Chapter 24: Mission: Decompression

[N/a: I apologize for the delay, I've been struggling with writer's block and, despite trying my best, it took me longer than expected to develop the part I promised. I really wanted this chapter to have more action and bring a bit more reality to the Voltron universe, and I believe it's finally where it needs to be. This chapter ended up being a bit longer because I introduced a "villain" that's different from the canon, along with some surprises throughout the story.

Sorry for any mistakes! Feel free to comment if you notice any inconsistencies or if you liked something – honestly, just comment! It really feeds my soul.

It's 3 AM now, and I'm exhausted, so I apologize for any flaws! ]

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As soon as they entered the navigation room, Allura began manipulating the controls with impressive fluidity, accessing the updated galactic map that the castle's system had compiled upon reactivation. Simultaneously, her fingers flew across the side panels, adjusting power routes and ensuring that the ship's basic functions remained operational. Keith watched in silence, surprised by her multitasking skills; many of the cadets from his former class could barely land a ship or perform route calculations without failing, let alone do both simultaneously with such mastery.

"It's like she's piloting the castle and planning an attack at the same time," thought Keith, unable to hide his admiration.

Placing her hand on the control panel, Allura activated the speaker, her calm voice filling the ship's corridors. "Attention, everyone! Keith managed to track the Green Lion to this planet. Please make your way to the navigation room," she announced firmly.

Within minutes, everyone was gathered. "My God, I got lost like five times," grumbled Lance, half-wearing his jacket and sporting slippers.

"That's why I have memory," laughed Pidge with a mischievous smile. Lance groaned in response, and Keith noticed there was an old joke there, bringing a slight smile to his face.

"Allura," Pidge called. Upon hearing her name, she automatically stood in position, her attentive gaze fixed on the princess.

"We don't have much time," said Allura, her voice firm but tinged with urgency. "You will need to go to the location. But I want you to take this." She handed over a compass pointing northwest. "And also this." She placed a communicator in Pidge's hands. "Choose someone to go with you — preferably Lance or Shiro."

"I'll go." Shiro's voice echoed with determination as he placed a hand on Pidge's shoulder. Her expression shifted between anxiety and relief, though she tried to hide it.

"Alright," she replied, forcing a smile.

"Hey, princess." Lance stepped forward, arms crossed and his tone challenging. "Why send only Pidge and Shiro? We have a huge castle-ship! Wouldn't it be smarter if we all went together?"

Before Allura could respond, Coran stepped in, his expression serious and calculated.

"I understand your logic, Number Three, but the castle is far from operating at full capacity." His voice carried a note of concern, each word carefully chosen. "The defense systems are compromised, some life support areas still aren't working, and other critical functions remain inactive. We are vulnerable."

Lance raised an eyebrow, his irritation giving way to unease. "So why are we here, in space? Wouldn't it be safer to stay on the planet?"

Coran stared at him, his eyes shining with determination. "And wait for the Galra to find us unprepared? At least here we have some advantage, even if small. It's risky, but it's the best chance we have."

Allura took a deep breath and responded firmly. "The energy pulse was brief, Lance, and the cloaking system kept the castle's signature hidden. However, staying in one spot is risky. Any Galra tracker could triangulate it over time."

Before Lance could reply, Shiro stepped in, completing Allura's reasoning. "And that's why we're going to reposition the castle. We'll take evasive routes, moving out of any possible 'hotspot' where we could be detected. The more distant and unpredictable our movements, the fewer chances of being located."

Lance raised an eyebrow, thoughtful. "Okay, but what about the Blue Lion? It's in good condition. Taking the Blue Lion would help, right?"

At that, Hunk grimaced, concern evident on his face. "I agree with Lance. An auxiliary ship left idle for 10,000 years without proper maintenance could be full of problems. I know you said Altean technology is advanced and all, but that's a long time without upkeep."

Then a cold and precise voice came from a corner of the room. "It would be a big mistake to use the Blue Lion."

Everyone turned at once to see Luan emerging from the shadows, his expression serious and eyes steady. Hunk nearly jumped upon realizing how close Luan had been, but Luan ignored it, his focus on the implications of the plan.

"Using the Blue Lion is too risky. Galra technology has advanced tracking systems, and there's a high probability they're monitoring the Blue Lion's energy signature," Luan explained, his voice steady. "Moving the Lion could compromise the location of the Green Lion. Worse, it could alert the enemy to our movements, putting the castle — and the still-under-maintenance base — at direct risk."

The room fell silent for a moment. Luan's reasoning was undeniable, and the coldness of his analysis made everyone consider the situation more carefully. Allura nodded, finally turning to the paladins.

uan is right," she said, her voice grave. "Our technology has self-repair capabilities, but the system was significantly damaged after the most recent battle. Right now, only 45% of the castle is operational, and the repair time for critical functions is uncertain."

Lance sighed, finally understanding the complexity of the problem. "So it's a choice between safety and speed," he murmured, nodding slowly.

Coran agreed with a nod. "Exactly. Number One and Number Six have the best chance with one of the auxiliary ships, and if the Green Lion reacts to Pidge's presence, that will be enough for our mission."

Hunk looked at Pidge and Shiro, determination returning to his face. "Pidge, be careful. And Shiro, look after him."

Shiro nodded with a calm smile. "We'll return with the Green Lion."

And so, Pidge and Shiro prepared to follow the compass on a mission that did not involve the comfort and safety of the Lions. Instead, they would venture alone into the vast unknown planet.

---0---0—0

As Pidge walked through the dense forest, he felt every rapid beat of his heart, almost as if it would leap out of his chest. The main mission was clear: find the Green Lion. But for Pidge, that was only part of the worries hammering in his mind. He was there for another equally important reason: to find his family, who had also gotten lost in the depths of space. And, as much as he tried not to think about it, there was something even more personal and troubling—the fear that the others would discover his true identity.

With each step, Pidge tried to push these thoughts away, but it was difficult. The idea that Keith, Shiro, Lance, or Hunk could, at any moment, realize his lie about who he truly was haunted him. He adjusted his glasses and pulled the backpack over his shoulders, gestures that had almost become automatic by now. It had become a habit, a necessity, to ensure that no one saw anything other than what he wanted them to see.

"Hey, you okay?" Shiro's voice broke the silence, and Pidge felt a wave of nervousness as he saw Shiro place a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Pidge managed a smile, though it was shaky. "Yeah... just... thinking." It was the most neutral response he could give.

Shiro nodded, squeezing Pidge's shoulder with a calm firmness. "I'm sure the Green Lion will accept you. You don't need to worry about that."

Pidge nodded, even though he knew the Green Lion was the least of his worries at the moment. Still, it was easier to pretend the anxiety was just about that. "The princess is probably right," Pidge murmured, trying to convince himself more than Shiro.

Before he could elaborate further, a sudden movement ahead made him stop and hold his breath. Something leapt from the vegetation, and on instinct, Shiro stepped in front, ready to defend them from any threat. The sight of Shiro protecting him stirred a mix of gratitude and guilt in Pidge—Shiro trusted him, without questioning, without imagining the secrets he was hiding.

To his relief, the "danger" turned out to be an alien creature, similar to a sloth, that looked at them attentively. The creature picked up a paddle and pointed in the direction of the river, calmly indicating the way.

"Shall we?" Shiro encouraged, his calm gaze helping Pidge relax. Pidge nodded and followed Shiro to the canoe waiting for them. First, he entered, feeling the boat sway slightly under Shiro's weight beside him. The creature took the paddle and began guiding them down the river, while Pidge lost himself in the view. Vines hung from branches, and leaves danced with the wind, creating an oddly peaceful atmosphere.

For a few moments, the silence helped ease the tension, but worry crept back. Pidge knew that to be a paladin, he would have to be more than just a navigator and programmer, and that bothered him deeply. "I'm not even a real pilot," he confessed, turning to Shiro. "What if the Green Lion doesn't accept me? I'm just a navigator, someone who understands technology, but... I don't know if I can be a pilot."

Shiro smiled with an encouraging glint in his eyes. "Pidge, the Green Lion will accommodate you. He needs you. And remember what Lance said about the Blue Lion—they're here to teach us, even if we don't know everything yet."

Pidge tried to absorb Shiro's words, but before he could elaborate further, Shiro added: "You know, Dr. Holt always had a saying about the fear of making mistakes. He'd say, 'If you worry too much about what could go wrong, you might miss the chance to do something great.' It was one of his favorite lessons... and I bet he'd say that now."

Pidge's heart tightened hearing his father's words. The tension eased slightly, and he smiled, recalling how many times he had heard that phrase. "Yeah... he was always the smartest."

Shiro returned the smile, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. The comfortable silence that followed brought a little peace to Pidge, and he allowed himself to observe the scenery around him. There, at the heart of nature, far from the Guard's judgments and the demands of his false identity, it was easy to feel calmer, almost at peace.

