The crackling voice of the police dispatcher filled the comm channel, cutting through the tense quiet of the Étoile Sanglante's hidden HQ.
"Mina, Vex, Ayaka — confirmed coordinates for Rover and Professor Kuroda. They're trapped inside the containment zone, near the abandoned industrial district. Military units are converging."
Mina's jaw tightened. She glanced at Vex and Ayaka. The weight of what awaited settled like a heavy stone in their chests.
"We're moving out," Mina said, voice sharp and unwavering.
Vex's fists clenched tightly. "We don't leave our own behind. Not now."
Ayaka's calm voice cut in, "No mistakes this time. We're the blade in the shadows. Let's move."
---
Far away, in the shadow of the shattered illusion battlefield, Valentine Roux's face twisted in fury.
His fingers traced ancient sigils midair, each motion commanding a surge of dark energy that coalesced into a massive dome, pulsating with crimson light. The barrier shimmered, stretching over an entire city district, sealing everyone inside.
"You're all trapped," Valentine said coldly. "No one leaves this cage."
His eyes locked onto the police, military, Rover, and the pale figure of Professor Kuroda.
"You were warned to come alone, Rover," Valentine spat. "But you forced my hand. Now, I will destroy you all."
He raised his glowing hand, energy crackling like a tempest ready to devour everything.
---
Outside the barrier, armored vehicles screeched to a halt. Soldiers and police spilled out, weapons drawn, eyes blazing with determination.
Captain Reyes stood atop a rubble pile, voice booming over the chaos. "Listen up! We hold the line here. We break that damn barrier — or we die trying. Move!"
Explosions lit up the barrier's surface as rocket launchers fired relentlessly.
"Concentrate fire on the energy nodes!" Sergeant Kim shouted from the front. His voice carried the sharpness of steel. "Don't let the bastards breathe!"
Bullets sprayed, but the shimmering dome absorbed the punishment like a living shield.
Nearby, Lieutenant Harris barked orders to his squad. "Keep pressure up! Cover the artillery teams! We push forward, no matter what!"
The ground trembled under the pounding of armored vehicles and the roar of gunfire. Smoke and dust tangled with the cold air, turning the battlefield into a swirling chaos of light and shadow.
---
Inside the barrier, Rover's breath came shallow, sweat stinging his eyes. His body trembled from Valentine's mind games — but his resolve burned brighter than ever.
"I'm not giving up," Rover rasped, voice raw but steady. "We break this barrier... for Kuroda... for everyone."
A young soldier nearby shouted back, voice steady despite the fear and noise. "We've got your back, Rover! Just hold on a little longer!"
Rover gritted his teeth, pushing past exhaustion, pain flaring in every muscle. He glanced at Professor Kuroda, suspended yet fragile, and felt a surge of protective fury.
"This is our fight," he whispered. "For the future."
---
Explosions rocked the barrier, sending ripples through its shimmering surface. The soldiers fought like desperate men, their courage a wall as fierce as any armor.
"We're breaking through!" Captain Lee shouted, rallying his men as another volley hit the dome's weak points.
"Keep firing!" Sergeant Kim yelled, eyes blazing. "This barrier's got cracks. Exploit them!"
But Valentine's barrier responded violently — pulsating, dark energy crackling as the dome flickered under the assault.
The ground shook violently, debris raining down as if the very city was screaming.
---
Suddenly—a deafening CRASH.
The barrier fractured violently, splintering into shards of light and sound. A shockwave surged outward, shaking buildings and sending shards of glass raining like cold rain.
From the swirling dust and chaos emerged a figure: Naiomi Sasaki, Vice Leader of the Celestial Order. Her calm, unyielding presence cut through the storm like a beacon.
Behind her, the elite core of the Celestial Order stepped forward with her — Roger Wilson's blazing aura ignited the air, Christoff Erickson's unreadable eyes pierced the darkness, Martin Saunders' stoic frame stood firm, and Hestia Roseberg moved with shadow-like grace.
---
Valentine's fury twisted into disbelief.
"How... how did you break my barrier?" he snarled, staggering back.
Naiomi's eyes burned cold.
"I didn't break it," she said quietly, nodding toward Christoff.
Christoff stepped forward, voice icy and unwavering.
"What are you doing, Valentine? This is beyond your guild's jurisdiction. You're playing with forces you don't understand. Think carefully before you move."
Valentine laughed, bitter and sharp.
"Of course it's you," he spat. "But you and your little order are not invited."
---
Outside the shattered dome, police and military hurried to evacuate Rover and Professor Kuroda.
"We've got you," Captain Lee said firmly. "The Celestial Order is here to handle this threat. Our job is to get you both out safely."
Rover nodded weakly, muscles trembling but spirit unbroken. The weight of so many battles lifted ever so slightly.
Behind him, the distant rumble of the coming battle between the Celestial Order and Étoile Sanglante echoed like a gathering storm.
---
Valentine's eyes burned with hatred and dark calculation.
"You think this is over?" he hissed. "The shadows of the Dark Continent stretch far and wide. You've only just begun to see their reach."
Naiomi's voice cut through the tension, clear and commanding.
"We didn't come to fight. We came to stop you. This ends here."
Christoff's final words hung heavy in the air.
"One wrong move, Valentine... and this district will be your tomb."
---
The night air crackled with raw energy. The world seemed to hold its breath.
The war between light and shadow was about to break wide open.
To be continue...