Battle Of Planets
Chapter 86: Seraphina

Chapter 86: Seraphina

"It’s been a while since I came here," Tyson mused, glancing around the elevator as it descended. Seraphina and Alex stood beside him, both lost in their own thoughts.

Alex sighed, crossing his arms. "Why are we even here? I could be training or doing something actually useful."

"Like what? Flirting?" Tyson whistled, smirking.

Seraphina’s piercing gaze turned to Alex, her expression angry.

Alex stuttered, "W-What? Don’t listen to this idiot! I would never flirt with other girls!"

"He’s not an idiot," Seraphina said, narrowing her eyes. "And I know you very well, Mister Alex Rogers. We will discuss this later."

Tyson struggled to contain his laughter as Alex visibly tensed. He directed his gaze at Tyson instead, his eyes dark with irritation. "You and I, Tyson. Once I’m done with Seraphina, we’re sparring—I want to see those seven power points in action."

Seraphina smacked Alex’s shoulder. "How can you threaten your own brother?"

"He’s not my brother."

"He’s my brother-in-law," Seraphina retorted. "So you better watch your words, husband."

Alex grimaced, aware that he had lost the argument.

The elevator doors slid open.

Tyson quickly stepped out—just beyond Alex’s reach—grinning as he felt his brother’s glare burn into his back.

The hallways buzzed with newly chosen Meta-bot owners—young men and women, around 20 years old, who had finally been deemed worthy of wielding this powerful technology. Excitement and pride radiated from many of them; yet amidst the celebrations, tension lingered in the air.

The seasoned Rangers watching over them felt uneasy. Every year, without fail, a portion of the newly selected would reject the call to join the Rangers, choosing instead to pursue their own ambitions. Some would become criminals who steal, kidnap, or rob people with their powers, while a few would simply vanish into obscurity, believing that their life is theirs and that they will live on their own terms.

While it was morally correct to say that, if everyone chose to adopt that mindset, it would lead to chaos among the rangers.

This year, 78 individuals had been selected by Meta-bots. Given the recent devastating attack on Elria, the Rangers could only hope that at least 50 of them would step up and answer the call to serve. They needed fresh blood and new protectors to bolster their forces, especially since a tournament could be called at any time.

A sergeant guided Seraphina and the others to the upper floor, where the newly selected recruits gathered in the grand hall below. Tyson and Alex followed behind as they took in the sight before them.

Marsh greeted them with a reassuring smile. "President, they are waiting for your speech," he said, nodding toward the eager but uncertain faces of the young Meta-bot owners below.

Seraphina returned his smile, though a hint of nervousness flickered in her expression. "I hope I don’t mess it up."

Marsh chuckled. "Don’t worry. You won’t know unless you step up—and even if you do, we’ll find a way to fix it."

Alex nodded in agreement. "That’s right. Just be yourself."

Tyson stood near the edge of the balcony, looking down at the hall below. At least 10 to 15 seasoned sergeants gathered in one section, while around 80 newly chosen recruits filled the base of the hall. This was the moment when some would commit to becoming Rangers—and others would walk away.

"I’m feeling nostalgic, Whitey," Tyson muttered softly, his fingers grazing the Meta-bot on his chest.

A white light blinked in response, as if the Meta-bot shared the sentiment.

Seraphina stepped forward, inhaling deeply. This was her moment to speak—to inspire them and convince them to fight for something greater than themselves. She knew she couldn’t force them to stay, but she could make them believe.

She promised herself that she wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of the past. Her father did what he thought was best, but she would choose a different path.

She would transform this city. She would reshape this generation. Or she would die trying.

"I won’t waste your time with introductions," Seraphina began, her voice effortlessly carrying through the grand hall, enhanced not just by the modern acoustics but by the weight of her words. "And don’t consider me your President right now. I stand before you as a citizen of this city—our city."

She allowed her gaze to sweep over the crowd, absorbing the blend of emotions mirrored in their youthful faces—fear, doubt, anxiety, pride.

