Summoning Earth

Chapter 16: The Uninvited Guest

Amidst the darkened, ashen sky

The thunderous roar of powerful engines reverberated, filling the heavens with a cacophony of sound. The Antares aircraft of Gra Valkas, alongside a fleet of bombers, cut through the air in unwavering formation, heading towards their target.

"All units, report in. Weather conditions are shifting—rain is imminent," the voice crackled over the radio.

"Roger that. We'll brace for the adverse weather," a calm yet determined reply came through.

Suddenly, the radio blared with urgency, "Alert! Enemy aircraft approaching. Prepare for engagement!"

"Report! The enemy is fielding Vanadis-5 aircraft—state-of-the-art jets without propellers. All units, exercise extreme caution!"

The escort fighters of Gra Valkas dispersed into defensive patterns. Despite their lack of jet technology, the Valkans weren't disheartened. Even facing the superior Vanadis-5 fighters of the Holy Kain Empire, the Gra Valkans were prepared to strike with fierce determination. While technologically inferior, their numbers and battlefield experience made them formidable adversaries. The skies would witness their resolve.

"We've lost two-fifths of our forces to the Gra Valkans! This battle is turning into their grand display!" a Kain pilot exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice.

"Shut up and focus! Just do your job and deal with them!" came the sharp retort from another pilot.

"Squad Two, destroy the Gra Valkan fighters! Squad Three, intercept their bombers before they reach allied territory!" The command was cold, precise, and unwavering.

"Don't let them near! Eliminate every last one of those fighters!" roared the commander of the 157th Gra Valkan Air Squadron. His voice pierced through the storm of chaos that had now engulfed both sides.

Rain began to pour down as the formations clashed. The sky was now a tangled battlefield of twisting aircraft, smoke, and gunfire. Despite the growing disorder, the Gra Valkan bombers continued their strategic march toward the city looming ahead.

Leading the charge was the Guti'muan heavy bomber, a massive six-engine beast that dominated the sky. With a wingspan of 54 meters and a length of 47 meters, it was a flying fortress armed with devastating payloads—built to bring terror to the cities of Yggdrasil. Its dark, ominous form sailed through enemy fire like an unstoppable force of destruction.

Vanadis fighters, with their superior speed, quickly launched attacks on the bombers. "Alert! The right-wing engines are on fire!" The voice on the radio was tense but controlled.

"All Valkans, prepare to release all bombs. Swear to your homeland—we shall deliver this city to Hades!" shouted the commander of the 67th bomber squadron, his voice filled with both pride and grim resolve. Their insignia—a jaguar—stood as a reminder of their ferocity.

Ahead, the enemy city emerged, its towering buildings silhouetted against a sky filled with sirens and explosions. Anti-aircraft fire peppered the sky as the bombers pressed forward, undeterred.

But then, out of nowhere, thick clouds materialized. They came without warning, disrupting the already chaotic air battle. The clouds' density increased, causing confusion among the pilots.

"Valkans! What the hell is happening?!" A panicked voice cut through the static.

"We've lost contact with—"

"The clouds! They're not—"

The radio transmissions faded as the pilots struggled to make sense of the bizarre weather phenomenon. The rain, once relentless, began to taper off. And then, in an instant, the entire landscape changed. The skies cleared, and they found themselves flying in an otherworldly calm, except for the massive, unnatural cloud looming overhead.