Inside the command hall of the Silver Wings, rows of armored soldiers stood at rigid attention while a holographic projection cast a soft blue glow across the chamber. At the center of the room, a tactical sphere hovered above the table, slowly rotating as it displayed Garrix in intricate detail. Strategic markers moved across its surface, showing the changing positions of the armies and the different routes the Silver Wings could take. Zarella stood beside the projection, her sharp blue eyes following every movement. She reached into the holographic sphere, moving formations around the planet as she calculated their next move.
"We'll dispatch half of our forces to the capital," she said. "The rest will proceed to Raxix and hold the line. We can't allow their advance to split our defenses."
The officers surrounding the table nodded as they committed her orders to memory. Across from them stood Andreia, her white-and-gold armor reflecting the light from the projection while her long golden hair rested freely behind her shoulders. Unlike most of the soldiers in the room, she didn't seem particularly bothered by the situation. She stood comfortably, watching Zarella work with a faint smile on her face. Zarella eventually turned toward her.
"Andreia, we're honored to have you with us," she said.
Andreia smiled. "I'm glad to be joining your mission on Garrix."
Zarella studied her for a moment before asking, "I assume Renku has already filled you in."
A quiet laugh escaped Andreia. "Of course he has. You know how he is."
For a brief moment, the tension in the room eased. Zarella allowed herself the smallest smile before turning back toward the tactical display. "Then there's no reason to delay. We begin immediately."
Minutes later, the transport bay thundered to life as the engines of the Silver Wing carriers powered up. The vibration of the machinery traveled through the hangar while rows of soldiers marched toward the loading ramps in perfect formation. Their synchronized footsteps echoed against the metal floor as they prepared for deployment. Andreia and Zarella followed behind them, both already focused on the battle ahead.
"They're up ahead," one of the soldiers reported.
Zarella gave a small nod, her eyes fixed toward the hangar doors. "Then we won't keep them waiting."
On the surface of Garrix, the battlefield stretched across a massive green valley beneath an open sky. Two armies stood facing one another, separated by only a short distance. White banners bearing the Angelic emblem fluttered in the wind while the Arcadian forces stood opposite them beneath crimson banners. Their black armor reflected the sunlight as both sides waited for the order to advance. For a few moments, the valley remained strangely quiet. Then the ground trembled beneath the weight of thousands of soldiers charging forward.
The two armies collided almost instantly. Steel crashed against steel as the organized lines broke apart and the battlefield descended into chaos. Soldiers shouted as they fought for position, blades clashed, and sparks flew through the air with every strike. An Angelic knight locked weapons with an Arcadian soldier, both struggling to overpower the other.
"We will not falter!" the Angelic shouted.
"We will destroy you!" the Arcadian soldier roared back.
Their blades pushed against each other before they broke apart and charged again. High above the battlefield, a Silver Wing transport descended through the clouds. Smoke from the fighting drifted across the sky as the ship made its way toward the ground. Inside, Zarella stood before her soldiers one last time.
"Our mission is to drive the Arcadians back," she said. "You will hold the line while Andreia and I strike their command structure. Without their leadership, their formation will collapse."
The soldiers tightened their grips around their weapons. The Silver Wings were the Angelics' elite force, known throughout the universe for their silver armor and efficiency in battle. Zarella's reputation was even greater. She had never lost a battle and was considered one of the most skilled warriors in the Angelic Empire. Many soldiers looked to her as an example of what a Silver Wing should be.
Zarella raised her blade slightly, the edge catching the light. "Stand firm. The Goddess of Creation stands with us."
A unified roar answered her as the transport descended toward the battlefield. The ship eventually landed in a mountain valley far from the main conflict, its thrusters kicking up dust and debris as the ramp lowered. Rows of Silver Wing soldiers moved out in formation, quickly securing the surrounding area. Andreia stepped forward beside Zarella and looked across the distant terrain.
"The Arcadian command post is about three clicks west," she said, pointing toward a cluster of structures partially hidden among the landscape.
Zarella followed her gaze. "Then that's where this ends."
She paused for a moment before adding, "We finish this before the fighting reaches the civilians."
Andreia nodded. Several miles away, inside the fortified Arcadian outpost, crimson light filled the metallic corridors. Soldiers rushed between stations as tactical screens displayed the battle unfolding across the planet. At the center of the command room stood Commander Klavaz, his tall frame covered in black armor marked with glowing red insignias. He had served as an Arcadian commander since Azarel took the throne, and the king trusted him with his life. Klavaz had never given him a reason to doubt that trust. He was proud of his people and would gladly die for Arcadia if it meant protecting them.
A soldier approached him, hesitation visible in his posture. "The Silver Wings have arrived."
Klavaz remained still for a moment before slowly turning around. "So they have finally come."
He looked toward the soldiers around him. "Prepare the men."
They immediately moved to carry out his orders, but Klavaz remained where he was. His mind had already moved toward the person leading the attack.
"Zarella…" he murmured.
His expression hardened. "Let's see if you remember the faces of those you've buried."
A mile away, hidden within a dense forest overlooking the base, Zarella and Andreia watched the compound in silence. Patrols moved around the perimeter while gunships hovered overhead and defense towers scanned the surrounding area. Zarella studied their movements carefully before speaking.
"This is the base." She watched another patrol pass. "There are too many of them to attack directly."
Andreia looked toward the compound and considered the situation. After a moment, a faint smile appeared on her face. "Then I'll make sure they're too distracted to notice you."
Zarella glanced at her, a hint of amusement appearing in her otherwise serious expression. "Try not to draw the entire army."
