Sophia jolted awake, gasping for air as if she'd been submerged underwater. Her body was slick with sweat, and her heart hammered against her chest. The nightmare had been more intense this time, weaving together the most traumatic events of her past. She saw Zaltheral, the necromancer whose bullet had once torn through her flesh, his sinister smile haunting her from the shadows. But the dream didn’t stop at her own pain; it spiraled deeper into grief, replaying the tragic death of Altheack, the girl both she and Mike had loved deeply.

As the dream shifted, Mike appeared in his most terrifying form—a massive red dragon, the body of Ignial whose life had ended at the hands of the Pillar of the North. Mike's transformation into this colossal beast was both awe-inspiring and horrifying, symbolizing his power and his torment. The climax of her nightmare came when he turned to look at her, his eyes a chilling contrast—one pitch black, the other a piercing blue. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed ominously, "See you soon, sis."

Shaking, Sophia forced herself to breathe as she sat up in bed. "Get a grip, Sophia," she whispered hoarsely, her voice breaking the silence of her dark room. Running a clawed hand through her damp hair, she felt the lingering presence of her half-dragon form. This form was Valicar's final guise before she had evolved fully into Sophia—it held a poignant reminder of the time Mike had separated from her soul to forge his path. The shimmering red and blue scales, along with her horns, claws, talons, wings, tail, and sharp teeth, served as stark reminders of her brother’s drastic changes and the deep connections forever altered by their shared fates.

With effort, she began the transformation back into her human guise. The scales retracted, her wings and tail disappeared, and her claws and talons turned back into human hands and feet. Within moments, she stood as Valicar, her long, flowing hair shimmering blue with red highlights. Her eyes, one red and one blue, reflected the turmoil she had just endured.

As she regained her composure, Sophia's gaze fell on the nearby mirror/communicator, a blend of magic and modern technology. It glowed softly, signaling an incoming call. She took a deep breath, smoothing down her hair and steadying her nerves, then reached out to activate it.

Raz Maliv’s holographic image flickered into view, the backdrop of chaos accentuating her urgent tone. "General Sophia," she began, her voice tense, "we've run into a serious situation. We’ve identified a new alien race, the Faluians. They've launched a surprise assault on our fleet, and from what our scouts can tell, their domain covers several demonic worlds, their culture is deeply infused with demonic teachings."

Sophia's gaze sharpened as she absorbed the information. "What’s the current status, Raz?"

The hologram shifted to reveal Holvor, a formidable dragon, in the thick of battle. With lethal precision, he unleashed his fiery breath and raw strength, decimating the enemy fleet. His flames and massive claws tore through shields and steel alike, as he relentlessly smashed their ships to bits. The vivid display of his destructive power was almost palpable through the hologram, showcasing the fierce might of a dragon in full combat.

"Holvor has taken the lead on the counterassault," Raz reported, "but he's out there almost on his own. I've jumped in with the forces we could muster, but it’s not enough. We’re stretched thin and in dire need of reinforcements."

Sophia's expression tightened, a mix of concern and irritation crossing her features. Holvor’s reckless bravery, his red scales gleaming even in the chaotic throes of battle, was all too reminiscent of Mike, a comparison that stirred deep emotions, though she kept them to herself. "Hold the line, Raz. Taileral is mobilizing additional forces from across the empire and is due to arrive at the capital any day now. We’ll launch a full-scale response soon. Every second you can hold them off counts."

Raz nodded, her expression etched with determination, her golden scales catching the light and emphasizing her resolve. "Understood, General. We'll hold the line. But hurry—the Faluians are deeply entrenched with demonic forces. It feels like we've walked into a trap."

"I'm on it," Sophia responded briskly. "Keep your defenses tight and don’t give them any ground. You can never be too careful when dealing with forces linked to Anna Sha. I’ll join you as soon as possible. First, I need to brief Easton—just make sure Holvor keeps his rampage focused in the right direction."

