The STF shuttle touched down inside the headquarters hangar with a metallic roar. The squad stepped out dust-covered, bruised, but alive. Soldiers and engineers looked up as Ice King, Dreadwake, Night Coil, and Blue Blaze walked through the corridor, a trail of dirt falling behind them like breadcrumbs from the battle on Eldrathor.
They entered the briefing room.
Ian and Optimus were already waiting.
Ice King didn't waste time.
"We're back. We got rid of him, but we couldn't take him out."
Ian folded his arms, expression dark.
"Yeah… we may have underestimated how strong he is. We'll probably start a galaxy-wide search."
Dreadwake leaned against the table.
"So he completely left the planet?"
Ian nodded.
"That's what the Admiral reported."
Optimus added, "It seems like he wasn't there to destroy Eldrathor, he was testing us. Measuring our strength."
Blue Blaze tilted his head.
"Maybe he was trying to see how strong we are before an invasion or something."
A heavy silence settled in the room.
No one disagreed.
After the meeting dissolved, Ian called out:
"Blue Blaze, stay behind. And send in Shadow and White Flash."
Blue Blaze hesitated but obeyed. A few minutes later, Shadow walked in, hooded as always, followed by White Flash, still catching his breath after sprinting there.
Shadow raised an eyebrow.
"What's with the surprise meeting?"
Ian gestured for them to sit.
"Sit down, all of you. This is important."
They exchanged glances but sat anyway.
Ian continued, voice low and serious.
"Me Optimus and I believe the Ascendants are planning a major invasion. They're strong, strong enough to strike anywhere, anytime. So I'm forming a fast response team."
White Flash straightened.
"Fast response… for Ascendant attacks?"
Ian nodded.
"Exactly. Starting today, you three are off the regular mission list. Your new job is responding to any Ascendant-related threat inside the capital. If they appear anywhere on Tenrihines, you move first."
Shadow smirked.
"This seems cool."
Blue Blaze kicked back in his chair.
"So… like a mini vacation from real missions?"
White Flash crossed his arms, smiling.
"A break doesn't sound bad."
Ian pointed at them.
"Train harder than ever. The Ascendants aren't normal enemies."
Later that day, Ian, Optimus, and Blade flew down to Iron Summit, where a massive crowd filled the streets. A large stage had been built, banners waving in the wind.
Reporters surrounded the barricades. Cameras flashed. News drones hovered overhead. Citizens packed shoulder to shoulder, cheering as the three Greats stepped onto the stage.
Optimus took the mic first.
"Thank you, people of Tenrihines, for your support! Today, all three of us, the Greats, are launching a massive fundraiser event. We will be buying every person in the capital a free gift."
The crowd erupted.
Optimus raised his hand for quiet.
"To participate, email [email protected]. Include your name, address, and the gift you want. Everything is funded by me, Ian, and Blade."
The cheering grew louder. Ian stepped forward, waving to the people, beginning his part of the speech.
But then,
A man in a black suit sprinted onto the stage, pushing past security.
He leaned in close and whispered urgently:
"Sir Ian Aurelion Peaks is under attack."
Ian's expression darkened instantly.
He grabbed Blade by the arm, motioned to Optimus.
Ian spoke into the microphone with a steady voice:
"Thank you for joining us. We'll speak again soon."
Then, quietly:
"Let's go. Now."
All three leapt off the stage barriers and ran toward the landing pad behind the plaza.
An Ironhawk Gunship was already spinning up its engines.
They climbed aboard.
The moment the hatch sealed, the ship blasted upward into the sky,
headed straight for Aurelion Peaks.