The twin suns of Elora slowly climbed the sky, stretching golden rays over the emerald plains. The air was soft, thick with floral scents, and the ground pulsed lightly under the steps of their mounts.
Matt closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling the breeze. He felt… calm. Rarely had he known such pure peace. Maybe because he was no longer alone. Maybe because, for the first time, he could see the end of this relentless journey. Ahead, far on the horizon, stood a familiar silhouette—the emergency orbital base, cylindrical, nestled between the hills like a capsule fallen from the sky.
He pointed toward it, a smile spreading across his face.
"We’re almost there."
Sehr’mana lifted her gaze, squinting against the light. It was just a structure of metal and glass, devoid of life, no animals, no trees. And yet, she saw what Matt saw—hope. Connection to Earth. Reinforcements. A chance, finally, to even the odds. She whispered:
"… Ahkr."
"Dead? No, but compared to the jungle, it’s definitely lifeless."
She studied him, impressed. Sometimes, she forgot that Matt was not just a survivor—he was an explorer. A captain without a ship. A human with a mission.
They exchanged a knowing glance, ready to push forward when a deep rumble echoed from the distance. Faint at first. Then growing. Then violent.
"Jo ke temene va?" she breathed.
Matt turned.
Far away, a black column rose into the sky. Smoke. Then another. And another. A cacophony of screams, fire, and metal rippled through the valley, carried by the wind.
"No… no, no, no."
He pulled a lens from his pack, placed it over his eye, and focused on the horizon. His expression hardened.
Drakomites. Dozens. Hundreds. Marching in formation. Armed. Organized.
He recognized standard-issue human rifles. Reclaimed drones. Even an exo-suit. They weren’t just scavengers anymore. They were becoming a **modern army**.
Matt’s chest tightened.
"Where did they get these weapons?"
"Your people," Sehr’mana muttered, her gaze darkening. "Your kru'ven."
She swallowed hard, fists clenched, then spoke with quiet fury. Each word seemed to tear at her heart. Matt understood.
"They are attacking the Anari villages. Even the Venthas. They capture. They burn. They erase."
Her eyes burned. This was no longer fear. It was rage.
She turned to him.
"You must leave. Go to Zhurai… warn them… prepare."
But Matt grabbed her arm.
"No."
"What?"
"If you leave now… you might arrive too late. Your village has no weapons. No walls. No strategy. Only hearts. That won’t be enough."
He pointed toward the base in the distance.
"There… there’s personnel, communications, supplies. Trained people. If we activate the base, we can call for reinforcements before the Drakomites reach your village." He wasn’t sure she understood every word, but he needed her to trust him.
"But…"
"I promise."
She stared at him, torn between instinct and reason. Then, she nodded.
They turned toward the base when a sharp whistle sliced through the air. A **arrow** struck the ground inches from their mount’s hooves. Matt didn’t need to turn to know what it meant.
"Scouts."
Sehr’mana had her bow ready before Matt could react, loosing an arrow straight into a Drakomite’s skull. Matt grabbed his pistol.
"Kesho tai."
"Together."
The Drakomites were fast, riding reptilian beasts, but Matt and Sehr’mana knew the terrain well—and their Kravakh was built for this kind of chase. They plunged into the tall grass, their mount leaping with precision. Projectiles hissed past them. An arrow sliced across Matt’s shoulder, leaving a sharp cut. But he didn’t slow down.
"Watch out!" Sehr’mana shouted.
Ahead, a **ravine**.
They veered abruptly, tumbling down a rocky slope, splashing through a river, then climbing back at full speed. The Drakomites snarled guttural orders behind them, but their stamina was failing.
Then, at last, the metallic silhouette of the **base** appeared—clear, imposing, gleaming in the morning light.
They had made it.
Panting, covered in sweat and dust—but **alive**.
Matt dismounted, legs shaking.
A wave of cold air swirled around them.
He turned to Sehr’mana.
"From here… everything changes."
She nodded, solemn.
For the first time—they were no longer alone.
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