Chapter 36: Decoy
"Prepare the helicopter. I need to get there ASAP," Edward commanded, striding out of the building as the helicopter landed on the open ground.
The powerful blades churned the air into a chaotic gust, tousling his hair, yet his expression stayed grim.
He needed to get there. To protect the people. To protect his friend. But it was already too late for him to realize the truth lurking behind the scenes. Guilt gnawed at him—he had wasted his time trying to prove he treated everyone fairly when he should have been standing by his friend’s side.
He looked back at the Lieutenant. "You take care of things here."
"Yes, General," the Lieutenant replied, matching his pace. "I’ll handle everything—you don’t need to worry."
Edward nodded before stepping toward the chopper, which hovered just inches above the ground for a quick departure. As he reached for the cabin door, a sudden explosion split the air.
A missile hit the tail of a helicopter.
The explosion generated a shockwave that violently jerked the aircraft. The helicopter spiraled uncontrollably, its rotors cutting into the ground like a massive blade of devastation. Metal screamed, sparks flew, and the cockpit crashed forcefully into the ground.
Edward hardly had a moment to react before the impact knocked him sideways. The helicopter’s frame crumpled, and the deadly spinning blades sliced through everything in their way. One came alarmingly close—too close.
He activated his armor just in time. The protective plating enveloped him, shielding him as debris and shrapnel tore through the wreckage. The world around him was in chaos—flames, smoke, and the deafening wail of destruction.
Through the haze, his keen eyes fixed on a shadowy figure nestled inside a nearby building—a Rogue.