Chapter 63: It is not over yet!

Chapter 63: It is not over yet!

Fiver City SSG Base – Preparing for Battle

The hovercraft hummed low as the soldiers of the Fiver City SSG base gathered for what felt like an imminent storm. The sky overhead had grown dark, reflecting the tension on the ground. Soldiers, laden with weapons and gear, hurried toward the massive metallic vessel waiting to carry them to their fate.

General Rwald Dune stood on the deck, surveying his men with a hardened gaze. His broad shoulders and stern jaw made him look as though he were carved out of stone. Dr. Lucius Strake stood a little behind him, nervously shifting on his feet.

"The alien won't know what's coming," General Dune growled as he oversaw the final preparations. His sharp eyes scanned the soldiers with disdain. "I expect perfection, nothing less. We've already lost one base. I won't tolerate another failure."

"Understood, sir!" came the synchronized shout of the soldiers, their voices cutting through the noise of the hovercraft's engines.

One of the younger soldiers approached, his face taut with uncertainty. "General Dune, sir, are we really bringing the Deadly 30? I've heard stories…"

Dune shot the soldier a deadly glare. "If you have time to whisper like an old maid, you have time to double-check your gear. The Deadly 30 are what stand between us and annihilation. If you have any doubts, you can stay behind."

The soldier stiffened, fear rippling through him. "No, sir!"

Behind Dune, the Deadly 30 marched in eerie unison, their movements so precise it was almost unnatural. Their glowing blue eyes, visible even in daylight, gave them an otherworldly aura. Not even a single hair on their heads seemed out of place. They moved like a living machine, synchronized and perfect.

Lucius, watching them, couldn't suppress a shiver. He leaned closer to Dune, lowering his voice. "They look… different. Even from when I last saw them. Are they ready?"

General Dune glanced at Lucius with cold, unfeeling eyes. "They were born ready. Unlike you, Strake, they don't run."

Lucius stiffened but said nothing. He knew better than to defend himself in front of Dune. His eyes flickered nervously toward the Deadly 30. Each one of them had once been a man, but now, they were something else—more than men, less than human.

One of the Deadly 30 approached the general, his steps silent despite the weight of his frame. His voice was cold, devoid of life. "Orders, General."

Dune smirked, watching as the hovercraft's engines roared louder. "We'll meet the alien menace head-on. No mercy."

The Deadly 30's leader nodded without hesitation, then turned to rejoin his unit. Their march never faltered. Lucius could only watch, the weight of what was to come pressing down on his chest.

"Let's hope your experiments prove their worth, Strake," Dune muttered as he marched up the ramp of the hovercraft, leading his army toward the impending battle.

---

Rhemon City – The Hideout

Far away in Rhemon City, Tessa and her group returned to the sanctuary of their hideout. The area hidden among the thick trees and mountainous terrain, had become their temporary home.

They had barely caught their breath from the battle before Tessa felt the Moon Goddess's sudden call. She didn't question it—her connection with the goddess had always been strong. Without hesitation, she made her way toward the temple, leaving the others behind to organize their hideout.

The rest of the group, however, were less hurried, gathering materials to set up basic shelters for their new companions—Mr. Thompson, Ms. Caldwell, and Mr. Joel. Their presence added a strange but welcome tension to the group, as everyone tried to figure out their place.

Ecdy, always full of energy, darted around with bundles of supplies, attempting to set up a shelter. He tossed a roll of tarp over a nearby tree, managing to tangle himself in it instead.

"Ecdy," Adrian said from the side, suppressing a smile, "I'm not sure that's how you're supposed to use that."

Nymff, sitting casually on a large rock with her arms crossed, burst into laughter. "Honestly, Ecdy, if they needed someone to practice being a disaster, you'd win every time."

Ecdy untangled himself, pouting slightly. "Ha, ha, very funny. I'm just... getting it ready for when it rains. You'll all thank me later."

Nymff smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, I'm sure. Especially when you're using the shelter as a sleeping bag by accident."

Adrian chuckled, his eyes drifting to Nymff, catching the subtle playful glances she occasionally shot him. There was something almost electric about the way she interacted with Ecdy—sharp, witty, and always ready to poke fun—but with Adrian, there was a different energy.

Her teasing was there, but softer, almost curious. He noticed the way she shifted slightly in his direction whenever he spoke, the way her eyes lingered a moment longer than necessary.

Ecdy, oblivious to the undercurrents in the air, struggled with a large pole and called out, "A little help here?"

Adrian stepped forward, grinning. "Careful, Ecdy, if you're not careful, Nymff might think you're trying to impress her."

"Oh please," Nymff shot back, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "If Ecdy were trying to impress me, we'd all be in trouble."

Ecdy, red-faced and flustered, tried to retort, "You're just... I'm better at other things, okay?"

Nymff raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Like tripping over your own feet or being thrown like a rugsack?"

Before Ecdy could answer, Ms. Caldwell appeared, overseeing the setup. "Come on, you lot. Focus! This isn't a camping trip."

"Yes, ma'am," Adrian said with a mock salute, though his smirk didn't fade. He helped Ecdy prop up the shelter with ease, his strength making quick work of what had been causing Ecdy such trouble.

As they finished setting up, Nymff leaned closer to Adrian, her voice low. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

Adrian glanced at her, their eyes meeting for a second too long. "Guess I like keeping people guessing."

Nymff's lips curled into a smile, but she said nothing more, leaving a soft tension between them.

---

The Temple – Tessa's Calling

While the rest of the group was busy preparing, Tessa entered the temple, her heart pounding as the presence of the Moon Goddess filled her senses. The temple was ancient, its walls lined with glowing stones that pulsed with a soft, blue light. The air was thick with power, the kind that made her skin tingle.

"Tessa," a voice whispered in her mind. The goddess's voice was always soft, like a breeze brushing against her soul. "You are needed."

Tessa knelt before the altar, her head bowed. "What must I do?"

The light of the moon illuminated the temple's sacred symbols as the goddess spoke again, her voice stronger this time. "Darkness stirs. The enemy draws closer. Prepare yourself, my child. A great battle is coming."

Tessa's heart tightened. The weight of the goddess's words settled deep within her. She knew the battle would be unlike anything they had faced before.

And she would need every bit of strength the goddess could offer.