In a split second, the ruins of Aetheris transformed into a battlefield. The haunting silence that had once cloaked the city shattered as a tremendous roar echoed from the depths of the lair. Hundreds of black draconid titans, no larger than wolves, poured out into the streets, their wings beating the air with a deafening rhythm. Shadows flickered across the broken spires and shattered arches as the swarm descended upon Master Khan and his team.

Team One, under Master Khan’s leadership, held their ground. Master Khan’s ring, Crimson Howl flared brilliantly, the deep crimson aura bathing the battlefield in a sinister glow. Runes circled Master Khan’s body, pulsating with raw energy. His usual calm, calculating demeanor had given way to an almost feral intensity, his dark eyes now ablaze with the blood-red fury of his berserker state. Each strike he delivered was a study in lethality, his movements a seamless fusion of precision and chaos. The draconid titans barely had time to react before they were torn apart by his relentless onslaught.

Behind him, Paupau channeled her power with unwavering focus. Her ring, Aegis Vortex allowed her to amplify the force behind her signature technique. Each Force Palm sent rippling shockwaves through the battlefield, the resulting concussive blasts shattering the smaller titans and tossing their remains into the air. Her strikes were deliberate and methodical, clearing space for her teammates to maneuver.

Harry was a whirlwind of bone and flesh, his unique ability turning his very body into a weapon. Bone blades erupted from his arms, curving and twisting with deadly precision. He struck with a precision that bordered on surgical, each slash severing limbs and wings with ease. His fluid, acrobatic movements were a stark contrast to the brutal effectiveness of his attacks.

Nearby, Marge darted through the chaos like a shadow. Her twin glaives flashed in the dim light, slashing through the draconid titans with unerring accuracy. Her moths, pale and luminous, swirled above the fray, scattering clouds of poisonous dust that sapped the strength of their enemies.

"We can't hold them back forever!" she shouted, her voice strained but determined.

Paupau glanced over her shoulder, her hands glowing as she unleashed another blast. "Then we make them regret coming this far!”

The ground trembled as Andrez, a towering figure of unyielding strength, surged forward. His massive frame was a bulwark against the draconid swarm. With a single swing of his mace, he crushed a cluster of titans, their screeches silenced instantly.

Master Khan’s voice cut through the chaos. "Stay sharp! This isn’t the main fight. We need to find the source!”

At that moment, a melodic chime echoed across the battlefield, a sound so distinct it seemed to cut through the noise like a blade. The team turned to see mercury arrows and fire balls raining from above, each shot piercing through multiple titans with deadly precision.

Third team had arrived.

From above, Captain Steven soared into view astride a magnificent silver eagle forged from liquid mercury. The construct shimmered in the broken light, an awe-inspiring sight that bolstered Master Khan’s team morale. "Focus on the larger titan!" he called down. "We’ve got this under control!”

As Team Three joined the battle, Master Khan regrouped his team. "This is our chance. Marge, take the lead. Your moths can guide us to the source.”

With a nod, Marge released a cluster of her moths, their delicate wings glowing faintly as they swirled toward the cave at the edge of the ruins. "This way!" she called, leading the charge.

The team sprinted across the battlefield, weaving through collapsing buildings and swarms of lesser titans. Relief flickered across Marge's face as she caught sight of Ika, who was among the reinforcements that had arrived with Captain Steven’s team. Seeing someone familiar bolstered her resolve.

Ika, stationed with Captain Steven's group, unleashed her purification flames in a brilliant vortex. The inferno consumed any titan that dared to approach, leaving a charred, smoldering wasteland in its wake. Her presence provided a much-needed anchor of reassurance amid the chaos.

——

Finally, the team reached the mouth of a cave, a jagged opening that seemed to breathe darkness. Marge’s moths fluttered wildly around the entrance, their luminous glow flickering as if warning of the danger within.

"This is where my moths sensed it," Marge said, her voice steady but low.

Master Khan surveyed the entrance, "Paupau, Andrez—set up camp here. Secure the area and be ready to fall back if needed.”

"What about you?" Andrez asked, his voice heavy with concern.