Soon, the canoe stopped, and Pidge jumped out, feeling his heart race again. As he moved forward, a presence seemed to fill him completely, almost like a calling. It was the Green Lion, and he could feel it, as if the planet itself was in tune with its arrival. There was something ancient and comforting about that presence.

Ahead of him, an ancient temple covered by massive roots and moss stood tall, imposing. With renewed determination, Pidge began to climb it, using the roots as support, guided by the power of the Green Lion pulsing within the temple. Each step brought him closer, but his mind kept turning to his brother and father—his mission to finally find them.

A momentary slip almost made him fall, but Pidge clung on tightly, focused on his goal. Shiro shouted in concern upon seeing the sudden movement, but Pidge continued, his eyes locked on the temple. In the back of his mind, he felt the intense presence of the Green Lion, and nothing would make him give up now.

As he reached the summit, the sight of the Green Lion greeted him—majestic, surrounded by a bluish barrier, radiating a familiar warmth. However, before he could react, the roots beneath his feet moved abruptly, as if an unknown force controlled them. Pidge lost his balance and fell, but one of the large roots emerged, cushioning his fall and causing him to slide for several meters until he stopped near the barrier.

With a slight tremor in his body, Pidge tried to get up, stumbling once. His arms flailed in the air as he tried to regain his stability, taking three or four unsteady steps before finding his footing. Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his glasses in an almost automatic motion, and with renewed determination, he moved toward the barrier.

As he approached, the barrier dissipated, and the mouth of the Green Lion opened in a welcoming gesture. Ecstasy filled Pidge as he shouted an enthusiastic "WOO-HOO!" while being lifted inside. In an instant, Green's roar echoed as the roots at the top of the temple were broken. Sitting in the cockpit, Pidge gripped the flight controls firmly, his feet on the pedals, a determined smile on his face. Green turned toward Shiro, ready for the next step.

This is so much fun!

--0---0----0

In the command center of the castle, the other paladins gathered around a projected universal map, displaying a vast tapestry of star systems and some more distant galaxies. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, with Allura keeping her eyes fixed on the hologram.

"Keith, we need to locate the Yellow Lion," Allura said firmly, though the urgency in her voice was palpable. Keith stepped forward, his finger hovering over the map, when Luan intervened, his expression cold and incisive. "There, in the southwest sector," he pointed directly, highlighting a barren, rocky planet. The directness of his words brought a moment of silence to the room.

Allura looked at the indicated location and then at Keith. "Well?" she asked, allowing the tension to build as he closed his eyes, searching for the familiar connection to the Lion. The pause that followed was filled with the soft hum of the castle's systems, all in a state of waiting. Then, Keith opened his eyes, a slow smile forming. "I feel it," he declared, the confirmation clear in his voice. Hunk watched, surprised, a spark of emotion in his eyes as Keith's choice of "her" echoed in his mind.

Luan crossed his arms, his eyes sharp as blades. "Then the next step is obvious."

Allura took a deep breath and looked at the paladins with determination. "Lance, you will go with Hunk," she said, breaking the silence. Her words brought a wave of surprise, especially to Luan, whose cold expression hardened even more.

"This is risky, Allura," Luan said, his voice firm and direct. "Why don't we follow the same plan we used with Shiro and Pidge? Moving two lions at the same time increases the chances of being detected by the Galra. And you know as well as I do that the castle is still far from operating at full capacity."

Allura nodded, but her eyes gleamed with a careful calculation. "I understand the risks, Luan, but the situation has changed. The awakening of the Green Lion could attract enough attention to cover the movement of the Yellow Lion. The Galra must already suspect that the castle is operational again, so we can't rely solely on our camouflage."

Lance crossed his arms, his sharp gaze passing between Allura and Luan. "So, you want us to use the Blue Lion to transport Hunk there? That means we could be exposed."

"Exactly," Hunk interjected, concern evident on his features. "But if that's the only way to reach the Yellow Lion and bring it into the fight, then we have to do it."

The tension in the room mounted, until Luan stepped forward. "Let's get straight to the point," he said, emotionless but with an intensity that made everyone pay attention. "You need to be ready for the possibility of a surprise attack. If the awakening of the Green Lion isn't enough to distract them, we will be facing a full Galra retaliation."

Allura nodded again, determination etched on her face. "That's why Lance and Hunk will go together. The Blue Lion is the safest choice because the Altean structure is more resilient and can better camouflage its energy signature than an auxiliary ship. We need to move quickly and precisely."

Hunk shot a wary glance at Lance, who just gave a slight nod, a fearless smile forming on his face. "Alright. Let's do this together, Hunk."

Coran, who had been observing from the corner of the room, finally broke the silence. "You two have the best chance of maintaining secrecy and reaching the Yellow Lion. And if all goes well, the awakening of the Green Lion will provide the distraction we need to reposition."

Hunk took a deep breath, staring at the room with renewed determination. "Let's bring the lioness back."

Luan watched the two paladins, his eyes piercing as always. "And make it fast. We won't get a second chance."

--0-----0------0

Pidge was smiling so much that their cheeks started to hurt. For a long time, they had wished and prayed to pilot any kind of plane or jet. That dream had to be set aside to find their family. They gave up and settled for being Lance's navigator, Hunk's coworker. They didn't allow themselves to dare to wish for something more — and they didn't have the right to want something so selfish when it wasn't their life that was in danger.

And now, here they were. Actually piloting a ship: a Lion, which was, both objectively and subjectively, much cooler than anything Garrison could have expected to provide. A pleasant feeling took over them, and Pidge could tell, in an instant, that this was Green. That Green was sharing their emotions with them, and it felt better than everything combined. Green had chosen them. It felt so natural, holding the flight controls, pressing the pedals, adjusting the angle — everything.

"I told you," Shiro commented, almost smugly, as he held the back of his chair. "I knew you'd do great."

A smile broke out on Pidge's face. "Yeah!" Shiro was a legend in their house. It was one thing to know that their brother was Shirogane Takeshi's best friend and that their father was his superior, but having the legend himself say something like that? Something so... so uplifting? God, it was awesome.

Pidge stepped aside, rummaging through their pockets (and this was just one of the advantages of dressing like a boy — pockets). They pulled out a device that resembled a phone and hesitated for a moment before turning it on. They avoided using the Green Lion's communication system for safety; after being offline for so long, activation could be traced, exposing not only them but the castle itself. The risk wasn't worth it.

They tapped the screen twice, and the device lit up, and Pidge quickly started the call.

"Contact, Castle of Lions."

On the first ring, the line was answered.

"This is Princess Allura. Is this Pidge?"

"This is Pidge," they confirmed. "We're ready to go now. I have Green."

"Perfect timing. Keith located the Yellow Lion, and I believe your help will be needed."

Shiro furrowed his brows. "Something wrong, Princess?"

"That would depend on your definition. Something is certainly wrong, but it's nothing that can't be fixed." A portal appeared before them. "Go through. We need you." Pidge's heart raced, but they gently pushed the control levers and passed through. Thus, they were in front of the Castle of Lions, and before Pidge could ask, a door opened above one of the thrusters, and they dove in. Parking on Green was much harder than they thought it would be. They knew how; they just didn't know how.

"O-Okay..."

"Press the buttons on your control levers," Shiro gently guided. Pidge jumped slightly before doing so, a reassuring sensation helping them. The thrusters powered up, firing from the Lion's footpads. "Now, slowly, pull the levers toward you." Pidge tried, hands shaking as the Lion slowly descended. "Now, slowly again, release the pressure on the buttons."

They tried. They really did. But they couldn't avoid it when their fingers came off too quickly, and the Lion shook, landing harshly on the ground.

"Oh no! I'm sorry." Pidge immediately apologized, rubbing the Green control panel with a scowl. "I've never flown before, so my parking is horrible. I didn't want to hurt you!" Then, a wave of calm enveloped them, like a cozy blanket made of leaves and moss. A soft purring echoed inside the cockpit, filling Pidge with a sense of acceptance. It wasn't exactly words, but it was the way Pidge understood what Green was sending them: it's okay, you did well, my paladin.

"Pidge." Shiro gently nudged. "You did well — especially for a beginner. Most people crash instantly." Pidge gave him a tentative smile. "Now, let's go. We're needed." They nodded. No point in crying over spilled milk.

Navigating through the seemingly endless floors and corridors took longer than expected, but Pidge's memory stayed sharp, guiding them to the main control room. Hunk looked like he was about to vomit again, and Lance was in a panic, shouting into the air. "—I don't even know how! Is this some kind of joke!? I can barely punch — let alone fight with a Lion!"

"What was that?" Pidge asked, entering the room with Shiro by their side. "Wait, what's going on? Why did you need us?"

