Chapter 143: The New Order
With Malakar's loyalty secured and the last Syndicate enforcer falling in a heap of smoldering wreckage, the fortress belonged to Raizen. The air was thick with the scent of battle, the halls littered with bodies of the fallen. Victory had been earned in blood and fire.
Raizen stood at the center of the command chamber, his golden eyes surveying the war-torn battlefield. Malakar knelt before him, his cybernetic arm still crackling with residual energy. His face was bruised, but his expression was resolute.
"You've got my forces, and you've got my word," Malakar said, voice rough but steady. "The Syndicate has made an enemy of me, and I want my revenge. But tell me—what's your real plan here?"
Raizen smirked. "This fortress is just the beginning. We're not just going to fight the Syndicate—we're going to replace them."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered soldiers. Joran let out a low chuckle. "I like the sound of that."
Selara crossed her arms. "Then we better start consolidating power. This place is valuable, but not invincible. The Syndicate will come for us soon."
Raizen nodded. "Then we prepare. Malakar, how many of your forces remain?"
Malakar exhaled. "We lost about forty percent in the battle. But those who survived? They're the toughest. And they'll follow the strongest leader."
Raizen's eyes gleamed. "Good. Then let's get to work."
The Fortress Reborn
Over the next several days, the fortress underwent a transformation. Engineers reinforced the defenses, automated turrets were recalibrated, and Raizen's forces—his forces now—trained relentlessly. The war for control had begun, and the Syndicate would soon know his name.
Liana worked tirelessly to integrate the fortress's security systems into the Revenant, giving Raizen full command from anywhere in the sector. Seraphina analyzed Syndicate movements, marking their weaknesses. Meanwhile, Nyx expanded their network, reaching out to mercenary groups and rogue traders who had reason to despise the Syndicate.
Raizen stood atop the highest watchtower, staring at the sky. This was only the first step.
A new power had risen, and its banner bore the name of Raizen Izumoto.
And soon, the entire galaxy would know it.