Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 437

Chapter 437: War X

With a final blow, Dren and Myne destroyed the second generator. The fortress’s shields flickered and went down, exposing its vulnerable core.

“The shields are down!” Myne reported. “Aiden, it’s all you now.”

Aiden didn’t hesitate. He activated his ultimate ability, his body enveloped in radiant energy. With a single leap, he closed the distance to the fortress, his sword glowing with the intensity of a star. He drove it into the core, unleashing a surge of light that consumed everything.

The fortress exploded in a blinding flash, the shockwave knocking Aiden back. When the dust settled, the fortress was no more, and the Abyssal forces were in full retreat.

Back at the base, the team regrouped, their exhaustion outweighed by their sense of accomplishment. Rick clapped Aiden on the back, grinning. “Three for three. You’re on a roll, boss.”

Aiden managed a tired smile. “We all are. But this isn’t over. The Abyss won’t stop, and neither will we.”

Myne nodded, her expression determined. “We’ll be ready.”

As they stood together, the distant stars seemed just a little brighter. The war was far from over, but with each victory, they inched closer to the light.

The celebration back at the base was subdued but heartfelt. Despite their exhaustion, the team gathered in the common room, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of holographic screens showing tactical readouts and news feeds. Reports were already pouring in from allied factions—word of the Abyssal fortress’s destruction was spreading fast, sparking hope in regions that had long suffered under the Abyssal forces.

Rick leaned back in his chair, tossing a small metal bolt from one hand to the other. “So, who’s going to write the glowing report this time? I nominate Aiden.” He grinned, his tone teasing. “He’s got a way with words.”

Aiden shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’ll leave the dramatics to you, Rick. Besides, actions speak louder than words.”

Dren leaned forward, resting his massive forearms on the table. “Speaking of actions, we should prepare for the Abyss’s retaliation. They won’t take this lying down.”

“They won’t,” Myne agreed, her gaze sharp as she studied the holographic map. “But we’ve weakened their grip on this region. That buys us time—and time is something we can’t waste.”

Rick raised an eyebrow. “Got something in mind?”

She nodded, her finger tracing the map to a location marked with pulsing red indicators. “The Abyss has several forward operating bases in the surrounding sectors. They’re smaller than the fortress but critical to their supply lines. If we hit them in quick succession, we can destabilize their entire operation here.”

Aiden crossed his arms, considering her proposal. “It’s risky. If we spread ourselves too thin, we could leave an opening for a counterattack.”

“Which is why we don’t spread ourselves thin,” Myne countered. “We focus on precision strikes. Divide their attention, dismantle their infrastructure, and keep them on the defensive.”

Rick let out a low whistle. “I like it. Hit them where it hurts. Keep them guessing.”

Aiden nodded. “All right. Let’s plan this out. We’ll need intel on troop movements, supply routes, and potential reinforcements. Rick, coordinate with our scouts. Myne, work out the logistics for simultaneous strikes. Dren, prep the heavy gear—we’ll need it.”

The team broke into action, their exhaustion forgotten as the adrenaline of planning their next move took over. Aiden watched them, a quiet sense of pride swelling in his chest. They were more than just a team; they were a force to be reckoned with, a beacon of resistance in a war that had claimed so much.

Later that night, Aiden found himself in the training chamber, the room dimly lit by flickering torches along the walls. His sword rested in its scabbard nearby, but he wasn’t there to practice. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the floor, his breathing slow and steady as he meditated. The glow of his energy pulsed faintly around him, a reminder of the power he carried—and the responsibility that came with it.

“Can’t sleep?” Myne’s voice broke the silence.

He opened his eyes to see her standing at the entrance, her silhouette framed by the soft light from the corridor. She stepped inside, her movements quiet as she approached and sat down across from him.

“I’m fine,” he replied, though the faint crease in his brow betrayed his thoughts.

“You’re overthinking again,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact. “You always do after a big mission.”

He smirked. “And you always call me out on it.”

She shrugged. “Someone has to. You carry enough weight as it is. You don’t need to add more.”

For a moment, they sat in companionable silence, the quiet hum of the energy field around the room filling the space between them.

“You think we can really win this?” he asked finally, his voice low.

She tilted her head, studying him. “You’re not the type to doubt, Aiden.”

“I don’t doubt us,” he said, meeting her gaze. “But the Abyss… it’s vast. Relentless. Sometimes it feels like for every victory we win, they’re already two steps ahead.”

Myne leaned forward slightly, her expression softening. “Maybe they are. But that’s the thing about light—it only takes a spark to drive back the darkness. You’ve seen it. Every time we win, we give people hope. That’s what the Abyss can’t fight against.”

He nodded, her words resonating with something deep inside him. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am,” she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Now get some rest. We’ve got a war to win.”

The next morning, the team was ready. The plan was set, the targets identified, and their resolve unshaken. As they stood on the teleportation platform, Aiden looked at each of them—Rick, ever the strategist; Dren, the unyielding powerhouse; Myne, the quiet force that held them together.

“No speeches,” Rick said, breaking the moment with a grin. “Just point us at the bad guys.”

Aiden chuckled. “Fair enough. Let’s get to work.”

The platform activated, a swirl of light enveloping them as they were transported to their next mission. The war against the Abyss was far from over, but with every battle, every victory, they were carving a path toward a future worth fighting for.