The main war chamber of the Edenan Military Headquarters thrummed with tension. A long table dominated the center, cluttered with glowing holograms and shifting regional maps that charted Edena's relentless expansion. At its head sat President Caius Dalthar, his sharp gaze cutting through every projection with predatory focus. Around him, high-ranking officials and military officers stood in rigid silence.
Valarion stood before the President—tall, composed, unreadable. Yet the weight of his authority filled the room. Beside him, hovering displays showcased Edena's latest conquests, bathed in cold blue light.
"President Dalthar," Valarion began, his voice steady and firm, "our expansion continues without resistance. Territories once uncertain now fall under Edena's control."
One by one, conquered regions lit up across the holographic map.
"First: Landeris, rich in minerals, now converted into a processing hub for asteroid-mining operations. Second: Gallenor, lowland territory now hosting energy refineries and large-scale distillation plants."
Valarion's eyes never left the hologram. "We have also secured Veylon and Revasia—critical supply routes for logistics and defense. Together, these regions form the backbone of Edena's long-term infrastructure."
A new image materialized: a massive asteroid crater ringed by futuristic machinery.
"Excavation at the Skarion Crater remains on schedule. The energy minerals harvested there are enough to fuel our civilization for centuries, including the next generation of interstellar portal networks."
President Dalthar studied the projection, his expression tightening with satisfaction. "We're close," he murmured. "What of the final territory?"
Valarion nodded. "Our next target is the Altheran Desert. Their warriors are skilled, but isolated. With precise strategy, their defenses will crumble. Once Althera falls, Edena will control the entirety of Aravex's western continent."
A thin smile crossed Dalthar's lips—cold, hungry. "And the next wave?"
Valarion met his gaze without hesitation. "Prepared. After Althera, we advance east. We cross the seas, take the outer continents—lands unaware of our ascent. With Edena's full power, we will claim this world and rule it for millennia."
Silence closed over the chamber. Heavy. Foreboding. Every person present knew what was coming: the fall of Althera would ignite a cascade of conquest without equal.
President Dalthar leaned back, confidence twisting his features. "Proceed, Valarion. Let nothing stand against us."
Valarion bowed. "Our victory is inevitable, President."
With a single gesture, the holograms winked out, plunging the chamber into dim stillness. A new era for Edena had begun—one shadowed by a danger none of them yet saw.
Night draped itself over the Altheran Desert, the sky blazing with stars that felt impossibly close. Cold winds swept through the tents, carrying with them a hush that felt wrong. Too still. Too quiet. For days, there had been no Edenan patrols, no convoys, no movement at all.
Kirana sat outside her tent, sharpening her blade as moonlight gleamed across its edge. Her gaze never left the horizon, the dunes stretching endlessly before her.
This calm wasn't a blessing. It was a warning.
"Kirana," a soft voice called.
Dren, a young desert soldier, approached with a water pouch in hand. "You're still awake? The desert's been quiet for days. Nothing to worry about."
Kirana shook her head as she took the pouch and sipped. "It's the quiet that worries me. Edenans don't retreat. They wait. They plan."
Dren hesitated before nodding. "Maybe they're regrouping. If that's true, we should rest while we can."
She didn't reply. In war, silence nearly always meant a coming storm.
The night deepened. Wind whispered across the dunes, stirring faint swirls of sand. Kirana eventually returned to her tent, but her mind refused to settle.
She wasn't asleep long.
A low rumble trembled through the earth, a mechanical hum that didn't belong to nature. Her eyes snapped open.
Not the wind.
She rushed outside. In the distance, a flicker of light blinked against the horizon like a wandering star. Then another. And another. The lights darted across the dunes—too fast, too precise.
Engines.
Kirana's stomach tightened. "They're coming," she whispered.
She sprinted to the nearest watch post where Kael, an older veteran, stood guard.
"Kael!" she called.
He turned, brows raised. "What is it?"
"Lights. Engines. The Edenans are advancing."
Kael peered into the dark, though only the faintest glimmer was visible. But he didn't doubt her.
"You're certain?"
"Absolutely. We need to alert Zephyr. Now."
Kael nodded. "I'll wake him and gather the squad leaders. Stay here and watch them."
Kirana's eyes returned to the dunes. The lights grew clearer, shimmering like predators stalking through the desert night. Dust plumes rose beneath them—a large convoy.
This wasn't a scout team.
This was the opening strike.
Kael hurried to the command tent, boots crunching through the sand. The camp still slept in deceptive peace, the hum of engines faint but growing.
Inside the tent, Zephyr stood over a map lit by lantern light. He looked up the moment Kael entered.
"Commander Zephyr," Kael said, snapping into formation. "Kirana spotted movement—lights, engines—coming from the east. Edenan forces are approaching."
Zephyr folded the map with calm precision. "She's certain?"
"I trust her eyes," Kael replied.
Zephyr nodded. "Then assemble a scouting unit. Keep it small and fast. Confirm their size, equipment, and route. No engagements. We cannot lose anyone before the battle. This is reconnaissance, not combat."
"Understood. We'll be shadows in the sand."
Kael left immediately. He moved through the camp, selecting only the most experienced—trackers, scouts, silent runners. Within half an hour, six soldiers stood ready, cloaked and armed.
Kael found Kirana back at her post.
"So it's real," she said quietly.
"Zephyr trusts you," Kael replied. "My team will scout. You meet with Zephyr and prepare. He'll give you your orders."
Kirana's jaw tightened. "Then it begins."
Kael stepped closer. "You've led before. You'll lead again. Whatever Edena brings, it won't be small. You know that."
She met his gaze, her expression steady. "I won't let them break this desert. Not while I can still stand."
Kael gave a rare smile. "Then meet Zephyr. Ready yourself. If the storm is coming, we face it on our feet."
He turned to his waiting unit, and together they disappeared into the darkness.
Kirana lingered alone, watching the distant lights shimmer like approaching doom. The desert wind rose, cold and sharp.
Then she turned toward camp.
The war had begun.