Nova and Anna stepped off the ramp of the modified shuttle, the black matte surface of the craft shimmering faintly with aether energy.
The moment they touched the outer atmosphere of Planet Ursa, Nova had felt it—the dense, saturated aether pressing against the ship like a living force.
Any foreign energy would've triggered immediate countermeasures, but Nova had responded instinctively, channeling the same aether to coat their vessel in a mimicry layer.
A small trick, but effective.
The ship became cloaked in the planet's native aether signature, slipping past sensors and surveillance without resistance.
They landed silently outside the perimeter of the capital city, hidden between tall rocky ridges and foliage reinforced with defensive aether.
The terrain was harsh, controlled, and militarized—just like Ursa was reputed to be.
As Anna stepped down beside him, her eyes scanned the horizon.
"We made it in one piece. That's impressive, considering what we're up against."