Andreia stood and brushed the dirt from her armor. "I make no promises."
She stepped out from the trees and walked directly toward the base. The Arcadian soldiers spotted her almost immediately. Weapons were raised as they rushed toward her.
"It's an Orion!" one of them shouted.
Andreia smiled. "Well then… let's begin."
She moved before they could surround her. Her first strike sent one of the soldiers crashing backward, and she immediately followed with another attack before the others could react. Her movements were fast and controlled as she worked her way through the soldiers gathering around her. More Arcadians poured out of the base, surrounding her from every direction. Andreia rolled her shoulders as golden energy began to crackle around her arms.
"Good," she said with a grin. "This might actually be interesting."
While the soldiers were focused on Andreia, Zarella moved toward the compound. She climbed over the outer wall and slipped inside without drawing attention. Two guards rounded the corner ahead of her, but neither had time to react. A flash of silver cut through the corridor and both soldiers collapsed before they could raise an alarm. Zarella continued deeper into the base. Her attention never left the objective. Inside the command chamber, Klavaz stood before a glowing tactical display. The doors behind him opened.
"You're late," he said without turning.
Zarella stepped into the room, her blade resting loosely at her side. "I prefer effective."
Klavaz turned slowly.
"The Angelics' greatest assassin," he said. His voice carried a quiet bitterness. "Tell me… do you remember their faces? The ones who begged before you cut them down?"
Zarella's expression remained unchanged.
"They screamed your name," he continued. "And yet you stand here calling yourself a savior."
Zarella raised her blade. "No."
Klavaz narrowed his eyes as she tightened her grip.
"I never called myself a savior." Zarella stated.
Both moved at once. Their weapons collided with enough force to shake the room. Klavaz immediately pressed the attack, each of his strikes carrying tremendous weight. Zarella was forced backward as she blocked and redirected his attacks, refusing to meet his strength head-on.
"You lack the strength to win," Klavaz said.
Zarella adjusted her footing as she watched him carefully. "Then I'll prove you wrong."
His strength was undeniable, but she noticed something else. There were small delays in the transitions between his attacks. They were almost impossible to notice, but they were there.
I can't beat him by matching his strength. My speed is greater. I just need to use it.
She continued defending, waiting for the right moment, then she slowed. Klavaz noticed the opening and immediately lunged forward. Zarella disappeared in an instant which caught Klavaz by surprise. She moved behind him before he could react, her blade striking the weak points in his armor one after another. Sparks erupted from the damaged seams as Klavaz stumbled forward. He roared and swung wildly. This time, his strike connected. Zarella's weapon flew across the room as Klavaz grabbed her and slammed her into the ground. The impact cracked the floor beneath them. She gritted her teeth, twisted free, and drove her knee into his chest, forcing him away.
Both warriors separated, their breathing had grown heavier. Suddenly the energy around Klavaz began to change. A green glow spread across his armor, growing brighter with every passing second.
"You misunderstand," he said.
His voice became quieter. "This was never a duel."
The Arcane energy exploded outward. The blast consumed the room and threw Zarella backward as smoke and heat filled the chamber. Klavaz stepped through the haze, his silhouette barely visible.
"Arcane energy is a thing of beauty," he said calmly. "You were never meant to win."
Before he could take another step, an explosion tore through the hallway behind him. Flames spilled into the command room. Andreia stepped through the fire, brushing ash from her arm as though nothing had happened.
"Sorry," she said casually. "I ran out of people to fight."
Klavaz turned toward her. For only a moment, his attention left Zarella and it was all she needed. Zarella emerged from the smoke and drove her blade through a weakened section of his armor. Klavaz froze as the green glow around his body flickered before fading completely. He looked down at the blade before collapsing to the floor. Silence settled over the room. Andreia walked over and looked down at the fallen commander.
"Well… that worked out." She said.
Zarella slowly lowered her weapon. "You always make an entrance."
Andreia gave a small shrug. "Sorry."
For the first time during the mission, Zarella laughed quietly. Outside, the Arcadian base continued to burn as the battle finally began to die down. Smoke rose into the sky while Silver Wing soldiers moved through the ruins, securing the area and helping the wounded. An injured Arcadian soldier stumbled through the wreckage, raising a communication device with shaking hands.
"The outpost has fallen…"
Before he could continue, Zarella's blade cut through the device. The transmission ended. Andreia watched the soldier disappear into the smoke.
"Too late to stop it completely." Zarella lowered her weapon and looked toward the horizon. "They know we're here now."
A Silver Wing captain approached them moments later. "The battlefield is secure."
Zarella turned toward him. "The capital?"
"Safe," he replied.
Zarella closed her eyes for a moment before letting out a quiet breath. "…Good."
The immediate threat was over, but the destruction surrounding them made it difficult to feel victorious. Smoke rose from distant settlements, and wounded soldiers were being carried away from the battlefield. Whatever happened next, the people of Garrix would have to live with what had happened here. Andreia looked toward the distant settlements.
Her expression softened. "You handle things here."
Zarella turned toward her. "Where are you going?"
Andreia looked back with a small, genuine smile. "To do what we're actually here for."
Before Zarella could respond, Andreia launched herself into the sky, becoming a streak of golden light as she flew toward the damaged settlements. Zarella watched her disappear before turning back toward her soldiers.
"Begin recovery operations." she ordered. "We will rebuild what was lost."
Around them, the fires continued to burn as the smoke slowly spread across the sky. The battle was over, but for the people caught in its path, the real work was only beginning.
End of Chapter 5