Despite fighting with their lives on the line, for the Nephirid veterans, this was enjoyable. A battle so intense, so thrilling, that they could bask in its glory long after the dust settled.
Though they had failed to capture Malvek alive, they had still won. It had been a long time since they'd faced a fight like this, not just one that risked their lives, but one that mattered, with high stakes and lasting consequences.
Victory tasted different when it shaped the future. After the fight, the Nephirid group rejoined Zarnak to take care of the aftermath. Meanwhile, Ben was already back in Vlontera. Right now, he was with Elvira, showing the projection of Malvek.
"What do you think?"
"I'm sure of it. Your guess is correct. This is the power armor she brought out."
Ben nodded, then started thinking through the implications. But Elvira was quicker.
"So someone really is triggering the fight in my clan… all to create more chaos."