"I can see it in your eyes. Some of you have already made up your minds about your future, regardless of what I say here today. That’s perfectly fine. I am not here to force anyone into something they don’t want."

A ripple of surprise swept through the room. Marsh stiffened, his brows lifting slightly. Alex and Tyson exchanged glances, briefly caught off guard. Even some of the sergeants standing along the railings shifted, confused by her words.

This was not how these speeches typically unfolded. For years, those who hesitated were pressured—compelled—to join the Rangers, reminded that their duty to Elria took precedence over personal desires.

But here was Seraphina, the President, standing before them and stating that she wouldn’t do that.

The question hung unasked in the air—why?

"You see, we have always been divided into two factions—Rangers and Rogues," Seraphina said. "We fight for what we believe in, and this fight has persisted for centuries. Our internal war is far from over, and according to a certain someone—the one who caused havoc and took my father’s life—it never will be."

She allowed that to sink in, her gaze sweeping over the young Meta-bot owners. Uncertainty flickered in their eyes. They were attentive. After all, this was the woman who had stood on the battlefield without any armor, who had chosen to lead them despite the risks.

"But I refuse to accept that," she continued. "I will change it. To do so, I need more than just weapons or strategies—I need you. Your support. Your understanding."

A hushed silence settled over the hall.

"You are free to make your choice," she said, her voice unwavering. "You are not confined. That thing on your chest—your Meta-bot—it does not define you. You do. You can be extraordinary or stay ordinary. You can be the hero who saves others or the one who needs saving."

She exhaled, pausing briefly before adding, "It is your choice. Your will. But remember—not all of us are fortunate enough to have that choice."

Her voice softened. "Like every other ordinary citizen, we don’t have a choice. We can only trust you, trust your judgment, and hope- hope that the choices you make will save us..."

She trailed off, her voice catching in her throat. For the first time, she let her emotions show. "But in the end, you are the one who makes the decision. Do it and stand firm on that. As your president, I will ensure that everyone is treated fairly from my side. Rangers and rogues, no one will receive false blame, and I will guarantee punishment for those who break the law."

Marsh sighed as murmurs spread among the newly chosen Meta-bot owners. It had always been assumed that they would either be pressured into joining the Rangers or branded as traitors if they refused, forever labeled as potential Rogues. However, after hearing their new President’s words, they felt something unexpected—relief.

Marsh understood Seraphina’s intentions. She wasn’t following tradition, nor was she like the other leaders across the globe. She sought change and refused to repeat her father’s mistakes, fully aware of the risks involved in pursuing this path.

For the first time, these recruits would not feel pressured to make a decision. With this newfound freedom, many of them might still choose to be Rangers—not out of obligation, but because they genuinely believed in it.

Tyson remained silent as he analyzed her words. She hadn’t directly instructed them to become Rangers or Rogues. Rather, she had subtly indicated that every choice they made would influence the future of mankind.

Alex, however, was less forgiving. His clenched fists trembled at his sides. He wanted to stop Seraphina, to confront her then and there—but he restrained himself.

He disagreed with everything she had said. He hated rogues. His mother had been murdered by them.And yet, here Seraphina was, saying they should be treated fairly?

Seraphina took a measured step back, lowering her head in respect.

Then Marsh clapped. One by one, others joined in. A ripple of applause spread through the hall—except for Alex.

Tyson grinned, nudging Seraphina. "That was amazing! I could learn a thing or two from you."

She smiled, but before she could respond, a nearby sergeant gestured for them to exit through the high balcony doors.

Just as they stepped outside, Alex stopped, his face grim. "What was that?" His voice was sharp, compelling everyone to halt.

Seraphina turned to face him, her expression inscrutable.

"You were supposed to bring them to our side," Alex said, his anger barely contained. "But you told them it was their choice? You gave them the option to become Rogues?"

"She didn’t tell them to be rogues," Tyson began, stepping in—but Seraphina raised her hand. She would handle this herself.