Year 2068
"The sun is about to rise… They'll attack soon," Commander Viranth said solemnly to his lead soldiers.
He let out a heavy sigh as his eyes swept across his men—exhausted, bloodied, and worn from a month-long, relentless siege. The battlefield had become their home, and weariness clung to them like a second skin.
This stronghold wouldn't last much longer. Their food reserves were nearly depleted—two weeks, at most, before starvation set in. And even then, Viranth knew the enemy wouldn't retreat. They would continue to press forward, relentless and without mercy.
He exhaled again, his heart heavy, and began walking toward the sea tower to get a clearer view of the battlefield.
The soldiers stood at attention, weapons in hand, ready to fight yet another day in this endless war. From the tower, Viranth gazed upon the enemy lines. Their army teemed with energy, their morale far higher than his own troops'.
And they had more Second Chakra fighters. More than his own side.
Viranth tapped his watch and commanded, "Connect me to the Senapati."
A serene, artificial voice replied, "Connecting to Senapati."
Moments later, a shimmering hologram appeared on the screen—a figure radiating authority and power. Viranth saluted with discipline, then reported the dire situation of the stronghold.
After a moment of silence, the Senapati responded, "The situation is deteriorating fast. Hold the base for two more days. I will dispatch another Third Chakra warrior, like you, to support the defense. But do not leave the stronghold. We suspect enemy Third Chakra warriors are cloaking their presence. If you leave, they might distract you and seize the base. Do not, under any circumstances, let them breach the inner defenses."
"Sir," Viranth responded, voice tight with tension, "I fear holding for two days may not be possible. The enemy has begun using war prisoners as cannon fodder—innocents captured from outside our lands. At first, we thought they were soldiers. But once we discovered the truth, morale plummeted. Our troops hesitate to strike, knowing they're killing innocents. The enemy has crossed the line of warfare and humanity."
He paused, then continued, his tone heavier.
"And if that wasn't enough, after sending the prisoners, their Fire and Water Second Chakra wielders rain down spells from long range, creating chaos in our ranks. They're slowly gaining ground. Holding out another day… feels like a miracle. I request reinforcements—specifically a Fourth Chakra user of the Water element."
The Senapati's expression darkened.
"All our Fourth Chakra warriors are engaged at other critical bases. Vijayin's forces are attacking us on every front. But remember this—no base has fallen. And you won't be the first. Morale is a weapon, Viranth. We've secured a major victory in eastern India. The enemy suffered a devastating blow. Hold the line."
He leaned in, voice firm.
"This is war. A single misstep can turn a sure victory into defeat. A soldier cannot afford morality during battle. Spare lives when you can—but if necessary, do what must be done."
Viranth nodded grimly. He expected such a response. No matter what, this base could not fall.
Activating the voice amplification system, he addressed his troops.
"Today, lives will be saved—and many will be lost. But remember who we are. We fight for our families. For our homeland. So that they never suffer the fate of those being used as fodder by the enemy."
He raised his voice with passion.
"Remember—if any of us fall, the Protectors will avenge us. The King of India and the Protectors are a stage above Vijayin. We will win this war. I've requested reinforcements—and they are coming. All we need to do is hold this castle… for just two more days!"
His soldiers, though weary, stood taller. But when they heard they had to survive another two days in this nightmare, a hush fell over them. Still… resolve stirred in their hearts.
"To Dharma!" they shouted in unison, voices echoing across the battlefield.
Then, the horns of war sounded on both sides. The battle had begun again.
Viranth stood atop the tower, his expression unreadable, watching the enemy prepare to strike. The gates of the stronghold opened, and his forces charged into the fray.
But then he noticed something—something terrifying.
The commander on the enemy's side had changed.
Though they were separated by miles, Viranth, being in the Transcendent Stage, could see clearly. His face turned pale.
He couldn't sense the enemy commander's aura. It was as if the man didn't exist.
Only one explanation fit: A Soul Stage warrior.
Without a Soul Stage fighter of their own, they wouldn't last two days. Not even two hours.
Viranth didn't hesitate. He contacted the Senapati again and relayed the terrifying discovery.
The Senapati, upon hearing the news, didn't falter. A small grin touched his lips.
"We expected this."