aside from my lessons, which other classes are you attending?"

    "Well... I take piloting lessons, scouting, and I was thinking about starting dissections. Why?"

    Gertrudes visibly paled at the last word. "Forget Professor Manfred. He''s competent but untrustworthy¡ªfar too elitist. As for Professor Custer¡­ I''ve fought alongside him before, so I believe he''s reliable, but still, be cautious. Now, the dissection professor... don''t even think about it! Just imagining that woman makes my skin crawl. She''s... unsettling."

    As she spoke, Gertrudes seemed to be thinking out loud, gesturing almost frantically. Tyrin waited patiently, trying to process what it all meant. Finally, after a few moments, she turned to him with a grave expression.

    "Tyrin, you need to understand something: you are special. But in this world, special people are not treated kindly. They are studied, analyzed, and often... dissected before they''ve even had a chance to be understood. What I''m telling you right now must never, under any circumstances, leave this room. Do you understand what this means?"

    Tyrin''s heart raced. He swallowed hard and answered, "Yes, ma''am."

    Gertrudes stared at him for a few seconds, as if making sure he truly grasped the weight of her words. Tyrin, for his part, tried to organize his thoughts. What did all this mean? He felt nervous, but he knew he had to stay focused.

    "Good," Gertrudes said, finally relaxing a little. "Now, more than ever, we need to be careful. I''ll help you as much as I can, but you need to be discreet. Don''t trust anyone¡ªnot even the other professors. Only me. Is that clear?"

    "Crystal clear, professor."

    Tyrin didn''t know what to expect from this point onward, but one thing was certain: his life had just changed forever.

    "Basically, your potential is far greater than most people''s. And to be honest, it''s by a massive margin," Gertrudes said, looking at Tyrin with seriousness. "In fact, I''m not even sure I know of any noble whose potential comes close to yours. That makes this even more... alarming."

    Tyrin felt the weight of her words hit him like a blow. "But then, what should I do? How can I hide this?"

    There was real urgency in his voice. He could sense Gertrudes'' concern, but at the same time, he knew he needed to find a way to protect this secret while continuing to improve and understand what was happening to him.

    Gertrudes leaned forward slightly, as if she were about to share an even deeper secret. "Before I forget¡­ you once mentioned a companion that wasn''t native to your planet. Was it the same person who gave you the gene that gave you this?"

    Tyrin nodded. "Yes, professor. But even he didn''t know what it was. We''re completely in the dark about it."

    "And the egg? Have you checked its condition?"

    "Yes, of course. It''s with me. Since it hasn''t hatched yet, I couldn''t send it to the planet."

    Gertrudes crossed her arms and took a deep breath. "Alright. Get the egg and bring it here immediately. I need to check something. I don''t want to take any risks. It''s possible we have more than one problem on our hands."

 Test - Part 2

    Tyrin didn''t hesitate. Within minutes, he returned to the room, grabbed the egg, and brought it to Gertrudes'' office. The object was a mystery even to him. Heavy, with a solid shell that seemed to pulse faintly at his touch, it was unlike anything he had ever seen.

    "Wonderful. Hand it over," Gertrudes said, extending her hands.

    As she took it, she examined it carefully, turning it from side to side. Her eyes searched her memory, looking for any clue or reference, but the confusion on her face only deepened.

    "This¡­" she murmured. "This is unlike anything I''ve ever seen." She furrowed her brows, pressing the egg lightly. "It could be the infernal serpent from the planet Basiliscus, but this egg is about five times larger than it should be. And you said it''s not from your planet, correct?"

    "Yes, professor. There are no egg-laying animals on our planet. As far as I know, this egg came from another world. Maybe someone brought it, or¡­" Tyrin paused for a moment, a thought crossing his mind for the first time.

    Gertrudes noticed his hesitation. "What is it? Go on."

    Tyrin took a deep breath. "Well, now that you mention it, I just remembered something. Before I was called to the academy, there was an issue with an unknown portal. We lost an Astra named Yank." He paused, trying to organize his memories. "What happened was¡­"

    Gertrudes watched him closely, as if her life depended on every word. Her gaze was focused, but also filled with concern.

    "Do you remember where the portal was linked to?" she asked.

    Tyrin scratched his head, thinking. "Actually, we were only told it was a Beta planet. We lost all contact with it. It was as if the planet ceased to exist. Everyone who was sent there died. At the time, many thought it was madness to send an Astra, but one person managed to return¡­ with some belongings."

    Gertrudes frowned. "One person? Who was it?"

    Tyrin hesitated. He trusted Gertrudes, but he preferred not to mention Karin. He felt it was irrelevant to their discussion for now.

    "I don''t know, professor," he said, averting his gaze. "I just know that no one talked much about it."

    She seemed to ponder for a moment, her fingers drumming against the egg. "I see¡­" she murmured. "So, you think the egg might be connected to this Beta planet?"

    "It''s possible. I never considered it before, but now that you''ve brought it up¡­ everything seems to align. The gene I received, the egg¡ªeverything started after that."

    Gertrudes sighed and set the egg back on the table. "Tyrin, I''ll be honest with you. This goes far beyond what I expected. I don''t know if we''ll get quick answers, but we need to be extremely careful from now on. What you carry"¡ªshe pointed at the egg¡ª"could be just as dangerous as you. And the danger won''t come only from enemies, but from anyone who learns about it."

    "Understood, professor. But¡­" Tyrin hesitated. "How can I protect myself while also learning faster? I can''t afford to fall behind."

    Gertrudes stared at him for a long moment, her expression serious. "Keep training. Stay discreet. And above all, never fully trust anyone. Not even me. Because the moment you stop being a secret, Tyrin, you won''t be a student anymore. You''ll become a target."

    Her words echoed through the room, carrying a weight Tyrin had never felt before. He nodded slowly, trying to process everything. The egg pulsed softly on the table, as if it were alive and listening to their conversation.

    Now, more than ever, Tyrin knew that his life would be nothing like what he had imagined.

    "BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

    BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    The deafening sound of an alarm filled the room, making Tyrin instinctively step back and cover his ears. His heart pounded as his mind raced to understand what was happening.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Professor! What''s going on?!" he shouted over the noise.

    When he looked at Gertrudes, he saw something he never expected. A smile appeared on her face¡ªbut it wasn''t the kind of smile that brought comfort. It was something eerie, almost animalistic, charged with anticipation.

    "We''re being summoned, Tyrin," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "We''re going to train in a real battle."

    "A battle? What kind of battle?" Tyrin shouted, still shielding his ears.

    Gertrudes stood up, ignoring the blaring alarm, and walked to a metal cabinet in the corner of the room. With a swift motion, she opened it and pulled out a black uniform with metallic details, one that looked like it had seen many battles. She tossed a slightly smaller one to Tyrin, who caught it in midair.

    "You''re going to need this. Get dressed quickly."

    "But¡­ what''s happening?" Tyrin insisted, feeling the anxiety grow inside him. "What kind of battle is this? Are we under attack?"

    Gertrudes met his gaze while adjusting her own uniform. There was a glint in her eyes that Tyrin couldn''t quite interpret. It was determination, but also something deeper¡ªsomething he couldn''t name.

    "I don''t know yet. But the last time I heard this call¡­ I was still a student here. Let''s go."

    Tyrin froze for a moment as Gertrudes walked past him. The seriousness in her voice was unmistakable.

    "What happened back then?" he asked, trying to keep calm.

    Gertrudes took a deep breath, as if she were reliving buried memories.

    "We encountered a new enemy," she replied, her voice lower now, almost a whisper.

    The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Tyrin swallowed hard, feeling their weight.

    "A new enemy?" He frowned. "Who¡­ or what was it?"

    Gertrudes shook her head, as if dismissing the question. "We don''t have time for that now. What matters is that you''re ready. I don''t know what we''re about to face, but I can guarantee it will be unlike anything you''ve seen before." She looked at him, her tone growing firmer. "And Tyrin, no matter what happens out there, do not reveal your true potential. Let them underestimate you. It might save your life."

    He nodded. Even though he had more questions than answers, he was glad he had allocated his points before this crazy turn of events. As he put on the uniform she had thrown to him, he tried to ignore the pit in his stomach and the growing sense that he was about to face something far bigger than any test or training session.

    The alarm continued blaring, but now it felt more distant, as if his mind were elsewhere. He glanced at Gertrudes, who was already dressed, adjusting a strange bracelet on her wrist.

    "Professor¡­" he began, but she cut him off.

    "Save your questions for later, Tyrin. Now store the egg for the time being and follow me. We''re heading to the summoning courtyard."

    With no other choice, Tyrin quickly secured his companion and followed her. As they walked through the academy''s corridors, he realized they weren''t alone. Students and instructors were rushing in all directions, their expressions ranging from anxious to determined. The once-quiet atmosphere was now chaotic, filled with voices and hurried footsteps.

    When they reached the courtyard, Tyrin felt his stomach tighten. A massive hologram was projected in the sky above them, showing something he couldn''t immediately comprehend. It was a planet¡­ or at least it looked like one. But its surface was covered in dark patches that pulsed like open wounds. He heard murmurs around him.

    "Is that¡­ a stray planet?" someone said in a horrified tone.

    "It can''t be. Weren''t they just a myth¡­?" another responded.

    Tyrin looked at Gertrudes, hoping for an explanation. But she stood motionless, her gaze locked on the hologram. Her face had hardened, as if she were steeling herself for something inevitable.

    Finally, she broke the silence.

    "Tyrin, listen carefully. This is more than just a training exercise. They send us into these situations when they have no choice¡ªwhen something is out of control and they need as many people as possible. We''ll probably be protecting one of the planet''s moons while the main fleet defends the planet itself from the threat. I''m almost certain we''ll be in a support role, but that doesn''t mean it''s safe." She turned to him, her eyes unwavering. "The last time this happened to me, half of my class was lost."

    She stared directly at him.

    "Stay close to me. I will make sure you survive this. But I can only do that if you listen to me."

    Tyrin felt a lump form in his throat. "Yes, ma''am."

    Before he could say anything else, an authoritative voice rang out through the academy''s speakers.

    "Students and instructors, prepare yourselves. The combat portal will be activated in five minutes. You will be transported in groups. Remember: this is not a drill. Defend your designated area, survive, and most importantly, eliminate any threats. Good luck."

    Tyrin looked up at the sky once more. The hologram pulsed like a dying heart. He didn''t know what he was about to face, but one thing was certain¡ªnothing in his life would ever be the same after this.

    Gertrudes placed a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back to reality.

    "Breathe, Tyrin. You''re going to need all your strength and focus now. Don''t let fear take over. Fear kills. Understood?"

    He nodded, even though his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might explode.

    The portal¡ªone that Tyrin had completely overlooked due to the moss and dirt covering it¡ªbegan forming at the center of the courtyard, glowing in shades of blue and white. It looked alive, swirling and rippling like water.

    "Let''s go, Tyrin," Gertrudes said, squeezing his shoulder one last time. "It''s time to see what this status boost has done for you."

    And with that, they stepped toward the portal¡ªready or not for whatever awaited them on the other side

 Satellite â€“ Drokavas 3 - Part 1

    ¡ª Major, it makes no sense to defend this outpost. We need to retreat to the citadel!

    In a silent room, thick with the strong scent of tobacco and sweet herb, two men argued. The dim lighting cast long, flickering shadows on the metallic walls, creating an atmosphere even heavier with tension. The first man, Kartus Bravak, wore a dark cloak of fine fabric, embroidered with golden patterns that revealed his wealth. His fingers were adorned with rings encrusted with precious stones, and his expression was a mix of disdain and concern. In every aspect, he looked like a civilian, and indeed he was recognized as such, but he had also earned the nickname of bourgeois¡ªnot just any bourgeois, but one of the richest the Major sitting before him had ever seen.

    The other man, Major Andr¨¦, maintained a rigid and imposing posture. His uniform was impeccable, the insignias on his chest gleaming under the room''s yellowish light, and his neatly trimmed mustache reinforced the image of a disciplined soldier. The contrast between them was striking: on one side, luxury; on the other, the firm structure of military hierarchy. The Major crossed his arms, unwilling to entertain yet another speech from a man who had never wielded a weapon.

    ¡ª Mr. Kartus, we are not leaving this place. We, along with outposts 5 and 9, are the last line of defense for the citadel. If you think I will give in to your whims, I suggest you stop now before I have you arrested for insubordination.

    The Major''s voice didn''t rise beyond what was necessary, but there was an unmistakable weight in his words. He was a man of war, shaped by battles few could even imagine, and he had no patience for nonsense. His distinctive mustache and firm stance revealed a man accustomed to command, someone who knew the true cost of duty and loyalty.

    To him, Kartus was nothing more than another spoiled bourgeois caught in the crossfire. A man who had lived in gilded palaces, surrounded by luxury and servants ready to fulfill his every whim. Now, forced to face the harsh reality of war, Kartus clung to what little control he had left, trying to manipulate the situation in his favor.

    Apparently, the Bravak family had been traveling on the moon when the conflict erupted. The Major understood the man''s concern¡ªhis entire family was lodged in the visitor sector, vulnerable to any enemy attack. For Kartus, this situation was an unimaginable nightmare. He had grown up under the security of impenetrable fortifications, protected by well-paid bodyguards and an influence that opened all doors. Now, he found himself cornered in a hostile environment, where his money seemed unable to buy his survival.

    He knew that Kartus wasn''t just afraid for his own life but also for what he could lose if the citadel fell¡ªhis possessions, his connections, his reputation. War was the great equalizer, and the Major knew that once the bullets started flying, no one would distinguish between rich and poor. To the enemy, Kartus was just another target.

    However, Andr¨¦ would not tolerate insubordination. He knew that any weak link could doom the entire station, and at that moment, his responsibility was greater than any privilege of a wealthy man. He had no time for futile arguments. There were soldiers to command, strategies to coordinate, and, above all, a base to defend. The Major took a deep breath, remaining impassive. War did not choose sides based on wealth or titles. And in this base, it didn''t matter who Kartus Bravak was outside these walls. What mattered was that he didn''t get in the way.

    ¡ª Sir, I think you don''t know who you''re talking to, I¡­

    ¡ª I know exactly who you are, Mr. Bravak, ¡ª the Major interrupted, his gaze sharp as a blade. ¡ª But I want you to understand something before you continue spouting nonsense: here at outpost 7, I am in charge. And while we are in this crisis, I suggest you shut up or pick up a weapon and help us defend your family.

    Kartus was many things, but he was not a fool. His face turned red with anger, but he simply chose to remain silent and process the situation. Deep down, he had always known that one day would come when all the money in the world wouldn''t save him. He just hadn''t expected that day to arrive so soon.

    ¡ª Very well. If you have nothing more to say, I ask you to leave. I still have¡­

    Before the Major could finish his sentence, a soldier burst into the room. He was young, athletic, and his expression carried urgency.

    ¡ª Sir, sorry to interrupt, but we''ve received a request for arrival authorization at the gate. Should we approve it?

    The Major allowed himself a faint smile.

    ¡ª Finally, Mr. Kartus, our reinforcements have arrived. Soldier, take me to the gate. We need to properly welcome our allies.

    The tension in the room dissipated. It was understandable¡ªwho wouldn''t feel relieved knowing reinforcements were on their way? And even better, reinforcements coming directly from the legendary planet of the Astra.

    Outpost 7 followed the standard structure of the lunar bases of Drokavas: a quadrangular design with a large central courtyard, where trucks of Supplies and armored vehicles moved constantly across the base, their heavy wheels and treads leaving deep imprints in the reinforced tracks embedded in the ground. These tracks allowed for the rapid deployment of units in case of an emergency.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Surrounding the outpost was a massive wall, sixty inches thick, built from a reinforced metal alloy capable of withstanding direct impacts from high-caliber projectiles. At each corner and along the center of the perimeter, towers were mounted with twin-barreled turrets, loaded with 100mm ammunition¡ªenough firepower to take down most threats. However, the Major had never actually seen them in action. They served more as a deterrent than a true line of defense, but their mere presence was often enough to dissuade direct assaults.

    Beyond the towers, robotic sentinels patrolled the perimeter, their optical sensors glowing with a faint blue hue as they scanned the surroundings for any sign of suspicious movement. Small surveillance drones hovered above the base, ensuring a panoramic view of the area.

    At the heart of the outpost, a vast training ground stretched out, where soldiers honed their close-combat skills and practiced handling heavy weaponry. A row of shattered targets bore witness to the intensity of their recent drills. And right in the middle of this strategic zone, the portal hummed with energy, its pulsating blue glow flickering as if eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next travelers.

    Standing before the portal, the Major and Kartus anxiously debated who would be coming to their aid. The tension was palpable¡ªalmost suffocating. Soldiers gathered around, exchanging hopeful glances as they adjusted their gear and checked their ammunition for what felt like the hundredth time. For many, this moment was the thin line between despair and survival. The silence before the arrival of reinforcements was filled only by the steady hum of the portal, its shimmering blue light reflecting off the weary faces of the combatants.

    Even those stationed farther away strained to listen in on the conversation, eager to catch any hint of the force that might turn the tide of battle. Quiet smiles and murmurs of optimism began to ripple through the ranks.

    The Major, steadfast, kept his eyes fixed on the interdimensional vortex, waiting impatiently for the silhouettes of their allies to emerge. For the first time in a long while, he felt a rare sense of relief¡ªfinally, they wouldn''t be alone in this fight.

    But that relief evaporated the instant figures began stepping through the portal. The sight that unfolded before him made his expression freeze.

    The energy of the moment vanished in an instant. Soldiers swallowed hard, their once-hopeful gazes now dull with disbelief. Kartus, stunned, raised a hand to his mouth, as if trying to stifle a frustrated outburst.

    Three people.

    Two children and an adult.

    Silence gripped the entire base.

    ¡ª What kind of reinforcement is this?! ¡ª Kartus erupted. ¡ª Major, this has to be a joke! Three people? And two of them are children?!

    The Major frowned, trying to make sense of the situation himself.

    ¡ª I don''t know what happened either, but I intend to find out. Excuse me.

    Portal travel was nothing new to Gertrudes. She had done it countless times before. However, as she stepped onto the base, she immediately noticed the group of uniformed men approaching her.

    ¡ª Miss Gertrudes, where are we? ¡ª one of the children asked.

    ¡ª Wait. Let me introduce myself, and then we''ll talk. You two, find someone to take you to the barracks and wait for me there.

    Gertrudes was enormous¡ªimposing even by Astra standards. But her towering presence did nothing to intimidate the Major, who wasted no time in voicing his frustration.

    ¡ª What kind of nonsense is this?! Where are the soldiers I requested? A woman and two children won''t make a difference in the fight ahead!

    Throughout the far reaches of the universe, the Astra were respected by civilians. However, due to the rigid structure of military hierarchy, they were often forced to submit to the chain of command of the places where they served. This led to situations where some officers abused their authority.

    But Gertrudes was not submissive. Not in the slightest.

    Her eyes narrowed, and her voice thundered:

    ¡ª You idiots! You should feel honored that we came to this insignificant hole! Your mediocre moon does not make you any more respectable than the pig that becomes my meal! Choose your next words wisely, for they may be your last. And before you ask¡ªyes, that is a threat. Now, let''s start over. What do you need us to do?

    The Major''s eyes widened in shock. He had never seen an Astra act with such defiance. But as he looked at Gertrudes, he realized how insignificant he was before this woman¡ªthis living wall of flesh and steel. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to back down and obey.

    ¡ª My apologies, Lady Astra. We are all on edge. The enemy is just a few miles away, and we were expecting¡­ more substantial reinforcements.

    Gertrudes nodded.

    ¡ª Very well. My name is Gertrudes, and we are here to provide support. Our group is small because I am accompanying my students. I believe I can handle the situation on my own, but I want them to train and grow. Now, if I''m not mistaken, this outpost follows Imperial regulations, correct?

    ¡ª Yes, ma''am. My name is Andr¨¦, and I apologize for the misunderstanding. We can station you on the eastern flank, where the first wave of battle will take place.

    ¡ª Perfect. I will need three men on the turrets. We will remain outside during the fight.

    The Major hesitated.

    ¡ª Outside? But the enemy numbers in the thousands! Are you certain about this?

    ¡ª I think you''re still underestimating me. CaoCao, come.

    She raised an invocation amulet. Within seconds, a colossal figure emerged before them¡ªa towering orangutan, over fifteen meters tall.

    The soldiers held their breath.

    Gertrudes smiled.

    ¡ª How are you, my baby?

    Everyone knew the name of that creature. And everyone knew what it meant.

    The Major swallowed hard.

    ¡ª Gertrudes Scar¡­ It is an honor to have your family here. I will make all necessary arrangements for your stay, and¡­ thank you for helping us.

    ¡ª No problem. Now, show me the battlefield and tell me about our enemies.

    ¡ª Of course¡­ Follow me.

    Gertrudes turned to the massive creature.

    ¡ª CaoCao, go for a walk and find some stones to help us. But don''t go too far¡ªMama might get worried.

    The orangutan let out a deep roar and sprinted across the field, disappearing over the horizon.

    The Major took a deep breath.

    ¡ª Shall we, ma''am?

    ¡ª Yes, ¡ª Gertrudes said with a grin. ¡ª Let''s go.

 Satellite â€“ Drokavas 3 - Part 2

    Tyrin was surprised to realize that upon arriving at the moon of Drokavas 3, his team consisted of only two people and the professor. He had seen teams with anywhere between 15 and 30 members. Of course, the planet in question had almost 60 moons, which could justify splitting the groups, but even so, he found it strange. However, nothing surprised him as much as seeing that the red-haired girl was also part of the team.

    "What was her name again? Luci... Lizzard?" Tyrin wondered absentmindedly.

    She didn¡¯t seem like the type of person who talked much, and even the few interactions she had with the professor were quick and direct. A quiet person or just egocentric?

    ¡ª Should we go find our dorm together? ¡ª Tyrin blurted out without thinking.

    ¡ª I don¡¯t see a problem with that. But I¡¯d like to understand what the professor sees in you to bring you along. I¡¯m sure I alone would be enough. Bringing someone mediocre doesn¡¯t seem like Gertrudes¡¯ style.

    ¡ª You do realize I can hear what you¡¯re saying about me, right?

    ¡ª Oops, that wasn¡¯t my intention. But anyway¡­ What¡¯s your name again?

    ¡ª Tyrin. That¡¯s my name.

    ¡ª I see, Triano. Let¡¯s find the dorm quickly, I need to rest.

    ¡ª Tyrin. That¡¯s my name. ¡ª I sighed. ¡ª Well, anyway, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s better if we stay with the professor?

    ¡ª Hmmm. I don¡¯t think you know our professor¡­ But what you need to know is that she is not ordinary. Not in terms of family, nor in strength. She¡¯s the kind of person who forced her way through life and came out victorious. Believe me when I say that if there¡¯s anyone we should fear, it¡¯s not that guy with a mustache.

    Tyrin was surprised to realize that Gertrudes was more than just a simple professor with librarian hobbies. Standing nearly three meters tall, she certainly had a story. It didn¡¯t take long before they were escorted to their dorms, and unfortunately, Tyrin only found out later about the problems his professor had already caused¡ªand, most importantly, about her last name.

    He had studied extensively about the Scar family, an extremely influential lineage known for its authoritarian and patriarchal culture. That made Tyrin understand what Luci meant by "forcing her way." They lived on a planet extremely hostile to life, yet somehow, in a way few could explain, they thrived. Their secret? A unique alliance with one of the most powerful beings in the universe: the Pongos.

    Bizarrely enormous creatures with overwhelming strength and above-average intelligence, the Pongos were one of the rare species classified as A+ level. Even the most comprehensive books failed to explain how this alliance was formed, but the fact remained that it brought not only power and prosperity to the Scar family but also immeasurable influence.

    ¡ª I¡¯m taking the top bunk, okay? Don¡¯t even bother arguing.

    ¡ª We¡¯re sleeping together?

    ¡ª And why wouldn¡¯t we? This is a fight for survival. We need to stay close at all times.

    ¡ª I understand...

    It was only late in the afternoon that Gertrudes arrived at their room, bringing important news.

    ¡ª I know the race that¡¯s attacking us ¡ª she said bluntly.

    ¡ª Really? Who are they? ¡ª Tyrin asked, excited at the prospect of gaining new knowledge.

    However, when he noticed Gertrudes'' expression, he realized this wasn¡¯t just any piece of information. There was concern in her eyes.

    ¡ª Our enemies are the Aracnofon. Tyrin, tell me what you know about them.

    Luci¡¯s eyes turned to Tyrin, who, despite being nervous about the question, tried to recall what he had read in the books sent by the professor.

    ¡ª Unknown, but extremely hostile.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. No one has ever survived an encounter with them. They¡¯ve always chosen their battles wisely, and due to their rarity in the universe, they have remained practically a mystery. But I know some things that your books probably don¡¯t mention...

    Gertrudes took a deep breath before continuing:

    ¡ª They are parasites. They drain everything around them and adapt. Their reproduction rate is alarming. They are hard to kill and possess absurd strength. But they do have a weakness¡­ They¡¯re dumb. At least individually. The problem is that, from what we can tell, they have one or more leaders guiding them like a well-organized legion.

    ¡ª Professor, if they¡¯re so strong, why do we need to defend this place? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to abandon the outpost and retreat to defend the citadel? ¡ª Luci asked.

    ¡ª That¡¯s the problem: we can¡¯t ¡ª Gertrudes replied bluntly. ¡ª According to the Empire¡¯s calculations, their numbers outmatch ours by 30 to 1. If we¡¯re all concentrated in one place, we¡¯ll be overrun. Besides, we believe there¡¯s a leader controlling the swarm, but from what we can tell, it¡¯s only one. Splitting the fight will allow us to secure isolated victories, giving us a chance to win this war.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡ª But the place attacked by the leader will be destroyed with 100% certainty ¡ª Luci pondered.

    ¡ª Yes, we understand that risk. We know we¡¯ll have losses, but it¡¯s a necessary evil.

    "Necessary evil," Tyrin repeated in his mind. He recalled his father¡¯s words: "Necessary evil is a foolish phrase spoken by those ignorant of the pain suffered by others." But even with that thought, he didn¡¯t have the courage to question the Empire¡¯s strategy.

    By the end of the day, he only hoped he wouldn¡¯t be the one to feel the hand of misfortune pressing down upon him.

    The next morning, the soldiers stood in formation in the vast central courtyard, awaiting orders. There were two hundred warriors, all well-armed. Among them, one could even spot a noble who had chosen to fight alongside the common soldiers.

    ¡ª Gentlemen, today we begin the fight for our survival! We have with us a member of the Scar family to aid us. The eastern front will be protected by her, and so, we must prove our worth on the other battle lines. Now, let¡¯s march into battle!

    A war cry echoed through the courtyard.

    As the soldiers moved to their assigned positions, Gertrudes took the opportunity to address Tyrin and Luci.

    ¡ª You¡¯ll be with me in this battle, but I want you to be careful. Today, you¡¯ll be more spectators than fighters. I¡¯ll be giving my all to defend this place and will use every skill at my disposal. I¡¯ll let some enemies through so you can train. Watch how I fight, and feel free to take inspiration from anything you see.

    Upon reaching their designated position, the three support soldiers were already in place, waiting only for Gertrudes¡¯ command.

    ¡ª Soldiers, you¡¯ll be in charge of turret support. Focus on the larger targets and ignore the smaller ones. And please, avoid friendly fire. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have to personally end your lives.

    Even Tyrin was surprised by the transformation Gertrudes had undergone. The kind librarian he knew had become something between a skilled commander and a ruthless general. Yet her presence exuded an overwhelming confidence that made everyone obey without question.

    ¡ª Very well. Move out. Take your positions.

    The gate opened. Tyrin looked beyond the walls and saw a barren desert surrounded by scattered mountains. It wasn¡¯t too different from the place where he was born¡ªthe only real difference was the color, a lifeless, desolate yellow.

    ¡ª Stay sharp, one at each end. I¡¯ll be in the center. Looks like CaoCao is coming back.

    Not far away, from behind a hill taller than the others, a massive, broad-armed bipedal creature came running toward them. If Gertrudes hadn¡¯t informed them it was an ally, Tyrin probably would have attacked on instinct. The giant being carried several polished stones on its back, secured by a massive net woven from fiber.

    ¡ª My pet will provide long-range support but will enter combat when necessary. Any questions?

    ¡ª No, ma¡¯am! ¡ª they all responded in unison.

    A chill ran up Tyrin¡¯s spine. His body trembled¡ªa mix of excitement and nerves. He was about to enter his first real battle.

    Positioned at the far left, away from Gertrudes and Luci, Tyrin glanced at his own equipment. His status was considered high, so he had opted to carry a small shield and a spear. In his holster, he had a small-caliber pistol and a short serrated sword. Gertrudes, on the other hand, carried only a pair of massive gloves, and as she slipped them on, her presence became even more imposing.

    But what caught Tyrin¡¯s attention the most was Luci¡¯s weapon: a fire whip.

    Magical items were rare among commoners, and Tyrin had never seen one in action. He was curious. Eager.

    And then, Gertrudes¡¯ voice cut through the silence:

    ¡ª All right, kids. They¡¯re coming!

    The Pongo¡¯s grin seemed to widen as the armored enemies were crushed beneath his colossal stones. The impact sent dust flying and left deep scars in the dry earth, while the soldiers in the turrets maintained continuous fire on the more vulnerable foes.

    But not all of them fell easily.

    Even against Gertrudes¡¯ crushing blows and CaoCao¡¯s brute strength, the surviving Aracnofon demonstrated a terrifying ability to adapt to combat.

    The fastest ones began moving erratically, dodging gunfire with inhuman speed. Some leaped across the wreckage, using the remains of their fallen as cover, while others were already sprinting toward the walls, completely ignoring the battle in the open field.

    Tyrin felt his heart hammer in his chest.

    ¡ª Luci! ¡ª he shouted, pointing at a group of slender creatures already scaling the rocks toward the fortifications.

    Luci growled in frustration, realizing the enemies were about to flank the defensive line. With a snap of her fingers, her flaming whip crackled through the air, casting an incandescent glow over the arid desert.

    ¡ª NOT ON MY WATCH!

    She swung the whip with surgical precision, striking one of the invaders mid-leap. The impact sliced the creature in half, its shrill screams swallowed by the flames before its body even hit the ground.

    But they didn¡¯t stop.

    More and more of the fast-moving Aracnofon advanced, and Tyrin realized he would have to fight.

    He gripped his spear tightly, adjusted the small shield on his left arm, and sprang forward. His instincts had never been sharper, his body reacting with supernatural precision.

    Tyrin felt faster, stronger. The world around him seemed to slow, and he could see the enemies'' movements with frightening clarity.

    One of the slender Aracnofon lunged at him, serrated claws raised for a killing strike. Tyrin ducked at the last second, swinging his spear sideways and driving it into the creature¡¯s chest. The enemy convulsed, letting out a ghastly shriek before dropping dead.

    Another attacker leaped at him from atop a rock, aiming for an ambush.

    Tyrin turned in a fluid motion, drawing his short serrated sword from its holster and slicing the enemy mid-air. Dark blood splattered onto the cracked earth as the body fell in pieces.

    He panted, staring at his hands.

    "I¡¯m doing it... I¡¯m actually doing it!"

    But there was no time to celebrate.

    The battle was far from over.

    A deafening roar tore through the battlefield, making even Gertrudes pause for a moment.

    From the wreckage of the enemy forces, a massive shadow emerged.

    Tyrin felt a chill crawl up his spine.

    Even Gertrudes furrowed her brow¡ªa very bad sign.

    The creature was unlike anything they had faced so far.

    Its eyes gleamed with an intense yellow light, and its black exoskeleton seemed fused with metal, reflecting the sunlight like living steel armor. Its multiple legs struck the ground with tremendous force, each step sending a deep tremor through the earth, as if the planet itself groaned under its weight.

    And then, the worst part.

    When it opened its monstrous jaws, it revealed rows upon rows of serrated fangs. A thick, viscous liquid oozed from its mouth, sizzling as it hit the sand, dissolving it on contact.

    Luci gulped.

 Satellite â€“ Drokavas 3 - Part 3

    ¡ª That... that¡¯s... a Dreadnought. What the hell is that armor?

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    Gertrudes grinned.

    ¡ª Hah... now this is a challenge.

    She raised her fist, her massive glove glowing with pure energy.

    ¡ª CaoCao! Keep an eye on the turrets. Wait for me.

    The monster charged forward, and the real battle began.

    Gertrudes rushed in without hesitation, her clenched fist slamming into the creature¡¯s carapace. The impact echoed across the battlefield, but to her surprise, the shell held firm against the initial blow.

    For a brief moment, a glimmer of excitement flashed in her eyes.

    ¡ª Oh? Interesting...

    A fierce smile spread across her lips.

    She struck again.

    And again.

    And again.

    Each blow was stronger than the last, until finally, the creature toppled onto its side. Its outer shell remained intact, but inside, it was completely destroyed.

    An absolute victory.

    Yet, instead of the satisfaction she had expected, a hollow frustration filled her chest.

    "Tsk... and here I thought I had finally found a worthy opponent."

    With a sigh, she dusted off her hands and, now with time to spare, turned her attention to her students.

    ¡ª Let¡¯s see how you two are holding up.

    Gertrudes couldn¡¯t help but laugh as she watched Tyrin, covered in insect blood, his eyes still gleaming with adrenaline. Luci, on the other hand, stared at him with a cold expression, showing no emotion beyond a slight hint of disdain.

    ¡ª You¡¯re enjoying this a little too much, kid ¡ª Gertrudes commented, crossing her arms with a smirk.

    Tyrin was panting, his body still buzzing from the thrill of battle. He felt different. The rush of power coursed through his veins. But when he turned his head to the right, he saw Luci¡ªuntouched, spotless, as if the battle had never even happened.

    Around her lay only corpses, each one sliced apart with surgical precision.

    She didn¡¯t fight like him. There was no mess, no carnage scattered at random. Every one of her strikes was efficient, calculated, and fatal.

    Even Gertrudes was watching him with a questioning look.

    ¡ª So much wasted movement¡­ You have potential, but you¡¯re inexperienced. Professor, I hope you know what you¡¯re doing with him.

    Luci¡¯s tone was cold and analytical, as if Tyrin were nothing more than a poorly trained soldier rather than a teammate.

    Tyrin felt shame seep through his skin, mixing with the sweat and dried blood. He had thought he was doing well. That he could stand on equal footing with a noble¡ªsomeone who had trained her entire life, who had access to resources, mentors, and superior equipment.

    But standing in front of her now, his brutality felt childish.

    ¡ª Okay, guys. Let¡¯s eat and get some rest. ¡ª Gertrudes broke the tension. ¡ª The next wave will probably be stronger, and they¡¯ll have a better understanding of us. Tyrin, go take a quick shower.

    He just nodded.

    As he made his way toward the washrooms, Tyrin took the chance to glance at the other sides of the wall. They were still holding, but it was clear that the battle had taken its toll. Soldiers worked tirelessly to reinforce the barriers with metal plates and welding torches¡ªa crude but necessary method to patch the defenses.

    Tyrin frowned.

    "I don¡¯t know if they can withstand another wave..."

    If the next wave was even stronger, the walls would fall.

    And if the walls fell... everyone would die.

    After his shower, he headed to the mess hall, where the atmosphere was a strange mix of euphoria and dread. Some soldiers laughed and drank, celebrating the victory, while others ate in silence, their eyes lost in the floor.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    The weight of war still hung over them all.

    On the far side of the mess hall, Gertrudes and Luci were already seated, eating calmly.

    ¡ª I¡¯m here, guys.

    Gertrudes lifted her eyes to him and gestured for him to come closer.

    ¡ª Tyrin, sit down. We need to talk.

    There was a weight in her voice that made him obey without question, not even bothering to grab his plate.

    ¡ª This... this isn¡¯t working. ¡ª Gertrudes was blunt. ¡ª You saw the other sides of the wall. They¡¯re not going to hold.

    Tyrin swallowed hard but nodded.

    ¡ª I have an idea to buy us some time. ¡ª She continued. ¡ª The enemy¡¯s main force will probably be concentrated on my side. If that¡¯s the case, this is the perfect time for us to split up.

    ¡ª What do you mean? ¡ª Tyrin frowned.

    ¡ª Exactly what I said. ¡ª Gertrudes replied, taking a bite of her food and chewing before continuing. ¡ª You two will be separated. Tyrin, you¡¯ll defend the north gate. Luci, the south. I¡¯ll stay in the east, and CaoCao will cover the west.

    The plan made immediate sense in Tyrin¡¯s mind.

    "If one side falls, they all fall."

    It wasn¡¯t enough to protect just one section of the wall. Every side needed to hold.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry. ¡ª Gertrudes continued, noticing the tension in his expression. ¡ª I plan to finish my fight quickly and come help you if necessary. But you need to hold out. And besides, this plan will probably only work once.

    Tyrin took a deep breath.

    "She knows I¡¯m the weakest one here."

    He knew Gertrudes was worried about him. That he was the weakest link in the team. But that didn¡¯t matter. He had to prove he could fight.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry. ¡ª He said with determination. ¡ª I promise I¡¯ll hold the north gate and do my best to protect the wall.

    Luci smirked¡ªjust a small smile, but one filled with expectation and curiosity. Gertrudes, on the other hand, laughed with satisfaction, like she had just seen a puppy learn to bark for the first time.

    The plan was set.

    The food tasted like cardboard, but it filled their stomachs.

    When he arrived at the north gate, Tyrin immediately felt the skeptical gazes of the soldiers stationed there.

    ¡ª Is this a joke? ¡ª One of the men, a veteran, looked him up and down. ¡ª How exactly do you plan on helping us?

    Tyrin took a deep breath.

    ¡ª I need you to open the gate and let me out.

    The soldiers exchanged incredulous looks.

    ¡ª You¡¯re going to fight alone?

    ¡ª Yes.

    The air was thick with doubt. They didn¡¯t trust him, and Tyrin couldn¡¯t blame them.

    But he wouldn¡¯t let it shake his focus.

    He closed his eyes, took a slow breath, and murmured to himself:

    ¡ª I just need to survive.

    And then, he whispered the word that would bring clarity to his determination:

    ¡ª Status.

    ?? STATUS ??

    Level: 10

    Classification: SSS / 00

    Strength: 19

    Endurance: 22

    Speed: 19

    Skill: 32

    Psyche: 0

    Available Points: 21

    ?? STATUS ??

    Level: 10

    Classification: SSS / 00

    Strength: 19 ¡ú 22

    Endurance: 22 ¡ú 37

    Speed: 19 ¡ú 22

    Skill: 32

    Psyche: 0

    ¡ª There. That should cover some gaps in my endurance. Now, let¡¯s fight.

    Tyrin planted his feet firmly on the ground, feeling the energy surge through his body.

    He didn¡¯t have to wait long.

    Soon, the sound of heavy, relentless footsteps echoed on the horizon¡ªthe same ominous sound that had signaled the first attack.

    This time, it was just him against the horde.

    Looking at the enemy line, he realized that this group wasn¡¯t as powerful as the one that had attacked the east side. But that didn¡¯t mean the fight would be easy. There were too many.

    ¡ª I need to take out those Dreadnoughts first. ¡ª He muttered to himself.

    Three heavily armored insects advanced at the front, shielding the rear forces. Tyrin knew that if he didn¡¯t eliminate them quickly, the turrets wouldn¡¯t be enough to hold back the wave.

    Gripping his spear tightly, he charged toward the monsters, shield raised, ready for battle.

    He couldn¡¯t just attack randomly. He had to aim for their weak points.

    The eyes. The mouth.

    That¡¯s where Gertrudes struck. That¡¯s where he would strike.

    With a precise lunge, Tyrin thrust his spear straight into the first enemy¡¯s eye. The monster screeched in agony, stumbling backward blindly, trampling the smaller insects behind it. It staggered a few more steps before collapsing, dead.

    The soldiers held their breath, stunned by the successful attack.

    But Tyrin didn¡¯t stop.

    He was already sprinting toward the next one. This time, he aimed for the creature¡¯s open mouth, driving his spear in with all his strength.

    The monster roared, halting its advance and thrashing violently. But it didn¡¯t fall.

    ¡ª Come at me, you son of a bitch! ¡ª Tyrin shouted, gripping his weapon tightly.

    The giant insect, now enraged, bellowed like a maddened bull and charged straight at him, ignoring everything else.

    That was exactly what Tyrin wanted.

    He turned and ran toward the enemy army, using the very monster as a living battering ram. The smaller insects panicked, scrambling to get out of the way, but many were mercilessly crushed beneath the rampaging beast.

    "This is working..."

    Tyrin was preparing to finish the fight when a sudden chill ran down his spine.

    An instinct¡ªan immediate sense of danger¡ªmade him react at the last second, leaping to the side.

    ¡ª What the hell was that?!

    Before he could even process what had happened, the massive tank-like creature that had been chasing him was sliced in half.

    The monster was slain in a single strike.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    Standing before him was a new enemy.

    The being was bipedal but had two razor-sharp blades instead of arms, resembling a mantis¡ªbut grotesquely more lethal. Its form was alien, incomprehensible, as if it had been sculpted for a single purpose: to kill.

    Its arrival sent an immediate shockwave through the battlefield.

    All the other insects backed away, leaving a wide space around the creature.

    They feared it.

    Tyrin swallowed hard.

    ¡ª So, it¡¯s just me and you?

    The creature let out a metallic, distorted screech¡ªa sound Tyrin couldn¡¯t decipher as agreement or sheer fury.

    And then, the Reaper lunged at him with blinding speed.

    Tyrin instinctively raised his shield.

    But it was useless.

    The monster¡¯s scythe pierced through the shield like paper, slicing clean through and nearly reaching his arm. The force of the impact sent him flying backward, forcing him to drop the ruined shield.

    Now, he was defenseless.

    ¡ª Shit. I need to find a way to avoid those blades!

    The Reaper twirled its scythes, shifting into an attack stance.

    Tyrin felt it in his bones.

    This enemy was different.

    It wasn¡¯t just fast.

    It was stronger than him.

    And if he wanted to survive, he would have to fight with everything he had.

    ¡ª If my endurance is higher than his, I can take him down. But if it¡¯s not... at the very least, I can buy time until reinforcements arrive.

 Satellite â€“ Drokavas 3 - Part 4

    With the strategy set, Tyrin focused on dodging the beast¡¯s swift and ruthless strikes. The monster now seemed enraged, as if insulted by the fact that Tyrin was still standing.

    After nearly ten minutes of combat, it became clear that the battle was won. Thanks to Tyrin taking down two of the three tank beasts, the soldiers were able to finish off the remaining enemies with ease. Now, the only fight left was the deadly duel between Tyrin and the Mantis¡ªa battle so intense that, to the soldiers, the two fighters seemed like ghosts, appearing and vanishing from one place to another in the blink of an eye.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t realize it yet, but his status already placed him beyond human capability, and he was still slowly learning his own limits.

    The fight was a chaotic whirlwind where anyone who got too close¡ªally or enemy¡ªwas torn apart before they could even understand what was happening. The two adversaries clashed for ten minutes until, finally, Tyrin spotted an opening.

    Seizing the opportunity, he hurled his spear directly at the monster¡¯s weak point, piercing through its body instantly.

    ¡ª Huff¡­ Huff¡­ I thought this thing would never get tired. Good thing I leveled up my endurance before this fight.

    Before he could even catch his breath, the sound of clapping echoed around him.

    ¡ª Congratulations, kid. I thought I¡¯d have to step in at some point, but you did well.

    Still panting, Tyrin lifted his gaze and saw Gertrudes sitting on CaoCao¡¯s shoulder, laughing uncontrollably. Beside them, Luci stood completely unscathed, looking as clean and untouched as if she hadn¡¯t fought at all.

    At that moment, he realized the difference between them.

    He was exhausted, covered in blood and dust, while they remained untouched.

    The pride he had felt from his victory faded, replaced by a sudden wave of shame. He understood now¡ªhe was still far from being recognized as their equal.

    ¡ª Thanks, professor. It might not seem like it, but that was really tough.

    Gertrudes let out a loud laugh.

    ¡ª HAHAHAHAHA! Don¡¯t worry, kid. After all, you¡¯re not even using a magic weapon. Be proud¡ªyou did great.

    Luci, who usually avoided conversation, stepped forward and said:

    ¡ª Now I understand why the professor brought you. You seem to have potential.

    Tyrin wanted to hear more, wanted to feed his ego, but he knew Luci would never say anything beyond that. Gertrudes, on the other hand, didn¡¯t seem impressed.

    And he knew why.

    While Tyrin had struggled against just one of these monsters, Gertrudes had faced five at once¡ªand didn¡¯t have a single scratch to show for it.

    ¡ª All right, kids. I don¡¯t think we can stick to the same plan anymore. We¡¯ll have to improvise. ¡ª Gertrudes announced.

    Everyone turned their attention to her.

    ¡ª This time, we¡¯ll leave two sectors unprotected and focus our forces on two nearby locations. We need to win as quickly as possible to minimize casualties in the exposed areas.

    The weight of the decision hung in the air, but there was no better alternative.

    By the time Gertrudes had presented the new strategy, night had already fallen.

    In the mess hall, the food still tasted like nothing, but the soldiers were celebrating. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, as if nothing had happened.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Tyrin watched them in silence.

    "Ignorance is bliss."

    Maybe they didn¡¯t realize it yet, but the next battle would push them to their limits. He could already see the looming fatalities in every little detail¡ªthe carefree expressions, the exaggerated laughter, the na?ve hope.

    Then, Gertrudes called out to him.

    ¡ª Ty, I know what you¡¯re thinking.

    Tyrin looked at her.

    ¡ª But there¡¯s nothing we can do. We need to focus on winning this fight and protecting the Citadel, no matter the cost. They know what¡¯s coming, and they were paid for it.

    Her voice was firm, unwavering.

    ¡ª The best we can do is finish our part as fast as possible and, if there¡¯s time, help them. Trust yourself and fight with everything you have. Worry about the others after that.

    She placed a hand on Tyrin¡¯s shoulder and looked him straight in the eyes.

    ¡ª Trust me. We¡¯re going to make it.

    Tyrin felt the weight of those words.

    He wanted to question her, argue that it wasn¡¯t right, but deep down, he knew Gertrudes was right.

    If he couldn¡¯t overcome his own challenge first, he wouldn¡¯t be able to help anyone else.

    He took a deep breath and clenched his fists.

    "For me. For my sister. I have to keep going."

    The war was far from over.

    Tyrin and CaoCao stood before the gate he had defended earlier. Behind them, only three turrets remained, each manned by a single soldier.

    ¡ª Did they take the deal well? ¡ª Tyrin asked, keeping his eyes on the horizon.

    He still remembered the furious expression on the commander¡¯s face when Gertrudes made it clear that no reinforcements would be sent to the south and west sides.

    To the commander, it was a death sentence. And even knowing that each gate still had over ninety soldiers, the unease was obvious.

    "Of course he¡¯s scared¡­ He saw what we fought. He knows the only thing waiting for them is death."

    And yet, he accepted it.

    This time, the commander carried his own weapons¡ªsomething Tyrin hadn¡¯t expected to see. Maybe he had a plan, some way to buy time, but in the end, it didn¡¯t matter.

    "Damn it¡­ I need to stop thinking about the others. I¡¯m just as screwed as they are."

    CaoCao seemed more focused than ever. Unlike in previous battles, he now wore armor covering key parts of his body¡ªhis head, arms, and legs. Metallic spikes jutted out prominently from his pauldrons and forearms. This was armor built for offense.

    Gertrudes had told them that casualties had been much higher on other planets than in her time. Even she had been surprised.

    The enemy was persistent. Strong. And, more importantly, something powerful was lurking, something they had yet to see.

    Gertrudes¡¯ unease was clear, and CaoCao had sensed it.

    That was why he was so serious now.

    ¡ª Good luck in this fight, CaoCao.

    The golden-furred giant let out a low growl, his deep tone carrying a weight Tyrin couldn¡¯t fully understand.

    ¡ª AHH.HUUU.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t know what he meant, but it sounded like a wish for good luck.

    Time passed.

    The minutes dragged on, and Tyrin felt the nervous energy hammering through his body.

    His fingers trembled. His eyelids twitched violently.

    "It¡¯s about to start."

    But¡­

    Nothing happened.

    The first twenty minutes passed with no sign of an attack.

    Ten more minutes. Still nothing.

    Tyrin started to relax, his breathing slowing.

    Maybe they had retreated. Maybe something had changed.

    And then, he saw it.

    A single figure.

    Alone.

    Its steps were calm, unhurried.

    This didn¡¯t make sense.

    ¡ª CaoCao, are you seeing what I¡¯m seeing?

    Tyrin glanced at his companion¡ªand saw something he had never seen before.

    Fear.

    CaoCao¡¯s eyes were wide, his pupils shrunken.

    Pongos weren¡¯t born the strongest on their planet. They became the strongest.

