The Battle Unfolds

The battlefield erupted into chaos. The Alliance ships engaged in a deadly dance with the Rhytil forces, firing lasers and plasma bolts that illuminated the void. Explosions ripped through the fabric of space, scattering debris as ships collided in a symphony of violence.

Lena's team was aboard one of the Alliance's stealth crafts, a small, agile ship designed for infiltration. Their mission was to breach the Rhytil's heavily fortified relay station, located in the upper atmosphere of Serai. It was a risky move, but it was their only chance to cripple the Rhytil's ability to coordinate their forces.

"All systems are green," one of the pilots reported. "We're clear for approach."

Lena focused, tapping into the core. She could feel the pulsing energy flowing through her, the alien power syncing with her thoughts. The ship's systems responded to her commands as if they were extensions of herself. The core was guiding her, showing her a direct path through the Rhytil defenses.

But with every use of the core's power, Lena felt herself slipping further into the abyss of its influence. The sensation was intoxicating—the rush of knowledge, the ease of control. For a brief moment, she thought about using more of its energy, just enough to ensure victory. But a whisper of doubt echoed in her mind.

No. Not now. Don't lose yourself again.