Royal Palace, Aeterna City, Aeterna Region, 8 May 2141/ 8 Maius 1841, 03:00 PM

The news of the defeat of the calamity dragon by the airstrikes from the United Terran Navy (UTN) made the people in the royal palace cheer. However, only Emperor Aurelius and General Alexander Eisenhower were silent. Both leaders know the fight against the massive calamity dragon cost them heavy casualties. On the Fortisregnum Empire side, they lost more than ten thousand people, including civilians, legionnaires and wizards. The Colobria City also suffers devastating damage from the spiritual rays attack by the Dark Calamity Dragon. The destroyed city can be built, but the loss of the people, especially legionnaires who got special training from the United Terran International Special Force (UT ISF), significantly impacted the Fortisregnum Empire's capability.

On the United Terran side, they lost two outdated V-280M helicopters and ten United Terran Air Force (UTAF) soldiers, including two pilots and eight aircrews. Even though they had fewer casualties than the Fortisregnum Empire side, the United Terran side suffered the loss of precious soldiers and the economic loss of modern weapons, ammunition, and equipment. The Secretary-General ordered General Eisenhower to prevent the casualties, but the sudden appearance of the calamity dragon inflicted casualties on the United Terran soldiers in the Fortisregnum Empire.

Ambassador Luigi Mussolini is aware of General Eisenhower's frustration. This incident was the first casualty of the United Terran people in the new world because of external power. The similarities of the massive calamity dragon with the Tianlong Empire's bio superweapons will impact the diplomatic mission of the United Terran to the Tianlong Empire. He only prayed for his superior success, Isabel García Martínez, Head of Foreign Affairs of United Terran, for the incoming diplomatic mission. Even though the Tianlong Empire was not directed for this incident, they must know why the calamity dragon appears in the Fortisregnum Empire and the relationship between Black Shadow and the Tianlong Empire.

"General Eisenhower, are you okay?" Ambassador Mussolini asked General Eisenhower.

"I am okay, Ambassador Mussolini. However, we lost several soldiers in the previous battle against the massive black dragon. I know they are soldiers like me, and they are ready to die for their nation, but they died in a foreign nation fighting an external power that could threaten our existence in this new world." General Eisenhower responds.

"I fear if the Secretary-General knows about this, he will hasten "the Second Armageddon Project" after the third world war. Professor Einstein, what do you think?" Ambassador Mussolini asked Professor Oliver Einstein.

As the main leader of the Second Armageddon Project, Professor Oliver is silent about the top-secret project, which can only be accessed by a high-level United Terran leader. Before the transference to Luminarum, Secretary General Hugo and several high leaders of United Terran initiated the project to prevent extraterrestrial threats and to keep the peace of United Terran. They think that if you want peace, you must prepare for the war. However, because of the internal condition of the United Terran relative peace, many factions, especially the religious and pious factions, in the United Terran were against and contra this 'useless' project.

From the religious and pious side, the contra faction thinks that even though advanced modern technology and weapons of humanity cannot defeat the absolute law of the Supreme Being and Creator of all Universes. They need to "submit" to the absolute nature law of the Supreme Being and Creator of all Universes to guide humanity for the prosperous. They also think this project only wastes the funds of United Terran, especially the new project that explores and creates several new space stations and bases on Mars.

Secretary-General Hugo and other leaders embraced atheism and agnostic awareness about the religious and pious faction in the United Terran. For stability reasons and to prevent internal conflict, Secretary-General Hugo 'cancelled' the project for the public but secretly developed it with Professor Einstein in charge of this top-secret project.

After the transference to Luminarum and getting approval from the leader of countries in the United Terran, the second Armageddon Project has more priority for progress. However, to prevent unrest and instability from the contra faction, this project is still a top-secret project from the public. Suppose the Secretary-General and the leader of countries know about the existence of Dark Calamity Dragons and their power capable of becoming threats to United Terran's existence. In that case, they certainly will hasten and make it public to gain public support. For the warmonger faction, especially the military technology industries, this action will increase their stock value and give them 'legal' action for the protection of the United Terran people from external threats.

"If we continue like this, and the Secretary-General, alongside all the country's leaders, knows about the existence of magic and spiritual beasts, they will hasten the progress and make this project public to gain public support for the safety of the people. However, this action will cause unrest among the people, especially the religious and pious factions. Nevertheless, we cannot keep it any longer. We must make it public as legal information before the public knows about the rumour and hoax information. I chose to become a 'devil scientist and engineer' to protect the people with the technology in the project rather than only submit to fate without taking action. I am sure Secretary-General Hugo will not hesitate to utilize our superweapons against the external threats to prevent casualties on our side." Professor Einstein finally said.

For the important people like Professor Einstein mentioned, the superweapons made Ambassador Mussolini tremble and fear. Even though he is not a military person, he knows the capability of their orbital bombardment from kinetic and plasma orbital weapons. If they utilize these terrifying space superweapons, it will cause problems for the diplomatic relationship. The United Terran will suffer global condemnation and isolation from other nations in Luminarum and escalation to global war with the United Terran portrait as an extraterrestrial entity caused war in Luminarum. They will also need to counter the opposing factions, like the humanitarian and environmental factions, about the collateral damage of the superweapons.

"I hope we can approach this incident carefully. If we must utilize our superweapons, it will cause another world war in this new world. I hope the Third World War become the last world war caused by humanity." Ambassador Mussolini said.

As one of the senior ambassadors of the United Terran, Ambassador Mussolini believed that the utilization of advanced superweapons and military conduct would cause regional and world instability. Also, this action will ignite more useless wars in the future and reduce the acceptance of diplomatic relationships. In the political spectrum of United Terran, Ambassador Mussolini was identified as a pacifist faction who tried to prevent conflict and war and chose diplomatic relationships as the primary power. However, he and other pacifist factions could utilize diplomatic relations because the United Terran diplomatic team was backed by strong military power.

Ambassador Mussolini's principle is to show strength when they are weak and weakness when they are strong. Even though he was identified as a pacifist faction member, he still utilized solid military power for diplomatic missions in Luminarum. His action in the Fortisregnum Empire shows that military power is necessary to keep the neighbouring nation accepting and obeying the diplomatic relationship with the United Terran.

Emperor Aurelius sat with Empress Severina in the royal family room while Princess Julia saw her parents full of worries. General Eisenhower's report as their ally shows that the calamity dragon destroyed half of the city and caused thousands of people to die and evacuate. Even modern and advanced weapons imported from the United Terran cannot defeat this massive calamity dragon. Only the true power of the United Terran could defeat the Dark Calamity Dragon at the cost of more than ten thousand lives for the people of the Fortisregnum Empire.

Emperor Aurelius cannot blame the United Terrans because they also did not know about the appearance of the Dark Calamity Dragon. The United Terran Air Force (UTAF) also suffered casualties from this spiritual attack. However, thanks to the tactical and quick action of General Eisenhower, they could defeat this massive calamity dragon. The weak supreme nation in Luminarum, like the Fortisregnum Empire, cannot defeat the calamity dragon. Even if they could defeat the weakened version of Dark Calamity Dragon, they would suffer catastrophic damage and casualties.

"Sigh, why did the traitor summon that massive calamity dragon? If our allies did not use their attack or "airstrike", maybe we would have suffered more damage and casualties of our people." Emperor Aurelius sighed.

"Father, How many casualties do we suffer from this incident?" Princess Julia asked Emperor Aurelius.

"Based on the estimation of the Chancellor and United Terran military attache, we suffered ten thousand people died during the spiritual attack, and more than half of the city was destroyed. The military of United Terran also suffered minor casualties and loss of their aerial vehicles. I hope their Secretary-General did not blame us for losing his people." Emperor Aurelius.

Emperor Aurelius feared the Secretary-General's retaliation and blamed the Fortisregnum Empire for losing UTAF pilots and aircrews. He knows the character of Secretary-General Hugo from Ambassador Mussolini, who cares for his people and does not hesitate to utilize his military power to put pressure on and even destroy the enemy nation. From his point of view as a national leader from Luminarum, Secretary-General Hugo is a complex leader.

