Chapter 105: Those Who Erase the Past
The alarms blared, red warning lights casting flickering shadows through the station's ancient corridors. Seraphina's violet eyes darkened as she stepped forward, her presence now fully awakened. Though she had only just emerged from stasis, her movements were sharp, controlled, like she had been waiting for this exact moment.
Raizen's golden irises flickered as he absorbed the information Liana was feeding him. "Four cruisers, all unmarked but operating with mercenary signatures."
Joran cracked his knuckles. "Guessing they aren't here to scavenge."
Kain grimaced, checking his rifle. "They came prepared. Question is, for what?"
Seraphina turned toward Raizen, her voice steady. "They have been searching for me. For centuries, factions aligned with the old war sought to erase all remnants of the Draconic Sovereigns." She gestured toward the stasis pods surrounding them. "This station was meant to protect what little remained. But the moment it activated, it became a beacon."
Raizen smirked. "Guess we just rang the dinner bell."
Liana's voice crackled over the comms. "We don't have much time. They're scanning the station now—if we don't act, they'll breach in minutes."
Raizen's smirk widened. "Then let's make sure they regret stepping foot here."
Defending the Vault
The team took up defensive positions, utilizing the natural choke points of the station's layout. The vault doors could be sealed, but that wouldn't hold them indefinitely. The mercenaries would breach through another entrance, using plasma charges or hacking devices.
Raizen crouched behind a console, gripping his Crimson Fang Energy Blade, feeling his Draconic bloodline pulse beneath his skin. Seraphina knelt beside him, her eyes scanning the exits.
She spoke quietly. "You do not yet fully understand what you are."
Raizen glanced at her. "Then explain."
Seraphina held his gaze. "Your bloodline is not just an inheritance—it is a connection to something far greater. A legacy that even now, others fear. The fact that I awoke when you arrived is no coincidence."
Raizen smirked. "You saying I'm special?"
She chuckled. "More than you know."
Joran's voice interrupted them. "We've got movement!"
The station's outer airlock doors hissed as the mercenaries made their move. The first charge went off, blowing a small opening into a lower sector of the station. Metal groaned under the sudden force, and the sound of magnetic boots clanking against the deck echoed through the halls.
Raizen's golden irises sharpened. "Here we go."
The First Strike
The first squad moved cautiously, rifles raised, their visors glowing red as their scanners swept the area. They were professionals—no wasted movements, no unnecessary chatter. They knew they were stepping into something dangerous.
They just didn't know how dangerous.
Raizen activated his stealth systems, his body blending into the shadows. With a silent nod to Joran, they moved—fast. Like predators descending upon prey.
The first mercenary didn't even get a chance to react before Raizen's blade sliced cleanly through his armor, severing power systems. The body dropped before an alarm could be raised. The second turned—too slow. Joran's gauntlet crushed his throat, silencing him instantly.
"Two down," Joran muttered. "More coming."
The mercenaries, now aware of their presence, reacted swiftly. Gunfire erupted, plasma bolts scorching through the halls.
Kain took cover, firing precise rounds that struck two soldiers in their visors, sending them crumpling to the floor. Seraphina, meanwhile, raised her hand—and something shifted in the air.
A pulse of unseen force radiated from her palm, slamming into the remaining enemies. Their armor crumpled under the sudden impact, their weapons torn from their hands as they were hurled back against the walls.
Raizen arched a brow. "That's a neat trick."
Seraphina smirked. "You could do it too, in time."
The battle wasn't over. More ships were still circling the station. This was only the first wave.
Raizen exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Let's finish this."