The day had finally come. Leon heard a voice echoing in his dreams," Choose, Leon
It had become a familiar presence, one that he had grown accustomed to since Commander had explained that his dreams might hold the key to his colorless Soul power.
Leon looked at his father's photograph before departing for the Solar Eclipse battle, saying with confidence, "Father, today's the day we're going to fight the Voids on Earth's surface. But nobody in our unit is more excited than today. Over the past two months, we've trained like crazy, and..."
- During the past two months:
The ban on DEXTERS species transforming into their true forms inside the underground sectors had been lifted as they prepared to go to the surface. Everyone was mesmerized by how each species looked in their true forms.
- Demons, with charred skin and blazing eyes, harnessed mana, summoning firestorms and shadowy tendrils that engulfed the battlefield, leaving scorching devastation in their wake.
- Titans, towering over the conflict, wielded colossal axes with brutal precision. Their stone-like forms resisted attacks, and they orchestrated battles with strategic brilliance, creating a living bulwark that crushed their foes.
- Elves, looking petite yet fierce, nimbly darted through the chaos, staffs and swords in hand. Their strikes were a dance of grace and death, amplified by mana spells that froze or seared their adversaries.
- Xiaos resembled monkeys with wings, soaring above the battle, using their agile wings for surprise attacks and evasive maneuvers. Their unpredictable antics added a surreal dimension to the fight, confounding even the most seasoned warriors.
- Rabisus resembled vampires, elegantly fanged, moving like shadows in battle. They drained mana with each strike, commanding dark sorcery that cloaked them in mist and granted them hypnotic allure, making every encounter a deadly seduction.
- Stihians, resembling dragons, were towering, scaled behemoths. They breathed fire and unleashed primal fury. Their immense wings created shockwaves, while their roars shattered resolve. In battle, they were the embodiment of raw, elemental power, setting the world ablaze.
As everyone battled together, each learned to fight in both land and sky. They practiced killing Voids using Void holograms and bots that looked like Voids.
- In the present:
Leon continued, "Father, during our training, Amelia became a leading figure, not only in Unit 7 but in Units 1 through 7. The way she understood each individual fighting style and stationed everyone in their formation, we were able to overcome our dilemmas within a short time because of her. She really is just as you thought, a leader who protects her soldiers."
As the alarm rang for him to leave, he saluted his father's photograph and bid him goodbye.
- In the meantime:
Ash called out to Codey, "Come on, stop complaining. We'll spend a few minutes seeing Mickey before leaving for battle."
Codey grumbled, "Why do we have to see that guy on the most important day of our lives?"
As Ash and Codey arrived at the hospital ward, a nurse informed them that Mickey had been transferred to Sector A.
Codey grew worried and asked the nurse about Mickey's condition. She assured them it was a standard procedure to move all civilians and injured soldiers to Sector A and Sector B during battles.
Relieved, Codey said, "Thank goodness. Can we see Mickey if we go to Sector A?"
The nurse regretfully informed them, "Sorry, guys, Sector A is already sealed, and Sector B will be sealed after the remaining soldiers leave."
Ash told Codey, "Well, you heard her. We can't do anything. Let's leave for our first official battle."
The nurse wished them luck, and as soldiers began gathering at Sector C and Earth Surface Station, several soldiers from DEXTERS planets also arrived as backup for Earth.
In Sector C, Amelia and Annarrgeal were approached by Ash and Codey. Ash couldn't contain his excitement and shouted, "Amelia and Annarrgeal, good morning! Are you guys waiting for your star soldier, Ash, to arrive?"
Amelia and Annarrgeal responded in unison, "Stop dreaming, Ash. I'm your superior, so don't talk so casually."
Jil remarked with a smile, "Look at you guys. You've become like one mind already." Others joined in the laughter.
Codey asked, "It seems like everyone is more excited than nervous about our first battle. Is this really happening?"
Amelia addressed everyone, saying, "Everyone, keep this same blaze within your hearts during the battle too."
Everyone replied in unison, "Yes, Captain."
Codey looked around and asked, "Where is Leon, our star hero?"
Ash scanned the area and said, "Hey, there's Leon... Why is he in the corner, mumbling something to himself? Let's go and see what he's saying."
Leon kept mumbling, "Please, Father, give me strength... Please, give me courage..."
Ash placed a hand on Leon's shoulder, and Leon was so startled that his leg nearly gave out from the shock.
Codey said, "Hey, Leon, why are you so nervous? Look around. More than half of Units 1 through 7 look pretty calm and excited because of you and the spirit you've shown in training and battle."
Annarrgeal added, "Don't worry, Leon. We will fight together. We will watch your back, and you support us with everything you've got."
Leon responded with a crisp salute, saying, "Yes, Squad Master."
Annarrgeal got emotional, thinking to himself, "Only Leon still calls me Squad Master. I'll protect you with my life, Leon."
As everyone settled into formation, an air of anticipation hung heavy in the atmosphere. They knew that the commander was about to address them before their departure.
The commanding voice of Commander Kenzo resonated like a hurricane through the communication system, even though he was stationed in Sector C1 while Unit 7 were in Sector C7.
Leon's eyes were fixed on the massive screen displaying the commander's presence on the stage of Sector C1.
In the midst of the echoing cheers and the palpable excitement, Leon couldn't help but reflect on the moment., "Commander, I know that your calm, enlightened figure is gone for now. Right now, you're raging to go into battle at any moment."
