"To the American and allied forces fighting around Salva, you have endured the example of the unexpected. This has been a battle that you have prepared for, trained for. This is a conflict that your leaders did not plan for. And yet, you have excelled.

There are a few moments in history that will be remembered forever. The actions taken today by the men and women will have lasting effects that will rewrite human history. The 4th Infantry, the 1st Astralis, the 4th MDTF, the 75th Rangers, the Minutemen, and adjacent forces stood their ground against two powerful alien foes. You have all faced the unknown and thrived, proven to future generations that the American warrior spirit is inflamed.

Do not settle, though. Against all odds, you have repelled the Verliance Aristocracy and Unity of Cordinlane, but they are determined. I know you have spoken with many of the natives, stories of the brutality of this zealot's beliefs that all should kneel to utopia or death. We did not seek this conflict, but we are the only ones who have the strength, means, and will counter these ideals.

This world is under threat of being consumed by darkness, being enslaved by fear and oppression. The erosion of God, family, ideas, free thought. The right to be free. Forcing everyone to be…, perfect or else.

The action today will determine if this world falls to utopian ideas or sees a new golden age of being free. Free to choose your own path. The fate of the world is literally in your actions. Stay strong. Stay free. God bless America." – Lieutenant General Kevin Sherman, VII Corps

April 6th, 2068 (military calendar)

Hiplose Woods, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

With the crackling sound of battle raging all around, Comanche navigated through the surrounding foliage until they spotted a large boulder with a small tree growing from its side—ideal cover.

As they approached, Captain Mathew Ryder partially stumbled into the boulder, the muddy ground slick under the intense rainfall. He turned, watching each of his teammates follow in. Everyone took up a defensive position, forming a perimeter.

The Twins covered the rear—Edge Wallace held the M338 medium machine gun with his third robotic arm, while Bruno Barrios manned his M31. Marcos Gonzales covered the right, kneeling against the boulder, and Gregory Barrett held the left beside a fallen log. Benjamin Ford stared over the boulder while Rommel King coordinated the team. Fraeya Holiadon raised her hand to the sky, redirecting the rain so Comanche wouldn't get drenched. Natilite, as scout, perched on a thick tree branch for a better vantage point, while Kurt Forest prepared his range finder. Charlie Higgins pulled out his notes and scanned DEFNET through his VISOR.

Ryder looked out past their rocky cover toward the ridgeline. Though a light haze obscured the view, he could make out their target.

The enemy had been pressing against the City-State of Salva for about two Zulu weeks, with American forces attempting to push them back. During the last assault, the enemy had crept forward to establish an observation post for artillery coordination. Unity and Aristocracy forces had inched closer, fortifying a blockade around Salva, isolating it from the rest of the region. Hence, Colonel Hackett ordered the Minutemen to dismantle the outpost. Though the Americans were contained, he wanted the enemy to remember they still had teeth.

"Natilite, Forest," Ryder ordered. "Mark the target. Higgins, be ready to call in fire support."

The Valkyrie dropped from her perch and drew her M77 designated marksman rifle, resting it against the boulder's slope. Forest set the range finder beside her, both scoping out the enemy bunker. The airmen coordinated through digital markers to help guide the artillery.

"I see the bunker," Forest said. "It's dug into the ridgeline."

"I see two targets," Natilite added. "I think they're observers. See them?"

"No, I—" Forest leaned into his screen. "There they are. That small bunker to the right—I think that's an accelerator."

"Hold on," Natilite said. "Yes. It's likely a defense to deter direct assaults."

"Do you see an amplifier?" Ryder asked.

"So far, no," Kurt replied.

"This is just an observation post," Natilite said. "They probably didn't assign anything that complex here."

"We've seen small ones," King reminded. "Walkers and crawlers had them."

"Sure, but that doesn't mean they're everywhere," she replied. "A crawler might have one, but it wouldn't stop an artillery barrage."

"All right," Ryder said, turning to Higgins. "Bring the rain."