"We’re going in," Master Khan replied. He gestured to Harry and Marge. "Stay close, and stay sharp. If we don’t come back, you know what to do.”

The trio descended into the cave, leaving the battle behind them. The air inside was colder, heavier, carrying with it a sense of foreboding. The deeper they ventured, the more apparent the signs of Motherglare became. Shredded remains of prey, larger claw marks, and black, viscous ichor littered the path. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional drip of water from the stalactites above.

Master Khan halts abruptly, holding up a hand to stop the others. His eyes narrow as he scans the cavern ahead. “This is it. She’s close,” he mutters, his tone low and edged with urgency. “But we’re not ready for a confrontation.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Harry's gaze shifts to the ceiling, where shadows appear to twist and shift unnaturally. A low rumble echoes from deeper within. “We need backup if we’re going to face her,” he says, already reaching for his communicator.

Marge nods, pulling out her own device. “I’ll alert the others. If we’re right about this being her lair, we can’t take any chances.”

Master Khan activates his communicator, his voice sharp and direct. “This is Master Khan. Team One to all units. We’ve reached what appears to be Motherglare’s nesting ground. Repeat, we need immediate support. Over.”

Static hisses back at him, faint and broken. He adjusts the frequency and tries again. “Team One to base. Do you copy? Andrez, Paupau, respond. Over.”

Harry frowns as his own communicator emits a distorted buzz. “Professor Neil? Captain Steven? High Cleric Rena? This is Harry. We’re inside the cave and need backup immediately. Please respond.”

Marge presses the call button on her device. “This is Marge from Team One. Can anyone hear me? We’ve found the nesting ground but haven’t confirmed Motherglare’s location. Over.”

For a moment, her communicator crackles, and a faint, garbled voice seems to emerge before it dissolves into static. “Was that...?” she begins, but the signal is lost again.

“Why isn’t it working?” Harry mutters, raising his communicator as if angling it toward a better signal.

Marge narrows her eyes and glances at the jagged crystals embedded in the cave walls, their faint glow casting eerie reflections. “The crystals,” she says softly. “They’re interfering with the signal. That’s why we can’t get through.”

Master Khan lets out a frustrated breath, slipping his communicator back onto his belt. “So we’re cut off,” he says grimly. “No way to call for help unless we get out of here.”

Harry eyes darting toward the shadow at the far end of the cave—draconic looking shadow loom over. “If she is, we’re in no condition to face her alone. We need the others, and we can’t waste time.”

Master Khan nods firmly. “Fall back. Let’s inform the others, regroup, and come back prepared. No unnecessary risks.”

The trio carefully retraces their steps, moving as quickly and quietly as they can without drawing attention. The oppressive atmosphere and the eerie hum of the eggs follow them until they emerge from the darkness into the dim light of the cave entrance.

——

As Andrez and Paupau put the finishing touches on the temporary camp, Captain Steven’s Team 3 joins them. Together, they quickly reinforce the barriers using overturned rocks and salvaged titan scales, transforming the uneven terrain into a sturdy defensive position. Captain Steven directs his team to strategic posts, their weapons drawn and eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.

As they finished the set up, Ika and Seraphine begin tending to the minor injuries of Alexander, Andrez, and Paupau. Ika’s purification flames glow faintly as she delicately cleanses cuts, her precise movements radiating calm focus. Seraphine follows with her gentle, soothing spells, sealing wounds and easing muscle strain. Their combined efforts ensure that even the smallest injuries are treated with care. Despite their composed demeanor, an undercurrent of worry for those inside the cave runs through their actions.

The stillness breaks as Teams 2 and 4 arrive, led by Neil and Rena. Their approach is marked by a wave of reassurance and triumph. They report the successful extermination of the lesser titan offspring that had infested the ruins’ perimeter. Exhausted but uninjured, they bring a renewed sense of hope to the camp.

Rem, Flo, Martin, and Hans rush to Ika’s side. “Are you alright?” Rem asks, her voice tinged with relief as she scans Ika for any signs of injury.

“I’m fine,” Ika replies with a small smile, gesturing to the half-finished treatment station. “Nothing like what you’ve been through, I’m sure.”