As the communication cut, Sophia paused to consider the broader implications. Her thoughts drifted to the empire's past dealings with alien races not native to Caldera—all of which had been dominated under Easton’s rule, often against her better judgment. This historical pattern of conquest, necessary yet uneasy, weighed heavily on her now, as she prepared to confront yet another alien threat potentially puppeteered by demonic forces.

Sophia’s resolve hardened; she knew the path forward required both decisive action and diplomatic caution. “Time to see what Easton thinks about this mess,” she muttered, switching off the communicator with a flick of her hand and striding out to meet the Emperor, her steps as determined as her resolve to protect the empire and prevent a repeat of past mistakes.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Sophia quickly dressed in her battle attire, feeling the familiar weight of her armor as a comforting presence. She checked her reflection in the mirror/communicator one last time, affirming the determined woman she needed to be. With resolve, she stepped out onto her penthouse balcony and whispered a quiet incantation, "Kar zal." Majestic wings of red and blue scales unfurled from her back, lifting her into the sky. She soared above the cityscape, her form gracefully weaving between spires of glass and stone, and the floating islands of Minerva—a blend of technology and ancient magic. The cool breeze was a brief escape from the weight of her responsibilities, a momentary respite as she headed towards the docks to prepare for the battle ahead.

Landing at the imperial docks, Sophia's dragon-wing form drew gasps and murmurs of awe from the gathered crowd. Her presence commanded respect, and the thrum of activity seemed to pause momentarily as she transformed back into her human form. Her red and blue scales, a mark of her legendary status as Valicar, shimmered away to reveal her equally striking human guise. The docks buzzed with energy, a hive of activity where futuristic troops and Templars were preparing for deployment. Soldiers loaded onto ships through teleportation circles, their gear a blend of magic and advanced technology—guns crafted from magical wood and steel, powered by crystals, knights wielding glowing swords, and battle staffs equipped with digital screens.

All around her, the signs of reverence were evident. Many knew her as the dragon reborn, the girl with the unique blend of red and blue hair and eyes—a feature many mages had since attempted to emulate, given that magic of the soul often manifested in physical changes. However, the blending of colors remained unique to Sophia, the guardian of all enlightened races of Caldera, the legend who had mastered necromancy and defeated the Pillar of the North. Her decision to swear off necromancy after such a victorious yet tumultuous past had marked her as not just a powerful mage but a wise leader, dedicated to protecting rather than dominating.

Sophia strode into the command center, her presence immediately dialing down the buzz of strategic discussions. The room, lit by the glow of holographic displays, showcased the empire's vast territories and military operations.

"Easton, have you heard the latest?" Sophia asked, a hint of informality in her voice due to her familiarity with the Emperor.

Easton glanced up, a slight grin touching his lips as he stumbled over his words, "Well, Val... erm, Sophia," he corrected himself, still adjusting even after all these millennia. He knew there had once been two souls in her body, and despite the passage of time, he occasionally slipped, remembering the vessel of Valicar as it once was, shared with Mike. "I figure you're pretty clued in already, considering your dragon is right in the middle of it all... But let’s make it official. We’re scrambling to respond here. The Faluians caught us off guard, and now about 20% of our military is tied up dealing with their demonic allies on the border."

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Yalgarth, the burly orc and newly appointed High Templar, spoke up with a voice roughened by countless battles, his tone carrying an urgency that matched the severity of their situation. "General, their entire culture is steeped in demonic influences—it makes these bastards tough to crack. But I have to say, your marshal, Holvor, didn’t hesitate. He launched a counterattack on their nearest planet and is giving us the breathing room we need to mobilize."

Sophia raised an eyebrow, her tone mixing concern with a hint of reprimand. "Direct engagement on a planet already? That’s so like Holvor. Figures he'd wipe out that fleet in no time." She couldn't help but admire his combat skills as the strongest of the three dragon marshals. "His bravery's impressive, but we can't let his rash moves put our forces at risk out in the outer rim."