Shiro shot a concerned look at Allura, who looked visibly overwhelmed — probably by Lance's shouting. "Princess? Lance said something about fighting with a Lion. What happened?"

Allura looked stunned by the question. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it, and finally managed to say one word: "I—" before being interrupted by Keith.

"The planet Yellow is being invaded by Galra, probably to reach the Yellow Lion before us. Which means—"

"—We have to fight and defend!" Hunk screamed, his eyes wide with terror as he fidgeted inside the Blue Lion. "But we just got the Blue and Green Lions today! You can't fight like this! We're all gonna die!"

"You're not—" Lance started to protest, but Hunk interrupted him.

"It should be fine, right?" Pidge intervened, their voice trembling but determined. "The Lions know their controls, and it seems easy to pilot them. We could fight in them too."

Lance pressed his lips together, clearly struggling to find a way to argue against this but couldn't. He groaned and finally gave in. "Fine, whatever."

Here's the translated text in English:

"What!?" Hunk shouted, desperate. "Oh man... You guys have your Lions, but I don't, so you better keep an eye on me. I'm no good with pain...!"

"You'll be fine." Lance slapped Hunk on the back, trying to sound encouraging, though the worry in his eyes was undeniable.

"What's your position?" Shiro asked, concern evident in his voice. "Are you safe?"

"For now, yeah," Lance replied, diverting his gaze to the cabin window. Outside, a disturbing landscape of meteors floated in all directions, each rock drifting unpredictably, but without collisions. "But we can't stay here long. If the Galra figure out we're in the area, we'll be in trouble."

Keith intervened, his voice firm and cutting. "What's the plan? We need a strategy to get them out of there and secure the Yellow Lion."

Pidge, on the other end of the line, pressed her lips together while checking the data on the device. "The castle's radar detected signals from Galra ships orbiting near the third moon of the planet, close to a debris field. Luckily, it looks like there's only one ship in the area, but that doesn't mean we're safe. They could call for reinforcements if they detect anything. Any unusual movement could give us away," Pidge warned, adjusting the data on the screen.

Shiro took a deep breath, absorbing the information. "That leaves us with little time. We need to act before they locate the Yellow Lion and call for reinforcements."

Luan, who had been listening attentively until then, spoke up firmly. "Lance, Hunk, stay calm and assess the situation. What can you see around you? Any chance of avoiding a direct confrontation?"

Hunk furrowed his brow, quickly checking the sensors while keeping his eyes on the projection ahead. "We have a few maneuver options, but the Galra are covering almost every access point to the planet. If we try a direct approach, we'll probably get surrounded."

"Then we'll need a distraction," suggested Pidge, her voice bubbling with ideas. "We could simulate an attack in another area, diverting the Galra's attention from you while you go for the Yellow Lion."

"I'll do it!" Luan said quickly, his determination evident. "I just need cover. If one of us gets attacked, Lance can create a distraction with the Lapiz."

"Luan, no!" Conan intervened, his voice filled with urgency and concern. "You're the team's medical officer. Your presence here is vital, especially on a mission this risky. If something goes wrong, we need you to take care of all of us!"

Luan hesitated, visibly torn between duty and concern for the team. "If we don't take action now, maybe no one will need care afterward," he argued, his voice firm.

"That's true," Shiro agreed, looking directly at Luan. "If you're attacked, who will care for the injured? We can't risk losing the only doctor we have. We need you on board to make sure everyone gets back safely."

"Look, I know you want to help," said Lance, trying to stay calm, "but this mission is too risky. The last thing we need is for you to get hurt or put yourself in danger. Think about the team, Luan!"

Shiro nodded, adding firmly: "You're the certified medical officer. Without you, we'll be vulnerable if anyone gets hurt. This isn't just about courage—it's about ensuring everyone's safety. You can't take that risk."

Allura gave a worried, but determined look. "Luan, you're essential to the team. We won't proceed without a doctor safely in position to support us."

Luan sighed deeply, but his gaze was firm. "I understand your concern, but I'll be direct: we're in a situation where this line of reasoning could cost us much more. We're poorly equipped and unprepared. The castle isn't at full capacity, we barely managed the initial safety maneuvers, and right now, we only have the Green Lion operational for reinforcement. If the Galra surround us, as you know, we'll lose not just one, but possibly two Lions."

The team exchanged tense glances as he continued.

"Also, if the Yellow Lion is at risk, the Red Lion is too. We haven't located the latter yet. That means we're not just talking about a rescue mission. We're talking about a rescue and a search. Dividing our forces between two simultaneous objectives with limited resources isn't just risky—it's a weakness the Galra will exploit."

Conan tried to intervene, but Luan raised a hand to keep the focus. "And as for the castle, we need to maximize the time we have because Allura is the only one here who can pilot it. That means she can't leave to reinforce the mission. Coran, on the other hand, is the one who knows every corner of this place, and with him, we need eyes and hands on the system to give us a chance to strategize as time runs out."

He looked directly at Shiro, maintaining a firm posture, but with a respectful tone. "Sir, with all due respect, if we really want to protect all the Lions and ensure the rescue of anyone at risk, we need to optimize every resource we have. We can't afford to hesitate or divide our forces. I understand everyone's concern, but right now, this kind of precaution will only make us more vulnerable."

Luan paused briefly, then added, "Also, I'm not unarmed for this situation. After the Kerberos mission, training for infiltration, survivor rescue, and distraction tactics were integrated into all medical officers of the Stellar Healers. This protocol became a requirement, considering the possible life-or-death situations that passengers or patients might find themselves in during combat. I've learned to handle myself well in the field—it's not ideal, but I'm prepared."

A slight, ironic smile appeared on his face. "Lieutenant Gomes, the instructor of the medical corps, was a sadist — a damn sadist, but efficient. He turned a bunch of 'whiny kids and Barbie princesses' into doctors capable of acting under crossfire. Many of us swear he lived by the motto 'adapt or die.' In the end, that made us more than just healthcare professionals. We were trained to survive, and if necessary, to fight. I know everyone wants to minimize the risks, but if anyone here can handle this, it's me."

The room fell into a brief silence as Luan's words hung in the air.

The team members exchanged glances, absorbing Luan's words. Conan opened his mouth to argue again, but hesitated, recognizing the determination in Luan's firm gaze. Shiro pondered for a moment before finally nodding with a heavy sigh.

"Alright," he said, reluctantly but aware of Luan's unyielding logic. "If everyone agrees, let's move forward. But keep the communication constant, Luan. Any sign of trouble, and we switch to Plan B."

"This could work, but it needs to be executed precisely," Allura warned, looking at all the team members. "We need everyone to be ready to act at the exact moment."

---

**Star Sector ZZurick**

Coordinates: X-542.67 / Y-322.09

Time: 03:47 UST (Universal Stellar Time)

Earth Equivalent: 22:47 GMT

The Altenian auxiliary ship, a formidable hybrid of alchemy and technology, glided through the starless void with flawless precision. The camouflage field surrounding it blended ancient magic with advanced science, making it invisible to the Galra's most sophisticated sensors. The control cabin was completely silent except for the rhythmic sound of Luan's breathing, as his leather-gloved hands navigated the panels with exacting familiarity. The greenish monitors cast a cold light, dancing off the metallic sheen of his dark armor, creating a sharp contrast with his focused expression.

He kept his gaze fixed on the controls, every adjustment carefully planned. The tension in the air was almost palpable, pulsing in his ears, but he dominated every emotion, every rapid beat of his heart. Suddenly, a familiar sound, the characteristic "ding," reverberated in his mind, followed by a message projected before his eyes:

[**MISSION UPDATED:** Sabotage the Galra mothership for strategic distraction.]

He took a deep breath, allowing the adrenaline to shape his concentration, pressing the controls with renewed determination. There was no room for error. The tension escalated in his body, but he would not allow himself to hesitate. NOVA — the medical AI of the Stellar Healer — flashed a notification on the screen, its calm voice echoing in the cockpit:

"Elevated stress levels, Sub-Lieutenant. I recommend activating breath control and initiating emergency meditation."

For a moment, Luan allowed a faint smile to appear on his lips. Even amidst the impending chaos, NOVA's voice remained soothing. He knew he needed to maintain absolute calm. His intensive training in the medical corps, and all the years of preparation for this intergalactic war, had been planned for moments like this. He would not let a lifetime of effort be in vain. However, the proximity of danger made his blood race, and the memory of the brutal training he had endured resurfaced, reminding him of how he had learned to stay steady under pressure.

The cockpit was filled with the mechanical sound of NOVA's voice:

"Operation initiated. Scanning sector... awaiting."