On the one hand, he cares for his people and allies, and his order and authority are on par with those of the Emperor and Empress from the great power, superpower, and hyperpower nations, even though United Terran is a democratic nation. Fortisregnum Empire's modernization was because Secretary-General Hugo ordered his subordinates to strengthen Fortisregnum Empire to become a powerful ally for the United Terran. However, he did not hesitate to utilize his mighty national power to press and destroy the enemy of the United Terran people. Even if he loses the military member, he still cares for them and will retaliate. Emperor Aurelius only hoped that the following actions of United Terran leaders would not cause more significant regional and global conflicts.

"Rest assured, Father. Even though Secretary-General Hugo has a ruthless side, he is a wise and good leader. Lucien said that Secretary-General Hugo is his idol in terms of leadership. He promised to help us more after we married, and Lucien rose as the new Emperor of the Fortisregnum Empire. Lucien will also try to lobby Secretary-General Hugo to help us rebuild Colobria City with a modern structure and increase our economic power in the region." Princess Julia said.

Even though Lucien Dubois is not a royal member of the Fortisregnum Empire, he is backed by a mighty military power from his nation, United Terran. Emperor Aurelius, aware of the possibility of the marriage of Lucien and Princess Julia, will make Lucien the most potent candidate for the next Emperor's throne. Personally, he approves as long as Princess Julia is happy and Lucien is also one of the Secretary-General's favourite young ambassadors. If they married before the civil war, the noble faction would oppose this, which would lead to another civil war. However, the marriage will be held after the civil war and the construction of the Fortisregnum Empire. For now, the royal family will focus on evacuating the survivors to safe places and rebuilding the cities and towns destroyed by the Civil War battles.

"Please inform Lucien to give me my profound thanks to Secretary-General Hugo for United Terran's help to our nation. After we finish this civil war, I promised to hold a grand royal wedding between you and Lucien as the formal alliance between Fortisregnum Empire and United Terran. We will consider holding the grand royal wedding next month." Emperor Aurelius said.

Hearing the promise from his royal father, Princess Julia is happy and will inform this to Lucien. Even though her wedding with Lucien is a political marriage, she is already falling in love with Lucien.

"Thank you, Father. I will give Your Majesty profound thanks to the Secretary-General and your promise to Lucien." Princess Julia happily responds to Emperor Aurelius's promise.

Then, Princess Julia exits the royal family room to inform Lucien about the upcoming grand royal wedding. Unknown to them, a new tragedy will happen in Colobria City.

Secret Tunnel, Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 03:30 PM

One hour after evacuating from the Noble Palace, Elder Kwak and Elder Liao conduct a special ritual to increase enemy casualties and destroy the spiritual body of Dark Calamity Dragon. This action will ensure the eradication of the survivors of United Terran forces and legionnaires in Colobria City to rescue and evacuate the remaining people.

"Elder Kwak and Elder Liao, how about the process of your ritual?" Senator Brutus asks Elder Kwak and Elder Liao about the ritual progress.

"We need more spiritual power to explode the calamitous dragon's body, Senator Brutus. However, because the dragon body itself contains massive spiritual power, we could directly utilize it to destroy the body." Elder Kwak explains.

"But, why did you not detonate the spiritual dragon's body?" Senator Brutus asked again.

"Forgive us, Senator Brutus. Our young lady did not give us direct order to detonate the dragon's body." Elder Liao's response.

"What? Why did Mrs Saturday not order you to destroy the dragon's body? I will ask her to give you the order." Senator Brutus is surprised Mrs Saturday did not order the elders to detonate the dragon's body.

Senator Brutus then goes to Mrs Saturday, who is still traumatized after the previous incident. Even though she is hypocritical from modern people's view, who ignited a civil war that caused thousands of people to die, she is still a member of the orthodox faction in Jianghu. Initially, she only wanted to gain fame through the Black Shadow mission and thought this would be easy. However, the interference of the United Terran to modernize the legionnaires and the direct support of UTAF and UTN made the Black Shadow and slavery faction suffer heavy casualties and massive defeats. She did not want to utilize ancient spiritual rituals to summon the Dark Calamity Dragon, but Senator Brutus forced her. Despite her initial rejection, she and the elders still summoned the dragon, which caused more people to die. Even the people of United Terran were killed in the battle with the calamity dragon.

Even though Mrs Saturday and the elders successfully summoned the calamity dragon with only 30% true power, United Terran can still defeat the dragon even if they suffer some casualties. For Mrs Saturday, this result shocked her and the elders. Even with 30% power, the Dark Calamity Dragon can still destroy and inflict catastrophic damage to a weak empire like the Fortisregnum Empire. Nevertheless, a new powerful nation could only defeat the Dark Calamity Dragon in 2 hours. Even hyperpower nations like the United States of Amarilon (USA) and the People's Republic of Uroslav (PRU) cannot defeat the Dark Calamity Dragon in 2 hours unless they utilize their superweapons. However, both hyperpower nations will not utilize and launch their superweapons to help a mere weak nation against the calamity dragon.

Mrs Saturday and Mr. 02 are now aware of the true power of United Terran. Both are regretful for helping Senator Brutus ignite the civil war and oppose a powerful nation like the United Terran. If they could defeat the Dark Calamity Dragon in only 2 hours, they would possibly be stronger than hyperpower nations. Senator Brutus also knows they could capture him and the remaining Black Shadow members if they did not eradicate the remaining United Terran forces and legionnaires in Colobria City.

"Mrs Saturday, order the elders to detonate the spiritual power inside the dragon's body. We must ultimately defeat the enemy and ensure our retreat is safe from enemy threats." Senator Brutus ordered Mrs Saturday to detonate the spiritual power inside the calamity dragon.

"But.. Senator.. We caused thousands of innocent people to die after we summoned the Dark Calamity Dragon." Mrs Saturday responded with a tremble in her body.

"Look, we already caused more than thousands of people to die and lost their homes after we started this civil war. We are a bad guy here. If you did not want those people from United Terran to capture all of us, go detonate the dragon's body." Senator Brutus reminds Mrs Saturday about the consequences of their action in starting the civil war.

Mrs. Saturday, her face pale and her hands trembling, hesitated momentarily. She knew that detonating the spiritual power inside the dragon's body would not only kill the remaining soldiers and survivors in Colobria City but also cause irreparable destruction to the area around Colobria Region itself. She could still feel the weight of the lives already lost due to the chaos they had unleashed. The thought of more innocent lives being obliterated made her stomach churn.

However, Senator Brutus's harsh reality struck her with a grim clarity. She knew he was right; they had already crossed a line, and now they were too far gone to turn back. The United Terran forces were powerful and relentless. If they were captured, they would face severe consequences, not just for themselves but for their cause and the entire orthodox faction in Jianghu. The choice was stark: act now and possibly secure their escape, risk capture, and worse fates.

With a deep breath, she turned towards Elder Kwak and Elder Liao. If she hesitates, the enemy will capture her and all of the Black Shadow members.

"Do it. Detonate the spiritual power within the dragon's body. We cannot allow the United Terran forces to capture us or gain more ground." she commanded, her voice barely above a whisper but firm enough to convey her resolve.

Elder Kwak and Elder Liao exchanged solemn looks. They knew this would be a catastrophic move, but they also understood the gravity of their situation. They began chanting ancient incantations, their voices low and resonant, drawing on the spiritual energies that swirled around them in the hidden tunnel. The air grew colder, and an eerie wind whipped through the underground space, tugging at their robes and hair. A strange glow emanated from their hands, a deep, pulsating light that seemed to come from the depths of the earth itself.

As the elders continued their ritual, the massive Dark Calamity Dragon's body, now lying lifeless amidst the ruins of Colobria City, began to tremble. The air around it shimmered with raw spiritual energy, and small arcs of lightning crackled along its enormous scales.

Colobria City, Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 03:40 PM

Maximus and the remaining legionnaires conduct a search and rescue mission to evacuate the remaining survivors of the civilians in Colobria City. The massive body of Dark Calamity Dragon destroyed the noble palace and killed the remaining slavery faction soldiers. Maximus ordered his legionnaires to check every place in Colobria City to evacuate the survivors under the rubbles of the building. The brave men also helped legionnaires evacuate the people outside the city. Unfortunately, the evacuation needed more time because all wizards had already fallen after the last retaliation attack from the calamity dragon, and there was a lack of heavy equipment. They try to search for the survivors under the rubble, and some legionnaires search near the dragon's corpse.

"Valerius, do you find more survivors around the dragon's corpse?" Maximus contacted Valerius through the communication device.

