The mothership groaned and screeched as it broke through Rikaidou's atmosphere. Smoke trailed behind them, flames licking at the hull as Nyx wrestled with the manual controls.
The surface came into view—lush forests, winding rivers, and jagged mountains blurred into a chaotic smear.
The ship shook violently, but Nyx's fingers flew across the panel, steady and precise.
With one final jolt, the mothership slammed into the ground, skidding through dirt and trees before coming to a grinding halt.
Inside the cockpit, silence reigned for a moment before Nyx spoke, her voice sharp.
"Is everyone intact?"
She turned back and saw Anna slumped in her seat, wincing, while Malrik groaned and pushed himself upright.
"I'm fine. Well, mostly."
Malrik muttered, brushing off debris.
Anna clutched her arm and grimaced.
"Well, I'm not. That hurt like hell…"
"Good. Means you're both fine."
Nyx said flatly.
