The Granians were going to use the element of surprise they possessed to carry out a coordinated attack on three Ethisian colonies. These colonies were extremely crucial to the Ethisians in that they acted as "Gates" to the Ethisian Outer, Middle, and Inner Rings. If these "Gates" were hit and taken over, the Ethisians would be left in the dark about incoming ships moving into their half of Akrina. They and every other species living in it would fall susceptible to any attack. If the Granians managed to pull off these attacks, they could maintain an upper hand over the Ethisians. Leading these three separate attack fleets were the four Granians; Grim, Lord Gravax, One Horn, and Helda. Lord Gravax, because of his "glazing" at Cherry, was given the first frontline where he would lead with the Crimson Knight fighting with him. Grim, given his experience and strength, was given the second frontline where he would lead with the Blood Bishop and Fifth Human Skyler fighting with him. One Horn, given the third fleet, was tasked with leading it while fighting with Anya and Jim. In addition, he was also told to carry Helda along and use her strengths where he saw fit, given that she wasn’t going to participate in any future wars because of her pregnancy. Aside from having Helda to "babysit", One Horn was given the two Blood Knights who were dubbed weak by the Council Elders, Lords, and Tribal Leaders. The Granian had somehow managed to make the Fifth Human surpass them in strength so it was only fair that his training efforts would be spent on those who desperately needed them. Now each of these three fleets came with important resources—soldiers and ships. In total, these fleets had a headcount of fifty thousand soldiers. Of those fifty thousand, thirty thousand were Granians and twenty thousand were Cyclitharans. Under the Grand Duke’s orders, the Cyclitharan soldiers were escorted by their versions of War Lords. The way the Granians had Grim, Helda, One Horn, and the others leading them was the same method the Cyclitharans followed. Leading their one hundred thousand soldiers were four prominent Cyclitharan soldiers who went by the names Atris, Cion, Nyx, and Cylion. Three of these four—Atris, Cion, and Nyx—tagged along with the three attack fleets. Carrying these multitudes of soldiers were ships known as Behemoths; a joint product of Cyclitharan and Granian engineering. These ships—made with the design of the Colonial Ships—were larger, faster, and stronger, and had larger cargo spaces designed to transport soldiers, war machines, and vehicles. These Behemoths were large enough to carry twenty thousand soldiers, ten thousand Mechs, and five thousand War Vehicles capable of traversing multiple terrains. Each fleet was given three Behemoths, all equipped with War Vehicles, Mechs, supplies, and resources they were going to use in War. "These species really prepare themselves for War," the five Humans stood at a distance while they watched Granian and Cyclitharan soldiers march into nine Behemoth ships. "To think that we stood a chance against them when they attacked Earth." "We should consider ourselves lucky they were only interested in abducting Humans." Jim mumbled while the thought of battling Granians with Human technology rocked him the wrong way. "We stood no chance against them from the start." "Do you think we ever will?" Skyler asked, thinking about the future of Earth. What next would the Granians do once they have no use for her and the others? Would they return home? Would they be kept as slaves? Or would their planet be destroyed to keep their dirty work under wraps? "Do you think Earth will defend itself if these Granians attacked again?" There was no honest answer for either of them to give but they all had one common thought. Humans had the Granians to thank for their newly acquired Gifts. Because of the invasion, the Humans were able to adapt and evolve their bodies into refortified vessels of strength and power. Humans also had the chance to adapt and grow with the arrival of beasts and their crystals; a whole field they had to discover and exploit. "Maybe if the Granians attacked when we already had those serums," Anya answered, "we could have had a fighting chance. But who knows? Maybe everyone on Earth’s doing something with their Gifts...I hope." A moment of awkward, uneasy silence ensued with the Humans just standing quietly. Once it got uncomfortable enough, Jim decided to change the topic to a conversation more fitting people of their standards. "Skyler," he said, "One Horn spoke highly of you about your increase in strength. Was he telling the truth or..." "He was...to a certain extent," Skyler answered quickly and began to talk all about her new-found strength. "One Horn took me through different biomes and terrains on Planet Grania. I was forced to fight beasts larger and stronger than I was, taught to hone my skills beyond their limits, and trained in the art of Eneraflux." The young woman emphasized the last part of her sentence by releasing a powerful surge of energy from her body. Her aura burned a beautiful orange-pink gradient with a strong gust of wind blowing around her body. As she kept her energy activated, her body grew swole, sturdy, and robust. Her gentle, feminine shape changed to a muscular, mountain-woman-like build. Her hair began to grow a crimson red, just like Ace. "Safe your strength for later..." One Horn approached the Humans along with Helda. The two Granians came dressed in heavy, thick sets of armor that vibrated with every step they took. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮✦𝓷𝓮𝓽 Their footsteps, heavy and awkward, could be heard by those with keen senses of hearing which left a lot to question. "...that much output should only be used when delivering a final blow. Remember, contain your energy properly. Both your beast and Human energy." "What’s with the armor? Won’t its size and excessive bulk be a hindrance on the battle field?" Jim asked and while the Granians responded, one person turned their attention to the only one who was quiet in the group. Cherry Underwood, the newly turned Crimson Knight, looked at her brother who stood tall and quiet. The man was lost in his thoughts as his crimson hair blew in the wind with his eyes glowing a sharp, red color. The man shared a glance with his sister before saying, "Lord Gravax shared the story about how you singlehandedly killed a large beast. I take it you’re seeing the benefits of the Crimson Knight form." Cherry, with disgust but contentment on her face, hung her head in shame while answering, "Though you forced it on me, it has its perks. I wouldn’t have been able to do what it is Lord Gravax told you had it not been for this new form. So...thanks...I guess." "I know I used an unconventional method, Cherry," Ace turned to face his sister and held her by the shoulders as he continued, "but it came from the good intentions I have for you. This War has only begun and I need you, my sister, to be as prepared for it as you possibly can. "I doubt you and I will fight side-by-side any more often so upgrading you to the Crimson Knight rank was the best way I could help and protect you." "I know," Cherry sighed and then shook Ace’s hands off her shoulders, "until we see each other again, Ace. Goodbye." "Bye Cherry," Ace responded with eyes glowing as red as his hair, "remember your command. Help me win this War for both of us."