The following morning, at exactly 6:30 a.m., the army stood assembled. A faint chill clung to the mountain air as mist drifted around the jagged cliffs of Halley Mountain. Their formations had already encircled the entire base, sealing every possible escape route.
Inside the hollowed mountain, the enemy stirred. Panic laced the voice of a soldier as he rushed to his commander.
"Sir, we are completely surrounded. What do we do?"
The leader, calm and sharp-eyed, dismissed the fear with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry. The traps we laid will make sure they don't get far."
Outside, Liebe surveyed his forces with steady determination. "Everyone — are we ready for the assault?" His voice carried through the crisp air.
"Yes, Lord," Gelda answered immediately. "We can begin at any moment."
"Eastern wing?" Liebe called.
"Ready, sir!" Stal shouted from his flank.
"Western wing?"
"Yes, sir," Eldrie confirmed.
Liebe turned next to his trusted scout. "Licht, is your team ready?"
Licht cracked a grin. "Yeah. We're ready."
Liebe's eyes shifted to David. "Make sure he doesn't make any mistakes."
David nodded, his tone clipped and precise. "Understood."
"Then everyone — man your posts!" Liebe commanded.
"As one!" Gelda, Eldrie, and Stal responded, their voices echoing against the mountain face.
The flanks tightened their positions, preparing to squeeze the enemy from both sides. Licht and his team, assigned to scout ahead, slipped into the gaping mouth of the cave. The deeper they went, the thicker the darkness pressed in around them.
"This cave is far too dark," David muttered, his hand brushing the damp stone wall.
"Not for long," Licht replied. "Light magic — Gradient Light!"
A glowing orb burst to life above his hand, warm and radiant, casting shadows along the cavern walls. The spell split itself into smaller fragments, scattering down each branching tunnel so that every path carried a dim glow. The light pulsed faintly, guiding them as they descended.
Suddenly, Licht halted. His breath caught.
"Stop," he whispered.
David froze. "What's wrong?"
The mage narrowed his eyes, staring at the faint ripples in his orbs. "My lights… they're reacting to something. Something big. The flow feels similar to a dragon… no. Not a dragon. A serpent. Something lurking deeper. This might even be a trap."
David's brow furrowed. "Could it be—"
Licht cut him off, raising his communicator. "Liebe, there's something big down here."
"What is it?" Liebe's voice crackled back.
"From what I can sense… I'd say a Terradon."
A silence fell, then Liebe's voice grew sharper. "Be on guard. If needed, call me in. I'll join you on the frontlines. Gelda, order the eastern and southern wings to close in with our units. We can't risk giving them space anymore."
"Understood," Gelda said, already signaling her squad.
Liebe turned to her again. "Get Elizabeth and three mages. We'll prepare a combined spell. And ready the automaton units. How many do we have as of right now?"
"Five hundred," Gelda reported without hesitation.
Liebe clicked his tongue. "We'll have to make do."
Meanwhile, in the cave, David's voice was low but steady. "What now?"
"Continue deeper in thirty seconds," Liebe ordered through the communicator. "If you need my help, signal with your magic. And, by the way, Gelda — what day is today?"
"I believe today is Tuesday," Gelda answered, confused.
Liebe groaned. "Frick. First class is Professor Obsidian."
Gelda stifled a laugh. "Oh gods. He isn't the lenient type. If you're late, he'll murder you. As of right now, you only have two hours, thirty-five minutes, and seventeen seconds left."
At that, Licht chuckled. "We're safe. Our first class is with Mrs. Serena."
"No time for jokes," Liebe snapped. "Go deeper!"
The tunnel ahead ended abruptly in a cavernous hollow. The air grew heavier, vibrating with the low, rumbling breaths of something massive. In the gloom, chained and coiled, the Terradon rested — scales glimmering faintly like metal under the orb-light.
Licht's expression hardened. "What's the plan now?"
"Don't engage," Liebe ordered quickly. "Find the entrance. All of their fighting power must be condensed there. That's where we'll strike."
Licht gave a quick nod, and his team turned, retreating to another tunnel.
Meanwhile, at the heart of the mountain, unease spread among the defenders. "Lord Azelf, you should leave. We are completely surrounded," one soldier urged.
Azelf, standing before the Terradon's cavern, did not so much as flinch. His voice was cold, almost amused. "We have nothing to worry about. The Terradons will make sure none of them survive."