    During their youth, they had to survive extreme challenges, only becoming relevant once they reached adulthood.

    This had made them intelligent. Strategic.

    They were one of the few races in the universe with a highly developed sixth sense¡ªan instinct that guided them away from death.

    And CaoCao was listening to that instinct now.

    ¡ª What do you see that I don¡¯t, CaoCao?

    But before he could answer¡­

    He simply turned his back and ran.

    CaoCao fled.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡ª Hey! What are you doing?!

    The golden giant didn¡¯t reply. He just bolted toward Gertrudes, leaving Tyrin alone against it.

    Tyrin¡¯s knees trembled.

    He could still run.

    Or¡­ was it already too late?

    The figure in front of him kept moving forward¡ªslowly, deliberately.

    Now that he could see it more clearly, it looked like a grotesque hybrid between a human and a bee.

    It walked without urgency, as if giving him a chance.

    Every step it took screamed the same message:

    "Go ahead. Run. I¡¯d love to hunt you down."

    My mind faltered.

    My breathing became erratic.

    And I thought of her.

    My sister.

    And then¡ª

    It vanished.

    A fraction of a second later, Tyrin body was flung through the air.

    The impact was instantaneous.

    Darkness filled her vision for a moment.

    Then¡ªhe felt the wall crush against your back.

    Your entire body shook with pain, a violent shock radiating through her bones.

    He couldn¡¯t breathe.

    ¡ª W-what¡­ just happened?

 Satellite â€“ Drokavas 3 - Part 5

    The wall was cold against his back, but Tyrin felt something warm trickling down his forehead. His body was a wreck¡ªhis right leg twisted grotesquely, like a broken doll, and his lungs felt full of water, making every breath a battle. But despite this, his eyes did not waver. They tracked the enemy like those of a starving predator, ignoring the pain and exhaustion.

    The being floated before him, impassive, observing the carnage it had caused. The turrets on the wall, meant to be the last line of defense, had been destroyed as if they were fragile toys. Soldiers who dared to shoot had been blown apart, turned into balloons of flesh and blood. And now, only fifteen seconds after the massacre had begun, the enemy was there again¡ªstanding before Tyrin, as if analyzing a stubborn insect that refused to die.

    The being tilted slightly, the light from the explosions reflecting off its metallic carapace. Its voice reverberated, layered with multiple overlapping tones.

    ¡ª What... is... your name?

    Tyrin blinked. His eyes, once filled with fury, hesitated for a brief moment. But he did not answer.

    The creature tilted its head.

    ¡ª Am I speaking the right language? I am certain this is the one...

    The Aracnofon Elites were singular creatures. They devoured their victims to absorb not just their strength but also their memories¡ªa power as addictive as it was dangerous. The taste of victory and growth fueled them, but in contrast, consuming weak creatures brought the weight of defeat and pain, something even they sought to avoid.

    And that human before it¡­ He was not strong. He should have been insignificant. And yet, his audacity was an affront. His gaze was pure defiance. That was unacceptable.

    A burning rage took hold of the Aracnofon, swelling to the point of eruption. It would make that human pay.

    But before it could advance, something unexpected happened.

    A brutal impact struck its body, hurling it away like a mere puppet. It spun through the air and crashed heavily, destroying what remained of the wall. Dust rose, and for a brief moment, silence reigned.

    Its eyes burned with fury as it searched for the one responsible.

    And then, it saw her.

    A woman.

    Tall. Muscular. Wearing armor without a helmet. And it recognized that armor.

    Conquerors.

    Living legends. Warriors so powerful that their remains had been seized by the Queen to ensure only the strongest inherited their strength. And now, a descendant of theirs was standing there.

    The Aracnofon smiled.

    Finally, a worthy opponent.

    It raised its arms and roared, its call echoing through the night. The creatures attacking other sectors paused. One by one, dozens of them turned their eyes toward the scene and began to move.

    But this was not a call to war.

    It was a call to witness its glory.

    ¡ª WITNESS ME!

    ¡ª Holy shit, kid, he really did a number on you.

    Tyrin barely registered the voice. His focus was still on the fight, even as his body refused to respond. He knew who had arrived¡ªGertrude.

    She knelt beside him, quickly examining his condition. He was alive. That alone was a miracle.

    With a heavy sigh, she pulled a small potion from her pocket.

    ¡ª This will keep you breathing, but it won''t fix you. I''ll charge you later.

    She forced Tyrin''s mouth open and poured the liquid down his throat. The taste was awful, like rust and bitter herbs, but the relief was immediate. His lungs loosened slightly, and he managed to take a breath without feeling like he was drowning.

    Gertrude then stood up, rolling her shoulders.

    ¡ª Alright, little bee. You like bullying my student? I think that gives me the right to return the favor.

    The Aracnofon didn''t even have time to react.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Gertrude surged forward in an instant, delivering a straight punch to its face. The creature dodged with absurd reflexes and countered with an uppercut to her chin.

    But Gertrude was no ordinary fighter.

    With precise movement, she raised her elbow and intercepted the blow, dispersing the force outward. The impact was so brutal that everything within a few meters was blasted away¡ªsand, stone, and debris scattering as if a storm had just struck the wall.

    Tyrin, still on the ground, could only see the dust rising. But before the flying debris could hit him, a massive shadow loomed over him.

    ¡ª CaoCao?

    The enormous Pongo warrior lifted him effortlessly and leaped away from the battle.

    They landed near the portal at the center of the courtyard. CaoCao carefully set him down and, without a word, turned and sprinted back into the fight.

    Tyrin, powerless, could only watch.

    His body trembled.

    He wanted to fight.

    He needed to fight.

    But he couldn''t move.

    Frustration consumed him, and tears ran down his blood- and dust-streaked face.

    ¡ª Damn it¡­ I need to get better¡­ Everyone is counting on me¡­ I''m useless¡­

    He clenched his fists, digging his nails into his own flesh. His body was slowly regenerating, but even Gertrude''s potion wasn''t a miracle cure. He was out of commission for the rest of the day.

    And in the distance, the sounds of battle raged on.

    Fists clashing against carapaces. Screams echoing through the night. Gertrude''s roar and the Aracnofon''s howls, now locked in brutal combat.

    Tyrin closed his eyes.

    Next time¡­

    I won''t be left behind.

    Almost two hours passed before anything changed.

    Silence finally fell.

    And then, she appeared.

    Gertrude limped through the gates, her body covered in cuts, bruises, and dried blood. Her left arm was dislocated, and she seemed to be holding onto a broken rib.

    Behind her, CaoCao dragged himself along, barely able to stay on his feet.

    Tyrin''s eyes widened.

    Gertrude looked at him and grinned, spitting out some blood.

    ¡ª Holy shit, kid. And here I thought you were in bad shape. Look what that bastard did to me.

    She laughed.

    And immediately winced in pain.

    ¡ª Ah, ah, ah¡­ shit.

    And yet, she kept laughing.

    Gertrude laughed and winced, sometimes at the same time, but despite it all, there was a strange calm in her. Tyrin watched her, trying to understand.

    ¡ª Did you kill it? ¡ª he asked, his voice still hoarse from the pain.

    Gertrude just smirked and tossed something his way. Instinctively, he caught it midair¡ªthough with effort. It was a dark stone, about the size of his palm, with a strangely smooth and cold texture.

    ¡ª I''ll admit, it was a tough fight, even for me. I mean¡­ if it were the old me, it would''ve been a walk in the park, but¡­

    She lifted her gaze, fixing it on the central planet that loomed in the sky, enormous and imposing.

    ¡ª I think we lost this war.

    Tyrin frowned. He expected many emotions from Gertrude¡ªanger, frustration, maybe even sarcasm. But not that quiet sorrow.

    ¡ª How can you be so sure?

    Gertrude closed her eyes for a moment, recalling the final moments of the fight. The taste of blood was still in her mouth, and the pain in her stomach made her want to scream, but she had held everything back just to hear the enemy''s words.

    ¡ª Before he died, he told me something.

    Tyrin felt a chill run down his spine.

    ¡ª What was it?

    Gertrude sighed, pulling the recent memories forward as if they were a heavy burden.

    She remembered the exact moment. Her body was wrecked, one hand pressing against the massive gash in her abdomen to keep her intestines from spilling out. In front of her, the warrior bee still stood, its head tilting to the side, its eyes unfocused but still alive¡ªjust enough to speak.

    ¡ª "I am merely a captain. What do you think will happen when my superior arrives?"

    The words were spoken with an almost melodic cadence, each syllable drawn out to make sure she had no doubts he was telling the truth.

    And it made sense.

    Why would such a powerful force be attacking this moon? This moon wasn''t even relevant within the main territory.

    That would explain the terrifying student casualty rate.

    Gertrude returned to the present, forming a tired half-smile.

    ¡ª He didn''t say anything interesting. ¡ª She murmured to Tyrin. ¡ª Take this stone and give it to your pet. He''ll love a gift like this.

    Tyrin watched her in silence, sensing that there was something she wasn''t saying.

    ¡ª Did you see Luci?

    ¡ª No, professor.

    Gertrude clicked her tongue.

    ¡ª Hmmm. CaoCao, go check where she is. But if she''s fighting, leave her. She needs the training too.

    The feline warrior nodded and disappeared into the darkness. He wasn''t gone for long before returning¡ªbut now, he wasn''t alone.

    Luci was with him.

    And Tyrin''s eyes widened.

    She was riding what looked like a fire iguana the size of an elephant.

    And both of them were on fire.

    The flames didn''t burn chaotically but moved in a mesmerizing, perfect flow, like a dance between creature and tamer. It was beautiful. And terrifying.

    Luci dismounted, and the moment her feet touched the ground, the flames around her body vanished. However, her clothes were completely burned away.

    Tyrin had never seen anything like it. He stared, fascinated¡ªuntil Luci noticed his gaze.

    Her face turned red, and a wave of fury flashed in her eyes.

    Before he could say anything, she hid behind the giant iguana.

    ¡ª Hmmm¡­ Looks like you''ve never seen a girl before, Tyrin. At least try to be subtle. ¡ª Gertrude laughed, crossing her arms.

    ¡ª No¡­ I mean, that wasn''t my intention¡­ She just showed up out of nowhere, and she was on fire! I''ve never seen anything so beautiful¡­ ¡ª He stopped as he realized his own words. ¡ª I mean¡­

    Gertrude burst into laughter.

    ¡ª Holy shit, kid! Just stop talking. She''s going to kill you. Hahahaha!

    And Luci did exactly that.

    With the speed of a wild beast, she lunged at him and started punching him until he was almost unconscious¡ªonly to throw him to the ground, heal him with a potion, and punch him again.

    Gertrude watched the scene with a nostalgic glimmer in her eyes.

    ¡ª Love is beautiful.

    But deep down, something inside her told her this moment of peace wouldn''t last long.

    And it didn''t take long for that to be proven true.

 Satellite â€“ Drokavas 3 - Part Final

    As Gertrude watched the young couple¡¯s fight, the air shifted.

    The atmosphere grew heavy. The sound of the portal activating reverberated across the battlefield, and as it opened, a man emerged.

    He was tall, strong, with a graying beard that matched his sharp eyes. Every step he took felt as if gravity itself bent around him.

    Tyrin, still dazed from Luci¡¯s punches, lifted his head to see him¡ªand felt a shiver run down his spine.

    The man opened his mouth, his voice echoing across the field:

    ¡ª Envoys of Drokavas-3, present yourselves.

    The next sight made Tyrin hold his breath.

    Gertrude stepped forward and¡­ knelt.

    ¡ª General¡­ What brings you here?

    ¡ª I¡¯d think it¡¯d be obvious that I came to retrieve my daughter, wouldn¡¯t it, Gertrude?

    Absolute silence.

    Luci and Tyrin exchanged confused glances.

    The shock on their faces was unmistakable.

    Gertrude and this man were father and daughter?

    But¡­ how? They were completely different. The General had dark silver hair, cold gray eyes, and an impassive expression, indifferent to everything around him.

    Gertrude, on the other hand, always seemed full of life. She was always smiling¡ªeven after a deadly battle.

    But now that Tyrin thought about it¡­

    Since they had arrived on this planet, a few pieces were starting to fall into place.

    The eyes.

    The way they walked.

    The way their presence weighed on those around them.

    They were more alike than he had realized.

    The General swept his gaze across the area, his expression severe.

    ¡ª Where are your students, daughter? We need to leave this planet.

    Gertrude let out a sigh, glancing at Tyrin and Luci.

    ¡ª Father¡­ These two are my only students.

    A heavy silence fell over the group.

    The General¡¯s eyes darkened, the wind slicing through the silence like an invisible blade. Gertrude seemed uneasy¡ªa rare nervousness that Tyrin had never seen in her before.

    General Zod, her father, furrowed his brow upon hearing that his daughter had only two students.

    ¡ª What do you mean? Just these two? That¡¯s impossible. The smallest class should have at least fifteen. What the hell is going on here?

    Gertrude scratched the back of her neck, looking away.

    ¡ª Father¡­ you do know I teach history, right? I don¡¯t think anyone likes history.

    Tyrin¡¯s jaw nearly dropped.

    That¡¯s it? That¡¯s the reason?!

    Seeing Gertrude¡ªthe same woman who had massacred the Aracnofon in a fury¡ªspeak so hesitantly before her father was simply surreal.

    The General let out a deep sigh, his stern gaze never softening for even a second.

    ¡ª This is ridiculous. You left your planet to become a teacher, and this is what you have to show for it? A history class with two students?

    He narrowed his eyes, exhaling in frustration.

    ¡ª Enough. We¡¯ll discuss this when you go see your mother. Right now, we need to leave this place before it all goes up in flames.

    Gertrude blinked.

    ¡ª What? What do you mean? You¡¯re going to destroy the planet? But it¡¯s full of life! It has sixty moons! We¡¯re in the Empire¡¯s quadrant! How is this happening?!

    General Zod stared at her for a moment before answering.

    ¡ª It was a direct order from the Emperor himself. I¡¯ve been to the planet, and I¡¯ve seen monsters that even I couldn¡¯t defeat easily. These beings are different from the Tyranos. They feel no fear, no anger. They follow a blind loyalty, as if they are all part of a single ecosystem.

    His eyes shone with the gravity of a man who had seen the worst of war.

    ¡ª There is no negotiation. We must exterminate them. The entire quadrant will be destroyed in twenty minutes.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Silence.

    Tyrin, Luci, and Gertrude went pale.

    It wasn¡¯t uncommon for peripheral planets to be destroyed¡ªTyrin knew that. But a planet of this scale? With dozens of moons? With vital commercial importance to the Empire?

    It made no sense¡­ unless¡­

    A chill ran down his spine.

    ¡ª We¡¯re being slaughtered¡­ aren¡¯t we, Father?

    Gertrude¡¯s question cut through the air like a razor-sharp blade.

    The General didn¡¯t answer immediately. He crossed his arms, staring at the planet above them, its colossal shadow covering the sky.

    He had fought countless enemies. Most were weak, a few were strong. But there had always been a limit. There were places where humans should never venture.

    And now, for the first time, he felt that this threat stood right in front of them.

    The Empire had always thrived on strength and dominance, but what if, this time, they had gone too far?

    He let out a long sigh.

    ¡ª Daughter¡­ sometimes, the greatest victory in war isn¡¯t winning¡ªit¡¯s knowing when to retreat so you can fight another day. Abandoning a battle isn¡¯t weakness when the battle itself is no longer worth the sacrifice.

    ¡ª But what about everyone on the planet and the moons?

    The furious voice came from Luci.

    She crossed her arms, her eyes burning with indignation. Her tone was a direct challenge, and for the first time, Tyrin noticed something curious¡ªGertrude and her father¡¯s faces became identical.

    Both wore the same expression, a mix of sorrow and duty.

    And then Zod spoke, without hesitation:

    ¡ª Those who can leave, will leave.

    ¡ª And those who can¡¯t¡­?

    He remained firm, his voice as cold as steel.

    ¡ª Will stay.

    Luci clenched her fists. Her breathing grew heavy, her eyes shaking with fury.

    ¡ª This makes no sense! We can¡¯t do this!

    She took a step forward.

    ¡ª We can fight, and we can win! There are children here, families, people who still want to fight!

    Her voice trembled, but not with fear.

    ¡ª I refuse to leave.

    She lifted her chin.

    ¡ª Tell my father I died as a warrior, not a coward.

    It happened too fast for anyone to react.

    The General vanished before their eyes, and in the next instant, he was behind Luci.

    Before she could even flinch, he struck the back of her neck with a single, precise blow¡ªa light tap, yet perfectly placed.

    Luci collapsed, unconscious.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    The General turned to him, his gaze piercing.

    ¡ª Boy, I can see it in your eyes¡ªyou want to fight. Will you follow my orders or not?

    Tyrin couldn¡¯t think straight.

    He wanted to fight.

    But why?

    He thought of his sister. He wanted to go back to her. But¡­ what if it were his own planet?

    The Aracnofon wouldn¡¯t have hesitated.

    They would have annihilated everything without a second thought.

    The truth hit him like a rock falling from space.

    "We are nothing."

    If this had been his planet, there would have been no reinforcements.

    They would have been slaughtered without mercy.

    He clenched his fists.

    "I need to get stronger¡­ no matter the cost."

    The General watched him, analyzing every microexpression. He recognized that look. Frustration. Anger. A burning desire for power.

    Then came the question Zod already knew by heart but never liked saying out loud.

    ¡ª How many will die? ¡ª Tyrin asked.

    The General closed his eyes for a moment before answering.

    ¡ª 47 billion, 723 million, 436 thousand.

    ¡ª They will all die quickly and painlessly.

    Absolute silence.

    Tyrin took a deep breath.

    His fingers trembled slightly before he finally gave his response:

    ¡ª Let¡¯s go, General.

    Gertrude¡¯s eyes widened. Even the General raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    But both of them understood.

    Everyone carries their burdens in their own way.

    And neither of them realized that, in that moment, Tyrin made a silent promise to himself.

    "I will have the power to protect 50 billion people...

    No matter the cost."

    Tyrin and Gertrude watched through the ship¡¯s window as an entire planet died.

    The enemy had undoubtedly won. But the planet, its moons, its lights¡ªeverything that once existed there¡ªvanished in a monumental implosion. The brightness of its destruction was so intense that it burned the retinas of anyone who dared to look for too long.

    And then, nothing remained.

    Only the vast, indifferent emptiness of the universe.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t look away. He didn¡¯t blink.

    He wanted to remember this.

    ¡ª And now? ¡ª he asked, his voice hoarse.

    Gertrude sighed beside him, crossing her arms.

    ¡ª Now, nothing.

    Tyrin turned his head to look at her, but she kept her gaze fixed on the endless blackness before them.

    ¡ª We live our lives and get stronger so we never have to do this again.

    She clenched her fists.

    ¡ª I didn¡¯t even ask for the names of those soldiers. So many lives¡­

    ¡ª Victory wasn¡¯t ours today, but tomorrow it will be.

    Her eyes met Tyrin¡¯s.

    ¡ª That¡¯s how you have to think¡­ always.

    He held his breath for a moment before letting out a long sigh.

    ¡ª I understand. I¡¯m leaving, professor.

    He walked away without waiting for a response.

    The ship was massive, one of the largest he had ever set foot on.

    His stomach growled, but the mere thought of eating felt wrong.

    Even so, he tried.

    The food was delicious. Probably the best he had eaten since leaving home.

    Juicy meats, rich sauces, soft breads that melted in his mouth.

    But it was hard to swallow.

    His throat was tight, as if something had locked it shut.

    In the ship¡¯s oppressive silence, he could hear Luci¡¯s muffled sobs.

    She hadn¡¯t left her room since they boarded.

    Who had she lost?

    He didn¡¯t know. But in some way, he felt that everyone there had lost something.

    The ship was massive, but the areas open to the public were limited. He wandered the halls aimlessly, exploring every corner.

    Trying to distract his mind.

    Trying to forget.

    In the end, he gave up.

    He took a hot shower, letting the water run over his skin, and threw himself onto the bed.

    The weight of the world was still on him.

    But even so, he fell asleep.

    Three days passed.

    The ship finally landed on a nearby planet, one of the many transit hubs with direct portals to Astra¡¯s Planet.

    Tyrin disembarked along with the other survivors and immediately noticed something strange.

    Classes were on hold.

    The reason?

    There weren¡¯t enough students.

    Nearly 70% of them were dead or missing.

    And in this context, missing meant dead.

    Tyrin stood before the registry boards on the holographic terminals. The crossed-out names. The official notices.

    They were just numbers.

    Statistics.

    70%.

    Almost three-quarters of the students who had set foot on that moon would never return home.

    And the Academy¡¯s response?

    Mass recruitment.

    A new wave of fresh meat.

    Drawn from every corner of the universe.

    ¡ª So that¡¯s what we are. ¡ª Tyrin murmured to himself.

    Fleeting.

    Small.

    Disposable.

    No matter how strong a student was, there were always more to take their place.

    The weight of that reality hit him like a punch to the gut.

    A bitter taste rose in his throat.

    But he refused to accept that fate.

    He looked down at his hands, clenching them into tight fists.

    I refuse to be just another name crossed off a report.

    I refuse to be fleeting.

    In the midst of the storm of emotions, two voices called out to him.

    He knew those voices well.

    And no matter how broken and devastated he felt, a sense of relief and happiness filled him.

    He recognized those voices.

 A New Classmate

    As soon as he saw Tyrin, Damian broke into a wide smile and raised his hand to greet him.

    ¡ª Man, it¡¯s so good to see you! My sister wouldn¡¯t stop talking about you¡­ I couldn¡¯t take it anymore! HAHAHA!

    Despite his excitement, the exhaustion on his face was obvious. His dark circles were deep, and Cassandra didn¡¯t look any different. Her face was marked with worry, and her red eyes hinted that she had been crying.

    ¡ª You didn¡¯t have to say it like that! ¡ª Cassandra grumbled before punching her brother¡¯s shoulder a few times. Even so, she didn¡¯t actually scold him. Her mind was preoccupied with something else: Tyrin¡¯s condition. She had seen with her own eyes how he had left¡ªand, more importantly, how many people had gone with him. Something about it didn¡¯t make sense.

    Tyrin raised his hand, cutting the two of them off.

    ¡ª You two, knock it off. I¡¯m glad you¡¯re both okay. How was the battle where you were?

    He knew that Damian and Cassandra had gone alongside Professor Custer and nearly forty students. It was a considerable number of fighters, which made him think they had been relatively safe.

    Cassandra let out a deep sigh, as if finally releasing a heavy burden.

    ¡ª We were sent to the largest moon in the region, Drokavas-1. Defending anything in that hellhole was practically impossible. In the end, we were completely surrounded. If General Charon and the Headmistress hadn¡¯t shown up¡­ ¡ª She shuddered slightly. ¡ª We¡¯d definitely be dead.

    Damian crossed his arms and nodded, as if recalling the scene.

    ¡ª You know¡­ General Charon gave me a terrible first impression when he killed that noble with a single slap. But later¡­ I realized he¡¯s not that bad. Besides, man¡­ He has one of the strongest pets I¡¯ve ever seen! Huge and covered in tentacles! How the hell am I supposed to surpass someone like that? ¡ª he grumbled, running a hand through his hair.

    From this conversation, Tyrin realized that his friends had also faced their share of challenges. During the battle on Drokavas-1, five Arconfon Elite had appeared. The Headmistress, without even summoning her pet for backup, had killed four of them the moment they emerged.

    Cassandra clenched her fists and lowered her head.

    ¡ª But in the end¡­ It didn¡¯t matter. Something even more powerful showed up. Made us run with our tails between our legs. ¡ª Her gaze darkened. ¡ª Nothing that happened there made sense. And honestly¡­ We can¡¯t keep destroying entire planets every time this happens.

    The conversation carried on until dinner. Tyrin wanted to know every detail of what they had seen and done. He wanted to gain insights on how to improve. And now, more than ever, he threw himself into his studies.

    He needed knowledge. He needed strength.

    The training sessions with Gertrudes were brutal. It seemed like she had no filter at all and pushed him to his absolute limit. Fortunately, thanks to his status, he was able to recover in time for the next fight. And so, a week passed.

    Then, something caught his attention.

    A massive spaceship hovered over Planet Vanaheim.

    In the spacious room, Gertrudes and Tyrin watched as the colossal ship descended from the sky. He already knew what it meant, but he asked anyway:

    ¡ª So¡­ This is the new batch?

    Gertrudes crossed her arms, staring intently at the ship.

    ¡ª Yes. I imagine the Empire¡¯s planets weren¡¯t too happy about this. But given everything that¡¯s happened, this measure was necessary. Explaining the problem wasn¡¯t difficult. ¡ª She sighed. ¡ª Things are going to get hectic around here¡­ I hope I get more students this time. Mom was furious when Dad found out I only have two students¡­ ¡ª She rolled her eyes. ¡ª Not that you¡¯re a bad student¡­ But their expectations were that I¡¯d be something more¡­ As if I even wanted that.

    Unfortunately, no new students enrolled in her class.

    Later, in the library, Tyrin found his teacher sitting in a corner, looking dejected. He knew the reason, but he couldn¡¯t afford to waste time. He needed to learn. Knowledge and strength were the only things he could pursue.

    ¡ª Professor, classes start today¡­ Did you forget?

    Gertrudes didn¡¯t even take her eyes off the window.

    ¡ª Of course, of course¡­ Wait for me in the classroom. I¡¯ll be there soon. I¡¯m just¡­ enjoying the view.

    Tyrin narrowed his eyes.

    ¡ª Professor¡­ You¡¯re staring at the dormitory for the culinary class students.

    Gertrudes¡¯ expression soured instantly.

    ¡ª Are you telling me my class is more boring than theirs?! How the hell did they manage to get twenty students this year?!

    ¡ª Hmmmm¡­ ¡ª Tyrin averted his gaze, pretending not to have heard. ¡ª Anyway, I¡¯ll be waiting in the classroom.

    He bolted out of the room before he was forced to deal with the growing gloom that had settled there.

    Upon arriving at the classroom, he was met with an unexpected surprise.

    She was there.

    ¡ª Miss Luci¡­? ¡ª He blinked, stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected to see her again.

    Luci looked exhausted. The dark circles under her eyes were deep, and her expression carried a somber air. But at the same time¡­ her eyes were different.

    Determined.

    As if she had made an unshakable decision.

    She slowly parted her lips.

    ¡ª I thought¡­

    Tyrin swallowed hard.

    ¡ª That I wouldn¡¯t see you again¡­?

    Luci clenched her fists.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.¡ª I¡¯m not so weak as to give up.

    Her eyes burned with intensity.

    ¡ª I want to become strong. It¡¯s not my time yet.

    The silence between Tyrin and Luci after this brief exchange seemed to stretch on for an eternity. He wasn¡¯t used to spending so much time alone with someone who spoke so little, and the girl¡¯s determined gaze only made the atmosphere feel even more awkward. But before the tension could escalate further, the classroom door burst open.

    ¡ª My dear students, look at this! ¡ª Gertrudes entered with an excited leap, as if she were celebrating something. ¡ª We have a new student! Come on in, dear, don¡¯t be shy.

    Tyrin turned to the door, curious. The moment he saw who was entering, his eyes widened.

    He knew her.

    ¡ª Nice to meet you, everyone. My name is Emilia Dracont. It¡¯s a pleasure to be here. ¡ª The young woman with wavy hair smiled confidently, as if her presence there was the most natural thing in the world.

    Gertrudes cleared her throat before continuing:

    ¡ª Unfortunately, Emilia¡¯s class was canceled indefinitely, so she¡¯ll be joining this group to fill out her schedule.

    The new student gave a slight smile, but it quickly turned into a scornful frown.

    ¡ª That useless teacher¡­ He couldn¡¯t even kill two Aracnofon Elites and died a pathetic death.

    The room fell silent. Tyrin noticed Gertrudes¡¯ face turning red with anger almost instantly, but upon realizing she was being watched by him and Luci, she softened her expression, took a deep breath, and spoke.

    ¡ª Listen, Emilia¡­ Jubei was an excellent teacher. And, I must say, a great colleague. According to what my father told me, he fought to save all of you. Even with a class that was clearly at a disadvantage, he managed to take down one of the Elites and still took the other with him. ¡ª Her eyes narrowed. ¡ª I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a sensible way to speak about him¡­ Even I would struggle against two.

    Emilia seemed to consider this for a moment but then shrugged.

    ¡ª My apologies, professor¡­ They spoke so highly of you that I didn¡¯t think you could lose against two. ¡ª She smirked slightly, as if testing Gertrudes. ¡ª My father would have easily defeated four.

    Gertrudes¡¯ smile became strained. It was evident she was holding herself back from snapping.

    ¡ª The Dracont family has always been known for overestimating themselves. I think it¡¯s best we end this discussion here. ¡ª Her voice was ice-cold. ¡ª Take your seat¡­ Please.

    Luci and Tyrin exchanged glances. Gertrudes was angry. Extremely angry. But Emilia either didn¡¯t notice or simply didn¡¯t care. She walked calmly to a chair near Luci and sat down. Luci, on the other hand, looked like she wanted to disappear.

    The class continued, and for the first time in a long while, there were plenty of questions and answers. But all of them came from Emilia.

    ¡ª Alright, everyone. Let¡¯s wrap up here. ¡ª Gertrudes clapped her hands, signaling the end of the lesson. ¡ª I want you all to read the battle report that was just printed and is available in the library.

    Before Emilia could ask anything, Gertrudes turned to her.

    ¡ª And before you ask, Emilia, it¡¯s near your room. Second door.

    Tyrin felt a chill run down his spine. Emilia would be staying in the same dormitory as Luci. But considering that Luci was rarely in the dorm, it would probably just be him, Emilia, and Gertrudes sharing the space.

    He had no intention of starting a conversation with Emilia. Definitely not. So, the moment class ended, he rushed straight to the library.

    There, he found the reports released by the Empire. He wanted answers. He needed to understand what had really happened.

    Opening the documents, he saw the same summary as always:

    "Powerful beyond measure. Extremely aggressive. Mindless, but with leaders behind them."

    Nothing new.

    But then, his eyes caught something different¡ªa report sent by General Vander.

    Tyrin knew that man. He had been at the luncheon before the planetary descent. Tall, imposing, with striking features. Even larger than Gertrudes. And, from what Tyrin knew, a member of the Elite Five.

    He started reading.

    *"The planet Alpha Drokavas was beautiful. I know this because I visited it 200 years ago. But now¡­ it¡¯s devastated.

    The creatures were not strong to me, but their numbers were absurd. A true embodiment of mediocrity: not powerful enough to challenge me, yet too numerous for me to handle alone.

    They rained from the sky in twisted, nightmarish castles, settling in every strategic city and nation. They did not act randomly. They knew exactly where to strike. And they did so with enviable efficiency.

    There was no battle. There was a massacre. Humans died like ants.

    By the end of the first day, we managed to invade one of the castles. But we quickly realized¡­ The problem wasn¡¯t what was coming out of them. It was what never did.

    We found a creature similar to the Elites¡­ but twice the size. Incredibly strong. It called itself ¡®The Gatekeeper.¡¯

    I had to retreat. Because if the Gatekeeper was this powerful¡­ I can only imagine how terrifying the one it was guarding must be.

    This planet¡­ cannot be saved."*

    Tyrin closed his eyes for a moment.

    95%.

    That was the mortality rate for those who descended onto Alpha Drokavas. An absurd number. It was that planet that had sent the death toll skyrocketing.

    And it made sense.

    If he had seen firsthand the destruction caused by a single Aracnofon Elite, then what about five, twenty, fifty?

    Abandoning that planet¡­ was starting to make sense.

    Time passed without him noticing. It was nearly nightfall when Gertrudes appeared in the library.

    She looked¡­ exhausted. Her face was grim, and her expression carried an unusual level of irritation.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t need to ask. He already knew why.

    ¡ª My God¡­ That girl is insufferable! ¡ª Gertrudes ran a hand down her face, clearly drained. ¡ª Now I finally understand how hard it is to be a teacher.

    Tyrin looked up from the report.

    ¡ª Emilia didn¡¯t leave your side for a second, huh?

    Gertrudes let out a heavy sigh.

    ¡ª If I had a credit for every time she said ¡®my father this¡¯ or ¡®my father that¡¯, I would¡¯ve bought a planet by now.

    Tyrin chuckled quietly but quickly grew serious.

    ¡ª Well, I just finished the report¡­ ¡ª He turned the pages toward Gertrudes. ¡ª And, yeah, I have a few questions.

    He pointed to a specific section.

    ¡ª The Gatekeeper. Who or what was it protecting?

    Gertrudes remained silent for a moment.

    Then, her gaze sharpened.

    ¡ª That¡¯s a question I would ask myself, but unfortunately, it seems like no one knows the answer.

    Tyrin hesitated for a moment before breaking the silence.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, I have another question. Do you have any specific books on the Dracont family?

    She raised an eyebrow, and a mischievous smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

    ¡ª You have some interesting taste, huh? Between the two, I¡¯d say you should go for Luci. Much more pleasant¡­ and at least she has some sense.

    Tyrin rolled his eyes.

    ¡ª This has nothing to do with Emilia. It¡¯s just that¡­ the colony where my pet was selected is controlled by her family.

    Gertrudes was silent for a second, then her expression shifted to something more serious.

    ¡ª Ah, I see. Now that makes sense. ¡ª She placed a hand on her chin, thoughtful. ¡ª Wait here. I have the perfect book for you.

    She stepped away and returned a few minutes later, carrying a heavy, ancient tome. Its cover was worn and darkened by time. The symbols written on it weren¡¯t in any common language. There was something sinister about those pages.

    Tyrin took the book carefully.

    ¡ª What is this?

    Gertrudes smirked.

    ¡ª A book about the culture of the most poisonous planet in the known universe.

    Tyrin furrowed his brows.

    ¡ª Poison¡­?

    ¡ª Exactly. If you want to understand the Dracont family, you need to understand where they came from. ¡ª She pointed to the book. ¡ª This contains the history of that planet. It won¡¯t be an easy read, but it will definitely give you some insight into their family.

    He looked at the cover again. Just holding it already felt¡­ wrong. Like he was meddling with something he shouldn¡¯t.

    But at the same time¡­ he needed to know.

    ¡ª Thank you, professor. I¡¯ll start reading right away.

    Gertrudes nodded and stepped away, returning to her own book.

    Tyrin sat at an isolated table in the library, took a deep breath, and opened the book.

    What was he about to discover?

 New Professor

    The Dracont family was not born noble. They earned their position. But the price was paid in blood and betrayal.

    Their planet was one of the deadliest in the known universe. Everything there could kill¡ªplants, animals, even the minerals. A hostile world where only the toughest survived.

    From a young age, the inhabitants followed a cruel tradition: swallowing poison at specific ages. It was a rite of passage meant to strengthen the body against the countless dangers of their environment. But the practice drastically shortened their life expectancy.

    Tyrin was shocked. His own planet also had a low life expectancy, but unlike the Draconts'' tropical and venomous climate, his homeland was cold, with temperatures ranging between 0 and -30 degrees.

    Nothing on that planet made sense.

    And yet, Emilia¡¯s existence was beginning to.

    Theories suggested that constant exposure to poison had shaped the Draconts. That their blood had turned cold, and their hearts, cruel. Tyrin believed every word. Knowing Emilia, it was hard to disagree.

    He sighed and made a mental note:

    "Never get too close to that lunatic."

    That was when he heard a voice beside him.

    ¡ª How''s the reading, Tyrin?

    He startled and reflexively snapped the book shut.

    ¡ª Oh, Professor! Sorry, I didn¡¯t even notice you were there.

    Gertrudes smiled.

    ¡ª Seems like it was an intense read. ¡ª She glanced at the clock. ¡ª It¡¯s getting late. Don¡¯t forget that classes start again tomorrow.

    Tyrin''s eyes widened.

    Classes!

    He had completely forgotten. Professor Custer would be teaching.

    Like Gertrudes, Custer was one of the few instructors who hadn¡¯t lost students. He used brilliant strategies to help weak cadets take down powerful creatures.

    Even Cassandra had been impressed by how well he understood the tactics of the Aracnophons, despite never having faced one directly.

    "In the end, they always use the same strategies, no matter the place."

    Those had been his words.

    Tyrin closed the book and got ready for bed.

    That night, he took a hot shower, locked his bedroom door, and made sure he wouldn¡¯t be poisoned in his sleep.

    The next morning, Tyrin left his room and found Gertrudes in the living room.

    ¡ª Good morning, Gertrudes. I¡¯m heading out. If you need anything, let me know.

    She smiled.

    ¡ª Of course, don¡¯t worry.

    After the incident, their relationship had grown closer. Even though he was running late, Tyrin made sure to greet her. She was his savior. The least he owed her was respect.

    Luckily for him, Emilia had already left earlier. A real relief.

    But as soon as he stepped outside the building, he found Damian and Cassandra waiting for him.

    ¡ª Holy shit, we¡¯re definitely gonna be late! ¡ª Damian complained.

    ¡ª Shut up, Damian. Worst case, we run. We¡¯ve evolved, remember? ¡ª Cassandra crossed her arms.

    Tyrin scratched his head, embarrassed.

    ¡ª Sorry for the delay. I woke up later than I wanted.

    Cassandra smirked.

    ¡ª Doesn¡¯t matter. I hope you¡¯ve improved.

    She then stretched and looked at the two of them, eyes gleaming.

    ¡ª Wanna race to see who gets there first?

    Before Tyrin could respond, Damian and Cassandra had already taken off.

    Their speed was completely different from when he first met them.

    Tyrin bent his knees, took a deep breath¡­ and ran.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    He had forgotten to check his status since the last battle, but now was the perfect time to test it.

    The three of them shot through the academy like lightning, ignoring the shouts and warnings of teachers along the way.

    ¡ª HEY, NO RUNNING HERE!

    But no one stopped.

    Within minutes, they reached the classroom building.

    1st Place: Tyrin.

    2nd Place: Cassandra.

    3rd Place: Damian (way behind).

    Damian doubled over, struggling to catch his breath.

    ¡ª Holy shit! How much did you guys put into speed? This doesn¡¯t make any sense!

    He could understand Cassandra being fast. She was a sniper. Her combat strategy relied on quickly escaping melee range and repositioning.

    But Tyrin?

    Tyrin liked direct combat, just like him. It made no sense for him to be that far ahead.

    And the worst part¡­

    He didn¡¯t even look tired.

    Cassandra was surprised too.

    ¡ª Tyrin¡­ How much have you improved?

    He smirked.

    ¡ª We¡¯ll talk after class.

    As he stepped into the classroom, Tyrin immediately noticed something different.

    There were fewer students.

    Many of those who had chosen other instructors¡­ hadn¡¯t returned.

    Tyrin took a deep breath and walked to his seat.

    It was time to learn from Custer.

    And become even stronger.

    Tyrin recognized most of the faces. Some were from the latest batch of recruits, but many were survivors of the first mission.

    Professor Custer seemed focused but distant. If something had left a mark on him during that moon mission, he wasn¡¯t showing it.

    He clapped his hands, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.

    ¡ª Alright, boys and girls. Today, we¡¯re having a different kind of lesson. For that, I¡¯d like to introduce Professor Lirina Lys.

    The name caused a ripple of confusion in the class.

    But before anyone could ask, Damian muttered:

    ¡ª What does the dissection professor want with us? Don¡¯t tell me I have to cut up corpses here too¡­

    While Damian looked like he wanted to cry, Tyrin¡¯s curiosity exploded.

    Lirina Lys.

    He had heard a lot about her.

    Her entire team had died.

    She had the misfortune of landing on one of the moons already dominated by the Aracnophon. She managed to reclaim the city, but in the process, she fought two Elites while a third wiped out all of her students.

    Damian often said he had never been happier about choosing to follow his sister instead of going with Lirina.

    But despite everything, there was something unique about her.

    Gertrudes had mentioned her once:

    "She¡¯s¡­ strange. But she made the greatest achievement for humanity."

    And the reason?

    Lirina Lys was the only person to bring back a live specimen.

    Well, almost alive.

    As the door opened, the woman stepped in.

    She was gaunt, her skin pale as a corpse. Her jet-black hair made her look even paler against her dark attire. She wore macabre trinkets¡ªskulls, bones, and amulets that looked like they had been pulled straight from a death cult.

    But her origins were¡­ unusual.

    The Lys family came from a vibrant planet, filled with bright colors and a peaceful way of life. In general, they were a bohemian people¡ªlaid-back, detached from the worries of the universe.

    However¡­

    The Lys possessed a unique and terrifying ability.

    They controlled microscopic organisms.

    Not just a few, but entire swarms.

    With them, they could invade a target¡¯s nervous system and turn them into living puppets.

    Gertrudes had once told Tyrin:

    "If their planet weren¡¯t so bohemian, the entire hierarchy of the universe would be different."

    But Lirina was different.

    She was the black sheep of the family. Her dark style clashed with the carefree nature of the other Lys. Her talents inspired fear and disgust.

    And so, she was cast aside.

    Relegated to the role of a dissection professor.

    But¡­ despite all the hardships, she seemed to love her work.

    Damian always said he hated dissections but enjoyed listening to her speak.

    "My taste in women might be peculiar, but even I can tell when someone is interesting."

    Lirina gave a soft smile.

    ¡ª Students, how are you? ¡ª Her voice was calm, almost hypnotic. ¡ª My name is Lirina, but you can call me Lys.

    She paused dramatically before continuing:

    ¡ª Today, I want to show you something.

    At that moment, the door opened again.

    And what entered the room made everyone¡¯s blood run cold.

    It was an Elite.

    For a moment, no one breathed.

    One of the weaker students fell from their chair, fainting.

    Tyrin felt his body react instinctively.

    The same creature that had nearly killed him¡­ was standing right there.

    But then, Custer stepped in.

    ¡ª Relax, everyone. We¡¯re safe. ¡ª He sighed and turned to Lirina. ¡ª Lys, could you at least explain before doing something like this?

    Lirina let out a small chuckle.

    ¡ª Hahaha. Sorry, I just wanted to see your reactions.

    She then turned to the class and gestured toward the Elite.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s already dead. But I¡¯m still controlling it. Now¡­ I want you to see something.

    The Elite, now nothing more than an empty husk, obeyed her command.

    ¡ª Hazard, disconnect.

    The creature obeyed.

    And then¡­ it started to come apart.

    Its arm detached.

    Its legs separated from the torso.

    But¡­ something unbelievable happened.

    The pieces reassembled on their own.

    As if they were parts of a toy being put back together.

    The room fell into absolute silence.

    Tyrin held his breath.

    ¡ª How¡­?

    Lirina pointed at the Elite.

    ¡ª As you can see, this creature has a fascinating biology.

    She snapped her fingers.

    ¡ª At first, I thought it was a type of armor. But no¡­

    Her smile widened.

    ¡ª They simply have a different structure than ours. For us, losing an arm or a leg is a serious problem. For them¡­ it¡¯s like replacing a defective part.

    The air in the room felt heavy.

    ¡ª There¡¯s still much more to analyze. But we¡¯ll take it one step at a time.

    Custer took over.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right, students. Professor Lys and I will be teaching joint classes so you can better understand this lifeform.

    He paused, letting everyone absorb the information.

    Then, with a sharp gaze, he continued:

    ¡ª We¡¯ve uploaded all the recordings of the professors¡¯ battles.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest.

    ¡ª Starting tomorrow¡­

    You will have the chance to challenge an Elite.

    The classroom erupted. Some students were excited. Others looked uneasy.

    But Custer wasn¡¯t finished.

    ¡ª We will also be offering a special reward to the first person who manages to defeat it.

    Tyrin barely heard the rest of what Custer was saying. He couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the creature in front of him.

    It was identical to the being that had nearly killed him.

    But now¡­ it was nothing more than a puppet in Lirina Lys¡¯s hands.

    At that moment, something clicked in his mind.

    He finally understood why Gertrudes had so many reservations about Lirina.

    If she was capable of turning a creature like this into a pet¡­

    What was stopping her from doing the same to a student?

 Threats and Secrets

    Professor Custer¡¯s lecture had raised the bar of knowledge to a new level. The empire was on high alert. The threat looming over them was not new, but its audacity and strength had intensified to an unprecedented degree. Until then, this unknown race had limited itself to sporadic attacks, always in isolated locations of little strategic importance. But this time¡­ this time, even the empire¡¯s elite forces, the invincible Ultras of the Frontier, had been summoned¡ªsomething big was about to happen.

    It was a dangerous pause. The empire had always advanced without hesitation, its economy driven by the relentless discovery of new resources¡ªveins of rare minerals, colossal energy sources. The heart of progress lay in the exploitation of Dyson Spheres, colossal structures built around solitary stars. Their creation demanded materials in absurd quantities. Entire planets were torn apart, drained until they lost their celestial status, reduced to mere cosmic skeletons.

    Without expansion, the empire would halt. And if the empire halted¡­ it would collapse. Yet at that very moment, something along those lines was being debated.

    The planet Gaia, headquarters of the interplanetary council, was the nerve center of power. It was there that alliances were forged and disputes settled. And it was in the Spiraled Hall¡ªa colossal structure three kilometers deep and one kilometer wide¡ªthat the most heated discussions took place.

    Today, the hall was packed. Overcrowded.

    Representatives from entire systems had gathered, many without even a seat, forced to wait outside. The tension was palpable, laden with uncertainty and fear.

    At the edge of the spiral¡¯s base, a tall man with blue eyes and blond hair stood up. His dark suit contrasted with the intense light hovering above him, illuminating him like a leader about to challenge the empire¡¯s fate. His voice was firm, polished, fluid.

    ¡ª Mr. Orion. I understand the urgency of the situation¡­ but halting the advance? Summoning even the Ultras of the Frontier? What do you know that we don¡¯t?

    A restless murmur rippled through the hall. Orion. Everyone knew that name.

    In the center of the grand auditorium, he was seated. The same man Tyrin had seen at that first lunch on Vanaheim, the imposing figure among the five members of the council.

    He was neither young nor old. His presence was marked by a rigid posture and a sharp gaze, as if he could see beyond the obvious. When he finally stood, silence consumed the crowd.

    ¡ª Ladies and gentlemen of all nations. ¡ª His voice was deep, powerful, amplified by the hall¡¯s artificial acoustics. ¡ª I want you to understand the gravity of what has happened.

    The weight of his words made some diplomats hold their breath.

    ¡ª We lost the battle.

    A murmur arose among the representatives, but Orion raised a hand, imposing silence.

    ¡ª And I must say, with regret, that this was no ordinary defeat. We are not dealing with the Tyranos, our former enemies, whose ambition is predictable. This time, we don¡¯t know what they want.

    The tension thickened. Some representatives exchanged worried glances.

    ¡ª And more than that¡­ we don¡¯t know how far they can go.

    A chill ran down the spines of many in that hall.

    ¡ª We are not talking about a loss on the empire¡¯s periphery. They attacked the Alpha Belt. ¡ª His voice thundered. ¡ª We are still trying to understand how they got so far¡­ and, more importantly, how we can stop them from attacking again.

    The silence that followed was crushing.

    For the first time in centuries, the empire was afraid.

    Orion¡¯s voice reverberated through the Spiraled Hall, echoing until it reached every representative present. No word was lost, no intonation went unnoticed.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    ¡ª Thus, Mr. Oliver Von Richt, I understand that economically, a pause in this advance will hinder your lucrative ship sales, but I hope you understand that your desire holds no weight among the majority here.

    The blond-haired man with a cold gaze clenched his fists but could not openly contest.

    ¡ª That said, there are no secrets left unrevealed in this hall. Only a genuine concern for the safety of everyone here.

    The outraged murmurs of some merchants echoed through the hall, but no one dared contradict him directly. The debates dragged on for hours, shifting between border defense, resources, and the redeployment of elite troops. With each argument, with each response, one certainty grew stronger: the empire could not afford to retreat¡­ but it also could not risk charging forward blindly.

    In a private room, far from the clamor of the hall, Orion slumped onto a dark leather sofa, pressing his fingers against his temples. The weight of the day was crushing his shoulders.

    ¡ª Fucking hell! ¡ª he growled, loosening his tie and tossing it onto the table. ¡ª I hate this useless politicking. Why don¡¯t they just send us to battle?

    In front of him, a woman of similar stature stood with her arms crossed, watching him with a critical gaze.

    ¡ª Lord Orion, why didn¡¯t you tell them everything? The Emperor won¡¯t be pleased¡­

    Orion let out a humorless laugh, running a hand through his hair.

    ¡ª What do you think that child would do if he knew? ¡ª His eyes were dark. ¡ª There was no point in revealing everything. They can¡¯t do anything. We never would have lost that fight if we had a legion of Vultras or a platoon of Zentros. For the love of the Empire, if only we had even a handful of Ultras!

    The glass in his hand cracked under the force of his grip. He was at his limit.

    ¡ª We¡¯re so obsessed with expansion that we¡¯ve failed to see the obvious: we¡¯re at risk of imploding.

    The woman narrowed her eyes.

