After the dramatic and chaotic escape, Viktor deactivated the hyperspace drive, allowing his ship to decelerate until it came to a stop at a quiet point in space. He needed a moment to rest and reflect on the recent events.
"Finally, a little peace."
He reclined in the pilot's chair, gazing at the stars shining through the ship's window. The vastness of the cosmos seemed to offer a silent comfort, a welcome contrast to the chaos he had just left behind.
"I admit, my choices were hasty. But if I had hesitated, nothing would have happened now."
He closed his eyes for a moment, replaying every detail of the escape. The tension in the dark corridors, the sound of alarms, the sense of urgency as he hacked the prison ship's systems, the fights he narrowly won. If he had made one wrong move, one simple mistake, he wouldn't have succeeded in the escape.
He opened his eyes and looked at the ship's control panel. The lights were gently blinking, indicating all systems were functioning perfectly. He knew he needed to plan his next steps, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest.
Smiling slightly "At least I managed to escape. That's already a win. But it was pure luck."
He stood and walked to the corner of the ship where the supplies were stored, making himself some tea. As he waited, he gazed up at the stars, feeling a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Tea in hand, he returned to the pilot's chair, intending to enjoy this brief moment of tranquility before facing the challenges that were sure to come.
"Are we still in the Union-controlled system?"
'AFFIRMATIVE!!'
The Union, at its core, is a nation of power, privilege, and oppression, where decisions that shape the fate of millions are made in rooms adorned with ancient traditions. At the heart of this intergalactic nation is a ruling council, an exclusive body that inherits not only power but also a worldview that prioritizes the maintenance of status.
This council is comprised of direct descendants of the Union's founders, whose bloodlines are revered and protected as national treasures. As such, Union politics are inextricably linked to a sense of familial belonging and a legacy that few dare challenge.
The hierarchical structure of the Union is rigidly defined. Elite families are categorized into specific roles. Some deal with military defense, others lead the exploration of new worlds, and a few are responsible for diplomacy and resource management.
Devotion, and loyalty to the council is demanded and expected. The ceremonies that mark the transfer of power are elaborate and revered, not only signaling the change of generations, but also perpetuating a culture that values continuity and tradition above all else.
However, beneath this façade of continuity and order, human greed has taken hold. The elites, in their relentless pursuit of power and control, have chosen not to share their private users with the general population. Only those within the closed circle of privileged families have the ability to evolve and expand their abilities, creating an unbridgeable chasm between the elite and the rest of the citizenry.
The consequence of this accumulation of power is a stratified, layered society where the elite enjoy extraordinary privileges. They live in luxurious domains, surrounded by advanced technology, while the majority of the population resides in overcrowded and degraded urban areas, struggling to survive under a regime that prioritizes control over freedom.
Access to basic resources such as education and healthcare is restricted, available only to those who can afford it. Thus, the elites cultivate an environment of dependency, where obedience is the only way to secure one's place in society.
The laws that govern the Union are created and enforced to benefit the elite, ensuring that those who oppose or question the established order are quickly silenced. The police and military, loyal to the ruling families, maintain constant vigilance, suppressing any form of protest or rebellion.
This climate of fear and a cycle of submission, where ordinary citizens are forced to accept their position and obey orders, is often in inhumane conditions.
However, greed and oppression cannot be maintained without provoking resistance. Growing resentment among the oppressed classes began to generate a movement, where the idea of equality and freedom began to gain traction. The Resistance.
The resistance began as an underground movement, fueled by a growing sense of injustice and the search for freedom. Former members of the military, disillusioned with the corruption of their former leaders, began to form alliances.
The underground scientists, in turn, came together to develop technologies that could tip the scales. Creating devices that could amplify the powers of ordinary people and improve the technology of the resistance. This exchange of knowledge and resources became vital to the resistance.
Oppressed workers in various industries began to unite. Many were exploited and underpaid, and their working conditions were inhumane. Resentment toward elite families spread like wildfire.
As the resistance gained strength, they began to take bolder actions, from peaceful protests to coordinated attacks on elite facilities. The goal was clear. to destabilize the oppressive regime and inspire others to rise up against its chains.
Over time, the resistance became a growing force, challenging the Union's power structure. This became a major headache for the Union.
"They have created their own downfall..." Viktor muttered.
'WE ARE IN THE SAPPHIRE STAR SYSTEM.'
A giant blue star, bright and majestic, that gives the system its name. Interrupting his thoughts.
"Hmmm... I understand."
looking up at the ceiling of the ship while holding his tea in his hand.
