The news of Zekhtau’s impending arrival spread through the stronghold like wildfire in a storm. The atmosphere grew tense, heavy with unease and anticipation. His swift and precise advance left a palpable dread in its wake, shaking even the most steadfast hearts.
Every second mattered. Akira’s team quickly convened a strategy meeting, joined by the Uncle Pong siblings, who listened intently. Osiris activated the central holographic display, projecting drone footage into the room. The blue light from the display illuminated the faces of the group, all of whom watched with unyielding focus.
“The most dangerous target is Zekhtau,” Osiris began, her voice calm yet firm. “Though he hasn’t come in person, his remotely controlled Centaur model is a near-perfect replica of his original form—a lethal threat in every sense of the word.”
The display shifted to an image of a massive metal Centaur. Its sleek, menacing frame reflected the light ominously, while the energy halberd in its grasp radiated a cold, deadly glow.
“This Centaur unit is exceptionally agile,” Osiris continued. “It can leap, kick, and unleash devastating close-range attacks. Its armor is nearly impenetrable. Engaging it at close range is suicidal. Long-range attacks are the safest option.”
The image shifted to flying laser drones circling in the air. “These laser drones are less dangerous individually but can inflict significant damage over time. More importantly, they serve as scouts. Leaving them unchecked will compromise our positions.”
Next came a four-legged robot equipped with rocket launchers. Its design looked clunky, but its long-range rockets posed a significant threat. “These units aren’t as fast, but their explosive attacks can wreak havoc. Eliminating them quickly is crucial.”
Osiris changed the image again, showing a smaller Centaur robot wielding a lance. “These smaller Centaur units are faster and more nimble but not as dangerous as the primary target.”
Finally, the hologram displayed humanoid cyborgs wielding energy rifles. Their movements and postures exuded a brutal precision. “These are the Cyborg units. They’re smarter than regular machines, highly accurate, and deadly with their energy weapons. They will be a major problem if underestimated.”
A soft sigh escaped someone in the room after Osiris concluded her briefing. All eyes turned to Akira, as though awaiting orders.
Akira remained silent for a moment, his gaze unwavering as he processed the information. When he finally spoke, his voice carried a steady resolve. “We now know what we’re up against,” he said, each word deliberate. “From here on, we stick to the plan, no matter what. Together, we’ll get through this.”
A chorus of determined affirmations echoed in response, reigniting the team’s resolve. Despite the looming danger, they understood the stakes. This fight wasn’t just about survival—it was about protecting everything they held dear in Draft. None of them intended to let it slip away without a fight.
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The holographic table in the center of the room glowed faintly, reflecting the tension etched into everyone’s faces. Osiris adjusted the display, showing a detailed simulation of Zekhtau’s advancing forces.
“This is the most effective counter-strategy I’ve devised,” Osiris said, her voice steady, her gaze fixed on the hologram as if confronting her greatest adversary.
Standing beside her, Akira furrowed his brow. “You analyzed this so precisely… Who taught you?” he asked, a hint of curiosity and concern in his tone.
Osiris glanced at him briefly before answering in an even tone. “Castor. Sahliubol… and Zekhtau.”
The room fell silent. The mention of Zekhtau’s name hung heavily in the air, as if it had drained the oxygen from the room.
Akira’s expression hardened. “If you were Zekhtau, how would you counter this plan?”
Osiris paused, her fingers hovering over the holographic controls. She began inputting commands with swift precision. The display shifted, showing a far more complex counter-strategy. The simulated movements of Zekhtau’s forces were calculated and ruthless, as if anticipating every step they might take.
“This is likely what Zekhtau would do,” Osiris explained. “He doesn’t just plan to attack; he prepares to counter any move we might make.”
The team stared at the updated simulation, their faces tense. The strategy was intricate, almost overwhelming in its depth.
“It’s like a chess game,” Mirelle muttered under her breath. “Every move we make… he seems to have already accounted for.”
Yue, standing close to her brother, looked up at him with wide, worried eyes. “What do we do now, big brother?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
All eyes turned to Akira once more. Not just Yue, but Draco and Mirelle also watched him with unwavering trust. He had led them through countless trials before—like when he guided Draco and Yue to defeat the Fire Lion born from the Sin of Wrath, or when he helped Mirelle and the rest of the team overcome the grueling challenge posed by Princess Nagaria, embodiment of the Sin of Envy. Time and again, Akira’s ingenuity had steered them through both large and small battles alike. Now, with absolute faith, they believed he would find a way forward once again.
Even Elina, who often kept her emotions guarded, remained silent but attentive. Her penetrating gaze seemed to evaluate Akira, as if testing his resolve.
On the far side of the room, the five Pong siblings huddled together, whispering in hushed tones with unmistakable apprehension. Uncle Pong tried to smile and reassure them, but his trembling voice betrayed the fear he couldn’t hide.
Akira took in the sight of everyone in the room, drew a deep breath, and remained silent for a moment. Yet, in that silence, the steely resolve in his gaze instilled a quiet confidence in their small group. Deep down, he knew he had to do everything in his power to protect them.
“Listen,” he finally said, his voice clear and steady—an anchor of hope in the tense atmosphere. “We have no choice but to give this our best. Don’t forget—we each have our own strengths, and that’s more than enough to turn this situation around.”
He scanned the faces around him as if silently assuring them that no one would be left behind.
“This isn’t just about me or about any single person here,” he went on, his voice dropping slightly yet remaining firm enough to sink into every heart. “It’s about everyone we’re trying to protect. We won’t back down.”
His words brought a momentary hush, followed by a resolute chorus of assent, as though they were proclaiming to the world that they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Akira stepped up to the holographic table, where streams of tactical data glowed before him. A three-dimensional map displayed red lines marking the enemy’s advance and the positions of his own squad. His gaze lingered on each strategic location, as though seeking the key to turn the tide.
He circled the table in total silence, his measured footsteps echoing like a clock ticking down the last few moments. Outside, he could almost sense the encroaching force of Sektaw’s army—each second that slipped by tightening the knot of anxiety in every chest. Expectation and pressure hung thick in the air as the team awaited his verdict.
In Akira’s mind, a memory surfaced—days spent playing RTS strategy games with his father. He recalled his father’s advice: “In war, it’s not just about numbers or weapons, but how you use what little you have to maximum effect.” Though it was only a game, he knew those principles could hold true in reality. This was his chance to prove that lesson.
He swept his eyes over the intel Osiris had prepared: the enemy’s marching routes, potential weak points, and vantage areas they might exploit. Every detail had to be weighed carefully to give their team the best chance of survival.
Finally, he stopped pacing and turned to face everyone. Fear still clung to their expressions, but behind it lay a steadfast trust in him.
With a sudden, resolute inhalation, he stood tall and spoke in a firm voice. “We have our plan.”