The Rhytil’s Counterattack:

Meanwhile, Supreme Commander Ilythir stood aboard his flagship, watching as his fleet approached the Alliance's stronghold. The time had come to finish what they had started. He had been patient, waiting for Lena to weaken herself with the core's influence. Now, with the Alliance's forces on the brink of collapse, the Rhytil would strike decisively.

"Lena thinks she can control the core," Ilythir muttered, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the command console. "But in the end, it will control her."

The Rhytil forces had been preparing for this moment for weeks. New weapons had been developed, specifically designed to counter the core's power. Ilythir knew that the core was the key to Lena's strength—and to her inevitable downfall. Once they struck, the Alliance would be defenseless.

"Prepare the fleet," Ilythir ordered. "We move in five minutes. This will be the final push."