A sharp cry brought me back from a meager hour of rest. My eyes strained as I tried to get a clear view. The wide room before me looked congested with the crowd gathered. My head felt heavy and stiff from the lack of proper sleep.

A tense atmosphere overwhelmed the room as everyone wore a serious expression on their face. Communication scrolls are being used to pass the information from one end to the other.

"Commander, we have news to inform you." The girl named Emily Watsken said while handing our several reports for me to see.

I quickly glanced through them. It was regarding the situation in various territories, underground tunnels, and the construction progress of the Train.

"The main assault team headed to the flying castle is on standby as of now. The Rear support's arrival is delayed. Nothing suspicious has been spotted as of now." she continued.

"I understood. Pay attention to any irregular things so that we can avoid fatal mistakes later on." I said while mustering up the strength to get off my seat.

"Yes, Commander"

The Alacryans grip over Dicathen is weak since the destruction of Elenoir. They have been hesitating to completely colonize us. We decided that it is the perfect time to gain our foothold and take back what belongs to us.

We overcame our differences and formed an alliance with the dwarves. We had suspicions of a possible trap from them but nothing of that sort has been detected. The first thing we did was to destroy the Alacryan transportation portal and probed the tunnels thoroughly. Their tunnels have been plenty helpful for assaulting enemies and save refugees.

We succeeded in saving most of the refugees and offered them with required medical attention. Our forces increased compared to when started out here. We slowly overthrew the captured territories and ensured the safety of the people. Although we faced backlash for losing the war, we are determined enough to face it and make a place worthy of living for all the people.

"Commander, please take some Tea"

I received it and headed out of the room for fresh air. I glanced at the vegetation that was supporting our lives here in the underground. The people working there greeted me as I passed from the area. We had also build sort of training grounds for the warriors to warm up, although it is not that big enough. The medical ward is running all day taking in injured warriors and also the regular civilians.

All of us have responsibilities. They are needed to be taken care of to ensure our living here. Whether it be managing the vegetation, Teaching the young ones, cooking, guarding, research. etc. Everyone had their own role.

We have to move forward for the future and the past that we failed to protect. This is the progress we made due to our present efforts, past sacrifices, and hope for a better future. I made a vow long back. Back when I lost things that I thought were the most important. I want to protect this progress, the people that believe in me even when I failed at the war.

The current circumstances give me the hope that we can cut off Dicathen from Alacrya's control. Our current goal is to get rid of the teleportation portal in the flying castle. We don't know when the enemy scythes or their retainers may return. Although it won't mean complete victory for us, it will help us with enough time to reorganize ourselves to defend against even an all-out attack.

Although it might not mean much, I am prepared to do all I can in this fight to ensure victory for us. It has been a while since I headed into battle. I still regret not accompanying Arthur to save Tessia back then. I might have been able to help them get away even at the cost of my life. This time I shall leave no regrets even if I end my life.

I came across Rinia who was on her way to the medical ward. She was one of the reasons we were able to offer proper treatment to the injured.

"How is the plan going on?" she asked

"Nothing unprecedented as of now. The reinforcements from the other side are running a bit late" I informed.

"Virion, I suggest you pull off from destroying the warp gate in the flying castle," she revealed wearily.

"What are you saying at the last moment. We may not be able to get another chance like this" I blurted.

"Believe in my words and station the warriors to the north."

"Is it your divination?", what is going to happen? I was about to say it even when I knew that it would risk Rinia and this was the extent to which she can speak.

"Yes, it is. Now, I can finally have some dear rest after a long while" she walked away with a grin on her face.

This is the first time she has ever given a divination like this. Is it something that important that she risked herself to speak this much and give out specific information. If she went this far, then it must be important.

I don't clearly understand why she is feeling so free out of the blue. Does this mean that we are going to successfully liberate Dicathen from Alacrya's control? but why wait at north? Is it reinforcements? But all our allies are on the move in their allotted posts. Could it be the Asuran Dieties? all sorts of possibilities shoved their way into my head, but I need to make a decision and inform the teams.

I rushed back to the command room and had them set up communication with all the teams simultaneously.

"But commander we have run out of two-way scrolls and it would take a bit of time to gather more"

"Doesn't matter even if it is one-way, activate them quickly" I said with anxiety seeping from my words. Everyone surprised at my rush quickly moved to set up the one-way communication.

"Listen closely everyone, this is directed to every group on their way to the Flying Castle. Our plans have changed. We are aborting our plan to destroy the teleport gate. Head to the Valden city in the north of Xryus right away."

"We received divination from Rinia and I believe that we must act according to it. But don't let your guard down and prioritize your safety before anything else. Glory to Dicathen."

The scrolls vanished as my message ended. Now, We must wait to see what it is that Rinia spoke of?.

I started off to Valden city through the tunnels along with very limited people. Our fighting capability was not much. This was because we had to prioritize the security here.

Several hours passed before we got hold of Two-way communication scrolls. We immediately used them to get a status report. We were unable to reach the main assault team consisting of Lance Bairon. Doubt and anxiety spread through the room at the thought of any unexpected situation.

"Commander, everyone has gathered at Valden city as planned except for the assault team. It might be possible that they are engaging with the only retainer that was present at the floating castle. I am sure they will establish contact as soon as they can." Ellie Leywin spoke through the two-way scroll.

"Yes, commander, we have evacuated the residents here to safety," lance Aya said.

"What shall be our next step commander?" lance Varay asked.

"We are on our way to Valden city through the tunnels leading there. We will meet up in a while. Be on guard for any possible enemy." I said.

"Understood, comman..." lance Varay's voice trailed as she spoke.

"What is this? A black barrier? Everyo.." lance Aya spoke as her uncompleted voice died off in our surroundings.

The communication scrolls vanished as their remains drifted away.

"What is it? I heard something about a barrier?" a soldier spoke.

An overwhelming pressure pushed us to the ground which made me unable to let out my breath. We saw a pitch-black barrier closing just a few feet in front of us. It must be the same thing that the lances were talking about before. We might not be able to reach Valden if we can't enter this barrier.

"Rush into the barrier everyone" I shouted after a huge effort.

Everyone did their best to move forward while being crushed to the ground by the invisible force. Most of us made it in time before the barrier closed on us, but several soldiers were unable to make it. The barrier blocked the way out and was impossible to penetrate.

We tried using more two-way scrolls which ended up as waste. What kind of barrier is this? One thing was evident that it was durable enough and blocking the communication inside it.

"Let's head forward and meet up with the reinforcement teams in Valden city" I said as I made my way ahead.