Higgins moved beside Forest, gripping the radio handle. The three cross-verified their targeting data so the Airman could send accurate coordinates.

The first artillery shell from the 4th Infantry Division landed short of the ridgeline. Unity forces immediately opened fire blindly—shrouds, energy bolts, and ballistas blanketed the area in a sweeping arc. Some struck near Comanche's position; others flared harmlessly into the forest.

"This won't last long," King warned. "The longer we stay, the more likely they'll find us."

"Tighten it up, Higgins," Ryder ordered.

Higgins readjusted the coordinates. The next shell landed closer—still off—but enough to provoke another hostile barrage. A moment later, a massive echo boomed, followed by an impact in front of the boulder. A projectile slammed into the rock, cracking its surface and spraying dirt and debris. Shrouds followed, forcing Comanche into a firefight.

Natilite fired her DMR while the rest of the team returned fire toward the ridge. Wallace, Gonzales, and Fraeya held the flanks, preventing a pincer.

Ryder stepped back, aiming through his scope. The mist distorted movement, but he saw enemy reinforcements. Spotting a fortification, he fired three rounds.

"Incoming!" Higgins shouted.

Artillery shells screamed in from above, blasting the enemy position. Over two dozen shells slammed into the ridge, shredding the observation post.

Cheers erupted from Comanche. Some clapped each other on the back, while others shouted in celebration.

"All right, Comanche," Ryder began. "Reform and—"

A clear shroud struck Gregory Barrett's M31. The rifle exploded, sending him to the ground as crystallized shards scarred his arm.

Energy bolts followed, impacting around them. Wallace swiveled his machine gun, unleashing controlled bursts. Ford and Gonzales pulled Barrett back while others took position around Wallace.

Ryder checked his scope. Emerging through the mist—Unity orcs, their armor unmistakable. Some carried reinforced enchanted shields and fired staff weapons; others took natural cover.

He had thought it was a patrol. But more shapes emerged through the mist.

"Where the hell did they come from?" Ryder snapped.

"What is it?" King asked.

"Unity troops. Due right. Gonzales, Ford—get Greg to Vanguard position. Fraeya, cover us!"

Fraeya raised her hand. Rain crystallized into icy darts. "I can increase the mist."

"Do it."

As Barrett was pulled away, Fraeya launched a flurry of ice projectiles, forcing the enemy back. She then thickened the mist, shrouding their retreat.

"Natilite, find us a fallback position," Ryder ordered.

The Valkyrie nodded and vanished into the mist.

"Alright, Comanche—fall back!" Ryder shouted.

He fired into the fog, giving Fraeya time to expand their concealment. Comanche broke formation and began withdrawing.

Enemy fire decreased as they retreated. Ryder guessed the Unity troops had lost them but wouldn't stay confused for long.

Barrett was being tended to. Ryder approached. "Status?"

"I'm fine," Barrett grunted.

"Some burns," Gonzales said. "But he'll be okay."

"Combat effective?" Ryder asked.

"Yes. The rifle took most of the hit," Gonzales confirmed.

Barrett stood, drawing his sidearm. "I'm not getting nursed through this."

"Contact!" Barrios shouted.

Gunfire erupted from the rear guard. Ryder knelt and aimed. Through his scope, he saw dozens of enemy soldiers, their front lines entrenched, rear units attempting to flank.

He spotted a leader directing the column—but the enemy commander dropped instantly from a sniper round. More fell under Natilite's cover fire. With the enemy pinned, Comanche escaped.

As the fog lifted, Natilite swooped down beside Ryder.

"There's a lot more coming," she warned.

"They're pissed," Ford muttered.

"Two weeks of this crap? I would be," Higgins added.

"Doesn't matter," Ryder said. "They're advancing toward Salva. We just walked into their mobilization."

Comanche dashed through the foliage, down small ravines, until they hit a wider forest clearing.

Weapons fire trailed them. Energy bolts from elecprobus weapons scorched the air, one igniting a tree. With no recoil, the enemy didn't slow, staying hot on their heels.

