Terra Aeterna: The Rise of Humanity's War Machine

Kenthelion wandered through the battlecruiser. Whenever there was no urgent duty or pressing matter, he took time simply to stroll. Unconsciously, his steps led him to the training room.

There, Selene was sparring with intense focus. Her movements were swift, her body flexible, and her expression utterly concentrated. Kenthelion stood at the side, quietly observing.

But Selene noticed his gaze.

Without warning, she leapt toward Kenthelion, and with a sharp motion, extended her long leg and kicked him squarely in the chest.

Kenthelion:

"I was relying—!"

By reflex, Kenthelion crossed his arms to block the kick. The force still drove him back a few steps, but he nimbly spun and slipped behind Selene—instantly wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.

Kenthelion:

"My wife, do you really want to kill your own husband?"

Selene:

"You bastard, let go of me!"

Selene kicked backward with all her strength, struggling to break free. Their bodies scraped together; Kenthelion staggered slightly, yet seemed to enjoy the physical contact.

Seeing Selene aim a kick at his vital point, Kenthelion quickly did a backward somersault to evade.

Selene immediately spun and attacked again, flurries of strikes.

Kenthelion dodged and slipped behind her once more—pressing his waist against Selene's hips. Occasionally his hand moved mischievously, tapping or briefly grasping.

Selene:

"You shameless bastard! Today, I will kill you!"

Selene's face flushed. In anger, she drew her pistol and aimed it downward.

Kenthelion's eyes widened; he jumped back.

Kenthelion:

"One more step, and I'll lose my precious little bird!"

He halted and raised both hands in surrender, staring at Selene, enraged.

Kenthelion:

"That… it's a misunderstanding! I didn't mean it like that!"

Selene:

"And you think I'll just believe that?"

Kenthelion:

"Well… I only touched your butt briefly and grabbed it for a moment… or do you want to return the favor—"

BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!

Before he could finish, Selene fired several warning shots just beside his head—deliberately close, but not aimed to kill.

Selene:

"Say nonsense again, and I'll aim at your stomach!"

Kenthelion immediately raised his hands even higher.

Kenthelion:

"Okay, okay, calm down—"

Selene:

"Silence!"

Kenthelion:

"All right… all right…"

Selene:

"Don't say another word."

Kenthelion:

"Yes… no words…"

Selene closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. Her head ached. This bastard… Striking him did nothing. Scolding him made him think she was flirting. He even seemed proud of being struck!

Kenthelion:

"Fine, may I leave now?" Kenthelion looked at Selene, who was lost in thought, and asked softly.

No answer. He turned and left, walking casually down the corridor.

A small smile curved his lips. In his mind, he still pictured Selene's soft, beautiful form. Not bad, he thought. Maybe try again next time.

He headed toward the bathroom with light steps.

---

A special train sped toward Budapest, Hungary. The carriage was sealed tightly to maintain secrecy about its passenger.

Amalia (cold, elegant):

"How long until we reach Budapest?"

Vampire Elite Guard 01:

"Elder, we will arrive at the location in less than an hour."

Amalia:

"Have you informed Kraven?"

Vampire Elite Guard 02:

"Yes, Elder. Kraven has been notified, and he will send someone to meet you at the station."

Amalia:

"Good. Tell everyone to remain vigilant… I have an uneasy feeling."

Vampire Elite Guard 01:

"Understood, Elder."

---

Meanwhile, aboard the battlecruiser, Selene was fully armed and waiting for Kenthelion. Yet he remained relaxed, still seated, enjoying his breakfast.

Kenthelion:

"Selene, my beloved wife… be calm. We'll reach the location from the battlecruiser in at most ten minutes. It's still early, right?"

Selene:

"You bastard. Hurry up! What if Amalia's train arrives early?" Selene ground her teeth, staring sharply at Kenthelion.

Kenthelion:

"All right, all right. You're right." He set down his spoon and stood. "Let's go now."

Without further words, Kenthelion took Selene's hand and led her away. Selene stared blankly at him—aware he was seizing this moment, yet letting him.

---

Upon arrival at the hangar, several Viking and Banshee fighter jets, along with Medivac transports, were ready to launch. Kenthelion and Selene boarded a transport and immediately issued the takeoff command.

Kenthelion:

"Selene, this time you will lead them." He handed her the communication headset.

Selene:

"I'm leading?"

Kenthelion:

"Yes. You've been in battle for centuries. Leading isn't new to you. This mission is to capture Amalia alive. All Tempestus Scions' ammunition has been specially modified with high-dose tranquilizers. The effect will incapacitate the target in a coma without killing."

Selene:

"…Understood." She replied calmly after a moment's silence.

---

Night fell in Budapest. A light drizzle cloaked the empty train station, creating a silent, somber atmosphere.

Screeeekkk... screeeekkk... screeeekkk...

A train slowly entered the station and came to a halt.

Armed figures disembarked first, scanning the surroundings with vigilance. Then, from the main carriage, a woman dressed in white emerged.

Her attire hugged her graceful form and radiated an aura of dominance. Her eyes were cold and sharp as they swept the area. Her beauty was striking, her presence noble like true royalty.

Amalia:

"Why is no one here to meet us?" she asked flatly, glancing around.

Vampire Elite Guard 02:

"Elder… we do not know either. We contacted them en route. They assured us someone would pick you up. Could something have happened?"

The guard asked cautiously, tension in his voice.

Vampire Elite Guard 03:

"Be careful, I—"

Before he could finish, one of his subordinates fell silently to the ground.

Amalia turned swiftly.

"There's an enemy! A sniper! Everyone, ready!"

But before they could form a defense, one by one her guards fell—silently, without warning. More than ten collapsed in seconds, causing panic among the survivors. They hadn't even seen the attacker's face.

Amid the chaos, Medivac transports appeared overhead. Not far away, a group of troops emerged from the mist—Tempestus Scions in full combat gear began encircling their position.

Selene led three squads of Tempestus Scions straight toward Amalia. They had now surrounded the woman from every direction. In such a tense situation, no one dared fire recklessly.

As Selene approached, her eyes met Amalia's.

Amalia stared at Selene in disbelief.

"Selene… are you rebelling?" Her tone hardened. "How dare you attack your elder?"

Selene smiled calmly.

"Elder Amalia, I only wish to invite you… as a guest." She made a subtle welcoming gesture with her hand.

Amalia showed no hint of fear.

"What if I refuse?"

The guards around Amalia immediately raised their weapons, awaiting her command to fire.

Selene drew a short breath.

"Such a pity…"

She waved her hand calmly. Instantly, the Tempestus Scions around them raised their weapons. Medivac transports and supporting units began descending from above.

Amalia took in these details with keen observation—the enemy's weapons, their protective gear, the aircraft she did not recognize. The technology they used was clearly beyond what she or her followers possessed. From their formation and coordination alone, she knew—if a battle broke out, her side would lose.

They would be killed. Quickly.