CHAPTER 78: THE FIRST MISSION–INFILTRATE AND RESCUE

[HQ Room – The Night before the Mission]

The room was filled with people—strong ones. Imperial could sense their power. Each group sat together, aligned by their empires. Then, the Commanders of the Solaria Empire entered and took their places.

Silver gestured for Imperial to sit.

The seat reserved for him stood alone, opposite the rest. It was the seat of a leader.

Imperial hesitated for a moment… but then walked over and sat down.

Ari and the others followed, taking their seats.

Imperial stood. His voice was calm but steady.

"I am Imperial Alden, and from this moment on, I stand as the leader of the CA Alliance."

Silver rose and began the introductions.

"I am Silver—Commander of the CA from Solaria Empire.

This is Vince—from Lunaris Empire.

She is Mirae—from Aetheris Empire.

And he is Ezren—from Pyronis Empire."

And behind each commanded, there is an vice commanded with around 8 – 10 CA members

Imperial nodded respectfully to each of them.

"First, I want to thank all of you for being here. You might already know—the celebration for the new alliance will be postponed. We've received our first mission."

He looked around, serious.

"Let me be direct: If any of you don't want to be involved, you can leave. This is my problem. I won't drag anyone into it."

A deep voice responded.

"It's not just about you anymore, Imperial," Ezren said.

"We are part of the same alliance. Your problem is now our duty."

Ezren stood, his tone heavy.

"I'm Ezren, Commander of the Pyronis CA. We've gathered some intel—something important regarding this rescue mission."

Imperial nodded.

"Please, Commander Ezren, share what you've learned."

Ezren began.

"As you know, Lady Ari is from the Hale family, one of the Eleven Supreme Royal Families.

Years ago, when the King of Hale intended to pass his crown to Ari's father, his own younger brother betrayed him.

At first, it looked like an internal dispute. But what we discovered changes everything.

Lord Zech and Lady Kira—Ari's parents—have not been in the Hale Empire. They've been prisoners here, in this empire… for the last seven years."

A cold silence filled the room.

"Since their disappearance," Ezren continued, "the Hale family was demoted—branded as a mere branch family. That means Lord Zech no longer holds a seat among the Supreme Eleven."

Imperial narrowed his eyes.

"Why now? Why are our parents involved, and why are they being used together?"

"We suspect the reason lies in the eleven Supreme Families SUMMIT(the 11SFS), where they met."

Imperial replied, "Only our parents would know what happened at that meeting. We'll have to ask later. Not now. Right now… we focus on the mission."

He turned toward the others.

"I don't usually rely on planning, but I've drafted a blueprint for this operation."

He pointed at Ari and Tracey.

"You two will lead a group made of Pyronis and Aetheris CA members. Your mission—rescue Ari's parents from the prison."

Mirae raised a concern.

"What if it's a trap? What if they're not in the prison at all? They could be bait."

Ari added, "She's right."

Silver stepped in.

"My spies are inside that prison. This morning, I received a report. The targets are still there—and they're under strict surveillance. That means they're important. Too important to move. Too important to lose."

Tracey frowned.

"Then why reveal them now? They've kept them hidden for seven years."

Imperial's eyes darkened.

"Because this isn't about them. This is about us."

"What do you mean?" Tracey asked.

Imperial explained.

"They've had my father… and Ari's parents… for years. If they wanted them dead, they'd be gone already.

But my father was declared a rogue seventeen years ago. They made the world believe he abandoned his empire and possibly died. That way, if he were ever killed, no one would know… no one would question it."

He continued.

"But now—now, they announce his execution. That changes everything. They want us to act. They want me to come. Because once chaos erupts, they'll have a reason… a perfect excuse… to target me."

Vince looked confused.

"But why you, Imperial? You're not even part of the CA when reports are made. And you're from the Eleven Families. They could've captured you more easily."

Imperial looked away.

"I have my reasons. Some things… I'm still not ready to share."

Silver supported him.

"It's alright, Imperial. We trust you."

Gray added,

"But why involve Ari's parents too?"

Imperial answered.

"Because they know how close Ari is to me. If she hears her parents are being executed, they know she'll act. And if she acts—I'll follow. They want us both."

He turned to Jack.

"Jack, you'll go with Ari and Tracey. Once they're rescued, your job is to get Ari's parents to this safe location."

"After that, bring reinforcements to the battlefield. We'll need you. You're the trump card."

"Your magic will decide the mission's success. Protect Jack at all costs. If the enemy finds out what he can do… he'll be their first target."

Imperial concluded.

"Gray and I have secured a ship—disguised and tagged with Jack's magic. It's my family's. That's our exit.

No matter what, make sure my father and Ari's parents are rescued.

If anything delays the mission—leave it. Your priority is the rescue. Understood?"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Imperial stood, raising his right hand to eye level.

A strange black, flame-like gas swirled from his palm. It fragmented into tiny sparks, falling over everyone seated.

None of them understood what it was.

But none of them questioned it either.

With a final nod, Imperial dismissed the meeting.

________________________________________

[Later That Night]

Imperial met Ari under the stars. Her face was pale, her eyes uncertain.

"I know you're worried," he said gently. "But you're strong. You can protect and rescue your parents. Don't hold back. I won't either."

He looked away.

"I'll use 80% of my power. I know my body won't handle it well. But this is our only chance.

Right now, you're stronger than me. The only thing that ever held you back—was your heart.

But tomorrow… be ready. Be willing to fight. Even if it means facing the worst."

That night, neither of them could sleep.