Chapter 142: Seizing Control
The battle within Malakar's fortress was a storm of fire, metal, and blood. Syndicate forces poured in from all directions, clashing violently against Malakar's defenders. Smoke and plasma fire filled the air as bodies fell, the corridors littered with the fallen.
Raizen ducked behind a steel support beam as blaster fire whizzed past him, scorching the metal. His mind worked fast—they needed to end this quickly.
"Joran, take the right flank!" Raizen ordered. "Selara, with me! We're pushing toward Malakar's command center."
Joran let out a roar as he charged into the enemy lines, his reinforced fists shattering skulls and armor alike. Selara darted ahead, her daggers flashing as she cut through Syndicate enforcers with deadly precision.
Malakar was holding his own, a towering force of destruction, his cybernetic arm crushing enemies while his repeater rifle shredded through armor. But Raizen saw something—Malakar's forces were losing ground. The Syndicate was pushing them back, and fast.
Raizen's golden eyes flickered with power. Time to change the tide.
Confronting Malakar
Raizen and Selara pushed forward, slicing through enemy ranks until they reached the command chamber, where Malakar was engaged in a brutal melee with a Syndicate officer.
Blood dripped from his wounds, his cybernetic arm sparking, but he was still standing.
Raizen raised his blade. "Malakar, this fight is over. Your forces are falling apart."
Malakar gritted his teeth, his gaze fierce. "You think I'm just going to surrender?"
Raizen smirked. "Not exactly. But you're outnumbered, and the Syndicate isn't stopping. You're strong, but without a kingdom, what are you?"
Malakar's fist clenched. For the first time, doubt flickered in his eyes.
Raizen stepped closer. "I don't want your death. I want your loyalty. Fight for me, and I'll give you something the Syndicate never will—a future."
The warlord stared at him, the sounds of battle raging beyond them. Slowly, the fire in his gaze turned from defiance… to understanding.
With a deep exhale, Malakar nodded. "You've got yourself a warlord."
Raizen smirked. The fortress was his.