Nova Force Book 1

Two sunrises had passed since Analu and I had a chance to catch our breath. Today, however, found us lazing about, recuperating from an extended morning training session that had overrun breakfast time. Our pursuits were as varied as the colors in the sky at dawn - a blend of combat drills, moments of serene meditation, and delving deeper into mastering our boundless nova force abilities.

Our mornings were a fusion of sweat and determination, honing our combat skills, while the tranquility of meditation provided a much-needed balance to the intensity of our exercises. Oh, and let's not forget our never-ending race to improve our endurance, pushing ourselves to run farther and faster each day - a challenge we embraced with gusto. We were determined not to be outmatched, especially by our friends who had ventured into the depths of the dungeon. Who knew what kind of strength they had amassed since they ventured there?

As we lounged, catching our breath and sharing tales of our recent training escapades, the excitement brewed within us. There was a competitive edge to our relaxation, a thrill in the anticipation of the next challenge, the next adventure awaiting us. Our bond strengthened not just through rigorous training but also through shared laughter and camaraderie as we prepared for the unknown ahead.

In the midst of their rigorous training, the clashing of swords echoed through the training grounds. Sweat glistened on their brows as they engaged in a relentless dance of skill and finesse.

"Your footwork is improving, but your guard is open," remarked Analu, her voice carrying a hint of playful sarcasm.

"I'm trying to anticipate your strikes, but you're too quick," I retorted playfully.

"Speed will come with practice. Focus on your form; precision is more critical than speed," advised Analu, guiding my movements with a practiced hand.

Later we found ourselves within the confines of my home, the absence of socks necessitating the retention of my shoes. Though these shoes lacked the luxury of being crafted from the fur adorning my attire, I had to commend our local shoemaker's effort. They might not rival the esteemed quality of Adidas or Clark's footwear, nor was it likely they ever would, but they served their purpose adequately, providing a semblance of warmth in these chilly times.

As we settled into the comfort of my home, I broke the hush enveloping us by directing a query at Analu. "Analu, aren't you meant to be married to that gentleman from the neighboring community?" Yet, her response seemed tinged with annoyance, hinting that perhaps I'd crossed a sensitive threshold.

"Just because the world has shifted doesn't imply I'll bend to every expectation," she began, her voice carrying a resolve. "Honestly, when the decision was imposed, I harbored dissent. I contemplated compliance, but it was witnessing your actions that propelled my determination." Her admission caught me off guard. "Me?" I uttered, genuinely surprised.

"Yes, you and your companions," she affirmed. "You were all exploring this new world, unrestrained and liberated. I longed for that freedom, and it's one of the reasons I stand here now." Her gaze shifted, a secretive smile gracing her lips. "As for the other reason? Well, that remains my little secret," she teased.

Lost in contemplation, I stared into the distance, reflecting on her words. Indeed, we had discovered a unique kind of freedom. Before I could delve deeper into these musings, Analu interjected, drawing me back from the brink of my thoughts with a probing question. "Hey, you've never spoken of your father," she pointed out astutely. It was a fact - I had seldom if ever mentioned him.

I started to open up to Analu about my father's condition. It was a tough subject, but one that needed to be shared. My dad was battling stage four cancer, a relentless adversary that had invaded his body. Yet, despite the severity of his illness, it was nothing short of a miracle that he continued to defy the odds, persisting through each day.

Describing his state, I emphasized, "He's not at a hundred percent, but in the world we live in today, having a father who manages even seventy percent is akin to discovering a precious gem amidst a pile of filth. I admire him for mustering every ounce of strength he has." His resilience was a beacon of inspiration in the face of such a daunting challenge.

My parents had parted ways two years before the cataclysmic supernova event reshaped our world. After their separation, my father had relocated overseas. Our physical distance didn't deter our connection, though. Despite not having seen him since he left, we maintained a steadfast bond, conversing almost every day through various means available to us in this changed world.

As I divulged these details to Analu, she listened attentively, nodding along with understanding. Her silent acknowledgment was a reassurance, a tacit support that allowed me to share this vulnerable aspect of my life with someone who genuinely cared.