The commander stood before them, his voice resonating with a solemn certainty that pierced their souls.
"Today," he began, gazing upon the faces of his soldiers, each one exuding confidence and a quiet determination born from countless hours of relentless training and unwavering camaraderie.
"Today," he repeated, "you stand ready, calm before the storm."
He raised his hand, sword gleaming in the dim light, a symbol of their shared purpose.
"Fear not, my comrades, for we march to face the Voids, swords in hand, hearts undaunted. It is our unyielding spirit that forges our strength, even in the crucible of battle. Let courage be the ember that ignites our souls."
A profound silence enveloped them, a shared understanding of the monumental task ahead. No words were needed, for in that moment, the bond between them was unbreakable.
With measured steps, they departed for the Earth's surface, each heart and mind united by a single thought: "With our commander at the helm, victory is our destiny."
"As the clock of unity ticks forward, marking the year 1272 A.U. (After Unification), we find ourselves in the midst of a celestial spectacle. At this precise moment, on the 21st of June, our world is graced by the presence of a solar eclipse, with just 15 minutes remaining until the sun's hidden dance in the heavens begins at 11:03 SET (Solar Earth Time)."
Before the solar eclipse began, a thunderous roar echoed throughout the planet, marking the beginning of the battle. As they prepared for the battle, the solar eclipse commenced.
The solar eclipse began with the moon gracefully moving across the vast canvas of the sky, beginning its celestial dance with the sun. At the initial stages, a subtle transformation took hold. It was as if the moon, a solitary wanderer in the celestial sea, reached out its shadowy fingers to gently caress the brilliant face of our radiant sun.
As the moon's silhouette encroached upon the sun, a hushed anticipation filled the air. Daylight began to wane, casting a surreal, ethereal glow over the landscape. Shadows grew long and sharp, with the sun transformed into a narrowing crescent, like a sliver of radiant hope against the darkening canvas.
As the moon's journey continued, the world was bathed in a peculiar twilight. Huge red wings started to appear from both sides of the moon. Everyone realized that these were Voids covered with red flames, and more than 10 million of them were flying towards Earth.
Everyone shouted, "The first kill is ours."
As the Voids entered Earth's atmosphere, Commander Kenzo raised his sword and swung it with immense force, creating a mana slash that struck the Voids. The light emitted from his attack filled the entire sky with red, and as the Voids entered the Earth.
Commander Shouted while raising his sword, "Engage."
In the turbulent skies, Stihians and Demons soared, setting Voids ablaze and igniting the heavens.
Titans, wielding colossal swords, forged mighty gusts of wind, forming an unyielding barrier and crushing the Voids to dust.
Among them, Xiaos and Rabisus, masters of agility, danced through the chaos, rendering the Voids powerless with swift, precise slashes, leaving nothing but ethereal remnants.
In this celestial battleground, Humans and Elves, bound by unbreakable teamwork, orchestrated their movements to cleave Voids asunder.
They skillfully captured the lost souls of the Voids, harnessing the very essence of their adversaries.
Together, they stood as a united front, defying the darkness and weaving a tapestry of courage amidst the chaos.
Duration of Solar Eclipse: 7 minutes.
Remaining: 6 minutes.
Each of them fought with precision and focus to avoid conflict among themselves and gave everything they had.
In Unit 7 Cadets, Amelia shouted, "Don't break formation. Fight as one. Stihians, create a mana fire barrier above to stop them from entering the middle of our formation. Elves, place your mana spells to bind them. Rabisus, Humans, and Xiaos, use your agility to keep them from spreading out too much. Titans, use Mana Hammer to smash them."
Everyone shouted, "Yes, Captain."
Suddenly, the colossal Void threatened to unravel their formation, chaos loomed. Elven binds shattered, leaving the formation on the brink of collapse. Panic began to grip the ranks, but amidst the turmoil, Leon emerged like a comet, his twin swords flashing with purpose. With impeccable timing, he struck from above, piercing the heart of the massive Void's soul.
The Void convulsed, writhing in agony as its essence dissipated into the ether. Leon swiftly retreated to the formation, his actions igniting a fire in the hearts of all who bore witness. With newfound determination, they pressed on, slaying Voids one after another.
As the lifeless husks of Voids littered the battlefield, a collective rage surged within the ranks. The sky, once a canvas of light, succumbed to darkness and a crimson hue, but this change did not deter them. Instead, it intensified their fury.
Driven by an unyielding resolve, they continued their relentless onslaught, their swords cleaving through Voids with unwavering precision. The battle raged on, a symphony of chaos and determination, as they butchered and harvested the Voids that dared to challenge them. Their determination burned brighter than any celestial body, an indomitable force in the face of the encroaching darkness.
Time Remaining: 4 minutes.
Amidst the relentless battle cries and the clash of swords, they moved as one, a cohesive force fueled by camaraderie and purpose. Stihians and Demons, Titans and Xiaos, Humans and Elves, all fighting side by side. The lines between races blurred as they defended their world against the encroaching Voids.
In the midst of the relentless slaughter, a solemn understanding passed through their ranks: this battle was not just about survival; it was about reclaiming their world from the abyss. And reclaim it, they would, even if it meant battling until the very last drop of darkness was vanquished from the sky.
In the midst of it all, deep within Sector A8,
Frida Auger inquired with a sinister tone, "Is the trap prepared, my dear Leon? Shall we commence?"
[End Of Chapter]