Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 403

Chapter 403: Fight IV

Aiden activated his Spirit Sense, mapping the area in greater detail. He detected the faint hum of magical wards—likely defensive enchantments to protect against intruders.

“Rick,” Aiden said quietly. “Take the flank with your squad. On my signal, create a diversion to draw their attention. I’ll deal with the wards.”

Rick gave a curt nod. “Understood. Don’t take too long.”

As Rick and his team moved into position, Aiden focused on the wards. He extended his hand, channeling his energy into a thin blade of concentrated power. With precise movements, he began unraveling the enchantments, each cut severing a thread in the intricate web of magic.

The process was painstaking, but Aiden’s skill was unmatched. Within moments, the wards dissipated, their protective glow fading into the night.

“Now,” Aiden signaled.

Rick’s squad sprang into action, hurling smoke bombs and flash charges into the enemy ranks. The Abyssal guards reacted immediately, their formation breaking as they scrambled to contain the sudden assault.

Aiden seized the opportunity, leading his team in a swift descent toward the command tent. They moved like phantoms, cutting through the disoriented guards with surgical precision. Aiden’s blade gleamed in the dim light, each strike deliberate and deadly.

As they reached the command tent, a towering Abyssal lieutenant emerged, his crimson armor radiating dark energy. He wielded a massive glaive, its edge crackling with an ominous glow.

“So, the resistance dares to strike at the heart of the Abyss?” the lieutenant growled, his voice like grinding stone. “You’ll regret this insolence.”

Aiden stepped forward, his gaze steely. “You’re the one who’ll regret standing in our way.”

The lieutenant roared, charging forward with his glaive raised high. Aiden met him head-on, their weapons clashing in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield, but Aiden held his ground.

The battle was intense, each move a test of strength and skill. The lieutenant’s attacks were powerful but predictable, while Aiden’s strikes were precise and unrelenting. As the fight raged on, Aiden found an opening, his blade slicing through the lieutenant’s defenses and striking a critical blow.

The Abyssal staggered, his glaive falling from his grasp. Aiden didn’t hesitate, delivering a final strike that ended the lieutenant’s life.

With their leader defeated, the remaining guards faltered, their morale shattered. Aiden’s team quickly secured the command tent, recovering valuable intelligence and dismantling the enemy’s operations.

As the sun began to rise, the resistance regrouped at their rendezvous point. The mission was a success, but Aiden knew the war was far from over. Each victory brought them closer to their ultimate goal, but it also brought new challenges and greater risks.

Standing at the edge of the ridgeline, Aiden gazed out at the horizon. The fight against the Abyss was a daunting one, but his resolve remained unshaken.

“This is just the beginning,” he murmured to himself. “We’ll keep fighting until the Abyss is nothing but a memory.”

As the morning sun painted the horizon with hues of gold and crimson, Aiden’s strike team gathered around the captured intelligence they had salvaged from the Abyssal command tent. Myne joined them shortly after, her shadowmancy cloak dissipating as she emerged from the treeline. Her team looked equally exhausted but victorious.

Dren arrived last, his group carrying a mix of salvaged weapons and enchanted relics. He dropped a heavy Abyssal war standard at Aiden’s feet, its edges scorched and splintered. “That’s one less rallying point for their troops. We took out their supply caches, too. They’ll be scrambling for weeks.”

Rick crouched beside Aiden, scanning the scrolls and documents spread out on the forest floor. “This is big,” he said, his brow furrowed. “They’re amassing troops near Khelar’s Crossroads. If these troop movements are accurate, they’re planning something massive. A full-scale counteroffensive, maybe.”

Aiden nodded, his gaze fixed on the map. “They’re not just retaliating. This is a coordinated push to regain control of the borderlands. If they succeed, they’ll choke off every supply route we’ve established in the region.”

Myne leaned over, her sharp eyes scanning the intelligence. “We can’t let that happen. But we’re spread thin as it is. Even if we hit them first, it won’t stop the larger campaign. This is just one front.”

Aiden stood, his expression hardening. “Then we need to shift the battlefield. If we can’t defend every point, we’ll force them to fight on our terms.”

Rick raised an eyebrow. “And how do we do that? They’ve got the numbers, the firepower, and the infrastructure.”

A faint smirk played on Aiden’s lips. “We take the fight to their heart. Hit them where it hurts most—their central command. If we disrupt their leadership, their forces will descend into chaos.”

Dren crossed his arms, skeptical. “Easier said than done. Their central command isn’t exactly unguarded. And if we’re wrong about their response, we’ll lose what little ground we’ve gained.”

“That’s why we don’t go in blind,” Aiden replied. “This intelligence gives us a glimpse of their strategy, but we need more. Myne, can you deploy your informants to verify troop movements and scout potential weak points?”

Myne nodded, her confidence unwavering. “Consider it done. But if we’re planning something this ambitious, we’ll need resources. A lot of them.”

Aiden turned to Rick. “Then it’s time we reached out to our allies. The Ironshade Syndicate owes us a favor, and the Skyfury Nomads have been waiting for an excuse to strike back at the Abyss. We’ll need every hand we can get.”

Rick hesitated, then nodded. “I’ll handle the Syndicate. They’re slippery, but they respect strength. As for the Nomads, you’ll need someone who speaks their language—figuratively and literally.”

Aiden’s eyes flickered to Dren. “You’ve had dealings with the Nomads before. Think you can convince them?”

Dren sighed but nodded. “They don’t trust outsiders, but they’ll listen if we show them it’s in their best interest.”

“Good,” Aiden said, his tone resolute. “We’ll convene in three days. By then, I want every piece of intel and every ally we can muster. If we’re going to strike at their heart, we need to be ready for anything.”

The group dispersed, each member preparing for the roles they would play in the coming operation. Aiden remained by the map, his mind racing with possibilities. The Abyss was a formidable enemy, but he knew their greatest strength—rigid hierarchy—was also their greatest weakness.

Rick lingered behind, watching Aiden silently for a moment before speaking. “You’ve got the fire, Aiden. But don’t let it burn you out. We need you sharp for what’s coming.”

Aiden glanced at him, a hint of a smile breaking through his grim demeanor. “I don’t plan on burning out, Rick. Not until the Abyss is ash.”

Rick chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re impossible. But that’s why we follow you.”

As Rick walked away, Aiden turned his gaze back to the map. The weight of leadership pressed heavily on his shoulders, but he bore it willingly. This war wasn’t just about survival—it was about carving out a future worth fighting for.

And he intended to see it through, no matter the cost.