The Trap is Set

The Rhytil fleet advanced through the cold expanse of space, confident in their overwhelming superiority. Their ships, sleek and menacing, cut through the stars with deadly precision, their warships humming with power. The Alliance had shown weakness—this time, they would not escape.

General Xorath surveyed the incoming Alliance fleet, noting their movements with cold calculation. The Rhytil had gathered their full might for this strike, and there was no doubt in his mind that victory was inevitable. He would make sure of it.

"Prepare for immediate engagement," Xorath ordered, his tone sharp. "We crush them now before they can rebuild."

But unbeknownst to him, the Alliance was already a step ahead.

As the Rhytil fleet approached, the Alliance ships seemed to scatter—retreating in different directions, making it appear as if the Alliance was disorganized, disheartened by their previous losses. The Rhytil pursued, believing they had the advantage. It was exactly what Lena had hoped for.

At the edge of the system, Lena and her fleet waited, hidden behind a dense asteroid field. The plan was working—just as Draven had predicted. The Rhytil were lured into their trap, drawn deep into enemy territory with no clear path for escape.

"Now," Lena whispered, her hands gripping the armrests of her chair. The time had come.

A signal was sent, and without hesitation, the Alliance fleet swung into action. They emerged from behind the asteroids, their ships now fully charged and positioned for a devastating assault.

The battle that followed was chaotic, brutal, and fast. The Rhytil fleet, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the Alliance, struggled to realign their formations. But the Alliance had the upper hand in that moment—their surprise attack crippled several of the Rhytil flagship vessels before they could regroup.

"Target their weak points!" Tavon shouted, his voice rising over the roar of battle. "We can't let them recover!"

Lena's heart pounded as her fleet engaged. Her mind worked rapidly, analyzing the movements of the Rhytil, predicting their tactics. The core's influence surged through her, giving her an edge—but she kept a tight grip on it, reminding herself that she couldn't afford to lose control.

The Rhytil retaliated fiercely, but their disarray allowed the Alliance to gain the upper hand. Explosions rippled through the void, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The staccato of gunfire echoed in Lena's ears, each shot a reminder of how high the stakes were.