Luan's eyes tracked the Galra defense readings on the screen. The plan was straightforward but dangerous: create a distraction large enough to protect the Yellow Lion and give the Paladins the chance to complete the rescue. In this case, she needed to sabotage and gather valuable intel for the future. She couldn't just sit and wait for what she saw in the show to unfold here; there were too many variables to make him comfortable. He knew better than anyone that "simple" never meant "easy."

Ahead, the colossal Galra mothership loomed like a menacing fortress in space, imposing and challenging. Three patrol ships circled it with meticulous precision, moving in a tight formation like predators lurking in the shadows. Luan observed the patrol pattern, analyzing each movement, noting every interval between radar sweeps. Here, near the interference zone of the moon, he saw an advantage. The electromagnetic distortions created temporary blind spots in the Galra sensors — gaps he knew he could exploit, if he was careful.

A voice broke the silence, pulling him back to the mission:

"Luan, position confirmed?" Shiro's voice, filled with palpable concern, filled the room with a gravity that Luan knew all too well. His own tone was firm and cold:

"Yes, sir. Ready to begin the distraction."

"...Understood, good luck. Shiro out." *Shiro disconnects.*

Before he could fully process the weight of his own words, the visor flashed with an alert. A Galra patrol was approaching quickly. In a calculated move, Luan triggered a sequence of simulated malfunctions on the ship, creating the illusion of a damaged vessel. The lights flickered uncontrollably, and the structure shook as if it were about to disintegrate.

"Come on, bite the bait," he murmured with determination as he adjusted the controls and watched the Galra ships respond to the simulation.

The first fighter approached confidently, its sensors picking up the signal of a vulnerable target. Luan knew that at any moment, the Galra could detect the ruse, so he acted quickly. He activated the side thrusters, plunging the ship into a field of drifting debris. With the engines nearly shut off, his ship glided silently among the metal remains, the chaotic environment confusing the enemy's sensors. It was a dance on the edge of detection, where any abrupt move could be fatal.

Luan watched as the Galra patrols passed closer and closer, their ships advancing cautiously, yet unaware of his presence among the wreckage. He almost felt like a shadow in the void, each breath measured, each heartbeat controlled. The moon's electromagnetic field favored his camouflage, creating an invisible curtain of distortion. Even so, he knew his window of opportunity was small — the Galra ships were still scanning, and soon they could detect the anomaly.

The tension was rising. Just a few meters away, the patrol passed like a pack of hungry sharks, unaware of the target lurking in the shadows. Luan seized the moment to move forward, gliding between the debris with sharp focus. He needed to be calculating and fast, each movement prepared like a deadly choreography. In the distance, the Galra mothership appeared as a colossal entity in the dark space, its immense and intimidating structure—an obstacle, but also the perfect target for his distraction.

NOVA intervened once more: "I suggest immediate evasive action. Enemy defense system has a high probability of detection."

Luan didn't hesitate. His hand shot to the controls, adjusting the ship for a new maneuver. The debris field concealed him, but he knew any mistake would bring the full force of the Galra upon him. Finally, finding an ideal gap in the patrol's formation, he dove into the interference zone, the surroundings transforming into a myriad of shadows and distortions. Every second felt like an eternity, and each meter brought him closer to the mothership.

Now, everything depended on his ability to maintain concentration as the clock ticked. The tension in his chest was almost unbearable, but he pressed on, his eyes fixed on the target. With the mission in his hands, Luan knew failure was not an option.

The ship slid through the emptiness of space like a shadow, its presence subtle, almost blending with the floating debris. He knew success was within reach. He just needed to maintain control—the calm, the absolute focus—while moving with precision through the invisible dangers around him. The Galra patrols continued their routes like programmed machines, unaware of the imminent danger lurking just a decision away.

"Perfect," he murmured to himself, eyes locked on the panel readings. His gloved fingers moved with dexterity over the controls as the ship neared the mothership. "NOVA, synchronize the camouflage field with the cloaking system. Let's disappear for good."

"Synchronization initiated," NOVA replied, her voice calm, a reassuring contrast amidst the looming chaos. "All systems operational. Ready for the next step."

Luan took a deep breath, his fingers steady on the panel as he guided the auxiliary ship to the underside of the mothership. He meticulously calculated every detail—the entry angle, the approach speed, the exact intervals between the passing Galra patrols, which moved like silent predators. His ship glided soundlessly, adhering to the shadows of the mothership's hull like a ghost in the dark. The special camouflage paint absorbed the surrounding light, making it almost invisible to any sensors or eyes daring to scan the area.

A growing weight pressed on his chest. He needed complete physical and mental control not to fail at this crucial moment. A dark thought crossed his mind—if there were any druids or witches aboard, he would be in serious trouble. He knew well the mental manipulation abilities of these creatures, and a telepathic invasion was the last thing he needed right now.

He held his breath as he aligned his ship with the makeshift docking point he had identified earlier. He felt the dark hull of the Galra ship engulf his own, hiding it in the shadows like a captured prey. Now, he thought, exhaling slowly, letting the tension drain away. Pressing a few buttons, he locked the ship in place and adjusted the camouflage, ensuring it blended perfectly with the dark surroundings.

Leaving the main controls, he stood up, feeling the rapid beats of his heart. He moved toward the rear hatch, adjusting the modified helmet he had acquired at the last station. The space between his ship and the entrance to the mothership was fraught with risks and uncertainties, but he had prepared for this. He was ready to use his climbing and jumping skills—any mistake would be fatal, and there was no room for error.

Taking a deep breath, he whispered to himself, a small nervous smile at the corner of his mouth, "This is crazy. Something worthy of a Skywalker." In one final check, he reviewed the systems, making sure everything was ready.

"NOVA," he commanded calmly, "activate the evasion and monitoring protocol. From now on, we need every second."

Luan lifted the helmet, admiring the blue bioluminescent lines that pulsed over the black surface, as if the piece had come to life. The advanced technology, a visible bastard mix in every detail of the Black/Gamora Blade, light and agile, designed for stealth missions. This piece combined with the ruggedness of the Alteran armor, equipped with state-of-the-art camouflage. As he put the helmet on, he felt the perfect fit as the glowing lines dimmed, activating the camouflage mode. He became part of the surrounding void.

Every component of his armor had a crucial function. The Alteran, reinforced at strategic points, was lightweight and flexible, allowing him to move like a silent shadow. The chestplate and shoulder pads, covered with nanomaterial that absorbed heat and light, rendered him invisible to sensors. The gloves of the Black/Gamora Blade offered a firm grip, ideal for infiltrations on vertical surfaces. With a squeeze of his wrists, he activated the HUD interface, feeling the vibration as the armor synced with his biometric signals. He was ready.

Taking a deep breath, Luan positioned himself at the entry point, a small hatch located in a nearly forgotten section of the Galra ship. As he opened the hatch, he slid down, landing in a three-point pose, legs spread and one arm behind him. He suppressed a smile at the familiarity of the position—it reminded him of Black Widow's classic entrance. "The pose," he thought ironically, while staying low, waiting for the passage above him to close. When the hatch clicked shut, he magnetized himself to the ship's hull, hiding on the outside and positioning himself precisely.

His goal was ahead: a disposal elevator, designed to launch waste and debris into space. Luan found the entrance convenient, though not glamorous. According to the system data, this specific point had several passages and maintenance openings, with monitoring probability close to zero. "Who would waste resources and money to monitor the disposal area?" he thought with a hint of sarcasm. "Their mistake, my luck." He adjusted his jump angle in his mind, knowing that any mistake would send him into the vacuum of space.

In front of him, a vast emptiness separated his position from the disposal elevator, camouflaged in the ship's rusted structure. Luan advanced with extreme caution, his movements meticulously calculated. The sensors confirmed the path was clear, but he didn't lower his guard—any mistake could be fatal.

With a swift motion, Luan activated the Alteran armor's grappling cable system. The claw shot out, attaching to a metal structure crossing the gap between him and the infiltration point. The pull propelled him through the space, his body gliding smoothly toward the Galra ship's hull. He landed with a light impact, softened by his armor's shock absorption system. The magnetic boots and gloves fixed to the cold metal, ensuring stability while he retracted the claw into the compartment in his arm.

Every second, Luan remained alert, the sensors in his helmet picking up any signs of movement. The visor flashed reassuring readings: the patrols were still far away, unaware of his presence. With a quiet sigh of relief, he advanced toward the disposal elevator, aware that this was only the beginning.

Despite the momentary relief, his thoughts remained focused. It would be tragic to be taken down by some flying debris during an infiltration. He kept his senses sharp, each step precisely calculated. Yet, amidst the tension, he couldn't help but smile faintly. He remembered the simple things he had used to forge the armor—apples and water exchanged at the system's store. Who would have thought such common items could have so much value here? he thought, aware that the forge chamber of the castle was a true technological marvel, capable of creating powerful equipment from simple materials. Incredible what we can do when we know how to use what we have.

