Edwin Lunar Chapter 41: The Silver Commander

Read chapter 41 of Edwin Lunar by MananTayal on NovelPedia.

VOLUME 2: FINALE Fire consumed Sector Seven. The skies above Lunar Dominion Academy burned crimson as Eclipse warships surrounded the tower district like predators circling wounded prey. Explosions echoed between the floating structures while academy defense barriers flickered dangerously under constant bombardment. And standing at the center of the battlefield— Commander Vael waited. His dark silver armor reflected the flames surrounding the tower platforms while his mechanical eye glowed steadily through the smoke-filled skies. Behind him, Eclipse soldiers secured the shield generator platforms while black combat drones hovered across the battlefield. The damaged academy transport carrying Orion Team spiraled toward the sector through the chaos. Inside the cockpit, warning alarms screamed endlessly. "We're losing engine stability!" Iris shouted. Carl pointed wildly through the front window. "THERE ARE LITERALLY MISSILES CHASING US!" Lucien remained perfectly calm somehow. "Can you land?" "No!" "…Understood." Another explosion struck nearby. The transport shook violently. Edwin stared toward Vael below. Even from this distance— The commander felt different from the others. Not corrupted. Not controlled. Focused. Like a warrior following a purpose no one else understood. The ring on Edwin's hand pulsed slowly. And for a brief second— Vael's silver eye flickered in response. Like recognition. Then the commander raised one hand. All Eclipse soldiers stopped firing immediately. Even the warships above paused their bombardment. Silence spread strangely across Sector Seven. Vael's voice echoed through external communication systems. "Edwin Lunar." The battlefield itself seemed to listen. "I did not come to destroy your academy." Carl blinked. "…Could have fooled me." Vael ignored him completely. His silver eye remained locked on Edwin. "I came for the Orion Key." The ring glowed brighter instantly. Lucien stepped forward protectively. "You're not taking him." Vael's expression never changed. "You misunderstand." The commander slowly removed part of the metallic armor covering his face. And Edwin froze. The man beneath looked human. Older. Scarred by war. But human. Not machine. Not corrupted. Vael spoke quietly: "Your father trusted me once." The words hit harder than expected. Around the battlefield, smoke drifted through shattered academy bridges while distant battles continued across the skies of Noroel. But here— Everything had become still. Edwin finally spoke. "Then why attack us?" Vael looked toward the burning shield towers. "Because the Marshals will never allow you to leave." Headmaster Humming's voice suddenly echoed across academy communication systems: "Enough." Silver light erupted through the skies. A massive Flame barrier appeared between Vael and Orion Team as Headmaster Humming descended onto the battlefield surrounded by radiant silver energy. Students across nearby towers stared in awe. The Headmaster looked terrifying now. Not like a teacher. Like a legend from the Great War itself. Vael watched him calmly. "You still protect the secret." Humming's silver eyes sharpened. "I protect this world." "No," Vael answered softly. "You protect fear." The atmosphere changed instantly. Silver and crimson Flame energy collided between them like invisible storms. Carl whispered nervously: "…I feel like two gods are arguing." Humming stepped forward slowly. "You endangered civilians to reach Edwin." Vael finally showed emotion for the first time. Anger. "The Eclipse fleets are already moving toward the Gateway." His voice echoed across the ruined sector. "You still don't understand what is coming." The skies above trembled violently. Far beyond the battle— Another distant explosion illuminated the upper atmosphere. More Eclipse fleets entering the system. Iris checked her scanner quickly. "There are too many…" Even the Dominion defense lines were beginning to collapse. Vael looked directly at Edwin again. "The Orion Gateway