    ¡ª So what do we do? The Aracnophons are coming. ¡ª She slid a holographic tablet across the table, revealing graphs and projections. ¡ª At most, three years, and we¡¯ll suffer a devastating attack.

    Orion frowned. He knew that. He knew it all too well.

    What no one in the hall understood was that the recent attack had not been a true military advance.

    It was a test.

    The Aracnophons had sent scouts. Just 1% of their main force.

    And the imperial fleet had barely managed to hold them off.

    He took a deep breath.

    ¡ª If we wait three years, we¡¯ll be dead. We need to intercept them now.

    The woman¡¯s eyes gleamed in agreement.

    ¡ª And if we fail?

    Orion didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡ª If we fail¡­ we¡¯ll be obliterated.

    That very night, ships hovered over Gaia like a black veil, speckled with the glow of the three moons that illuminated the city''s golden towers. But atop a luxurious building, on a glass balcony jutting into the void, something watched the horizon.

    It wasn¡¯t just a woman.

    Her war-sculpted, bare body looked like a masterpiece, but something was wrong. Something out of place.

    The silver glow of the moons slid over her damp skin as she remained motionless, like a statue of flesh.

    Then, her lips moved.

    ¡ª He didn¡¯t tell anyone about the attack¡­

    She spoke to herself.

    Or so it seemed.

    The words flowed in a language not of this world, a hoarse, distorted whisper, as if multiple voices echoed from within her throat.

    ¡ª Even if we attack now, we¡¯ll be the ones who have to face that crazy queen¡­

    Silence.

    The night breeze blew, but it did not touch her.

    She tilted her head, listening to something that wasn¡¯t there. Her fingers slid over her own skin, as if its texture repulsed her.

    ¡ª No¡­ Yes¡­ This skin disgusts me.

    Her eyes blinked. Vertically.

    Something twisted beneath her epidermis, a subtle movement, as if something was trapped inside, scratching to get out.

    Then¡­ the smile appeared.

    A grotesque tear, stretching far beyond what should have been possible. Her cheeks split open down the middle, revealing jagged, irregular teeth, aligned like those of a primordial predator.

    Her eyes, once human, glowed from within, pulsing with a hunger impossible to name.

    She gazed at the moon in fascination, as if awaiting an answer.

    The sky, however, remained silent.

    The smile closed. The skin fell back into place.

    Normalcy was restored.

    She exhaled slowly and stepped back inside.

    The interior of the room was an abyss of shadows and decadence, cut by the pale glow of the moon filtering through silk curtains.

    On the bed, a bound and gagged man trembled violently.

    His eyes did not blink.

    Tears streamed down his face, but he did not sob. He couldn¡¯t.

    Absolute fear had stolen even his ability to cry.

    She glided through the darkness, approaching with a motion too fluid, as if unbound by human joints.

    Straddling him, her weight crushed his chest. He gasped, struggling to escape, but his muscles refused to obey.

    He had seen something.

    Something his mind could not comprehend.

    ¡ª Relax, baby¡­ ¡ª she purred, running her tongue over her teeth.

    Her icy fingers slid across his face, wiping away his tears, savoring the involuntary shudder of his skin.

    ¡ª I usually eat everything¡­ even the tiny bones in your pinky.

    She smiled¡ªa wrong smile, a distorted reflection of humanity.

    The man tried to scream, but the gag smothered any sound.

    She tilted her head, studying him with fascination.

    ¡ª Oh, this is going to hurt so much.

    Her eyes gleamed again.

    ¡ª Didn¡¯t you want to eat me? Oh, the irony¡­

    Then, she laughed.

    But it was not a human laugh.

    It was a wet, visceral, erratic sound¡ªsomething that should not exist in this world.

    The man finally managed to scream.

    And no one heard him.

 New Friendships

    The last class of the week was with Professor Manfred. The man was a controversial figure¡ªthe last to arrive on the planet Vanaheim, the last to evacuate the survivors of the great space war. But of course, only those who could afford to pay him and for asylum on nearby planets. To him, every disaster was a disguised opportunity.

    His presence in the classroom was as irritating as his fake enthusiasm. The forced smile, the exaggerated gestures, and the way his words dripped with hypocrisy made it easy for anyone to see his true nature. Egotistical to the core, Manfred wasn¡¯t stupid; he simply despised those he called "poor in pocket and spirit."

    As always, his class held no surprises. Once again, he presented his impossible challenge¡ªthe emperor¡¯s space strategy exercise with no obvious solution.

    Unlike most students, who gave up before even trying, Tyrin dove into the simulation with focus. His first approach was to divide strategic decisions among the leaders of each sector of the ship. A mistake. Chaos quickly took over, communication became fragmented, and orders clashed.

    If decentralizing command didn¡¯t work, then he would have to take full control. However, commanding a ship the size of a natural satellite alone was a Herculean task. To mitigate this, he created quick-action codes, automating responses and preparing commands for instant execution.

    At first, the idea seemed to work. Maneuvers became smoother, responses faster. But as the battle progressed, the variables multiplied. Every decision became a ticking time bomb, every choice seemed to lead to disaster. Even a simple order¡ªsuch as whether or not to authorize the sacrifice of an auxiliary ship¡ªbecame the trigger for defeat. Nothing made sense.

    Then, he realized. Maybe the answer wasn¡¯t in commanding better¡­ but in observing better.

    ¡ª The Emperor knew something no one else did¡­ he had to know. ¡ª he murmured to himself, narrowing his eyes at the simulation.

    For the first time, Tyrin did nothing. He simply watched. Every movement, every sound, every detail that might be out of place¡­ and after a few attempts.

    he finally saw it.

    ¡ª Bahhhhhhhhhh.

    The simulation ended abruptly. Manfred smiled.

    ¡ª Well, students, that¡¯s the end of the class. I¡¯d even lend you the collars so you could train more, but I want to track your progress day by day¡­ So, until next week. You¡¯re dismissed.

    Tyrin remained still, processing what he had just discovered, but he didn¡¯t have much time to reflect.

    ¡ª Holy shit, Tyrin! I thought you were never getting out of that damn class! ¡ª exclaimed Damian, grabbing him by the arm. ¡ª We need to hurry! Lirina¡¯s class starts in three minutes!

    With little choice, Tyrin was dragged through the halls of the space academy until they stopped in front of a peculiar door. Unlike the other rooms, this one wasn¡¯t made of wood or white metal. It was black as the night, with a single bright star embedded in the center.

    Damian knocked quickly before entering.

    ¡ª Well, I see my favorite student decided to be late to class¡­ and brought company. ¡ª The soft, almost bored voice echoed through the room.

    Lirina was leaning against her desk, looking at them with an enigmatic smile. Her tone was light, almost playful, but her face remained impassive, as if everything she said was a mystery.

    ¡ª That face looks familiar¡­ Ah. Aren¡¯t you that student of Gertrudes?

    Tyrin just nodded.

    ¡ª Well, I see you¡¯re not much of a talker. Feel free to sit in on my class. And send my regards to Ger. I miss her. We haven¡¯t talked since¡­ ever, I think. Ahahahaha.

    The room was emptier than Tyrin had expected. In fact, it was nearly vacant. It made sense. The last class to take this course had almost entirely died. Damian was one of the only survivors.

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    At the back of the room, there was a large metal table.

    On it, a body.

    A whole Baku.

    ¡ª Well, children, as you can see, today we¡¯re going to learn how to dissect bipedal beings. ¡ª Lirina announced casually, picking up a scalpel.

    The murmurs in the room ceased. Some students swallowed hard.

    ¡ª I know many of you hesitate to dissect these beings because they resemble us, but remember: we¡¯re talking about money here.

    She twirled the blade between her fingers and smiled, devoid of any emotion.

    ¡ª We now know that some Baku organs can be successfully transplanted into humans. Just like we do with pigs. And, of course, their blood has a high testosterone content and extreme libido. Helps certain¡­ incapacitated individuals smile again, if you catch my drift.

    The room fell silent.

    ¡ª Hahahahaha.

    Lirina let out a forced laugh before continuing.

    ¡ª Alright, let¡¯s begin. Watch closely. We¡¯ll insert the knife at the level of the scapula and¡­

    The scalpel descended, slicing through the Baku¡¯s skin with surgical precision.

    The scent of exposed flesh filled the air.

    And then the first students started fainting.

    For Tyrin, dissecting the Baku wasn¡¯t as difficult as he had imagined. He was able to emotionally detach from the act. But Damian¡­

    Damian was struggling against the urge to vomit. His face was pale, drenched in cold sweat. He gripped the edge of the table as if he were on a ship about to sink.

    Tyrin observed his friend¡¯s expression and sighed.

    ¡ª Damian¡­ If you can¡¯t handle this class, why do you keep taking it?

    Damian pressed his lips together, avoiding the sight of the Baku¡¯s carcass. He didn¡¯t answer.

    Lirina, who had been listening, merely smirked.

    ¡ª That¡¯s an excellent question, Damian. I hope you have an excellent answer.

    And without leaving room for further discussion, she returned to her scalpel.

    The blade gleamed under the artificial light.

    And the next incision began.

    Tyrin frowned at Damian¡¯s explanation.

    ¡ª You don¡¯t get it, Ty. Do you know how much a dissector makes? Depending on the being, I could earn up to 20% of the item¡¯s value. My father bought an entire country just with money from dissection.

    ¡ª I thought your father owned a farm planet.

    Damian gave a half-smile, picking up a clean scalpel and twirling it between his fingers.

    ¡ª He wasn¡¯t born rich. He started as a dissector, built a reputation, made money, and knew how to invest. I think that¡¯s why my mother fell in love with him¡­ or maybe that¡¯s why she left him. Who knows.

    He laughed, but there was something in his tone that made Tyrin realize the story ran deeper than Damian let on.

    ¡ª Makes sense. Well, do me a favor? Hand me the rib spreader. I need access to the heart.

    ¡ª Sure, no problem.

    Damian handed over the spreader and took a slight step back as Tyrin positioned the tool.

    ¡ª Hold it steady, I¡¯m going to open.

    ¡ª Ty¡­ Wait¡­ Ty, I think I¡¯m gonna¡ª

    Before he could finish his sentence, Damian turned to the side and threw up.

    Class ended early for both of them. They were immediately sent to the locker rooms and forced to shower and change. Lirina, with her apathetic voice and expressionless face, gave them a curt scolding.

    ¡ª No one wants a vomit-covered body, not even a perfect one.

    Damian only grumbled, still pale.

    That night, Tyrin did what he always did¡ªhe went to the library to meet Gertrudes. She always had something interesting to show him, some new mystery of the universe they could unravel together. He enjoyed these quiet nights, where shared reading made everything more pleasant. And, no matter how indifferent she pretended to be, Gertrudes always seemed happy to have someone by her side.

    But this time, the two were met with unexpected company.

    Luci appeared hesitantly between the bookshelves.

    ¡ª Miss Luci, is there a book you¡¯d like to read? Or something I can help you with? ¡ª Gertrudes asked, lifting her eyes from the volume she was reading.

    Luci looked uneasy.

    ¡ª Professor, I wanted to ask for help with Chamuscado. He¡¯s more upset than usual. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on.

    Tyrin exchanged a curious glance with Gertrudes. Scorched was Luci¡¯s fire iguana, one of the fiercest predators of Gargantua. If he was "upset," something was probably very wrong.

    ¡ª He¡¯s not suffering any penalties in Gargantua, is he? ¡ª Gertrudes asked.

    ¡ª Chamuscado has been a predator for years, not prey. He hasn¡¯t died in months.

    ¡ª Hmm¡­ Wait a moment, I might be able to find an answer.

    Tyrin leaned forward.

    ¡ª If you want, I can help.

    Gertrudes gave a small smile.

    ¡ª Great! I have an encyclopedia on fire iguanas somewhere¡­ Ah, found it! Well, there are three books. Perfect, one for each of us. Shall we?

    It was past midnight when the three of them finished reading.

    Even though Luci wasn¡¯t as much of a book lover as Tyrin and Gertrudes, she absorbed the information quickly, which surprised them both.

    Gertrudes was the first to present her hypothesis.

    ¡ª From what I read, it could be something he ate. Maybe a new seasoning or a substance that didn¡¯t sit well with him. Are you still feeding him the same food from your planet?

    ¡ª Yes, Professor. Always the same. Ambrosio fire stone, his favorite.

    Gertrudes sighed.

    ¡ª Well, if it¡¯s not his diet, then my hypothesis is useless. Sorry.

    ¡ª No worries. I don¡¯t think what I read helped either¡­ ¡ª Tyrin scratched his chin, thinking. ¡ª You haven¡¯t fought since the incident in Drokavas, right? He¡¯s been resting since then?

    Luci nodded.

    ¡ª Yes. I personally asked him not to go hunting in Gargantua.

    Tyrin narrowed his eyes.

    ¡ª Guys¡­ ¡ª he looked at both of them. ¡ª I think I know what might have happened.

 The Journey to Varkaan

    The Fire Iguana was a fascinating creature from Varkaan, a scorching planet where temperature and instinct shaped wildlife. Its fire was not just a reflection of its vitality¡ªthe more intense its flame, the healthier and stronger it was¡ªbut also an essential trait for reproduction. Interestingly, only males could generate and sustain flames, while females, much larger and more robust, needed a partner to ignite them. It was a peculiar symbiosis: the female gained security by setting herself ablaze, protecting herself, her offspring, and even the male, while he, for reasons still debated by Varkaan¡¯s philosophers and scientists, tirelessly sought a mate¡ªan instinct deeply rooted in the survival of the species.

    To Tyrin, this was quite normal for planets like his, where status and wealth were scarce, and relationships and entertainment were far more straightforward. To Luci, however, it seemed like a completely alien concept.

    ¡°I think Scorcher needs to¡­ well, let¡¯s just say he needs to relieve some tension,¡± Tyrin remarked, crossing his arms with a smirk.

    Gertrudes blinked for a few seconds before her face lit up in understanding.

    ¡°Oh¡­ That makes perfect sense!¡±

    Luci looked between them, frowning.

    ¡°What makes sense? I¡¯m not getting any of this.¡±

    Gertrudes let out a theatrical sigh.

    ¡°Oh, dear¡­ Such innocence.¡±

    She then turned to Luci with an almost motherly look.

    ¡°Sweetie, answer me this: how old is Scorcher?¡±

    Luci tilted her head slightly to the side.

    ¡°If I were to compare it to human years¡­ I¡¯d say around 17 or 18. But what does that have to do with¡ª¡±

    She suddenly stopped, her eyes widening as realization hit her like a wave of hot lava. The blush on her face was nearly as intense as Scorcher¡¯s own glow.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that¡­ that he¡¯s at that stage?!¡± She covered her mouth, embarrassed. ¡°But I don¡¯t even know if there¡¯s a worthy female for him on my planet!¡±

    Tyrin shrugged, already a bit bored with how cautiously the conversation was unfolding.

    ¡°Luci, I really need to talk to your dad about this gap in your knowledge. The fact is, Scorcher doesn¡¯t care about status or hierarchy. He just wants¡­ to do what he needs to do. And that explains why he¡¯s been so down lately.¡±

    Luci and Gertrudes seemed to be treading on thin ice¡ªone wanting to say too much, the other too little. Tyrin, on the other hand, had already lost interest in the topic and began flipping through a book, his mind now wandering to another matter: Varkaan. He had never been there before, and the idea of visiting a volcanic planet intrigued him.

    That¡¯s when an idea sparked in Gertrudes¡¯ mind.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it! My class is tomorrow, and then you guys have two free days, right? How about we take a trip to your planet, Luci? It¡¯s close by, and I can use my ship to take us. Not only would it solve Scorcher¡¯s problem, but I could explore a bit too.¡±

    Luci studied him, considering it.

    ¡°Hm¡­ Besides, Struthio eggs are known across the universe as a dish fit for the Gods.¡±

    ¡°Yes! That was the name!¡± Luci exclaimed, excited.

    Tyrin smirked.

    ¡°I accept your offer. And don¡¯t worry, I can call my ship to pick us up. My father always keeps one on standby at the border in case I need it.¡±

    That¡¯s when a hesitant third voice spoke up.

    ¡°Sorry to interrupt¡­ but could I come too?¡±

    Gertrudes and Luci turned to Tyrin, who looked slightly nervous.

    ¡°You see¡­ I¡¯ve never traveled to a planet that wasn¡¯t for survival. I¡¯m fascinated by Varkaan.¡±

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    Luci exchanged glances with Gertrudes, who simply shrugged.

    ¡°Fine by me.¡±

    Gertrudes smiled but quickly adopted a more serious tone.

    ¡°In that case, you have to read the two books we went through about Varkaan. I know your mind absorbs information quickly, so no excuses.¡±

    Tyrin let out a short laugh.

    "No problem. If it helps, I¡¯ll do it gladly."

    Luci crossed her arms, a slight challenge in her voice.

    "But just so you know¡ªmy planet has more volcanoes than mountains. The heat there is insane."

    Tyrin smirked, tapping his own chest.

    "No problem. I¡¯ve built up my resistance. I¡¯m sure I can handle it."

    With the decision made, the three spent the rest of the day preparing¡ªbaths, food, and a well-earned rest before the journey. Luci¡¯s ship would take half a day to reach the planet and pick them up.

    Meanwhile, the next morning, Em¨ªlia frowned as she found a note stuck to the classroom door, hastily written and slightly smudged:

    "Class postponed until next week. Signed: Your dear, loving, patient, and friendly Gertrudes."

    She huffed, crossing her arms.

    "Where the hell did everyone go?"

    The trip to Varkaan was a contrasting experience for the trio. Gertrudes, dazzled by the ship¡¯s luxury, savored every moment, indulging in comforts she had never experienced in her old, unreliable spacecraft. Luci, already accustomed to this standard of living, spent most of the time sleeping or snacking on exquisite treats. Tyrin, however, had a completely different experience.

    Confined to the cabin, he buried himself in the three books about Varkaan. He needed to understand every detail, every peculiarity of the culture and biology of its people. His pride pushed him to make himself useful on this trip. If he failed now, he felt he¡¯d never be invited to anything important again.

    Eighteen hours of travel. Eighteen hours of intense reading, while his companions slept and ate without a care in the world.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, we will be arriving in Varkaan in one hour. Please prepare for landing."

    The pilot¡¯s voice echoed through the ship, pulling Tyrin back to reality. He rubbed his tired eyes, realizing how quickly time had flown.

    Moments later, a man dressed like a waiter approached, carrying a silver tray with a small blue pill and a set of clothes.

    "Mr. Tyrin, excuse me. I was sent by Miss Luci to deliver this pill. It will help reduce the extreme thermal sensation of Varkaan. And please wear these clothes¡ªwe wouldn¡¯t want you passing out from overheating, would we?"

    Tyrin raised an eyebrow but took the items without complaint.

    "A planet with an average of 65 degrees¡­ The human body can withstand extreme temperatures, but I imagine there¡¯s a lot of natural selection and genetics involved in the resistance of its inhabitants."

    He had read about it just that day. Everyone in Varkaan had fiery red hair and superhuman heat resistance. Adaptation had shaped their civilization over millennia.

    As they disembarked, Luci ran toward an imposing man with blazing red hair, eyes as intense as embers, and a presence so powerful it was almost suffocating.

    "Father! You came to greet me!"

    The man gave a subtle, paternal smile, crossing his arms.

    "Of course, daughter. I was in an important meeting on planet Gaia, but I would never miss this. So, from what you told me, Scorcher is entering his maturation phase, correct?"

    Luci frowned, crossing her arms in irritation.

    "Yes! But why did you never mention this?! I had no idea what was happening!"

    Before the man could respond, Gertrudes stepped in with a teasing smile.

    "That¡¯s right, Mr. Dravok Lizaard. Explain to me how your daughter got to this point without even knowing what was going on with her own pet?"

    The king¡ªDravok Lizaard¡ªlet out a heavy sigh, turning his warm gaze to Gertrudes.

    ¡ª Gertrudes¡­ How many years has it been, huh? It¡¯s a pleasure to see you again. The truth is, I was too overprotective of Luci. I believed that, at some point, she¡¯d have friends like you to guide her on these matters.

    ¡ª Hm, fair enough¡­ But don¡¯t worry, it wasn¡¯t me who noticed. ¡ª She pointed her thumb to the side. ¡ª It was her boyfriend.

    ¡ª WHAT?! ¡ª Tyrin, who had been silent until then, choked.

    Before he could protest, an overwhelming force crushed against his body. It felt as if the very air around him had caught fire. His chest tightened, his lungs burned, and a sharp pain coursed through him. He staggered, feeling like he was on the verge of passing out.

    ¡ª Boy¡­ boyfriend? You¡¯ve got to be joking, right?! ¡ª He barely managed to gasp, his skin practically boiling.

    Gertrudes burst into laughter.

    ¡ª You¡¯re gonna kill him, Dravok! It was just a joke! Hahaha! You should¡¯ve seen his face!

    The pressure vanished as quickly as it had come. Tyrin took a deep breath, relief washing over him as he regained control of his body. He dropped to one knee, still panting.

    ¡ª You¡­ are all insane¡­

 The Queen of Varkaan

    The culture of Varkaan was peculiar in many ways, but one of its most striking aspects was its strong matriarchy. For Tyrin, that word was completely new, but it only took a few moments of observation to understand its meaning.

    As Lisa stepped forward toward her mother, about to embrace her, a firm voice interrupted the scene.

    ¡ª Daughter, where are your manners? ¡ª The imposing woman spoke, crossing her arms. ¡ª You know what you must do, don¡¯t you?

    Lisa froze mid-motion. In an instant, her relaxed posture transformed into something almost military.

    ¡ª Forgive me, Mother. ¡ª Her voice was firm and disciplined, as if reciting a mantra. ¡ª Your daughter failed to observe this detail and asks for forgiveness.

    With a subtle bow, Lisa reintroduced herself, this time flawlessly:

    ¡ª This is my teacher, Lady Gertrudes Scar, and this is my classmate, Tyrin¡­

    She paused for a moment, furrowing her brow as she realized she had never asked for Tyrin¡¯s last name. Before she could turn to him, Ty stepped forward himself.

    ¡ª Just Tyrin, Your Majesty. ¡ª His voice was calm but carried an unusual weight. ¡ª I have no titles, no glory, no gold, nor status. Just Tyrin¡­ or Ty, to those close to me.

    The queen studied him for a moment, her eyes analyzing every detail. Then, a faint smirk appeared.

    ¡ª Hmm¡­ what a clever boy. ¡ª She tilted her head slightly, intrigued. ¡ª He seems strong. Has my daughter defeated him in a duel yet?

    Lisa seemed to shudder at the question.

    ¡ª Mother¡­ I haven¡¯t dueled him.

    The atmosphere grew tense for a moment as mother and daughter exchanged glances laden with unspoken meaning. But before the tension could escalate, Gertrudes decided to intervene.

    ¡ª Forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty, but they are my students. I brought them simply because they are the only ones I have. There is no fate or great revelations in this, only convenience.

    The queen looked at the teacher, then let out a light laugh.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, my dear, no need to be so formal. ¡ª Her eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and interest. ¡ª You know¡­ when my incompetent husband told me you were coming and that our daughter still hadn¡¯t learned something so basic, I wanted to punch him.

    She made a dismissive gesture with her hand, as if waving away her frustration.

    ¡ª But seeing you here, I had a better idea. While the Scorched One chooses a female, how about you and my incompetent husband exchange some battle experience?

    An uncomfortable silence followed before a hesitant male voice spoke.

    ¡ª Darling, please. ¡ª The king cleared his throat. ¡ª I haven¡¯t fought in decades¡­ I¡¯m out of practice.

    The queen narrowed her eyes and stomped her foot on the ground.

    ¡ª Husband, shall I remind you that my mother did everything to make me choose another man, yet I insisted on being yours alone? So shut up and fight. ¡ª Her eyes gleamed with authority. ¡ª Our daughter needs to learn a few things you chose to abandon when you had the chance.

    The king sighed, resigned.

    ¡ª Yes, my dear.

    To Tyrin, all of this was bizarre. He had never seen such a different culture firsthand. The power dynamics were the exact opposite of what he was used to.

    That was when the queen spoke again, turning to Lisa.

    ¡ª Very well. Summon the Scorched One, daughter. Igniselda wants to see him.

    Lisa obeyed without hesitation, and what happened next was unbelievable.

    As the girl summoned the Scorched One, the queen did the same¡­ but the creature that appeared was colossal.

    A black iguana, with scales as dark as coal, rose onto its feet. Its body exceeded seven meters in height and nearly sixty in length. It moved with an imposing weight, its claws scraping lightly against the stone floor.

    Tyrin felt a shiver run down his spine. Unlike the Scorched One, this iguana was not engulfed in flames. But its presence was suffocating, and the smaller iguanas in the room seemed to shrink away in fear.

    As soon as the Scorched One saw the giant, he ran toward her. Instead of retreating, he did something unexpected¡ªhe gently rubbed his face against her skin, almost as if he were nuzzling her.

    The queen watched the scene with a fond expression.

    ¡ª You know, it¡¯s a shame Igniselda only had one offspring. ¡ª Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia. ¡ª But I see he¡¯s growing well. Have you been following the diet I gave you?

    Lisa nodded quickly.

    ¡ª Yes, Mother. We¡¯ve run out of stones, so I¡¯ll need to get more. He¡¯s very hungry.

    The queen smiled, then turned to her majestic beast.

    ¡ª Igniselda, my friend. Your son has reached the stage where he must choose a mate. I¡¯ve brought the finest in the kingdom. Is there one that interests him?

    The great iguana didn¡¯t respond verbally, but her gaze softened. Then, something curious happened¡ªthe queen pressed her forehead against the beast¡¯s snout and closed her eyes.

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    The scene lasted exactly three minutes.

    When she finally opened her eyes, her expression was serene.

    ¡ª Good. She will let him choose.

    The queen turned to the Scorched One and gave her command:

    ¡ª The time has come to answer your calling. Go to the corner and choose a mate.

    Tyrin recalled something he had read about fire iguanas: they chose only one partner for life. The decision was crucial, as it determined the strength of the next generation. Normally, it was the female who selected the male, but this time, the rules were different. To be accepted, the Scorched One would have to challenge and subdue the chosen female.

    As the young man observed the selection ritual, the queen turned to the others.

    ¡ª Very well, this will take a few hours. Let¡¯s head to the arena. I want to see my useless husband fight you, Gertrudes.

    Her eyes gleamed.

    ¡ª I heard we had serious trouble in Drokavas, but I also heard you handled it as best you could. Show me that power.

    Tyrin shuddered at the mention of that place.

    The castle¡¯s arena was colossal, an oversized structure¡­ but it made sense, considering the size of the queen¡¯s pet.

    In the locker room, Tyrin and Gertrudes spoke in hushed tones.

    ¡ª Professor, do you think you can win this fight?

    Gertrudes let out a long sigh and crossed her arms, her gaze distant for a moment.

    ¡ª In a normal situation, I would definitely lose. ¡ª Then she smirked. ¡ª But I came prepared.

    Tyrin raised an eyebrow.

    ¡ª Prepared?

    ¡ª Those two were in my class, so I know them well. Their culture of marrying cousins has always confused me, but one thing I do know¡­ He has never beaten me.

    ¡ª Interesting. ¡ª Tyrin scratched his chin. ¡ª But, just out of curiosity, have you ever fought Igniselda? She seems¡­ pretty strong.

    Gertrudes hesitated for a moment, then glanced around to make sure they were alone.

    ¡ª I¡¯m going to tell you a secret about this family. But promise me it stays between us.

    Tyrin nodded, intrigued.

    ¡ª I promise.

    Gertrudes crossed her arms, leaning slightly toward him.

    ¡ª I have never beaten that crazy redhead.

    Tyrin blinked.

    ¡ª What?

    ¡ª You see, on my planet, each person has to wait for the Pongos¡¯ mating season to acquire their pet. But unlike Fire Iguanas, once we choose them, we never get another. So basically, the older a person gets, the stronger their Pongo becomes.

    Tyrin shook his head, trying to grasp the connection.

    ¡ª And what does that have to do with the queen?

    Gertrudes smirked.

    ¡ª What I mean is that this limitation of ours doesn¡¯t apply to the Queen of Varkaan. She passes her companion down from generation to generation.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡ª Are you telling me that¡­

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. ¡ª Gertrudes crossed her arms. ¡ª Igniselda must be around a thousand years old. There are very few beings in the universe who could defeat her in a one-on-one fight. In fact, if I think about it, I can only imagine two or three at most. And I¡¯m definitely not one of them.

    A shiver ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine. The weight of that revelation settled in his mind.

    ¡ª So¡­ does that mean that when the queen dies, Igniselda will pass on to Lisa?

    ¡ª Probably. ¡ª Gertrudes shrugged. ¡ª Honestly, I have no idea how long a fire iguana can live.

    Tyrin swallowed hard. Even the books he had read didn¡¯t mention a specific lifespan for these creatures. The records only covered their habits, diet, and power. But nothing about death.

    Gertrudes stretched, clenching and unclenching her fists.

    ¡ª Well, I guess that¡¯s my cue. Shall we?

    ¡ª Of course. ¡ª Tyrin nodded. ¡ª I¡¯ll be watching from above. Hope you win.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry. ¡ª She winked. ¡ª My concern isn¡¯t even him¡­ it¡¯s that chaos-loving lunatic.

    When Tyrin reached Lisa, he realized the fight wasn¡¯t just for the participants. He looked around and saw hundreds of people pouring into the stadium.

    He frowned.

    ¡ª I thought this fight was just for your entertainment, Queen.

    Thalyzara let out a sharp, booming laugh.

    ¡ª Hahaha! Boy, your manners astound me. If you want to ask something, just ask!

    Tyrin took the opening and got straight to the point.

    ¡ª Why call so many people to watch Gertrudes fight your husband? From what I know, he¡¯s never beaten her.

    The queen tilted her head slightly, assessing the question with a sharp gaze.

    ¡ª Hmm. You¡¯re smart too. ¡ª She smiled. ¡ª On this planet, I am the strongest. So, there¡¯s no shame in him losing. But I need him to feel that sense of urgency. He¡¯ll do everything he can to win.

    Tyrin studied the queen for a moment. She wasn¡¯t just powerful. She was a strategist. He was beginning to understand that her way of ruling wasn¡¯t just about strength¡ªit was about constantly pushing those around her to evolve.

    Fascinating.

    A voice echoed through the arena, silencing the murmuring crowd.

    ¡ª Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the arena!

    The audience erupted in cheers.

    ¡ª Today, we bring you a battle unlike anything you¡¯ve ever seen!

    Spotlights shifted, illuminating the two competitors at the center of the arena.

    ¡ª To our right, the second, the Beta, the one who won the heart of our giant¡­ King Dravok Lizaard!

    The crowd applauded.

    ¡ª And to our left, a front-line warrior from Drokavas, slayer of elites, and a direct descendant of the Scar family¡­ Gertrudes Scar!

    The roar of the crowd shook the very structure of the arena.

    ¡ª HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

    The noise was deafening. Even the combatants seemed slightly uncomfortable with the intensity of the reception.

    The queen smiled and lowered her hand.

    ¡ª You may begin.

    In that instant, Tyrin noticed something.

    The air was getting hotter.

    And then, he saw it.

    Drokavas had summoned his fire iguana.

    The beast was massive¡ªnearly twice the size of the Scorched. Its scales gleamed like solidified lava, and its eyes burned with an amber glow. Unlike the Scorched, this creature radiated pure, destructive aggression.

    But Gertrudes wasn¡¯t lagging behind.

    She extended her hand, and in a flash of blue light, CaoCao appeared.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    This time, CaoCao was wearing completely different armor.

    Ice armor.

    Drokavas¡¯ eyes went wide, and he pointed an accusatory finger.

    ¡ª Hey¡­ That¡¯s not fair! What the hell is that armor, Gertrudes?!

    She smirked provocatively.

    ¡ª Oh, come on, Drokavas. Did you really think I¡¯d come to this scorching-ass world without some kind of protection for CaoCao?

    The king clenched his fists.

    ¡ª That¡¯s cheating!

    Gertrudes simply shrugged.

    ¡ª What if something happened? I had to be prepared.

    Drokavas didn¡¯t have time to reply.

    Because in the next instant, CaoCao and the fire iguana lunged at each other.

    The impact echoed like thunder, shaking the arena.

    Tyrin held his breath.

    The battle had only just begun.

 The Commoner and the Queen

    The Fire Iguanas were creatures of unique peculiarity. The males, smaller than their females, compensated for their disadvantage with a singular gift: their bodies burned with incessant flames, a living barrier of fire that made them nearly untouchable. The females, on the other hand, lacked this spontaneous combustion ability but grew immense, turning their size into their greatest advantage. A balance forged over millions of years.

    However, two hundred years ago, that balance was broken. For the first time in history, a male was born who defied all the laws of nature. He grew to colossal proportions, a flaming titan that should not have existed. To King Lucerius Lizaard, this was not a mistake but a divine omen of prosperity. And so, making a bold and questionable decision, he ordered his only daughter, Thalyzara, to tame the beast.

    The kingdom of Tyrin had a similar approach to the domestication of beasts. But their planet tamed wolves¡ªapplying the same method to subdue a creature that burned at nearly a thousand degrees was incomparably difficult and extremely risky. The result? The attempt nearly cost Thalyzara her life.

    Yet, among the nobles and soldiers who fled upon seeing the princess on the brink of death, there was only one who remained. A commoner. He was not a warrior, not a beast tamer¡ªhe shouldn''t even have been there. Just a young baggage carrier. But when Ignis lunged at Thalyzara, he stepped in front of her.

    And then, the unexpected happened.

    The beast, moments away from killing, stopped.

    The air grew heavy, the heat seemed to vibrate in the silence. Against all odds, the Fire Iguana accepted him.

    A symbiosis was born there, before the disbelieving eyes of all.

    No one knew how it happened. Many tried to explain it, but no one fully understood. What was certain was that this simple commoner had saved the future queen''s life.

    And in that instant, Thalyzara fell in love with him. The moment she saw that insignificant man defy a monster in her name.

    As for Dravok, from the very first moment he saw her red eyes reflecting the fire¡ªdefiant, powerful, but filled with something no one else saw¡ªhe fell in love.

    A love story was born that day.

    But a king can never show weakness.

    And so, Thalyzara pretended.

    She pretended so well not to love him that everyone believed it.

    Even herself.

    Ignis¡¯s roar tore through the sky like a flaming thunderclap. With a brutal leap, propelled by an explosion of fire, the colossal reptile shot forward like a blazing arrow, charging at CaoCao.

    The armored ice orangutan did not retreat.

    He raised his arms, and the cold answered. In an instant, a wall of ice rose before him, thick and gleaming like a divine shield.

    Impact.

    The collision made the coliseum tremble, cracks spreading across the ground. Heat and ice clashed in an explosion of steam, momentarily blinding the audience.

    But Ignis was not a beast that gave up easily.

    He spun in the air, his tail whipping the ice wall like an infernal lash. The ice cracked, partially collapsing. In the opening, the iguana unleashed a jet of fire straight at the orangutan¡¯s face.

    CaoCao roared, the heat searing his skin, but he did not hesitate.

    He struck the frozen ground with immense force, and the earth erupted into dozens of sharp stalactites¡ªdeadly ice spears shooting toward Ignis.

    The reptile tried to dodge but wasn¡¯t fast enough.

    Two spears pierced his hind legs, pinning him to the ground.

    And that was exactly what CaoCao wanted.

    He charged forward, a colossal blur, and his fist struck Ignis with overwhelming force.

    For a moment, time stood still.

    The impact cracked the iguana¡¯s hardened scales, sending him flying dozens of meters until he crashed against the arena wall.

    The structure trembled, flames rising to the skies. The audience held their breath. The scent of burned flesh mixed with the icy mist that dominated the battlefield.

    Silence.

    Until...

    A fiery explosion erupted from the crater left by the beast¡¯s body.

    Ignis rose once more.

    His eyes burned with absolute fury.

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    His jaws parted, and a pillar of pure fire surged skyward, turning night into day.

    CaoCao did not flee.

    The orangutan planted his fists into the ice and raised a shield of crystalline mirrors. The blazing light reflected in all directions, creating a storm of embers and frost around the arena.

    And then, he attacked.

    With a ferocious roar, CaoCao shattered part of his ice armor, transforming it into thousands of razor-sharp blades that shot toward Ignis.

    The final blow followed immediately after.

    The orangutan leaped, his colossal fists rising above his head.

    Ignis tried to move.

    But his wounds were too many.

    The impact came like the hammer of a god.

    CaoCao¡¯s overwhelming force slammed Ignis into the frozen ground, cracks spreading like lightning across the earth. The iguana¡¯s fire flickered, consumed by absolute cold.

    One last roar echoed.

    Weak.

    Then, absolute silence.

    CaoCao continued striking Ignis, his fury still unquenched.

    Until a man stepped into his path.

    ¡ª Always reckless, King. Step aside. This battle is not over yet! ¡ª Gertrudes bellowed, ready to join the fight.

    ¡ª Stop, both of you.

    The voice cut through the chaos of the arena.

    Thalyzara stood there, between her husband and CaoCao.

    Her eyes were as sharp as blades.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, you¡¯ve already demonstrated your family¡¯s power.

    She turned to the man standing before the orangutan, her voice carrying an icy tone.

    ¡ª Husband. Leave the arena. You have shamed me enough.

    Tyrin barely noticed when Thalyzara vanished from his side to intervene. But something about her was off.

    There was anger in her gaze.

    Luci, who had been watching the scene calmly, smirked slightly and whispered:

    ¡ª My mother is hopelessly in love with my father.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the scene, his mind still processing what Luci had just said.

    "She doesn¡¯t seem in love with him, if I may say so."

    Luci sighed. "I hate our culture for that." His red eyes, so similar to his mother¡¯s, fixed on the now-ruined battlefield. "She is the pillar of this planet. She cannot have weaknesses. And yet, she has always rescued him."

    He paused, looking at the couple.

    "My father told me that everyone who ever dared to hit him was beaten to a pulp by my mother."

    Tyrin smirked. "Interesting."

    But Luci didn¡¯t respond. His gaze shifted to Gertrudes, who still stood in the arena. A spark of determination flashed in his eyes.

    "I think it¡¯s time for a fair fight, don¡¯t you agree, Gertrudes?" Thalyzara said, her voice humming with excitement. "Let¡¯s fight, you and me. What do you say?"

    Gertrudes raised an eyebrow. "If you think I¡¯ll take a beating like before, you¡¯re gravely mistaken."

    Thalyzara smiled. "I hope you can endure it well..."

    She raised her hand, holding her amulet high, and with a reverent tone, she called:

    "Igniselda, my friend... Come to me."

    The coliseum erupted in screams. The spectators, who had seemingly forgotten the previous battle, now roared with renewed intensity.

    And then... she appeared.

    Igniselda.

    Tyrin held his breath. She was gigantic, far larger than any Fire Iguana he had ever seen¡ªmuch bigger than when he first laid eyes on her. It was as if the battlefield itself had been swallowed by her presence. Her body, covered in black and crimson scales, seemed to pulse, as if hiding a living volcano within.

    Even on all fours, Igniselda was nearly the size of CaoCao.

    Gertrudes smirked and summoned a new suit of armor for CaoCao. "Alright. Let¡¯s fight."

    CaoCao, now armed once more, did not hesitate.

    His instincts screamed that he could not run. If fire came for him, he would burn trying to freeze it.

    He struck the ground with his fists.

    The ice answered. Pillars of pure frozen crystal erupted from the earth, trying to trap the titaness.

    But Igniselda was not like Ignis.

    She simply advanced.

    The stalactites shattered like twigs beneath her march. With a single sweep of her massive tail, she annihilated all the ice around her, carving a searing chasm into the battlefield.

    CaoCao took a step back.

    He recognized that pressure.

    It was the same as always.

    The pressure of fighting that colossus.

    BOOM!

    Igniselda raised a paw and brought it down with the weight of a meteor.

    CaoCao leaped back at the last second, but the impact unleashed a wave of molten lava, forcing him to raise an ice barrier. Scalding steam engulfed him¡ªsuffocating, merciless.

    But he would not surrender.

    With a ferocious roar, he channeled all his power.

    He punched the air, and a storm of ice exploded around him, freezing the ground, the sky¡ªeverything.

    For a moment¡­

    Igniselda hesitated.

    And in that moment, CaoCao struck like lightning.

    His fist slammed into the Fire Queen¡¯s chest with titanic force.

    The impact spread frost across her obsidian shell, sealing part of her heat.

    She roared.

    But she did not fall.

    On the contrary.

    She smiled.

    And then, everything collapsed for CaoCao.

    Before he could react, Igniselda¡¯s jaws closed around him.

    A sickening crack.

    She crushed his arm.

    CaoCao roared in pain, dropping to his knees.

    She did not stop.

    Her tail lashed out like a whip, striking the orangutan¡¯s face and hurling him against the arena wall. He tried to rise, but Igniselda was already upon him.

    With both paws, she pinned him to the ground.

    The orangutan felt the weight of the world pressing down on him.

    The ice of his armor began to crack, melting beneath the unbearable pressure.

    He struggled. He roared.

    But the force on his chest was greater.

    The final blow came.

    Igniselda¡¯s jaws parted.

    A torrent of pure fire consumed CaoCao.

    His body was engulfed in flames, his skin burning, his armor melting.

    "Stop the fight, Thalyzara! You''ve already made your point!"

    Gertrudes¡¯ voice echoed through the arena.

    Thalyzara did not hesitate. "Igniselda¡­ my friend, you may stop."

    Even irritated, the titan obeyed.

    She turned and walked toward Ignis, who lay outside the arena, beginning to lick his wounds.

    If she could, Thalyzara would have done the same for her husband.

    But not in front of the others.

    Never.

    She turned to the crowd. "Well, this battle is over."

    And the coliseum erupted in celebration.

    Deafening cheers reverberated through the air, a wave of fervor that made the ground tremble.

    Tyrin watched everything, but something caught his attention.

    At the moment Thalyzara and Dravok were leaving through the gate, he saw it.

    For a brief second, Thalyzara lifted her hand and touched her husband''s face.

    That simple gesture made him hold his breath.

    "This is so sad," he murmured. "To love and never be able to say it¡­ never."

    Luci remained silent for a moment.

    Then, she smiled¡ªbut there was bitterness in her eyes.

    "I know. And my father knows too."

    She sighed, glancing at the arena one last time.

    "But for him, that''s enough."

    Tyrin frowned.

    "Our culture has protected us for thousands of years¡­" Luci continued, her voice sounding older than it should. "So we cannot afford to change."

    The wind blew through the ruined coliseum.

    Tyrin did not reply.

    But something inside him screamed that Luci was wrong.

 The Dinner of Knowledge

    "I don''t even know why I still try to fight that lunatic..."

    Gertrudes huffed as she sank into the chair in the grand dining hall, crossing her arms in irritation. Her hands gestured in the air, reenacting invisible strikes as she explained to Tyrin, her student, how she could have won if only she had taken the fight seriously from the start.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, dear, I see you still haven''t learned how to lose with grace ¡ª Thalyzara teased with a scornful smile as she entered the hall.

    The heavy golden doors swung open, and the royal family of Varkaan entered with imposing presence. King Dravok and Queen Thalyzara walked side by side, clad in garments befitting their noble lineage. Between them, Luci shone in gold and silver, adorned like a living jewel.

    Tyrin felt his gaze drawn to her, as if her presence were magnetic.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, could you ask your stallion to avert his eyes from my daughter? ¡ª Thalyzara remarked, her tone dripping with disdain. ¡ª She deserves someone more... suitable for her status. I hear he doesn''t even have a companion yet. How can he dream of being anything more than a mere servant?

    Tyrin felt his face burn. The queen was right. His planet held no political or military significance. He possessed no extraordinary gifts¡ªno beauty, no power, no wealth. Not even noble blood ran through his veins.

    Gertrudes, however, raised an eyebrow and laughed.

    ¡ª Hmm... If I recall correctly, your father and mother said the exact same thing to you, Thalyzara. The world can be strange sometimes, don''t you think? AHAHAHAHA!

    The queen''s brow furrowed slightly, but before the tension could escalate, Dravok intervened with his firm yet composed voice:

    ¡ª Ladies, let¡¯s put this matter to rest. We are here to dine and converse. How about we maintain some courtesy?

    Compared to his wife''s haughty demeanor, Dravok was noticeably more humble. His voice was refined and measured, a stark contrast to Thalyzara¡¯s cold arrogance. He was a commoner who had worked tirelessly to be worthy of this woman, and despite her rigid posture, she appreciated this flaw he had overcome.

    ¡ª Very well... Let¡¯s eat ¡ª Thalyzara finally relented.

    The cuisine of Varkaan was served¡ªdishes meticulously prepared with refined ingredients, but with one issue: everything was cold. Tyrin tried to mask his displeasure. The taste was bland, a completely different experience from what he was used to. But when the queen looked directly at him, waiting for a reaction, he hurried to offer praise:

    ¡ª I-It¡¯s delicious!

    ¡ª Hohoho, I¡¯m glad you enjoy it ¡ª Thalyzara responded with a slightly cynical smile.

    After the meal, as everyone awaited dessert, the queen spoke up, a glint of superiority in her eyes.

    ¡ª Now that we¡¯ve finished dinner and are waiting for the wonderful dessert I personally prepared, I¡¯d like to propose a game. What do you all think?

    Luci sighed discreetly. She hated her mother¡¯s games. They always revolved around knowledge and always ended with Thalyzara flaunting her intelligence before others. But she remained silent and allowed the guests to walk into her mother¡¯s trap.

    ¡ª Here in Varkaan, we enjoy testing our knowledge of the universe¡ªwhether about our enemies or about history ¡ª the queen continued. ¡ª And since Gertrudes is a history teacher, I think we can challenge each other until one of us makes a mistake.

    Gertrudes crossed her arms, considering. She loved knowledge, but she knew Thalyzara played on a different battlefield. While her family was made up of warriors, the Varkaan were cunning politicians with access to information even her lineage was unaware of.

    Refusing the challenge, however, would mean admitting incompetence in front of her students.

    ¡ª Well... There are subjects where I might fail, but I¡¯d like to take part in this little game ¡ª she accepted.

    ¡ª Excellent! You may ask your student for help. I promise to go easy on you ¡ª Thalyzara grinned sharply.

    The game began. Questions flowed about historical events, achievements, and mysteries of the universe. Gertrudes was no fool. On many occasions, her knowledge rivaled that of the queen, even drawing expressions of surprise from Luci and Dravok.

    However, as the game progressed, the questions became more specific. Sharper.

    ¡ª How did the Emperor win the Battle of Alpha Centauri and protect his home planet? ¡ª Thalyzara asked, her voice laced with provocation.

    The hall fell silent.

    Gertrudes frowned.

    ¡ª This is ridiculous, Thalyzara. No one knows how he won that battle. To this day, it remains a mystery.

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    ¡ª You should know. Your family was there.

    ¡ª It''s a state secret. Only the Elder knows the truth, and he will probably take it to the grave.

    Thalyzara smiled victoriously.

    ¡ª Hmm... So you don''t know. Well, I suspected this would be beyond your knowledge. But that''s alright, I don¡¯t want to be cruel... I¡¯ll go easy on you. Hahahaha!

    The silence stretched.

    Until, unexpectedly, a voice broke through.

    ¡ª I know the answer.

    All eyes turned to Tyrin.

    Thalyzara¡¯s eyes widened before she let out a laugh of pure mockery.

    ¡ª Hahahahaha! Don¡¯t be ridiculous! Do you know how long people have tried to figure out how the Emperor won that war? Never. Isn¡¯t that right, Gertrudes?

    The teacher looked at Tyrin seriously.

    He clenched his fists.

    Maybe he shouldn¡¯t have spoken.

    But now¡­ everyone was waiting for his answer.

    The hall was steeped in tense silence, so thick it felt almost tangible. The golden lamps of the Varkaan dining room reflected off the silverware and empty plates, but no one was paying attention to the food anymore.

    Every gaze was locked on Tyrin.

    He felt every muscle in his body freeze under the weight of royalty''s scrutiny¡ªand his own foolishness. Why did I say that? He wanted to disappear, to dissolve into thin air that very instant.

    Queen Thalyzara, who had worn a scornful smile just moments ago, now looked at him with something different¡ªsomething sharper, something like genuine interest.

    Gertrudes, by his side, realized things had gone too far.

    ¡ª Tyrin¡­ ¡ª her voice was more careful than ever. ¡ª That was a trick question. Custer does this to test his students. His uncle did the same to us. He uses this challenge as an excuse to decide who deserves to pass his class. I¡¯m sorry.

    But it was too late. The damage was done.

    Thalyzara¡¯s suspicious gaze weighed on Tyrin like lead. He felt the cold grip of reality settle over him¡ªthe same cold that always reminded him of his inferiority.

    The same cold that whispered: you don¡¯t belong here.