"First, I need to strengthen myself.." murmured.
closing his eyes and then opening them a few seconds later.
"Let's head to Planet ICE."
'WARNING, USER!'
"I know... it's the last place I wanted to be, but we don't have many choices."
Planet ICE is a hostile and challenging world, known for its extreme conditions and constant dangers. Located in the Sapphire Star System, ICE is a planet covered by vast icy regions, where ice storms and lightning strikes are frequent.
The planet is home to fierce creatures that have adapted to the extreme cold. These beasts are a constant threat to the inhabitants and visitors, making survival even harder.
'BUT USER, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDS WE OBTAINED FROM THE SHIP, THERE IS ALSO A UNION MILITARY BASE THERE.'
"Don't remind me."
ICE hosts one of the most important military bases of the Union. It is a strategic point for the Union, both for defense and military operations. However, the native creatures of the planet present a constant problem for the military base. The Union has to deal with frequent attacks and incursions from these beasts, which has given an advantage to outlaw groups.
Due to its remote location and extreme conditions, ICE has also become a refuge for refugees, criminals, and outlaws. These groups hide in the most isolated regions of the planet, beyond the reach of the Union.
"A perfect place for us."
'CHANCE OF SURVIVAL LESS THAN 25%.'
"Do you have another idea?"
'...'
"Change course to Planet ICE."
'UNDERSTOOD'
After giving the order to change the ship's course to Planet ICE, Viktor felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
With a deep sigh, he sat back in the pilot's chair and began preparing to rest. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted off to sleep.
//////////////////////////// ///////////// ///////////////////// //////////////////////
The blood flowed slowly from the clouds that covered the sky. A dying man screamed beside him as a monster ran ahead with its horrendous mouth wide open.
"I'm so fed up with these bastards!"
A man stomped hard on the ground, gathering enough strength to cut the advancing monster in half.
He quickly sliced through the unknown creature and ran forward, trying to buy more time for his men. The battle was horrific, with his comrades dying one after another.
"Fall back! Everyone fall back! Make sure to survive! Abandon the base! Go to the ships!"
"But sir!"
"That's an order!"
The man understood the order loud and clear. He relayed it as best he could, hoping everyone would make a safe retreat. At the same time, he felt crushed and regretful that this was all he could do for his subordinates. He was also saddened by the fact that these would be his last moments alive.
But what frustrated him most was the possibility of half the galactic system being occupied by invaders.
"First of all, I shouldn't have listened to those idiots."
The memory of that bastard who brought him here flashed through his mind for a moment. However, it was only for a brief moment. He quickly pushed the thought aside.
"Is this place going to be my tomb?"
The man smiled bitterly as he looked at the invaders surrounding him.
"Haaa… Not today… I haven't even gotten married yet."
It wasn't his style to sacrifice himself for others. If that was the case, then he could at least buy some time for his subordinates to escape. He thought that it would be more than enough if he could at least get them to safety.
"Let's go!"
That was the thought running through the man's mind as he gripped his greatsword tightly. He shouted loudly at the invaders, drawing their attention. Seeing prey that wouldn't run away, all the invaders rushed towards him.
"Well, at least they gave me something, since they knew I was going to die." He took the pill he had received at the beginning of the mission.
He could feel his body suddenly brimming with energy. Even his strength was growing tremendously. This enormous display of power was something he could never have dreamed of before. Using his fire powers, he incinerated several invaders at once, creating a spectacle of light and heat.
The battle continued with him alone, facing hordes of enemies while delivering powerful blows with his flaming sword and breathing fire breaths with one hand against his enemies. Every move was precise and lethal.
However, amidst the chaos, there was an explosion. The impact was devastating, sending debris and bodies flying through the air. The man was thrown back, feeling the force of the explosion in every fiber of his being. Still, he stood up, determined to continue fighting until the end.
A few hours passed and the fight continued without end. The smell of blood and burning flesh began to spread, and piles of corpses formed around him. The man, exhausted but resolute, continued to face the invaders; each blow of his flaming sword and each breath of fire showed his unwavering determination.
"Let's go!" he raised his trembling sword towards his enemies.
"Let's go!" he woke up startled, his heart pounding in his chest.
The memory of the bloody battle was still fresh in his mind, trying to forget the loss and defeat he had gone through. Unfortunately, he didn't have time for that.
'WARNING!!WARNING!!WARNING!!WARNING!!WARNING!!'
The soft lights on the control panel flashed crazily.
"WHAT NOW!!?"