The Tide Turns: A Temporary Victory

Despite the fierce retaliation, the Alliance managed to push forward. With the help of coordinated tactics and sheer determination, they breached the inner sanctum of the Rhytil stronghold, striking at their central command center. The Rhytil fleet was forced into retreat, and the Alliance held the ground they had fought so hard for.

But Lena knew this victory was fleeting. The Rhytil were not easily deterred, and they would strike back harder than ever. The war was far from over.

The aftermath of the battle was both a relief and a burden. The Alliance had won the first major battle, but at what cost? Several key ships had been lost, and many lives had been sacrificed in the skirmish. The Rhytil's response was expected—brutal, relentless, and unforgiving. But the Alliance had proven they could strike back, that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Lena stood in the aftermath, looking over the wreckage of the battlefield. The survivors were tending to their wounded, while the fleet began the process of regrouping and resupplying.

"How many?" Lena asked, her voice soft.

"Too many," Draven replied, his face grave. "But we did it. We've made a mark. The Rhytil know we're not going down without a fight."

Lena nodded, but her mind was already turning to the future. The Rhytil wouldn't let this defeat slide. They would come back stronger. And Lena had to be ready.