    Swallowing hard, he tried to justify himself:

    ¡ª During lessons, I always wondered how the Emperor won that battle. I agree that it seems impossible, especially at first. But what if he knew something we don¡¯t? What if he saw something no one else did, something invisible...?

    It was as if the entire hall had been sucked into a vacuum.

    Thalyzara¡¯s arrogant smile vanished instantly. Her eyes, which had shone with pride and superiority, now pierced into him like sharpened spears. Even Gertrudes, who had just been trying to diffuse the situation, felt the air shift.

    The teacher stood up quickly, trying to shut the conversation down before it was too late.

    ¡ª Tyrin, you fool. ¡ª She laughed nervously. ¡ª Forget about it! It¡¯s already late, we should be leaving, right?

    But Thalyzara didn¡¯t even blink.

    ¡ª Why the rush, Gertrudes? ¡ª Her voice was cold now, stripped of sarcasm or playfulness. She leaned slightly forward, placing her hands on the Table, and staring at Tyrin with intensity. ¡ª Boy, tell me exactly what you¡¯ve discovered.

    Tyrin''s body locked up. He had said too much.

    The way Thalyzara was looking at him now was no longer that of an arrogant queen toying with a commoner.

    It was the look of someone who needed that answer.

    He felt the weight of every gaze on him. Every small movement he made could be interpreted as a challenge.

    Gertrudes sensed the danger rising and immediately shifted into a defensive stance.

    ¡ª Tyrin, we¡¯re leaving. Now. ¡ª Her voice carried a sharp warning.

    He tried to backpedal.

    ¡ª AHAHAHAHA! ¡ª His laughter was forced, nervous. ¡ª Just kidding! What nonsense, right? How could I possibly know something like that? I¡¯m just a dumb commoner, aren¡¯t I? Ha... ha... ha...

    Thalyzara didn¡¯t move.

    ¡ª Do you think you¡¯re leaving this room without telling me exactly what you know about that day?

    The entire hall froze.

    Then, suddenly, Gertrudes sprang from her chair.

    In the same instant, the queen¡¯s guards reached for their holsters.

    The dining hall, once a place of meals and diplomatic conversation, had become a silent battlefield¡ªwhere any movement could be the trigger for something lethal.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, do you really think you can fight an entire planet? ¡ª Thalyzara challenged.

    ¡ª What the hell are you doing, Thalyzara?! ¡ª Gertrudes spat the words with fury. ¡ª Even if he knows something, so what? That battle happened centuries ago! What difference does it make how the Emperor won?

    ¡ª You don¡¯t understand the gravity of this. ¡ª The queen¡¯s tone was dark, dangerously grave.

    Tyrin felt his throat go dry.

    He didn¡¯t fully understand what was happening, but he knew this was bigger than him.

    ¡ª I need to know what he knows. ¡ª Thalyzara turned fully to him now, completely ignoring Gertrudes. ¡ª And even if it costs me my life¡­ we will fight here and now.

    Tyrin¡¯s heart pounded violently.

    He was trapped¡ªbetween a ruthless queen and a teacher willing to risk everything for him.

    So, he did the only thing he could.

    ¡ª I¡¯ll explain everything I know. ¡ª He raised his hands slowly, careful not to make any sudden moves. ¡ª But please, both of you, stop this.

    Thalyzara studied him for a moment.

    Then, she turned to her family.

    ¡ª Guards, Luci, Dravok¡­ leave. Please. If he truly knows something, I¡¯d rather you not hear it.

    ¡ª Love, this makes no sense! ¡ª Dravok protested. ¡ª We can carry this burden together.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right, Mother! Let us help! ¡ª Luci pleaded.

    But the queen was merciless.

    ¡ª Silence. ¡ª Her voice cut through the air like a blade. ¡ª You have no idea what could happen if¡ª

    She hesitated.

    Closed her eyes for a brief moment.

    Then, in a firm decree:

    ¡ª Just leave. Now.

    The silence that followed was thick with frustration.

    Dravok lowered his head, resigned.

    ¡ª Yes, my queen.

    Luci, visibly upset, followed her father.

    ¡ª Yes, Mother¡­

    The doors to the hall closed behind them, leaving only Tyrin, Gertrudes, and Thalyzara.

    For a moment, the tension seemed to dissipate¡ªbut it was only a fleeting illusion.

    Tyrin, now crossing his arms, stared straight at the queen.

    ¡ª They love you, you know? I don¡¯t understand why you can¡¯t be more affectionate, even when no one¡¯s watching.

    Thalyzara shot him a cold glare.

    ¡ª And what can a child like you teach me about taking care of my family?

    She then turned to Gertrudes, her voice laced with authority.

    ¡ª You leave the room too.

    Gertrudes laughed¡ªnot out of amusement, but with pure contempt and disbelief.

    ¡ª So you can kill the kid? Not a chance. If you kill me here, my father will burn this shitty planet to the ground. Your threats don¡¯t work on me.

    Rage flickered in the queen¡¯s eyes.

    ¡ª You cunning little bitch. ¡ª She took a deep breath. ¡ª I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.

    Then, Thalyzara fixed her piercing gaze back on Tyrin.

    ¡ª Boy, tell me what you¡¯ve discovered. And how. ¡ª Her voice was ice-cold, utterly impassive. ¡ª If I don¡¯t like your answer, know this¡ª she gestured subtly behind her, where the guards once stood, that woman won¡¯t be able to protect you from me.

    Tyrin took a deep breath.

    There was no turning back now.

    He began to speak.

 A Woman Enraged

    "Sir, we''re losing all the ships. What should we do?"

    "Nothing... Hold your position."

    Error... Error... Error... Error... Error... Error...

    "Sir, we''re losing all the ships. What should we do?"

    Tyrin stared into the darkness of deep space, his mind desperately trying to piece together an impossible puzzle. Nothing made sense. He blinked, held his breath. For the third time, the aberration appeared before his eyes.

    "We''re going to die... Noooooo¡ª"

    ¡ª Game Over ¡ª

    The classroom remained still for a moment before Professor Manfred¡¯s announcement echoed:

    "Students, you have five minutes to try something. I''ll be in the cafeteria getting a coffee if you need me... or if you make any progress. As if that would happen. HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

    Tyrin sighed. He could see his classmates scattered around the room. Some were sleeping at their desks, having lost patience with reliving that futile battle. Others murmured incoherent words, trying to decipher the enigma hidden within the simulation. He, on the other hand, had already lost count of how many times he had died there. But it didn¡¯t matter.

    Because now, he had a theory.

    Taking a deep breath, without hesitation, he entered the simulation again.

    "Sir, we''re losing all the ships. What should we do?"

    This time, Tyrin already knew what to do. He had noticed something¡­ something that shouldn¡¯t be there. Something that defied reality itself.

    "Fire at quadrant 34-B23."

    "Sir, there''s nothing there. We''ll be giving away our position."

    "Just do it. That¡¯s an order."

    "Yes, sir... Preparing weapons... Targeting 34-B23... Fi¡ª"

    Error... Error... Error... Error... Error... Error...

    The cafeteria was almost empty when Tyrin finally started speaking. His voice, however, echoed through the room with an unsettling intensity.

    "Before coming to this planet, I was studying Virexia. A fascinating world¡­ hostile, but full of knowledge."

    Thalyzara scoffed, impatient.

    "You''re talking about the planet of those damned Draconts? What does that have to do with the war, kid?"

    Tyrin hesitated, but before he could respond, Gertrudes intervened:

    "Thalyzara, you asked for an explanation. Let him speak."

    Thalyzara raised an eyebrow but crossed her arms and nodded.

    "Fine, go on. But get to the point. I hate those bastards."

    Tyrin took a deep breath.

    "Virexia was a unique planet. Against all odds, it generated life. And not just life... humans. Their scientific advancements were revolutionary. But the most impressive thing? It was the only known planet orbiting three massive stars."

    Thalyzara¡¯s expression darkened.

    "Wait... you''re talking about..."

    "Yes."

    "The Three Bodies."

    "Exactly."

    Silence fell over the table. Everyone there knew what that meant. The Virexians were the first to understand the logic behind the chaotic and stable periods of triple-star systems. It was this discovery that had allowed them to survive... for a time.

    Thalyzara clenched her fists.

    "Kid, I¡¯m running out of patience. What the hell does this have to do with the war?"

    Tyrin met her gaze.

    "I became fascinated by this civilization... and by what they discovered. And thanks to them, I understood how the Emperor won."

    A heavy silence.

    Thalyzara narrowed her eyes.

    "Explain yourself."

    Tyrin leaned forward.

    "The answer lies in quadrant 34-B23. But it''s easier to show than to explain."

    She let out an exasperated sigh.

    "Very well. Darwin, are you there?"

    Suddenly, a voice echoed through the room, calm and precise.

    "Good evening, Queen."

    "Don''t worry. He''s my assistant." She turned to Tyrin. "Quadrant name?"

    "34-B23."

    "You heard the kid, Darwin. Show us quadrant 34-B23 in the Emperor¡¯s war simulation at Alpha Centauri."

    The room instantly darkened. Tyrin felt as if he were back inside the simulation, but this time, Thalyzara and Gertrudes stood beside him.

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    "Alright, kid. We''re watching. What are we looking for?"

    He took a deep breath before speaking.

    "The Emperor¡¯s planet is at the center of the empire. He can observe nearly the entire expanse of the universe. Knowing that, and considering we''re looking directly at quadrant 34-B23¡­ where the Dracont family''s planet should be¡­ I need to ask a question."

    Thalyzara¡¯s eyes gleamed in the darkness.

    "Ask."

    "Where is Virexia?"

    The silence that followed was deafening.

    Thalyzara furrowed her brow. Gertrudes narrowed her eyes, searching for something in the vast emptiness of projected space before them. For two women who knew the universe like the back of their hands, locating a planet with three stars should have been simple.

    But Virexia wasn¡¯t there.

    Thalyzara swallowed hard.

    "Darwin... search for Virexia."

    The response came in a cold, mechanical tone:

    "Planet not found. Planet not found. Planet not found."

    A chill ran through the room.

    Thalyzara slowly turned to Tyrin.

    "So that¡¯s how you found out." Her voice was barely a whisper. "What else did you see?"

    He hesitated.

    "Nothing. No matter what I do, the same error message always appears. So¡­ I don¡¯t know. But I suspected. And that¡¯s why I spoke up."

    Another silence.

    Gertrudes chuckled, but without humor.

    "Great. We¡¯ve confirmed this simulation is garbage. Can we leave now? He¡¯s told us everything he knows."

    But Thalyzara remained still. Her gaze was distant, unfocused. Until finally, she broke the silence.

    "Tyrin... what are the chances that you¡¯d identify this error on your first attempt?"

    He blinked.

    "Well... if I knew what I was looking for and knew the solar system¡¯s topography like the back of my hand, I¡¯d say¡­ yes, there would be a good chance. But that would require extraordinary knowledge. Or at least..."

    He hesitated.

    Thalyzara leaned in slightly.

    "Or?"

    Tyrin met her gaze.

    "Or that someone already knew this was going to happen."

    The room seemed to shrink around them.

    Thalyzara exhaled slowly.

    "You''re suggesting that the Emperor knew something invisible existed... before the war?"

    Tyrin nodded.

    "Yes¡­ that''s exactly what I¡¯m saying."

    The silence in the room dragged on, heavy as lead. Neither Tyrin nor Gertrudes dared to interrupt Thalyzara¡¯s thoughts, her unwavering gaze seemingly piercing through time and space.

    Then, she spoke.

    "You know, Gertrudes, you have an excellent student here with you." Her tone was almost nostalgic. "My father once told me something..."

    But before she could continue, the cafeteria door was slammed against the wall with a deafening crash.

    A bloodied body was hurled into the room with brutal force, sliding across the floor until it came to a stop at the center of the simulation. The holographic image flickered and vanished, leaving only the harsh reality before them.

    "Love... What have they done to you?"

    Thalyzara¡¯s heart seemed to stop as she recognized the wounded man before her.

    Her husband, breathing heavily, his skin marked by deep bruises and still-bleeding cuts.

    He tried to speak, but his voice was nothing more than a faint, inaudible whisper.

    Thalyzara¡¯s expression changed in the blink of an eye.

    Fear and pain gave way to something far more dangerous.

    Fury.

    Her eyes, once glassy with unshed tears, slowly lifted toward the entrance of the room.

    Footsteps.

    Footsteps.

    The calm, measured sound of boots echoed through the hall as three figures emerged in the doorway.

    Two of them wore full armor, imposing and intimidating. The black metal shimmered as if it absorbed the very light, their helmets completely concealing their faces.

    But it was the man between them who truly commanded attention.

    Tall, slender, and of an almost unreal beauty. His long blue hair cascaded in soft waves over his shoulders, his eyes reflecting the same deep hue of an infinite ocean. There was something unsettling about the serenity of his expression, as if he were a carefully crafted work of art¡ªimpeccable, untouchable, and, above all... deadly.

    Then he spoke, his voice laced with a hint of mild contempt.

    "You know, Queen, I traveled a long way just to wait on the whims of your little puppet." His gaze fell upon the wounded man in her arms, and he sighed, almost bored. "I needed to talk to you. Oh... how interesting, you have visitors."

    Thalyzara¡¯s stare became a sharpened blade.

    "How dare you do this to my husband?"

    The man smiled. A hollow smile.

    "Hm. I thought this marriage was just a farce. Doesn''t seem like it, ahahahah..." He tilted his head slightly, as if analyzing the scene. "Anyway, I came on the Emperor''s orders. I truly needed to see you urgently. Who would have thought that this inferior being would try to stop me? The messenger himself¡­ got what he deserved." He gestured casually toward the bloodied body. "But don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t kill him."

    Then, his eyes gleamed slightly as he noticed another presence.

    "Well, well, well¡­ Gertrudes. What a pleasant surprise."

    The woman didn¡¯t hesitate. Her tone was ice-cold.

    "Azrael. I see you''re still the same son of a bitch as always."

    He placed a hand over his chest, feigning indignation.

    "You wound my feelings, speaking like that." Then, his smile vanished. "But we can talk after I finish what I need to. Sound good?"

    As Gertrudes and Azrael exchanged sharp words, Thalyzara was no longer listening. Her eyes were fixed on the pale face of the man in her arms. She gently caressed his cheek, feeling the fever burning through him.

    "Why did you do this¡­ you idiot?" she murmured to herself.

    The answer came between coughs and groans of pain.

    "I¡­ I didn¡¯t want them to interfere with you... cough, cough... I really am weak, ahah... cough, cough..."

    "Shut up for a moment." Her voice trembled, but it was with rage, not sorrow.

    "Kid, Gertrudes, get my husband out of here. I need to teach this son of a bitch a lesson."

    Gertrudes turned sharply.

    "Thalyzara, no! He¡¯s a Vultras. You¡¯ll end up getting yourself killed! Let¡¯s at least hear what he has to say."

    But reason no longer existed in the Queen¡¯s eyes. There was only something primal. Savage.

    She slowly rose, carefully laying her husband on the ground, then faced Azrael like a predator ready to tear apart its prey.

    "I have been on this planet for nearly 40 years¡­ and now you dare enter my home?" Her voice was low at first, but it grew. "You are not ready¡­ YOU ARE NOT READY!!!"

    The air around her seemed to vibrate. Then, with a visceral scream, she raised her hands.

    The very space around her shimmered. The golden radiance emanating from her body took shape, a spectacle of power that absorbed every particle of light around it.

    Piece by piece, a golden armor materialized.

    The breastplate, sculpted with exquisite detail, shone as if forged from celestial gold. The sharp pauldrons extended like the blades of an ancient relic. Each segment of her armor fit together perfectly, molding to her body like a second skin.

    But it was what emerged behind her that made even Azrael arch an eyebrow.

    Wings.

    They weren¡¯t made of feathers. They were made of blades.

    Golden steel, sharp enough to slice through reality itself, pulsed like silent thunder. Each beat of the wings illuminated the room in dazzling flashes, casting monstrous shadows on the walls.

    Gertrudes held her breath.

    And then the ceiling exploded.

    A colossal force tore through the structure above them, sending debris raining down like meteors. And from above, like divine judgment, Igniselda descended.

    An entity of fire and destruction, tearing through the sky with its very presence.

    Gertrudes'' face went pale.

    "We''re fucked."

    She clutched the unconscious king and shouted to Tyrin:

    "We need to get out of here, now! They''re going to destroy everything!"

    "We can try waiting at the exit!" Tyrin suggested, trying to stay calm.

    But Gertrudes turned to him with a look of pure terror.

    "No. You don¡¯t understand."

    She tightened her grip on the king and murmured, almost voiceless:

    "We need to leave this continent."

 Unwanted Guest - Chapter 40

    "Where is Luci? We need to get her, professor."

    The frantic voice echoed down the dark corridor, where shadows stretched in distorted shapes, as if the very walls were watching them.

    "We don¡¯t need to. Look over there."

    All eyes turned to the end of the hallway. On the cold, bloodstained floor, Ignis lay unconscious. His body, still tense, seemed to have instinctively placed itself between danger and a young girl with red hair. Her face was smeared with dried blood, but her breathing was steady¡ªshe had only fainted.

    "Hold the amulet in Dravok¡¯s hand and summon the beast Tyrin."

    Tyrin hesitated for a moment but did as ordered. As soon as he placed the amulet in Dravok¡¯s hand and murmured the creature¡¯s name, a tremor rippled through the air. Ignis¡¯s silhouette flickered like smoke before vanishing, as if sucked into something unseen. The path was clear.

    "Well, I¡¯m already carrying the father, so take the daughter."

    "No problem, professor. But now what? How do we get out of here?"

    "I have no idea."

    Before they could think, a voice rose from the shadows. Familiar. Precise.

    "Perhaps I can help you."

    Their eyes met. Gertrude blinked, surprised.

    "Darwin¡­ is that you?"

    "Yes, ma¡¯am. I¡¯ve found an exit. There¡¯s another soldier guarding the main entrance, similar to the one facing the queen. Take the first right, then the second left."

    Meanwhile, in the now-ruined grand dining hall, two opponents faced each other. The air vibrated with tension.

    "I didn¡¯t come here to fight¡­" The male voice echoed, dripping with disdain. "But you overestimate yourself¡­ queen."

    The silence was broken by the snap of fingers.

    "Leonithar, step forward."

    A biting cold filled the room. Behind Azrael, the darkness seemed to condense, and then, as if emerging from the void itself, a colossal five-meter-tall lion rose. Its presence was mesmerizing¡ªits bluish fur shimmered under a spectral light, and a glow pulsed through its body. But when it roared, it was not just a sound¡­ it was a call. A threat. Something that made every fiber of those present tighten.

    The queen did not flinch. Her eyes shone, defiant.

    "Do you really think this insignificant creature can turn the tide?"

    Azrael smirked.

    "I won¡¯t lie, I know I can¡¯t defeat your pet. It is ancient¡­ millennia old. But I don¡¯t need to defeat it. I just need time."

    He raised a hand.

    "Soldiers, ignore the beast. Focus on the queen."

    The air crackled around her, charged with electricity. Her golden armor, a gift from past generations, gleamed like a sun forged in metal. Her blade-like wings spread with a sharp, slicing sound¡ªlike swords being unsheathed all at once.

    Two warriors lunged forward.

    The first barely had time to raise his sword before one of her wings moved. The strike was silent. Lethal. He froze mid-attack, eyes wide. A moment later, his helmet split apart, and his body collapsed to the ground.

    The second tried to retreat, but it was too late. The queen shot forward like a golden meteor. At the last moment, her wings folded inward, unleashing a gale of razor-sharp blades. The projectiles danced through the air before piercing the warrior, slicing through his armor as if it were paper.

    He stumbled back, gasping for breath.

    She appeared behind him in the blink of an eye.

    A cold whisper brushed his ear.

    "Too slow."

    And then, her wings closed in. Metal screeched as it met metal. And when they parted again, the warrior no longer existed.

    Silence reigned. The dust settled.

    Azrael raised an eyebrow, bored.

    "Now this¡­ this gives me a reason to enjoy myself."

    Meanwhile, in a dead-end corridor, Gertrude and Tyrin stopped, panting.

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    "This isn¡¯t right¡­ where are we?"

    Darwin remained calm.

    "Don¡¯t worry. Pull the sconce on the right."

    Tyrin hesitated but obeyed. As soon as the metal chain was pulled, a sharp click echoed, and part of the wall began to shift, revealing a passage to the outside.

    But before they could escape, something blocked their path.

    Silhouettes emerged from the shadows. Soldiers in dark armor, identical to those who served Azrael, raised heavy rifles in their direction.

    The metallic clicks of weapons being readied thundered through the silence.

    "None of you move."

    The threat was clear.

    The tension, palpable.

    The next move could mean life¡­ or death.

    The battlefield pulsed like a living organism, every strike and roar reverberating through the thick darkness of the night. Two battles unfolded simultaneously¡ªa brutal and mesmerizing spectacle of strength and cunning.

    On one side, Igniselda, the colossal iguana, raised her scaly head in a silent challenge. Her scales, as tough as iron blades, reflected the pale glow of the flames consuming the wreckage around them. Before her, the ice-eyed lion¡ªLeonithar¡ªgrowled, muscles tensed before he lunged.

    The feline shot forward like lightning, claws digging into the ground before leaping. His razor-sharp fangs clamped down on the reptilian creature¡¯s neck, but there was no blood. Igniselda didn¡¯t even flinch.

    With a sudden, ruthless motion, the iguana jerked her head, flinging the lion through the air as if he were nothing more than a rag doll. Before the beast could recover, a sharp whistle cut through the air¡ªCRACK!¡ªher monstrous tail slammed down with a deafening impact, crushing the lion against a rock. Dust billowed in a choking veil.

    Leonithar struggled to rise, staggering, but Igniselda would give him no chance. Her enormous claws closed around the feline¡¯s body, pinning him to the ground with an irresistible force. Then, her colossal jaws parted, revealing teeth as sharp as ceremonial daggers.

    The lion¡¯s final roar faded as the creature¡¯s maw snapped shut.

    On the other side of the battlefield, two unstoppable forces clashed.

    Thalyzara, the warrior in golden armor, was a whirlwind of blades. Her razor-sharp wings sliced through the air in a dazzling display of light and steel. Her opponent, a man with blue hair and a serene gaze, raised his hand, and a spiral of energy crackled around him, dissipating her initial attacks.

    She did not hesitate. Spinning midair, propelled by her own strength, she unleashed a storm of golden blades at him.

    The warrior moved like a shadow, dodging with superhuman speed. In the blink of an eye, he reappeared behind her. Energy flared in his hand, and before Thalyzara could react, a brutal strike hit her back.

    BOOM!

    She was hurled across the battlefield, sliding across the cold stone floor. Her breaths came heavy, the taste of blood sharp on her lips. But instead of despairing, she smiled.

    "Not bad¡­" she murmured, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

    Before he could reply, she vanished.

    SHING!

    A golden blade sliced past his skin. He dodged at the last second, only to feel a second blade graze his cheek. A thin cut appeared, and the predatory glint in his eyes sharpened.

    The battle became a ballet of light and shadow. Strikes and counterstrikes. Neither gave an inch. Every burst of energy, every spinning blade was met with lethal precision.

    Time passed. Both were wounded, their bodies slick with sweat and blood. Then, without a word, they leaped back at the same moment. They landed together, like distorted reflections of each other.

    Their eyes met.

    It was a draw.

    Thalyzara knew she had to take this fight seriously. But the cost would be immense.

    And then¡ªthe world shattered.

    From above, a bolt of lightning tore through the sky, striking between the two combatants. The explosion made the earth tremble, and sparks danced like ghosts in the air.

    Thalyzara instinctively shielded her face. The acrid scent of ozone and smoke clung to everything. And then, a deep, commanding voice cut through the silence.

    ¡ª Thalyzara. You are as strong as your father¡­ and just as stubborn.

    At the center of the arena, where there had been only dust and debris, a colossal figure now stood.

    Orion.

    Nearly four meters tall, his presence made the very space around him feel small. Unlike Azrael, his hair was silver, like freshly forged steel. His eyes¡ªcold and calculating¡ªswept across the battlefield with a dangerous calm.

    Thalyzara recognized that man.

    ¡ª Lord Orion¡­ What are you doing here?

    His voice was firm, but unhurried.

    ¡ª I must apologize for my recklessness. I did not intend for things to escalate this way. I assure you, Azrael will be punished for what he has done.

    Azrael himself scoffed, irritated:

    ¡ª But sir, she was the one who started¡ª

    ¡ª Shut up.

    Orion didn¡¯t need to raise his voice. But the weight of his words made the air grow heavier.

    ¡ª Do you think I didn¡¯t see? Do you think I am unaware of what happened? Stay silent¡­ if you wish to keep breathing tonight.

    A deadly silence fell over the black stone hall.

    Then, Orion turned to Thalyzara.

    ¡ª Lady Thalyzara, despite everything, we did not come here to fight. We must unite against a common enemy.

    He paused.

    ¡ª I admit our initial approach was less than ideal, but I believe the two men you killed have already satisfied your thirst for blood. Am I wrong?

    She crossed her arms, studying him.

    ¡ª I see you still have a way with words, Lord Orion.

    Her eyes narrowed.

    ¡ª But I am in the middle of a fight. Your subordinate made mistakes, and now he is paying for them. If you don¡¯t mind, step aside.

    The room seemed to freeze.

    Orion did not smile.

    ¡ª I did not become the emperor¡¯s right hand by being fair and merciful. I became it by being strong.

    His voice rumbled like distant thunder.

    He raised his hand. His eyes glowed with something dark.

    ¡ª Malaya.

    The ground trembled.

    A deep, guttural roar reverberated through the chamber. The walls shook. Something colossal stirred beneath the earth, like a nightmare rising from its grave.

    And then, it emerged.

    The serpent.

    Malaya.

    A massive shadow slithered out from the depths, devouring the light around it. Its coiling body could wrap around the entire castle. Its black-and-gold scales gleamed under the dim torchlight.

    Its yellow eyes, cold as soulless blades, locked onto Thalyzara.

    A chill ran down her spine.

    Behind her, Igniselda growled¡ªbut for a fleeting moment, even the fiery beast seemed to hesitate.

    Malaya opened its mouth.

    The air filled with a monstrous hiss, so deep it made reality itself tremble. Curved fangs, as large as spears, glistened as a toxic mist began to seep out, spreading like creeping death.

    Orion¡¯s voice echoed, laced with deadly irony.

    ¡ª So then, Lady Thalyzara¡­ do you still wish to test your strength?

    The fate of the battle hung on a single choice.

    And time was running out.

 The Price of Surrender - Chapter 41

    "What do we do now, professor?"

    Gertrudes felt a shiver run down her spine. This didn¡¯t make sense. The passage was supposed to be secret¡ªan invisible path, unreachable. And yet, there they were¡ªarmed soldiers, weapons raised, heavy artillery strong enough to bring down even CaoCao.

    Her eyes widened. ¡°How?¡±

    A quiet chuckle echoed through the space, and from the midst of the group, a man with glasses emerged, moving with the calm of someone who had already won before the battle even began.

    "Perhaps I can answer that question, Miss Gertrudes Scar."

    She felt the weight of his words before she even processed them. The man adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose and continued, his tone laced with subtle venom.

    "You know, I thought hacking this planet¡¯s security system would be a challenge... But in the end, it was actually quite fun. Isn¡¯t that right, Darwin?"

    Suddenly, Darwin¡¯s voice rang clearly in the ears of everyone present.

    "At your command, My Queen. What else do you desire?"

    The title sounded strange. He made a slight grimace, as if tasting something bitter.

    "I¡¯ll admit, being called ¡®queen¡¯ bothers me, but I¡¯m taking it in stride. What matters is that you are exactly where I wanted you to be."

    Gertrudes felt a tightness in her chest. Something was profoundly wrong.

    The man continued, his voice carrying a dangerous calm. "I saw some very interesting things today. But I¡¯m not here to fight your family. Let¡¯s negotiate."

    The silence in the room grew heavier.

    "What do you propose, Mr...?"

    "S." He smirked slightly, as if his real name was of no importance. "Just S."

    "Very well, S. What do you want?"

    He tilted his head slightly, as if savoring the moment.

    "It would be interesting if you came with me. Your friend seems determined to destroy this planet because she refuses to accept defeat. Maybe you and your family can help her see reason before she does something... irreversible."

    The tension in the now-destroyed dining hall intensified. Orion, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke.

    "You know as well as I do that, under the law of my planet and any other under Imperial rule, what you¡¯ve done is treason. And treason only has one sentence."

    "We are entering dark times, Thalyzara." Orion¡¯s voice was grave. "If your father were alive, he would agree with me."

    She met his gaze with a piercing stare. "If my father were alive, you¡¯d already be dead."

    Orion smiled enigmatically. "Your father, before he was a warrior, was a diplomat. And despite our rough start, my role here is to resolve this standoff... So, bring them in."

    The echo of his command reverberated off the metallic walls. Firm footsteps resounded through the now-destroyed doorway, and then they appeared¡ªGertrudes, Tyrin, and Thalyzara¡¯s family.

    The man with glasses sighed, adjusting his posture as if he regretted what he was about to say. "I hate this kind of diplomacy... but I need to be heard. Your divine armor may protect you from me, but your family isn¡¯t so lucky."

    The threat wasn¡¯t spoken outright, but it lingered in the air, palpable.

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    "So, let¡¯s be reasonable. I am in a favorable position. Let¡¯s talk."

    Thalyzara had never felt so vulnerable. Not even her father, with all the power he had possessed, had been in a situation like this. Her mind raced, searching for a way out. What would her father do? But as she allowed herself to consider the answer, a chill ran down her spine.

    She knew exactly what he would do.

    But it was something she didn¡¯t want to do.

    A soldier¡¯s voice broke the heavy silence.

    "Lord Orion, they have all been captured... Even the boy."

    Orion smiled, satisfied.

    "Excellent. Lady Thalyzara, without further delay, my request is simple. I want the planet Klandato, which is under your jurisdiction, along with the forces stationed there for security purposes."

    She blinked, surprised. "Is this a joke? Why the hell would you want the most distant planet in the Empire, on the edge of the universe?"

    Orion¡¯s eyes gleamed. "Gold extraction on a planet composed of 30% of the mineral is fascinating. But that doesn¡¯t interest me. I need Klandato for reasons beyond wealth. The Empire needs it."

    "This is a joke." Thalyzara narrowed her eyes, disbelief evident. "It doesn¡¯t make sense. Klandato is far from any threats. It¡¯s on the opposite side of the Tyranos. Nothing within hundreds of light-years poses a danger there."

    Orion remained impassive. His cold gaze betrayed no emotion. He had been sent to solve a problem, but diplomacy was never his strong suit. Seizing a planet without a plausible justification could spark an internal war¡ªand he knew it. But that order had come from the Emperor himself. He didn¡¯t have the luxury of questioning it.

    "Everything will be clarified in due time," he responded, his voice measured, unhurried. "I know it¡¯s hard to accept, but I need you to¡ª"

    "I accept."

    The room plunged into silence.

    "Release my husband and daughter, and Klandato is yours. I never cared for that planet. The transport costs kept us barely breaking even."

    Orion raised an eyebrow slightly. "Well, that is excellent. But given the events of this mission¡­ some losses were inevitable. That¡¯s why I¡¯d like to extend my request."

    Thalyzara didn¡¯t move a muscle, but something inside her tensed. Surrendering a planet was already difficult¡ªthe Elders would never understand. But she would do anything for her family. Her father had never hesitated to sacrifice whatever was necessary for the greater good. She, on the other hand, hesitated.

    "What else do you want?"

    Orion slowly turned to the group. His eyes scanned their faces until his finger rose, pointing directly at one of them.

    "I want that boy."

    Tyrin froze. A chill ran down his spine. His heart pounded in his chest, but he didn¡¯t know why. He didn¡¯t even understand what was happening.

    Thalyzara looked at the boy as if he were an insignificant insect. "You¡¯re talking about this kid?" She scoffed, crossing her arms. "He¡¯s not even my kind. Look at him."

    Tyrin felt her gaze pierce through him. He expected nothing but disdain, but still, something inside him rebelled.

    Orion smiled enigmatically. "Exactly. And that¡¯s why I¡¯m taking him with us."

    Thalyzara narrowed her eyes. "You can¡¯t just take him. He isn¡¯t my family, but he is under Gertrudes¡¯ guardianship. Legally, that means you need Vanaheim¡¯s permission."

    Orion remained silent.

    Thalyzara continued, her tone laced with irony. "Which means Helena¡¯s permission. And, honestly, I don¡¯t know if you¡¯d be able to get past Charon."

    In the distance, Gertrudes understood the move. If Tyrin was under Vanaheim¡¯s jurisdiction, Orion could never take him without severe consequences.

    For a moment, silence reigned. Then, Orion smiled.

    "I understand." He adjusted his gloves and looked at Azrael. "Then I will personally escort the boy to Vanaheim. After all, our conversation here is over."

    Thalyzara¡¯s shoulders dropped slightly. She couldn¡¯t stop him. If she tried anything, her family would pay the price.

    She had already given up an entire planet.

    What was one boy who meant nothing to her?

    Nothing.

    But to Gertrudes¡­

    "Since you¡¯re taking Tyrin," her voice rang out just as Orion was preparing to leave, "and since they arrived on my ship, I think it would be best if you took me with you as well."

    Orion turned slowly. His gaze hardened.

    Gertrudes smiled, defiant. "I hope that won¡¯t be a problem."

    For a moment, Orion stood still, assessing her. Then, his expression softened.

    "Of course," he replied, though his tone betrayed a latent discomfort. "Gertrudes will be most welcome."

    Tyrin didn¡¯t know what to feel. He was being taken away, but at least Gertrudes would be with him. It was the only thing keeping him from succumbing to panic.

    The ship was large. Luxurious. Tyrin and Gertrudes were taken to a comfortable room, equipped with everything they might need. But it was no illusion.

    Before entering, Orion demanded one thing from Gertrudes.

    "Your necklace."

    She hesitated for a brief moment before removing it and handing it over. As soon as she did, she was escorted inside.

    The door closed behind them.

    "It¡¯s locked," Gertrudes tested the door, but it was useless. She ran her hand over the metallic surface. "And this material..." She furrowed her brows. "This isn¡¯t ordinary. It was made to be unbreakable."

    Gertrudes crossed her arms, leaning against the wall.

    "This wasn¡¯t a mistake. We were put here for a reason. But don¡¯t worry, Tyrin. I got you into this situation, and I¡¯ll get you out. No matter the cost."

    Tyrin nodded but remained uneasy.

    Hours passed.

    The door finally opened, and Orion stepped inside.

    His cold gaze fixed on the boy.

    "Gertrudes Scar," he said, his voice low but weighted. "Allow me to speak with your student. There¡¯s something I need to know."

 The Emperor and the Hidden Truth - Chapter 42

    Tyrin felt the tension spread through his muscles, every fiber of his body alert to the invisible danger unfolding before him. The situation was slipping from his control, flowing like sand through his fingers, and yet he knew he had to maintain his composure. This was not the time for hesitation.

    ¡ª Lord Orion¡­ ¡ª His voice carried a strange weight, an uncertainty he couldn¡¯t disguise. ¡ª I can speak. How can I help you?

    Orion smiled, but it wasn¡¯t an ordinary smile. There was something predatory in the curve of his lips, something that made Tyrin wonder if he truly wanted to know the answer.

    ¡ª Wonderful. If everyone in the Empire were as¡­ proactive as you, I wouldn¡¯t have to dirty my hands so often. ¡ª Orion paused, as if carefully choosing his words, then shook his head. ¡ª Anyway¡­

    He approached the table in the center of the room, his footsteps nearly silent on the floor. His fingers glided over the cold wood before he gestured to the chair on the other side.

    ¡ª Sit down. I need to tell you a story.

    Tyrin obeyed, though the unease within him grew. Before he could fully settle, Gertrudes pulled up another chair and sat beside him. Her eyes locked onto Orion¡¯s with a sharp gleam.

    ¡ª Orion¡­ You know some things should never be spoken. Nor heard. ¡ª Her voice was a whisper laced with suspicion. ¡ª What is your true intention?

    Orion let out a short sigh, almost amused.

    ¡ª Always so distrustful, your family¡­ Always seeing conspiracies and betrayals where none exist. ¡ª He gestured dismissively, but his expression soon turned more serious. ¡ª But I admit, this time, your suspicion is warranted.

    ¡ª You know your track record doesn¡¯t help you much¡­ ¡ª Gertrudes narrowed her eyes.

    ¡ª Perhaps. But that hardly matters now. What truly matters is that we are dying. Our society is on the brink of collapse, and we need answers. I never wanted deaths¡­ least of all my own men.

    A heavy silence settled over the room. Tyrin and Gertrudes exchanged glances, weighing whether they should stay, whether they should hear what Orion had to say. But they were in too deep to turn back. They knew it.

    ¡ª Alright, ¡ª Tyrin broke the silence. ¡ª We¡¯re listening.

    Orion nodded and extended a small metallic device toward him. A cold cube, with a discreet button on its side.

    ¡ª I need you to run the simulation again. This time¡­ go all the way.

    The memory of what had happened last time made the hairs on the back of Tyrin¡¯s neck stand on end. But he pressed the button.

    The world around him changed instantly.

    The simulation was the same. The same commands. The same mistakes.

    "Sir, we¡¯re losing all our ships. What should we do?"

    "Fire at quadrant 34-B23."

    "Sir, there¡¯s nothing there. We¡¯ll reveal our position."

    "Just do it. That¡¯s an order."

    "Yes, sir¡­ Preparing weapons¡­ Aiming at 34-B23¡­ Fire."

    This time, something different happened.

    Tyrin watched as the ammunition traveled through the void, heading for a point that should have been empty. But the space did not remain empty.

    As if an invisible veil had been torn apart, something appeared. Something colossal. Ancient. Incomprehensible. A massive structure, like a city floating in the void, revealed itself before him.

    The air grew heavy, and his chest tightened, as if he were being crushed by the very concept of what he was seeing. And then¡­ it began.

    The colossus opened fire. But not at them.

    In a silent, absolute frenzy, its weapons swept across space, reducing the enemy fleet to wreckage within minutes. Without hesitation. Without mercy. Yet, for some unknown reason, none of the allied ships were touched.

    And as suddenly as it had appeared, the titan vanished. As if it had never existed.

    Gertrudes broke the silence, her voice unsteady.

    ¡ª This... this doesn¡¯t make sense. Why did we hide this? What the hell was that?

    Orion didn¡¯t answer immediately. His gaze drifted for a moment before he finally murmured:

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    ¡ª We don¡¯t know much. But the Emperor himself told us that he entered that ship. And that he spoke, for hours, with the... beings inside.

    Gertrudes frowned, doubt clear in her eyes.

    ¡ª How is that possible? In the middle of battle? He just... disappeared?

    Orion took a deep breath before answering, his voice lower, almost hesitant.

    ¡ª What we managed to understand... is that these things... these beings... seemed capable of stopping time.

    Gertrudes turned her gaze to Tyrin, waiting for his reaction.

    ¡ª Tyrin... what do you think could have happened?

    Silence.

    ¡ª Tyrin...?

    Something was wrong.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes were fixed on nothing, his body rigid as if an invisible force had imprisoned him. His muscles didn¡¯t respond. The air around him felt heavy, suffocating.

    Then, his vision darkened.

    The world disappeared.

    The distant voices became faint, unreal.

    He heard Gertrudes calling him. Calling his name. More than once.

    But... he couldn¡¯t respond.

    Before he could grasp what was happening, the darkness swallowed him completely.

    And then...

    He woke up somewhere else.

    The silence was absolute. The air was dense, different from anything he had ever felt before.

    ¡ª Where the hell am I...? ¡ª he murmured, trying to remember what had happened. He had fired. The shot had hit the target. And then... everything went white.

    A voice echoed from somewhere far away.

    ¡ª I thought it would take millennia before someone appeared here again...

    Tyrin turned, his heart pounding.

    A silhouette was approaching. Running toward him. The contours were familiar, yet impossible.

    His eyes narrowed, trying to recognize the face. But when the figure came close enough, he saw.

    And he knew that face.

    Because it was everywhere.

    The darkness around him seemed to expand and contract in sync with his quickened breathing. The air was thick, laden with an oppressive sensation he couldn¡¯t explain. Before him, the man everyone knew as the Emperor stood motionless, his rigid silhouette outlined against the void.

    Tyrin frowned.

    ¡ª Emperor? What are you doing here? Or rather... what are we doing here? And... where exactly is here?

    The man turned slowly, his sharp eyes scanning Tyrin from head to toe. Then, he let out a heavy sigh, as if something weighed deeply on him.

    ¡ª I see that you are human, just like me. ¡ª He paused, narrowing his eyes. ¡ª How are things out there? Did we win the war?

    The question caught Tyrin off guard.

    ¡ª War? What war?

    The Emperor took a step forward, his expression hardening, growing impatient.

    ¡ª The fight to protect my planet! Don¡¯t play dumb, you came from there. ¡ª He tilted his head slightly. ¡ª What happened? Did I save my people?

    Tyrin hesitated. Something about this was very, very wrong.

    ¡ª If you¡¯re talking about the war in Alpha Centauri... yes, we won.

    The tension in the Emperor¡¯s face faded for a brief moment. He closed his eyes and smiled slightly, but there was something broken in that smile, as if he were on the verge of a terrible realization.

    ¡ª Wonderful... great... so my sacrifice wasn¡¯t in vain...

    Sacrifice. The word echoed in Tyrin¡¯s mind, leaving behind an unsettling sensation. He shook his head, confused.

    ¡ª Sacrifice? I¡¯m sorry, but¡­ you didn¡¯t sacrifice yourself. You won that war. You¡¯re still alive today, thanks to genetic engineering.

    The Emperor¡¯s eyes widened. His entire body went rigid.

    ¡ª I¡¯m alive? ¡ª he repeated, as if trying to digest the information. ¡ª Wait¡­ I didn¡¯t die? Then¡­ where the hell am I¡ª

    He stopped abruptly. His eyes locked onto something unseen, as if a dark revelation had just struck him with overwhelming force. The shock on his face was devastating. He staggered back a step, his breathing quickening.

    Then, without warning, he ran.

    ¡ª Hey! ¡ª Tyrin shouted, but the Emperor didn¡¯t respond.

    He vanished into the darkness, and with no other choice, Tyrin ran after him. He sprinted with all his strength, each step echoing in the shapeless void. The ground beneath him felt unstable, as if he were treading on a surface that shouldn¡¯t exist. The space around him shifted, compressing and expanding, as though it were made of something alive.

    After what felt like endless turns, something changed.

    The darkness began to recede.

    A light appeared ahead, growing brighter with every step. Tyrin forced his legs to move faster, feeling desperation pounding in his chest.

    Until, finally, he emerged from the shadows.

    And froze.

    ¡ª What the fuck is this? ¡ª he murmured.

    Before him stretched a colossal city. Not just any city¡ªbut something that defied his very comprehension. Towering buildings rose as far as the eye could see, disappearing into the clouds. Impossible structures, made of materials that gleamed in metallic and spectral hues, floated above the streets. The sky was an endless expanse, but something about it¡­ something was wrong.

    The Emperor was there. Standing ahead, staring upward.

    ¡ª Lord Emperor! ¡ª Tyrin called out, struggling to catch his breath. ¡ª What the hell is happening? Where is this place?

    The man didn¡¯t answer immediately. He just kept looking at the sky, his eyes reflecting something Tyrin couldn¡¯t see. When he finally spoke, his voice was laden with unimaginable weight.

    ¡ª You know¡­ ¡ª he murmured ¡ª I wanted to protect my homeland. I believed that no matter the cost, I would do whatever it took. ¡ª A humorless chuckle escaped his throat. ¡ª How did I let this happen?

    Tyrin watched in disbelief as tears rolled down the Emperor¡¯s face.

    The scene was surreal.

    This was the most powerful man in the universe. A ruthless leader. A conqueror who had shaped entire civilizations with his decisions. And yet, standing there before him¡­ he wept.

    And suddenly, everything felt even more wrong.

    ¡ª Lord Emperor¡­ I¡¯m completely lost here. ¡ª Tyrin swallowed hard. ¡ª Can you please explain what the hell is going on?

    The man ran a hand over his face, as if trying to pull himself together. Then, he turned to face Tyrin directly.

    ¡ª That day, ¡ª he began, his voice dark with something unreadable ¡ª I knew I was going to lose the war. I knew I was going to die. And still, I didn¡¯t hesitate for even a second.

    He paused.

    Then, he said it.

    ¡ª Even knowing I would take billions with me¡­ I still did what I did.

    Tyrin¡¯s breath caught in his throat.

    A chill ran down his spine.

    ¡ª I¡¯m going to tell you what really happened.

 The Emperor and the Hidden Truth - Part 2 - Chapter 43

    "I am not of this world."

    The emperor¡¯s voice cut through reality like a whisper, laden with something indescribable. Tyrin felt an involuntary shiver as he faced the man whose very presence seemed to distort the air around him.

    "I had another name, another life. Another mother. Another father. But one day, I gave it all up. I climbed to the top of the tallest building I knew¡­ and jumped."

    The moment the words were spoken, something plummeted from the sky. A blur of flesh and bone struck the ground with a dull, wet impact. The air filled with a sharp, metallic scent. Tyrin felt something warm trickling down his cheek¡ªa thick, sticky substance. He raised a hand to his face, trying to understand what it was, and then¡­ he saw it.

    An eye.

    Wedged within a shapeless mass of flesh and blood, it spun toward him, as if still able to see.

    The scream caught in his throat. Around him, panic spread like wildfire. People ran in all directions, screaming in horror. But within seconds, everything dissolved into silence.

    Now, only he and the emperor remained before the grotesque scene.

    And then, the man spoke again.

    "That is me. Or rather, that was me."

    Tyrin''s mind struggled to process what he was hearing.

    "Before," the emperor continued, unhurried, "the world was an unbearable weight. Nothing made sense to me. Everything was an endless curve, with no beginning and no end. I never saw the cup overflow until it was too late. I was a spectator in my own existence. But a second before I hit the ground¡­ I saw the end. And I regretted it."

    The silence that followed was almost tangible.

    Tyrin, unable to contain his confusion, stammered, "I¡­ I don¡¯t understand, Your Majesty."

    The man smiled, but it was an empty smile, devoid of humor.

    "Call me Heitor. That is my real name."

    Tyrin frowned.

    "But¡­ the records say your name is¡ª"

    "Odin DoomHammer," the emperor interrupted. "Yes, that is the name I was given when I reincarnated."

    The ground beneath them seemed to tremble. Sirens from patrol units echoed in the distance, rapidly approaching. But then, like a dream vanishing in an instant, everything stopped. Time twisted in on itself.

    And in the blink of an eye¡­ the ground was clean.

    The corpse was gone. The blood, the bones, the stench of death¡ªeverything had been erased, as if it had never happened.

    Tyrin''s heart pounded. He looked at Heitor, expecting an explanation. But the emperor simply gazed at the horizon, as if waiting for something.

    Then, unexpectedly, he laughed.

    "But today, I have a visitor. HAHAHAH! Come, I want to show you some places from my first life."

    With no other choice, Tyrin followed the emperor down a path that should not have existed.

    The city before them was magnificent, immaculate. Every building gleamed with exaggerated luxury, as if reality had been refined to a state of artificial perfection.

    "This city is beautiful," Tyrin murmured. "I didn¡¯t even know a place like this existed."

    Heitor laughed again, but this time, there was something melancholic in his tone.

    "And it doesn¡¯t."

    Tyrin turned to face him, perplexed.

    "We were alone in this universe," Heitor explained. "No enemies. No threats. We had no need to defend ourselves. So we indulged in frivolities. This¡­ this is what I miss the most."

    "My planet was born in war, as were all planets in my era¡ªand, most likely, yours as well. We were always in the shadow of the worst, burying ourselves beneath earth and concrete or forging desperate creations to protect us. But in the end, we were just prisoners of the wind, waiting silently for the inevitable collapse."

    They walked for hours. Or perhaps for a time that could not be measured.

    At some point, Heitor mentioned that there was a precise limit to how far they could go. Exactly three kilometers from the place of his death. In any direction¡ªbut not a centimeter more. Not a centimeter less.

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    Tyrin felt the weight of those words but couldn¡¯t grasp why.

    "Your Majesty..."

    "Just call me Heitor."

    "...Heitor, then. I still don¡¯t understand what you mean by ¡®another universe.¡¯"

    Heitor stopped and took a deep breath before answering.

    "I didn¡¯t understand it at first either. It took me decades to accept. But, to put it simply... I died in my universe. And when I woke up, I was in yours. I gained some... interesting things."

    He turned to face Tyrin, his eyes scrutinizing him as if reading something invisible.

    "And I see that you have, too."

    A chill ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine.

    "What do you mean?"

    Heitor narrowed his eyes.