Now, as he approached the entrance of the disposal elevator, he made a final assessment of the distance and angle. He knew the structure would require a precise jump. He adjusted his wrists, and with a quick shot, activated the grappling claw again to anchor himself and avoid being thrown back into space. He pulled himself toward the small hull opening, where the maintenance panels were located. Inside, the darkness was total, broken only by the greenish glow of his helmet's visor.

Lying on the external surface of the hull, he waited a few seconds, allowing himself one last pause before entering. Around him, the emptiness of space seemed oppressive, the distant lights of the stars only a secondary backdrop to his focus. The mission was still just beginning, but Luan knew every detail counted. He felt the weight of responsibility and danger, but with one last adjustment of his breathing, he prepared to enter.

Once inside, Luan located the maintenance panel. His breath echoed muffled inside the helmet, and he tried to keep his pace steady. The panel, illuminated only by a faint light leaking from a crack in the wall, displayed a biometric scanner and a series of buttons. Calmly, he pressed his glove against the scanner, hoping not to trigger any alarms.

A red alert flashed on his visor. He froze, muscles tense. For a moment, he thought he had been detected, but then remembered the interference device he had embedded in his armor. With a touch, he activated it, and the alarm stopped, returning the tense silence.

Carefully, Luan manipulated the panel controls. His gloves slid across the buttons, trying to find the correct combination to open the entrance. He listened to every sound around him, attentive to any sign of movement in the nearby corridors. Finally, a soft click signaled the unlocking, and the panel slid aside, revealing a dark passage.

Bending down, he entered the passage and closed the panel behind him. The darkness was total, and he activated a small flashlight on his armor. The faint light illuminated the metal walls, while ducts extended in various directions, holding his breath as he heard the muffled metallic sound of the waste chute hatch closing behind him. Now, he was inside the Galra mothership, a fortress of steel and quintessence floating in the emptiness of space, a silent and imposing threat. The silence was almost deafening, except for the faint mechanical noises echoing through the walls. Adjusting his posture, he activated his helmet's sensors and mapped the area around him. Ahead, a small network of maintenance tunnels stretched like a spider's web, connecting vital areas of the ship. "Here we go," he murmured to himself, analyzing the readings.

The tunnels were narrow, designed for maintenance droids, not large bipedal organic species like the Galra. The darkness was absolute, broken only by the green glow of Luan's helmet interface. He adjusted the intensity of the embedded flashlight, being careful not to attract attention. Every movement was meticulously controlled, knowing that any distraction or unnecessary noise could alert the Galra. He knew the ship could be equipped with motion sensors, and the tension was palpable as he advanced, his senses heightened with each small sound.

Early in the route, he encountered an obstacle: a section of the tunnels was blocked, with maintenance droids working there. Luan stopped for a moment, assessing the situation. The alternative route was longer and riskier, and the option to climb and sneak would require absolute precision and total silence. Any failure could result in being seen, triggering the ship's alert systems. Opting for the more direct path, he used his grip gloves to climb the metal wall, feeling the cold metal against his gloved fingers. Each movement was calculated with precision. After a few tense minutes, he managed to cross without incident.

Luan quickly adjusted the controls on his visor, activating the camouflage system and increasing its power. The armor blended with the surroundings, becoming almost invisible, and he felt the tension in the air increase. Sensing the environment with his sixth sense, he activated his "One with Water" ability, tuning his perception to detect any nearby water sources. A slight tingling ran through his fingers as he located a pipe near the maintenance droids.

With an agile and precise movement, he used his ability to pull the water, manipulating it invisibly. The pipe near the droids ruptured, releasing a jet of hot steam that shot through the tunnel. The sound of the escaping steam was accompanied by a metallic smell that immediately caught the attention of the droids. They moved quickly to the farthest point, seeking to investigate the source of the sound and heat, leaving the path clear for Luan.

Taking advantage of the distraction, he advanced without hesitation, his body flowing with the agility of a shadow while the droids were preoccupied with the steam. With every step, the environment seemed more hostile. The tunnels were a tight labyrinth, with pipes and wires running along the walls and ceiling. The muffled sound of engines reverberated in the distance, pulsing like a mechanical heart. Luan used the helmet sensors to map the path ahead, avoiding suspicious areas. He reached a point where the corridors split in three directions, and the HUD flashed with suggested routes. "Engine room, to the left. Communications room, ahead," he murmured to himself. The initial plan was to sabotage the system first, but he needed to ensure he wasn't detected before anything else.

As he moved down the tunnel leading to the engine room, a silent alert lit up on his visor. He stopped instantly, muscles tense. There was a motion sensor ahead, small and almost imperceptible, embedded in one of the metal walls. Luan activated the detailed analysis mode on the helmet, studying the range and patterns of the device. He would need to disable it, but he couldn't risk triggering an alert. Pulling an interference tool from his belt, he connected it to the wall and waited while the device neutralized the sensor. "One less," he thought, resuming his advance.

The next stretch of the tunnel was even narrower, forcing him to crawl through a section where the wiring was partially exposed. He moved with extreme caution, knowing that any contact with the cables could trigger a short circuit or even an alarm. The darkness, combined with the muffled noises of the ship, created a feeling of isolation almost overwhelming. For a moment, Luan felt his breath quicken, but he quickly adjusted his pace, recalling his training. "Total control," he repeated in his mind, forcing himself to focus.

At the end of the tunnel, he found an opening leading to a secondary corridor. He checked the HUD to ensure there were no patrols nearby before advancing. The corridor was wider, but still dimly lit, with deep shadows cast by the cold, artificial lights of the ship. Luan stayed in the shadows, moving as silently as possible. As he advanced, his ears picked up muffled voices in the distance— a Galra patrol was approaching.

He pressed himself against the wall, remaining motionless. The voices grew louder, and the metallic sound of boots echoed through the corridor. Luan controlled his breathing, knowing that even the smallest sound could betray him. He watched, motionless, as two Galra soldiers passed by, speaking in their guttural language. When their footsteps finally faded into the distance, he released the breath he hadn't even realized he was holding. It was a constant reminder that any mistake would be fatal.

Back in the maintenance tunnels, Luan continued toward the engine room. With each turn, new challenges arose. One section of the tunnel was partially flooded with a viscous, glowing liquid, probably remnants of quintessence. Luan moved carefully, using the grip boots to avoid direct contact with the substance. Even so, the liquid emitted a faint glow, casting dancing reflections on the walls that almost seemed to betray his position.

Finally, he reached a strategic point: a maintenance panel that overlooked the engine room. Through the gaps in the metal, he could see the energy generators, huge and pulsating, surrounded by Galra soldiers and patrol droids. Luan studied the environment carefully, marking the blind spots and the patrol movements on the HUD. He needed a plan.

He pulled the sabotage device from his belt, checking its functionality before continuing. His fingers moved with surgical precision as he connected the device to the panel, adjusting the parameters to overload the main generator. Each second seemed like an eternity as he worked, hearing the footsteps of the soldiers in the distance. When he finally finished, the device emitted a soft blue light, indicating that the sabotage was in progress.

Luan crawled through the narrow maintenance tunnel, the distant sound of the Galra mothership's engines echoing around him. The environment was oppressive, a labyrinth of metal, cables, and pulsating wires. The green glow of his visor faintly illuminated the path, but he kept the lantern low to avoid drawing attention.

Ignoring a mental notification, he focused on reaching the control room and sabotaging the security system. Upon encountering an intersection, he activated his Observe ability.

[Tunnel A: Access to Control Room – Obstacle detected: Motion Sensors.]

[Tunnel B: Alternative Access – Longer route, no detection.]

Opting for the tunnel with sensors, he disabled a security device with an interference tool. In silence, he advanced to a wider area, where three droids patrolled, using Observe again to analyze their vulnerabilities. With precise movements, he climbed a beam above them. He disabled the first droid with a quick strike to the core; the second was destroyed with a direct attack, and the third with a side strike.

He continued on, crawling carefully through the tunnel, until he reached an open room with floating platforms above energized generators. Galra soldier bots patrolled the area.

He used Observe:

[Primary Control Platform: Located – 20 meters.]

[Patrols Detected: Galra Soldier Bots x2.]

Leaping from beam to beam, he moved like a shadow. When two soldiers climbed to a nearby platform, he quickly hid. As he attacked, he disabled the first soldier and, before the second could react, used his ability to momentarily amplify his strength, disarming him and throwing him off the platform.

With the area secured, Luan made his way the last few meters to the control room terminal and accessed the system. The panel blinked in confirmation, and he felt a brief sense of relief. The sabotage was complete, but his mission wasn't over. Luan quickly retreated through the maintenance tunnels, knowing he had to leave before the patrols detected the breach he had created. A cold smile touched his lips. "Next step," he thought, satisfied with the mission's progress.

