Chapter: The beginning of the end
The Republic's warship, sliced through the atmosphere of Helar like a fiery comet, its colossal and imposing structure casting a gigantic shadow over the planet. The sight of the ship, with its gleaming cannons and energy shields glowing in shades of blue and silver, was both majestic and terrifying. For the inhabitants of Helar, who had lived for years under the constant threat of Marduck and his forces, the arrival of the Republic's ship was a sign of hope, but also a warning that something grand and dangerous was about to happen.
The Gaia Wrath was one of the largest ships in the Republic's fleet, measuring over 1,800 meters in length and equipped with cutting-edge technology. Its hull was made of an almost indestructible metal alloy, and its weapons were capable of reducing entire cities to ashes in a matter of minutes. The ship descended slowly, its engines echoing like distant thunder, until it landed on a large landing platform on the outskirts of Helar's capital, Aurelon.
The city of Aurelon was a stark contrast to the warship. Once a thriving metropolis full of life, Aurion was now in ruins. The tall, elegant towers that once reflected the sunlight were now broken and charred. The streets, once paved with gleaming stones and adorned with sculptures and fountains, were now covered in debris and dust. The great lake at the center of the city, once crystal clear and teeming with life, was now polluted and dark, reflecting the somber mood of everyone on Helar.
Marcus , the fleet's captain, disembarked with his soldiers, all clad in gleaming armor and carrying high-tech weapons. Marcus was an imposing figure, standing at 8 feet tall, with short black hair and purple eyes that seemed capable of piercing anyone's soul. He led his men in tight formation, his footsteps echoing through the silent streets of Aurion.
- Stay alert - ordered Marcus, his voice firm and commanding. - We don't know what awaits us here.
The soldiers, all veterans of countless battles, followed Marcus in silence, their eyes scanning for any movement. The city was deserted, with only a few inhabitants peeking timidly from behind broken windows. The silence was unsettling, but Marcus knew he couldn't hesitate. He had a mission to fulfill.
When they reached the city center, they were greeted by the King of Helar, a middle-aged man with a weary but dignified expression, and the High Priest of the Temple of Mandrax, an elderly man in a brown robe with eyes that seemed to carry the weight of centuries of knowledge. The king bowed to Marcus, while the priest observed him intently.
- Captain Marcus - said the king, his voice grave and filled with sorrow. - We thank you for your arrival. We have much to discuss.
- What happened here? - asked Marcus, getting straight to the point. - Where is the Republic's envoy?
The king sighed, looking at the ground before answering.
- Marduck... - he began, pronouncing the name with hatred and fear. - He attacked our planet after discovering the Stellarium. He killed the Republic's envoy and many of our soldiers. He is coming to Helar, and this time, he will leave no survivors.
The priest intervened, his voice calm but urgent.
- There is more, Captain. There is a boy here who I believe is a Herald of the 7. But, sir, I think he is from that constellation.
Marcus frowned, intrigued.
- A Herald and from that constellation? - he repeated, intrigued. - And who is this herald?
The priest looked at Marcus with a serious expression.
- Zorya. A young man from Helar. He has been tormented by visions of a black star, and there is something about him... something we cannot ignore.
Marcus nodded, determined to learn more.
- Bring Zorya to me. I want to see him.
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While they waited for Zorya, Marcus and his soldiers began preparing for war. The Gaia Wrath was strategically positioned above the city, its cannons aimed at the sky, ready to face any threat that might arise. The smaller ships of the Republic's fleet, known as War Falcons, were sent to patrol the outskirts of the city, their engines buzzing like swarms of bees.
Inside the city, the Republic's soldiers worked side by side with the inhabitants of Helar to fortify the defenses. Barricades were erected in the main streets, and defense towers were built at the highest points of the city. The air was thick with tension, but also with determination. Everyone knew that the upcoming battle would be decisive.
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As Marcus oversaw the preparations, one of his soldiers, Pontius, approached him. Pontius was a seasoned warrior, loyal and always ready to speak his mind.
- Captain - said Pontius, his voice low but firm. - Do you think it was Marduck behind the disappearance of the senator?
Marcus paused, considering the question. He had been wondering the same thing since they arrived.
- It's likely - replied Marcus, his voice steady. - Marduck has been growing bolder, and his attacks have become more strategic. If he discovered the Stellarium, he would stop at nothing to control it. The senator's disappearance fits his pattern.
Pontius nodded, his expression grim.
- Then we need to be ready for anything - he said. - Marduck won't go down easily.
- No, he won't - agreed Marcus. - But neither will we.
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It was then that the sensors on Marcus's ship detected an approaching fleet. It was Marduck, the feared king of Kizar, and his forces. Marduck's fleet was a terrifying sight, composed of black, angular ships with red details that glowed like embers under the starlight. The flagship, The Blade of Kzar, was a colossal structure, measuring over 1,500 meters in length and armed with plasma cannons and missile launchers.
Marduck disembarked in Aurion, his presence imposing and terrifying. He was a giant of a man, standing at 7 feet 8 inches, with black armor that seemed to absorb the light around him. His red eyes burned with fierce intensity, and his voice boomed like thunder as he spoke.
- Surrender, Helarians - said Marduck, his voice filled with disdain. - Do you really think you can stop me?
Marcus, without hesitation, activated a hologram to communicate directly with Marduck. The image of the king of Kizar appeared before him, his red eyes fixed on Marcus.
- Marduck - replied Marcus, his voice firm and full of challenge. - You made a mistake coming to Helar. Prepare for your destruction.
- Who are you? - asked Marduck, with a tone of contempt.
- I am Marcus , general of the Republic - replied Marcus, his voice echoing with authority. - And you, Marduck, are about to learn what it means to face the justice of the Republic.
Marduck laughed, a cold and humorless sound.
- We shall see, general. We shall see.
The hologram faded, and Marcus turned his attention back to the impending battle. He knew that the confrontation with Marduck would be epic, and that the fate of Helar and the entire galaxy was at stake.
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Author's Note:
In this story, a Herald is the same as a stellar energy user, someone who born with the power of the stars. The 7 refers to the Seven Star Lords, a group of legendary beings who are said to have shaped the cosmos in its earliest days. These Star Lords are often associated with specific constellations, and those born under their influence are believed to possess unique abilities tied to the stars.
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