    "One of my rarest abilities allows me to see the status of people and monsters. All of them. Even what¡¯s hidden from themselves. I saw it in friends... and even enemies."

    Tyrin¡¯s mouth went dry.

    "And what do you see?"

    Silence was the only response for a long moment.

    Then, Heitor whispered:

    "Your status... is impossible."

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 12

    ? Classification: SSS / 00 ¡ª Primordial Apex

    ? Strength: 22

    ? Endurance: 37

    ? Speed: 22

    ? Skill: 39

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 18

    Hidden Abilities:

    ? Precursor (+100 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    ? Precursor of the Middle (+500 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    ? Precursor of the End (+1000 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    ? Precursor of Redemption (+1,000,000 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    ? Unshakable (+10 to all stats) (hidden)

    Pet:

    ? Il¨²tar, the Dragon

    "If I had to summarize your potential..." Heitor paused, his eyes unreadable as he studied Tyrin. "You would be an unspeakable abomination."

    Those words weighed on Tyrin like a divine verdict. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, but before he could react, Heitor continued:

    "But I have no idea why your potential is locked. There¡¯s probably something you need to do to unlock it."

    Tyrin felt the world spin for a moment. Everything he had heard so far seemed absurd, far removed from the reality he knew. Despite the impossible events, a part of him still insisted this was just a dream¡ªstrangely vivid, but a dream nonetheless.

    Heitor chuckled, a rough sound laced with resignation.

    "Well, I think I¡¯ve shown you everything I can before my body splatters against the ground again and everything resets."

    Resets? The word felt wrong, out of place. Tyrin frowned, looking around. The world seemed to pulse, as if in a constant state of rewriting.

    After everything returned exactly as it had been before, Tyrin, ever curious, seized the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible.

    The first questions were superficial¡ªwhat was the emperor¡¯s home planet like? What was his civilization like? But as they talked, the conversation narrowed. Heitor¡¯s answers were vague yet laden with hidden meaning, and Tyrin began to feel that something far greater was at play.

    That was when he decided to go straight to the core of the matter.

    "How did you know where to shoot?"

    Heitor narrowed his eyes and smirked.

    "Finally, you¡¯re asking the harder questions, huh? HAHAHA! Makes sense." He sighed, looking up at the starless, clouded sky. "I¡¯ll tell you a secret... something that took me a long time to figure out. And, to be honest, I was only absolutely sure of it during the war."

    Tyrin leaned slightly forward.

    "What?"

    "We are being watched. All the time."

    A shiver ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine.

    "I don¡¯t know why or what¡¯s behind the veil, but I can say with certainty that in every war I¡¯ve fought, they were there. Watching."

    "What do you mean by ¡®they¡¯?"

    "Beings that don¡¯t belong to this world. As old as the universe itself. My power allowed me to see them, floating above battlefields, their presences cold and indifferent, just... watching. As if they were cataloging every death, every massacre."

    Heitor took a deep breath, his gaze distant.

    "But that day, in the peak of desperation, I decided to call them. To summon them into the war. If we were going to die, I wanted those beings to kill our enemies too."

    He laughed, devoid of humor.

    "Imagine my surprise when I ended up here."

    Tyrin felt a knot form in his throat.

    "You¡¯re saying that colossal ship... follows wars?"

    Heitor slowly nodded.

    "I can¡¯t say if it¡¯s always the same one. But I can guarantee one thing: whenever it appears, a bloodbath follows."

    A heavy weight settled over Tyrin. Now he understood how the emperor knew. He had always known. From the very beginning, he had seen what no one else could.

    For long minutes, Heitor continued explaining the nuances of his powers, the intricate web of events that connected each occurrence, and, most importantly, the people Tyrin could trust.

    Orion was among them, to his relief.

    But something began to unsettle him.

    A strange sensation. An invisible presence... as if someone were calling him.

    And the tightness in his chest began to grow.

    "Lord Heitor... I¡¯m feeling something."

    "Hmm..." The emperor watched him for a moment before smiling. "Maybe it¡¯s time for you to leave."

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    "What makes you think that?"

    "I was the only one who did something to remain here. This punishment is likely my purgatory, not yours."

    Heitor hesitated for a moment, as if pondering something important. Then, with a swift motion, he pulled something from beneath his glove and extended it toward Tyrin.

    "Take this with you."

    It was a small ring, but its glow was almost hypnotic.

    "I believe this will help you on your journey. It holds some of my weapons and armor. They aren¡¯t my best, but they¡¯ll still be useful."

    The tightness in Tyrin¡¯s chest intensified. His body began trembling involuntarily.

    Something was about to happen.

    "I¡¯ll get you out of here." The promise escaped his lips before he could even think. "I swear, Lord Emperor."

    Heitor smiled¡ªa real smile this time.

    "That¡¯s a nice thought. If I could, I¡¯d give you my power... without hesitation."

    And then...

    Tyrin saw something leave the emperor¡¯s body.

    A blue flame, luminous as a distant star. It danced in the air for a brief moment before flying toward him, passing through his chest like an icy wind.

    A deep shiver ran through him, something beyond the physical. Something that touched his soul.

    "What¡¯s happening, Emperor?"

    Heitor only smiled.

    "I hope you go beyond what I ever could. Good luck, kid."

    Tyrin began to float. His body was pulled upward, beyond the majestic buildings of the nonexistent city. When he reached the top, he saw¡ª

    A colossal star, blinding, shining with an impossible yellow light.

    And then, he fell.

    The ground rushed toward him.

    This time, Tyrin did not struggle.

    He simply accepted it.

    And in those last moments before impact, he saw.

    The emperor, radiant, watching him from afar.

    He could read Heitor¡¯s lips.

    "Beware of the Impostor."

    Impact.

 A New Ability - Chapter 44

    "Tyrin, wake up. Wake up, boy!"

    The voice seemed distant, echoing as if coming from somewhere beyond reality. A persistent call, pulling him back.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes snapped open. His chest rose and fell rapidly, as if he had just emerged from a dream that refused to release him.

    His gaze swept the surroundings, confused, searching for something¡ªthe emperor.

    But he wasn¡¯t there.

    Orion and Gertrudes were.

    "Tyrin, you scared the shit out of me," Gertrudes grumbled, arms crossed, though there was a slight hint of concern in her voice. "Out of nowhere, you just fainted."

    The young man blinked, trying to piece together the fragments of what had just happened. His chest was still warm, the memory of Hector¡¯s blue fire burning inside him.

    "Did you¡­ see the emperor?"

    Orion and Gertrudes exchanged quick glances.

    "Emperor?" Orion arched an eyebrow. "What the hell are you talking about?"

    A chill ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine.

    But then¡­

    His eyes landed on Gertrudes.

    And he froze.

    He saw it.

    Exactly as Hector had described.

    Above Gertrudes¡¯ head, floating like a forbidden secret, a panel glowed¡ªvisible to no one but him.

    Gertrudes Scar

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 52

    ? Classification: A / 00 ¡ª Apex

    ? Strength: 145

    ? Endurance: 145

    ? Speed: 53

    ? Skill: 67

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 0

    Abilities:

    ? Tormenting Strength ¡ª Multiplies strength by 2x (enabled)

    ? Turtle Shell ¡ª Multiplies endurance by 3x (enabled)

    Hidden Abilities:

    ? N/A

    Pet:

    ? Orangutan Pongo

    Tyrin felt a crushing weight descend upon him.

    He could see.

    Now, Hector¡¯s gift had worked.

    "Kid, you okay?" Orion¡¯s voice broke the silence. "You¡¯ve got a weird look on your face. Something you wanna tell us?"

    Tyrin took a deep breath. He was still processing. Before answering, he decided to test something. If this was real¡­

    His eyes turned to Orion.

    If Gertrudes was already impressive, the emperor¡¯s right-hand man had to be a monster.

    And then¡­ he saw it.

    Orion Snake

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 78

    ? Classification: S / 00 ¡ª Primordial

    ? Strength: 72

    ? Endurance: 68

    ? Speed: 119

    ? Skill: 251

    ? Psyche: 250

    ? Available Points: 0

    Abilities:

    ? Impenetrable Shield (enabled)

    ? Teleportation (enabled)

    ? Void Scales (enabled)

    ? Venom (enabled)

    ? Mutation (enabled)

    Hidden Abilities:

    ? N/A

    Pet:

    ? God-King Serpent

    His vision expanded.

    Now, Tyrin wasn¡¯t just reading the abilities¡ªhe understood them.

    He focused his gaze on one of them, and the information flowed as if it were instinctual.

    Impenetrable Shield ¡ª (enabled)

    ? A shield that diminishes as Psyche decreases ¨C Protection proportional to Psyche x2.

    His heart pounded in his chest.

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    This was real.

    And no one but him knew it.

    Tyrin took a deep breath. This wasn¡¯t the moment to reveal anything. At least, not until he understood what was really happening.

    He averted his gaze and tried to keep his voice steady.

    "You¡¯re telling me I fainted as soon as the ship appeared?"

    "That¡¯s right," Orion confirmed. "I mean... honestly, I can¡¯t say if it was before or after. By the time I noticed, you were already on the ground. Never seen anyone faint while still standing before."

    A shiver ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine.

    He needed more information.

    He turned to Gertrudes.

    "And what did you see after the ship appeared?"

    Gertrudes scratched her head, thoughtful.

    "Well... from what Orion said, not much. We don¡¯t know what it is, how it works, or who it belongs to. What we did figure out is that it seems to be something the emperor controls."

    "Controls?"

    "Yeah. I think that¡¯s why we haven¡¯t been attacked anymore."

    Tyrin¡¯s mind raced.

    The ship, Hector¡¯s presence, the whisper of redemption¡­

    None of it was a coincidence.

    "I see..." He cast a glance at Orion. "But then... why did you show this to us?"

    The silence that followed was heavy.

    Orion didn¡¯t answer right away. His gaze narrowed slightly, studying Tyrin.

    Something was being hidden.

    And now, Tyrin knew he could see through what was being told to him.

    He was beginning to understand.

    Hector¡¯s gift wasn¡¯t just a power.

    It was a burden.

    And the more he saw, the more he felt like he was approaching something¡­ something that maybe should never be uncovered.

    Orion finally spoke, his tone casual but carrying an underlying meaning:

    "Honestly, I don¡¯t know. Maybe there¡¯s a purpose behind it, or maybe he just realized we were getting too close to an answer and decided to say something and swear us to secrecy. No idea."

    Tyrin narrowed his eyes. That wasn¡¯t the kind of answer that satisfied him.

    "Did you ask him directly?"

    "I did, but he said we¡¯d get our answer in time. If he doesn¡¯t tell us, we¡¯ll never know. And honestly, that just makes me hungry. Let¡¯s eat at the mess hall today. If I¡¯m going somewhere to fight, I at least want to go on a full stomach."

    Gertrudes was straightforward. To her, if an answer wasn¡¯t available, it wasn¡¯t worth chasing.

    But Tyrin couldn¡¯t accept things so easily. There was still a knot of distrust tightening in his chest. However, hunger was a good excuse to explore.

    And more than that¡­ it was a chance to test his power.

    He had already tried using it on himself, but it hadn¡¯t worked. Maybe if he used it more often, he could see further. Go deeper. Reach places no one ever had.

    "Let¡¯s go," Tyrin said, forcing a smile. "I¡¯m starving too. And it¡¯d be rude not to greet everyone on the ship."

    A few minutes later, Orion joined them. Gertrudes, as always, was full of energy and eager to explore the new environment.

    "Gertrudes, I¡¯d love to have you on this mission," Orion said as they walked. "But I¡¯d also like to know more about this boy."

    Tyrin remained alert.

    "I heard he managed to figure out the flaw in the event. But I¡¯d like to hear all the details."

    Gertrudes shot a playful look at Tyrin.

    "Well, well. Not sure if I should spill the beans, but I think he can tell you himself, right, Tyrin?"

    Tyrin, who had been following the conversation from behind, took a deep breath.

    "Of course," he said. "I believe you''ve already heard most of it, but what happened was basically this..."

    As he spoke, he watched Orion¡¯s reaction carefully. The man was hard to read, but by the time Tyrin finished his explanation, Orion simply burst into laughter.

    "By the emperor! Fabulous." Orion grinned. "Who would have thought that simple concern for a classmate would lead to such a discovery? HAHAHAHA!"

    Tyrin wasn¡¯t sure if that was a compliment or mockery.

    But right now, it didn¡¯t matter.

    The officers¡¯ mess hall was calmer than Tyrin had expected. He had assumed it would be packed, but only a handful of people occupied the tables.

    Then something immediately caught his attention.

    Among those present, he saw it.

    Sib¨¦rio Polis

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 36

    ? Classification: B / 00 ¡ª Recognized

    ? Strength: 18

    ? Endurance: 21

    ? Speed: 19

    ? Skill: 245

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 0

    Abilities:

    ? Technohacker (enabled)

    ? Tormenting Ability (enabled) ¡ª Multiplies strength by 2x

    Hidden Abilities:

    ? N/A

    Pet:

    ? Umbral Bird

    At last, he could see beyond deception.

    Every ability, every hidden detail¡­ Now, he knew who was truly strong and who only pretended to be.

    And that was powerful.

    "Well, I see you know most of the people here," Orion said, grabbing a tray. "Feel free to join us for dinner. We¡¯ll reach our destination tomorrow, so you should eat well and prepare."

    Tyrin and Gertrudes sat at the end of the table, preferring to avoid too much conversation. Orion, however, didn¡¯t hesitate to sit between them.

    For a moment, Tyrin relaxed.

    But then she entered the room.

    The woman walked to the center of the mess hall with the posture of someone who knew exactly the impact she had.

    And she did have an impact.

    She was, without a doubt, the most stunning woman Tyrin had ever seen.

    Tall, slender, with sharp, mesmerizing features. Her eyes carried something Tyrin couldn¡¯t immediately define, but then¡­

    Then he saw.

    And he froze.

    The air suddenly felt heavier.

    His muscles locked up.

    Because what stood before him wasn¡¯t just a woman.

    It was something far, far more dangerous.

    Mimic Overlord

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 99

    ? Classification: A

    ? Strength: 40

    ? Endurance: 40

    ? Speed: 110

    ? Skill: 300

    ? Psyche: 200

    ? Available Points: 0

    Abilities:

    ? Charm (enabled)

    ? Confusion (enabled)

    ? Pheromone (enabled)

    ? Shapeshifter (enabled)

    Hidden Abilities:

    ? N/A

    Pet:

    ? N/A

    A cold shiver ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine.

    Hector¡¯s words echoed in his mind.

    "I saw friends¡­ and even enemies."

    She was one of them.

    His heart pounded.

    She was dangerous.

    Extremely dangerous.

    And as if she knew he was looking at her differently, the woman slowly turned her head toward Tyrin.

    And smiled.

    Every fiber of his being screamed at him to run.

    But he was trapped.

    Trapped under the gaze of the Mimic Overlord.

 Reunions and Enemies - Chapter 45

    Orion was the first to break the silence.

    ¡ª Kid, I see you have good taste, but if you keep this up, you''re going to scare the lady away! HAHAHAHAHA! Solaria, come here, I want you to meet someone.

    He approached Tyrin as Solaria walked toward them.

    ¡ª Relax, kid. I''ll help you, but stay calm, alright?

    Gertrudes, understanding Orion''s intentions, pretended to be oblivious, but deep down, she was also curious about this woman. Solaria awakened unfamiliar sensations within her.

    ¡ª Mr. Orion, how are you? ¡ª Solaria asked, her expression serious. ¡ª I see you have guests for this top-secret and dangerous mission. Care to explain why?

    ¡ª AHAHAHAHA! Always so worried! ¡ª Orion replied in his jovial tone. ¡ª This here is my friend and war companion, Solaria. But don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re good people. I want you to meet Gertrudes Scar... That¡¯s right, his daughter! Can you believe it? HAHAHAHAHA!

    Solaria raised an eyebrow, analyzing Gertrudes.

    ¡ª I see. It''s a pleasure to meet you. I fought alongside your father in a few battles. An excellent commander, I must say.

    ¡ª Thank you, Solaria. ¡ª Gertrudes smiled politely. ¡ª Even as a teacher in Vanaheim, I¡¯ve heard your name a few times. That¡¯s rare. Only the truly strong are mentioned. It¡¯s an honor to be in your company.

    ¡ª Okay, okay! ¡ª Orion interrupted, excited. ¡ª Gertrudes, don¡¯t worry, and don¡¯t talk too much, or she¡¯ll get embarrassed. Now, I¡¯d like to introduce you to this kid here. Can you believe he managed to beat the Emperor¡¯s War simulation?

    As soon as Orion revealed that information, silence filled the mess hall. Everyone stopped eating and turned to look at Tyrin¡ªsome in disbelief, others clearly skeptical.

    ¡ª Boss, that simulation is impossible to beat! ¡ª exclaimed a man at the next table.

    Others nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves.

    ¡ª Guys, I saw it with my own eyes! This kid is a genius, isn¡¯t he, Azrael?

    Azrael crossed his arms and analyzed Tyrin for a moment before answering:

    ¡ª I wouldn¡¯t say genius. He got lucky, but he also knew how to put the right pieces together. I¡¯d say he¡¯s on par with my knowledge and intelligence.

    The mess hall was stunned. Tyrin and Gertrudes didn¡¯t know it, but Azrael was known for being extremely arrogant. For him to acknowledge someone as his equal was a rare and remarkable event. The way people looked at Tyrin changed. He was no longer just some 17-year-old kid.

    ¡ª Sorry, everyone... ¡ª Tyrin tried to justify himself, uncomfortable with the sudden attention. ¡ª Azrael is right, I was really lucky, and I think there were a lot of coincidences too...

    ¡ª AHAHAHAHA! ¡ª Orion roared with laughter. ¡ª Kid, putting yourself down like that is only going to make people like you more! Do you know how long that simulation has existed? What do you think, Solaria? He¡¯s young and interesting, just your type, huh?

    Solaria smirked, studying Tyrin with a mysterious gaze.

    ¡ª Hmmm... Maybe I should talk to you more, Tyrin. Welcome to our fleet. I hope to get to know you better another time. Orion, if you''ll excuse me.

    Tyrin felt her eyes scan his face and body intensely. Around the mess hall, some people showed envy and even anger¡ªSolaria was, for many, an untouchable muse. But to Tyrin, all of this felt... strange.

    Damn, this is a damn Mimic.

    He had seen one before. But never one that replicated a human so well.

    Could it be the Overlord...?

    He tried to push the thought away as Orion laughed beside him.

    ¡ª Kid, she¡¯s really into you. I did my best, now it¡¯s up to you. Actually, you guys have two days until we reach our destination.

    ¡ª I agree with Orion ¡ª Gertrudes added. ¡ª Solaria may not come from a noble family, but she carved out her place with strength and power. Am I starting to sound like my father? Oh, damn! HAHAHA!

    Orion and Gertrudes seemed to get along well, despite the age difference. Something was happening there.

    ¡ª If you¡¯ll excuse me, I¡¯ll head to my quarters to rest. I haven¡¯t had the chance until now.

    ¡ª Already? We just left the room.

    ¡ª I was nervous, I thought we wouldn¡¯t get out of there¡­ So I couldn¡¯t really rest. And from what I understand, we¡¯re not heading to Vanaheim. I need some time.

    ¡ª Let the kid rest, Ger. I want to show you my ship. It¡¯s the third fastest in the Empire. Want to come with me?

    Gertrudes glanced at Tyrin, as if waiting for his opinion. He simply raised a finger, signaling his approval.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    The truth was, Tyrin was exhausted. He needed to be alone to process everything that was happening. When he reached his room, he noticed something he had been searching for a long time but had never been able to find.

    An Interstellar Caller.

    Holy shit, they have one of these in the room¡­ Can I use it?

    Tyrin stared at the device with a mix of surprise and hope. He took a deep breath and quickly entered the code for his solar system. The screen flickered a few times, processing the connection.

    Holy shit¡­ I think I can actually talk.

    His heart pounded. If it worked, he would finally have news from home.

    Ring.

    Ring.

    Ring.

    On planet Helheim 74B, Frida was sitting on the house¡¯s porch, gazing at the cloudy sky. Her voice carried a mix of longing and irritation.

    ¡ª Why hasn¡¯t my brother contacted me? He promised we would talk every year¡­

    ¡ª Frida¡­ ¡ª Dante sighed heavily. ¡ª He lied. I¡¯m sorry, but I had to lie to him too.

    She frowned, clenching her fists.

    ¡ª What do you mean?

    ¡ª I want you to know that he was fine. Every month, we received his vital status along with the payment. Out of the group that left here, he¡¯s one of the last survivors. As far as I know, he¡¯s already gone farther than most people on this planet ever have.

    Frida didn¡¯t seem satisfied.

    ¡ª If he¡¯s alive, why doesn¡¯t he call me? It doesn¡¯t make sense! Does he hate me? Does he not want to see me anymore?

    Dante was sitting in his dull, lifeless living room, but that wasn¡¯t what gave him that hardened expression. The problem was far more complex than just rearranging furniture. He couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the conversation he¡¯d had with Frida the day before.

    ¡ª What¡¯s happening to you, kid? ¡ª he muttered to himself.

    He remembered all the times he had tried to calm her down. Every month, she came back with the same question about her brother. Now, Frida was nearly the same age Tyrin had been when he left¡ªand Dante was running out of excuses. Deep down, he knew that just saying Tyrin was alive wouldn¡¯t be enough.

    He stared into the void and sighed.

    ¡ª Time flies¡­

    Helheim 74B had drafted more people after Tyrin. More and more young men and women were sent to war. Most never returned.

    Dante closed his eyes for a moment, exhausted.

    "I¡¯m sick of sending kids to the slaughter."

    He had considered leaving his position many times, but he knew the only way to avoid being drafted into the army at 40 was to accept the role of executioner.

    ¡ª Husband! ¡ª The anxious voice of Calera, his wife, interrupted his thoughts. ¡ª You won¡¯t believe who¡¯s trying to contact us. Come quickly!

    Dante furrowed his brows, standing up abruptly.

    ¡ª What do you mean? Is there a problem at the border?

    ¡ª No, it¡¯s Tyrin. Can you believe it? He¡¯s calling!

    Dante¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He didn¡¯t know what to expect, but if Tyrin was calling, it meant he was alive¡­ and wanted to talk to them.

    ¡ª Transfer the call to my office. Don¡¯t let anyone in. Oh, and get Frida. She should be in the plaza.

    His body was tense with nervousness. The boy who had been forced to leave his planet was no longer a boy. What had he become?

    The communication was terrible, full of static. But finally, a familiar voice broke through the barrier of time and distance.

    ¡ª Mr. Dante, it¡¯s me, Tyrin. Is everything alright there? How is everyone?

    Dante let out a relieved sigh. The voice was the same¡ªjust steadier, more mature.

    ¡ª We¡¯re doing well here. Your sister always asks about you, but she¡¯s fine. And you? How are you?

    The static intensified, disrupting the conversation.

    ¡ª I¡­ I¡¯m¡­ fine, Mr. Dante.

    The connection started to falter. Tyrin felt a tightness in his chest and hurried to speak.

    ¡ª If my connection drops, tell Frida I miss her and apologize for not calling sooner. I¡¯ve had a lot of problems.

    Dante hesitated.

    ¡ª Tyrin¡­

    He swallowed hard. His throat was dry. Tyrin didn¡¯t know. How could he know? How could he tell him?

    Before he could say anything, the door burst open with a loud bang.

    ¡ª Is my brother here?! Let me talk to him!

    Frida ran in, eyes wide. Dante let out a quick breath.

    Saved by the bell.

    He looked at the screen and nodded.

    ¡ª Of course. Go ahead. Tyrin, there¡¯s someone who wants to talk to you.

    The voice on the other end trembled slightly.

    ¡ª Brother¡­ Is that you?

    ¡ª Yes, Frida, it¡¯s me. I miss you.

    ¡ª Shut up, you idiot! ¡ª her voice cracked. ¡ª You left me alone on this frozen planet! If Mom were here, she¡¯d beat the crap out of you. I hate you, you idiot! You don¡¯t know how to keep a promise!

    As she spoke, her voice wavered, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Tyrin listened to every word, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. Deep down, only one thing came to mind to say.

    ¡ª Sister, I lo¡ª

    Silence.

    ¡ª Brother? BROTHER?!

    Frida hit the screen of the Caller.

    ¡ª Dante, this piece of junk broke!

    Dante closed his eyes for a moment.

    ¡ª I think the call dropped. I¡¯ll try to reach him myself.

    Aboard Orion¡¯s ship, two figures spoke in hushed voices.

    ¡ª Miss Solaria, are you sure we did the right thing? He was just trying to call home¡­ ¡ª said Sib¨¦rio, crossing his arms. ¡ª When I studied in Vanaheim, I tried to do the same.

    Solaria remained expressionless.

    ¡ª We don¡¯t know who else might be listening to that call. We know nothing about this boy. As far as I know, he comes from a planet that has never produced anything but mediocrity.

    Sib¨¦rio frowned.

    ¡ª If you didn¡¯t want him to call, why did we let it go through? Why not block it from the start?

    Solaria gave a faint smile.

    ¡ª Now we know who he loves.

    Sib¨¦rio blinked, confused.

    ¡ª I don¡¯t understand. He¡¯s young, intelligent, but why do we need to keep such a close watch on him?

    Solaria turned abruptly.

    ¡ª Sib¨¦rio, it¡¯s not your job to understand anything. Just do your part.

    She left the room without another word, leaving Sib¨¦rio even more intrigued.

    In the dark corner of the ship, Solaria stopped. She stood there, motionless, staring at the floor. Her breathing was heavy, her mind restless.

    "He knows¡­"

    She clenched her fists.

    "No¡­ They don¡¯t know us¡­ But he knows¡­"

    Her face twitched in an unnatural way.

    "We killed him¡­"

    She gripped her head, a tremor running through her body.

    "No¡­ That¡¯s not the plan¡­ It wasn¡¯t supposed to be like this¡­"

    Solaria gasped. A voice inside her whispered.

    "I¡¯m hungry¡­"

    She shuddered, squeezing her eyes shut.

    "When are you not hungry¡­? We can go to the mess hall¡­"

    "NO! I WANT MEEEEAAAT!!!"

    Her face twisted, skin unraveling and reknitting itself in grotesque patterns, forming a macabre mask of horror.

    A rat scurried across the dark floor.

    It was the only witness to Solaria¡¯s true face.

 Gold and Shadows on Klandato - Chapter 46

    Klandato was a small planet, but with a crushing density. Its surface, more metal than earth, condemned any attempt at cultivation. Life there was a challenge, but that wasn¡¯t what drew people in. The real reason so many risked their lives on that barren world was gold.

    Durable, malleable, resistant to corrosion¡ªgold made its exhausting extraction worthwhile. For decades, Klandato thrived on mining, thanks to the luck of Thalyzara¡¯s father, who had discovered the planet rich in this precious metal. But time is unforgiving, and new metallic alloys emerged. Zenthral, lighter and stronger, replaced gold at the heart of the empire. Now, Klandato teetered between profit and ruin, sustained only by peripheral planets that still needed the old metal for their re-entry ships.

    Everyone knew this. Even Orion.

    But Orion knew something more. Something no one else did.

    ¡ªWhat happened in Drokavas was no coincidence. We knew it was going to happen.

    The dark room pulsed with the glow of the projector. Three planets hovered in the holographic projection¡ªplanets like the one that had devastated Kallandar. The long, narrow table in the center seated the command council. At the back, standing, Gertrudes and Tyrin watched intently.

    ¡ªSir, if the attack was carried out by three planets, why did only one reach its destination? ¡ª someone asked, their voice firm but laced with uncertainty.

    Orion, impassive, replied:

    ¡ªExcellent question. Four Ultras were patrolling the edge of the system when they noticed something strange. One of the planets was¡­ erratic. It wasn¡¯t moving as it should. They decided to board it and made a disturbing discovery.

    He paused before continuing:

    ¡ªThat "planet" wasn¡¯t a planet. It was a ship.

    Silence weighed heavy in the air.

    ¡ªYou mean¡­ the thing that attacked Varkaan was a ship? But¡­ it would have to be bigger than the Emperor¡¯s own!

    Incredulity took over the room. The suspicion had always been there, but now it had become reality: something beyond humans and Tyranos was challenging them. Something intelligent. Something monstrous.

    ¡ªOur investigation suggests they were orphaned planets, converted into ships through unknown technology. The Ultras managed to destroy two of them¡­ but the third escaped.

    The only sound in the room was the restrained breathing of those present. If two had been destroyed, where was the third heading? And that attack¡­ had it really been a coincidence?

    As the others tried to process the news, Tyrin found himself thinking about something else. How had four Ultras managed to destroy two entire planets? It didn¡¯t make sense.

    ¡ªGertrudes¡­ just how strong is an Ultra? ¡ª he murmured.

    Before Gertrudes could answer, Orion did.

    ¡ªI see you¡¯re surprised. Know this, boy ¡ªUltras are born like us, mere grains of sand on an endless shore¡­ yet they hold the power of the entire beach itself.

    The weight of the statement was suffocating.

    Orion continued, activating another image on the projector.

    ¡ªOur problem is that these planetary ships were only scouts. We¡¯ve managed to locate the main fleet.

    The new image stole the breath from the room.

    Forty planetary ships. And at their center¡­ something even bigger.

    Eyes widened. Some shed tears. They were counting.

    ¡ªHow much time do we have? ¡ª The voice came from Solaria, cold and calculated as never before.

    Tyrin fixed his gaze on the image. The gas giant at the center of the fleet was colossal, ten times larger than the others.

    ¡ªThree years. ¡ª Orion answered, devoid of emotion. ¡ª Gaia has authorized the mobilization of all Ultras, but we¡¯ll be racing against time. And they know it.

    The projector shone again.

    Klandato appeared on the screen. Its golden and blue glow contrasted with rust-colored hues. To many, a worthless planet. To Orion, the center of a greater mystery.

    ¡ªThe ship that attacked Drokavas passed through Klandato a few weeks before the attack. We lost contact with all bases in the planet¡¯s southern region. Two weeks ago, we received this image.

    The image appeared, and the air in the room seemed to freeze.

    A pyramidal structure. Towering. Nearly a kilometer high.

    Orion didn¡¯t need to say another word.

    ¡ªThey built an outpost.

    The words hung in the air like an omen. The dark room seemed to shrink under the weight of the revelation. The projector shone again, revealing more details: it wasn¡¯t just a single structure. There was something beneath it. Something just as massive.

    ¡ªThat same week¡ªOrion continued, his voice heavy¡ªwe received confirmation that an underground facility has been completed. We believe they know about the Ultras¡­ and they¡¯re preparing.

    The atmosphere thickened. It was a clear warning: whoever was behind this knew the Ultras were a real threat.

    ¡ªFor that reason, we¡¯ve been mobilized urgently. We need to invade and destroy whatever is being built on this planet.

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    One of the commanders hesitated before asking:

    ¡ªSir, how are we supposed to get inside? If it¡¯s anything like the ship that attacked Drokavas, we won¡¯t even get past the doorman.

    ¡ªDon¡¯t worry¡ªOrion replied, crossing his arms¡ªI can handle the doorman. What concerns me is what it¡¯s guarding. But if we can lure the creature outside¡­ we can destroy it.

    The plan was risky but simple: draw the most powerful being in that fortress outside and obliterate it with the Kuma Laser.

    ¡ªOur ship¡¯s mounted laser has already proven effective against creatures strong enough to challenge an Ultra. But we¡¯ll need a precise shot.

    The room fell into absolute silence as everyone absorbed the strategy.

    ¡ªTomorrow, we arrive at Klandato¡ªOrion continued¡ªwe will establish bases around the site. Our contact on the ground reported that enemy forces are heavily guarding the structure from within. But we have time. And that¡¯s what we¡¯re going to use to our advantage.

    Determination rumbled through the room like thunder.

    ¡ªEven if we have to build an entire city around that damn place and attack it day and night¡­ we will destroy it!

    A roar of approval swept through the room. Morale was high. But when Orion¡¯s ship reached the planet, reality struck like a cold, hard blow.

    ¡ªWhat do you mean, too many enemies?

    The command room screen split into four live transmissions. The man speaking had a long beard and sharp eyes, his voice carrying both experience and unease.

    ¡ªExactly what I said¡ªthe veteran responded¡ªwe believe they have some kind of portal. The enemies aren¡¯t particularly strong¡­ but their numbers are insane.

    Another member of the team joined the discussion. A young man with a fragile appearance, though everyone there knew he was among the most powerful among them.

    ¡ªI suggest constructing a fortress city. We need to call warriors from all across the system for this attack. Even if we don¡¯t reach the core¡­ we can weaken them as much as possible.

    ¡ªRyvek is right¡ªagreed a blonde woman, her expression unreadable¡ªwe need to change our approach. If we can¡¯t crush them immediately, we¡¯ll wear them down until they have no strength left to resist.

    But not everyone was convinced.

    ¡ªIskira, what if they¡¯re just stalling for time?¡ªa man with glasses interjected, his voice sharp¡ªFor all we know, they¡¯re preparing something right now that could wipe us out. We need to concentrate all our forces and strike in one decisive blow.

    Tension thickened. The conflict was on the verge of erupting¡­ until another voice cut through them all.

    ¡ªYou¡¯re all idiots.

    Silence fell over the room. The silver-haired woman stared at the screen with disdain. Her presence was as cold as ice, and no one dared to interrupt her.

    ¡ªKael, they¡¯re weeks ahead of us. If they had something that could kill us outright¡­ we¡¯d already be dead.

    She leaned forward slightly, her eyes as sharp as blades.

    ¡ªRyvek and Iskira are right. We need a contingency plan and a way to weaken them. But we can¡¯t shout to the universe that we have a new enemy.

    Her idea was simple¡­ and dangerous.

    ¡ª Spread the word that we¡¯ve discovered a conflict zone and put a bounty on the heads of these creatures. Let¡¯s make the rest of the galaxy think this is just another routine purge. When I arrive in a year, I¡¯ll personally take care of the problem.

    She paused before finishing:

    ¡ª Until then, don¡¯t make any stupid decisions.

    The video cut off. The silence that followed was heavy.

    The woman who had spoken wasn¡¯t just anyone. She was Jasmine, the Ultra.

    Even if some wanted to argue, no one dared.

    ¡ª She¡¯s right ¡ª Orion finally said. ¡ª We¡¯ll raise the dome. We¡¯ll attack slowly. One floor at a time, until we have a real opening.

    He turned to the crew.

    ¡ª Gather the men. We¡¯re heading to the surface.

    The transmission ended. Orion took a deep breath. The weight of the situation still pressed on his shoulders. Things were changing too fast. He hated that. Hated not being in control.

    ¡ª And now, sir? ¡ª Azrael asked carefully.

    Orion let out a long sigh.

    ¡ª Honestly, Azrael¡­ I have no idea. But something tells me we¡¯re going to be here a lot longer than we expected.

    Then he stood, his voice now steadier.

    ¡ª Get ready. We¡¯re going down.

    The descent warning echoed through the ship, snapping Tyrin out of his daze. He blinked a few times, refocusing on reality. Through the window, Klandato gleamed with its metallic gold and rust-colored streaks. A planet as beautiful as it was hostile.

    ¡ª This is it ¡ª he murmured. ¡ª We¡¯re going down.

    Beside him, Gertrudes adjusted her gear, preparing to accompany him.

    ¡ª Follow your teacher. We¡¯re heading to the main ship with Orion.

    Tyrin glanced at the ship¡¯s panel and frowned.

    ¡ª Professor¡­ this isn¡¯t the right side.

    Gertrudes huffed. Tyrin had memorized the ship¡¯s layout better than she had, so without arguing, she simply followed him.

    When they arrived at the command room, Orion was waiting. His expression was more serious than usual.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, Tyrin. We¡¯ve had a change of plans. We¡¯ll be staying on Klandato longer than expected.

    Gertrudes didn¡¯t like the sound of that.

    ¡ª That means¡­?

    ¡ª It means you should take Tyrin back to Vanaheim.

    Tyrin clenched his fists but said nothing. Orion continued:

    ¡ª I¡¯ve already requested a reinforcement ship to pick you up, but it could take up to a week to arrive. They¡¯re bringing soldiers and Astras, so the logistics are complicated. Until then, you can stay aboard with Solaria¡­ or you can come down to the planet with us. But I believe you¡¯ll be safer here on the ship.

    ¡ª We¡¯re going down. I want to help.

    Gertrudes¡¯ eyes widened.

    Tyrin, who had seemed apathetic the entire journey, was suddenly eager? The abrupt shift triggered an alarm in her mind.

    ¡ª I need to train ¡ª he explained, noticing his teacher¡¯s questioning look. ¡ª I¡¯m still weak, and this is a chance to learn from the best.

    Orion smirked slightly. Tyrin didn¡¯t want to be alone with that mime, but he also didn¡¯t know how to tell someone that the person they trusted so much wasn¡¯t who they claimed to be.

    ¡ª I like that. Let¡¯s go.

    The descent was smooth. The planet had a breathable atmosphere, but that didn¡¯t mean it was hospitable. Winds reaching hundreds of kilometers per hour were a constant danger. A storm could slice a person in half with razor-sharp metallic dust.

    But as they neared the surface, something caught Tyrin¡¯s attention.

    At the center of the conflict zone, a colossal structure gleamed under the sunlight.

    ¡ª Glass? ¡ª Tyrin asked, surprised.

    What he saw was a massive transparent dome partially covering the pyramid.

    ¡ª We¡¯re finishing this dome to make sure the environment doesn¡¯t work against us ¡ª Orion explained. ¡ª But it¡¯s not glass. It¡¯s an ultra-resistant transparent metal. We¡¯re not going to let the planet itself help our enemies.

    The ship finally passed through the protective barrier, and the view inside the dome became clearer.

    The battlefield was nothing like Tyrin had imagined. There was no chaos, no screams, no constant explosions. Just an oppressive silence.

    Rows of ships were organized as if forming streets. Soldiers and engineers moved briskly between them, each carrying out a defined task. And at the center¡­

    The pyramid.

    Imposing. Motionless.

    And surrounding it, heavy turrets stood guard, vigilant, ready for any movement from within. But so far, nothing had emerged. No attack. No sound. Just a monolith of stone and metal, concealing an indecipherable secret.

    ¡ª It¡¯s still small, but we¡¯ll need to expand this place soon ¡ª Orion commented as the ship landed. ¡ª We might end up staying here longer than we¡¯d like.

    He turned to Tyrin.

    ¡ª For you, this place could be an opportunity. Many soldiers here haven¡¯t leveled up in years. But you still have potential. Fighting the Aracnophones could strengthen your abilities.

    A chill ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine at the mention of that name.

    Aracnophones.

    Grotesque creatures, hybrids of insect and machine, with metallic legs sharp as blades and multifaceted eyes that glowed in the darkness.

    He felt a slight tremor¡ªa mix of anxiety and excitement.

    After everything he had been through, after finally getting rid of the Mimic, he couldn¡¯t back down now.

    ¡ª I¡¯m ready, professor.

    His eyes gleamed with determination.

    ¡ª When we arrive, I¡¯d like to enter the pyramid and see what I can find.

    Gertrudes let out a short laugh, crossing her arms.

    ¡ª I admire your courage, kid.

    She then cracked her shoulders with a slight shrug.

    ¡ª But first, let me change. After that¡­ let¡¯s give these monster bastards a special welcome.

    Tyrin smiled.

    The war hadn¡¯t begun yet.

    But he knew the silence around the pyramid wouldn¡¯t last forever.

 Friends and Enemies - Chapter 47

    The imperial ships were neatly aligned, forming streets organized according to their function. The reentry ships were not large, but they served as dormitories. The divisions were made to make the stay as comfortable as possible, given the possibility of remaining there for more than a year. This information had already been communicated to everyone present.

    In the middle of the street, a young woman and a boy were conversing.

    ¡ª Well, according to the rules imposed by the Empire and the mission supervisors, entry into the area is restricted to teams that include at least one Vultra or a higher-ranking officer. So, we''ll have to wait for Azrael or Orion to enter, or ask to accompany another company that has space.

    ¡ª But how will we know when another company is going in?

    ¡ª Well, maybe if we go to the edge of the restricted area, we can ask someone there.

    Tyrin and Gertrudes tried to make the most of the day on Klandato, which was short due to the planet being bathed by a dwarf star. As they approached the restricted area, they were met by a giant feline patrolling the region, watching them with a threatening gaze.

    ¡ª Miss Gertrudes, I believe that feline won¡¯t let us pass ¡ª Tyrin commented.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, that feline is the standard pet given to low-ranking, unranked soldiers. CaoCao will give it a beating. Maybe that way we¡¯ll get the attention of someone more important.

    Before Gertrudes could summon her Pongo, an arrow struck the ground near her feet. In the distance, a woman seated atop a giant lion approached from the east.

    ¡ª Well, I guess we won¡¯t need to get anyone¡¯s attention. Someone is already watching us.

    ¡ª Who is she, professor?

    ¡ª I don¡¯t know who she is, but I know where she¡¯s from.

    The woman regarded them with suspicion.

    ¡ª What are you doing in this restricted area? I don¡¯t recognize you.

    Gertrudes gave a slight smile before responding.

    ¡ª Well, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet a resident of Amra. My name is Gertrudes Scar, and I came to ask a question, not to invade.

    The woman narrowed her eyes at the name.

    ¡ª Scar...? You mean that family of vermin who usurped my kingdom?

    The lion rider¡ªan animal the size of a Shire horse¡ªbore some resemblance to her mount. Her fiery red hair flared to the sides, resembling a lion¡¯s mane. The moment she uttered the name "Scar," she spat on the ground, as if the word itself was bitter to her.

    ¡ª Professor... I think she doesn¡¯t like you ¡ª Tyrin whispered.

    ¡ª Our family had many problems generations ago. But that should be in the past.

    ¡ª The past? You only say that because you were the victors! You destroyed my planet and its beauty!

    ¡ª Saying it like that, it sounds as if we were the ones who wiped out your world. We merely replaced your king, who, as far as I know, was annexing the entire solar system.

    ¡ª Blasphemy! Our king would never do such a thing! We were merely expanding our influence! You are the ones to blame! I will avenge my country and my family!

    ¡ª Ah, damn¡­ this is escalating way too fast. CaoCao, come out!

    With a shout and a firm gesture, Gertrudes summoned CaoCao. The titanic creature emerged, clad in black armor and wielding a white club.

    ¡ª I don¡¯t want to fight, young lady whose name I don¡¯t know. I just want to speak with your superior.

    ¡ª Shut up, demon! Don¡¯t diminish the pleasure of my revenge!

    ¡ª Holy shit¡­ what a race of ignorant barbarians! Does she not see the size difference between CaoCao and that beast of hers? Tyrin, step back. I¡¯m going to knock some sense into this girl.

    The desert ground began to tremble. Between the cold sand and the volcanic stones, two colossal beasts faced each other.

    On one side, CaoCao, the titanic orangutan, loomed nearly three times the height of the opposing lion. His muscular body was encased in armor as dark as the night. On the other, the lion, with its crimson mane, gleamed under the desert sands. Its metallic teeth sparkled like blades forged for war.

    The lion was the first to advance. Its owner merely observed from the side, not intervening. Its massive paws crushed stones as it leaped, jaws opening for a precise strike. But CaoCao was ready.

    With a devastating motion, the orangutan raised his club and brought it down with force. The impact collided with the lion¡¯s metallic teeth, producing a deafening boom. The shock was so intense that the surrounding trees trembled.

    The lion growled and spun, slashing a deep cut into CaoCao¡¯s leg with its sharp claws. The orangutan grunted in pain but did not retreat. In a fierce movement, he grabbed the lion¡¯s neck and lifted it, hurling it against a massive rock near the battlefield.

    The ground trembled.

    The lion staggered to its feet, blood dripping from its nostrils, but its eyes still burned with fury.

    It roared and leaped once more, its claws gleaming like blades forged in the night. CaoCao spun his body, dodging at the last moment, and with a brutal swing of his club, crushed his opponent¡¯s flank. The impact was devastating. The lion was slammed into the ground, its breathing heavy, struggling to rise.

    Victory was certain. The black orangutan raised his club one final time, ready to deliver the finishing blow. But before he could bring his weapon down...

    The roar came.

    A deep, ancient sound, laden with primal authority. It did not come from the wounded, cornered lion. It came from something on the horizon.

    The air grew heavy. The trees bent. Time itself seemed to hesitate.

    CaoCao froze. His fist trembled. His eyes widened.

    From the entrance of the pyramid, something was watching them. Something that even titans hesitated before.

    And then¡ªsilence.

    ¡ª Lord Kael, help! This intruder is trying to kill my companion! Please, help me! ¡ª The girl¡¯s whining voice echoed across the field.

    Gertrudes and Tyrin had not noticed the creature watching them. It was as if it had appeared out of nowhere.

    A lion, far larger than the one they had just fought, stood there, clad in partial armor protecting strategic areas of its body, including its face. Scars marked its skin, telling the tale of a life filled with battles. Its eyes carried the weight of an inevitable death.

    And upon it, a man.

    White-haired, wearing transparent glasses that somehow concealed where he was truly looking, his face serene. His posture was calm, yet carried a weight that imposed itself effortlessly.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡ª Vrika, I saw what happened. Don¡¯t try to pour your venomous lies on me. I have more than enough of that already ¡ª he said, his voice firm and unwavering.

    Kael¡¯s words silenced the girl, who now only whimpered as she ran to her pet, which, though wounded, was still alive.

    Behind him, three other women emerged from the shadows of the pyramid. Their blue hair contrasted with the desert dust. Each rode a lioness, smaller than their leader¡¯s mount, but still larger than the one Gertrudes had just faced.

    Kael did not hurry his pace. His lion walked as if the territory belonged to it, and he himself showed no fear in the face of CaoCao.

    As he approached Gertrudes, Kael looked down at her.

    ¡ª I believe I owe you an apology for this incident, Miss¡­?

    ¡ª Gertrudes Scar, Lord Kael.

    ¡ª Here, we are a coalition dedicated to preserving our status quo. However, rivalries naturally arise when cultures and histories intertwine. But I do not wish to repeat my father¡¯s mistakes¡­ nor those of yours. I apologize for what happened. Miss Vrika will be punished for her recklessness, so I ask that you forgive her.

    He paused briefly before continuing, his gaze carefully analyzing Gertrudes.

    ¡ª That said, I would like to know what brings you here unaccompanied, Gertrudes.

    His voice was gentle yet severe. There was something about him that commanded respect, a weight that indicated he was not just some patrol leader but someone with true authority.

    ¡ª It¡¯s no problem ¡ª Gertrudes said, relaxing her shoulders. ¡ª Misunderstandings and setbacks tend to happen around me. I came here with Orion, but we grew curious about the pyramid. Since we didn¡¯t have someone to accompany us, we were waiting for an opportunity to enter. However This girl appeared, and I thought it best to help her understand the situation before she did something she couldn¡¯t undo.

    ¡ª I see... ¡ª Kael nodded slightly, then turned his head. ¡ª Shiva, come here.

    ¡ª My lord? ¡ª One of the blue-haired women approached, her lion stepping onto the sand with lethal elegance.

    ¡ª Could you accompany these two through the first level of the pyramid? Even after our cleansing, I believe there are still some prey left to satisfy their curiosity.

    ¡ª Yes, sir.

    Kael didn¡¯t wait for Gertrudes¡¯ response, simply guiding his lion to continue on his path, likely heading toward his ship. Meanwhile, one of the women dismounted from her lion and approached Gertrudes.

    ¡ª Lady Gertrudes, my name is Vultra Shiva, and my companion is Sidonia ¡ª the warrior said, her voice calm and firm. ¡ª I will accompany you through the first floor of the pyramid. Do you need me to help the young man beside you?

    Tyrin, who had been frozen by the tension of the situation, finally snapped out of his shock. Amidst the confusion, he had forgotten to use his new power to check the status of Vrika and Kael. But now that things seemed settled and the dust was beginning to clear, he saw an opportunity.

    With a faint glow in his eyes, he activated his ability and observed Shiva¡¯s data.

    Shiva Lanion

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 69 Awakened Lv1

    ? Classification: A / 00 ¡ª Apex

    ? Strength: 68 + 50

    ? Endurance: 52 + 50

    ? Speed: 230 + 50

    ? Skill: 116 + 50

    ? Psyche: 0 + 50

    ? Available points: 0

    Active Abilities:

    ? Steel Claws (enabled)

    ? Quick Ambush (enabled) ¡ª Multiplies speed by 2x

    Hidden Abilities:

    ? N/A

    Pet:

    ? Maghrebian Lion

    Tyrin was startled by the woman¡¯s level. Although she seemed to be just Kael¡¯s bodyguard, her level was as high as Orion¡¯s. If access to the pyramid was being granted, that meant she was a Vultra, just like Azrael.

    Tyrin also couldn''t stop thinking about that term: "The Awakened." He couldn''t understand why it granted such a high bonus. Maybe it had something to do with him being a Vultra.

