Dawn broke with an air of urgency. Across all media, screens broadcast vibrant images of soldiers preparing for what was already being called the most dangerous operation in recent years. The reconquest of Tharvos. The lost city. The former capital.
Reporters spoke in tense tones. "Brigades 1 through 5, along with the 9th Recon Division, unite today for a massive assault." Footage showed troops lining up, civilians gathering to watch—some holding signs, others praying in silence.
Kael, in his freshly issued uniform, watched with a mix of fascination and dread. This was real. No longer a simulation, no longer a trial. This was war.
Declan calmly adjusted his gear beside him, unfazed by the tension. Naelys stared at the ground, focused, while the twins Nyra and Syla exchanged knowing glances.
"Here we are," Kael whispered. His heart pounded like a war drum. Just days ago, he had no idea this war even existed.
The 9th Brigade, to which they now belonged, gathered in the hangar. Several flying transports waited—automated, massive, and humming with barely restrained power.
General Draeven, the commander of their unit, approached the group. His eyes scanned the faces of the new recruits.
"Board now. This is no longer a simulation. What you face out there are the real horrors of this world. Don't count on luck. Count on yourselves."
The transport doors hissed open. One by one, the soldiers filed in. Silence reigned, broken only by anxious breathing.
Inside, Kael took a seat by a window. From up here, the sky looked peaceful. But they were flying straight into hell.
Embedded cameras recorded everything. The footage would likely be broadcast to the public—to build hope… or fear.
Suddenly, a dull thud echoed against the hull. A soldier shouted, "Vorms!"
Kael pressed to the glass. Horrid creatures smashed against the armored exterior. Their violet flesh burst on contact.
Several soldiers recoiled in panic. Even some veterans looked unnerved by the thought of airborne Vorms.
The general activated a repulsion field, blasting the creatures off. "Calm down! Just sky-leeches. Nothing serious."
But peace was short-lived. Without warning, a massive shockwave jolted the vehicle. The interior shuddered. Lights flickered.
"We're hit!" a technician shouted. An invisible force had slammed into the transport.
A second, stronger impact rocked them. Crates slid. Screams echoed. Then… emptiness.
Kael's stomach turned as the aircraft plummeted. They were falling.
The crash landing was brutal. Metal twisted, debris scattered, smoke poured in.
Coughing, Kael opened his eyes. Soldiers stumbled around him. Some didn't move at all.
The doors exploded inward as a massive Vorm burst through, drawn by blood and fire.
A recruit screamed. The beast sank its teeth into his throat. Blood sprayed across Kael's face.
"Damn it!" Kael grabbed his spear. His hands trembled. The nightmare had begun.
Nearby, Declan stood up slowly, staring at the Vorms with eerie calm, as if he'd seen this all before.
"Form up!" General Draeven shouted, leaping from the wreckage, energy blade drawn.
Officers followed. Naelys, Nyra, Syla—all fought with fierce coordination honed by experience.
Kael lunged at a Vorm. He aimed for its throat, recalling a move from training. The beast screeched, stumbled, and fell.
His heart pounded. His legs shook. But he didn't fall.
Another creature charged. This time, he dodged and drove his spear through its eye.
"Nice strike, Vox!" Nyra shouted mid-fight.
All around them, chaos reigned. Screams, growls, the clash of metal and flesh. It was a bloody dance.
"Don't panic!" Naelys shouted. "Hold the line until reinforcements arrive!"
Explosions boomed in the distance. Other squads had crashed too. The battlefield was a mess.
General Draeven carved through a beast and pointed ahead. "Time to move! Break formation and push through!"
Kael, drenched in sweat and blood, stood beside Declan. He didn't know if he'd survive… but he would fight.
Their weapons clashed against monsters. Steel gleamed in the haze, war cries filling the air.
Slowly, they advanced. The Vorms felt endless—but their will was stronger.
Kael let out a roar, something awakening inside him. No longer a lost boy. He was a soldier now.
As they broke through the encirclement, he looked at the smoky sky above. This was only the beginning.