"Negative, Legatus. The bodies in this location are the body of Senator Brutus's soldiers. We cannot find the survivors around the noble palace area. We will search again around the dragon's corpse." Valerius responds.

"Keep searching for the survivors. We had little time, so we had to hurry and leave the city." Maximus reminds Valerius of the unknown possibility that they are still in the city.

Unknown to them, a greater tragedy will happen in Colobria City. Because the legionnaires lose all their wizards, they cannot detect the increasing spiritual power around the dragon's corpse. However, thanks to previous Plotinus advice, Maximus command the legionnaires from outside Colobria City.

Suddenly, the dragon's corpse trembles, glowing with a dark purple spiritual energy and ready to explode. The legionnaires and brave men around the corpse cannot do anything and are only surprised about the sudden phenomenon.

As the corpse of the Dark Calamity Dragon trembled violently, the dark purple spiritual energy surrounding it grew more intense, casting an ominous glow across the ruins of Colobria City. The air felt thick and heavy, suffocating the legionnaires and the brave men frozen in shock and fear. Small, crackling bolts of purple lightning danced across the dragon's scales, creating an eerie hum that resonated throughout the devastated landscape.

Sensing the change in the atmosphere, Maximus instinctively turned his gaze toward the dragon's remains. His heart pounded in his chest as he realized something was terribly wrong. "Valerius, report!" he shouted into his communication device, his voice urgent.

"Legatus, the dragon's body... it is glowing! We feel an intense surge of magical power!" Valerius's voice crackled with panic through the communicator.

Even though Valerius did not have a magic capability, if he could sense the magical or spiritual power from the dragon's corpse, it meant the intensity of spiritual energy from the corpse was massive.

Maximus's eyes widened. "Fall back! All units fall back from the dragon's corpse immediately! Regroup at the designated rally point!" He barked the order as quickly as he could, praying his legionnaires could escape in time.

The soldiers around the dragon's body hesitated only momentarily before following Maximus's Command, scrambling over the ruins and debris to escape the pulsating, glowing corpse. The dark energy continued to swell, and the air began to vibrate with a strange resonance, making it difficult for them to maintain their footing.

Standing closest to the corpse, one legionnaire could see the energy condensing, forming a small, dark orb at the center of the dragon's chest. He had a sinking feeling in his gut. "Legatus, this... this looks like a—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the orb of dark energy exploded, collapsing with a deafening roar. The ground shook violently, and an intense wave of heat and pressure blasted outward from the dragon's body. The shockwave tore through the ruins, sending debris flying in all directions.

Valerius, already far enough from the dragon's corpse, was thrown off his body and slammed against a nearby wall. His breath was knocked from his lungs as he hit the ground hard, but he quickly pushed himself up, struggling to regain his balance. Around him, he could hear the screams of his comrades, the sound of stone and wood splintering and shattering.

From his vantage point further away, Maximus watched in horror as the explosion radiated outward, the purple energy spreading like wildfire, consuming everything in its path. He felt a deep dread settling in his chest. "No... It is too late," he muttered under his breath.

Elder Kwak and Elder Liao, still chanting, felt the culmination of their ritual reach its peak. They knew the spiritual detonation would cause massive destruction beyond what they had anticipated. Nevertheless, they continued their chants with stoic expressions, resigned to their fate.

Suddenly, the dragon's body erupted with a massive explosion, releasing immense spiritual energy that surged outward in a devastating wave. The blast tore through the entire city with terrifying speed, obliterating buildings, shattering the ground, and sending a shockwave that could be felt miles away. The spiritual energy explosion formed a famous mushroom cloud in the Colobria City sky.

Maximus grabbed his communicator. "All units, brace for impact! Find cover now!" He shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the explosion.

Nevertheless, it was too late for many of his men. The purple energy wave crashed into them like a tidal wave, throwing soldiers and civilians through the air. The ground beneath them seemed to ripple and crack, great fissures opening as if the earth was being torn apart.

At the hidden tunnel, Elder Kwak and Elder Liao felt the earth tremble beneath their feet. They exchanged a final glance, their expressions somber. They knew the consequences of their actions, and now, the reality of what they had done was unfolding.

Mrs Saturday, standing nearby, felt her knees give way. She collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face. "What have we done?" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and she covered her face, unable to watch the destruction they had unleashed.

Senator Brutus, however, showed no signs of regret. His face was set in a grim expression of determination. "This is war, Mrs. Saturday. We cannot afford to be weak now," he said coldly, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty as he watched the city burn.

Meanwhile, at the edge of outside Colobria City, safe from the spiritual energy explosion, a group of legionnaires ordered to check the rescued civilians, led by Captain Marcus, saw the explosion and dark mushroom cloud in the distance.

"What in the name of the Gods is that?" one of the soldiers exclaimed.

"It is some spiritual detonation. We need to move now! Double-time it to the extraction point!" He commanded, pushing his men to move faster. Captain Marcus quickly assessed the situation.

"Legatus, can you hear me? Legatus!" Captain Marcus tries to contact Maximus.

As the dust settled, the full extent of the devastation became apparent. Colobria City was in ruins. Spiritual fires raged unchecked, buildings lay in rubble, and the ground was littered with the bodies of the dead and dying. The detonation had created a massive crater where the dragon's corpse had been, and the energy that had been released had twisted and contorted the land beyond recognition.

Maximus, coughing from the dust and smoke, looked around at the destruction with a heavy heart.

"Marcus, are you all right? Are the civilians in your area all right?" Maximus asked Marcus, the legionnaires and the civillians.

"We are fine, Legatus. Nevertheless, what is that thing? Does the dragon's corpse explode? I cannot contact Commander Valerius." Marcus responds.

"I do not know. We must regroup, find our remaining men, and leave here. This city is lost." He ordered Marcus to regroup with other legionnaires and leave the destroyed city.

Nevertheless, even as he spoke, he knew their troubles were far from over. The explosion had decimated the city and unleashed a ripple of spiritual energy that seemed to pulse outward, warning everyone who dared to challenge the forces at play.

Colobria City had become a wasteland, a graveyard of ambitions and lives caught in the crossfire of powers beyond mortal control. Furthermore, the survivors soon realized that this battle was only the beginning of a much darker conflict in Luminarum.

Pampoi City, Pampoi Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 04:00 PM

Colonel Ermey, Captain Moore UTAF members, and the remaining legionnaires take care of the people of Colobria City evacuated through the V-280M helicopters squadron. Captain Moore can only evacuate 300 people from the city. She prays to the Supreme Being and Creator of all universes about Maximus's and legionnaires' safety.

Suddenly, contact from Maximus will shock Colonel Ermey and all allied forces in Pampoi City.

"Colonel.. We.. We.. We lost the city." Maximus opened communication with a low and sad tone.

"What do you mean we lost the city? Explain it." Colonel Ermey is confused about what happened to Maximus and his legionnaires in Colobria City.

Then, sudden contact from Lieutenant Inzaghi informs Colonel Ermey.

"Colonel, we detected a powerful explosion resembling plasma and a nuclear explosion in Colobria City. I'll send you the details through your commander device." Lieutenant Inzaghi sent Colonel Ermey the video of the spiritual power explosion through satellites.

"Oh my God. What is that thing? How does the explosion resemble the nuclear bomb explosion? Lieutenant Inzaghi checks the radiation level around Colobria City. We need to evacuate Maximus and the remaining survivors if the radiation level is below the threat level." Colonel Ermey ordered Lieutenant Inzaghi to check the radiation level through satellites.

"I have already checked the radiation level through satellites, Sir. Fortunately, the radiation level is below the threat level. However, this explosion inflicts heavy casualties on the legionnaires and kills the civilians who are not evacuated from the city." Lieutenant Inzaghi report.

"Oh my God. If our leaders know about this, I fear this incident will be escalated to a higher level. Lieutenant Inzaghi contacted General Eisenhower about this incident. I need authorization to order the pilots to return to Colobria City to evacuate Maximus and the remaining survivors." Colonel Ermey asks Lieutenant Inzaghi to ask General Eisenhower to authorize the remaining survivors' evacuation.

"Yes, Sir. I will inform General Eisenhower." Lieutenant Inzaghi responds.

Then, Lieutenant Inzaghi informed General Eisenhower about the incident and tragedy while Colonel Ermey waited for the order to evacuate Maximus and the remaining survivors. When Lieutenant Inzaghi reports to Colonel Ermey, Captain Moore passes the command room and hears the incident report.