    He tried using his power to check Shiva¡¯s pet¡¯s status, but nothing appeared. Error. He then tried looking at CaoCao, but the same thing happened. As if something was blocking his ability.

    "I probably can¡¯t see the status of any companions... Could I see my own now? It should have hatched by now..."

    His thoughts were interrupted by Shiva¡¯s voice.

    ¡ª We¡¯ve arrived. The light in here isn¡¯t strong, but it¡¯s not dark either. The ceiling has some kind of glowing creature that illuminates the entire pyramid from within. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve already checked that they¡¯re not dangerous... But please, try not to kill them. Their blood is acidic and highly corrosive.

    The interior of the pyramid was revealed.

    It was bright and empty, an immense expanse of sand and fine dust. But in the distance, Tyrin noticed the presence of familiar creatures.

    "Aracnofon..." ¡ª He recognized them from the battle in Drokavas.

    Shiva looked at Gertrudes.

    ¡ª Now that we¡¯re inside, where do you want to go?

    Gertrudes smiled.

    ¡ª I want to train this boy. He needs to level up to become relevant, and I believe this is a unique opportunity.

    ¡ª I see. ¡ª Shiva nodded. ¡ª We¡¯ll leave in two hours. The Timorensei Clan takes care of this place in the afternoon.

    Tyrin frowned upon hearing that name.

    ¡ª Are you talking about that deer that uses magic?

    Shiva spat on the ground, irritated.

    ¡ª Hmm... That¡¯s right, kid. Those arrogant sons of bitches. Sorry for the language, but we don¡¯t like beasts that use powers. They¡¯re... complicated.

    Her reaction was identical to Cassandra¡¯s when she spoke about them. Tyrin realized that, apparently, the Timorensei were hated across the universe.

    But the conversation was abruptly cut short.

    Shiva pointed at something coming their way.

    ¡ª This talk is nice and all, but one of the big ones is heading over here. Whenever you¡¯re ready, kid.

    Amidst the chaos of arriving in Klandato, Tyrin hadn¡¯t had the chance to test Heitor¡¯s gift. But now, as he stepped into the pyramid, he finally had the opportunity to put it to the test. Without hesitation, he slid the ring onto his finger. The fit was perfect. Unlike with the Pets, he was able to see the item¡¯s details:

    Singular Ring

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Unique

    Active Abilities:

    ? Confined Space (10x10 m) ¨C Enabled

    ? Quick Draw ¨C Enabled

    Owner:

    ? Tyrin

    He frowned. "Confined Space?" Before he could process it further, his mind was suddenly transported elsewhere.

    It was an ancient room, lined with shelves filled with equipment. Armor and weapons were on display, yet whenever he tried to touch them, something repelled him¡ªan invisible barrier, a silent warning not to dare. At the far end, a colossal glass panel separated the room from an impressive set: a massive suit of armor, scarred from battle yet still gleaming like new. Beside it, an Astra rifle.

    Tyrin tried to approach. This time, he was thrown backward, crashing into a cabinet at the opposite end of the room.

    ¡ª Holy shit! Just not letting me touch it would¡¯ve been enough for me to get the message...

    Still grumbling, he sensed something beside him. On the floor, a lone dagger lay¡ªunlike the other weapons, it didn¡¯t reject him. Cautiously, Tyrin reached out and was able to grasp it. He picked it up, and to his surprise, wielding it felt natural... at least in shape. The weight, however, was immense, as dense as any sword he had ever handled.

    ¡ª Well... Looks like you¡¯re the only one that accepts me. Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re worth it.

    With a boyish grin, he twirled the dagger between his fingers, testing its balance. But his excitement quickly faded as a thunderous voice echoed from outside the space.

    ¡ª TYRIN!

    The vision dissolved.

    ¡ª Hey, wake up! You didn¡¯t come here to wander around. If you want to fight, now¡¯s the time!

    Gertrudes was shouting his name aiming at the beast charging toward them.

    He drew the dagger.

    Shiva narrowed her eyes.

    ¡ª Kid, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re gonna kill anything with that dagger... You trying to give the Aracnofon tetanus?

    Even Gertrudes was confused by his weapon choice.

    But silence took over the scene the moment Tyrin moved.

    With a single, light motion of his arm, the creature ¡ª an armored Aracnofon ¡ª was sliced in half.

    Hot blood splattered into the air.

    Shiva and Gertrudes¡¯ eyes widened.

    ¡ª Shiva... ¡ª Gertrudes whispered, trying to process what she had just seen. ¡ª If I¡¯m not mistaken, this creature...

    ¡ª ...had an almost impenetrable shell ¡ª Shiva finished, still in shock.

    ¡ª I... honestly... don¡¯t know what just happened.

    Blood was spraying toward Tyrin, but he didn¡¯t move.

    His eyes were locked onto the dagger, a smile forming on his face.

    Joy was written all over his expression.

    He finally understood.

    This was no ordinary weapon.

    And he could hardly wait to find out what else it could do.

 The Gatekeeper - Chapter 48

    Night had already fallen over Klandato when Shiva, exhausted, entered her husband''s tent. In the planet¡¯s rigid lineage system, the most powerful men could have multiple wives. However, Kael was different from his predecessors¡ªhis father and his grandfather had never had fewer than eight wives, but he, more reserved regarding tradition, had only three.

    Magreb¡¯s culture was rich in miscegenation and freedom of expression, yet it upheld peculiar customs, especially in marriage. One of the strictest rules dictated that no wife could enter her husband''s quarters without his permission. For that reason, despite her reputation as a ruthless warrior, Shiva now kept her head lowered, kneeling before her king¡¯s throne, her voice serene and controlled, even after committing the crime.

    ¡ª My lord, my husband, I have returned from the incursion.

    Kael smiled upon seeing her and, with a gesture, commanded:

    ¡ª My beautiful wife Shiva, raise your head. In here, you are as one with me. But tell me, what made you commit this¡­ mistake?

    His gentle tone contrasted with the planet¡¯s traditions. Equality in a relationship was a crime, but Kael had learned from his mother that power should not be used to subjugate those beside you. True control came from respect, from simple and genuine love.

    ¡ª My husband. I imagine you wish to know about our guests.

    Kael nodded.

    ¡ª You are very perceptive, my love. Now, tell me, what did you think?

    The memories struck Shiva like a storm. Intense recollections, difficult to put into words. The sweat, the blood, the battle, and the revelation¡­ That boy. There was something about him. Even without the necessary strength, he compensated with cunning, moving as if he were the very embodiment of a warrior god. His command over the Aracnofon, his reflexes, his ability to read his enemies'' weaknesses¡ªall of it demonstrated a rare intelligence. Though he clearly lacked power, he was worthy of a king. But what surprised her most was the weapon he carried.

    ¡ª He may be physically weak, but his determination is remarkable. His knowledge of the Aracnofon runs deep, and his battle skills should not be underestimated. However, what intrigues me most is the weapon he wields. If I had to guess¡­ I¡¯d say it is something transcendental. Perhaps even divine.

    Her words struck Kael like a blow. He already knew the boy¡¯s public history¡ªa youth from a peripheral planet, irrelevant to the great conflicts of the universe. Had it not been for the imperial summons, he would have lived and died ignorant of his own solar system. But now, Shiva was telling him, without hesitation, that this young man carried significant power¡ªand, worse, a weapon that seemed divine.

    ¡ª How is that possible? ¡ª Kael narrowed his eyes.

    ¡ª I questioned Gertrudes, but she seemed as confused as I was. She acknowledges the boy¡¯s potential but avoided speaking about the weapon.

    ¡ª And how are you so certain about this?

    Shiva hesitated for a moment.

    ¡ª I took them to the forbidden area.

    Kael''s body tensed. He stood abruptly, disbelief written across his face.

    ¡ª You did WHAT?

    ¡ª I needed to test them, to understand their limits ¡ª she argued, trying to remain calm. ¡ª But something even more surprising happened¡­ I believe the boy is somehow in possession of an Ilutar.

    The atmosphere in the tent changed instantly. The air grew heavy. The temperature dropped. Kael¡¯s hair stood on end and darkened to a deep blue. His gaze hardened, filled with fury.

    ¡ª He has WHAT?

    The pressure emanating from his body made Shiva instinctively lower her head, pressing her forehead to the ground. She knew this revelation would have an impact, but it was too late to back down. She didn¡¯t want to believe what she had seen, but the facts were before her. She had only wanted to test that strange boy, yet in the end, she was left with more questions than answers.

    Silence reigned in the room. Before Kael could speak, Shiva continued:

    ¡ª The northern entrance was closed, so I thought I could...

    ¡ª Where are we going, Shiva? ¡ª Gertrudes asked, her voice firm but not raised. She wanted answers.

    ¡ª Don''t worry ¡ª Shiva replied without looking back. ¡ª We cleared the area a few hours ago. The enemies shouldn''t regroup for another eight hours. We can move a little farther south. Besides, I will protect you.

    Tyrin, keeping his distance from the conversation, fiddled with the dagger attached to the Emperor¡¯s ring. He was still trying to understand the weapon¡¯s efficiency. It wasn¡¯t the most powerful in the arsenal, yet strangely, it was the only one that responded to his call. He had tried wielding other weapons, visibly more imposing objects, but only that dagger had accepted him. His curiosity grew. What was so special about it?

    What else was hidden in that ring, which he had barely begun to explore?

    Shiva walked ahead, her eyes alert to every step, but she couldn¡¯t stop glancing back at Tyrin and the dagger in his hand. Gertrudes noticed. She hadn¡¯t seen the boy with that weapon before, and something about it unsettled her. In Magreb, ordinary weapons were disposable, rarely repaired for reuse. However, that blade was different. Powerful. And Tyrin had chosen the worst possible moment to show it off.

    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    She knew the people of Magreb well enough to understand what could happen. Greed was a disease that ran rampant here.

    ¡ª Alright, we¡¯re here. Welcome to the Main Hall! ¡ª Shiva announced, her voice almost casual.

    Gertrudes snapped out of her thoughts and focused on the scene before her. The hall was vast, almost impossible to measure by sight alone. At its center, a massive hole gaped open, exhaling a cold draft and an eerie, cavernous sound.

    ¡ª Is this where they come from? ¡ª Tyrin asked, his voice carrying a caution that didn¡¯t go unnoticed.

    ¡ª Exactly. We haven''t descended to the lower level yet, so we don''t know what¡¯s down there, but we always pass through here to clear the area first.

    ¡ª But isn¡¯t that strange? ¡ª Tyrin frowned. ¡ª If this is the only entrance, why don¡¯t we concentrate all our forces here?

    Shiva smiled.

    ¡ª An excellent question. The first time we tried that, the "Gatekeeper" appeared. And along with him, he brought some humanoid Aracnofon. The result? Everyone here died.

    Tyrin crossed his arms.

    ¡ª So you¡¯re saying we shouldn¡¯t face this Gatekeeper?

    ¡ª Shiva, what the hell are we doing here? ¡ª Gertrudes cut in, her patience running thin. ¡ª Isn¡¯t this way too dangerous?

    ¡ª My job is to show you where not to go ¡ª Shiva replied, her mischievous smile returning. ¡ª But¡­ oh. Looks like we have company.

    She had barely finished her sentence when something emerged from the hole.

    Tyrin froze. He knew that creature.

    Gertrudes immediately crouched, sharpening her senses, her muscles instinctively preparing for battle. She remembered that enemy.

    Shiva, who had maintained a faint smirk on her lips, lost all amusement the moment not just one but four of them crawled out of the pit.

    ¡ª This¡­ doesn¡¯t make sense ¡ª she murmured, her expression hardening. ¡ª What the hell is going on? We need to get out of here, now. I have to warn the king.

    She turned to run, but then something unthinkable happened.

    The passage they had come through vanished.

    In place of the exit, a solid, dark wall blocked the way. The hall echoed with strange noises¡ªclicks, thuds, the sound of stone scraping against stone. The space twisted around them, shifting in an inorganic, impossible way. And suddenly, without warning, they found themselves back where they had started running.

    ¡ª What kind of damn labyrinth is this?! What the hell is happening?! ¡ª Shiva shouted, her voice bordering on desperation.

    Gertrudes clenched her teeth, her patience wearing thin.

    ¡ª Shiva¡­ what the hell did you do?!

    But when she looked at the woman, her heart clenched.

    Shiva was in shock. Something had gone terribly wrong.

    Gertrudes took a deep breath.

    ¡ª We¡¯re going to have to fight. Tyrin, stay behind us. And please¡­ don¡¯t die.

    She summoned CaoCao, who appeared clad in armor, wielding his club, his eyes scanning the battlefield with sharp intelligence. Even he seemed surprised by the situation.

    Shiva didn¡¯t hesitate to call forth her own battle companion.

    ¡ª Two for each of us. We can beat them¡­ we just need to not die in the process.

    But before they could come up with a plan, a massive shadow engulfed the hall.

    From the pit, a fifth creature emerged¡ªfar larger than the others. It stood nearly four meters tall, a grotesque fusion of a praying mantis and a humanoid. Its natural blades gleamed menacingly in the ambient light, and its presence seemed to drain the air around them.

    It landed at the entrance, watching them with unsettling delight.

    Gertrudes felt a shiver run down her spine when she saw the sheer horror on Shiva¡¯s face.

    ¡ª That¡­ I assume that¡¯s the Gatekeeper, correct? ¡ª she murmured, her voice colder than she intended.

    Shiva, her eyes brimming with tears, only nodded.

    ¡ª Then¡­ if I¡¯m going to die here, I might as well go down fighting. ¡ª Tyrin stepped out from behind the two women.

    Gertrudes¡¯ eyes widened.

    ¡ª Tyrin, have you lost your mind?!

    But he knew he had to do something. His body was different from the last time. After half a day of running, he had leveled up multiple times. He was no longer the same defenseless boy.

    He had to survive.

    He had to return to his sister.

    And he had to prove he wasn¡¯t a coward.

    Tyrin focused and opened his status.

    ?? STATUS ??

    <ul>

    <li>

    Level: 27

    </li>

    <li>

    Rank: SSS / 00 ¡ª Primordial Apex

    </li>

    <li>

    Strength: 72

    </li>

    <li>

    Endurance: 77

    </li>

    <li>

    Speed: 55

    </li>

    <li>

    Skill: 69

    </li>

    <li>

    Psyche: 0

    </li>

    <li>

    Available Points: 0

    </li>

    </ul>

    The air around them grew heavier, but the monsters didn¡¯t attack immediately.

    They wanted to savor the moment.

    Tyrin took advantage of the pause to check the status of one of the enemies.

    ?? ENEMY STATUS ??

    <ul>

    <li>

    Level: 1

    </li>

    <li>

    Rank: S

    </li>

    <li>

    Strength: 80

    </li>

    <li>

    Endurance: 99

    </li>

    <li>

    Speed: 150

    </li>

    <li>

    Skill: 20

    </li>

    <li>

    Psyche: N/A

    </li>

    </ul>

    What shocked him was the monster¡¯s level.

    Only 1.

    That meant they had just been born. Yet their stats were insane.

    If these were their base attributes¡­ what happened when they evolved?

    He needed to see the Gatekeeper¡¯s status.

    But the moment he tried to focus his vision on it¡ª

    A searing pain exploded in his eyes.

    He screamed and collapsed to his knees, feeling something warm trickle down his face.

    Blood.

    ¡ª Tyrin?! What happened?! Were you attacked?! ¡ª Gertrudes turned toward him in alarm.

    ¡ª No¡­ it¡¯s nothing¡­ ¡ª he forced himself to stand. ¡ª Sorry.

    And then, the Gatekeeper smiled.

    A horrifying, unnatural grin.

    Slowly, it turned toward Gertrudes and Tyrin, its lips moving as if forming words.

    Its voice was a tormented whisper, shifting in pitch like a badly tuned radio.

    For two agonizing minutes, the sound adjusted¡­ until finally, something terrifying emerged from the creature¡¯s mouth:

    ¡ª Hu¡­mans.

    Shiva¡¯s heart pounded.

    The Gatekeeper knew they understood.

    And then, in a voice as cold as death itself, it asked its question.

    ¡ª How many of you do I need to kill¡­ before you get out of my way?

    Tyrin felt a chill run down his spine.

    He had heard Shiva and Gertrudes talk about this before.

    But seeing it in person¡­ was something else entirely.

    The Gatekeeper laughed.

    ¡ª I hope you last longer than the others before you.

 IlÃºtar - Chapter 49

    The biting wind whistled through the rubble, carrying with it the metallic scent of blood and dust. Tyrin panted, his knees buckling under the weight of exhaustion. His body was covered in cuts and bruises, each breath a struggle, his muscles screaming in protest.

    The dagger trembled in his sweaty fingers, slippery with a mix of sweat and blood. His heart pounded in his chest¡ªnot just from the pain, but from the growing fear tightening around his throat. A single enemy was already a death sentence, and he had to survive.

    Gertrudes fought bravely against one adversary, while Shiva faced another. The two pets were giving their all, but they couldn¡¯t hold back two enemies. The battle was teetering on the edge of a blade. It was up to Tyrin to hold off the fourth¡ªor rather, to endure, just for a few more moments.

    But the Aracnafon wouldn¡¯t grant him that luxury.

    The creature advanced, its legs digging into the ground with a menacing cadence, its eyes gleaming with cruel hunger. Time seemed to stretch, each passing second an eternity Tyrin wasn¡¯t sure he could withstand.

    ¡ª Tyrin, watch out! ¡ª The voice rang out, a desperate warning.

    Tyrin barely had time to react. Aracnafon¡¯s movements were too fast for his eyes to follow. All he saw were flashes, indistinct blurs of impending destruction. When he finally registered the attack coming his way, it was too late.

    With great effort, he raised his arms to defend himself. The enemy¡¯s sharp blade struck the dagger guarding his abdomen with brutal force.

    The impact sent him hurtling against the stone wall with crushing violence. The world around him trembled before the wall shattered into pieces, debris flying in all directions. Thick clouds of dust rose, obscuring his vision as he groaned in pain, feeling every bone in his body protest against the force of the blow.

    The silence lasted only a moment before a cold laugh filled the space.

    On the other side, Aracnafon watched him with a cruel smile. His body, a grotesque fusion of human and insect, moved with an almost mocking grace. His legs intertwined as he circled Tyrin, multifaceted eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

    ¡ª Is this all you¡¯ve got, human? ¡ª Aracnafon taunted, leaning forward as if inspecting a pathetic creature. ¡ª You can barely stand. My brothers are having a real fight while I¡¯m stuck with this trash.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t respond. He knew words wouldn¡¯t save him.

    With a desperate cry, he lunged, trying to strike the monster with all the strength he had left. But it was useless.

    Aracnafon dodged effortlessly, spinning around him and swiping at him lightly with one of his sharp claws. The blow wasn¡¯t strong enough to cause serious injury, but the humiliation was evident as Tyrin was sent sprawling to the ground, choking on dust.

    ¡ª So slow¡­ so weak. ¡ª Aracnafon chuckled, circling the fallen boy. ¡ª Come on, entertain me a little longer! Don¡¯t die so quickly.

    Tyrin gritted his teeth, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth. He tried to get up, but his leg gave out, and he collapsed again. Frustration burned in his chest. He couldn¡¯t win. There was no way. The monster was merely toying with him.

    Aracnafon clicked his claws, bored. ¡ª Bah¡­ I¡¯m already getting tired of this. Maybe it¡¯s best to end it right now.

    That was when something changed.

    A shiver ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine. A strange sensation began to rise within him, as if an invisible thread was being pulled from the depths of his soul. His eyes flickered for an instant, and the air around him seemed to vibrate.

    Aracnafon stopped. His mocking expression faded for a brief moment, replaced by cold curiosity.

    ¡ª What is this?

    Tyrin didn¡¯t know. All he knew was that, for the first time, the fear in his eyes was replaced by something else.

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    Suddenly, a voice struck Tyrin like a distant whisper¡ªyet at the same time, it was powerful and undeniable. It wasn¡¯t an external call but something coming from within, from a deep place in his soul he had never known before.

    The sensation was overwhelming, as if something long dormant was awakening, responding to his desperation.

    He felt the presence. It had always been there, yet it had never been accessible. A silent promise, an invisible bond waiting for the right moment to manifest.

    And now, with his body battered, his pride shattered, and his mind teetering on the brink of collapse, that call echoed louder, demanding an answer.

    His heart pounded. It was an irrepressible desire, a need that transcended logic. Without concern for the consequences, his trembling fingers reached for a small amulet hidden beneath his tattered clothes¡ªa gift received long ago but never used. The object, cold against his wounded skin, seemed to vibrate, pulsing as if it knew its time had come.

    Tyrin closed his eyes and whispered a name.

    ¡ª Karma, come to me.

    The air around him shifted. A primal energy began to flow, swirling into vortexes of fire and shadow. Everyone fighting froze, and even the Gatekeeper¡¯s boredom gave way to curiosity. The dust that had risen dispersed, and the sound of a faint yet potent roar filled the space. The ground trembled beneath his feet.

    The Aracnafon, who had been toying with the boy¡¯s weakness, suddenly stopped. His narrowed eyes reflected the change in the atmosphere.

    ¡ª What is this¡­? ¡ª he murmured, for the first time without a smile on his face.

    From the shadows, a small creature emerged. Its scales shimmered with dark reflections, its tiny wings trembled, still unaccustomed to the world around it. The hatchling¡¯s golden eyes locked onto Tyrin, as if it had waited its entire existence for this moment.

    It was a dragon. His dragon.

    The bond, once dormant, was now unbreakable.

    Tyrin, still gasping for breath, met the gaze of his newborn companion. He didn¡¯t know if this would change the course of the battle, but something inside him had ignited.

    For the first time, he wasn¡¯t alone.

    Then, as he looked into the dragon¡¯s eyes, something deep awakened within him. An ancient wisdom¡ªsomething never taught¡ªwas injected into his mind like an overwhelming tide. A power he had never known filled him completely. And he had no intention of wasting this opportunity.

    He lifted his gaze to Aracnafon and, for the first time, smiled. A strange smile, laden with a newfound certainty. Without hesitation, he inhaled deeply, feeling the heat gathering in his chest. Something primal, something ancient, was awakening in his body. The air around him shimmered with fiery sparks, and then, without thinking, he called upon what had long lain dormant within him.

    A guttural roar tore from his throat, echoing through the space with overwhelming force. Flames began to condense around him, swirling into incandescent currents that gathered at his mouth. The pain was intense, scorching his throat as if ripping through his flesh from within, but his mind no longer registered suffering. All he felt was the rising power, building up until he could contain it no longer.

    A single word came to him, an ancestral whisper.

    ¡ª Incendium.

    The world erupted in flames.

    A surge of purple fire burst from his mouth, expanding like a living wall, consuming everything in its path. The flames moved with almost intelligent precision, avoiding allies and hunting down enemies with predatory intent. The Aracnafon tried to react, but there was no escape. The fire enveloped them, scorching their grotesque carapaces, consuming them in a heat that would never fade.

    Desperate, the Gatekeeper raised his arms, trying to hold back the flames. But when he realized he couldn¡¯t extinguish them, he made a brutal decision. With a scream of agony, he drove his own sharp blades into his burning limbs, severing them to escape the relentless fire. With one last look of hatred, he threw himself into the abyss, vanishing into the darkness below.

    Silence reigned over the ruined battlefield.

    Tyrin collapsed to his knees, breathless and completely bare, as his clothes had turned to ash. The small dragon landed beside him, watching with golden eyes filled with curiosity and joy. Tyrin¡¯s own eyes, once shining like molten gold, returned to their normal color before he lost consciousness.

    The battle had changed.

    And with it, so had Tyrin.

    ?? STATUS ??

    <ul>

    <li>

    Level: 27 ¡ú 34 (+7)

    </li>

    <li>

    Classification: SSS / 00 ¡ª Primordial Apex

    </li>

    <li>

    Strength: 72

    </li>

    <li>

    Endurance: 77

    </li>

    <li>

    Speed: 55

    </li>

    <li>

    Skill: 69

    </li>

    <li>

    Psyche: 0 ¡ú 200 (+200)

    </li>

    <li>

    Available Points: 63

    </li>

    </ul>

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    <ul>

    <li>

    Precursor (+100 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    </li>

    <li>

    Precursor of the Middle (+500 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    </li>

    <li>

    Precursor of the End (+1000 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    </li>

    <li>

    Precursor of Redemption (+1,000,000 to all stats) (requirements not met)

    </li>

    <li>

    Unshakable (+10 to all stats) (hidden)

    </li>

    <li>

    Incendium (+200 to Psyche) (pet ability)

    </li>

    <li>

    Scales of Il¨²tar (+200 to Endurance) (pet ability)

    </li>

    </ul>

    ?? Pet:

    <ul>

    <li>

    Il¨²tar, the Dragon

    </li>

    </ul>

 Now We Run - Chapter 50

    Tyrin woke up with a start. He could feel his body moving, but he had no idea where he was. Above him, the starry sky stretched out in an unfamiliar pattern, so different from the constellations of his home planet. As his mind fully awakened, he began connecting the dots until he understood his situation. His arm was touching something warm and shapeless.

    ¡ª Gertrudes? ¡ª His voice came out hoarse.

    ¡ª I''m here, kid. How do you feel? Try not to move too much. CaoCao, slow down.

    ¡ª I''m cold... What happened?

    ¡ª Well, you''re naked, so that makes sense ¡ª Gertrudes replied dryly.

    Only then did Tyrin look down at himself and realize that he was, indeed, completely unclothed.

    ¡ª Holy shit! What the hell is going on? Where are we going? And where is everyone?

    ¡ª Here, take this cloth and cover yourself. And before you ask, we''re escaping. We need to get off this planet as soon as possible. Now, tell me¡ªwhen the hell were you going to mention that you have an Iluthar as a companion? And how did you even get one?

    Tyrin blinked, confused. The flood of questions and the obvious irritation in Gertrudes¡¯ voice only made him more disoriented.

    ¡ª I just found out today... ¡ª he muttered. ¡ª It probably hatched and was transferred to planet Gaia. Otherwise, how else could I have called it through the amulet?

    Gertrudes huffed in frustration.

    ¡ª Damn it, Tyrin, how many more surprises are you going to throw at me? First, you figure out how to beat that hellish simulation. Then, you find an epic weapon¡ªpossibly the most powerful one I¡¯ve ever seen. And now, an extinct pet? None of this makes sense! I bet the director already knows about your dragon. We need to get back to Vanaheim as soon as possible.

    ¡ª And where are we now? ¡ª Tyrin asked, pulling the cloth tighter around himself.

    ¡ª If my calculations are correct, we''re near Orion¡¯s ship. Now, could you ask your pet to return to the amulet?

    ¡ª Karma is here?

    Before Gertrudes could respond, a small dragon swooped down from the dark sky. With impressive precision, it landed on Tyrin¡¯s chest, staring at him with glowing golden eyes before it started licking his face like an overexcited puppy.

    ¡ª Karma, wait! Stop, please! Gertrudes, help! ¡ª Tyrin tried to push the dragon away, laughing, but without much success.

    Gertrudes crossed her arms, amused by the scene.

    ¡ª Well, looks like he sees you as a mother¡­ or father, I don¡¯t know. Brings back good memories, doesn¡¯t it, CaoCao?

    A low growl and a pat on the massive Oragontango sealed the comment. On one side, Tyrin wrestled with a hyperactive mini dragon; on the other, Gertrudes, riding her imposing Oragontango, watched the horizon with a serious expression. The chase lasted another twenty minutes before they finally reached Orion¡¯s personal ship.

    Tyrin only managed to convince Karma to return to the amulet under one condition: that he would be released as soon as possible. With that settled, they could finally discuss the gravity of the situation.

    ¡ª Do you think they would try to steal Karma from me? ¡ª Tyrin asked, still uneasy.

    ¡ª Think? No. I¡¯m sure of it ¡ª Gertrudes answered without hesitation. ¡ª Unlike you, I know those bastards. Magreb is one of the most selfish, greedy, and treacherous civilizations I¡¯ve ever seen. Hell, they destroyed an entire solar system because they believed in an expansionist Jihad! My people stopped them from committing atrocities against weaker civilizations... So believe me when I say that, right this moment, Shiva is probably already telling Kael about you. And they¡¯re certainly plotting a way to steal Karma and your dagger.

    Tyrin felt a knot in his stomach.

    ¡ª I... I didn¡¯t know what to do. We were going to die.

    Gertrudes sighed, her expression softening slightly.

    ¡ª I know. And I¡¯m grateful for what you did.. I agree¡ªwe¡¯d probably be dead by now if not for you. But there¡¯s no point dwelling on what could have been. Right now, we have bigger problems to deal with¡­ and honestly, I¡¯d rather not face them.

    It was late at night when the relentless pounding yanked Orion out of his sleep.

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    ¡ª I''m coming, damn it! Stop banging on the fucking door, or I swear I''ll kill¡ª ¡ª He stopped mid-sentence as he opened the door and came face to face with Gertrudes. ¡ª Gertrudes? What the hell are you doing here at this hour? Finally decided to¡­

    She turned as red as a tomato and cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

    ¡ª I brought Tyrin. I need to borrow one of your emergency ships. We have to leave now.

    Orion raised an eyebrow.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, as much as I like you, I can''t just hand out my emergency ships. They¡¯re called that for a reason. What the hell is going on that you need to leave so suddenly? We just got here.

    Gertrudes took a deep breath before answering, her tone serious and formal.

    ¡ª Orion, I¡¯m not speaking as Gertrudes, your guest. I¡¯m speaking as the ambassador of the planet Scar. I need to leave this planet immediately. This is an official request. I promise my father will reward you with the highest honor and any amount you ask. But we must go. Our lives are at risk.

    Orion stood there for a moment, blinking, still groggy from sleep. His brain struggled to process everything. In the end, he decided to accept.

    Orion knew the Scar family well. He knew they always paid their debts¡ªeven if, in the end, it meant he¡¯d have to deal with some influential visitor from another family complaining about whatever mess Gertrudes or that kid wrapped in a cloth had caused. Either way, Orion always had an ace up his sleeve: convenient ignorance. If necessary, he¡¯d simply claim he didn¡¯t know anything.

    ¡ª Let me grab the keys. I¡¯ll take you to the ship, but keep in mind¡ªit only has one jump. Choose your destination wisely. And, Gertrudes, you owe me a fully equipped reentry ship.

    She thought about arguing but knew what she was doing was insane. And when something has no price, the most expensive option becomes the only one. She was asking for help, so she had to accept the consequences.

    ¡ª No problem. But we need supplies and a safe passage to the jump point.

    Orion laughed, shaking his head.

    ¡ª Now you¡¯re pushing it. But since you agreed to the deal, I¡¯ll make things easier and help with that too.

    Gertrudes gritted her teeth, holding back the urge to curse Orion out. She knew she was in a delicate position¡ªand worse, he knew it too.

    ¡ª Alright, I¡¯m ready. Follow me, ¡ª he said, spinning the key between his fingers.

    They made their way through a few corridors that Tyrin already recognized until they reached the emergency ship bay. Three vessels stood there, ready for urgent evacuations.

    ¡ª Well, I guess this is where I say goodbye. Just one thing, Gertrudes¡ªdon¡¯t forget about my new ship. And if your father wants to send reinforcements, they¡¯d be more than welcome¡­ as long as he keeps it quiet. Do they still have that fusion weapon?

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, Orion. I¡¯ll personally make sure a ship is sent your way. You have my word. But we have to go now. See you soon.

    Gertrudes and Tyrin boarded the ship, quickly activating the systems to detach from the main vessel. As Orion watched them depart, an incoming call flashed on his communicator. He already had a good idea what this was about.

    ¡ª Well, I guess I¡¯m about to find out what mess you two got into¡­ ¡ª he muttered, answering the call. ¡ª Orion here, go ahead.

    On the other end, Sib¨¦rio, his intelligence specialist, spoke in a muffled voice. In the background, a sharper voice demanded to be put on.

    ¡ª Sib¨¦rio, let Kael talk¡­ ¡ª Orion sighed, already anticipating the explosion.

    ¡ª ORION, YOU SON OF A BITCH! WHERE DID YOU HIDE THE KID?! ¡ª Kael roared.

    Orion smirked, crossing his arms as he watched the emergency ship vanish into the horizon.

    ¡ª Oh, you mean Tyrin? Well, he¡¯s heading home. I¡¯d love to say goodbye for you, but look at that¡­ he¡¯s already taking off! Hahahaha!

    ¡ª ORION, YOU BASTARD! DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU¡¯VE DONE?! ¡ª Kael growled, his voice boiling with fury.

    ¡ª Oh, relax. Gertrudes promised to send me a new ship. I¡¯ll split the loot from this one when the new one arrives. So how about we let this go and focus on our mission?

    ¡ª FUCKING HELL, ORION! YOU DON¡¯T GET IT! FUCK THE SHIP! FUCK AN ENTIRE BATTALION! THE KID HAS A BABY ILUTHAR! ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME? AN ILUTHAR! THAT SHOULDN¡¯T EVEN BE POSSIBLE!

    Orion fell silent.

    His smile vanished.

    His eyes widened, pupils dilating, and his mouth went dry in an instant. He wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew exactly what an Iluthar was. And he knew the kind of chaos this would unleash.

    Without another word, he cut the transmission and immediately tried to contact the emergency ship. No response.

    ¡ª Fuck me¡­ ¡ª he muttered, watching the vessel disappear into the exosphere.

    He¡¯d been tricked.

    And now, it was too late to fix it.

    Inside the ship, Tyrin watched Gertrudes as she stubbornly ignored Orion¡¯s repeated attempts to call them. His expression was uneasy.

    ¡ª Are you sure we should be ignoring Orion?

    Gertrudes sighed, still focused on the ship¡¯s controls.

    ¡ª He¡¯s probably figured it out by now. And do you have any idea how hard it is for me to use my name to get something? My father is at least going to force me into military service for ten years just to pay off the ship we promised Orion. I even thought my beauty might help me negotiate, but that bastard went straight for the jugular.

    Tyrin exhaled, taking in her words.

    ¡ª Okay... But now, who can we even trust?

    Gertrudes shot him a serious look.

    ¡ª In this universe, there are only two people who can help you: the Director and Charon. We need to get back to Vanaheim and speak with them. If we can prove you''re worthy, they¡¯ll protect you.

    ¡ª The Director is that powerful?

    ¡ª Just as powerful as my father. But unlike him, she has the Emperor¡¯s protection. And no one¡¯s going to risk messing with her.

    Gertrudes punched a few commands into the control panel.

    ¡ª We¡¯re almost at the designated location. I¡¯m activating the jump¡ªget ready.

    Tyrin felt his body tense as the emergency ship¡¯s engines thrummed, building up energy for the jump. A brilliant flash consumed the small vessel as it propelled forward into the vastness of space.

    From inside one of the main quarters aboard Orion¡¯s ship, a grotesque woman watched the emergency ship¡¯s jump with a twisted smile. Her gaze was cold. Predatory.

    Beside her, a table.

    And on that table¡ª

    A putrid, severed head lay like a macabre trophy.

    Its deformed features and the remnants of what was once golden hair made it unmistakable.

    If Tyrin were here, he would have recognized it in an instant.

    It was Solaria¡¯s head.

    The woman cracked her fingers, amused, and tilted her head slightly.

    ¡ª What an interesting boy, don¡¯t you think, my dear?

    Then, she let out a maniacal laugh.

 Revelations and a Return to Normality - Chapter 51

    Gertrudes took advantage of the time she spent with Tyrin on the ship to clear up some doubts that had been intriguing her. To her, it was strange that a boy from a planet where wolves were the predominant pets had an egg¡ªespecially one so peculiar. The only plausible explanation was that, somehow, a gap in the planet''s ecosystem had been filled by a random beast. This wasn''t exactly common, but it wasn''t impossible either¡ªit sat on that threshold between improbable and possible.

    However, what truly defied any known logic was the fact that Tyrin possessed such a powerful pet from a planet located at the farthest edge of the universe. And even more surprising: the pet in question was an Il¨²tar.

    ¡ª Tyrin, do you know why an Il¨²tar is so rare? ¡ª Gertrudes asked, staring at him seriously.

    ¡ª Honestly, professor, I have no idea what it even is. I was just told it was a replacement for my wolf ¡ª the boy replied, unable to hide his confusion.

    ¡ª You need to understand the gravity of this situation ¡ª Gertrudes insisted. ¡ª Il¨²tars are a species that exists in only one place in the known universe: the planet Gaia.

    ¡ª Gaia... the planet where pets stay before being summoned? ¡ª Tyrin raised an eyebrow.

    ¡ª Exactly. It¡¯s a peculiar world, accessible only through portals or special amulets, making it a safe place to keep pets. Moreover, the uniqueness of this planet allows us to challenge our creatures without posing a real threat to their lives.

    ¡ª Yes, Cassandra mentioned something about that. She said there''s some kind of power in Gaia that makes everything there unique.

    ¡ª That¡¯s right. Gaia is not an ordinary planet ¡ª Gertrudes continued. ¡ª It exists inside a black hole. Nothing there follows conventional rules. What most people don¡¯t know is that the districts were created precisely to protect the animals, as the planet¡¯s environment is extremely hostile. For centuries, we struggled to claim territory there.

    Tyrin listened intently, trying to absorb so much information at once.

    ¡ª But what does that have to do with the Il¨²tars? From what I understand, they¡¯re rare and powerful.

    ¡ª It has everything to do with them ¡ª Gertrudes replied immediately. ¡ª When the first explorers arrived in Gaia, they realized that the only way to survive in that world was to dominate its strongest creatures. But the Il¨²tars weren¡¯t just strong... they were perfect. They flew like birds, possessed the strength of an Oliphant, and wielded both offensive and defensive magic. They were true war machines.

    She paused before continuing, as if weighing the gravity of her next words.

    ¡ª There was only one chance to tame this species. During a battle between a female and a new dominant male, we managed to steal a few eggs. The price was high¡ªmany lives were lost¡ªbut thanks to that, we obtained four legendary dragons:

    Nozdormu, the Giant.

    Exodus, the Indestructible.

    Neltharion, the Fire of the Night.

    Onyxia, the Silver Wing.

    ¡ª These four Il¨²tars were the pillars that allowed us to conquer Gaia¡¯s districts. Without them, we would never have been able to establish a presence there. But time passed... Nozdormu died of old age in Vaneheim, where our base is now located. His bones are still there¡ªyou must have seen them when you arrived on the planet. As for Exodus, they say he belongs to the Emperor¡¯s right hand, but centuries have passed, and no one knows if he¡¯s still alive. Neltharion and Onyxia fled to Gaia when their masters died... and with that, the most powerful race in the universe was considered extinct.

    Gertrudes looked directly at Tyrin.

    ¡ª At least... until now.

    Tyrin felt a chill down his spine. Dante had told him to keep the egg a secret, but how could he possibly do that now? How could he hide something so monumental? Perhaps neither Dante nor Karin fully understood what they had given him.

    ¡ª So... he¡¯s strong ¡ª Tyrin murmured, feeling an unexpected weight settle on his shoulders. ¡ª But he¡¯s mine. We¡¯ve already formed a bond.

    Gertrudes sighed.

    ¡ª You don¡¯t understand. Now that they know he exists, they may try to capture him and force him to accept a new master before he grows. It¡¯s a difficult and risky process, but with an Il¨²tar... any attempt is worth it. The safest place for him is with the director. You need to get stronger. Your dragon too. Only then will you be able to protect him.

    The journey aboard the emergency ship was slow and uncomfortable, but Tyrin used the time to reflect. He needed to understand his pet better¡­ and, most importantly, his new power. He already knew it was something formidable, but if he passed out every time he used it, he¡¯d be in serious trouble. To seek answers, he delved into the history of the first tamers: two men and two women. They were the first Ultras¡ªand their Il¨²tar were colossal. Nozdormu, for example, rarely engaged in combat because his enormous size made mobility difficult. These dragons could survive in space, their life forms so unique that they defied any scientific explanation. They were, as Gertrudes had said, one of a kind.

    Seven days passed before they finally arrived in Vaneheim. The director was already waiting for them, having been informed in advance by Gertrudes. Apparently, the professors had their own exclusive means of communication. The director¡¯s own ship had been sent to retrieve them.

    As soon as they disembarked, the woman greeted them with a serious yet welcoming expression.

    ¡ª Gertrudes. Student Tyrin. ¡ª Her voice was firm, but not harsh. ¡ª We need to have a very serious conversation about several matters. But before that, I suggest you change and rest. The journey was long, and the last thing I want is to wear you out even more with my voice.

    Tyrin simply nodded. He knew that conversation could change everything.

    ¡ª Thank you, Director. We¡¯ll return as soon as possible ¡ª said Gertrudes before leaving with Tyrin.

    Tyrin entered his dormitory and, as soon as he threw himself onto the bed, exhaustion overtook him. His throat still hurt a little, but not enough to stop him from getting a good night¡¯s sleep.

    The darkness of the night still lingered over Vaneheim when he was awakened by Gertrudes.

    ¡ª Tyrin, wake up. We''ve been invited to dinner with the director. We need to go.

    He stretched and rubbed his eyes before responding:

    ¡ª I¡¯m coming, professor. Just need to change.

    He took a quick shower, changing into simpler, lighter clothes. The exhaustion still weighed on his body, but the anticipation of what the director had to say kept him alert.

    They walked together toward the main dormitory, a modest house in the middle of the campus. Its garden was beautiful and well-maintained, filled with fruit trees. If students didn¡¯t know the director lived there, some would probably try to steal fruit from the yard. However, any thought of the garden vanished when a tall man, almost as tall as Gertrudes, opened the door.

    ¡ª Caronte¡­ It¡¯s been a while! ¡ª Gertrudes greeted him with a rare smile.

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    ¡ª Gertrudes¡­ ¡ª he replied with a slight nod before turning to Tyrin. ¡ª And you must be the boy who has been giving us so many surprises.

    His tone wasn¡¯t accusatory, but there was a clear curiosity in his voice.

    ¡ª Come in, please. The director is waiting for you in the dining room.

    Tyrin followed inside and immediately noticed something peculiar. The architecture was old and rustic, very reminiscent of the buildings on his own planet. However, unlike there¡ªwhere this style was a necessity due to limited resources¡ªhere, it seemed like an aesthetic choice. It was as if time had stood still inside that house. But this impression quickly faded when they reached the dining room.

    The setting was sophisticated yet cozy, with a long, ornate table filled with dishes that gave off an irresistible aroma. To Tyrin, it was a true feast.

    ¡ª Finally! I thought you two would never get here ¡ª said the director, smiling casually. ¡ª Enjoy, because I rarely invite anyone to my home. And just so you know, I personally prepared some of these dishes, so help yourselves.

    Tyrin and Gertrudes needed no further encouragement. They sat down and started eating as if they hadn¡¯t had a decent meal in years. The food was delicious, and Tyrin got lost in the variety, trying to decide whether to get more of the roasted duck or try the tomato and basil rondelli.

    That was when a voice interrupted his indecision:

    ¡ª Tyrin, you¡¯re a boy who has always caught my attention. Did you know that?

    He choked slightly before replying:

    ¡ª Sorry, Director¡­ but I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.

    She smiled, as if she had expected that response.

    ¡ª The only student who wasn¡¯t directly affected by gravity in combat. The highest score in piloting class. One of the few praised in escort training. Even the dissection professor had good things to say about you. Not to mention Gertrudes.

    At the mention of her name, Gertrudes choked badly on a piece of meat.

    ¡ª He¡¯s my student¡­ Of course, I have to praise him! ¡ª she protested, still trying to recover.

    The director raised an eyebrow but kept her tone casual.

    ¡ª Look at my situation. I have in front of me a boy from a forgotten planet, yet with high-ranking talent. And to top off the surprise, this same boy appears carrying a baby Il¨²tar. Do you have any idea how strange this is for me, Tyrin? I need to understand exactly who I¡¯m dealing with. So tell me¡­ who are you?

    Tyrin hesitated for a moment before answering:

    ¡ª I¡¯m¡­ me. I have no secrets, Director. I know all of this seems confusing, but I just did what I was told. I have a knack for memorizing what I read, and honestly, I don¡¯t want to die. So¡­ I guess I¡¯ve been lucky. Put all that together, and you get me.

    The director studied him for a few seconds, assessing his response.

    ¡ª I¡¯d say your luck is beyond ordinary, to say the least. But the question now isn¡¯t just who you are¡ªit¡¯s what we¡¯re going to do from here.

    She then turned to Gertrudes.

    ¡ª Do you have any suggestions?

    Gertrudes sighed, crossing her arms.

    ¡ª The problem is, we¡¯ve already been seen. There¡¯s no way to erase what happened. So, honestly, I don¡¯t know what to do.

    The director nodded, thoughtful, before announcing her decision:

    ¡ª We¡¯ll have to make an agreement. None of you can speak about what happened. No one must know about Tyrin¡¯s Il¨²tar. And one more thing¡­ from now on, Tyrin will train directly with me. He¡¯ll be my personal student in his free time.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡ª Seriously? Of course, I accept, Director! I mean¡­ who wouldn¡¯t want to take lessons from you?

    She gave a slight smile.

    ¡ª You say that now¡­ but I want your full commitment. You can¡¯t quit halfway through.

    Tyrin clenched his fists, determined.

    ¡ª I promise, Director. I want to become strong enough to protect those I love. If you can help me with that, there¡¯s no reason for me to refuse.

    ¡ª Perfect. One less problem ¡ª she said, satisfied. ¡ª Now¡­ about what happened in Klandato. I need a full report from both of you. As detailed as possible.

    Gertrudes frowned, concerned.

    ¡ª Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m not sure we can disclose all the information. The mission was classified¡­ directly by the Emperor.

    The director set her utensils down on the table and looked at her seriously.

    ¡ª Gertrudes¡­ I think, since you were in space, you may not have received the news yet. The Emperor has made the information public.

    Silence filled the room.

    Tyrin swallowed hard.

    If the truth about Klandato had been revealed¡­ then chaos was only just beginning.

    ¡ª This doesn¡¯t make sense¡­ ¡ª Gertrudes murmured, still trying to process the information. ¡ª Why would he do that?

    Suddenly, the room seemed colder and quieter. Tyrin felt a chill run down his spine when he noticed Caronte and the director exchanging glances before responding.

    ¡ª On the day you left Klandato, something unexplainable happened ¡ª the director said, her voice heavier. ¡ª In a single night, everyone on the planet was killed.

    The news hit Tyrin and Gertrudes like a punch to the gut. The air felt heavy, and for a moment, neither of them could speak.

    ¡ª That... that¡¯s impossible! ¡ª Gertrudes finally managed to say, her voice trembling. ¡ª What do you mean, everyone? The planet was stable when we left. Was it an attack?

    Caronte was the one to answer, his expression serious.

    ¡ª We don¡¯t have the full information yet. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for a detailed report. I believe something happened before you left, something that might be connected to this massacre.

    Gertrudes and Tyrin recounted everything that had occurred in Klandato. In the end, they had spent less than a day on the planet, so there weren¡¯t many notable events beyond the battle against the Gatekeeper. However, when Tyrin mentioned this detail, the director seemed more attentive.

    ¡ª You said you injured the Gatekeeper, Tyrin? ¡ª she asked, narrowing her eyes.

    ¡ª Yes, I¡¯m sure of it. He cut off his own arm and fled back into the hole he came from.

    Caronte crossed his arms, deep in thought.

    ¡ª If the Gatekeeper was wounded, something even stronger may have emerged afterward. To wipe out an entire planet¡¯s population in a single night¡­ there would have to be multiple Gatekeepers, or something even more powerful.

    The director nodded.

    ¡ª I agree. Whatever happened, someone made sure there were no survivors. The only silver lining¡ªif you can even call it that¡ªis that your secret is safe with us, Tyrin.

    He simply nodded, still in shock. His mind raced with questions, but one in particular wouldn¡¯t leave him alone:

    ¡ª But... no one survived? Not even Orion? ¡ª Gertrudes asked, her voice wavering.

    The director slowly shook her head.

    ¡ª Unfortunately, no. As far as we know, everyone on the planet perished. Only a small squadron survived¡­ and that¡¯s because they never actually landed on Klandato.

    ¡ª Who was leading that squadron? ¡ª Gertrudes asked, clinging to any hope.

    The director looked at Caronte, who answered without hesitation:

    ¡ª Solaria.

    The name hung in the air like a ghost.

    Tyrin felt a shiver run down his spine. His stomach churned.

    Solaria¡­

    He knew that woman wasn¡¯t what everyone thought she was. But how could he explain that to the director and Gertrudes without sounding insane? If he stayed silent, more people could die. He had to be honest.

    He took a deep breath and decided to speak.

    ¡ª Director, Gertrudes¡­ I need to tell you something.

    Gertrudes turned to him, confused.

    ¡ª Of course, Tyrin. What is it?

    He hesitated for a second before saying, as seriously as possible:

    ¡ª I don¡¯t think Solaria can be trusted.

