The Battle at the Gates

Night had fallen quickly over El-Mahra, cloaking the futuristic city in darkness, illuminated only by the faint light of the remaining Luminaris crystals. The cold night wind swept through the empty streets, as if signaling the tension that enveloped the entire city. Amid the approaching chaos, William, Khadija, and Alya gathered in the strategic room hidden beneath the palace.

"Their forces are getting closer," Alya said, opening a map she had brought and pointing to the rapidly moving dots heading towards the city center. "The war machine they're carrying—there's no way we can face it without proper preparation."

William studied the map carefully. "If they're really bringing the crystal war machine, we can't rely on conventional power alone. We need something more—more than just troops or weapons."

Khadija sat at a large table covered with documents, her face serious. "I've asked for help from the remaining Luminaris scientists. They'll help us develop weapons or equipment to counter that machine. But we have to move quickly, because they're already outside the city gates."

Alya looked at William and Khadija, her eyes filled with determination. "I can help slow their progress. I know the hidden paths in this city. I'll block them little by little until we're ready."

"Good," William replied, nodding. "But don't rush it. We don't know exactly who's leading their forces, or what they want besides destroying this city."

Khadija looked at Alya, worried. "Make sure you stay safe, Alya. We can't afford to lose more people."

Alya smiled faintly. "I know, don't worry. I'll be back before they even know I'm there."

William and Khadija watched Alya rush out of the basement, crossing the dark corridors toward a secret door that would lead her to the back of the city. Shortly after, the two of them stood, continuing to refine their strategy for the approaching threat.

---

Outside the gates of El-Mahra, the mysterious army led by a man in a black cloak bearing the symbol of a long-lost kingdom advanced slowly. In the midst of them stood a massive war machine made of giant crystals, glowing in the moonlight. The machine appeared to be a mixture of ancient technology and magic, with energy flowing from the crystals embedded in its body.

The leader of the army, a hard-faced man with a cold gaze, raised his hand. "Wait here. There's no need to rush. El-Mahra will fall in no time."

A commander approached and spoke in a hoarse voice, "Should we destroy the entire city? Wouldn't it be better to just destroy their energy core and seize their crystals?"

The man furrowed his brow. "No. We will destroy them completely. They've controlled Luminaris for too long. Now it's time for us to take over."

Behind the leader, several soldiers began preparing the war machine, heating it with energy drawn from power stones. The crystals embedded in the machine began to glow brightly, ready to unleash their devastating power.

---

Inside the palace, Khadija and William were preparing themselves. They knew their time was running out. News from Alya had not yet returned, and the tension in the air was growing stronger.

"What about the device we planned?" William asked, standing near a table cluttered with notes and research tools.

Khadija looked at him seriously. "We're almost finished, but there's no guarantee that this device will be able to withstand the power of their war machine. We only have a little time left."

William walked to the window, gazing out with a look full of questions. "I don't know if we can survive if they attack with full force. But we have to fight."

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps was heard outside the room. Alya appeared at the door, out of breath, but her eyes were filled with determination. "They're close. I've blocked their path as much as I could, but they can't be stopped so easily."

William and Khadija exchanged glances. "We're ready," Khadija said, nodding firmly. "It's time."

---

Meanwhile, the enemy army was almost at the gates of El-Mahra. The crystal war machine stood tall, ready to unleash the first attack. The enemy troops readied themselves, forming ranks, while their leader stood in front, staring coldly.

"Fire!" he commanded.

A massive explosion shook the ground as the war machine began to release its full power. A powerful wave of energy spread in all directions, tearing apart the land and buildings around it. The remaining crystals around the city began to shake violently, signaling that El-Mahra was on the brink of destruction.

---

On the other side of the city, Alya ran quickly toward a strategic position among the ruins. She heard the first explosion and saw fire lighting up the distance. "Time's up," she muttered.

Alya took a deep breath, preparing herself for the inevitable battle. She knew she had little time to fight the enemy forces before it was too late.