✨ CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE — HEAVENLY ALERT: NEW THREATS ✨
The wind howled through the fractured streets of Neo-Lagos, carrying dust, shattered glass, and the faint, metallic scent of energy discharged.
Aiden, Maya, and Dara stood among the rubble, surveying the aftermath of their battle. The Seraph Triad had been defeated—but victory was temporary.
The Heavenly System chimed beside Aiden, holographic panels flickering in the dim moonlight.
[ALERT: CELESTIAL BREACH DETECTED]
[THREAT LEVEL: SSS-RANK DEPLOYMENT IMMINENT]
[ENFORCER UNITS: RANK SS TO SSS]
[MISSION: STAR-VESSEL EXTRACTION]
Dara groaned, holding his head. "Bro… SSS?! That's like… the final exam of celestial hit squads, right?"
Aiden's fists clenched. "Stronger than the Seraphs… and they're coming now."
Maya's silver glow flared brighter. Her hands lifted instinctively, forming a protective barrier around the trio.
"They're faster than any previous wave. And… smarter. The Dominion isn't sending scouts anymore—they're sending specialists."
The cracks in the sky pulsed, spreading like veins of white-hot light across the clouds. From each fissure, silhouettes began to descend: tall, imposing figures, their armor shimmering like liquid silver, weapons humming with lethal energy.
Aiden narrowed his eyes.
"They know where we are."
The first of the enforcers touched down silently—a massive figure clad in dark silver armor, edges glowing with pure energy. Its weapon resembled a cross between a spear and a scythe, and it radiated a terrifying pressure.
The second landed beside the first, moving with predatory precision. Its gauntlets pulsed as if capable of crushing reality itself.
Dara swallowed audibly. "Okay… that's not 'specialists'… that's 'apocalypse certified'."
Aiden's golden aura flared.
"Maya… we need full coordination. If these are SSS-rank… they'll hit harder, faster, and anticipate our moves."
Maya nodded. Her starlight shimmered, connecting subtly with Aiden's aura.
"We'll need to combine offensive and defensive maneuvers like never before. I can support your attacks, but only if you stay in sync."
The third enforcer landed behind them, completing the triangle. Its eyes glowed with a strange, almost intelligent light.
"This unit," Maya whispered, "…is the key. It's coordinating the others."
Aiden exhaled. "Then that's our target. Take the leader down—everything else will follow."
Dara lifted a metal pipe and flexed his fingers.
"Bro… I just… I just want to not die again."
Aiden smirked faintly.
"Stick close, Dara. And don't get in the way."
The three enforcers moved as one, gliding across the rubble with perfect synchronization.
Each step sent shockwaves into the ground. Dust, glass, and small debris lifted into the air, forming a swirling storm around them.
Aiden stepped forward, aura igniting like molten gold.
"They want the Star-Vessel… but they'll get us first."
Maya's barrier expanded, white light weaving around the trio.
"Hold together. Watch for patterns. Adapt."
The lead enforcer raised its weapon, pointing directly at Maya.
"Star-Vessel… surrender. Resistance will be annihilated."
Aiden stepped in front of her instantly.
"Try it."
The other two enforcers flanked them, energy radiating like deadly waves.
The wind carried the faint, mechanical hum of their combined power. It was the sound of inevitability—but Aiden, Maya, and Dara were ready to fight against it.
The SSS-rank deployment had arrived.
And for the trio, the real battle was just beginning.