The crimson light of the setting sun cast long shadows across Nova City's neon-drenched skyline. Inside Prism Corps Headquarters, however, the mood was anything but serene.Astra Blaze, Prism Prime, paced the holographic war room, her solar energy crackling around her. Beside her, Orion Shield, his blue Celestial Prism gleaming on his chest, remained a stoic pillar of strength."Nebula Vortex and Rift Walker have been spotted near the Korvax Nebula," Astra declared, her voice tight with apprehension. "Intelligence suggests they're attempting to forge an alliance with Xylar, the exiled Vorlaxian warlord."A tremor of unease ran through the room. Xylar, a hulking monstrosity with the power to control molten rock, was a formidable foe alone. Coupled with Nebula's reality manipulation and Rift Walker's temporal disruptions, the potential for devastation was immense."We need to move fast," Cygnus Vortex, leader of the Syfon Warriors, materialized beside Astra, his black uniform swirling with anti-gravity energy."Agreed," boomed Commander Lyra Nova, her imposing figure radiating authority. "Jace Swift, report to the hangar bay. You'll be piloting the Zephyr alongside Denarian Squad. Your mission: recon the Korvax Nebula and disrupt any potential alliance."Jace, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and terror, saluted. Since joining the Corps, he'd honed his piloting skills and learned to channel his raw talent, but this was his first major operation.Minutes later, Jace found himself strapped into the cockpit of the Zephyr, a sleek, silver combat ship. Beside him, Denarian Captain Amara, a seasoned veteran with piercing blue eyes, checked the control panel."First hyper jump, rookie?" Amara asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.Jace swallowed. "Yes, Captain.""Don't worry," Amara patted his shoulder, "the Zephyr practically flies itself. Just keep your cool and keep an eye on the Denarians. They have your back."The hangar bay doors hissed open, revealing the dazzling spectacle of Nova City's starport. A symphony of lights danced across sleek battle cruisers and nimble Prism Gliders. With a surge of power, the Zephyr lifted off, accelerating towards the swirling vortex of the Korvax Nebula.As they entered the nebula, the once vibrant colors of space warped and twisted. Phantom images flickered around them, remnants of Rift Walker's temporal manipulations. Amara's voice crackled over the comms."Readings indicate temporal distortions ahead. Brace yourselves."The Zephyr shuddered. Jace gripped the controls, anxiety clawing at him. Suddenly, the ship lurched violently. Before them, a hulking, obsidian warship, Xylar's signature vessel, the Molten Fist, materialized from the swirling chaos."We've got company, Denarians!" Amara barked.Laser fire erupted from the Molten Fist, scarring the Zephyr's hull. Alarms blared, red lights flashing. The Denarian squad, clad in their crimson combat suits, responded with a hail of plasma bolts."Get out of here, Jace!" Amara yelled. "We can hold them off long enough for you to report back."Jace knew she was right. This wasn't a recon mission anymore. It was a desperate escape attempt. With a heavy heart, he punched in the coordinates for Nova City.As the Zephyr tore through the nebula, Jace witnessed a horrifying tableau. Xylar's molten rock warriors swarmed the Korvax outpost, their fiery weapons leaving craters in the once pristine structures. Meanwhile, Nebula Vortex shimmered beside them, and Rift Walker's laughter echoed through the comms, a chilling harbinger of chaos.Jace gritted his teeth. He may have been a rookie, but he wouldn't abandon hope. He would get back to Nova City, warn Astra, and together, the Prism Corps would face this new threat. He wouldn't let the shadows of the void consume the galaxy.The Zephyr pierced the veil of the Korvax Nebula, leaving a trail of defiance in its wake. The battle for the universe had just begun.