Ethereal Ascendance: A Journey of Transformation(Vol 5)

Vol 5/Chapter 54: Counterattack

Cyra fell into the portal to Earth? I almost wanted to follow her. But before I could, Galadra teleported us somewhere else.

We ended up in another part of Sylvanvale Wood, far from where it happened. Reed, Mia, Sheryl, and other angel legion members were there too.

"Something weird is happening with the Cycle of Rebirth's core. I need to check it out," Galadra told us. "That portal won't disappear soon. Stay away from it so you don't get sucked in." Then she was gone.

"Did I hear someone call herself Galadra?" one angel asked.

"Isn't Galadra the name of our ancestor? Did she bring us here?"

"So our ancestor is really alive! She saved us!"

The Cycle of Rebirth projection stopped because of the accident. Most angels there were teleported with us. They were confused about Galadra - they'd only heard stories about her.

"Is that huge portal really okay?" Mia came over to us. "I saw some monsters that escaped the Forbidden Spell sneak in!"

Mia and Sheryl knew some details about protecting the Cycle of Rebirth, so hearing Galadra didn't surprise them much. But they didn't know about our fight with Michelle and Nicola, so they asked what happened.

"It's... complicated," I said, avoiding the truth. "But shouldn't we catch those monsters that went in?" I was worried about what might happen to the helpless people on Earth.

"We might not have a chance," Sheryl, the 5th Angel legion commander, said. She looked badly hurt, her armor all broken. "My people who didn't get teleported told me the Empire's army surrounded the portal. They're angry at us for starting a war in their land. They've taken over the area now."

"Those Empire soldiers hid during the monster fight, and now they're taking advantage?" Mia was angry. But it was actually good they didn't attack us from behind like the mysterious person in white wanted.

"You were closest. Did you see where the portal leads?" Reed asked suddenly. She must have noticed something.

"Just some strange buildings..." I said, not wanting to explain about Earth. "There's a Light Elf village nearby. Should we go there to talk more?"

Sheryl and Mia agreed. The angel army needed rest, and the Light Elves were friendly.

At the Light Elf village - where Irene lived - the tribe leader welcomed us warmly. "It's safe here. Our village has strong hiding magic. You can rest as long as you need!"

Sheryl asked them to help spy on the portal area too, since angels flying around would be too obvious in Empire land.

When morning came, a Light Elf spy brought news: "Empire soldiers went into the big portal. Looks like they're fighting someone on the other side!"

"What? How did Reider move so fast? Is he trying to take new land?" I was shocked.

"It's not the Emperor's order," Irene corrected me. "A local general gave the order. They haven't heard from the higher-ups yet."

"So the general got excited seeing the other side and rushed in to get credit?" I whispered to Reed. "The Empire has magic and mechs. Won't Earth be in trouble?"

Reed rolled her eyes. "You're worrying too much. There might be some small fights, but most magic is nothing compared to military on the other side."

I realized she might be right. The Empire took our damaged Midas mech, but it needs time to fix. Maybe their army will retreat when they can't win.

"You seem to know a lot about the other side," Adrian said to Reed, curious.

"Um, we saw tall, neat buildings through the portal," I quickly explained. "It looks like our ancient civilization. Reed thinks it might be a time portal to the past. That's why the Empire is no match."

This made sense since Nicola's power was related to time. Adrian believed it.

But things changed in ways no one expected.

Half a day later, Irene reported a big change - the Empire soldiers didn't come back. Instead, strange humans came out of the portal. They had weird metal weapons that made loud noises and fire, killing enemies from far away.

These humans quickly beat the Empire guards and took over the area around the portal. They didn't go into the forest, but built a base there. In just hours, they put up houses and fences!

More big metal vehicles kept coming through the portal. In one day, they built a whole military base.

"No way..." I finally understood, looking at Reed. Earth didn't just beat back the Empire's attack - they counterattacked! They invaded this world through the portal. Now we should worry about this side instead.