"We're losing the war, Commander!" one soldier cried, his voice shaking with fear.
"Where are the additional troops that Emperor Kairos promised?" another demanded, his tone laced with desperation.
"Commander, why don't we call back our soldiers until they arrive? We can't stop the Rebel Emperor unless our Emperor intervenes personally!"
Inside one of the enemy watchtowers, panic and despair gripped the Imperial officials as they watched their forces crumble under the might of the Rebel Emperor.
The watchtower commander furrowed his brows, his patience wearing thin. "Shut up, all of you!" he barked. "Don't act like cowards. I've received word that Emperor Kairos will personally lead the reinforcements this time. So quit your whining!"
The officials exchanged relieved glances, their panic subsiding.
"Really? Thank the heavens!" one exclaimed.
"Haha! With our Emperor's power, that bastard will finally get what he deserves. He'll pay for killing our seniors!" another growled, clenching his fists in anger.
Suddenly, a distinct buzzing noise echoed across the battlefield.
"Buzz, buzz, buzz!"
The soldiers glanced ahead, confusion replacing their relief.
"Huh? Look over there!" one shouted, pointing toward the horizon.
Through the haze of smoke and rain, a massive army emerged, their banners unmistakable.
"The additional Imperial troops are here!"
A wave of laughter and cheers swept through the watchtower.
"Haha! Our Emperor has brought reinforcements—so many of them! We're definitely going to win this one. I was worried for nothing!"
"Now let's see how that Rebel Emperor handles this!" another jeered, his confidence returning.
The commander, however, remained silent, his eyes narrowing as he observed the approaching troops. Something about the timing felt too perfect, too convenient. But he pushed the thought aside. For now, the reinforcements were their salvation—or so they thought.
---
Aengus' small frame, dwarfed by the massive warships looming before him, was a sight that made onlookers marvel at the sheer will it took to face such overwhelming odds.
It was a will so unyielding, so unkillable, that it stood firm even in the face of certain death.
"Chaotic Maelstrom (SS)!"
Aengus swung his sword in a powerful arc, creating a buzzing sphere of swirling Chaos Energy.
"Whooosh!"
With a single motion, the Chaotic Maelstrom hurled forward, racing toward the approaching ships.
"BOOOM!"
"Buzz, buzz, buzz!"
The energy sphere struck the first ship, unimpeded, and erupted into a massive tornado of chaos.
Before everyone's astonished eyes, the tornado grew rapidly, expanding to a colossal height of 6,000 meters, reaching from the ground to the clouds.
Its destructive power was unmatched, ripping apart everything in its path.
"Oh God!"
"What is this power?!"
Enemy soldiers on the ground froze in terror, staring in awe at the towering maelstrom of chaos that now dominated the battlefield.
It was then that they realized the Rebel Emperor was finally showing his true might.
The deafening sound of creaking ships filled the air, mixed with the terrified screams of those onboard. The Chaotic Maelstrom showed no mercy, disintegrating the massive warships and swallowing their crews into oblivion.
Aengus smirked, pleased with the power of his new Class Skill.
But his expression darkened when he saw the Chaotic Maelstrom suddenly lose its effect and cease to exist.
"What happened?"