The War Grows Darker

Meanwhile, across the galaxy, the Rhytil were preparing for their next strike. Their leadership was divided, but their resolve was stronger than ever. The recent loss had shaken them, but their resilience was undeniable. The core's interference had complicated things, but they had their own plans to counter it.

Their forces, though battered, were far from broken. They had begun developing new weapons, more potent than ever, designed specifically to neutralize the Alliance's reliance on the core. Intelligence gathered from their spies within the Alliance indicated that Lena's growing dependence on it was a weakness they could exploit.

In their hidden war room, Supreme Commander Ilythir of the Rhytil watched as the holographic representation of Lena flickered on the screen.

"She is becoming more dangerous with every move she makes," Ilythir muttered, his voice cold and calculating. "But she is also becoming more vulnerable. We can use that. We will strike when she is at her weakest."

His subordinates nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with a dangerous fervor.

"Prepare the new weapons," Ilythir commanded. "We will not lose this war because of some newfound weakness. We will crush her before she has a chance to realize just how much she's risking."