    Gertrudes frowned.

    ¡ª Tyrin, what are you talking about? She¡¯s one of the Five! How can she not be trustworthy?

    But before he could answer, the director raised a hand, stopping Gertrudes. Her gaze was sharp, as if she already knew exactly what Tyrin was trying to say.

    ¡ª I understand. Don¡¯t worry, Tyrin. I don¡¯t know how you figured it out¡­ but at this point, I¡¯m not surprised that you did.

    Gertrudes blinked, bewildered.

    ¡ª What? I don¡¯t understand! What are you two trying to tell me?

    The director took a deep breath before responding.

    ¡ª Gertrudes¡­ we know that Solaria is not human. And the real one has probably been dead for a long time.

    A heavy silence filled the room.

    Tyrin held his breath.

    Gertrudes paled.

    ¡ª What do you mean? ¡ª she asked, her voice low, almost a whisper.

    The director leaned back in her chair, interlacing her fingers over the table.

    ¡ª I mean that Solaria is not who she claims to be. And if it¡¯s what I think it is¡­ then we¡¯re dealing with a problem far greater than just giant insects.

 Challenge and Reunions - Chapter 52

    The next day, Gertrudes was still trying to process the revelation that she had been so close to the enemy without realizing it. Tyrin, however, woke up to a deep sense of tranquility. His secret was safe, and the headmistress had merely asked him to keep it that way until he was capable of defending himself. Personally, he had no idea when that moment would come.

    ¡ª Gertrudes, are you teaching today? ¡ª Tyrin found his teacher in the library, engrossed in a botany book.

    ¡ª Yes¡­ Sorry, I got lost in thought and forgot. Is everyone already in the classroom?

    ¡ª Yes, including Emilia.

    Gertrudes let out a weary sigh.

    ¡ª My God¡­ I suppose I¡¯ll have to explain to her why we had to cancel almost two weeks of class.

    When they reached the classroom, they saw Emilia talking to Luci. As soon as she noticed the teacher''s arrival, Emilia crossed her arms and shot Gertrudes a sharp look.

    ¡ª Well, well, Gertrudes Scar. I hope your absence will be compensated with good grades, or I''ll tell my father what you did.

    Gertrudes remained calm and replied firmly:

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, Emilia. Your grades are safe. Now, let¡¯s pick up where we left off in the last lesson.

    ¡ª Hold on! ¡ª Emilia frowned. ¡ª Aren¡¯t you going to tell us what happened? I mean¡­ I know you went on some kind of adventure, and from the little I¡¯ve heard, something went terribly wrong. What¡¯s the harm in telling us exactly what happened?

    Luci, who had remained silent until then, stepped forward before Gertrudes had to respond.

    ¡ª What happened is none of your business, Emilia. And I believe the professor agrees that we don¡¯t have to justify what we did.

    Emilia narrowed her eyes, studying Luci for a few seconds before flashing a defiant smile.

    ¡ª Hmmm¡­ So this is the real Miss Luci? How about we settle this outside in a duel? That way, we can see who¡¯s better.

    Already exhausted by this behavior, Gertrudes didn¡¯t waste any time.

    ¡ª Emilia Dracont, you¡¯re crossing the line. Do you want to be expelled from my class?

    ¡ª No, ma¡¯am¡­ ¡ª Emilia replied, reluctant.

    ¡ª Then shut up and stay quiet. Today, we¡¯re going back to the topic of the last lesson.

    From that moment on, Emilia didn¡¯t interrupt the class again, though she was visibly irritated.

    Tyrin, on the other hand, was more eager to reunite with his friends than to focus on the lesson itself. He paid little attention to the argument, as his mind was occupied with the anticipation of seeing Cassandra and Damian again ¡ª after all, they still didn¡¯t know he had returned. But before that, he would have to get through Professor Manfred¡¯s piloting class.

    When he entered the room, Manfred was already waiting for them with his usual enigmatic smile.

    ¡ª My dear students, today I¡¯d like to change the dynamics of the lesson a little. We¡¯ve been trying to beat the simulation for weeks, and clearly, that¡¯s not going to happen. So, in the meantime, I want to test something different.

    The professor was known for his eccentric methods. The headmistress liked that about him ¡ª always pushing students to think outside the box or, when necessary, knocking down those with inflated egos.

    ¡ª I¡¯d like some volunteers.

    No one spoke up. The entire class hesitated, and Tyrin had a feeling Manfred just wanted to throw them into an impossible simulation, only to mock whoever tried. He figured it was best to stay silent.

    ¡ª Well¡­ Since there are no volunteers, I¡¯ll pick them myself. Tyrin, Viktor, Eleonora, and Robert, please.

    Tyrin suppressed a sigh. Ever since Manfred had claimed that no noble in the class should be worse than him, an unspoken competition had emerged. This became evident when the others greeted each other but completely ignored him.

    ¡ª Very well, students. In this simulation, you will relive the first rebellion that took place two hundred years ago. At the time, we fought a chaotic battle against the Tyrants, but in the midst of the conflict, there were infiltrated rebels. We didn¡¯t know who was an ally and who was an enemy. Your objective is simple: destroy the enemy before they destroy you. The highest score will come with a special reward ¡ª exemption from this month¡¯s assessments with a perfect grade.

    The classroom fell silent. This kind of incentive was rare.

    The score would be calculated based on the number of enemy ships correctly destroyed, but any mistaken attack on an ally would reduce it. The simulation began, and as expected, it proved to be extremely difficult.

    Eleonora was the first to try, managing 400 points before being eliminated. Robert did even worse, with only 200 points. But what really caught Tyrin¡¯s attention was Viktor, who, surprisingly, reached nearly 1000 points on his first attempt.

    That didn¡¯t make sense.

    Tyrin knew Viktor. He had always been, at best, average. He certainly wasn¡¯t someone who should have outperformed Eleonora by such a wide margin.

    Something was very wrong.

    ¡ª Very well, now for the last but certainly not least. Tyrin, take a seat.

    Tyrin slowly approached, sitting in the chair positioned at the center of the room while Manfred prepared the simulation collar. But before activating it, the professor leaned in and whispered, low enough that no one else could hear:

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡ª You know, boy¡­ You think you¡¯re clever, skipping my classes to run off who knows where. If it weren¡¯t for the headmistress, I would¡¯ve sent you back to that frozen planet a long time ago.

    Tyrin felt his blood boil, but before he could respond, he was pulled into the simulation.

    ___________

    ¡ª Sir! Sir! We were attacked by an allied ship, but we have no solid information. What should we do?

    Manfred¡¯s words still echoed in Tyrin¡¯s mind. He knew it had been a provocation, an obvious attempt to throw him off balance. But if there was one thing he wouldn¡¯t allow, it was for Manfred to come out on top. His instincts told him there was a way to turn the game around.

    Suddenly, an idea struck him.

    ¡ª I want all ships to activate their command room cameras immediately! ¡ª he ordered.

    ¡ª But sir, that makes no sense! We¡¯re in battle against the Tyrants! We don¡¯t have time to¡ª

    ¡ª Shut up! That¡¯s an order! You don¡¯t have to speak to me, you don¡¯t have to look at me, just turn on the cameras. I want to see your faces. And do it now!

    ___________

    Outside the simulation, Manfred, who had decided to display Tyrin¡¯s attempt to the entire class, frowned in confusion.

    ¡ª Professor¡­ Why is he asking all the ships to turn on their cameras? Does that make any sense? ¡ª Viktor asked, visibly uncomfortable.

    After all, Manfred had given him hints the day before, helping him achieve his outrageous score. Of course, he hadn¡¯t memorized all the information, but it had been enough for him to stand out above everyone else. What was Tyrin trying to do?

    Manfred narrowed his eyes, then laughed, realizing the perfect opportunity to humiliate the commoner.

    ¡ª I have no idea what that boy thinks he¡¯s doing¡­ But I can use this. ¡ª He then turned to the class. ¡ª Pay attention, dear students! Witness the desperation of a commoner who has no idea what he¡¯s doing! I bet he¡¯s going to try and convince the enemy with kind words! HAHAHAHAHA! Watch with your own eyes how a commoner is nothing compared to us, the elite!

    The entire class erupted in laughter¡­ except for Eleonora.

    She didn¡¯t find it funny at all. On the contrary, she felt a growing curiosity. Something told her that Tyrin wasn¡¯t acting randomly. The handsome commoner seemed to know exactly what he was doing.

    And it didn¡¯t take long for the laughter to die out.

    ___________

    ¡ª Sir, all ships are in line. What do we do now? ¡ª one of the simulation officers asked.

    Tyrin carefully observed the screen, where dozens of commanders¡¯ faces were displayed. His mind worked quickly, memorizing each one. He analyzed every feature, every expression, every suspicious detail.

    For two whole minutes, he just watched.

    The tension in the room was palpable.

    Then, finally, he ordered:

    ¡ª You may turn off the cameras.

    A brief silence followed.

    ¡ª Sir, what¡¯s the next step?

    Tyrin took a deep breath before speaking.

    ¡ª Fire at ships 24, 34, 456, 321, 267, 328, 222, 756, 354, 132¡­

    He continued listing numbers until he reached a total of thirty-two ships.

    ¡ª Sir? ¡ª The officer hesitated. ¡ª That¡¯s thirty-two ships¡­

    ¡ª I gave an order. Fire at all of them.

    ¡ª Sir¡­ Yes, sir! Firing!

    SIMULATION ENDED

    Tyrin emerged from the simulation, blinking a few times as he adjusted to the room¡¯s light.

    What he found was absolute silence.

    Everyone was staring at him, wide-eyed, unsure of how to react. He felt a grip on his shoulder and turned, only to be seized roughly by Manfred.

    ¡ª What did you do?! ¡ª the professor growled, shaking him in the chair.

    Tyrin broke free, straightening his posture.

    ¡ª I did what you asked. I destroyed the enemy.

    The words hung in the air like thunder, carrying something no one could quite name.

    The screen behind him displayed the simulation scores. Above Viktor¡¯s name, which boasted an impressive "989 points," there was a single name:

    Tyrin.

    And instead of a number, just one word:

    PERFECT.

    Shock spread through the room.

    Everyone had seen it.

    Everyone had witnessed it with their own eyes.

    Tyrin, without hesitation, had looked at the commanders and, without any apparent calculations, selected 32 ships out of 800 to be destroyed.

    And he had gotten every single one right.

    Viktor felt cold sweat drip down his neck. That was impossible.

    Manfred, on the other hand, was livid.

    ¡ª This¡­ This doesn¡¯t make sense. ¡ª His voice came out as a whisper before growing in intensity. ¡ª You cheated! There¡¯s no way to know which ships were infiltrated just by looking at the commanders¡¯ faces! What did you do?!

    Tyrin crossed his arms, meeting Manfred¡¯s glare with an unshaken expression.

    ¡ª Simple. ¡ª He began, as if explaining something obvious. ¡ª The rebel ships needed to communicate with each other, so they had to be using some kind of discreet earpiece for contact. That alone eliminated over half of the commanders. Then, based on war records, I knew that the rebels used an identifying mark on their necks¡ªsmall, almost imperceptible, looking like a mole or blemish. I combined that with other knowledge I¡¯ve acquired¡­ and maybe a little luck.

    He shrugged.

    ¡ª I¡¯m dismissed, right? See you next month.

    Silence.

    Manfred didn¡¯t know what to say. Tyrin¡¯s logic made sense¡­ and yet, it didn¡¯t. Not even he, with all his experience, had thought of those possibilities. He sank into his chair, his mind in absolute chaos.

    For the first time, he had no response. No counterattack.

    With a vague wave of his hand, he simply dismissed the students.

    The room emptied quickly, but Viktor remained, his eyes fixed on the professor, who still seemed lost in his own thoughts.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, professor. ¡ª Viktor¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡ª We¡¯ll get our revenge.

    Manfred, however, didn¡¯t react. He seemed distant, as if his pride had been shattered in a single blow.

    The news spread like wildfire.

    Tyrin, the student who drove Manfred insane.

    Every classroom, every hallway, every whisper carried the same story: the commoner who had outdone one of the academy¡¯s most ruthless professors.

    With each retelling, the rumors became more exaggerated¡ªsome claimed Manfred had snapped and thrown a chair, others swore he had stormed out of the room, unable to handle the humiliation.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t care about the gossip.

    He knew the truth.

    Luck had little to do with what had happened¡ªin reality, he had identified the enemies with precision, just by analyzing them with his ability. For a moment, he had feared misjudging someone through a camera, but in the end, everything had gone exactly as planned.

    Still, he couldn¡¯t reveal that.

    He had expected Manfred to challenge him, to demand a logical explanation for what he had done. So, he had prepared a convincing lie. But deep down, he knew the professor¡¯s blind arrogance would never let him see the truth so easily.

    Either way, Tyrin had something more important to focus on now.

    ¡ª WELL, WELL, WELL! Big bro disappears for two weeks and comes back humiliating professors? Holy shit, I¡¯d give anything to see that bastard¡¯s face! ¡ª Damian cackled, throwing an arm around Tyrin¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡ª Shut up, Damian. ¡ª Tyrin chuckled, pushing him away. ¡ª But it¡¯s good to see you.

    ¡ª Come on, give your little brother a hug!

    Before Damian could pull him into an exaggerated embrace, a well-aimed punch landed on his head.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t embarrass me, brother. ¡ª Cassandra crossed her arms, rolling her eyes.

    ¡ª Ow! That hurts, Cass! ¡ª Damian whined, rubbing his head.

    Tyrin just laughed.

    For a moment, everything that had happened¡ªManfred, the simulation, the stunned stares¡ªsimply faded away.

    He was home.

    And nothing in the world could compare to that.

 The Singularity - Chapter 53

    It was one of the first times Tyrin and his friends had gone to the crowded restaurant. Their class schedules didn¡¯t align that day, so they decided to use lunch as a chance to catch up.

    ¡ª No fucking way you saw more than one Vultra. Holy shit, I¡¯ve only seen Caronte transformed once! ¡ª Cassandra exclaimed, incredulous.

    Despite the shock, she believed Tyrin¡¯s story. After all, he had the strange habit of always being at the center of chaos, yet somehow coming out unscathed, as if he always had a trick up his sleeve. Even so, he left out details about Klandato and his dragon.

    ¡ª What do you mean by "transformed"? ¡ª Tyrin asked, frowning.

    ¡ª What? You not knowing basic stuff is becoming a habit ¡ª Cassandra rolled her eyes but continued. ¡ª Anyway, when we reach certain milestones, we can transform. That¡¯s why our ranks have names. I don¡¯t know exactly how it works, but they say you get way stronger. As far as I know, everyone develops blue fur, but I¡¯ve heard that the Ultras had variations in their first transformations. So, it might be a rule¡­ with some exceptions.

    ¡ª Are you saying it¡¯s possible to go back to normal after turning into a Vultra?

    ¡ª Not necessarily. ¡ª This time, Damian joined the conversation.

    ¡ª My father said that once you become a Vultra, you create a path. From there, it gets much easier to transform again or even maintain that state.

    Tyrin processed the new information. It made sense¡ªafter all, the headmistress didn¡¯t have blue hair, yet she was considered the strongest person in Vanaheim. Maybe she was simply in a non-transformed state.

    The conversation shifted to the classes Tyrin had missed, including Custer¡¯s, who had apparently organized a one-on-one fighting tournament. Both Damian and Cassandra had been eliminated in the round of sixteen, but there was a clear reason for that.

    ¡ª The Essentials are way too strong. Ty, these guys have been training combat arts since they were kids. I don¡¯t know if I can beat them with brute strength alone. I never understood how they defended the planet from the Tyranos without the injection, but once you fight one of them, you¡¯ll get it. They¡¯re insane. ¡ª Cassandra crossed her arms, resigned.

    Her accepting tone surprised Tyrin, but when she explained the advantages of her own lineage, her attitude made more sense.

    ¡ª Guys, I¡¯m going to talk to the headmistress. See you in Custer¡¯s class tomorrow?

    ¡ª No problem, big guy. But be ready¡ªhe asked about you and seemed pissed about your absences. I think he¡¯s going to give you a hard time ¡ª Damian warned.

    ¡ª But don¡¯t worry ¡ª Cassandra smiled. ¡ª We¡¯ll be there with you.

    ¡ª Alright. I¡¯ll count on you guys.

    With that, Tyrin headed to his last task of the day: training with the headmistress. Part of their agreement was to meet every day, and he was beginning to suspect that she wanted to train him personally¡ªwhich, to him, was an advantage. Still, he wanted to return to the dorm as soon as possible. He was breaking his promise to Karma, as almost a full day had passed, and he still hadn¡¯t summoned her. He wanted to handle all his pending matters before doing so, to be able to meet her with a clear mind.

    As soon as he arrived, the headmistress greeted him with an assessing look.

    ¡ª Tyrin. You¡¯re early. Did you speak with who you wanted to?

    ¡ª Yes, professor. I¡¯ve already talked to my friends. What do you need me to do?

    ¡ª Perfect. Follow me, I have a room for this.

    The headmistress¡¯s house was beautiful on the outside but seemed even bigger on the inside. Tyrin followed her to the kitchen, where she pressed a discreet button near the counter. The floor opened up, revealing a secret passage.

    ¡ª Please, follow me. We¡¯re heading to my training room.

    He was still trying to process the absurd size of the place, but he focused on what mattered: following the headmistress into the darkness that lay ahead. However, when the lights turned on, the sight left him speechless. The space was massive, with multiple areas and doors leading to unknown places.

    The headmistress crossed her arms and looked at him.

    ¡ª Today, I heard that you humiliated one of my teachers.

    Tyrin immediately realized she was talking about Manfred.

    ¡ª I¡¯m sorry, that wasn¡¯t my intention. I just¡­ got irritated.

    ¡ª Don¡¯t worry, I know how he is ¡ª she said, surprising him. ¡ª After all, I was the one who hired him. His father is a close friend of my family, and I thought this opportunity might help him grow. From what you¡¯ve noticed, he brings out the best in people¡­ but through methods I would never use. I know he¡¯s prejudiced, but I have to admit¡ªit¡¯s a herculean task to find a pilot who isn¡¯t.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Tyrin was intrigued by the headmistress¡¯s approach. Was she explaining herself to him? Apologizing? In his mind, he was the one who should be apologizing.

    He was still trying to understand her words. What did she mean by that? Favors, limits¡­ and the fact that she saw herself in him? Before he could formulate a response, she announced:

    ¡ª We¡¯re here.

    He looked around, still confused. The space was vast, minimalist, and somehow carried a tension in the air. As much as he wanted to use his ability on her, he hesitated. The incident with the gatekeeper was still fresh in his mind.

    ¡ª Where are we, professor?

    ¡ª Good question. This room has two functions. The first¡­ is increasing gravity.

    She turned a dial on the panel near the wall, adjusting it to 3. Instantly, Tyrin felt his body become as heavy as lead. Breathing became difficult, his muscles protested, but he forced himself to stay standing.

    ¡ª You¡¯ll get used to it ¡ª she said, unfazed by the change. ¡ª Your teacher told me you¡¯re extremely curious, so I¡¯ll tell you something¡­ at the very least, interesting. Do you know why we never tried to invade the Tyranos¡¯ main planetary system, even after reclaiming our territory?

    That was a question Tyrin had asked himself before. Humanity had been on the brink of extinction, but with the Ultras, they managed to regain part of what they had lost. However, they never advanced beyond that. Instead of seeking revenge, they chose a defensive stance. It had always seemed odd to him.

    ¡ª Actually¡­ I don¡¯t know, Headmistress.

    Before he could think more about it, he watched her turn the dial up to 10.

    The impact was immediate. His body was slammed to the ground as if a mountain had collapsed on top of him. Every muscle trembled under the crushing weight, air fled from his lungs, and a suffocating pain spread through his bones. He felt like he was being crushed.

    The headmistress, on the other hand, remained standing, a faint smile on her lips.

    ¡ª This is half the gravity of those sons of bitches. ¡ª Her voice was almost amused, but there was a sharp seriousness in her words. ¡ª Imagine fighting in a place like this. The Tyranos born on the main planets live and die under double this gravity. Never forget who our real enemies are.

    And just as quickly as she had increased the gravity, she lowered it back to normal.

    Tyrin gasped, feeling the lightness return to his limbs. His body still ached, but he managed to sit up, trying to process that revelation. Now it made sense¡­ fighting in an environment like that was suicide.

    ¡ª Well¡­ it¡¯s still too soon to teach you this. Let¡¯s take it slow ¡ª she said, as if she hadn¡¯t just crushed him with the force of a planet. ¡ª The second function of this room is simpler.

    Still dizzy, Tyrin watched as she pressed a second button just below the dial.

    In the next instant, a girl of about 12 years old appeared before him.

    Tyrin¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡ª What¡­?

    ¡ª This is me at 12 years old ¡ª the headmistress explained matter-of-factly. ¡ª This room has recorded all my training and progress since I was a child. Your goal is simple: defeat me. Easy, right?

    She turned and walked toward the exit.

    ¡ª Well, I¡¯ll leave you two alone. Once you beat me, you can return to your room.

    The door closed behind her, leaving Tyrin alone with the girl.

    He stood up slowly, still trying to process the situation. The girl in front of him looked¡­ normal. Almost frail for someone who would later become the headmistress of the planet that trained the universe¡¯s elite soldiers.

    But he didn¡¯t want to underestimate her.

    That was his last thought before his body was violently hurled against the wall on the other side of the room.

    The impact knocked the wind out of him. What the fuck was that?! He barely had time to react. His gaze snapped to the girl, who was just lowering her leg after the devastating kick she had landed on him.

    She smiled.

    IN ANOTHER ROOM, UPSTAIRS

    Caronte watched the fight through a monitor, arms crossed. His expression was a mix of surprise and anticipation.

    Then, he heard footsteps.

    ¡ª So, you¡¯re curious too? ¡ª The headmistress¡¯s voice came from behind him.

    Caronte chuckled.

    ¡ª¡ª Twelve years old¡­ Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being a bit harsh on him? HAHAHA! It took me weeks to beat you when you were ten.

    The headmistress raised an eyebrow, but he continued:

    ¡ª A prodigy of the Essentials clan. Feared even among them. What was it they used to call you again?

    ¡ª You¡¯re awfully chatty today ¡ª she replied, indifferent.

    Caronte leaned back in his chair.

    ¡ª I just want to see what he¡¯s capable of. Besides¡­ he has an Ilutar. Think he¡¯ll summon it?

    She shrugged.

    ¡ª I believe so.

    Caronte smirked, a curious gleam in his eyes.

    ¡ª Ah, now I remember¡­ "The Singularity."

    The headmistress was silent for a moment, as if that name were a distant echo from another life.

    ¡ª That was a long time ago ¡ª she said flatly. ¡ª Today, I¡¯m just the headmistress.

    He raised his hands in surrender.

    ¡ª Of course, of course. My apologies¡­ But how many years has it been since someone last summoned an Ilutar?

    She didn¡¯t answer. Her gaze remained locked on the screen, where Tyrin, somehow, was holding back the girl¡¯s kick.

    Caronte ¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡ª He blocked your kick?! How?!

    The headmistress tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with interest.

    ¡ª I don¡¯t know either¡­ but now, I¡¯m even more curious to find out.

 Bonds and Legacies - Chapter 54

    "Ok, you''re fast... But not as fast as you think."

    Alvina Golias

    ?? STATUS ??

    <ul>

    <li>

    Level: 41

    </li>

    <li>

    Rank: S / 00 ¡ª Primordial

    </li>

    <li>

    Strength: 112

    </li>

    <li>

    Endurance: 64

    </li>

    <li>

    Speed: 125

    </li>

    <li>

    Skill: 99

    </li>

    <li>

    Psyche: 0

    </li>

    <li>

    Available Points: 0

    </li>

    </ul>

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    <ul>

    <li>

    Vultras (+50 to all attributes) (requirements not met)

    </li>

    <li>

    Zentros (+150 to all attributes) (requirements not met)

    </li>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    </ul>

    ?? Pet:

    <ul>

    <li>

    Goliath Spider

    </li>

    </ul>

    Tyrin didn¡¯t know it, but he was part of a select group of people who knew the Director¡¯s name. His first reaction was pure shock¡ªAlvina¡¯s status was astonishing.

    Her attributes were so high that they probably rivaled Orion¡¯s. The difference was that she seemed to gain fewer points per evolution.

    "Damn... Being born in a world outside the Alphas and Betas really makes a difference."

    Thinking about it, Alvina¡¯s explanation of her father rising to nobility through power made sense. If her father was really born with an absurdly high status, she could have inherited it. With a massive base status and an S-rank potential, it was easy to understand how he had ascended.

    Another detail caught his attention. It seemed that simply knowing about a skill or power already allowed her to see them through her identification aptitude. That explained how she could visualize evolutions and hidden potentials¡ªand Alvina definitely had an extensive arsenal of those.

    "She¡¯s fast, but she has at least 25 less speed than the Aracnafon. And even though she¡¯s stronger, her endurance is still lower than mine. If I can grab her, I have a chance to win this fight."

    The plan was set.

    Tyrin had 63 available points to allocate¡ªand he invested all of them in speed. The next instant, he felt the world slow down around him.

    Now, at last, Alvina¡¯s movements seemed normal. They were no different from any other fight he had been in¡ªjust slightly faster.

    ?? STATUS ??

    <ul>

    <li>

    Level: 34

    </li>

    <li>

    Rank: SSS / 00 ¡ª Primordial Apex

    </li>

    <li>

    Strength: 72

    </li>

    <li>

    Endurance: 77

    </li>

    <li>

    Speed: 118

    </li>

    <li>

    Skill: 69

    </li>

    <li>

    Psyche: 0

    </li>

    <li>

    Available Points: 0

    </li>

    </ul>

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    <ul>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    <li>

    Incendium (+200 to Psyche) (pet ability)

    </li>

    <li>

    ???

    </li>

    </ul>

    ?? Pet:

    <ul>

    <li>

    Il¨²tar, the Dragon

    </li>

    </ul>

    Then the attack came.

    Alvina¡¯s heel shot down like lightning, aimed straight at his face. But this time, Tyrin was ready.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    He caught the strike in midair.

    The force behind the kick was absurd¡ªheavy, as if a titan had delivered it. With nearly 40 more points in strength, the impact was strong enough to dislocate his shoulder. But he didn¡¯t let go.

    This was the opening he needed.

    Ignoring the pain, he yanked Alvina violently toward him and smashed their heads together.

    In the command room, Alvina¡¯s simulation shattered into thousands of digital fragments.

    Tyrin, on the other hand, collapsed unconscious onto the floor.

    ¡°Man... That was, by far, the craziest thing I¡¯ve ever seen! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love this kid!¡±

    Alvina was still in shock.

    She had been absolutely certain that Tyrin would summon his beast¡ªafter all, to her, that was the only way he could possibly win. Even she had no defense against the fire breath that, according to Gertrudes, the boy had used in the battle at Klandato.

    And yet, here he was. Unconscious... but victorious.

    Against all odds.

    She sighed, crossing her arms as she looked down at Tyrin¡¯s unconscious body. She needed to rethink her training approach. This kid was completely different from what she had imagined.

    ¡°Caronte, give him a vitality potion and take him to his room,¡± she said thoughtfully.

    ¡°No problem.¡± Caronte smirked before adding, ¡°But relax, okay? Even I beat you once I got the hang of it. You¡¯ve always been weak in endurance.¡±

    Alvina¡¯s expression darkened.

    ¡°Shut up, Caronte. It took you months to figure out something he discovered in a single fight. If I had more endurance, he might have killed himself with that impact. It was almost as if... he knew.¡±

    Caronte shrugged.

    ¡°Alvina, you¡¯re overthinking this. I¡¯ll admit, there¡¯s something strange about this kid for him to be so strong... but that¡¯s all there is to it. Anyway, I¡¯ll take him. And you? Go get some rest.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.

    Tyrin woke up with a pounding headache.

    The room lights were off, and it took him a few seconds to get his bearings before he sat up with a groan of pain.

    ¡°Ugh... my head is killing me...¡± he muttered, rubbing his temples. ¡°Oh, right... I headbutted her... But I guess it worked. Damn, this hurts.¡±

    Still groggy, he turned on the light and noticed a piece of paper on his desk. He almost never used it, preferring to study books in the library with Gertrudes, so the note¡¯s presence caught him off guard.

    There was only one word written on it.

    "Congratulations."

    Tyrin scoffed.

    ¡°That¡¯s it? After everything I went through? I deserved more than this...¡±

    But he quickly shook his head and sighed.

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    Checking the clock, he saw that it wasn¡¯t morning yet. A perfect time to do what he had planned.

    Karma, come.

    The next instant, his eyes widened in surprise.

    The little dragon he knew had grown more than 30 centimeters in just a single day.

    That was... impossible. Even for a magical dragon like her.

    Tyrin¡¯s heart pounded. He had no idea how an Il¨²thar¡¯s life cycle worked¡ªfew creatures had a history as mysterious as theirs. But now, a pressing concern arose: how was he going to feed her? And worse... would he have to confine her to the planet Gaia? Some beasts, once they reached a certain size, could no longer live among humans.

    Karma watched him with her bright, restless eyes, letting out small growls that sounded... like irritated grumbles. She fluttered her newly grown wings, beating them lightly in a clear display of impatience.

    ¡°Hey, calm down, Karma!¡± Tyrin tried to mask his surprise with a smile.

    Before he could say anything else, the dragoness leapt onto his chest, knocking him back onto the bed.

    For a moment, he felt her warm breath against his face and couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud.

    ¡°Alright, I get it! You hate waiting, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Karma grumbled again but accepted his touch, closing her eyes. Tiny clouds of smoke escaped her nostrils as she nestled against his chest.

    Tyrin felt warmth spread through him.

    There was a connection between them.

    And in that moment, a thought took hold of him.

    ¡°I know you must be sleepy, but I have a present for you.¡±

    Suddenly, Karma¡¯s eyes shot open, and she jolted upright, knocking the air from Tyrin¡¯s lungs with a flap of her wings.

    She hovered beside him, restless, her eyes shining with anticipation as she sniffed around, as if she already knew something special was nearby.

    Then, she fixed him with a goofy, eager stare, her tongue slightly sticking out.

    He chuckled.

    ¡°Alright, let me see... It¡¯s here somewhere...¡±

    He went to the wardrobe and retrieved the item.

    The moment he held it up, Karma was locked in.

    ¡°Hey, relax! I¡¯m giving it to you,¡± Tyrin said, raising his hand, holding a small magic stone. ¡°This is a gift from my teacher, so you have to thank her later, okay?¡±

    Karma nodded frantically.

    But the instant Tyrin released the stone¡ªa fragment of the Aracnafon from Varkaan, given to him by Gertrudes¡ªshe shot forward like lightning and swallowed it whole.

    Tyrin watched as Karma devoured the magic stone with almost exaggerated satisfaction. The little dragoness chewed enthusiastically, her eyes gleaming with delight, as if she had just tasted the most delicious thing in the world.

    He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Well, I guess you were hungry... Makes sense. What¡¯s it been? Two days without eating anything?¡±

    Karma let out a low purr in response, curling up on the floor as she finished swallowing the last piece.

    Tyrin laughed, but then his own stomach twisted in protest.

    ¡°Damn... now I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    He glanced around, but quickly remembered that Gertrudes¡¯ dorm had no kitchen. It was obvious that his teacher didn¡¯t care about anything besides books¡ªthe state of the place made that clear. Apart from the impeccable library, the rest of the rooms were practically abandoned, with no furniture or any real effort to keep things organized.

    His own room was modest: a bed, a wardrobe, and a study desk. At least he was lucky enough to get one with a bathroom¡ªotherwise, he¡¯d have to use the shared facilities.

    He sighed, feeling an unexpected exhaustion settle over his shoulders.

    ¡°Well... as my mother used to say, ¡®Sleep, and the hunger will pass.¡¯¡±

    The words slipped out almost automatically, but the moment they echoed in the quiet room, he regretted it.

    The phrase carried a weight from his past.

    Longing.

    For a brief moment, memories of his old life rushed in like a storm. His home, his family, the simple moments that once seemed so mundane but now felt impossibly distant.

    He missed it all. He missed them.

    But he had to be here.

    What was happening was far bigger than him. His enemies didn¡¯t care about weak or strong. To them, everyone was just an insect to be crushed.

    And his planet needed a protector.

    He had to be strong.

    Taking a deep breath, he pushed the thoughts aside.

    ¡°Shall we sleep, Karma?¡±

    The dragon flew toward his chest, curling up without hesitation. Within seconds, she was fast asleep, her breathing slow and steady as small wisps of smoke drifted from her nostrils.

    Tyrin smiled, running a hand gently over her warm scales.

    ¡°Enjoy it while you¡¯re still small...¡±

    He closed his eyes, exhausted.

    At least someone seems satisfied.

    And then, slowly, sleep took him.

 Falling into the Simulation - Chapter 55

    The wind whistled against the window, pulling Tyrin from his sleep. He blinked a few times before realizing that Karma was sleeping on his feet.

    ¡ª Good morning, Karma.

    The dragon lazily opened one eye, still groggy. Its clumsy, sleepy gaze made Tyrin let out a genuine laugh.

    ¡ª Today I have class with Custer and Lirina, plus I need to stop by the headmistress''s house to talk about yesterday. Do you want to stay here or go back to Gaia?

    Karma lifted her head, clearly confused, as if she didn¡¯t understand why she couldn¡¯t just follow him.

    ¡ª Well, maybe you don¡¯t know this, but you¡¯re pretty rare around here¡­ and still a secret. So, unfortunately, you can¡¯t come with me.

    It was only then that Tyrin noticed how much Karma had grown¡ªthirty more centimeters in a single night. The growth rate was surreal. He was still trying to process it when, suddenly, the dragoness spread her wings and leaped, landing straight on his chest.

    ¡ª Karma, could you please be a good girl and stay here?

    It took fifteen more minutes of arguing to convince her, and he only succeeded when he promised to bring back a stone for her to feed on. In the end, she preferred to keep sleeping in the room rather than return to Gaia.

    ¡ª Good morning, Gertrudes. How¡¯s everything?

    The response came laced with frustration.

    ¡ª Of course, everything¡¯s not fine. My father wants to know what the hell happened on Luci¡¯s planet and in Klandato. The information is starting to leak, and faster than I expected. I thought they¡¯d try to cover it up for longer, but not even two days have passed.

    ¡ª What do you think will happen when they find out about the Aracnafon?

    Gertrudes sighed, crossing her arms.

    ¡ª Even my father, who never gets involved in politics, is curious and trying to uncover the truth. I think we have two or three weeks before everything blows up completely. But honestly? I have no idea how the Empire¡¯s nobles will react to this.

    Tyrin also wondered what the response would be when the Aracnafon threat was revealed. But what really caught him off guard wasn¡¯t that conversation¡ªit was what Gertrudes said when he was leaving the library.

    ¡ª Ty, before you go¡­ I got some important news last night. It looks like Orion and Kael were found nearly dead on the north side of Klandato. I still don¡¯t know exactly what happened, but we need to be ready to be called in to explain. We were the last ones to leave that pyramid.

    A shiver ran down Tyrin¡¯s spine.

    ¡ª I¡¯ll talk to the headmistress and try to understand what we should do.

    ¡ª Do that¡­ and have a good class.

    Tyrin¡¯s thoughts were so tangled up in Gertrudes¡¯s words that he only realized he¡¯d arrived at his destination when he was already there. In fact, he only truly noticed when he heard a familiar voice calling him.

    ¡ª Hey, Ty! You seem out of it today. What¡¯s going on? ¡ª Damian asked, frowning.

    ¡ª Nothing¡­ Sorry, I was just thinking. But what about your sister?

    Damian shrugged.

    ¡ª Good question. Sometimes she just disappears like this, but don¡¯t worry¡­ Wait, look, there she is.

    Just minutes before class started, Cassandra appeared. Her face looked tired, but her eyes remained sharp.

    ¡ª She probably trained too late again ¡ª Damian commented, sighing. ¡ª She¡¯s really competitive, and I think losing a few fights didn¡¯t sit well with her ego.

    The professor entered the room, looking straight at Tyrin before speaking.

    ¡ª I see that even some missing faces have decided to grace us with their presence, isn¡¯t that right, Mr. Tyrin?

    ¡ª I apologize, professor. I was on a mission and ended up missing some classes, but the headmistress¡­

    ¡ª Tyrin, I didn¡¯t ask for an explanation.

    Swallowing hard, he remained silent as the professor continued.

    ¡ª Very well, class. Now that we have a full room, we can resume what we did last week. Unfortunately, for those who weren¡¯t here, it was a loss by default. To the ten finalists, please follow me to the arena. As for the rest, form groups of three to five people and enter simulation 468, which I¡¯ve made available. Remember, the team with the highest score will receive the same bonus as the finalists.

    Tyrin watched as a few boys and girls stood up and followed the professor. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

    Damian hurried over, excitement clear in his voice.

    "To give you an idea, out of the ten finalists, eight are from the Essential Clan. Can you believe that? And there¡¯s this girl who uses magic... holy shit, she wiped the floor with me. But dude, she¡¯s gorgeous! HAHAHAHA!"

    Tyrin raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    "And the last one? What is he?"

    Damian sighed, crossing his arms.

    "Honestly, I have no idea. He came from the new sector of human expansion. I thought nothing special would come out of there, but they say his planet favors strength. Don¡¯t tell anyone, okay? But he¡¯s the guy who beat my sister."

    "That explains why she¡¯s so focused. Losing to a nobody must have been a shock for her."

    "Yeah, it¡¯s crazy. But one thing I can tell you¡ªhe might be unknown, but he¡¯s not weak."

    Tyrin¡¯s curiosity was immediate. He needed to see for himself who this guy was, the one who had managed to eliminate Cassandra. So he activated his ability.

    Balthazar Rino

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 33

    ? Rank: A+ / 00 ¡ª Apex

    ? Strength: 99

    ? Endurance: 70

    ? Speed: 58

    ? Skill: 51

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 0

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    ? Vultras (+50 to all attributes) (Requirements not met)

    ? Frenzied Advance (+100 to Speed +100 to Endurance) (Available)

    ?? Pet:

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ? Red Rhinoceros

    Balthazar¡¯s numbers were impressive. Just by looking at his stats, it was clear that he had endured extreme challenges on his planet. He radiated experience.

    But Tyrin knew that raw stats weren¡¯t everything. True power lay in specialization and strategy. Despite his absurd attributes, Balthazar had a glaring weakness¡ªhis low skill level.

    And looking at the other competitors, it became clear why some were still ahead of him. They had likely identified his weakness and exploited it. They might not have Balthazar¡¯s brute strength, but they knew how to leverage their strengths and capitalize on their opponent¡¯s flaws.

    That made things even more interesting.

    Damian was still excited beside him.

    ¡ª So, Ty? Are we forming a group or not? No way I¡¯m letting those bastards get ahead of us.

    ¡ª Relax, Cassandra ¡ª Damian teased, trying to calm his sister. ¡ª How about the three of us? What do you think, Tyrin?

    Tyrin considered it.

    ¡ª I don¡¯t mind, but do we have any advantage in going with just three? Or would it be better to form a team of five?

    ¡ª Good point. I don¡¯t think there are extra points for having only three... But where are we going to find someone willing to join us?

    As they discussed strategies, they noticed that the other students had already grouped up according to the usual cliques in the class. That was when a female voice interrupted them.

    ¡ª Hello, everyone. Can I join your group?

    Damian and Cassandra exchanged surprised glances. They had never seen this girl before, despite sharing the same class. However, Tyrin recognized her immediately.

    ¡ª Miss Eleonora. I didn¡¯t know you were taking this course.

    She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    ¡ª Well, I wasn¡¯t. But after everything that happened, my family thought it would be wise for me to learn some self-defense. I don¡¯t plan to pursue this path, but learning is never a bad thing.

    Damian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    ¡ª You know this beauty, Tyrin? Introduce us.

    Tyrin sighed and made the introductions.

    ¡ª Eleonora, this is Damian. Damian, this is Eleonora. I met her in piloting class. She¡¯s one of the best in the group.

    She chuckled softly.

    ¡ª That¡¯s very kind of you, but I¡¯m not that good. By the way, did you guys know Tyrin made the piloting instructor take a leave of absence?

    Damian¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡ª Wait, I didn¡¯t know that.

    ¡ª It¡¯s not exactly something I go around bragging about¡­ ¡ª Tyrin muttered.

    Eleonora gave him a mysterious smile.

    ¡ª I know people who know things. But don¡¯t worry, Professor Caronte will be replacing him for a few weeks. Apparently, something happened, and his family called him back to help. Things are getting strange.

    Damian and Cassandra exchanged a knowing look. Any movement involving powerful families was a sign that something big was happening.

    ¡ª Anyway, can I join you guys?

    Cassandra, who had been silently observing until now, narrowed her eyes and stepped forward, sizing Eleonora up from head to toe.

    ¡ª I don¡¯t know if we need her.

    Her tone was cold.

    ¡ª Sorry, but I don¡¯t know you. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re here to help us or just to slow us down.

    "Sis, what are you talking about? The more, the better. It¡¯s not like she wants to sabotage us¡ªher grade is the same as ours."

    "Didn¡¯t you hear what she said? She literally admitted she doesn¡¯t care about this class. I do. And so do you."

    Damian and Cassandra shot each other tense glances, debating Eleonora¡¯s trustworthiness. Meanwhile, Tyrin decided to step in.

    "Guys, I think we can trust her. Eleonora, do you have any specialties? It¡¯d be good to know each other¡¯s strengths."

    Tyrin and the siblings knew that discussing abilities was a serious taboo. Most people wouldn¡¯t share that kind of information without a bond of trust. However, without hesitation, Eleonora began listing her strengths and weaknesses.

    "I don¡¯t have much strength or agility, but I make up for it with skill. I have a bonus in it, so I¡¯m really good with high-rate-of-fire weapons and effective at crowd control. If you put me in a turret or give me a mid-to-long-range weapon, I promise I won¡¯t disappoint."

    Tyrin analyzed her posture and activated his ability again, searching for any sign of deception. To his surprise, she seemed to be telling the truth.

    Eleonora Delphinus

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 35

    ? Rank: B / 00

    ? Strength: 59

    ? Endurance: 35

    ? Speed: 50

    ? Skill: 115 + 100

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 0

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    ? Seventh Sense (+100 to Skill) (Enabled)

    ?? Pet:

    ? Giant Dolphin

    "We can trust her. I can feel it."

    The siblings reacted in opposite ways. Damian looked thrilled, almost too excited, while Cassandra clenched her fists, her gaze filled with resentment. Tyrin understood why¡ªboth of them specialized in skill-based combat, which could create rivalry.

    Ever since he arrived, he had been wondering what his allies had to offer. But he realized that if he could help them see their own weaknesses and strengths, maybe they could all grow together. He checked their stats.

    Damian Acinonyx

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 29

    ? Rank: A- / 10

    ? Strength: 48

    ? Endurance: 50

    ? Speed: 100

    ? Skill: 31

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 0

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    ? Speed Surge (+150 to Speed) (Available)

    ?? Pet:

    ? Desert Cheetah

    Cassandra Acinonyx

    ?? STATUS ??

    ? Level: 38

    ? Rank: A- / 01

    ? Strength: 48

    ? Endurance: 63

    ? Speed: 31

    ? Skill: 150

    ? Psyche: 0

    ? Available Points: 0

    ?? Hidden Abilities:

    ? Ambush Advance (+150 to Skill) (Available)

    ?? Pet:

    ? Desert Cheetah

    Tyrin and Damian tried to find a fifth person to strengthen the team, but it seemed no one else was available. After a few minutes of waiting, they gathered at the center of the room and prepared for the simulation.

    "Let¡¯s enter the simulation first and plan our strategy once we understand what we¡¯re up against. Sound good?"

    "Yes."

    Cassandra and Eleonora answered at the same time, casting wary glances at each other, as if they both wanted to be the first to speak.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t have time to dwell on the tension between them. As soon as they activated the simulation, gravity vanished for an instant¡ªthen suddenly, they were plummeting toward the scorching, arid ground of an unknown desert.

 Falling into the Simulation pt 2 - Chapter 56

    As he plummeted toward a desert dune, Tyrin realized that the crash site would be a compact fortress, approximately 100x100 meters, with an oasis at its center. Beside him, he saw Damian desperately kicking his feet, as if trying to flap wings¡ªa futile reflex of self-preservation. In contrast, the two girls seemed incredibly calm, as if they already knew exactly what was about to happen.

    The next moment, the four of them began to slow down until they landed gently on the ground.

    "WELCOME TO THE BATTLE FOR ATAKAMA. DEFEND YOURSELVES!"

    "Tyrin, do you know what battle this is?" Cassandra was the first to speak, while Damian was still on all fours, trying to catch his breath after the shock. Eleonora, on the other hand, simply dusted off her linen clothes, indifferent to what had just happened.

    "The Battle of Atakama," Tyrin replied. "We lost this planet to the Tyranos."

    He was already familiar with the simulation patterns of the Vanaheim Professors¡ªchallenges that were impossible to win. But this time, after so long, he would have the chance to face the Tyranos again.

    "The planet is hostile to human life, but there are water sources that, for some reason, support survival. To ensure our presence here, several fortifications were built around these oases, allowing life to flourish," he explained.

    "CHOOSE YOUR TWO STARTING ITEMS."

    1 ¨C 50 FOOT SOLDIERS

    2 ¨C 4 TURRETS

    3 ¨C FOOD AND WATER

    4 ¨C MEDICAL WING

    5 ¨C DORMITORY

    6 ¨C ASTRA COMMANDER

    7 ¨C FORTRESS STRUCTURE UPGRADE

    8 ¨C LAND MINES

    9 ¨C AMMUNITION DEPOT

    10 ¨C SCORPIONES FARM

    It was the first time they had to make a strategic choice in the simulation. Tyrin reflected¡ªCuster didn¡¯t seem interested in testing just individual strength. After all, there were already ten finalists with proven abilities in that regard. The real challenge would be strategy and teamwork. And now, the team had to decide, together, on the best approach to defend and manage the fortress.

    Above the list, a countdown timer appeared: 5 minutes.

    "Alright, guys, this is our first challenge. Does anyone have a suggestion?" Tyrin asked, wanting to hear his teammates¡¯ ideas before making any decisions.

    Eleonora was the first to speak.

    "I vote for turrets and soldiers. That way, we can secure the perimeter against the enemy."

    "But how will they fight without food or ammunition?" Cassandra countered. "I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll last a day with just that. Besides, there¡¯s no guarantee we¡¯ll get to pick more resources later."

    "So what do you suggest?" Eleonora crossed her arms.

    "Since there are four of us, each of us can defend a side of the fortress. We upgrade the structure to withstand the enemy¡¯s advance and secure food and water for survival."

    Damian still seemed to be processing the options, but finally spoke.

    "What if we took land mines and food?"

    Tyrin remained silent, absorbing the suggestions. Each had its merits, but he felt there was a hidden answer in the list¡ªsomething the others hadn¡¯t noticed.

    Then, it hit him.

    "Guys, what if we chose the Scorpiones farm and the ammunition depot?"

    Everyone turned to him. Cassandra was the first to question him.

    "Okay, explain your logic."

    "The Scorpiones farm wouldn¡¯t be on the list unless it was important. I just remembered something¡ªdespite being venomous, these Scorpiones are an extremely valuable delicacy on many noble planets."

    "That¡¯s true," Eleonora agreed. "I¡¯ve had them once. If prepared correctly, they¡¯re delicious."

    Tyrin nodded, continuing.

    "We saw from above that each fortress protects a lake of pure, drinkable water. With the farm, we¡¯d have meat for sustenance and venom for possible combat strategies. Also, no matter our initial choice, we wouldn¡¯t be defenseless when the Tyranos attacked."

    "We can coat our ranged weapons with the Scorpiones¡¯ venom," Tyrin added. "Their venom is the most lethal ever recorded. Plus, we can use their shells to reinforce the fortress¡¯s most vulnerable areas."

    Cassandra slowly nodded, processing the idea, but Damian still seemed hesitant.

    "Okay, I get the farm, but why the ammunition depot? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to take the soldiers?" he asked.

    Tyrin shook his head.

    "I thought about that, Damian, but if we want to survive as long as possible, we have to rely on ourselves. As Cassandra mentioned, common soldiers will be nothing but cannon fodder without enough ammunition. Without it, any Tyrano that shows up will wipe them out in minutes."

    He recalled the time he fought a subspecies of Tyrano. Even though it was considered weak, that creature had wiped out many people from his planet before he defeated it himself¡ªand even then, he barely made it out alive. He wasn¡¯t going to waste his choice on unprotected soldiers. Besides, a single Astra Commander wouldn¡¯t make a difference; they themselves were close to reaching that level.

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    Above all else, what they needed was ammunition.

    "10 SECONDS. MAKE YOUR CHOICES."

    "9..."