"Forgive me to ask, Colonel. What is the meaning of Lieutenant Inzaghi's report? Nuclear explosion? Do not tell me the dragon is still alive?" Captain Moore was surprised while heard that the explosion resembled a nuclear explosion.

"No, Captain. We got information from Lieutenant Inzaghi that the dragon's corpse exploded and caused a massive explosion resembling a nuclear explosion." Colonel Ermey informed Captain Moore.

"What? No.. How about Maximus and the legionnaires? Are they okay?" Captain Moore was surprised to hear the information from Colonel Ermey.

"Maximus is okay, but we did not know the condition of other legionnaires. I need authorization from General Eisenhower to send you and all pilots to return to Colobria City and evacuate them. Captain, ensure all your pilots to stand by." Colonel Ermey orders.

"Yes, Sir. I will inform my squadron to be ready and return to Colobria City." Captain Moore responds.

As the gravity of the situation settled over Pampoi City, a sense of urgency swept through the command center. Colonel Ermey anxiously awaited a response from General Eisenhower. Each passing second felt like an eternity. The tension in the room was palpable; everyone knew the stakes were higher than ever.

Captain Moore hurried to her squadron, issuing swift commands to her pilots. She wanted to save her beloved, the new tragic hero of the Fortisregnum Empire. To prevent unknown incidents, she ordered her aircrews on high alert. Fortunately, before the attack mission, they carried many Hellfire ASMs and guided rockets. The ground crews reloaded the emptied weapons with guided munitions. After the preparation, Captain Moore prepared her squadron before taking a mission to return to Colobria City.

"Listen up, everyone! We need to be ready to take off at a moment's notice. Prepare for immediate departure back to Colobria City. Our mission is to evacuate any remaining survivors, especially Maximus and his legionnaires." Captain Moore informed her pilots and aircrews.

The pilots nodded, quickly double-checking their equipment and the condition of their V-280M helicopters. They understood the risks of returning to a city that had just witnessed a catastrophic explosion, but their duty was clear. They had to save as many lives as possible.

Meanwhile, back in the command center, Colonel Ermey's communicator buzzed. It was Lieutenant Inzaghi.

"Colonel, I have just received a response from General Eisenhower. He has authorized the evacuation mission. However, he emphasized extreme caution. The area is still volatile, and we cannot risk further losses." Lieutenant Inzaghi inform Colonel Ermey.

"Understood, Lieutenant. Thank you. Make sure all communications are open, and keep a constant watch on the situation in Colobria City. We need to be prepared for any further developments." Colonel Ermey nodded, relief washing over his face.

Then, Colonel Ermey ordered his subordinate to call Captain Moore. After several minutes, Captain Moore arrived at the command center. Turning to Captain Moore, Colonel Ermey gave the green light.

"Captain, you are clear about proceeding. Get your squadron in the air immediately. Time is of the essence. Remember, conduct high alert because the area is still unsafe. I do not want to lose more of my soldiers in this useless foreign civil war." Colonel Ermey gives orders to Captain Moore.

"Yes, Sir!" Captain Moore saluted before rushing out of the command room.

Then Captain Moore and her pilots go to their V-280M helicopters. All ground crews conduct final checks before the pilots turn on the helicopters. After the final check, the commander gives the helicopter a green signal to take off. Then, Captain Moore and her squadrons take off to Colobria City to conduct an evacuation mission.

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

Colobria City, Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 05:00 PM

The V-280M helicopters were airborne within one hour, slicing through the sky toward the devastated Colobria City. As they flew, the pilots could see the massive cloud of dark spiritual energy lingering on the horizon, a grim reminder of the power unleashed just moments ago. Unlike a mushroom cloud from a nuclear explosion, which would dissipate for several minutes, the spiritual dark mushroom cloud is still visible and inflicts fear like the live Dark Calamity Dragon, even after more than one hour.

Inside one of the helicopters, Captain Moore steadied herself, mentally preparing for what lay ahead. She knew they were heading into a potentially dangerous situation. The aftermath of the spiritual explosion could still pose unknown threats, and there might be more surprises hidden in the city's ruins.

"Stay sharp, everyone. We do not know what we are flying into, ready for anything. We prioritize getting in, locating Maximus and other survivors, and getting out fast. Understood?" she called out to her crew.

"Understood, Captain!" her pilots and crews replied in unison.

In Colobria City, Maximus and his legionnaires struggled to regroup amid the smoke and debris. The spiritual energy explosion had left a vast crater where the dragon's corpse had been, and the once-bustling city was now nothing more than a charred wasteland. The surviving legionnaires, some injured and others disoriented, survived because they were far from the center of the explosion, only shocked by the sudden explosion. The living Dark Calamity Dragon had already inflicted fear and destroyed some parts of the city. After death, the calamity dragon could finish its work to completely destroy the city and kill the remaining legionnaires and survivors who could not be evacuated from the city in time.

Maximus feels extremely shocked and suffers severe psychological damage after looking at all of his comrades and survivors who died because of the explosion from the Dark Calamity Dragon. He lost almost all his comrades who joined the Colobria City attack mission. Only several legionnaires who were far away from the center of the explosion survived the explosion, including Maximus himself. The dark mushroom cloud inflicts additional psychological damage on everyone, even the modern UTAF pilots who saw something similar to a nuclear blast.

As the V-280M helicopters soared closer to Colobria City, the view from above was more harrowing than any of the pilots had expected. The spiritual dark mushroom cloud loomed over the devastated city like a sinister monument, radiating an otherworldly light that flickered in deep purple and black hues. The ground was scorched and uneven, dotted with craters and debris from the recent explosion, and the twisted remains of buildings jutted out like the jagged teeth of a beast.

Captain Moore's voice crackled over the intercom, her tone tense but controlled. She ordered her aircrews to maintain awareness of the unknown.

"Approaching Colobria City. All units maintain altitude and prepare for visual recon. We need to locate Maximus and any survivors as soon as possible." Captain Moore ordered her pilots and aircrews.

The helicopters slowed as they neared the city limits, hovering above the ruins. The pilots scanned the landscape below, searching for movement among the wreckage. The dark spiritual energy still clung to the city like a thick fog, making it difficult to see far.

Captain Moore leaned forward in her seat, gripping the controls tightly. Her eyes darted across the ground, hoping to catch a glimpse of Maximus or any other familiar figures. The seconds felt like hours as the helicopters continued their slow, deliberate sweep over the ruins.

Then, a voice came over the radio, breaking the tense silence. Captain Moore hopes this communication will have precious information.

"Captain, I have a vision! In the south quadrant, near the collapsed market square, I see movement!" One of the pilots contacted Captain Moore.

Captain Moore's heart leaped. She hopes she will find her comrades.

"All units, focus on the south quadrant. Prepare for landing. We need to get those survivors out now." Captain Moore orders.

The helicopters began their descent, dust and debris swirling in the air as they closed in on the south quadrant. Captain Moore could see several figures stumbling through the smoke and rubble as they touched down, their uniforms marking them as legionnaires. She spotted Maximus, his modern kevlar armor stained and battered but still standing among them.

Captain Moore let her co-pilot control the V-280M and landed safely. Then, she jumped out of her helicopter and ran toward Maximus. The other pilots and crew members fanned out to assist the injured and search for more survivors.

"Maximus!" she called out, her voice barely audible over the roar of the helicopter blades.

Maximus turned, his expression weary but relieved. The face of Captain Moore is like an oasis in the calamity neverending desert.

"Nadia... you are here," he said, his voice hoarse.

Then Captain Moore hugs Maximus and relieves her beloved, who has survived the catastrophic spiritual explosion. However, unlike before the attack mission, Maximus currently feels like an empty treasure box which has lost all of the treasure inside. He lost almost all of his legionnaire's comrades, and he failed to rescue thousands of people in Colobria City. As a woman, Captain Moore could feel Maximus's traumatic and psychological damage. She hugs him for several seconds before Maximus lets her release the hug.

"Nadia, why are you here?" Maximus asked Captain Moore with a low and sad tone.

Deep down in his heart, Maximus was relieved to see his beloved unscathed from the previous spiritual attack. However, his pride made the pain in his heart more hurtful. He failed to save the people and brought shame as the son of the hero of the Fortisregnum Empire.

"I.. I failed.. I failed to save them, Nadia. I cannot save the people in Colobria City. I.. I.. I cannot even save my comrades in this battle." Maximus said the word with extreme regret and failed to save the people and his comrades.

