Chapter 107: Heading to Sotes

Vyran

I gave my little sister a big hug. "Make sure Varia doesn't do anything stupid while I'm gone, okay?"

Varia rolled her eyes and scoffed. "I'm not you, Vyr."

Veronia nodded, giggling.

I laughed and gave her a thumbs up.

"Take care of him, Sarudei."

Sarudei nodded. "Of course."

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a bit embarrassed by all the fuss. "Alright, let's not make this a bigger deal than it is," I said, trying to downplay my nerves. "We've got a mission to focus on."

Deros clapped me on the shoulder. "Don't do anything rash."

I sighed. "I understand."

Mom chuckled as she walked over. "Can't blame them for worrying, Vyran."

I shook my head and turned around, trying to push down the lingering nerves. "Yeah, I guess I can't blame them," I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.

"Alright, team," Wilneth said, her voice cutting through the momentary silence. "Let's get moving."

We all nodded, gathering our gear and making our way towards the door. The weight of our mission pressed down on us, but the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose kept us moving forward.

As we stepped out into the cool evening air, the reality of our task began to settle in. The city lights twinkled around us, a stark contrast to the darkness of the unknown we were about to face.

"Stay safe, everyone," Mom called out, her voice a mix of pride and worry. "We'll be waiting for your return."

I turned back to give her a reassuring smile. "We'll be back. Promise."

Veronia waved her bunny plushie at us, her eyes filled with innocent hope. "Come back soon!"

With one last look at my family, I turned and followed Wilneth and the others towards the transport hub.

A ping rang in my head as dad sent my the access code for his ship.

I looked around and spotted an impressive-looking teardrop-shaped spaceship. Holding out my hand, a data stream connected with the ship, awakening it from its momentary slumber. The ship's lights flickered to life, and a soft hum filled the air as it powered up.

"Woah," Arare mumbled, clearly impressed.

Lia crossed her arms and chuckled. "Honestly, this realm sure feels more magical than Soleon does."

I laughed. "I guess. To me, it doesn't, but the unfamiliar always feels magical. Sometimes in a bad way, other times in a good way."

Wilneth nodded, a satisfied smile on her face. "Well, let's hope this ship brings us some good magic then."

I looked up at the sky. Valkyrie should be here at any moment. I'd summoned her here.

My silver mecha flew through the sky, leaving behind her wake a stream of green light.

I looked up at the sky. Valkyrie should be here at any moment. I'd summoned her here.

My silver mecha flew through the sky, leaving behind her wake a stream of green light. Valkyrie was a sight to behold, her sleek form cutting through the air with grace and power. As she approached, I extended my hand, the data stream from my father still active.

The ship's systems responded to the data stream, and the cargo bay doors began to open, revealing a spacious hangar designed to accommodate Valkyrie. The green light from Valkyrie's thrusters illuminated the interior as she descended smoothly into the bay.

"Impressive," Wilneth muttered, her eyes fixed on the mecha. "How long have your people been able to do that? We Titanos barely learned to do something similar."

Ret stared at the ship as the bay closed.

"Not sure. Maybe centuries," I said. "The style of mecha you use is kinda old by our standards."

Ret smirked. "Yet you still managed to lose to Zephyros, despite having superior tech. Maybe our will is just stronger than yours."

I frowned. This guy, I liked it better whenever he was quiet.

I frowned. This guy, I liked it better whenever he was quiet.

"Alright, let's not get into a debate about whose tech or willpower is stronger," Wilneth interjected, her voice carrying a note of authority. "We have a mission to focus on."

With that, we boarded the ship. The interior was sleek and advanced, yet welcoming. The control panels glowed with a soft light, and the seats were comfortable, designed for long journeys. As we settled in, the reality of our mission settled more deeply in my mind.

I took the pilot's seat and closed my eyes for a moment, using the data stream my father sent me to sync with the ship. Instantly, the ship's systems came to life, and I felt an almost seamless connection with the controls. I could sense the status of the engines, the power levels, and even the environmental controls as if they were extensions of my own body.

"Engage," I said, feeling both the weight and exhilaration of the command.

The ship lifted off smoothly, the city below shrinking rapidly as we ascended. The stars soon enveloped us, and the vastness of space stretched out in all directions. Despite the seriousness of our mission, a part of me couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and mystery of the cosmos.

I pointed ahead. "Activate hyperdrive!"

The ship sped up. Thankfully everyone had taken a seat.

"Alright, team," Wilneth said, breaking the momentary silence. "Let's go over the plan one more time while we have the chance."

"Good idea," I said, my focus split between the conversation and monitoring the ship's systems through my brain chip. "We need to make sure everyone knows their role."

As we gathered around the central console, I used the data stream to bring up a holographic map of the Sotes system, highlighting key points of interest.

"Our primary objective is to gather intel on Yusan's movements and disrupt his plans," I explained. "We suspect this attack might be a diversion, but we can't afford to ignore it."

Wilneth nodded. "We'll need to stay vigilant and be prepared for anything. Yusan is cunning, and he won't make this easy for us."

"We'll split into teams once we land," I suggested. "Some of us will focus on reconnaissance, while the rest will be ready to respond to any immediate threats."

"Sounds like a solid plan," Day said, her eyes scanning the map.

Huitlo, Lia, Arare, Retas, and Zairus nodded. Tira scoffed but didn't say a thing.

"Remember, stay in constant communication," I added. "We can't afford any surprises."

As we finalized our strategy, the ship's system alerted me through the data stream that we were approaching the Sotes system. "Prepare for arrival," I announced.

The ship decelerated smoothly, and the planet Sotes-3 came into view. There were Titanos ships around the planet...

They quickly turned their guns at us, as if they were expecting us. Had someone back in Edesia alerted them? Or maybe there really was a spy amongst our ranks...