Chapter 70: Retribution

Chapter 70: Retribution

Silvia's POV

The scent of burning metal and scorched earth still clung to the battlefield as Silvia sat atop the crumbling ruins of what had once been Titan's forward operating base. The battle was over, the embers of destruction fading into the dawn, but the war was far from won.

Dragon sat beside her, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of another night spent fighting. His golden eyes flickered in the early light. "So, do I cash in that date now or later?"

Silvia huffed, giving him a sideways glance. "We just fought for our lives, and that's what you're thinking about?"

He smirked. "You say that like I can't multitask."

She let out a tired laugh. "Fine. But I'm too exhausted to go anywhere, so if you want a date, it better involve sitting right here and watching the sunrise."

Dragon grinned. "Best date ever."

A Moment of Peace

The sky turned shades of amber and violet as the sun peeked over the horizon. For the first time in weeks, Silvia allowed herself to breathe. The resistance had held. Titan had retreated. But the cost had been high.

Garrik approached, his armor still stained with battle grime. "We need to talk."

Silvia pushed herself to her feet. "No rest for the weary?"

"Not when Titan's already planning their next move," Garrik replied. "Scouts report that Titan's leadership wasn't at the battle. They knew they would lose, so they pulled back to their stronghold. This fight wasn't about winning. It was about testing us."

Silvia felt a cold weight settle in her stomach. Titan wasn't done. This was only the beginning.

The Next War

Inside the command tent, the resistance leaders gathered around a worn-out war map. Red marks littered the surface, each one signifying a Titan stronghold still in play. Some of the marks were new, indicating recent movements of Titan forces that had slipped through their net.

Tarren tapped the largest mark on the map. "This is where they're regrouping. If we want to end this war, we have to hit them before they strike again."

Garrik folded his arms. "We don't have the numbers for a direct assault. We need to be smart."

Dragon leaned back in his chair. "Or reckless. Reckless is fun."

Silvia rubbed her temples. "We're not charging in without a plan. We hit their supply lines, take out their infrastructure, and weaken them before we strike."

Garrik nodded. "So a war of attrition?"

"More like a war of precision," Silvia corrected. "We make them bleed before they even see us coming."

Tarren traced a path along the map. "There's an old supply route running parallel to Titan's reinforcements. If we cut them off there, they won't be able to resupply for weeks."

Dragon smirked. "And if we hit them while they're scrambling for supplies, they'll never recover."

Silvia nodded. "Then that's our next move. We bleed them dry."

Rekindled Resolve

The resistance forces prepared for the next stage of the war. Weapons were restocked, strategies refined, and spirits bolstered. But Silvia knew this fight wouldn't just be about firepower—it would be about endurance. Every fighter needed to be ready for what was coming.

As she stood overlooking the camp, Dragon stepped up behind her. "You know, this war could go on for years."

Silvia exhaled. "Then I guess we'd better start winning faster."

Dragon chuckled. "I like the way you think."

She turned to him, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "We're going to finish this, Dragon. One way or another."

His grin softened. "Then let's make sure we finish it together."

A gust of wind carried the distant sound of approaching footsteps. Silvia tensed as a scout ran toward them, breathless. "Commander! We've intercepted a Titan communication. They're planning something big. And it's not just an attack—it's an annihilation."

Silvia's stomach twisted. "How soon?"

"Three days. Maybe less. They're mobilizing their most dangerous forces. If they get the jump on us, we won't stand a chance."

Dragon ran a hand through his hair. "Well, that's inconvenient."

Silvia turned to her team, fire burning in her chest. "Then we strike first. No more waiting, no more reacting. We take the fight to them before they can even see us coming."

Garrik cracked his knuckles. "About time."

Tarren adjusted her rifle. "I'll get my team ready."

Dragon grinned. "And I'll start working on something suitably explosive."

Silvia took one last look at the camp, her people, the battlefield they had survived. This war had taken too much already. It was time to end it.

She turned back to her team, determination hardening her voice. "Let's go remind Titan who they're messing with."

Final Preparations

The next hours were spent refining their strategy. Silvia stood inside the planning tent, reviewing every possible scenario. Titan's forces were unlike anything they had faced before—stronger, more ruthless, and better equipped. If they made one wrong move, the resistance could be wiped out in a single strike.

Dragon leaned over her shoulder, scanning the map. "You're overthinking it."

She shot him a look. "We don't have room for mistakes."

He smirked. "Then don't make any."

She let out a small sigh, rubbing her forehead. "Sometimes I wonder how you stay so relaxed before a battle."

Dragon shrugged. "Easy. I trust you to keep me alive."

Silvia shook her head, but a small smile crept onto her lips. "And what happens if I need someone to keep me alive?"

Dragon's expression softened. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I guess I'll have to be extra careful. Can't let my future date get herself killed."

For a brief moment, the weight of war faded, and all she could focus on was the warmth of his touch. But then, reality came crashing back. They had work to do.

She took a deep breath, stepping back. "Let's finish this. Together."

Dragon nodded. "Together."

The war wasn't over, but the battle for retribution had begun.