"It is okay, Maximus. It is okay. You already do your best." Captain Moore hugs Maximus again and soothes him.

Maximus wants to cry, but as a Legatus of the elite legionnaires, he cannot do so. He cannot show weakness, especially in front of Captain Moore's aircrews and the survivors. However, people with good empathy would know Maximus tries to hold back his tears. As soldiers resemble in the ancient era, men, especially people with high levels, could not cry in front of their soldiers and allies to show their authority and confidence. Men who cry are depicted as weak men with no authority. However, modern people who learn about psychology understand that men can cry and humanize them.

If you lost more than ten thousand people, including your comrades, it would be expected for any man to cry to humanize them. They need to acknowledge the human cost, demonstrate compassion and humanity and show they are normal human with emotions.

After Maximus calmed himself, he asked Captain Moore why they were there.

"We got the authorization to extract you and any survivors. Nevertheless, we need to move fast. The area is still dangerous." Captain Moore replied

"Many of my men... they did not make it. We need to get the wounded out first." Maximus nodded, a hint of desperation in his eyes

Maximus cannot be sad anymore. He needs to save and evacuate anyone who still survives the explosion.

Captain Moore signaled to her crew. "Prioritize the wounded! Get them on board!" she shouted. The crew quickly moved into action, helping the injured legionnaires onto the helicopters and securing them for transport.

Even though he was already calm but still in shock, Maximus looked back toward the center of the city, where the dragon's corpse had been.

"That explosion... it was unlike anything I have ever seen. It was almost like... like the end of the world."

Captain Moore placed a hand on his hand, trying to steady and soothing him again.

"I know. Nevertheless, we have to focus on getting out of here. We cannot do anything for the dead now. Let us save who we can." Captain Moore tries to soothe Maximus again.

"You are right, Nadia. We need to save anyone who survived the explosion." Then, Maximus contacts Marcus and Flavius, who had survived the previous explosion.

"Flavius, Marcus, answer me.. Flavius, Marcus, please answer me." Maximus tries to contact the remaining legionnaires.

After several minutes, Marcus and Flavius could respond to Maximus's calls.

"Oh my Gods, I am relieved all of you have survived. Regroup to the designed location. I will send the coordinates to your device. If you have the survivors, escort them safely to the helicopter location." Maximus ordered Marcus and Flavius.

"Yes, Sir. I have several survivors in my team. However, we cannot contact Commander Valerius." Marcus responds.

"Yes, Sir. I also have several wounded survivors, and my team suffered heavy losses during the explosion." Flavius responds.

"That is okay. Regroup to the coordinate location. We need to evacuate ourselves as soon as possible." Maximus ordered.

After several minutes, Marcus and Flavius regroup at the designated location. Of the more than 150 legionnaires, only ten were left, including Maximus, Flavius, and Marcus. They could only bring 40 people from more than ten thousand in Colobria City.

As the helicopters began to fill with survivors, Captain Moore noticed a group of survivors in the distance, struggling to carry a severely injured other survivors. She pointed toward them. "Over there! Get those men on board!"

The air was tense and urgent as the last survivors were loaded onto the helicopters. The pilots were on edge, constantly checking their surroundings for any signs of danger. The spiritual energy in the air seemed to pulse as if alive with a dark, malevolent force.

Maximus climbed onto one of the helicopters, his face a mask of grief and determination. "Is everyone accounted for?" he asked, his voice strained.

Captain Moore shook her head. "We have got as many as we can. Nevertheless, we cannot stay here much longer. The energy levels are still rising. We need to go now."

Maximus clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his decisions bearing down on him. "Then let us go," he said quietly, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.

As the helicopters began to lift off, the ground below them seemed to shudder. The spiritual energy in the air grew denser, the dark cloud overhead swirling ominously. The city of Colobria, once a thriving metropolis, now lay in ruins—a graveyard for those who had fallen in the wake of the calamity.

From above, Captain Moore could see the extent of the devastation. The city was lost, its buildings reduced to rubble, and its streets filled with the dead and dying. She felt a deep sadness in her heart, knowing that many lives had been lost and that the civil war was far from over.

Maximus stared out of the helicopter window as they flew away from the ruined city, his mind racing with thoughts of what had happened and what was to come. He knew they had only begun to understand the true power of the forces at play and that the possible conflict in Luminarum would be more devastating than this tragedy. He hoped this war would become the last war in the Fortisregnum Empire and prayed for peace in Luminarum.

Back in Pampoi City, Colonel Ermey waited anxiously for any updates. When he finally heard Captain Moore's voice over the radio, he felt a surge of relief.

"Colonel, we have extracted Maximus and several survivors. We are en route back to Pampoi City. However, the situation in Colobria is dire. The strange dark energy is still present, and the city is completely devastated," Captain Moore reported.

Colonel Ermey nodded grimly, his expression serious. "Understood, Captain. Bring them home safely. We need to regroup and prepare for whatever comes next."

As the helicopters sped toward safety, the survivors aboard them knew that they had narrowly escaped a great tragedy. However, they also knew that the civil war was far from over before they could capture the traitor of this war, Senator Brutus and Black Shadow. The darker days and more devastating wars lay ahead for Luminarum. The civil war of Fortisregnum Empire had only just begun of the darker war in Luminarum, and the fate of many hung in the balance.

Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 06:00 PM

Agent A, the field commander of native agents and his team, could escape from the explosion because one of his team's agents could detect mana fluctuation. They are waiting for Johnny Bean's next order. Johnny Bean, known as Mr. Bean ordered Agent A and his team if the legionnaires failed to capture Senator Brutus and Black Shadow members. Initially, they were only ordered to stand by around Colobria City and several strategic locations in the Colobria Region to prevent the escape of Senator Brutus and Black Shadow members from the legionnaires. However, the sudden appearance of the Dark Calamity Dragon and the destruction of Colobria City made Agent A and his team temporarily postpone their mission and change to evacuate the people as much as possible. Thanks to their effort, the people who cannot rescued by the legionnaires could be saved by Agent A and other UT ISIA native agents. After the spiritual explosion from Dark Calamity Dragon, several unfortunate native agents who are still inside the city to evacuate the remaining survivors become victims and die as heroes.

"Agent A, do you hear me? Agent A, respond to me." Johnny Bean tried to contact Agent A.

After several minutes of trying to contact Agent A, Johnny Bean finally gets the answer he wants.

"This is Agent A, Sir. We suffered heavy casualties from the explosion. More than ten agents died inside the city. Forgive me. I cannot save them." Agent A tried to hold back his tears and emotions, but Bean could feel it.

"It is okay, Agent A. This incident was outside our calculation. We need to reorganize all agents around the Colobria Region to finish the final mission: Capture Senator Brutus and Black Shadow members. In one hour, we will send more advanced weapons from Aeterna City to the safehouse location. Regroup to the safe house, and I will give you my orders." Johnny Bean ordered agent A and closed the call.

"Yes, Sir. I will order my team and other agents to regroup in the safe house." Agent A responds.

Then, Agent A informed his team and the remaining agents in the Colobria Region to regroup in the safehouse to receive more weapons and a final order to end this civil war.

Safe House location, Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 07:30 PM

After all of the native agents in the Colobria Region regrouped in the safe house location, Mr Bean opened the briefing before their last mission.

"Good evening, everyone. Today is a long day. We conducted several airstrikes to destroy the spiritual barrier that covered Colobria City and killed the massive black dragon. Despite our relentless attack, the enemy could utilize the black dragon to destroy Colobria City, causing more than ten thousand people to die. Thank you for your effort; we were able to evacuate some people from the calamity. Because the legionnaires suffered more serious casualties than us, the last mission was to capture Senator Brutus and Black Shadow members. For this mission, I will give all of you SIG MX7, an upgraded version of your SIG MCX, and Accuracy International AXSR, an upgraded version of your AXMC. I also send some energy detectors to enemy cultivators and wizards. I know some of you have magic power, but better safe than sorry." Mr Bean opened the briefing through video call.

"I will read the order for all of you, the native agents for the Colobria Region. This is the order of Mr. William Bond, Head of UT ISIA:

'For all the native agents in the field of Fortisregnum Empire, on behalf of the Secretary-General of United Terran and Emperor of Fortisregnum Empire, I ordered you to capture the enemy leader and traitor of Fortisregnum Empire, Senator Brutus and Black Shadow members. Do not let your emotions hinder you from this mission. Remember you are the hero who walks in the darkness to ensure your nation's and people's safety.