Amidst the whirlwind of events that had unfolded over the past few months, I found myself grappling with the weight of forgotten promises and unfulfilled obligations. "Honestly, with everything that's transpired, a lot has slipped my mind. I can't seem to keep up," I admitted, a tinge of regret coloring my tone. "I even made a promise to Alexia about rescuing our friend Tiffany, and it's been over a month now. But with the looming threat hanging over our village, it's become increasingly challenging to venture beyond our boundaries."

As I poured out my concerns to Analu, her countenance transformed, as though a revelation had struck her. "Rome... did you mention Tiffany?" she interrupted, her voice tinged with urgency and surprise, catching me off guard. "Yes, do you know her?" I inquired, sensing a hint of familiarity in her reaction, unsure if she had heard about Tiffany before.

"Hey, what's going on? You're acting strange," I pressed on, puzzled by Analu's sudden shift in demeanor. Ignoring my inquiry, she stood abruptly, marching purposefully towards the abode where Alexia and her companions resided. Her bold stride led us straight to their door, and without so much as a knock, she barged in. I couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension at the unexpected intrusion, my mind racing with myriad possibilities. What if they were having sex or something??

"Alexia, are you occupied at the moment?" Analu's voice cut through the room. "Um, no. Why?" responded Alexia, visibly puzzled. "Come with me," commanded Analu, her tone brooking no argument. We trailed behind, a mix of curiosity and trepidation swirling within me, shrouded in uncertainty. The anxiety simmered, warming me against the chilly climate, intensifying as we arrived at the place where our captives were held, a sense of foreboding settling over us like a heavy shroud.

The air crackled with tension as we rapped on the cells, fashioned from spiked dog material, containing a man whose wearied visage spoke volumes about his resentful acceptance of his confinement. It was none other than Eugene's acquaintance. "Alexia, recognize him?" probed Analu, her voice betraying an undercurrent of suspicion. Alexia's fleeting glance yielded no recognition.

Analu turned her attention to the captive, posing a question that hinted at the gravity of the situation. "What do you know about Tiffany?" The man's countenance flickered with a mix of recognition and an uneasy grin. "I suppose Eugene couldn't keep quiet, that smug bastard will get his due for betraying us!!" he spat, setting off Alexia's fury. Her inquiries were rapid-fire, demanding answers about her missing friend and their connection, gathering fragments of information about their plans and impending assault.

"But now that he's been caught, wouldn't their plans change?" I interjected, panic seeping into my words. A surge of unanswered questions overwhelmed me, spiraling into a chaotic frenzy. How had we missed these crucial details? We lacked tacticians or war strategists among us, except for Kero, who was absent.

"Analu, do you think they might still attack?" I implored, sensing her shared concern. The prisoner's laughter intensified Alexia's frenzy. As pieces of the puzzle fell into place, I confronted Eugene in his cell, seething with betrayal. "You tracked Alexia, insinuated yourself into our circle to infiltrate and take over our community," I accused, grappling with a mix of anger and disbelief.

His gaze met mine in silence before he finally spoke. "We belong to the same group but from different locations. Only key soldiers from each site are aware of both locations," Eugene disclosed.

I vented my frustration, recalling how I had welcomed him into our fold, only for his actions to betray our trust. His confession about their intentions left a chilling realization hanging in the air. "Who is he?" I demanded, my grip on the cell bars tightening until one snapped, dampening our nova force abilities.

"His name is Navarro," Eugene divulged, hinting at an imminent threat. "He'll stop at nothing to eradicate you all if need be."

I pressed for more details, his revelation painting a grim picture of our vulnerability. Eugene's words echoed a dire truth - our strong allies were gone, off to training in the dungeon, leaving us vastly outnumbered by over 15 skilled fighters from Alexia's initially group and roughly twenty from the intel Analu gleaned from the captive. It was a sobering reality. With a rush of urgency, I bolted outside, hearing Analu's footsteps echoing behind me, confirming she was right on my heels.