As soon as he found a safe spot, Luan paused and activated the map screen provided by the system. Normally, he would keep the map minimized at the corner of his vision to avoid distractions and not give any signals that he was observing something he shouldn't. It was a surprise when he realized that the system didn't hide this peculiar behavior. In front of him, the lines and details of the mothership expanded, with critical areas highlighted by a dark blue glow. He analyzed the main and alternative routes to access the ship's information and communications, mapping out the best path to take.

"Okay, let's see what we've got here," he whispered to himself, his eyes scanning the three main points flashing on the map.

The first access point was located in the command center, the ship's bridge. It was the most protected and heavily guarded area, where the senior officers coordinated all operations. Luan furrowed his brow, knowing that infiltrating the command center would be like—sorry for the inappropriate metaphor—walking into the lion's mouth. "Definitely not the best option if I don't want to end up cornered," he thought.

The second point was an emergency area, used in case the command bridge was taken over by an enemy force. It was strategically located at the center of the ship, with reinforced security barriers and an automated defense designed to protect essential control systems. "Still too dangerous," Luan reflected. "And I'd have to go through half the patrols to get there."

His eyes narrowed as he examined the third option: the Data Nuclei, also known as the File Modules, near the engine room. "Looks like our Galra friends like to keep everything as close as possible," he murmured with a hint of irony. This area housed the physical cores where strategic information was stored and protected by both physical and digital barriers. But, compared to the other options, it was more accessible and was relatively close to the point where he had already caused the sabotage. The chaos he had created in the engine room would also work in his favor, keeping the Galra busy with the damages.

"Data Nuclei," Luan decided. "Closer, less protected, and still within the perimeter affected by the explosion. I can access communications, intercept data, and get out before they realize what's going on." He knew the choice had its risks, but it made sense. The chaotic environment of the engine room could serve as a distraction, giving him the opportunity to infiltrate the File Modules.

With the plan in place, he closed the map and started moving again through the maintenance tunnels. Each step was calculated and light, his movements flowing with the precision of someone who had played this kind of "game" before, but now the cost of failure was more than just a simple reset.

The environment around him still felt oppressive. The cables hanging in the shadows looked like threatening claws, while the low hum of the machines pulsed like a metallic heart. "I'm in their territory," he thought, staying focused. "But they still haven't caught me." Luan knew that as long as he stayed one step ahead, the mission could still be a success.

"How ironic," he thought, while climbing and crouching near a low beam to avoid being detected by a motion sensor, "it's like being in an Assassin's Creed stealth mission, but with more lasers and fewer rooftops." The thought brought a fleeting memory of the days when he used to play video games. But here, the adrenaline was real, and one mistake wouldn't just result in a "Game Over" screen.

Turning a corner in the tunnel, Luan came across a section where the pulsing light of the machines cast distorted shadows on the walls. The corridor seemed alive, as if the shadows were watching his movements. "This is so cliché for a horror movie," he muttered to himself, forcing himself to ignore the feeling of being watched. "The kind of place where the monster suddenly appears. But here, the monster is the Galra soldiers armed to the teeth."

He continued, the green glow of his visor faintly lighting the way. In a fluid movement, Luan climbed a metal beam above a tangle of cables. Moving with the grace of an experienced parkourist, he jumped to another platform, using the narrow edge to position himself better. His muscles worked in coordination, the player's body maximizing every push and silent landing. In an instant, he hid in the shadows of a conduit, observing the movements of the patrols below.

"Focus," he reminded himself, pulling out his energy knife, more for comfort than necessity. From above, he spotted two Galra soldiers. They were alert, their helmets projecting a ghostly red light that only heightened the nightmarish feel.

"I just need you to move out of the way," Luan murmured, watching the soldiers ahead of him. When one of them moved away, he quickly slid along the beam above them, hanging from his fingertips. With agile movements, he dropped silently, positioning himself behind the second soldier. A mental command and the hidden blade appeared in his hands, almost like an extension of his own body. With the precision of a predator, he delivered a fatal strike, disabling the opponent before he could react. The lights on the droid's core flickered one last time, then shut off as it fell, deactivated.

Without hesitation, Luan executed a quick roll, sliding across the metal floor with impressive agility. He quickly repositioned himself, hiding in the shadows cast by a pile of abandoned equipment. With the camouflage activated, he became nearly invisible. His heart raced as he watched the Galra soldier, who stopped just a few meters from where he hid. The ghostly red light from the helmet swept across the corridor, searching for any sign of movement. The alien warrior looked around, suspicious, but didn't detect anything other than shadows.

Luan remained motionless, his muscles tense, ready for any necessary action. "That was close," he thought, feeling the adrenaline and relief mix. When the soldier finally moved away, he exhaled slowly, staying alert to every movement around him, knowing that there was still much to do.

Upon reaching the communications sector, Luan quickly assessed the area. The space was vast, with metal platforms floating above energized generators, and droids patrolled in a predictable manner. He crouched, observing the routes and calculating the best way to move forward. He knew he needed to access a terminal nearby, but the location was exposed. "Think like an assassin," he murmured to himself, trying to shake off the growing sense of risk.

With a determined movement, Luan jumped to the first platform. The metal creaked under his weight, but he kept his balance, quickly adjusting. Platform after platform, he advanced with precision, each jump calculated with exactness. A droid passed just below him, but Luan remained still, like a shadow on the ceiling, waiting for the right moment.

When he finally reached the terminal, Luan hid in the shadow of a metal column and connected his hacking device. The visor of his helmet projected the ship's defense systems: Galra Firewall – Active Barriers. The situation was getting tense. He couldn't afford to fail.

"Time to work," Luan whispered, as his fingers danced over the controls. Each line of code was typed with the precision of a stealthy strike, quickly bypassing the security barriers. Activating his Observe ability, he identified flaws in the system, moving swiftly, hiding his presence behind encrypted codes. The panel flickered, signaling the signal was ready to be sent.

[Due to your repeated actions in complex security systems, you have developed the skill: Hacking.]

He shot the message to the team, encoded in a low-frequency signal, difficult to detect. Now, everything depended on his allies responding in time. As he waited, the metallic sound behind him grew louder, and three Galra soldiers appeared in the corridor. Their eyes glowed with anger and determination, and they were alert to his presence. Luan knew there was no time left to hide. He would have to face them there, without hesitation.

With a mental command, the hidden blade appeared in his hands. He activated the skill Run Barry, Run, increasing his speed and sliding into the attack. Bot soldier 1 didn't have time to react. Luan was quick, disarming the robot with a precise strike. But the other two bot soldiers were ready. Bot soldier 2, noticing the movement, veered right, trying to react with the agility his design allowed. However, Luan was always one step ahead, his enhanced reflexes faster than the robot itself.

With impressive lightness, Luan bent his knees and jumped backward, sliding across the metallic floor with flawless agility. Passing beneath bot soldier 2, he seized the opportunity to, with a precise movement, deliver an upward stab, aiming at the exposed area between the robot's legs. The blade cut through the wiring, causing a short circuit that instantly deactivated the opponent. Bot soldier 2 blinked briefly before falling paralyzed.

Without missing a beat, Luan rolled to the side, using the momentum to execute a perfect backflip. His body spun in the air with precision, and upon landing, he quickly repositioned himself, advancing on bot soldier 3, who was already preparing to react. Luan was so fast and fluid that the robot had no time to defend. In an agile movement, he closed in with the blade in hand, ready to land the final blow.

Activating Run Barry, Run, Luan increased his speed, delivering a strike that took down bot soldier 3 before it could react. With a quick and calculated motion, Luan crouched and hit the opponent's core with a precise strike.

Breathing heavily, Luan regained his composure, watching the three deactivated soldiers at his feet. But there was no time for celebration. The metallic sound of the bodies falling still reverberated through the corridors, but time was running out. More troops could be on their way at any moment. He pressed himself against the metal wall, his body camouflaged while the emergency lights flickered. His ally's voice echoed through the communicator: "Sergeant Macclan, the remote explosion is armed. The mission will only be completed after data collection. We cannot risk it."

He nodded, even though he couldn't be seen. The mission was far from over.

The next objective was to access the Data Cores, physical servers storing the ship's strategic information, located in a highly protected compartment. Luan adjusted his helmet visor, studying the possible routes on his HUD. The minimap flickered, highlighting the shortest path, but also the most dangerous. He chose the most direct one, advancing with his camouflage activated and silent movements.

As he neared the compartment, the tension increased. The area was protected by armored doors and robotic sentinels patrolling in calculated patterns. Luan hid behind a pillar and analyzed his options. With the Observe ability activated, he gathered crucial information:

Data Core – Physical Protection: Sigma-Class Sentinels.