Agents, this is the most crucial mission of your careers. The safety of the Fortisregnum Empire hinges upon its success. We face a formidable adversary; Senator Brutus is no mere politician. As many of you know, he is a powerful manipulator who has incited chaos and unrest, working closely with the Black Shadow members—cultivators, sorcerers, and rogue agents who have plunged this region into darkness.

Your objectives are clear:

Primary Objective: Capture Senator Brutus alive. His knowledge and information are invaluable to us and the Fortisregnum Empire. His capture will allow us to dismantle the network of traitors and insurgents that have infiltrated both our nations.

Secondary Objective: Neutralize or capture the Black Shadow members. These individuals are trained in dark arts and ancient magic cultivators, making them highly dangerous. Also, watch for possible modern weapons for their elite soldiers. Utilize the energy detectors provided to identify their presence and neutralize them swiftly. Remember, some of them may possess abilities that allow them to manipulate emotions and create illusions. Stay vigilant.

Tertiary Objective: Secure any intelligence or documentation that might provide insight into their plans, alliances, or other operatives embedded within our territories. We cannot afford to miss any details.

The Fortisregnum Empire Emperor, Emperor Aurelius, has granted us the authority to operate within the empire territory as we see fit. As the members of UT ISIA native agents and Fortisregnum Empire people, all of you must conduct this mission carefully. We must minimize the collateral damage to the infrastructure of the Colobria Region. We want to avoid further civilian casualties at all costs; the region has suffered enough.

Specialists in reconnaissance will provide you with updated intel on the enemy's last known locations and activities through advanced drones. Your upgraded SIG MX7 assault rifles and Accuracy International AXSR sniper rifles will give you a tactical edge. Use them wisely. We will also provide you with enhanced bullets with nano tungsten for the sniper rifles to penetrate enemy spiritual barriers.

Finally, remember this: failure is not an option. The repercussions of letting Brutus or the Black Shadow members escape would be catastrophic. Our intelligence suggests they have plans that could destabilize the entire continent, possibly more. As heroes in the shadows, your mission tonight will determine the future of millions.

You have the full support of UT ISIA and the Fortisregnum military at your disposal. Work together, trust your instincts, and may you all return safely. Good luck, and bring these enemies of peace to justice.'

That is Mr. Bond's order. Remember, failure is not an option. Assert your dominance and capture enemy leaders." Mr Bean finished reading Mr Bond's orders.

The atmosphere in the safe house was thick with tension as the agents listened intently to Mr. Bean's briefing. The room was dimly lit, and the faces of the agents were stern, knowing that the next mission could determine the fate of the civil war. They understood the gravity of their assignment — capturing Senator Brutus and the members of the Black Shadow, a rogue faction known for its ruthless tactics and allegiance to dark powers.

"Your mission is twofold. First, you must infiltrate the last known location of Senator Brutus and his closest associates. Intelligence suggests they are trying to escape from the city through the secret tunnel under the city. Based on the results of the satellite scan, this tunnel leads to the Colobria Region border. We assume they will utilize magic and spiritual defense to protect their escape from the city. You will ambush the enemy based on the exit of the tunnel. Kill enemy normal soldiers with your new upgraded weapons. Remember, watch their cultivators and magicians. Our standard modern weapon bullets are ineffective against their magic barrier; however, with reinforced nano tungsten bullets for sniper rifles, I hope it will penetrate the spiritual barriers. We also installed grenade launchers in your XM7 assault rifles to destroy enemy barriers. Also, a few of you will carry this ATGM if the grenade launchers are ineffective for backing up." Mr. Bean continued.

Mr. Bean paused for a moment, letting the mission's gravity sink in before proceeding. "Second, once you have captured Brutus and the Black Shadow members, you must secure them for extraction. Given this mission's nature, expect heavy, magical, and conventional resistance. We anticipate that they are desperate and may attempt a last stand. Use every means at your disposal to ensure the mission's success. Remember, failure is not an option — too much is at stake."

Agent A nodded firmly. "Understood, Sir. We will not fail. We have lost too many comrades today, and we owe it to them to finish this fight."

Mr. Bean's voice softened slightly, a rare break in his typically stoic demeanor. "I know today has been hard, and we have all lost friends, but let that fuel your resolve. Senator Brutus and the Black Shadow have sown chaos for too long. This is our chance to end their reign and bring peace to Luminarum. I have faith in all of you. Make your preparations and move out at first light. Good luck, agents. The fate of many rests on your shoulders."

The screen went dark, and the room was filled with the sounds of agents loading their weapons, checking their gear, and steeling themselves for what was to come. Agent A looked around at his team, a mix of seasoned veterans and young recruits, all determined to see this mission through.

"All right, everyone," Agent A said, his voice carrying a mix of authority and camaraderie. "You heard the man. This is it. Make sure you are fully prepped. We leave at thirty minutes. Stay sharp, stay focused, and remember who we are fighting for. Let us finish this."

Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 08:00 PM

When Agent A and his team mobilize to the ambush location, Senator Brutus and his comrades rest in the tunnel. They were three-quarters to the exit because they had already walked more than five hours. Senator Brutus asked Mr 02 and Mrs Saturday about their conditions.

"We already had three-quarters to the exit of the tunnel. We need to rest before continuing our walk. Mr 02 and Mrs Saturday, how about the condition of our remaining troops?" Senator Brutus asked Mr 02 and Mrs Saturday.

"We already walk more than five hours. Because we left some soldiers to hold the legionnaires in the city, the remaining musketeers were only 50 people. Also, they are already exhausted from the long walks. We need to rest and continue tomorrow to march again." Mr 02 responds and suggests taking a rest.

"Yeah, I agree with Mr 02. My cultivators were also exhausted because of our previous rituals, especially Elder Kwak and Elder Liao, who conducted rituals to detonate the Dark Calamity Dragon. We need to rest and charge our Qi before continuing to march." Mrs Saturday responds.

Senator Brutus knows that the enemy will pursue and capture them if they rest. However, their small troops and cultivators were already exhausted from the long march in the tunnel. If they continue marching under exhaustion, they cannot do much if the enemy ambushes them.

"All right, we will rest for 5 hours. At midnight, we will continue the march to the tunnel exit. However, some of you will switch roles to guard us from enemy ambush. You will rest first and charge your Qi again for Mr 02, Mrs Saturday, and the cultivators. I and my soldiers will guard first." Senator Brutus orders.

"Thank you, Senator. We will rest first." Mr 02 responds.

Then, Mr 02, Mrs Saturday, the cultivators, and some musketeers rest while Senator Brutus and his soldiers guard them first. This is a wise order when they march with a long-range underground. Thankfully, there are no legionnaires or United Terran force to pursue them. However, this action led Agent A and his team to set a proper ambush on the tunnel exit.

Colobria Region, 8 May 2141 / 8 Maius 1841, 08:30 PM

While Senator Brutus and Black Shadow rest under the tunnel, Agent A and his team set a proper ambush on the exit. He ordered some agents with marksmanship skills and AXSR sniper rifles on the high ground to give them precise shots. Agent X controls a nano drone and flies the drone to conduct a recon mission, following Senator Brutus and his team under the tunnel. The nano drone could utilize stealth and limit electromagnetic emission to prevent enemy soldiers and cultivators from detecting it. As a result, Agent X need an advanced detector integrated into United Terran satellites to detect electromagnetic waves and electron emissions from the nano drone.

After several minutes of flying at high speed, the nano drone arrived at Senator Brutus and his soldiers. Agent A and his team watched the live feed from Agent X's nano drone, observing the enemy's movements in the tunnel. A few makeshift torches dimly lighted the tunnel, and the figures of Senator Brutus, Mr. 02, Mrs. Saturday, and their exhausted troops could be seen taking a much-needed rest. The agents could also see the cultivators, some sitting cross-legged, attempting to recharge their Qi, while others were sleeping against the cold tunnel walls.

"Agent X, maintain a safe distance and keep the drone's emissions minimal. We cannot risk them detecting us now." Agent A instructed his eyes never to leave the screen.

Agent X nodded, deftly maneuvering the drone to a higher vantage point, just out of sight of the enemy.

