What once was now an echo

The ground shook, and the sky trembled as lightning arced through the clouds. The crimson sky displayed a backdrop of death and war as two great Powers clash on a scale so massive the entire planet was on the brink of destruction. Up into the sky, a red sun was visible for all to see.

Out of everything I considered taking place, this was the worst possible outcome.

“Commander, they have broken through to the or 5th squadron’s barrier,” one scout said.

They were gaining ground. Even though both armies had reached the breaking point, they had the advantage.

“Hold the line, request backup from the other troop commanders and organize a pincer attack. We cannot let them get to this gate no matter what,” I said, as I continued to monitor the battlefield.

“But sir, they are already short on men,” the soldier responded

“Just do it this take priority,”

This is an important choke point. If we lose it, defending the gate would be significantly more difficult.

“Where are our Demigods?”

“Five of them are engaged with our enemy’s elites,” responded the soldier. “We have lost contact with the other two.”

“Damn it,”

It was clear, with the constant use of large-scale magic, the ambient mana had become warped and twisted. Even if we win this war, this planet would remain uninhabitable for decades to come.

Great beings flew through the sky in Arial combat, the clashing of their forms sending shock waves that sent both friend and foe flying.

An angelic being with two pairs of white wings descended. She had a pale face that was covered in cuts and bruises from battle, her half black half white hair dirty with blood and dirt.

It was one of our elite fighters, a being that stood at the pinnacle of the mortal realm, a demigod chosen by the gods to command as their avatars.

“Commander Altair, my goddess, has spoken. Take your troops, return to the gate, and leave this planet.”

“Your excellency, Astera, for what reason?”

“Don’t question me. Despite your kind’s betrayal, the gods have shown you mercy. Now leave my sight,” she said, vitriol apparent in her voice.

Before I could reply, a red flash lit up the already crimson sky and several portals had opened. Behind it, countless unspeakable horrors poured out.

“This entire planetary system will be wiped out unless you wish to join us in the afterlife. I suggest you go now,” she said as she took flight.

I commanded my soldiers to retreat, disobeying was out of the question.

After taking a few portals, we reached the gate. My troops that stood 300,000 strong reduced to a mere ten thousand.

“We shall enter the gate.” I said. “What coordinates are they set to?”

“I don’t know. It won’t let me access the exit point. I don’t even know where it leads to,”

“We have no choice then,” I instructed the remaining troops to enter the portal.

My entire company could enter the portal, now I alone remained. I wanted to have one last look at my homeworld before I leave. I suspected I might never be able to come here again.

How did it come to this?

A second flash of light pulsed through the sky. This time it wasn’t the red star but our very own, it expanded rapidly, washing away the red light, and leaving nothing but a brilliant white. I felt my skin sizzle, and the smell of burnt hair wafted into my nostrils.

How could I have prevented this?

I walked towards the Gate, ignoring the pain that radiated through my body. If mana wasn’t protecting me, I would have become a charred husk.

If only I had known this.

If only I had convinced them otherwise.

If only I were stronger.

Maybe this would have never happened.