“And Marge?” Hans asks, his tone betraying his worry.

“She’s inside,” She answers, tying off a bandage. “With Master Khan and Harry. They’re locating Motherglare.”

The third-years exchange uneasy glances, fully aware of the weight of the mission. They’ve been on numerous operations, but this one feels different—more dangerous. The very air seems charged with the enormity of what lies ahead.

Neil moves to the center of the camp, his communicator in hand. “Status update,” he announces as he taps the device. A garbled hiss of static greets him. He frowns, adjusting the dials and trying again, but the interference remains relentless.

Rena steps up beside him, her arms crossed. “The crystals must be amplifying the jamming field,” she observes, her eyes narrowing in thought.

“Without a functioning communicator, we can’t call for backup—or report our progress,” Neil mutters, his voice edged with frustration.

Nova steps forward from the backlines, a small, intricate chip in her hand. “Professor Neil,” she says, her tone calm yet resolute. “I think this might help.” She kneels, her feline features sharp in the dim light as she holds up the device. “It’s a signal amplifier. It should boost the frequency and clear the interference, but it’s not a quick fix. Calibration takes time.”

Neil kneels beside her, inspecting the device. “How long are we talking?”

“I am not sure…” Nova replies, already setting to work on the communicator. Her hybrid tail flicks with concentration as she deftly connects the chip to the device’s interface. “But once it’s set, we’ll have a clearer signal—at least enough to contact the Order of Titan Slayers.”

“Make it happen,” Neil orders, his voice firm. He turns to the rest of the team. “Stay alert. We can’t afford any surprises while Nova works on this.”

Captain Steven steps into the center of the camp, rallying the remaining team. “Defensive positions, everyone. The offspring of Motherglare could return anytime, or worse.”

As Nova tinkers with the communicator, the camp buzzes with quiet tension. Flo, Martin, and Hans linger close to Ika, exchanging quiet reassurances. The ground beneath them trembles faintly, a stark reminder of the danger within the cave—and the greater threat that could emerge at any moment.

Master Khan, Harry, and Marge emerge from the oppressive darkness of the cave, their faces etched with grim determination. As they step into the temporary camp, they find Captain Steven, Neil, and Rena huddled around a map spread over a makeshift table. The camp bustles with activity as team members prepare weapons, adjust armor, and whisper quiet prayers.

Master Khan strides forward, his commanding presence drawing the attention of the group leaders. “We’ve located the nesting ground. Motherglare is in there,” he announces, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “We haven’t seen her fully, but her shadow was unmistakable. She’s guarding the eggs, and the crystals are jamming all communications.”

Neil’s expression hardens as he evaluates the situation. “If she’s holed up in there, we can’t risk waiting too long. The longer she stays, the greater the chance she moves—or worse, hatches reinforcements. We stick to the revised strategy.”

He gestures toward the teams as he outlines the plan with precision. “Team Two will advance first and focus on clearing the area to prepare for the Titan Extermination Unit’s strike. We will try to avoid direct contact with Motherglare if possible. If she does engage, we will hold her off and buy some time.”

He turns to Rena, the leader of Team Four. “Team Four will set up containment barriers to trap her in case she tries to escape. Those barriers need to hold no matter what.”

Finally, he nods at Captain Steven. “Team Three will back up Team Two, providing support and covering their flanks. Team One remains at the entrance to secure our retreat and maintain communications. Nova, keep working on clearing the jamming—we’ll need that link to the Order of Titan Slayers operational as soon as possible.”

His gaze sweeps across the gathered leaders and team members. “Stay sharp and work together. The goal is to neutralize the lesser threats and keep Motherglare contained until the extermination team arrives. Let’s move.”

The teams exchange grim but determined nods, readying themselves for the dangerous mission ahead.

Marge’s gaze lingers on her friends—Hans, Flo, Rem, Martin, and Ika—as they prepare to enter the cave. The sight of their determined faces fills her with a mix of pride and apprehension. Her moths flutter restlessly around her, reflecting her unease.

“Stay sharp,” Master Khan says, gripping Marge’s shoulder. “If this goes wrong, they’ll need you to guide them back out.”