"Copy that, Agent A. The drone is in position, and I am keeping the emissions low. We should have a clear line of sight on their movements." Agent X responds.

Agent A turned to his team and told them his order.

"Listen up, everyone. The enemy is exhausted, but we cannot underestimate them. Even in their current state, Senator Brutus and the Black Shadow members are formidable opponents. We have the element of surprise, but we must be precise. No mistakes." Agent A orders.

He continued, "Snipers, stay in your positions and maintain visual contact. Our primary target is Senator Brutus, but if you have a clear shot at any Black Shadow members, take it. Remember, we want them alive if possible, but do not hesitate to neutralize them if they pose a threat."

The agents around him nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Agent A could feel the tension in the air, but he also sensed their determination. They had trained for moments like this, and now it was time to put their skills to the test.

"Agent Y," Agent A called out to the communications specialist, "Keep the lines open with command. We need to be ready to relay any new intelligence or updates."

"Roger that, Sir," Agent Y replied, adjusting her headset and preparing to maintain contact with Johnny Bean and other command units.

As they waited in silence, Agent A's thoughts briefly drifted to the fallen agents who had sacrificed their lives earlier in the day. He knew he could not afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment, but he felt renewed purpose and resolve.

"Agent Z," Agent A addressed the explosives expert, "Prepare the charges near the tunnel entrance. If they manage to break through our initial line, we will use the explosives to collapse the tunnel and trap them inside. It is a last resort, but we must be prepared for any outcome."

"Understood, Sir," Agent Z responded, methodically placing the charges in strategic positions around the tunnel entrance, ensuring they could be detonated remotely if necessary.

The minutes ticked by slowly, the tension in the air growing thicker as the agents awaited their moment to strike. Agent A kept his eyes on the nano drone's feed, watching for any signs of movement or change in the enemy's behavior.

Colobria Region, 9 May 2141 / 9 Maius 1841, 01:00 AM

After nearly five hours of surveillance, the nano drone detected a change in the enemy's movements. Mr. 02 and Mrs Saturday began to stir, and the cultivators slowly opened their eyes, their expressions showing signs of renewed focus. It was clear that they were beginning to prepare for their final push to the tunnel's exit.

"Agent A, this is it," Agent X reported. "They are getting ready to move again. The cultivators seem to have regained some of their energy, and the soldiers are assembling into formation."

Agent A took a deep breath, his mind racing through the possibilities.

"All units, this is the moment we have been waiting for. Hasten your preparation for the ambush. How long will they arrive at the exit, Agent X?" Agent A orders others to hasten their preparation and asks Agent X when Senator Brutus and his soldiers arrive at the tunnel exit.

"Based on the drone data, the range from the exit and their current position is around 6 km. If they walk at normal speed, they will arrive in around one hour." Agent X responds.

"All right, we still have time to prepare. All units, continue your preparation and wait for my signal. Do not engage until they are fully exposed at the tunnel exit." Agent A orders.

The agents continue preparing for the ambush. Some agents create a barricade outside the tunnel exit to engage the enemy. The sniper team checks their scope, rail, trigger, and other parts to ensure they work properly. Some agents plant flash landmines to blind the enemy around the exit tunnel for several seconds and standard landmines to explode the tunnel. They also plant some flash landmines in the enemy's rear and break through the layer of defense.

Colobria Region, 9 May 2141 / 9 Maius 1841, 01:30 AM

After enough rest, Senator Brutus led the group, his face set in a determined expression. He was followed closely by Mr. 02, Mrs. Saturday, and the rest of the exhausted but resolute soldiers and cultivators. They started to move again to the tunnel exit.

"All right, everyone. We will start to move again. Mr 02, order your musketeers to be our vanguard and the cultivators to be supported if the enemy ambushes us in the tunnel exit." Senator Brutus order.

"All right, my musketeers will be on vanguard. Mrs Saturday, I need your cultivators to protect them from behind." Mr 02 responds.

"Rest assured, Mr 02. Even though our Qi is not fully charged, we still could help your musketeers against enemy bullets." Mrs Saturday said.

Then, they started to move to the exit tunnel. They would arrive at the tunnel exit after walking for more than one hour. They cautiously approached the tunnel's exit, scanning the surroundings for any signs of a trap. Unknown to them, the nano drone had already watched their movement.

Colobria Region, 9 May 2141 / 9 Maius 1841, 02:30 AM

As the enemy drew closer to the tunnel's exit, Agent A watched intently through the live feed of the nano drone. The tension for the native agents grew palpable, with every Agent on edge, knowing they were moments away from the confrontation that could decide the nation's fate.

"Agent X, keep the drone at a safe distance but maintain visual contact. We need to know their exact position until the very last moment," Agent A ordered.

"Understood, Sir," Agent X responded, maintaining a firm grip on the controls. He guided the drone stealthily above the enemy, staying undetected.

The rest of Agent A's team waited silently, weapons ready, each Agent holding their breath, their eyes never leaving the enemy's movement on their screens.

As Senator Brutus and his comrades approached the exit, the nano drone captured their fatigue and strong resolve in their eyes. The cultivators moved with their hands, forming intricate signs and preparing defensive spells, their bodies glowing with a faint, ethereal light. The musketeers, though weary, held their muskets tightly, nerves steeled for the possible ambush.

"Agent A, they are approximately 300 meters from the exit now." Agent X whispered over the comms.

Agent A nodded, speaking quietly to his team. "Snipers, on my command, take your positions. Wait for them to clear the tunnel, then engage. Agent Z, be ready to detonate the charges if necessary."

The agents readied themselves, their training and discipline kicking in, steadying their nerves for the imminent confrontation. A cold breeze flowed across the tunnel entrance, causing a few leaves to rustle. For a moment, the time they were seemed to stand still.

As Senator Brutus' forces reached within 100 meters of the tunnel exit, Agent A gave the final order. "All units, prepare to engage. Snipers, take aim but do not fire until they are fully exposed."

The enemy continued their cautious advance. The lead musketeers moved slowly, checking their surroundings, sensing something wasn't quite right but unable to pinpoint the source of their unease.

The cultivators, led by Mrs. Saturday, began chanting softly, their hands glowing as they prepared protective barriers. The energy detectors in Agent A's team began to buzz softly, indicating the increased presence of magical activity.

"Agent Y, inform command that we are engaging. Make sure they are aware of any changes," Agent A instructed.

"Roger that, Sir," Agent Y replied, sending the update to Johnny Bean and other command units.

Suddenly, as the enemy emerged from the tunnel, Agent A's voice cut through the comms. "Now! Engage!"

The first shot came from Agent W, a sniper perched on the high ground. The AXSR sniper rifle discharged with a muffled thud, and a split second later, one of the musketeers dropped, a clean shot through the chest. A second shot followed, taking down another musketeer.

"Suppressing fire!" Agent A commanded. The agents with SIG MX7 assault rifles opened fire, sending a hail of bullets toward the advancing enemy. The cultivators quickly raised their hands, creating shimmering barriers that deflected the bullets, but the force of the attack slowed their advance.

"Keep up the pressure!" Agent A yelled over the gunfire. "Agent Z, prepare the charges!"

As the firefight intensified, Senator Brutus raised his hand, commanding his troops. "Hold your ground! Cultivators, maintain those barriers!"

Mrs. Saturday shouted incantations, her voice filled with urgency. A burst of energy flowed from her hands, strengthening the barriers, while Mr. 02 directed the musketeers to form a tight formation, firing their muskets in a desperate attempt to repel the attack.

"Agent A, the barriers are holding!" Agent X reported.

"Understood. Snipers focus on the cultivators! Utilize the enhanced bullets. We need to weaken their defenses," Agent A ordered.

The snipers then loaded enhanced bullets with nano tungsten and adjusted their aim, targeting the cultivators. Thanks to the enhanced bullet, they could penetrate the spiritual barrier. A well-placed shot struck one of the cultivators in the shoulder, breaking his concentration and causing a section of the barrier to flicker.

Agent A seized the opportunity. "Now! Grenade launchers, fire!"

Agents equipped with XM7 rifles launched grenades toward the weakened barrier. Because the cultivators do not fully recharge their Qi and are still exhausted, the spiritual barrier is feeble but enough to deflect standard 6.8x51 mm bullets. However, a larger caliber, like .338 Lapua Magnum enhanced with nano tungsten, could penetrate the spiritual barrier. Explosions rocked the area as the grenades detonated, shattering parts of the magical defense and causing several enemy soldiers to stagger back.