Easton chimed in, his tone a mix of casual and grave. "That’s exactly why we're assembling the biggest fleet since the Ja'ias campaign. Remember those krakens? Effective as hell. And what we’ve got planned now, these bastards won't know what hit them. Trust me, Sophia, they're going to feel the full wrath of Caldera."

Sophia nodded firmly, her response crisp. "We need a tight operation, Easton. I’m leading the charge this time, and we’re not going to just slaughter our way through. We need to precisely target the possessed souls and cut off Anna Sha’s influence. She’s the top dog among demons now," Sophia added, her thoughts on the recent shifts in demonic power. Anna Sha had risen above other archdemons to become a formidable force in their universe.

"That's troubling news indeed, but we can't give them any breathing room," Easton replied, a deep look of concern etching his features. As a descendant of the archdemoness Anna Sha through his father, the Pillar of the North, Easton bore a heavy sense of responsibility to confront such entities, whether they were gods, demons, or mortals—no matter how brutal the campaigns might be. "Especially now that Anna Sha has risen above others like the archdemon Rox, we saw that monsters power long ago after all."

Sophia’s thoughts momentarily drifted as Easton mentioned the Ja'ias. She remembered the brutal war, one she had consciously chosen to keep Dragon Tooth out of. The Ja'ias, one of the few space-faring races not native to Caldera that the Empire had encountered, were an aquatic species resembling large slugs with numerous tentacles. Despite their advanced technology, they had no magical abilities or demonic connections. Their evolution, separate from any magical influence, had always intrigued her—it reminded her of Earth.

However, the method of warfare left a bitter taste in her mouth. Easton had unleashed some of Caldera’s deadliest sea monsters on their home planet—an ocean world that had been devastated by these beasts. It was a harsh reminder of the empire's sometimes cruel methods of subjugation, employing overwhelming force to ensure compliance and control, a tactic that resonated uncomfortably with the legacy of his demon heritage.

Sophia shook off the memory, refocusing on the task at hand. "That's in the past now," she said, her tone firm. "This time, we’re going to handle things differently. We’ve learned from our past, and while we need to be decisive, it’s crucial we avoid unnecessary genocide. We're guardians not conquers, Easton."

Easton nodded, acknowledging Sophia's strategy. "Agreed. We'll have the fleet ready by week's end, assembling about 50% of the Empire's total might at the border. This is the largest force we've mobilized in a long time, but I'm putting it under your command, I'm trusting you to steer our moral compass right this time around, oh great and noble Dragon Lord," he said with a smirk.

Sophia ignored the jibe and focused on the holo-map, plotting out the strategic positions that needed bolstering. "We've got to make sure our forces are completely prepped," she stated firmly, her voice laced with urgency. "With the Faluians' demonic connections, we're not just facing alien tech but possibly some new forms of dark magic. Every unit, especially the Templars, must be thoroughly briefed and equipped for whatever comes their way."

Easton responded with a blend of levity and conviction. "They'll prove their worth, Sophia. Remember, I've embraced the divine path to guide the empire."

Sophia knew well the depth of Easton's commitment. He had forsaken the darker aspects of his heritage, a lineage traced back to the Pillar of the North, who had once wielded immense holy powers before turning his divine magic to a genocidal purposes. Unlike his predecessor, whose quest for power had led to tyranny, Easton claimed this formidable magic for the greater good. His decision to reactivate the Templar Order, despite its controversial history, was a testament to his belief in their necessity for the Empire's protection. This was the same holy power that granted him immortality, a burden he bore as both a blessing and a solemn duty.

Sophia leveled a sharp gaze at Easton. "Just don't turn into a tyrant, Easton. We're not here to repeat the sins of the Pillar," she said bluntly, the memories of past atrocities etched deeply in her mind.

