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A few days had passed since the unsettling events on Seraphis, and now the five rulers of the universes gathered in a grand meeting room on Astraea, the diplomatic planet of the Azure Universe. Astraea was known for its neutral ground, a place where treaties were signed, and alliances were forged. The room where the rulers met was adorned with tapestries depicting the history of their worlds, a silent reminder of the peace they had fought so hard to maintain.
Queen Seraphina stood at the head of the table, her expression serious as she addressed the other rulers. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice. We have a serious situation on our hands. As you know, Elder Aeliana attempted to investigate a distress signal coming from the Land of Spade. What we didn’t expect was the trap that ensnared her in a trance-like state, with dark magic that even Lyra couldn’t break."
The room was silent as Seraphina continued. "Before Lyra returned to the Areala Universe, she mentioned that this isn’t just about healing magic. Whoever or whatever has done this is extremely powerful, and the only way to reverse Aeliana’s condition is to find the one responsible."
Nia, Elara, Lila, and Kael exchanged concerned glances as Seraphina concluded her briefing. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on them.
Kael, ever the pragmatist, was the first to speak. "At this point, I say we just go check it out ourselves. We have the manpower, so there’s no point in wasting any more time. Commander Aiden and his squad, the Valiant Blades, are ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice."
Nia nodded thoughtfully. "The same goes for Captain Daichi and his squad. They’re prepared to assist in any way necessary."
Kael chuckled, appreciating Nia’s offer, but waved it off with a confident grin. "I appreciate it, Nia, but Commander Aiden’s squad is more than enough to get the job done."
He looked around the room, expecting quick approval, but instead found the other rulers giving him curious looks. As the only male ruler among them, Kael wasn’t sure if they were questioning his judgment or simply amused by his confidence.
Sensing their hesitation, Kael decided to give a brief overview of the Valiant Blades, starting with their leader. "First, we have Commander Aiden. His Tactical Bladecraft makes him a formidable leader and warrior. Aiden’s abilities blend sharp intellect, strategic mastery, and unparalleled swordsmanship. On the battlefield, he’s both a shield and a sword for his allies, capable of turning the tide of any conflict in our favor."
Kael then moved on to the next member. "Kaelan Drayke is a powerhouse. His mastery of draconic energy gives him an edge in both offense and defense. He’s a versatile warrior, combining raw power with precision to dominate the battlefield. There’s no better fighter for both close and ranged combat."
Next was Windrider Sera. "Windrider Sera is the swift blade of the squad. Her mastery of wind grants her unparalleled mobility and control over the battlefield. She can outmaneuver enemies with ease and strike with the force of a tempest. She’s always at the forefront of any mission."
Finally, Kael introduced the last member. "Ashford Thorne is our rock. His mastery of stone and earth gives him incredible strength and resilience. He’s the unyielding force of the squad, protecting his allies and crushing his enemies with overwhelming power. Ashford is the immovable foundation that keeps the Valiant Blades grounded, even in the face of danger."
Kael finished his summary with a confident nod, looking around at the other rulers. "I assure you, the Valiant Blades are more than capable of handling this mission."
Nia leaned back in her chair, a slight smile playing on her lips. "You certainly have confidence in your squad, Kael. Very well, if you believe they’re up to the task, I won’t argue."
Elara and Lila exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Seraphina remained quiet for a moment before finally speaking. "Alright, Kael. The Valiant Blades will be sent to the Land of Spade. But remember, this mission is purely reconnaissance. Their only goal is to locate the source of the distress signal. Once they’ve identified the spot, they are to return immediately and report back. This isn’t supposed to be a deadly mission."
Kael nodded, fully understanding the gravity of the situation. "Understood. I’ll make sure Aiden knows the objective."
With that, the meeting came to a close. The rulers began to rise from their seats, discussing the next steps amongst themselves. As the others prepared to leave, Kael approached Commander Aiden, who had been waiting outside the room.
"Aiden," Kael said, his tone filled with anticipation, "prepare the squad for departure. You all leave for the Land of Spade as soon as the sun sets."
Aiden’s eyes lit up with excitement, a grin spreading across his face. "Finally, time for some action!"
The chapter ended with the Valiant Blades preparing for their mission, unaware of the dangers that lay ahead. The sun slowly dipped below the horizon, signaling the beginning of a journey that would test their strength, resolve, and unity as they ventured into the unknown.
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