The air was heavy with tension as Aidan watched the imposing figure of Warden Kael Dravik advancing toward them. The warden's aura radiated raw power, each step exuding authority and menace. Varn shifted uneasily, his hand hovering near his weapon, but Aidan knew they were outmatched. The warden was no ordinary foe.
Before Kael could strike, a blur of motion darted into view. The newcomer intercepted the warden's attack with a crackling burst of energy. Aidan's heart skipped a beat as the figure straightened, revealing a familiar face.
It was Daren Lirian, the assistant to Elder Kael—the other Kael—whom Aidan had met aboard the ship. But now, his calm demeanor was replaced with fierce determination.
[System Scan: Target Identified]
[Name: Daren Lirian]
[Cultivation: Orange Stage - Initial]
[Affiliation: Velcro's Family (Covert Agent)]
[Role: Spy and Combat Specialist]
[Additional Information: Highly skilled in infiltration and energy-based combat.]
"You," the warden growled, his voice laced with fury. "Traitor."
Daren smirked, his stance relaxed but ready. "Took you long enough to figure it out, Dravik. I expected better from the Aerolia's prized enforcer."
"You'll regret this," Kael Dravik snarled, summoning a sphere of pulsating energy in his palm.
Daren's expression hardened. "Perhaps. But not today."
The two clashed, the corridor erupting in flashes of light and the sound of energy blasts colliding. Aidan stood frozen, mesmerized by the sheer power and precision of their battle. Daren's agility and tactical strikes were a stark contrast to Kael's overwhelming strength and raw energy manipulation.
"Kid, snap out of it!" Varn's voice jolted Aidan back to reality. "We need to move, now!"
Varn grabbed Aidan's arm and pulled him toward a side passage. "Daren's giving us a chance. Don't waste it."
---
The narrow corridors of the fortress were a labyrinth, but Varn moved with purpose, his knowledge of the layout evident. As they ran, the distant sounds of the battle echoed behind them.
"How did you…?" Aidan began, struggling to keep up.
"Long story," Varn replied tersely. "Daren's an old friend. He contacted me weeks ago, said he might need an extraction. Turns out, the Aeloria family patriarch suspected him of being a spy. They've had him under surveillance ever since."
Aidan's mind raced. "And you just happened to show up here?"
Varn snorted. "Nothing happens by chance, kid. Daren called in a favor. I was already working on a job nearby, so I came. When I found out about you, we decided to improvise."
"Improvise?" Aidan repeated, incredulous. "This doesn't feel very planned."
"Welcome to life, kid," Varn shot back. "Plans rarely survive first contact."
---
They reached the hangar, the ship's sleek black hull gleaming under the harsh lights. Varn ushered Aidan up the ramp, his eyes scanning for any sign of pursuit. The hum of the ship's engines was a comforting sound amidst the chaos.
As the ramp closed behind them, Varn slumped against the wall, catching his breath. "We're not out of this yet," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Daren's still out there."
Aidan moved to the viewport, his eyes searching the landing pad. In the distance, he could see Daren and Kael Dravik locked in combat. Daren's movements were precise, his attacks calculated, but Kael's sheer power was overwhelming. It was clear Daren was stalling, buying them time.
Beyond the duel, Aidan noticed the chaos had spread. Beasts from both sides clashed in a frenzy of power and ferocity. On Darnath's side, hulking creatures with obsidian-like scales and glowing red eyes charged into battle, their massive tails smashing through barriers. Their roars reverberated through the air, shaking the very ground. Opposing them were sleek, agile beasts from the Velcoris side, their forms shimmering with bioelectric energy. These creatures struck with blinding speed, their sharp claws leaving trails of light as they weaved through the battlefield. A particularly large Velcoris beast, resembling a panther with glowing blue patterns across its body, leaped onto one of the Darnath monsters, its claws tearing into the creature's armored hide.
The sight was both terrifying and mesmerizing, a vivid display of raw power and primal fury.
The system is not showing him any details about the beasts. 'Probably because I am at a very long distance from them' Aidan thought.
"Why is he doing this?" Aidan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Varn joined him at the viewport. "Because that's who he is. Daren's a spy, but he's got a code. He'd never leave an innocent behind."
Aidan's gaze remained fixed on the battle. Daren's eyes met his for a brief moment, and he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. Then, with a final burst of energy, Daren unleashed a blinding attack, enveloping the area in light.
"What? No!" Aidan shouted, panic rising in his chest.
"Shut up, kid!" Varn snapped. "Daren had a space talisman, He must have used that to blind his opponent and create a chance for him to escape. He must've teleported to a safe place."
Aidan felt a wave of relief, mixed with embarrassment. "Oh."
As the ship began to ascend, the viewport revealed a swarm of figures converging on the battle site. Leading them was a tall, imposing man clad in ornate armor, his presence radiating authority and command. The Grand Elder of the Darnath family had arrived.
Kael Dravik turned to face the newcomers, his expression darkening. "You're late," he growled, his voice carrying over the chaos.
The Grand Elder's gaze swept the battlefield, taking in the devastation and the absence of Daren. His eyes narrowed. "Where is the traitor?"
Kael's fists clenched. "Escaped. But not for long."
The Grand Elder's expression hardened. "Then we pursue. No one defies the Aeloria family and lives to tell the tale."
---
As Varn's ship streaked through the atmosphere, alarms blared, and the cockpit lit up with warning signals. Aidan glanced at the radar and saw several smaller ships in pursuit.
"Great," Varn muttered. "Just what we needed."
The pursuing ships were sleek and fast, their weapons systems glowing ominously. Varn's hands moved deftly over the controls, initiating evasive maneuvers. "Hang on, kid. This is gonna get bumpy."
A crimson bolt of energy streaked past the viewport, narrowly missing the engine. Varn swore, his knuckles white on the controls. "They're getting closer!"
The ship veered sharply, dodging incoming fire. Varn activated the rear cannons, returning fire with precision. Aidan watched in awe as the mercenary piloted the ship with a mix of skill and instinct, outmaneuvering their pursuers.
The ship lurched violently as an enemy projectile slammed into the shield generator. The energy shield flickered, threatening to collapse.
Aidan watched in horror as an enemy ship fired a barrage of missiles. Varn expertly maneuvered the ship, weaving through the debris field, but one missile found its mark, ripping through the hull with a deafening roar.
Sparks flew from the control panel as the enemy fire struck again, disabling the main thrusters. The ship lurched violently, throwing Aidan against the wall. Varn cursed, frantically trying to regain control.
Varn cursed under his breath, his voice laced with frustration. 'Damn it all! I should have taken the longer route!. But that would have been the end for us all.'
"Just a bit more" shouted Varn.
"We can't outrun them forever!" Aidan shouted over the noise.
"Who said anything about running?" Varn grinned, flipping a switch. The ship's engines roared, and a burst of speed propelled them toward a nearby asteroid field.
The pursuing ships hesitated, their pilots wary of the dense debris. Varn navigated the treacherous terrain with ease, using the asteroids as cover. One by one, the pursuing ships fell back, unable to keep up.
As they emerged from the asteroid field, the radar showed no signs of pursuit. Varn leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Told you we'd make it."
Aidan exhaled, his heart still racing. "What now?"
Varn shrugged. "We figure it out as we go. But one thing's for sure, kid. You're in the middle of something big. And there's no turning back."
Aidan nodded, determination hardening in his eyes. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it head-on. For now, survival was enough.