    "Everyone agrees?" Tyrin asked, his voice steady.

    "8..."

    "I agree," Eleonora said without hesitation. "This approach makes sense."

    "7..."

    "I¡¯m with big bro," Damian raised his hand.

    "6..."

    "5..."

    "Cassandra, we need to decide now."

    "4..."

    "I..." She hesitated, but seeing the confidence in Tyrin¡¯s eyes, she gave in. "Alright. I¡¯m in."

    "3..."

    "2..."

    "We choose options 9 and 10!" they declared in unison.

    The moment they confirmed their choice, two structures emerged beside the lake.

    One was a rectangular bunker, 4 by 8 meters¡ªthe ammunition depot. Next to it stood a 25 by 25-meter electrified enclosure, where over a hundred Scorpiones the size of newborn babies crawled, their claws glistening under the dim desert light.

    Tyrin narrowed his eyes, quickly assessing the situation.

    "Perfect. We need to kill as many as possible before they reproduce," he said. "We can feed them with their own dead, since they¡¯re cannibals. If we leave about ten alive, that should be enough for a day. But be careful with their shells. Aim for the tails and let them bleed out¡ªthat way, we extract the venom and preserve the rest of the body."

    The countdown for the first attack was set to one day¡ªbut Tyrin knew that in simulations, time could be stretched or compressed. A ¡°day¡± could pass in just two minutes in the real world.

    The hunt began. The day was spent eliminating the Scorpiones, collecting their bodies, and storing useful parts. By the end, ninety were dead, lined up outside the enclosure.

    Tyrin scanned the group and smiled, satisfied.

    "Good work. Now we need to clean up. Let¡¯s feed five of the survivors and dissect the rest. We¡¯ll save the shells to reinforce the fort tomorrow. Damian and I will handle the meat."

    Eleonora watched Tyrin as he gave orders. Something about him intrigued her¡ªthe way Damian and Cassandra instinctively followed his lead suggested there was more to their relationship. As if they owed him something. Or maybe¡­ as if he had saved their lives before.

    "Finally done. Holy shit, I thought I was gonna die," Damian groaned, collapsing onto the ground.

    Night fell over the desert, and the massive moon dominated the sky, shining with an almost surreal intensity. They built a makeshift campfire using materials from the fort, and soon, the smell of roasting Scorpiones meat filled the air. The scene was almost nostalgic, incredibly real¡ªif not for one detail that reminded them they were still in a simulation: the large leaderboard floating in the sky.

    The selected groups were listed there, their scores still at zero.

    "How did two teams lose before even starting?" Damian wondered, lying on the ground, eyes fixed on the holographic display.

    Eleonora returned, carrying a giant pot filled with a bubbling, suspicious-looking liquid.

    "They probably couldn¡¯t agree on their choices," she replied absentmindedly.

    Damian eyed the thick, dark liquid inside the pot. The Scorpiones venom bubbled faintly under the firelight, releasing a metallic, chemical odor. He picked up a knife, spinning it between his fingers, thoughtful.

    "So, guys, we¡¯ve collected all the venom we could. Now what? Do we just throw our weapons or ammo in here and hope for the best?" he asked, looking around.

    Cassandra, returning from inside the fort, already had an answer.

    "Relax. I found another giant pot and poked a few holes in it. We can use it as a strainer, making sure the venom seeps in properly without leaving unwanted residues. It''ll work perfectly."

    Tyrin, who had just finished checking the ammunition depot, nodded in approval. Cassandra always thought of the details.

    Taking the opportunity, Tyrin shared a discovery from the depot.

    "I checked our arsenal. We have plenty of rifle rounds and close-combat weapons, so we¡¯re well-armed. But there¡¯s something strange..." He held up a bullet between his fingers, examining it under the firelight. "I found this, and I¡¯m not sure what it¡¯s for."

    To Tyrin, it looked different from the others¡ªheavier, with an unusual structure.

    Eleonora, however, recognized it instantly.

    "I know what that is. It¡¯s a hollow-point explosive round," she explained. "It was made for a specific weapon¡­ It¡¯s designed for the one I use."

    Tyrin grinned.

    "Perfect. With this and the venom, our chances just skyrocketed."

    He looked up at the sky. They still had time before the first attack wave.

    "Let¡¯s rest as much as possible. I doubt anything will happen before the timer hits zero. We¡¯ve got six hours left."

    One by one, they settled in. The desert ground was far from comfortable, but after the exhausting day, any place felt good enough to sleep.

    The campfire flames flickered under the massive moon, casting wavering shadows on the fortress walls. The desert was almost eerily silent, broken only by the occasional sound of a Scorpione scuttling in the enclosure or the crackle of burning wood.

    Tyrin closed his eyes.

    Tomorrow would be hell.

    Meanwhile, outside the simulation.

    The arena was in chaos. Alarms flashed, medics rushed back and forth, trying to contain the tragedy.

    Custer leaned over the body, his eyes wide with shock.

    "Shit! What the fuck are you all doing?!" his voice thundered. "Help the boy! Give him a vitality potion, now!"

    One of the medics, pale as a corpse, hesitated before responding.

    "Sir¡­ he¡¯s dead."

    The silence that followed was crushing.

    Custer slowly turned his head to stare at the body in front of him.

    The boy¡ªor what remained of him¡ªlay sprawled on the floor. His right arm was gone, leaving only a grotesque stump where flesh and bone had once been. But that wasn¡¯t the worst part.

    Half of his face was¡­ melting.

    His skin dripped in a thick, viscous liquid, as if it had been plunged into acid. Parts of his skull were exposed, and the little that remained of his facial structure was collapsing inward, imploding in an irreversible organic breakdown.

    The medics worked frantically to stabilize him, but it was too late.

    The boy was dead.

    And if Tyrin had been there to witness the scene, he would have recognized that face immediately.

    Balthazar Rino.

    Custer inhaled sharply, trying to suppress the rage boiling in his throat.

    "What the fuck happened here?!" he roared.

    Meanwhile, a girl was leaving the arena without looking back.

    Her steps were steady. Her eyes, empty.

    She didn¡¯t need to say anything.

    She knew exactly what she had done.

 Falling into the Simulation pt 3 - Chapter 57

    "When are they going to appear?"

    Eleonora''s shout shattered the silence at the eastern edge of the wall. With no functional means of communication, yelling was the only option.

    "It''s almost time. Prepare your weapons."

    Tyrin wasn''t the best at detecting the enemy''s arrival, but his curious mind and thirst for knowledge had always given him a peculiar advantage. He knew stories, studied strategies, and never forgot what he read. The Atakama¡ªthe vast desert covering nearly 99% of the planet Arbazan, or Fluviel, as the locals called it¡ªhad been ignored for centuries, relegated to oblivion by both allies and enemies alike.

    Until Miral, a visionary scientist, made a discovery that changed everything. A unique interaction between the native fauna and the metals in the soil triggered an unprecedented molecular breakdown, transforming ordinary lithium into something far beyond expectations: Zenthral, a virtually indestructible metal.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the Tyranos to learn about the discovery. Fearing that humans would seize the technology, they launched a relentless attack on the planet. A hundred years of war followed¡ªa century of blood and destruction. Yet, among all the horrors, there was a curious pattern: the attacks always occurred in the morning, when the ground was still warm. Coincidence or weakness?

    If the simulator''s calculations were correct, the next attack would happen now.

    "They''re coming."

    The Belzebuth¡ªthe Tyranos'' vanguard¡ªappeared on the horizon. These creatures, as strong as they were fast, reproduced at a frantic rate, like ravenous insects. To Fluviel, they were the harbingers of the end¡ªthe planet¡¯s true Inquisitors.

    The castle, built as a final bastion against extinction, stood in the path of the storm. Its stone walls, now reinforced with the gleaming carapaces of the Scorpiones, reflected the sun¡¯s pale light, radiating suffocating heat.

    And the swarm was coming.

    Thousands of grotesque silhouettes moved like a black wave¡ªdry, skeletal quadrupeds, their eyes void of soul. The sound of their galloping merged into a continuous roar, as if the desert itself was about to be torn in two.

    Atop the walls, the four warriors prepared. Each one defended a side of the castle, their expressions heavy with determination. Their weapons were coated with the venom of the Scorpiones.

    There was nowhere to run. The only option was to fight.

    NORTH ¡ª TYRIN

    Tyrin took a deep breath and steadied his aim. He had never been the best marksman¡ªnot even close to Cassandra¡¯s precision¡ªbut with that many enemies, skill was a luxury. His only advantage? Every poisoned bullet was a fatal strike.

    He held his breath, aligned the sights, and fired.

    BANG!

    The creature fell, writhing before being trampled by those behind it. Another monster took its place. Then another. And dozens more.

    "No choice¡­" He adjusted his stance, eyes resolute. "We''ll take you all down."

    His rifle roared again. Each shot tore grotesque holes through the enemy ranks, bodies collapsing in a cascade. But the Belzebuth kept coming.

    EAST ¡ª ELEONORA

    Eleonora smiled, but the expression held only adrenaline. She felt every recoil of her modified rifle, every impact as the explosive bullets, laced with Scorpione venom, detonated on impact.

    She spotted a group charging at absurd speed and pulled the trigger.

    A green explosion lit up the sand. Fragments of creatures rained over the dunes.

    "Come on, you disgusting vermin¡­" she murmured, reloading. "Let¡¯s see how many more you¡¯ve got."

    SOUTH ¡ª CASSANDRA

    Cassandra kept her eyes sharp and her breathing steady. For her, killing wasn''t enough¡ªevery shot had to count.

    Bullets were limited.

    She took aim and fired. A single precise shot pierced through a creature¡¯s skull, sending it spinning through the air before being trampled by those behind it. The impact knocked down three more.

    But there was no time to celebrate.

    The swarm wasn¡¯t thinning. And she knew¡­ this was far from over.

    WEST ¡ª DAMIAN

    Damian laughed. Not out of joy, but because the chaos of battle was a fuel that set his veins on fire. Laughter was the only way to keep insanity from taking over completely.

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    He gripped the flamethrower tightly, feeling the trigger vibrate under his fingers. Then, he pressed it.

    A torrent of fire and venom roared like an enraged dragon, consuming everything in its path. Green flames danced over the creatures¡¯ bodies, blackening carapaces, burning hollow eyes, turning flesh to ash. The screams of the Belzebuth blended with the crackling of their bones bursting under the extreme heat.

    But they didn¡¯t stop.

    The creatures kept advancing, ignoring the carnage around them. Like an insatiable swarm, they climbed over the dead, using their own allies as steps to reach the walls.

    ¡°Ah, shit¡­¡± Damian spat on the ground, his eyes scanning the endless horde. ¡°Does this ever end?¡±

    He grabbed a fresh fuel drum and snapped it into place with practiced ease. But before he could fire again, a distinct sound cut through the roar of the flames¡ªclaws scraping against stone.

    He turned at the last second.

    Creatures had managed to scale the wall. Six of them, mouths wide open, venom-dripping fangs bared, lunging at him.

    With a swift motion, Damian raised his weapon and fired point-blank. The first Belzebuth was instantly obliterated, its charred entrails splattering across the ground. The second tried to leap, but was sliced in half by a poisoned projectile.

    The third got too close.

    Damian dodged at the last moment, feeling the air shift as razor-sharp claws slashed just inches from his face. He swung his flamethrower, using the heavy barrel like a club, and crushed the creature¡¯s skull with a brutal strike.

    Its lifeless body tumbled off the wall, dragging two more down with it.

    The last one still clung to the stone. Damian stepped forward and kicked it hard in the head, watching it plummet into the swarm below.

    He exhaled sharply, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

    In the midst of battle, the wind howled, thick with the acrid stench of death. The desert was a storm of shadows, the Belzebuth multiplying like a nightmare refusing to end.

    The castle trembled as the first bodies began to spill over the walls, their limbs still twitching in final spasms. But many weren¡¯t dead. Clawed limbs dug into their fallen comrades, using them as footholds to breach the defenses. Famished jaws snapped open, hollow eyes locked onto human flesh.

    ¡°They¡¯re inside!¡± Cassandra shouted.

    Tyrin took a step back, raised his weapon, and fired. His shot blasted through the head of a creature scrambling up the stone, leaving a sickening splatter on the ground.

    ¡°Fall back to the courtyard! We defend the fortress from within!¡±

    They were exhausted. Sweat dripped from their brows, muscles screamed for rest. But they couldn¡¯t stop. Not now.

    Because if this castle fell, there would be nothing left but ashes.

    Rushing down the central corridor, they burst into the courtyard, leaping over a narrow passage between the hallway and the open dirt floor¡ªan ambush trap they had prepared in case of an internal breach.

    When the Belzebuth followed them, the ground collapsed beneath their weight.

    The pit¡ªfive meters deep and two meters wide¡ªwasn¡¯t just a simple drop. Its circular design separated the courtyard¡¯s center from the rest of the fortress, and now the creatures were trapped at the bottom. The four warriors stood at the edge, weapons ready to exterminate the swarm.

    The monsters clawed desperately at the walls, but their own allies kept falling on top of them, crushing them in an endless cycle of destruction.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°They fell for it! We¡¯re winning this! Fire! Use everything you¡¯ve got!¡±

    Gunshots ripped through the air. Each poisoned bullet tore through carapaces, spraying dark blood against the walls of the pit. Agonized screams mixed with the metallic clatter of bullets striking hardened bones.

    Out of ammo, Tyrin drew his dagger and dove into the fight. No hesitation. He slit throats, gutted creatures, his movements swift and precise.

    Damian, using a makeshift body shield and a pistol in his other hand, stood in front of Cassandra, ensuring his sister could fire with lethal precision. Every shot she took brought down another Belzebuth, their bodies piling atop the others in the pit.

    Meanwhile, Eleonora hesitated.

    She watched them fight as if they had done this a thousand times before. Their synchronization was seamless, almost instinctual. They didn¡¯t need to speak¡ªthey simply acted, as if they were parts of the same body.

    She fired a few scattered shots, but something gnawed at her. A feeling of being¡­ misplaced.

    Then, the last creature fell.

    Silence.

    Only their ragged breaths remained. Damian was the first to drop to the ground, exhausted, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

    ¡°We won. Holy shit, I¡¯m so fucking tired.¡±

    Tyrin, still standing, gazed at the horizon. Something felt off. His instincts told him there should have been one last enemy, a final challenge¡­ but then the bell rang.

    A scoreboard flickered in the air.

    They weren¡¯t even in the top ten.

    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Damian shouted, still sprawled on the ground. He blinked a few times, struggling to process it. ¡°That makes no damn sense!¡±

    Eleonora crossed her arms, already used to the group¡¯s chaotic energy.

    ¡°It was obvious this would happen.¡±

    Cassandra, still piecing it together, turned to her. ¡°Explain.¡±

    But Tyrin answered first, without hesitation.

    **¡°Fluviel didn¡¯t have defense towers at the time. They were never prepared for an attack of this scale. Just like us, they were caught off guard. And without a containment plan, they had to improvise their defense day by day¡­ until, eventually, they lost.

    Gertrudes once said that if they had installed gun towers from the beginning, they never would have lost the planet so quickly.¡±**

    Eleonora nodded. The logic was irrefutable.

    But then Damian frowned. A question nagged at him.

    ¡°Okay, so¡­ why didn¡¯t we choose the tower?¡±

    To Damian, the answer wasn¡¯t so clear-cut. If the Belzebuth followed a known pattern, then picking the defense towers should have been the most logical choice, right?

    Before he could say anything else, Cassandra spoke up, as if the pieces had just fallen into place.

    ¡°Because if they chose the towers, they had to give up something essential for survival.¡±

    Tyrin grinned, satisfied.

    **¡°Exactly. They had to choose between food and ammunition.

    If they picked ammunition, they¡¯d have supplies for only seven days before starving.

    If they picked food, they¡¯d last three days before running out of bullets.

    And, according to my calculations¡­ the attacks will come every other day.

    They won¡¯t survive. None of the top ten teams actually stand a chance of winning.

    But us?**

    We¡¯ll be ready.¡±

    A chill ran down Eleonora¡¯s spine. For the first time, she truly understood what it meant to fight alongside these three.

    Tyrin crouched down, reached for a Belzebuth corpse, and tore off its carapace.

    His eyes gleamed with a new idea.

    ¡°And I know exactly what we can do to turn this mission into a walk in the park.¡±

 Falling into the Simulation pt 4 - Chapter 58

    "This shell contains a very common material called lithium. And we have the most common animal on this planet in captivity. Do you know what that means?"

    Eleonora seemed to have an instant realization. Her eyes lit up, and unable to contain her excitement, she jumped with joy. However, the siblings still didn¡¯t understand what was happening and needed an explanation. This time, it was Eleonora who stepped forward to clarify Tyrin¡¯s words.

    "Zenthral," she whispered, almost breathless.

    Damian''s eyes widened. "The rarest metal in the universe... Are you saying this shell is made of it?"

    Tyrin shook his head. "No. But when we offer this shell to the scorpiones, they process it and excrete the raw metal."

    The siblings were speechless. Not even they knew how Zenthral was produced. In fact, this knowledge was a closely guarded secret among the nobles, but Gertrudes had allowed Tyrin access to this information.

    "Alright, we have the material. But how are we going to shape it?" Cassandra asked. "As far as I know, Zenthral requires the energy of a star to be properly forged, it''s that strong."

    Tyrin nodded. Having the metal meant nothing if there was no way to use it. And that was exactly why he had visited the munitions house. What he found there would surprise everyone.

    "They lied about it being here," he murmured. "Now it all makes sense. I thought it was just a useless piece and ended up forgetting about it."

    "What are you talking about?" Damian asked, confused, as Eleonora and Tyrin looked at a large two-by-two-meter crate.

    "This, Damian, is a body armor projector." Tyrin pressed a button on the side of the device, revealing a small needle emerging from a compartment.

    "And how does it work?"

    "You register your signature here," Tyrin explained, pointing to the needle. "And on the other side, we place the material we want to turn into armor. When I first saw this, I figured it might be useful. I don¡¯t know how many times we can use it, but I know it works."

    Cassandra''s eyes widened. "Wait... Are you telling me we''ll have the same armor the Ultras use?"

    Tyrin grinned. "If everything goes well, by tomorrow, we''ll have at least two complete sets of armor. But we¡¯ll have to work hard for it. Have the scorpiones reproduced yet?"

    Damian rushed toward the farm. When he arrived, he was stunned. In just one night, nearly sixty scorpiones had been born.

    "Holy shit..." he muttered. "They reproduce and grow way too fast! How the hell do we control this?"

    "Somehow, when the population reaches a certain limit, the new hatchlings are born sterile," Tyrin replied, now watching the scorpiones mate frantically. "That¡¯s why Miral came to this planet long before Zenthral."

    Damian frowned. "Are you saying Lursa Onyxia was here?"

    The siblings exchanged confused looks until Eleonora clarified, referring to Miral by the name she was best known for.

    "That was before she had her dragon, Eleonora," Tyrin corrected.

    "I know, but the truth is, few people would even know who she was if not for the dragon."

    Tyrin fell silent. He knew very well who was behind that name, and even Eleonora recognized it. However, after Lursa obtained her dragon, her reputation ceased to be about her actions and became solely about her possession. And that bothered Tyrin in a way he couldn¡¯t explain.

    Shaking his head, he refocused. "Anyway, we need to feed the scorpiones. It¡¯s going to be a long night, and we¡¯ll need food. Cassandra and Eleonora, set aside ten for our dinner. Damian and I will separate the Belzebuth carcasses to feed the scorpiones."

    Night had already fallen when Tyrin and Damian, exhausted, collapsed onto the sand.

    "Fuck..." Damian groaned. "My feet can''t take it anymore."

    Tyrin smiled, despite his exhaustion. "We did it, Damian. Tomorrow is a rest day. Everything¡¯s going to be fine."

    "Boys, dinner¡¯s ready!" Eleonora called. "And have you taken a bath yet?"

    Damian laughed sarcastically. "Do you see a shower anywhere around here?"

    ¡°The lake,¡± Cassandra replied, pointing toward the water. ¡°That¡¯s where you two need to bathe.¡±

    ¡°No fucking way!¡± Damian protested. ¡°Do you see how cold it is? I¡¯ll do it tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re taking a bath, alright! Mom raised us better than that.¡± Cassandra pulled out a small pistol¡ªnot lethal, but enough to make Damian bolt toward the lake, clothes and all.

    Tyrin watched the scene, exhausted but unable to hide a small smile. Cassandra always knew exactly how to handle Damian, just like their mother used to. Inspired by the memory, he stood up and headed toward the water, barely paying attention to Cassandra yelling behind him.

    ¡°If you come out of there naked, I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    ¡°But sis, it¡¯s freezing!¡±

    ¡°Get down right now, or I swear I¡¯ll shoot! GO!!!¡±

    Eleonora laughed at the siblings¡¯ bickering, but her laughter quickly died when her gaze fell on Tyrin. He was submerged up to his waist, eyes fixed on the sky. The tattoo covering his back glowed in silver and gold under the moonlight. A wolf. Majestic and fierce.

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    That¡¯s when she noticed something she never had before¡ªTyrin¡¯s body was far more defined than she had imagined, every muscle perfectly sculpted, as if carved by war itself. She felt her face heat up and quickly looked away, only to catch Cassandra staring at Tyrin with the same intensity.

    The two locked eyes and blushed.

    ¡°What the fuck is going on here?¡± Damian shouted, breaking the moment. ¡°Tyrin, get down, you¡¯re distracting my sister.¡±

    ¡°You son of a bitch! Take this!¡± Cassandra splashed a jet of water at Damian, making him flail, laughing.

    ¡°Oh my God, Cassandra! You¡¯re gonna kill me, stop it!¡±

    Tyrin turned, watching Cassandra try to drown her brother while Eleonora kept sneaking glances at him. But the moment he noticed, she quickly looked away.

    ¡°Hey, Tyrin¡­ why is your tattoo so different from mine? I mean, look at the size of that thing.¡±

    Tyrin remained silent for a moment, remembering the pain of being tattooed and the gene that had nearly killed him.

    ¡°I guess my people like big tattoos.¡±

    Eleonora tilted her head, analyzing the intricate details of the design.

    ¡°On my planet, when we wanted to hide something, we¡¯d make massive tattoos to cover up what was really meant to be seen.¡±

    ¡°But isn¡¯t that illegal?¡± Cassandra asked.

    ¡°Technically, the law only says the tattoo has to represent your animal. It doesn¡¯t say it has to be obviously visible.¡± Eleonora frowned. ¡°I never understood the Elders. Who the hell hides a tattoo inside another tattoo? Besides, each planet basically has its own pre-selected beast.¡±

    She turned to Damian, her gaze sharp.

    ¡°Pretty boy, what¡¯s your last name?¡±

    Damian blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Acinonyx. Why?¡±

    ¡°Cheetah Clan, right?¡±

    His eyes widened. ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    ¡°Because I study clans and bloodlines. Just like pretty boy over there,¡± she gestured toward Tyrin with a small smirk. ¡°But apparently, he¡¯s better at it than I am. Isn¡¯t that right, Tyrin No-Last-Name?¡±

    Tyrin narrowed his eyes at Eleonora, who only smiled innocently.

    ¡°My planet was a wolf planet. We used to have last names a long time ago, but that died when our twin planet was destroyed.¡±

    A silence fell over them. Eleonora leaned forward slightly.

    ¡°Your twin planet?¡±

    Tyrin sighed. ¡°Helheim 74A. During the Human Expansion, it was considered a strategic point. But now¡­ we¡¯re just vassals of Baron Konen.¡±

    Eleonora pressed her lips together. ¡°I know that baron. He controls a few planets, mostly ones with Essential Clans. That¡¯s why he¡¯s respected. But take that away, and he¡¯s nothing more than a washed-up noble.¡±

    Tyrin simply nodded and returned to his bath. Neither Damian nor Cassandra said anything else. They weren¡¯t nobles, but they had always lived comfortably. For Tyrin, that reality was different. He had no choice.

    Eleonora reflected on her words. She hadn¡¯t meant to make Tyrin feel bad, but she realized the conversation had taken a turn she hadn¡¯t anticipated.

    That night¡¯s dinner was quiet. Few words were exchanged. No smiles were shared. The physical and emotional exhaustion weighed on everyone, and another day of work and preparation awaited them.

    The next day began before the first ray of sunlight. The sky was still a black canvas dotted with distant stars when Tyrin and Damian were already up, preparing the final batch of shells to be fed to the Scorpiones. The metallic scent hung thick in the air, and their hands were covered in the shimmering residue of the process. Cassandra and Eleonora had spent most of the night tending to the Scorpiones, patiently separating the organic matter from the metal and feeding the machine that would shape the armor.

    Time moved mercilessly. The clock in the sky pulsed a deep red, and though no one said it aloud, they all knew what it meant: the next attack was scheduled for the following day.

    Tyrin believed this information gave them an advantage. But as always, Custer¡ªthe professor in charge of the simulation¡ªseemed to enjoy pushing his students to their limits. He had synchronized the attacks of all the teams, ensuring that each group had just enough rest before the final battle. This meant there would be no room for elaborate strategies. It would be a straightforward fight, no tricks.

    After hours of grueling work, Tyrin and Damian finally collapsed onto the hot sand, panting.

    ¡°God, I think I need to sleep for three days,¡± Damian groaned, covering his face with his arm. ¡°How the hell can we be this tired in a fucking simulation?¡±

    Tyrin, just as exhausted, let out a deep sigh before answering. ¡°It¡¯s all psychological, Damian. You¡¯ll see when we get out. Your real body is just resting, but your mind believes it¡¯s actually working.¡±

    Before Damian could reply, Cassandra appeared, hands on her hips and a stern expression on her face.

    ¡°Hey, you two. Are you done cleaning the outer area? You still need to get the Belzebuths out of the pit, too.¡±

    Damian groaned in protest. ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake, sis! Why don¡¯t we just leave them there? I¡¯m dying here.¡±

    ¡°Get up already, you lazy ass,¡± she ordered, giving his leg a light kick.

    Tyrin was about to get up when Eleonora approached, gesturing for him to follow her discreetly. He frowned, realizing she wanted to speak in private.

    ¡°What is it, Eleonora?¡±

    She crossed her arms, hesitating before finally speaking.

    ¡°We only have enough material for one set of armor,¡± she revealed. ¡°I already talked to Cassandra, and we think you should be the one to wear it.¡±

    Tyrin blinked, surprised. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. What about you guys?¡±

    She smirked slightly. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure we can survive one more attack with you on the front line. If you hold the fight, we can win.¡±

    ¡°Does Damian know?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, but I believe he¡¯ll agree,¡± she said with confidence.

    Tyrin remained silent for a few moments. He wanted to win, but he wasn¡¯t entirely sure how the professor¡¯s rules worked.

    ¡°If I survive and we win, will we all receive the finalist ranking?¡±

    Eleonora nodded. ¡°Yes. I read the rules before we got here, so yes, we all pass.¡±

    He considered it for a moment, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. But in the end, there was only one possible answer.

    ¡°If Damian agrees¡­ I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    That night, dinner was different. There was no tension or hesitation. Cassandra and Eleonora had already decided that Tyrin would wear the armor, and surprisingly, even Damian seemed content to leave that role to him. It was rare to see him accept orders without complaint, but this time, he seemed to understand that this was the best strategy.

    ¡°All right,¡± Cassandra said, resting her elbows on the cold sand.

    "Tomorrow is the day of the fight. Are we ready?"

    "Absolutely," Damian replied, chewing his food with more energy than usual. "I''m just glad I''m not the one who has to wear that giant thing."

    Tyrin raised an eyebrow. "You say that like you wouldn¡¯t want to."

    "Of course not! I like running, not being a walking target!" Damian laughed.

    Eleonora looked at Tyrin. "Can you follow me?"

    He nodded, curious. Together, the four of them made their way to the munitions room. When they arrived, Tyrin stopped at the door, stunned.

    There, in the center of the room, rested his new armor.

    It was imposing, forged from the Zenthral metal extracted from the Scorpiones and shaped to fit his body perfectly. Its structure was an amplified replica of Tyrin¡ªrobust and powerful, yet maintaining the flexibility needed for combat. The light reflected off its metallic surface with a silver and black sheen, giving it an almost predatory appearance.

    "So this is an Ultra''s armor?" Tyrin murmured, stepping closer.

    "Pretty badass, huh?" Damian grinned. "You¡¯ll be around 2.5 meters tall inside that thing."

    Tyrin ran his fingers over the armor¡¯s smooth surface, feeling its cold texture and the weight of the responsibility now placed upon him. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. Then, he murmured to himself:

    "I''m ready."

    Eleonora heard the words, and without meaning to, a smile formed on her lips. Her heart pounded a little harder, and for just a moment¡ªjust one moment¡ªshe allowed herself to believe that everything would turn out fine.

 Falling into the Simulation pt 5 - Chapter 59

    Minutes before the planned time for the attack, drums and screams echoed across the horizon. Tyrin and his group watched closely as fifteen people ran in desperation, chased by a colossal war beast. Above them, some Tyranos beat their drums and laughed frenetically, encouraging the titanic creature in its ruthless hunt.

    Tyrin needed only a few seconds to recognize the threat: a Titayaraus, a beast used by the Tyranos'' royalty. It was a formidable creature, imposing in its own right. However, upon analyzing the riders mounted on it, he felt a brief sense of relief ¡ª they were merely low-ranking vassals. No noble or high-ranking figure among them.

    "Ty, they won¡¯t reach the castle before they¡¯re caught! What do we do?" ¡ª a worried voice broke his train of thought.

    Tyrin wanted to help them too, but acting without a plan would be suicide. He quickly activated his skill to assess the enemy:

    ?? ENEMY STATUS ??

    Name: Titayaraus Malek

    Level: 25

    Class: A+

    Strength: 120

    Endurance: 300

    Speed: 20

    Skill: 20

    Psyche: N/A

    Analyzing the stats, Tyrin realized that despite the absurd strength and massive endurance, the creature¡¯s speed and skills were limited. It was definitely a heavy transport mount, not one meant for combat.

    "Help me put on the armor."

    Without wasting time, his group helped him into the Zenthral Armor, a suit powered by stones extracted from defeated beasts. The only downside? Its consumption was voracious. But, considering the pile of corpses around, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem now.

    "Where¡¯s the weapon?"

    Tyrin searched the area until he found it: a colossal rifle with a chainsaw attached to the end. Before, he had considered it clumsy and excessively large for his build. But now, clad in armor, it made sense. The bullets were the size of a fist and looked capable of causing massive destruction.

    ¡°Holy shit, Ty! You look like a war monster!¡± ¡ª exclaimed Damian, eyes wide in amazement.

    Cassandra and Eleonora nodded, equally impressed. With the armor equipped, Tyrin had become an imposing figure, a 2.5-meter-tall warrior, ready for battle. He then activated the armor¡¯s visor to check his own status.

    ?? ARMOR STATUS ??

    Zenthral Armor ¨C Unrefined

    Class: Epic

    Active Abilities:

    ? +150 Endurance (Enabled)

    ? +30 Speed (Enabled)

    Owner: Tyrin

    He flexed his fingers inside the metal gloves, feeling the energy pulsing around his body.

    "Yeah¡­ it¡¯s pretty comfortable."

    He turned toward the castle gate and moved to leave. However, as he approached, he realized an obvious problem: he was too big to pass through the main entrance.

    Without hesitation, he activated one of the armor¡¯s functions ¡ª built-in foot thrusters. In an instant, he blasted into the air, clearing the wall with a powerful leap.

    "Okay¡­ time to test this out."

    He landed on the outer grounds and advanced toward the creature, crossing paths with the survivors.

    "Run to the castle! I¡¯ll take care of this creature!"

    The drums fell silent. The vassals atop the Titayaraus leapt to attack him, but before they could touch the ground, they were met with precise bursts from Cassandra and Eleonora, who took them down from a distance.

    Now, it was just him and the beast.

    ¡°Well... just you and me now, big guy.¡±

    The stench of rotting flesh hung thick in the air. Shattered bodies, torn apart by bullets, lay around him like silent spectators awaiting the battle¡¯s conclusion. His armor creaked softly as he adjusted his grip on the rifle, its metal gleaming under the crimson glow of the sky.

    At the tip of the weapon, the built-in chainsaw buzzed eagerly.

    In front of him, the Beast growled ¡ª a grotesque mass of muscle, claws long enough to impale a man, and jaws capable of snapping armor in two. Its hungry eyes gleamed with primal malice, fixed on him with feral fury.

    Tyrin didn¡¯t hesitate. He pulled the trigger.

    The rifle''s roar tore through the air, and the bullets struck the monster with devastating force. Craters opened in the deformed flesh, spilling black blood, but the creature didn¡¯t flinch. It only roared and charged, its limbs shattering the ground like colossal hammers.

    He hurled himself aside at the last second, using the thrusters on his feet, feeling the gust of air from the beast¡¯s brutal charge. The ground quaked under its weight. Spinning onto one knee, he fired twice at the creature¡¯s knee. The projectiles exploded on impact, making the leg falter¡ªbut not give out.

    The monster¡¯s response was immediate. One of its claws swept past Tyrin¡¯s helmet, grazing the metal and ripping off a piece of the side ¡ª what was supposed to be the strongest material in the universe was now torn like paper.

    He felt the heat of his own blood trickling down the side of his face. But there was no time for pain.

    ¡°Come on, you pile of rotting meat!¡± he snarled, yanking the chainsaw to life.

    The blade roared, spinning at high speed and spitting sparks as it sliced through the air. Tyrin charged. The Beast tried to strike again, but this time he slid beneath the attack, feet gliding over blood-soaked sand. He rose with an upward strike.

    The chainsaw sank into the creature¡¯s side.

    Its roar was deafening. Tyrin pushed the blade deeper, feeling the serrated teeth grind through bone and muscle. But the monster, in a clumsy, desperate blow, flung him away.

    His world spun. The impact of the fall made pain explode in his skull.

    But he couldn¡¯t stop.

    He rolled away just in time, dodging the claws that came down to tear him apart. He raised the rifle, hands shaking with adrenaline, and pulled the trigger again.

    The bullets pierced the creature¡¯s skull, scattering chunks of flesh and bone across the ground. For the first time, the Beast recoiled.

    This was his chance.

    With a furious shout, Tyrin activated the armor¡¯s thrusters and launched himself toward the monster. He climbed its deformed back, holding onto twisted flesh as the creature thrashed.

    The chainsaw blade found the base of the neck.

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    The monster¡¯s roar was earth-shattering. Hot blood gushed out like a grotesque fountain, covering his armor.

    The creature tried to shake him off, tried to throw him down ¡ª but it was too late.

    Tyrin drove the saw deeper, the spinning teeth shredding through muscle, tendons, and bone. The sound of the chainsaw tearing through flesh merged with the beast¡¯s scream of agony. Nearly a minute later, with a brutal snap, the blade sliced clean through the neck.

    The head finally detached and crashed to the ground with a dull thud.

    Silence.

    Tyrin stood atop the carcass, panting, black blood dripping from his armor. He had won.

    But the stench of rot still lingered in the air.

    And then, movement on the horizon.

    Shadows were approaching.

    Tyrin narrowed his eyes and managed to make out the figures running toward the castle. His chest tightened as he recognized the danger.

    Belzebuth.

    Same number. A new horde.

    ¡°Damn... I need to get back, fast.¡±

    He shot back toward the castle, arriving just in time to see the fifteen survivors still alive.

    ¡°Tyrin, we¡¯ve separated them. We got lucky ¡ª four of them are soldiers.¡±

    Eleonora was the first to approach, reporting the situation.

    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Tyrin frowned.

    ¡°The group was bigger, but the remaining soldiers stayed behind to buy time for the civilians.¡±

    Tyrin clenched his fists, frustration creeping through his mind. But there was no time to dwell on it.

    ¡°Okay. No problem. Anyone who can handle a weapon, get to the wall and defend the castle.¡±

    ¡°But we don¡¯t have enough weapons!¡±

    Tyrin took a deep breath. He already knew that.

    ¡°Take mine. I¡¯ll fight outside, hand-to-hand.¡±

    Eleonora hesitated.

    ¡°But without your helmet¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Tyrin looked toward the gates, his eyes glowing with the adrenaline of the impending battle. ¡°I won¡¯t die to those things.¡±

    He had already tested the armor¡¯s power ¡ª its resilience, its speed.

    With his dagger, he would be unstoppable.

    But first, he had to make sure the castle would be safe without him.

    It made sense to meet the enemy head-on.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll let the others know.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Tyrin took a deep breath and tightened his fists.

    Out there, the monsters were advancing.

    Tyrin could feel his body calling for battle. Adrenaline surged through his veins, each heartbeat pounding like a war drum.

    ¡°I¡¯m not that scared kid anymore. I¡¯ll kill them all.¡±

    He remained outside the castle, facing the approaching black tide.

    The earth trembled beneath thousands of monstrous feet. The sunny sky darkened under the shadow of the Belzebuth, coming like a wave of rotting flesh, crimson eyes glowing through the chaos. Grotesque creatures climbed over each other, crawling like demonic worms, howling as if doom itself had been unleashed.

    And Tyrin stood there. Alone.

    Armed only with his serrated dagger and his fury.

    Behind him, the castle¡¯s northern wall. He was the last line of defense.

    The first monsters came like living projectiles.

    Tyrin leapt to meet them, slicing through the air like a blade. He drove the dagger straight into the skull of the first enemy before his feet even hit the ground. The creature twitched, suffocated by instant death, and collapsed.

    But another was already coming from behind.

    He spun, delivering a brutal punch. The creature¡¯s jaw shattered with a sickening crack, but Tyrin didn¡¯t stop. With a swift motion, he slashed its throat, pulling the blade sideways in a wide, lethal cut. Black blood sprayed across his face, but he didn¡¯t even blink.

    Then more came.

    Three at once.

    The first crawled low ¡ª Tyrin crushed its spine with a stomp, snapping the creature in two.

    The second lunged with claws outstretched. He dodged and grabbed it by the neck, twisting with a sharp motion that snapped its spine.

    The third was faster. Its claws scraped against his armor, carving a bloody groove in his shoulder. The pain burst like fire ¡ª but Tyrin didn¡¯t flinch. He never would.

    With both hands, he drove the dagger into the creature¡¯s chest and ripped upward.

    The beast split nearly in half, collapsing as a shredded carcass.

    The ground became a field of carnage.

    But the Belzebuth didn¡¯t stop.

    Tyrin felt his body grow heavy. Sweat mixed with the blood covering his skin and armor. Fatigue clawed at him, but he refused to fall.

    One of the monsters grabbed his leg.

    Tyrin kicked so hard the demon¡¯s head exploded against a rock.

    Another tried to tackle him.

    Tyrin seized its arm and used the creature like a weapon, smashing others with its twisted body.

    Claws shattered against his armor.

    Teeth broke without even scratching the Zenthral.

    He kept fighting.

    Slash.

    Stab.

    Punch.

    Kick.

    Blood.

    Broken bones.

    Tyrin was a hurricane of destruction.

    He fought like a cornered animal.

    Like a god of war.

    Like a man who refused to lose.

    The Belzebuth began to hesitate.

    They were countless. They were monstrous. But Tyrin didn¡¯t stop.

    And fear began to spread among them.

    The sun was already low on the horizon when the last monster charged.

    Tyrin drove the dagger straight into the creature¡¯s eye and pushed it all the way to the hilt.

    The monster convulsed, twisted, and dropped dead at his feet.

    Then¡­

    Silence.

    Tyrin stood there, soaked in blood, his breath tearing through the air.

    The field around him was littered with mangled corpses. None of them moved.

    He spat blood onto the ground.

    He had won.

    Behind him, the gates still stood. The castle was still safe.

    Because he had been there to hold the line.

    Cassandra arrived at the battlefield shortly after to aid Tyrin.

    The iron stench of blood hung thick in the air, and the last rays of the sun painted the earth an even deeper red.

    She found Tyrin standing¡­ but unconscious.

    The front of his armor was so drenched in blood that its original color had vanished.

    But the back still gleamed like pure metal, not a single drop of filth.

    Meanwhile, in Custer¡¯s observation room¡­

    Everyone stared in stunned silence at the screen, which showed exactly what Cassandra was seeing.

    Some held their breath. None of them had ever witnessed anything like it.

    A student finally broke the silence:

    ¡°Professor¡­ are the ultras¡¯ armors really that powerful?¡±

    Custer didn¡¯t answer immediately.

 Falling into the Simulation pt 6 - Chapter 60

    Custer hadn¡¯t always known that the names recorded in the test arena didn¡¯t belong to a single group or class, but rather to all the teams that had ever taken part in the exercise. The purpose of this was clear: to confuse the participants and remind them that, regardless of their performance, they were never among the top ten. This tactic often demotivated the teams, leading many to give up. Still, despite their efforts, Custer¡¯s team had never made it into the top five.

    He vividly remembered the challenge he had faced years ago and the choices he had made at the time. When he retook the test later on, he managed to go much further and reach second place. But the feeling was different. He knew what to expect, which paths to take, and how to overcome the obstacles. There was no real challenge. In the end, he chose not to surpass the first-place holder¡ªsimply because he found no joy in it.

    Now, there he was, watching in astonishment the decisions made by those kids. In groups with a clear, decisive leader, there was no conflict. That leader made smart choices and, above all, had the strength to deal with the consequences. He could have simply let the fifteen people die and defeated the creature from the safety of his fortress, but Custer knew that decision would have terrible repercussions later.

    He himself had known about the existence of the armor, but all his discoveries had been the result of chance. Without solid, robust knowledge, it was nearly impossible for anyone to defeat the top-ranking team. For years, Custer believed team number one was a fraud, until he uncovered the truth: the group consisted of the sole survivors of an incursion into the southern part of that planet. Its members included three Zentros and two Vultras¡ªAlvina and Charon. Even so, he remained stunned.

    "Professor? Are you listening?"

    Custer cleared his throat before replying:

    "Yes, I¡¯m listening. Alright, everyone, let¡¯s keep following this team to understand their choices and strategies. Finalists, you may leave and rest, if you wish."

    But no one moved. Everyone kept watching that boy, who had single-handedly held off an attack with nothing more than his effort and a small dagger. Custer used the pause to look for that girl, but didn¡¯t see her in the room. She probably hadn¡¯t even bothered to come back to receive her accolades. She was the true champion of the combat competition, and even the essentials had surrendered to her first magical strike. Custer recognized she was on a level above the rest¡ªand she knew it.

    In the simulation, Tyrin awoke, still groggy. He was lying on the ground, covered by a warm blanket made of soft fur. Beside him, a girl smiled while calling his name:

    "Sir Tyrin, welcome back. Thank you so much for saving us."

    He blinked a few times, confused, trying to remember who that person was. Probably one of the survivors he had rescued. The night was dark, but the firelight and starry sky made everything feel a bit more comforting.

    "Where is everyone?" he asked, his voice still hoarse.

    "If you mean our rescuers, one of them¡ªDamian¡ªis reinforcing the outer area of the castle. Cassandra and Eleonora are taking care of the Scorpiones. Here, drink this potion, it¡¯ll help you recover faster."

    Tyrin tried to sit up to take the potion, but realized he was so exhausted he could barely move his feet.

    "Hold it right there, handsome," a playful voice called from behind him.

    Eleonora appeared, still stained with Scorpione venom, and smiled.

    "We¡¯ve finished the job. Now that we have help, we¡¯ll be able to get more done. Are you hungry? Because today¡¯s menu includes Scorpione soup, fried Scorpione, roasted Scorpione, and, just for variety, Scorpione barbecue!"

    She laughed at her own joke, and Tyrin joined her with a tired smile. He knew it was true¡ªthey were surviving solely on that creature. It wasn¡¯t horrible, but it definitely wasn¡¯t good either. It sat somewhere between edible and nearly vomit-inducing.

    "The good news," Eleonora continued, "is that one of the survivors is a cook, and he¡¯s going to prepare everything with some spices he brought."

    Now that was good news. Coming from a poor planet, Tyrin knew very well the power of a good amount of seasoning.

    After a few hours and a meal worthy of a king, they sat around the fire¡ªTyrin, Cassandra, Eleonora, Damian, and an older man, who was the first to speak:

    "Thank you for saving our lives. We¡¯d like to help defend the castle, but unfortunately, we don¡¯t have many soldiers."

    "Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Jay," Cassandra replied. "We just need to secure the perimeter. With your help, we¡¯ll be able to prepare two more sets of armor and repair Tyrin¡¯s. We¡¯ll be ready for the battle."

    Tyrin was still trying to process everything that was happening. Before the meeting, Cassandra had explained the situation to him. At the moment, they had four soldiers, two engineers, three medics, three civilians, and three farmers. To his surprise, the farmers were helping with the breeding and handling of the Scorpiones, and their contribution had already made a difference. The group was growing stronger. With Scorpione production in full swing and the use of Zenthral dung, the farmers had shown they had deep knowledge of the species. The soldiers, on the other hand, knew how to shoot and showed initiative, but they weren¡¯t strong in close combat.

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    The medics had managed to create a few potions from Scorpione venom, but due to the lack of mixing materials, they could only produce a small number of recovery potions¡ªlike the one they had given him. Meanwhile, the engineers helped Damian distribute the protective carapaces more effectively around the perimeter. Jay, although a civilian, had political experience and ended up acting as the spokesperson between the group of survivors and Tyrin¡¯s team.

    "Whatever you need, our group will be ready to help. You can count on us," said old Mr. Jay, getting up with visible fatigue before walking away to rejoin his people.

    Damian watched him for a moment and sighed.

    "Shit, I really want to help these guys¡­"

    Before he could continue, a well-aimed slap hit the back of his head.

    "Shut up, dude. They¡¯re just part of the simulation, don¡¯t be stupid," said Cassandra, rolling her eyes.

    But it was Eleonora who interrupted with a troubling observation:

    "Actually, they existed."

    Her eyes were fixed on the group of survivors, who were toasting in the distance as if celebrating a small victory.

    "What do you mean?" Cassandra asked, frowning.

    "This simulation is probably based on the memories of people who actually went through this challenge. Or at least from bodies recovered whose memories were extracted." She paused, analyzing the group¡¯s reactions. "Which means this group was real. But they definitely died."

    "How can you be so sure?" Tyrin asked, still trying to grasp the idea.

    Eleonora turned her gaze to the dark sky, reflecting for a moment before answering:

    "When we fell, I noticed we were in the southern part of the planet. That was one of the last lost areas¡­ and officially, there were no civilian survivors from that region. At least, none were ever recorded."

    Her voice was cold and distant, as if she were just reporting a fact. But the sense of emptiness spread among them. Damian looked again toward the hopeful group in the distance, feeling a tightness in his chest. They were alive there, laughing, confident. But in reality, Damian was only witnessing their final moments¡ªwithin the simulation.

    The silence was broken by Cassandra, who tried to push away the growing melancholy:

    "So what do we do now? After everything we¡¯ve been through, we¡¯re still only in twelfth place. That doesn¡¯t make any sense."

    Tyrin frowned, thoughtful.

    "I have a theory."

    The others turned to him, curious.

    "Okay, go ahead," Cassandra said. "I¡¯m curious."

    He took a deep breath before continuing:

    "What if¡­ what we¡¯re seeing isn¡¯t just our class, but all the teams that have ever participated in this simulation?"

    The silence that followed was heavy with a new understanding¡ªand a deeper unease than any of them had expected.

    Eleonora was the first to break it.

    "That makes sense. I mean, I don¡¯t believe our class has ten teams as competent as we are." She crossed her arms and sighed. "I don¡¯t like to brag, but I¡¯m not an idiot either. Our group isn¡¯t going to make it into the Hall of the greatest of all time."

    Damian and Cassandra nodded silently. The realization was uncomfortable, but true.

    "Doesn¡¯t that mean we¡¯ve already won?" Damian asked, casually. "If we¡¯re so far ahead, why don¡¯t we just leave?"

    But the moment the words left his lips, he reconsidered them and felt like he was being unfair to himself.

    Tyrin looked at him seriously.

    "You understand we have an opportunity here, right? To grow and become the next pillar of support for our generation? We need to give our best¡ªalways."

    The idea echoed among them.

    Every chance to improve without risking their lives was a gift that should be seized to its fullest. Tyrin knew that. He wanted to test himself, to learn from every victory and, even more so, from every defeat. The future was uncertain. He could feel something big approaching¡ªwhether it was a false emperor, the looming threat of the Aracnophons ready to wipe out humanity, or even the Tyranos, who remained far too quiet, lurking, waiting for humanity¡¯s next misstep.

    They all silently agreed with his words. Each of them had their own reason to grow stronger. They wanted to protect their home, bring pride to their families. They needed this just as much as Tyrin did. And in that moment, he had reminded them of their purpose.

    "Let¡¯s get some rest," he announced. "Tomorrow we¡¯ve got a lot of work if we want to survive the third attack."

    He looked at the fire, where the flames danced with an unsteady glow.

    "Something tells me this time, it¡¯s going to be a real challenge."