Yalgarth, with a note of urgency typical of his battle-hardened experience, interjected, "General, the rising unrest among the Ja'ias sectors is a pressing concern. They're seeing our focus on the Faluians as an opportunity to rebel."

Sophia's patience was wearing thin. "I get it, Yalgarth. But we’ve got to be strategic about how we deploy our forces. Spreading ourselves too thin just to suppress another rebellion is reckless."

Easton, aiming for a middle ground, nodded. "That's precisely why we're deploying a battalion of elite Templars to each unit. They're tasked with peacekeeping, and a single battalion can control an entire sector."

The mention of the Ja'ias stirred a hint of bitterness in Sophia. She often worried that Easton's tactics were uncomfortably similar to his father's ruthless methods. "We need to remember our role here, Easton," Sophia asserted sharply. "James and I are protectors, not your enforcers. I’m not about to help crush rebellions, especially not when you’re wielding holy magic like it’s just another weapon in your political arsenal."

Easton, his tone sharpening with frustration, interjected. "Enough of your moralizing bullshit, Sophia. Your hands—and James's, wherever the hell he is—aren't exactly clean either. I won't let these insurgents stab us in the back during our operations. The Ja'ias attacked us first, remember?"

Sophia exhaled deeply, her frustration clear. "They only attacked because we blatantly encroached on their territory, breaking several treaties in the process. Easton, every breach in the Veil poses a risk, no matter how minor. We might live nearly forever, but the consequences of our actions will outlast us all, you asshole."

Yalgarth, visibly taken aback by her blunt words, bristled. "General! Remember you're addressing the Emperor and his council. A bit of decorum, please. But since you're being so blunt, allow me to do the same. How the hell do you expect the empire to help you and Dragon Tooth maintain control over these precious Veil openings if we can't see what’s happening? It's that kind of soft-hearted crap that allowed the demons to gain a foothold in the outer rim in the first place."

Easton raised his hand, signaling for calm, yet his voice carried a weight of frustration. "Let’s be clear here. The Faluians are incredibly dangerous. Remember what the Ja'ias did to Omega Prime and the millions of our citizens those slugs fucking killed in their first attack? A technologically advanced race with no magic or demonic ties, yet their threat was real. We needed to act, I needed to act, so I did."

Sophia clenched her fists, trying to contain her anger. "And yet, if we hadn't pushed into their space, like we did would they have made pacts with demons out of desperation? We provoked them, Easton. How are we supposed to manage the demonic influence spreading across the Empire if we're constantly picking fights with every alien race we come across, forcing them straight into the arms of darkness? Are we just going to repeat the bloody history of the original empire's campaign, like your father?"

Easton's eyes hardened, his voice growing colder. "We can't ignore the strategic reality, Sophia. Every unmonitored area is a potential threat. Our expansion isn’t just about conquest—it's about security, about keeping the demonic influences at bay. We need to be proactive, not reactive. That’s how empires survive, and new enemies like the Faluians don’t have the chance to build up a massive army on our border."

Sophia exhaled slowly, her voice soft but laced with firm disagreement. "There has to be another way besides invasion and slaughter. We should be negotiating and policing, not crushing everyone under our heel. Ensuring stability doesn't have to mean domination, Easton."

Easton nodded slightly, recognizing her point yet holding firm to his stance. "I understand your concerns, Sophia. However, our immediate priority must be a decisive response to the Faluians. Lead our forces effectively by your standards, and we’ll consider alternative strategies afterward. For now, the threat needs direct action."

Yalgarth interjected with urgency, "And I’ll ensure our internal stability during this time. We can't afford any distractions or internal threats."

Easton concluded the discussion with a stern look. "Focus on the task at hand. Sophia, take command against the Faluians. Yalgarth, secure our internal fronts with what Templars remain. This is a critical time for the Empire."

Sophia nodded reluctantly, feeling the weight of her responsibilities deepen. As she turned to leave, her thoughts were heavy with the complexities of leadership of the empire.