In a familiar dimly lit room, Jahn, Murdock, and Petrine gathered around a table, an event they had done too often recently. Jahn and Petrine scanned the virtual report slowly while Murdock awkwardly cleared his throat. "As you can see here, the humans are fighting back much harder than we initially expected," he let out painfully, "Today, the last of our sensors on their planets was destroyed."
Petrine questioned, "And why do you think we underestimated them so much? Is this the work of a few powerful individuals or did they just get that much stronger since the last time they were in battle?"
"Based on the limited scans we were able to receive, it seems to be a mix of both," Murdock grimaced, "Our worst fears seem to have been realized as our sensors indicate they have joined forces with the Elandrian. Combined with the new reinforcements, both planets relayed a few abnormally strong combatants as well. Two of the signatures are at the same level as your senior guard, and the third ranks higher than your star pupil. The mix of these three figures is what destroyed the last transmission today."
"Well, if some of the Elandrian moved to the human planets, surely we must be doing well on the inner front then," Petrine turned to Jahn for a response.
"Unfortunately, the inner front is losing ground as well," Jahn replied with a hint of fear in his voice, "Firstly, it doesn't seem like they sent many troops because we haven't noticed a drop in the number of enemy forces. Secondly, the mix of the main force is unbalanced; the increased Mantoan force is providing less pressure than initially anticipated."
Petrine glared at the pair, "So, we've gone from a stalemate that's lasted over a century to being on the losing side in a week? Is that what you two idiots are telling me?"
"There is some good news," Murdock squeaked, "The third processing center has held production at a seventy-five percent success rate for almost a month. With that up and running, our Mantoan losses have only been around five percent."
"You can't blame this entirely on us, Petrine. After all, didn't one of these humans gravely injure Selena who is second only to us? In one-on-one combat no less?" Jahn tried to shift some of the blame away from them.
"Yes, I suppose if that individual was on one of these planets, I could see why your forces are having so many problems," Petrine frowned as she rubbed her chin, "Well, what are some suggestions you two have then?"
Jahn winced, "Could we send some of your forces to the inner front? Even a few thousand will have a significant impact. Especially around the third processing center where the Elandrian are pushing the hardest."
"We can continue to send residuals to the human outposts to keep them at bay," Murdock added, "While we can't push them back, their methods of transportation seem to be limiting their ability to push at a faster rate."
"I'd rather send my forces to the outer front to crush these rising stars, but if the third facility is in jeopardy, perhaps it's better to stabilize that front first. Fine, I'll alert my forces that they'll be joining the main front in a few days," Petrine agreed as she rubbed her temples.
"Thank you for your support, Petrine," Jahn bowed, "They'll have a good impact on morale as well."
Petrine tapped on the table as she continued, "I will also head to the third facility myself and see what can be done to increase our efficiency to a hundred percent. Perhaps it's time we all thought about joining this war personally. That will be all."
As the other two left, Petrine disappeared in a puff of black smoke and reappeared in a library of sorts. A small metal table with two books on top of it sat next to a nest of pillows. She curled up on top of the pillows and pushed onto a particular spot on the table which acted as some sort of calling bell. A few minutes later, Selena stumbled in slowly with a large bandage covering one of the sockets where an arm had been.
Without turning to look at her, Petrine scowled, "So, you still aren't healed all the way, are you?"
"No ma'am, I apologize," Selena shamefully bowed, "The damage that red-haired brat inflicted on me was quite extensive. I only started moving around again this week."
"That's a shame but to be expected. I too have scars from encountering one of these so-called dragons before. Though I was at least able to keep mine down for some time. Because you failed to capture this dragon child, Murdock's army has hit a wall," Petrine mentioned condescendingly.
"I'm deeply sorry, ma'am," Selena cringed, "As I said, I was too overconfident despite your warnings and direction. Once I'm recovered, I will avenge my honor and recover one of these dragons for you, milady."
Petrine picked up a book with a smirk growing on her face, "Three times, these creatures have been within my grasp, and all three times they've slipped away. The first one scarred me and disappeared, the second one overstretched beyond their limits and faded away, and now this third one has wounded my second-in-command. Are you quite sure you're up to the challenge? Perhaps it is time for a change." An icy cold shiver went down Selena's back as she understood Petrine's meaning behind the words.
"I swear I will not fail you again, milady," Selena hissed, "Though I cannot be sure she will be alive, I promise I will return to you with one of these dragons."
"Do yourself a favor, Selena. If you can't come back with a dragon, don't come back as all," Petrine waved her away coldly. Selena took the hint and left without another word, leaving Petrine alone with a wide smile on her face. In the book in her hand was a picture of a man with a particular crown on his head.
Petrine thought to herself, "I wonder to what extremes Selena will take herself in order to deal with this foe. I may lose an important piece on the board, if this book is even close to reality. I may have to even join this conflict myself if it's true. Then again, it's only a legend after all."