From atop the wall, on the western side, everyone was fighting fiercely against the hordes of the Virkoda—those terrifying creatures that had stormed the shore in massive waves.
The clash of swords rang out, and battle cries filled the air, as everyone displayed unparalleled courage. Despite the losses and the exhaustion that began to show on their faces, they stood firm against the enemy.
Hours of bitter fighting passed, and suddenly, the Virkoda began to retreat unexpectedly.
The creatures withdrew into the sea, and the water quickly grew still.
As soon as their traces vanished among the waves, cheers erupted among the soldiers. Cries of victory spread everywhere, and joy overwhelmed them, as if they had finally escaped a dreadful nightmare.
Scarface stood atop the wall, his eyes fixed on the sea with clear concern. Beside him stood Ateen, her expression tense, her heart heavy with thought.
A few charged moments of silence passed before Scarface spoke:
"This is what I feared… It seems they have a new queen."
Ateen lifted her gaze toward the sea and said seriously:
"More importantly… the Sirions haven't appeared yet."
Scarface looked at her sharply, realizing that the real battle had not yet begun.
He then turned to his soldiers and issued firm orders:
"Divide yourselves into two groups! One guards the walls, the other rests and prepares for emergencies. We don't want to be caught off guard by a night attack."
At the same time, Ateen ordered a group of Astrazone warriors to spread out along the wall, fearing that the retreat might be nothing more than a trap for a sudden assault.
On the southern side of the wall, Hamza and Basil stood beside Morani, watching the Virkoda as they returned to the sea.
The soldiers around them appeared overjoyed with the victory, and celebrations began to spread.
But Basil did not share their enthusiasm. He remained silent, staring at the sea with eyes full of suspicion. Then he said:
"Something doesn't feel right… this retreat isn't natural."
Hamza, who was also deep in thought, nodded slowly and said:
"I agree. This isn't just a retreat… I have a feeling they're planning something."
Morani struck his chest in salute, then looked at Basil and Hamza and said with gratitude in his voice:
"Thank you, both of you. You were a great help today."
Basil replied calmly, his eyes still fixed on the sea:
"No need for thanks… it's our duty."
Despite the celebratory atmosphere filling the place, Basil and Hamza remained aware that the sea, now seemingly calm, might be hiding something far more dangerous beneath its depths than what they had faced today.
After things settled on the walls and the creatures suddenly withdrew, Ateen stood waiting for Basil and Hamza to return.
When they reached her, she said in a calm tone that concealed the exhaustion of the past hours:
"Let's return to the palace. Everyone needs rest… and we must be prepared for any situation."
As they approached the palace, one of the women ran toward them quickly, panting heavily.
She stopped in front of Ateen and said in a broken voice:
"My lady… Nikola… the inventor Nikola… he's alive!"
Ateen froze in place, her eyes widening in overwhelming shock. Then she said, trying to confirm what she had heard:
"What did you say? Nikola is alive?"
The woman nodded quickly and added:
"Yes… he's in the treatment room inside the palace… and Novitch is with him."
Ateen looked at Basil and Hamza, astonishment clear on their faces.
Basil asked, unable to believe it:
"Nikola? The inventor everyone thought had died years ago… alive?"