3rd POV – Nyx
Nyx moved swiftly and silently through the vents until she found the room. She concealed herself in a dark corner, intensifying her illusion energy to remain undetected.
It took only a few minutes before, as I had predicted, the general and the two colonels entered.
The general took the central seat at the back, while the colonels positioned themselves at the front.
"Report," came the general's voice—cold, composed, and commanding.
Pedro answered promptly.
"Four mechs sustained moderate damage—shields and hull integrity down by 15%. No issues with weapons systems. Casualties: one deceased administrative staff member, several wounded. All are receiving healing serum or being treated with abilities."
A wave of pressure rolled across the room. Nyx—though well-concealed—shivered under the weight of the general's displeasure. A thin trace of frost lingered on the table.
Strange… I could feel it through her. A second ability? That wasn't mentioned anywhere in his records. Then again, Nyx's energy sensitivity is abnormally high due to her unique composition. It's possible others might not even detect it.
"Understood. And the enemy?" the general asked next.
Daniel responded with a confident grin.
"We crushed most of their fleet. Heavy damage across their systems. We eliminated or captured several of the invaders. I personally took down a few mechs myself. I'd say the cost was high—for them."
Even I was a little surprised by how little damage the 4th Army sustained. Maybe their reputation for elite combat skill and advanced tech is well earned… or maybe the pirates were just ill-prepared.
"Excellent," the general replied. Daniel's aura noticeably relaxed.
A beat of silence followed before Pedro spoke again.
"There were traitors. And… sensitive data may have been leaked."
No verbal response from the general—just an increase in tension. The air seemed to thicken. Nyx trembled slightly under the pressure, and I knew this was what I had come to learn.
Pedro continued.
"It most likely came from one of the noble families. Possibly a move to test the 4th Army's strength or to weaken us. There's also strong evidence suggesting the 2nd Army was involved."
Suddenly, there was a loud crack—a sharp punch to the wall.
Through Nyx's vision, I saw Daniel, sparks of lightning dancing from his clenched fist. A hole now marked the wall where his rage struck.
"Those bastards again! They never learn! Especially that damn Second Army!"
The general's reply came moments later, calm but sharp.
"As expected. But perhaps… it's time to remind them where the line is drawn."
His tone sent a chill, but a subtle smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Daniel grinned in turn, his anger turning into excitement. Even Pedro allowed a small smirk.
That was enough. I had what I came for.
But then Nyx froze.
Leonardo's gaze turned—brief, but sharp. Even Nyx, a being of illusion and darkness, felt it. Not enough to trigger alarms, but enough to warn.
Retreat.
His senses are too sharp—his experience far too vast to risk further exposure.
'Nyx, retreat silently.''Understood, master.'
Without a sound, Nyx vanished into the ducts and shadows once more. The last thing I heard through her senses was Daniel's voice.
"Something wrong, General?""…No. Probably just a feeling."
I exhaled. Relief washed over me. I pulled away from the soul-link, returning fully to my own senses.
Alex's POV
As expected, politics and military maneuvering never change—no matter the world or species. Power speaks. Alliances and betrayals dance behind every closed door. The 4th Army may be strong, but it isn't invulnerable.
I leaned back, fingers drumming lightly against my leg in thought.
Leonardo's POV
I could've sworn something watched me earlier—briefly, dark and elusive. But it's gone now, like a mirage.
Maybe just my imagination.
I turned toward Pedro, who looked like he had something more to add.
"Well," he said, tapping his tablet, "I have something to show you. From someone who not only cares about you but whose relevance just skyrocketed after this footage."
He played the video—taken in the engineer's hall.
"Watch carefully."
What I saw nearly made me rise from my chair and march into the prison cell to kill that damn Selvagian myself.
The footage showed battle scenes of remarkable precision. Smooth, fluid movements. Absolute battlefield control.
A warrior. No hesitation. No waste.
Pedro began narrating, but I was still silently watching.
"He's not just capable—he's exceptional. Even without knowing how he gained this skill—he was raised on that planet, after all—his battlefield intuition, reflexes, and energy manipulation are top-tier. His spatial power, though only briefly displayed, is highly adaptable—used for both offense and defense."
Daniel chimed in, clearly impressed.
"Chains are still holding the prisoners. That's no low-level ability. And that space blade… Clean cut to the neck. Brutal but efficient."
Pedro nodded.
"I suspect he has a third ability. The school registry hints at a third skill, but protections prevent us from seeing what it is. No data."
Daniel added with a laugh, "The strangest part? He's a Selvagian from one of the weakest lines. He's… a squirrel. And this strong?"
Pedro shrugged. "Even as someone who supports Selvagians—I admit it's impressive. Genetics or not, he's powerful."
I remained quiet. Then I gave my professional evaluation.
"As a general… he's invaluable. Whether as a strategist, operative, or pilot. His mental power is exceptional. His control in the field was precise. If he chooses to join, we'll gain a serious asset."
Pedro nodded. "And his friend Tiago seems to have decent potential. Bring them both—Alex will follow."
I said nothing. Alex didn't seem interested in war. It felt more like he was doing this for someone else.
Still… his talent was undeniable.
We moved on to other matters. But something about this young Selvagian lingered in my mind.