Digital Security: Galra Quintuple Firewall.

"This is going to be difficult," he thought. Luan would need to disable the sentinels without raising suspicion. With a quick gesture, he activated a short-range electromagnetic pulse device and launched it between the sentinels. A low hum was followed by a blue glow, and the sentinels froze, temporarily disabled.

Without wasting time, Luan ran to the control panel of the compartment. He deactivated the camouflage to save energy and connected his hacking device to the door's security system. The interface displayed on the visor showed the complexity of the digital barrier. "Has to be fast," he whispered as his fingers moved with precision, bypassing the firewalls and deploying bypass codes. The panel flickered, and the armored door opened with a heavy sound.

Inside the compartment, the Data Cores were protected by a dense network of cables and holographic interfaces. Luan approached a main terminal and connected his collection device. The transfer began, but it was slow, each byte of information carefully encrypted.

Data Collection: 5%... 10%...

The seconds dragged on, and the muffled sound of Galra patrols approaching made his heart beat faster. Luan glanced at the minimap, aware that any mistake could lead to his capture. He knew that sabotage in the engine room was scheduled to explode as soon as the collection was completed, creating the chaos needed for his escape.

Data Collection: 65%... 80%...

The HUD flashed with a warning: a new patrol was approaching. Luan activated his Stealth ability, moving with even greater speed, hiding in the shadows. Time was against him, but he wouldn't let this mission fail.

The data transfer was completed. "Now, time to get out," Luan murmured.

As Luan disconnected his collection device, the communicator in his helmet buzzed with a new message. He activated the visor, and AI Nova's clear and urgent voice sounded directly in his ears.

"Sergeant Macclan, the Yellow Lion has been successfully collected. The information is secure. However, the Galra ship is on high alert, and the trackers have been activated. I suggest you initiate your retreat immediately before the security is reinforced."

The tension in Luan's chest intensified. Time was running out. His data collection mission was complete, but now the challenge was escaping the ship before it was too late. Without hesitation, he activated the camouflage, enveloping his body in an invisible glow as he moved silently through the dark corridors of the ship.

He knew the only viable exit would be the escape pod, located at the farthest point of the ship. As he advanced, alarms began to blare, warning of unauthorized access. The environment became increasingly tense and frantic. Luan sped up, his movements agile and fast like a predator, leaping between platforms and dodging the Galra patrols that guarded the path. Each breath was more hurried, and his mind automatically calculated his next moves.

Finally, upon reaching the escape pod, Luan felt a momentary relief but knew he wasn't safe yet. He needed one more advantage: to infiltrate the ship and reverse its course, avoiding detection. However, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching triggered his instincts. "Just a little more," he whispered to himself, activating the ship and accelerating toward space.

As he prepared to escape, an irresistible idea took over him. Taking advantage of his natural ability to manipulate water, Luan decided to create more chaos inside the ship. With the agility of a predator, he activated Run Barry, Run, increasing his speed impressively. But that wasn't enough for him. Connecting his mind to the ship's hydraulic systems, Luan used One with Water to manipulate the distant pipes, causing a short circuit in the plumbing networks.

With a quick motion, he made valves rupture and jets of water, steam, and corrosive liquid explode in various areas of the ship. The sound of hydraulic explosions echoed through the corridors, creating a wave of panic. This wouldn't just increase the chaos, but also hinder the mobility of the Galra patrols, who were now fighting against the sudden flooding and damage caused.

Luan felt a dark satisfaction as the ship began to collapse into confusion. This only made his escape easier. He quickly glanced at his helmet's visor, which displayed the fastest routes, and with one last look behind him, he dashed to the escape pod. The mission was nearly complete, and his exit from the Galra ship was drawing nearer.

As he sneaked through the corridors, each step carefully calculated to avoid attracting the attention of the Galran patrols, he knew that the only viable exit was the escape chamber, located in the farthest section of the ship. However, as he moved forward, the atmosphere around him seemed even more tense and oppressive, as if the ship itself were reacting to his presence.

Finally, he reached the maintenance entrance where his infiltration had begun, just moments away from making his final escape. Before he could take the next step, a burst of energy shots cut through the air, exploding against the nearby walls and filling the corridor with sparks. Luan instinctively threw himself backward, seeking cover behind a fallen metal panel. His heart raced as he tried to figure out where the attack had come from.

"So, you're the Kratinos who's been sabotaging this ship..." The cold, contemptuous voice echoed down the corridor, and Luan cautiously peered through the gaps in the panel to see who had attacked him. The enemy wasn't an ordinary soldier. A towering figure emerged from the shadows, clad in black combat armor that reflected the ship's emergency red lights. The purple and gray-blue scales glimmered under the unstable lighting, and yellow, pupil-less eyes glowed with a beastly ferocity. The prominent canine teeth completed the almost reptilian appearance.

"Kratinos?" Luan muttered to himself, not exactly knowing what it meant but guessing from the tone that it wasn't a compliment. He pressed himself against the wall, his body on full alert. The enemy in front of him was no ordinary soldier—he was clearly trained and thirsty for a fight. "This guy is a serious problem," Luan thought, tightening his grip on the hidden blade in his hand. With a mental command, he activated his Observe ability, and the visor on his helmet analyzed the opponent.

[Name: Kalwthot Drex – Galra Captain

Level: 25

Profile: Brilliant strategist, expert in combat tactics and guerrilla warfare. Skills: Master of firearms, dual-wielding, and trap manipulation.

Captain Drex is annoyed by the little worm who dares to challenge him.]

"Captain Kalwthot Drex," Luan murmured to himself, swallowing hard. "Great, a well-armed strategist." Drex was holding two blasters, two disruptors strapped to his thighs, and what appeared to be a damn minigun on his back, the barrel still smoking. The Captain looked fully prepared to ensure Luan didn't escape.

Drex took a step forward, his movements long and calculated, like a predator who knew it was hunting its prey. "I thought I smelled something filthy around here," he said, a sadistic smile forming as his canine teeth showed. "Saboteurs like you are a plague... but you won't escape this time." He raised his blaster again and fired a new series of shots, each one more precise than the last, trying to corner Luan.

Luan rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the bursts that exploded behind him, shaking the metallic floor. "Great, now I'm an intergalactic rat," he thought sarcastically, as he repositioned behind another support structure. He needed to think fast; Drex had the advantage of firepower, but Luan was still quicker.

Luan quickly repositioned behind another support beam, the impact of the shots reverberating through the ship, but he knew he couldn't afford to waste time. Drex had the advantage in firepower and weight, but Luan had something the Galra didn't expect: agility and control.

Drex moved with military precision, alternating between accurate shots and calculated steps, like a hunter in the field. Each shot was a death sentence, forcing Luan to keep moving. "Who is this guy?" Luan wondered, analyzing the situation. The answer became clear quickly: Drex wasn't just a soldier—he was a strategist, a military mind focused on hunting his prey.

He no longer had time to hide. Luan knew the only way to destabilize Drex was to get close, use his agility to invade the combat space, and force the captain to fight at close range. Without hesitation, he charged forward, running toward Drex with the clear objective of taking away the Galra's advantage and bringing him to hand-to-hand combat.

Drex was fast. The Galra captain had the advantage of height and raw strength, his military stance impeccable, with a combination of animal instinct and precise control over every movement. His strikes were quick and accurate, mixing the precision of a sharpshooter with the ferocity of a born fighter. He moved forward, trying to use his size and power to push Luan against the wall. But Luan was quicker. Like a fluid dance, he dodged Drex's first punch, spinning his body with grace, almost as if he were following the rhythm of the fight. The move was precise and light, the Galra captain's instincts failing to catch Luan's flexibility and speed.

Luan's sharp perception, however, told him he couldn't afford to get caught. Using his "Little Grasshopper" ability, he saw Drex as a human tank, immense and unrelenting, with every movement charged with brute force. Drex wasn't just a strong opponent; he was a wall, and Luan knew that any attempt to confront his strength directly would be suicidal. The only option was to keep moving quickly, avoiding physical contact and maintaining control over the distance. The captain was waiting for a mistake—a move that Luan might make impulsively. But he wasn't going to give in.

Drex, with a fierce movement, threw a powerful punch aimed at Luan's chest. The force was so great that, missing the target, the blow cut through the air and hit the nearby wall. The ship's structure groaned under the impact's pressure, and one of the wall panels cracked violently, the sound of breaking metal echoing down the corridor. The wall was marked by Drex's raw strength, and Luan knew immediately that he couldn't let the captain get any closer. The destruction around him only confirmed the immense power of the enemy.

