No Straight Roads: Heroes of Symphony

Season 2 | Episode 19: Melody of Liberation -To the Moon-

—Skylands, in the City—

After having delivered the report to Lieutenant Banshee, the atmosphere in the Discordance base was thick with tension. Octorchea, who had retreated to her personal room to calm down after the dreaded call, now found herself back in the command room. Although her countenance was firm, her mind was on high alert. This could be the last chance to secure control of Skylands, and she knew it all too well.

Kliff, for his part, was observing the city from a high window. The panoramic view showed the pink and obsidian neon lights of the city, flickering in a symphony of controlled chaos. The city seemed to vibrate with a dark rhythm, almost as if it were anticipating the battle to come. Kliff, despite feeling carefree, could not help but feel an uneasiness growing within him. He knew that the final showdown was approaching, and that this battle would decide not only the future of Skylands, but also his own fate.

Octorchea, after a moment of silence, finally broke the stillness in the room. He approached the center of the holographic table, where a detailed map of Skylands showed the strategic positions of both sides. His tentacles moved with precision as he manipulated the images, marking the critical areas that needed to be secured.

Octorchea: Kliff, we cannot allow any more mistakes. -He spoke in a firm voice- This will be the battle that will decide the fate of this land. We must ensure that every unit is prepared.

Kliff: I know. -He answered and then turned to look at the Sergeant- This time we cannot underestimate the artists. They have proven to be stronger than I imagined. We must be ready for anything they try.

Octorchea: Banshee has given me a chance. I cannot fail. I have to gather my troops and prepare a line of defense at key points. But I must also have a contingency plan in case they manage to break through our defenses.

As Octorchea spoke, Kliff approached the holographic table, observing the areas marked on the map. His eyes narrowed as he analyzed the possible routes of attack and defense.

Kliff: We must expect the unexpected. -He said in a thoughtful tone- If the artists decide to attack directly, we can use their momentum against them. But if they are more strategic, we could be in trouble. I suggest we divide our forces into three fronts. One front for defense, one for ambush, and the third to maintain control of the city.

Octorchea watched him silently for a few moments, considering the proposal. Finally, he nodded, appreciating the foresight in Kliff's plan.

Octorchea: Alright. But let's be clear, Kliff, this will be our last defense. If we fail here, there will be no other chance. We are facing an enemy that has proven to be formidable. We must be more cunning and ruthless than ever.

Kliff, however, had something else in mind. His gaze became more calculating, almost cold, as he looked at Octorchea with a lopsided smile.

Kliff: Octorchea, -He said in a low tone, almost with a sinister touch- there is something else we could do. To buy time, we could... use the denizens of Nimbos as a distraction. If we send them to the front, we would force the artists to stop and rescue them. That would give us the time needed to prepare our defenses and position our troops strategically.