Sensing the collapse of their defenses, Senator Brutus shouted, "Retreat! Fall back to the tunnel!"

However, before they could regroup, Agent A gave another command. "Agent Z, detonate the charges now!"

A series of explosions erupted at the tunnel entrance, collapsing part of the tunnel and trapping several enemy soldiers inside. Dust and debris filled the air, and cries of confusion and panic echoed from the enemy ranks.

"Keep the pressure on them!" Agent A urged his team. "Do not let them recover!"

The agents continued their assault, picking off the disoriented enemies one by one. The cultivators, now without their protective barriers, were vulnerable, and the snipers took advantage of their confusion, landing shot after shot.

As the firefight raged on, Agent A's team maintained their momentum, exploiting every weakness in the enemy's defense. Without the strength to maintain their barriers, the cultivators were being systematically taken down by the sniper fire. Agent W adjusted his aim from his elevated position and carefully squeezed the trigger, taking down another cultivator attempting to conjure a defensive spell.

"Good shot, Agent W!" Agent A commended, his voice clear over the comms. "Keep targeting those with magical capabilities. We must break their morale and prevent them from regrouping."

Realizing that his forces were losing ground quickly, Senator Brutus turned to Mrs. Saturday and Mr. 02. "We need to counter-attack now, or we won't make it out of this alive," he said urgently. "Mrs. Saturday, use your strongest spells to disrupt their formation. Mr. 02, lead the musketeers and focus your fire on their soldiers."

Mrs. Saturday, Elder Kwak and Elder Liao, gathering their remaining strength, began to chant in an ancient Tianlong language. Their hands glowed with a light yellow aura for Mrs Satuday and a dark purple aura for Elder Kwak and Elder Liao. Suddenly, a wave of light energy from her and dark energy from unorthodox cultivators shot forward, aimed directly at the snipers' positions. The air crackled with magic, and the ground trembled as the spell surged toward Agent W and the other snipers.

"Incoming spell! Brace yourselves!" Agent A warned as he saw the wave of energy heading for his snipers. "Agent Y, inform command that they are launching a magical counter-attack. We need reinforcements if this escalates!"

Agent W quickly moved to evade the incoming attack, diving to the side just in time as the combination of light and dark energy slammed into his previous position, obliterating the ground and sending debris flying in all directions. "Damn, that was close!" he muttered, repositioning himself and searching for a new vantage point.

"Stay focused!" Agent A barked, regaining control of the situation. "Snipers, keep moving and find new positions. Do not let them pin you down."

Meanwhile, Mr. 02 rallied the remaining musketeers. "Focus your fire on the enemy soldiers! Keep them on the move!" he shouted, and the musketeers, despite their exhaustion, obeyed his orders, firing volley after volley toward the frontline agents.

Still controlling the nano drone, Agent X reported, "They are trying to suppress our snipers and shoot our frontline, Agent A. We need to adapt quickly."

"Understood," Agent A replied. "Agent Z, prepare a secondary set of charges. We must create a diversion and draw their fire away from our snipers."

Agent Z acknowledged the order, quickly setting up additional explosive charges at a strategic point near the tunnel's entrance. "Charges are ready, Sir," Agent Z reported.

"On my signal," Agent A instructed, "detonate the charges and create a smoke screen. We will use the confusion to reposition our snipers and flank their vanguard."

Agent A counted down in his mind, watching the enemy's movements closely through the nano drone feed. "Now, Agent Z, do it!" he commanded.

A series of explosions went off, sending plumes of smoke and dust into the air, obscuring the battlefield. The sudden blasts disoriented the enemy forces, and their gunfire wavered momentarily.

"Snipers, move now! Find new positions and get ready to engage again!" Agent A ordered. "Assault teams, prepare to advance under the cover of the smoke. We need to push them back toward the collapsed tunnel."

The agents swiftly moved into action, using the smoke as cover to reposition themselves. The snipers found new vantage points, and the assault teams advanced, using the confusion to their advantage. Agent X maneuvered the nano drone closer to provide better surveillance.

As the smoke began to clear, Agent A could see that Senator Brutus and his remaining forces were trying to regroup, but they were clearly disorganized. Mrs Saturday looked exhausted, her light aura dimming. Elder Liao and Elder Kwak also exhausted their Qi and could not release any more spiritual spells. Mr. 02 was shouting orders to the musketeers, trying to reestablish a line of defense.

"All units, prepare for the final push!" Agent A commanded. "This is our moment. Take them down!"

The agents surged forward, their weapons blazing. The snipers resumed their deadly accuracy, taking down any exposed enemies. The assault teams closed in, firing their SIG MX7 assault rifles, and the cultivators, weakened and exposed, could not maintain their defenses.

Senator Brutus, realizing the dire situation, shouted, "Retreat! We must find another way out!"

However, before they could make their escape, Agent A saw his opportunity. "Agents, focus fire on Senator Brutus! Do not let him get away!" he shouted, his voice filled with determination.

The agents concentrated their fire on Senator Brutus, who was caught in the crossfire despite his efforts to evade. He was struck by several rounds, one hitting his leg, causing him to stumble.

"Hold your ground, Senator!" Mr. 02 shouted, rushing to his aid. However, controlling the nano drone, Agent X positioned it directly above them, providing a clear line of sight.

"Agent W, take the shot!" Agent A ordered.

Already aiming through his scope, Agent W exhaled slowly and squeezed the trigger. The sniper round hit Senator Brutus in the shoulder with a standard round, causing him to collapse to the ground.

"We got him!" Agent A announced. "Move in and secure the target! Watch for any last-minute resistance!"

The agents quickly advanced, closing in on the wounded Senator Brutus and his remaining followers. Mrs. Saturday and Mr. 02 attempted to rally the last of their troops, but it was clear that their morale had broken. Seeing their leader fall, the musketeers began to drop their weapons and surrender.

"Secure the prisoners! Make sure none of them escape!" Agent A ordered as he and his team moved in to capture Senator Brutus and the remaining Black Shadow members.

Agent Z carefully approached the wounded Senator, his weapon trained on him.

"Stay down, Traitor. Your fate is over." Agent Z mocked Senator Brutus and injected him with something.

Senator Brutus, bleeding and exhausted, looked up at his captors, his expression defiant but resigned.

"You may have won this battle. However, the war is far from over. My friend will avenge me. Haha." he muttered while enduring the pain from .338 Lapua Magnum rounds.

Fortunately, Agent W only hit the non-fatal position. Even though not fatal, the standard bullet caused bone fracture and tissue damage to Senator Brutus. To prevent sudden death because of loss of blood and shock, Agent Z injects nano serum into Senator Brutus to heal him.

"That may be, Traitor, but today, you will answer for your crimes." Agent A stepped forward, his face stern.

Agent A took a deep breath as the agents secured the area and rounded up the remaining enemies. The mission was a success, but he knew it was just one battle in a more significant conflict. Who is the friend that will avenge Senator Brutus? This is good information for UT ISIA, and they will make sure to find it. Still, they had achieved a significant victory today, capturing a key enemy leader and weakening a dangerous rogue faction.

"Agent Y," Agent A called out, "inform command that we have Senator Brutus in custody and that the Black Shadow members have been neutralized or captured. Request immediate extraction and medical support."

"Roger that, Sir," Agent Y replied, sending the transmission.

Agent A looked at his team, a mix of relief and exhaustion on their faces. "Well done, everyone," he said. "We have done our duty today. Now, let us prepare to move out and return to safety."

As the first light of dawn began to break over the Colobria Region, the agents prepared to depart, knowing that their mission was far from over but confident that they had struck a critical blow against their enemies.

The capture of Senator Brutus, Mr 02, and Mrs Saturday will end the Fortisegnum Empire civil war. The United Terran and Fortisregnum Empire won this useless civil war at the cost of more than ten thousand people, hundreds of soldiers, and legionnaires dead. Even the United Terrans lost their soldiers in this foreign civil war.

Who is the friend of Senator Brutus? Is it Mr 0 from PRU and Mr 01 from Weltenkraft Reich? Or any hidden power will help him? What is the fate of Senator Brutus, Mr 02 and Mrs Saturday? Could United Terran gain good information from them about Black Shadow, cultivation, and other things? With the death of soldiers, what is the response of the supreme leader of the United Terran Secretary-General?