The Warriors of the Sky

A New Command

The air was crisp atop the Sanctum of Orchids, the cold mountain winds weaving through the ancient halls like whispers of forgotten warriors. The violet moons hung low, illuminating the Celestial Platform, where only the most honored of Salgaran warriors gathered before embarking on their destined paths.

Tlandar stood at the edge of the platform, his gaze fixed on the massive Xothek Formicrons lined in perfect formation before him. Towering twenty-foot war mechs, each inscribed with ancient Asemeri abstract symbols of knowledge and battle tactics, stood silent, their steel exteriors gleaming under the celestial glow. They were not mere machines. They were extensions of the warriors who piloted them.

Beside him, Akashma watched, her expression unreadable.

"It is done," she said at last.

Tlandar turned to face her.

"Chieftain Salgar has placed her best warriors under your command," she continued, stepping forward. "Two hundred Salgaran elite pilots—the most skilled, the most disciplined, and the most unshakable warriors in the heavens."

She motioned toward the silent rows of pilots standing at attention before their machines.

"They will fight for you," Akashma said. "They will fly for you. They will die for you."

Tlandar exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of her words.

"I never asked for command," he admitted.

Akashma's gaze sharpened. "No. But it was always yours to take."

---

The Superior Formicron

A deep hum filled the air as a single Formicron stepped forward, different from the rest.

It was larger, its plating reinforced with an alloy unseen in standard models, its Asemeri symbols of battle glowing faintly with an inner energy. Its arms bore experimental pulse projectors, capable of unleashing devastating plasma blasts, and its back was equipped with thrusters designed for zero-gravity maneuvers.

"This one," Akashma said, gesturing toward it, "is yours."

Tlandar studied it, feeling something stir within him.

"What makes it different?"

Akashma gave a small, knowing smile.

"It is linked to your command. Unlike the others, its neural core is enhanced for synchronization. It will allow you to issue battle formations in real time, command your warriors through a shared vision, and synchronize combat maneuvers instantly."

She held up a black and gold helmet, its sleek design unlike anything he had seen before. The visor pulsed faintly, and holographic nodes lined the interior, shimmering with encoded instructions.

"With this helmet, you will command them all," she said. "Every pilot, every maneuver, every shift in battle. They will see what you see. They will move as you move. And through the holographic interface, you will guide them as one."

Tlandar took the helmet in his hands, running his fingers over the inscribed Asemeri symbols etched along its surface.

It was not just a tool of war.

It was the helm of a leader.

---

The Test of Command

Tlandar turned back to the two hundred Salgaran pilots, their expressions unwavering as they waited for his command.

"This is your squadron now," Akashma said. "They have already accepted you. But before we leave the Sanctum… they will need to see you lead."

Tlandar glanced toward the vast training grounds below, where Formicron simulators stood in wait.

Akashma crossed her arms. "Let's see if you can command the greatest warriors of Salgar."

---

A Destiny Set in Motion

Tlandar placed the helmet upon his head, feeling the synchronization process engage instantly. The visor activated, and a translucent holographic battlefield appeared before his eyes.

Through it, he saw his pilots' positions, movement trajectories, and combat stances—all mapped out in real time.

A deep pulse echoed through his mind as he spoke his first command.

"Form battle formation, Delta-9."

Instantly, the pilots moved.

Perfect.

Flawless.

Unified.

Tlandar grinned.

He had never asked for command.

But now that it was his—he would own it.

And with this squadron, with this power… he would carve a path through the stars.