Chapter 22: 22: The Goal... Allegiance? Or What?
The group of four moved cautiously through the dimly lit corridors of the alien ship. Each step echoed in the silence, the sound of their footsteps swallowed by the oppressive atmosphere. The silence was unnerving, especially since they had been expecting more resistance. None of them spoke, all focused on the mission at hand. Yet, each was keenly aware that their objectives might not align perfectly.
Nameless, or Axel Teras as he was known outside the mask, was troubled. His mind raced with thoughts, questions he dared not voice. *Why has it been so easy? This place should be crawling with aliens. Is this really an ambush?* He glanced at his companions. The tension was palpable.
Each one of them was on edge, hands resting lightly on their weapons, ready to strike at the first sign of trouble.
*Maybe something changed during my disappearance,* Axel mused, though he knew that was unlikely.
"Captain, what's wrong with this ship? I mean, why isn't there any alien present apart from those we fought in the portal room?" Axel's voice was steady, but the question was laced with suspicion. He needed answers.
Captain Rowin turned to him, his expression unreadable at first. After a moment, he spoke. "I'm not sure what's going on. According to some recent records, this is how empty their ships have become. But... the rest of the information was classified, even for me."
Loki, ever the joker, whistled softly. "Everyone knows it's strange as hell, but what can we do? We're just pawns in this game."
*Games?* Axel pondered, narrowing his eyes at Loki. *What does he mean by games?* The mention of games made Axel wary. If Loki was hinting at something more, something grander in scale, it could mean the aliens were planning something massive. Something they weren't prepared for.
A sharp intake of breath from Hera, who was leading the group, drew their attention to a large, metal wall ahead. The intricate carvings on the door told them all they needed to know.
It was the boss room.
*According to what we've managed to decipher of their language, this symbol means we're about to face their leader,* Axel thought, glancing at the others. They were all tense, ready for the fight ahead.
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Captain Rowin hesitated, as if weighing his options. Should they wait for the rest of the team? Or go in now and risk everything?
"Let's go in, Cap!" Hera's voice cut through the tension, and Loki nodded in agreement. The decision was made.
Axel noticed Captain Rowin's gaze shift to him. There was an unspoken message in that look. Axel had been right—these three had known each other for a long time. They must have had access to exclusive information, perhaps through some high-ranking family. But the real question nagged at him: *Why did they bring me along?*
"In any case, you all plan to clear the general's room. Why pick me, the most untrustworthy of the bunch, to come along with you?" Axel asked bluntly, not bothering to hide his suspicion.
Loki burst into a loud cackle. "Hahaha! Axel, do you think we don't know everything about you? You can take off that mask here with us. You're the most trustworthy—"
"Because for all we know, there's a murderer in the group, and it could be anyone," Captain Rowin finished, his voice low and dangerous.
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Axel felt the weight of their scrutiny. Slowly, he reached up and removed his mask, letting it hang down his back by its brace.
*So, they know about my abilities, and at this rate, I'm the target... or the best fit,* Axel thought, his mind working fast.
"It's good to see I'm not among idiots," Axel muttered, stepping forward. He placed his hand on the door and pushed it open abruptly, ready for whatever awaited them inside.
The sight that greeted them was gruesome. A Fatek Alien sat on a large throne, its feet submerged in a pool of blood and the flesh of its own kind. It gnawed on a chunk of meat, its beady eyes locked onto the intruders.
"Your own kind? How disgusting," Loki sneered, drawing two daggers from his scabbards.
The Fatek General rose to its feet, towering over them, its metallic skin gleaming ominously. "Fools," it growled. "You have made a grave mistake coming here alone, without the help of your whole company!"
Slam!
The doors behind them slammed shut with a deafening crash, sealing them inside the room. There was no escape. The only way out now was through the alien general.
"Get ready, everyone!" Captain Rowin barked, raising his shield defensively, his sword poised to strike.
Axel watched from the sidelines, his eyes fixed on the alien general. The sight of it crunching down on its own kind triggered something deep within him, a memory he had tried to bury—the memory of being devoured himself. But more than that, it was the notification that appeared before him that caught his attention.
[Kill the Fatek General and gain rewards.]
*This will be worth it,* Axel thought, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"You fools!" The Fatek General roared, its voice reverberating through the chamber. "Compared to your abilities, I am a god!"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Axel's lips. *Let's see who the greater god is.*
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Made a mistake I this chapter... Corrected it sorry to all those who read it before correction.
I was lucky to have typed this thanks to no papers today. Enjoy and comment.... Please comment and this is for WPC I am falling behind in the contest and I really want to win. Any gift is good fr me, but I want a magic castle so I can catch up to the other books.
At least help my dream and I'll mass release at least 15 in return. Help me to rank.
This is a sincere plea from the author