Corium

General Voldyck stood before Milena and Prince Andrea's group, his imposing figure casting a long shadow under the dim emergency lights of the cargo hold. The air was thick with tension, the scent of damp metal and scorched wiring filling their lungs. The general had entered the cargo hold by improvising—tearing a hole through the land wagon's reinforced top armor using high-yield explosives. He and his men navigated through the lower compartments, neutralizing any resistance along the way, until they arrived at the heart of the scene.

Voldyck's sharp eyes scanned the cargo hold, taking in the sight before him. Several crates of Corium had been breached, their bluish glow now diluted by water, their once-pristine condition tainted. Rage simmered beneath his stoic expression as he realized the extent of the damage. His carefully orchestrated operation, his grand ambitions, now teetered on the brink of disaster.

"I see that you are trying to damage the goods," Voldyck said, his voice laced with cold disappointment. "I will not allow that to happen."

With a sharp gesture, Voldyck signaled his men. The Dumayar soldiers instantly raised their rifles, aiming them directly at Milena and Andrea's group. The metallic clatter of cocking weapons echoed in the cargo hold, making it abundantly clear that any resistance would be met with deadly force.

One patrolman, tense and unwilling to surrender, attempted to raise his rifle. A single shot rang out. His body stiffened before collapsing to the floor, blood pooling beneath his skull. A chilling silence followed.

"Do not move an inch!" Voldyck barked.

Andrea and Milena stood frozen. They had only managed to dilute a few crates of Corium—far too few. Several untouched stacks remained, their glowing contents a prize too valuable to fall into enemy hands. Yet now, with Voldyck's men surrounding them, they had little choice.

"Do you know how valuable this resource is to us, Grandians?" Voldyck continued, his tone shifting to one of condescension. "Corium is more than just an element—it is the future of warfare, of energy, of prosperity. And yet, you seek to destroy it?"

Milena and the others held their ground, their weapons still gripped tightly in their hands. Neither Andrea nor Roy spoke, their silence a firm refusal to acknowledge the Dumayar general's words.

"I see that you intend to play the silent game." Voldyck sighed. "Very well. Who is your commanding officer?"

"I am," Milena declared, her voice unwavering.

Voldyck arched a brow, seemingly amused. "There's no need for hostility. I only wish to talk—no, to bargain." He spread his arms in a gesture of diplomacy. "I assure you, by my word as a General of the Dumayar, I will honor my agreements."

With a measured nod, Voldyck lowered his own weapon and motioned for his men to do the same. The Dumayar soldiers hesitated for a moment before complying, though their fingers remained close to their triggers.

Milena hesitated, glancing at her own patrolmen before reluctantly lowering her rifle. "Stand down," she ordered.

Andrea, however, was far from convinced. "What do you think you're doing?" he hissed at Milena.

"We are outnumbered and outgunned," Milena replied evenly. "Fighting them now would be suicide."

Andrea clenched his jaw, his hands balling into fists. Despite his frustration, he gave his men the order to lower their weapons. Roy shot him a skeptical look but obeyed.

Voldyck offered a small, approving nod. "Much better." He took a slow step forward, surveying the room. "Corium is an element of immense value—one that you Grandians have foolishly chosen to abandon. For us, the Dumayar, it is a lifeline. I assure you, we intend to use it for noble purposes."

Milena's expression hardened. "You expect us to believe that? The use of Corium has been banned for a reason. Its potential for destruction is beyond comprehension. We cannot allow it to fall into the hands of those who would abuse it."

Voldyck sighed, as if disappointed by her response. "How narrow-minded." He folded his arms behind his back, pacing slowly. "Your governments may have forsaken Corium, but the rest of the world has not. The war is changing, Lieutenant. The ones who control Corium will control the future."

"I don't care about your grand visions," Milena shot back. "I have orders, and I intend to see them through."

A flicker of irritation passed through Voldyck's eyes. "That is unfortunate." He stopped pacing and turned to his soldiers. "Prepare to seize the cargo."

The Dumayar soldiers began moving forward, their weapons raised once more. Milena tensed, her grip tightening on her rifle. Andrea and Roy immediately followed suit, the fragile ceasefire crumbling before their eyes.

"You think we'll just stand by and let you take it?" Andrea growled.

"You're welcome to try and stop us," Voldyck replied coolly. "But I assure you, the outcome will not be in your favor."

"That is what we will do!" Milena said bravely.

"Roy, you know what to do!" Andrea said to Roy, without glancing at him.

Roy knew what the prince had meant. If he could distract the enemy, they could create an opening for their advantage. As his eyes scanned around, he saw a wire attached to the detonator in his waist.

"You only have one chance..." Andrea said in a low tone to Roy.

"Yes, my prince!" Roy replied.

General Voldyck's men approached closer as Milena and Andrea's men retreated and spread out. Voldyck, confident that the encounter would not meet any fierce resistance, smirked.

"Be cooperative, and we will be on our way," Voldyck said to Milena and Andrea, who gave him a defiant stare.

As Andrea and Milena's men reached a safe distance, Andrea called out to Roy, "Now, Roy!"

Roy took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around the detonator. The moment had arrived. With a swift motion, he pressed the trigger. A deafening explosion shook the cargo hold as fire and smoke erupted, sending chaos through the ranks of Voldyck's men.

Milena and Andrea seized the opportunity. "Go! Now!" Milena shouted as her men sprang into action, gunfire erupting from both sides.