Without wasting time, Luan reacted quickly, realizing he couldn't keep dodging indefinitely. With a swift movement, he rotated his hips and delivered a side strike, aiming for Drex's ribs. The impact was quick, but the captain's armor absorbed the blow, only causing him to stagger slightly. Drex regained his balance effortlessly, like a war machine, but Luan didn't stop. He continued moving, as agile as a shadow, dodging another devastating strike while rotating his body with precision, delivering a sequence of quick, fluid punches.

The battle intensified with every passing second. Luan knew that his fighting style—light, fluid, and unpredictable—was his only chance to overcome the wall of strength that Drex represented. His movements were a direct response to the growing threat of the captain, and while Drex moved with the brutality of a tank, Luan danced around him, always striving to maintain the upper hand. Every move was an adaptation to those extreme conditions, his mind anticipating Drex's next attack while his agility provided the response.

Drex wasn't easily defeated. His endurance was immense, and he had undeniable military precision. He blocked a kick from Luan with skill, then tried to grab him by the neck with an impressively powerful movement. Luan immediately recognized the danger. If he was caught, he would have no chance of resisting Drex's power. But Luan didn't hesitate. With even more impressive agility, he slipped to the side, the movement flowing like a dance. He easily avoided the grip, then quickly spun, landing a punch on Drex's exposed side, striking the captain's armor.

Luan paused for a brief moment, heavy breaths filling the space around him, his muscles tense. Captain Drex, though clearly injured, was rising, and his fiery gaze of anger and determination indicated that he wasn't defeated yet. But as Luan observed him, he began to understand something that had previously escaped his perception.

"This bastard… he's not trying to defeat me immediately," Luan thought, his mind racing. "He's keeping me occupied. He knows I can't keep up this pace. He's testing me, trying to wear me down while waiting for his damn reinforcements to arrive."

The weight of the realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Drex, with his brute strength and military control, wasn't just defending himself—he was prolonging the fight, waiting for a moment of weakness so that Luan would tire. Every strike, every calculated move, wasn't just an attack—it was a way to stretch out time. Drex knew exactly what he was doing: he was keeping Luan busy until the reinforcements arrived and the balance of the battle shifted against him.

"I have to end this," Luan thought, adrenaline pumping through his veins. "If this keeps up, I'll be overwhelmed. They won't take long to arrive. I'm fast, but not fast enough to face an army…"

The battle wasn't just physical; it was psychological. The captain was trying to wear him down, not with strength, but with patience, forcing him to fight longer than necessary. The more Luan fought, the more exhausted he would become, the more his focus would slip. Drex's victory wouldn't come through strength, but through exhaustion.

Luan felt the weight of every second, every moment his energy dwindled. He couldn't afford to be dragged into this war of attrition. It was now or never. Drex was trying to drive him crazy. Every move the captain made seemed calculated, every strategic pause making Luan question his own rhythm. Time was becoming his enemy.

Drex faltered for a moment, and that was enough for Luan. He saw the opening and surged forward with impressive speed, his fluidity and precision characteristic of his nature. In a single motion, he struck the captain with a precise blow to the stomach. The pressure was so great that Drex was thrown back, stumbling a few steps. Luan didn't relent. Without hesitation, he forced Drex into a corner of the ship, each move now more precise and calculated. He needed to corner the captain, push him out of his zone of strength.

The fight wasn't won yet, but Luan felt he had taken control, at least for a moment. He knew he couldn't keep facing Drex on equal terms. His advantage was in speed, flexibility, and controlling the rhythm of the battle. Every movement now was a direct response to Drex's threats, each step an attempt to keep the captain under control. But Luan also knew he couldn't waste time. The reinforcements were coming.

Drex, relentless as always, was already preparing for a counterattack. His military stance was rigid, his presence threatening. But Luan knew the fight wasn't just about brute strength. He had to be smarter, faster, more precise. He couldn't keep up at this pace. He needed to act before it was too late.

"I can't stay here any longer," Luan realized. "He's just keeping me busy while the others get closer. If I don't do something now, I'll be surrounded. I have to finish this quickly."

Without hesitation, Luan extended his palms, the insides facing outward, like a water master concentrating. The connection to the ship's hydraulic system was immediate. He felt the flow as if it were part of himself, controlling every flow, every pressure in the pipes. It was an incomparable feeling of power. He knew what needed to be done. With a firm and precise motion, he pulled his hands toward himself, channeling all the water pressure through the pipes.

Suddenly, a powerful jet of water shot toward Drex. The pressure was brutal. The captain was thrown against the wall, his massive figure propelled by the force of the blow. Drex tried to react, but it was futile. The force was so great that the captain was temporarily disoriented, his attempts to counterattack failing as he tried to regain his balance.

Taking advantage of the gap, Luan advanced quickly, like a shadow. The water, now fully under his control, followed his will with precision. He made the liquid currents coil around Drex's limbs, completely immobilizing him. Drex tried to resist, but the flexibility and speed of Luan's movements were unbeatable. The pressure of the water increased, forcing Drex to the ground. With one final move, Luan concentrated all the energy of the water and instantly turned it to ice, trapping Drex against the wall. The captain, now completely immobilized, was frozen in a thick layer of ice, his attempts to move becoming futile.

Luan wasted no time. With a determined look, he jumped over the frozen captain and moved toward the exit. Drex, now completely paralyzed, would no longer be an obstacle. The mission wasn't over yet, but Luan had gained the crucial advantage for his escape.

Luan moved swiftly. The adrenaline still coursed through his veins, but his mind was sharp as a blade. He skillfully glided through the narrow tunnel, passing security doors and moving with almost supernatural agility. The ship was still under his control, but he knew there was no time to waste. Drex had been neutralized, but the mission was far from complete.

Passing through a maintenance opening, Luan slinked through a tight passage, bypassing the remaining security systems. Each movement was meticulously calculated, a silent dance through the ship. The tension in the air was palpable, but he couldn't afford to fail. He needed to reach the control room, where he could finally complete his mission and escape before Drex's reinforcements arrived.

The path to the control room took him to a strategic point near the disposal elevator. Luan's helmet visor flickered with new alerts, indicating that the Galra patrols were moving faster now, sweeping every corner of the ship. But he was one step ahead. In one swift motion, he hid in the shadows of a ventilation duct, watching as a group of soldiers hurried past. With the path clear, he silently slipped out, moving toward the outer hull.

Finally, he reached the critical point: the control chamber adjacent to the disposal elevator. From here, he had a direct line of sight to his auxiliary ship, Alteran, docked to the outer hull of the Galra ship. The Alteran was compact and designed for quick infiltration missions, perfect for connecting and hiding on the exterior of a massive structure like the Galra mothership.

Luan approached the small access hatch that connected the internal chamber to the outer hull. He activated a hidden control panel, quickly typing in a decryption code. His helmet visor displayed the confirmation: Partial depressurization initiated. With a hissing sound, the hatch opened, revealing the vast emptiness of space and the Alteran docked to the enemy ship's hull.

The wind from the depressurization rushed past him, but Luan stayed steady, anchored by special magnets in his boots. He slipped through the hatch, his body almost floating in the reduced gravity, and reached the auxiliary ship. His fingers grasped the external handles, and with a calculated push, he pulled himself inside the Alteran. The interior of the small ship felt familiar and comforting, even though time was running short.

With a swift motion, Luan closed the Alteran's hatch and initiated the separation sequence. The auxiliary ship's systems powered up, recognizing him as the authorized pilot. As he settled into the cockpit, the vibration of the Alteran was felt. The anchoring mechanisms released with a jolt, and the ship began to detach from the Galra mothership's hull.

The separation was smooth, but Luan knew the mission wasn't finished yet. He pressed a button on the control panel, and a red light illuminated. "Explosives activated," the screen indicated. Luan took a deep breath, feeling the tension in the air as he made the final adjustments. The system was ready.

He activated the Alteran's engines, the small ship darting out of the danger zone and heading toward a nearby debris field. The sound of the ship breaking free was like the final note of a symphony of chaos, and the explosions he had set off shook the mothership with a devastating roar. Luan briefly looked back, seeing the chaos he had left behind.

He then activated the communicator, his voice firm, with no trace of hesitation. "Mission complete. Explosives activated, the distraction was successful."

Allura's response came immediately, her voice usually calm and controlled, but with a hint of satisfaction behind it. "Good work, Luan. The distraction was crucial. I'll open a portal at your location. Get ready for extraction."

The familiar sound of the portal opening echoed in Luan's earpiece, and he prepared to cross through. The sensation of the energy field forming around him began to vibrate softly in the air as he neared the opening.

"Portal ready, Luan," Allura said, her voice now infused with confidence. "Let's get out of here before the Galra figure out what happened."

Luan didn't waste any time. With one last look at the Galra mothership, still trembling from the explosions he had caused, he propelled himself toward the portal. The energy field enveloped him, and he felt the familiar shiver run down his spine as he was transported away.