("Vanguard-Lead, this is Comanche-Lead," Ryder said over TEAMCOM. "We've got multiple hostiles on our six.")

("Roger that, Comanche-Lead. Vanguard is ready. Bring them into the frying pan. Vanguard-Lead out.")

Green HUD markers popped up. CFT-7 Vanguard—heavily armed Minutemen—were waiting. Two wore Hercules-variant Itlian suits, bulkier than standard for heavy weapon support.

Each held either an M338 or an M42 grenade revolver—primed and ready.

("We've got friendlies," King said. "Watch your fire.")

Comanche ran past. The moment they cleared the line, Vanguard opened fire. Unity troops, caught mid-chase, were shredded. The advance halted as enemy forces dove for cover.

Ryder regrouped with his squad and joined the line.

"Thanks for the save," he said.

Captain Sharpe of Vanguard smirked. "Looks like you kicked the hornet's nest. Wasn't this just a Search and Destroy OP?"

"Target neutralized. Then this happened," Ryder said. "Think they were advancing and ran into us."

"I see, Your Majesty," Sharpe added with a chuckle.

Ryder frowned slightly at the nickname—a joke that had followed him since Assiaya accepted Salva's crown.

Higgins approached, tapping his helmet. "Sirs. HQ called a general retreat. UAVs show a massive Unity thrust, and Aristocracy's moving up the main road."

A deep hum shook the air. Everyone turned as something thudded forward through the mist.

From the fog emerged a fifteen-foot-tall robotic construct—blocky, heavily armored. Pipes and barrels wrapped around its right arm; the left ended in a massive spiked mace.

"That's not good," Sharpe muttered.

The construct's flamethrower roared. Fraeya countered with a barrier of earth, shielding the teams. A Vanguard grenadier fired three shots, causing only minor damage.

"We'll distract it," Sharpe said.

"Regroup at the intersection," Ryder replied.

Comanche fell back. Vanguard held the line.

The Minutemen crossed the rocky cattle path back toward a dirt road intersection. Muzzle flashes lit the way ahead. Ryder's VISOR identified Redcoat and Viking teams—both fighting rearguard actions.

Ryder stopped as King confirmed all Comanche were accounted for. Vanguard soon followed, unscathed.

"Ryder. Same problem?" asked Captain Albert of the Redcoats.

"Yeah. Ambush from nowhere."

"Intel said two days out," Albert muttered.

"Guess intel was wrong."

Albert laughed. "If there's one constant, it's that the spooks never get it right."

Ryder cracked a smile—but incoming shrouds brought him back to reality.

The three captains gathered their teams and headed down the war-torn brick road.

"Viking," Ryder ordered. "Comanche will cover. Regroup on the other side of the gate."

They moved quickly, remnants of siege damage all around.

Comanche took position and joined the fight. The Aristocracy formed a shield wall, their elecprobus weapons firing in volleys.

Comanche targeted clusters, trying to break the formation—but couldn't kill fast enough. Worse, the enemy had taken the ridge Viking once held.

"Fall back!" Ryder shouted.

Then, the construct returned—leaping down and crashing into the road. Shieldmen scattered, its operator unconcerned with friendly casualties.

As it advanced, fire spewed toward Comanche. Fraeya fired a jet stream of water to block it.

The construct raised its mace, slamming down toward Higgins and King. Higgins dove. Natilite flew in, dragging King to safety.

"Aim for the pipes!" Ryder shouted.

Comanche focused fire, trying to rupture something critical. The machine raised its arm again.

Then—BOOM.

A high-velocity round tore through its left arm. The construct stumbled, then fell, crashing to the ground.

"What was that?" Ryder muttered.

"Coil gun," Ford said.

Ryder nodded. The shot came from behind—not the enemy. From Salva.

One of the city's ballistas had fired.

"It is nice to have those on our side for once," Forest said.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Put one of those on tracts with armor," Ford replied. "I am down for that."

Although the giant construct was destroyed, this didn't mean the Aristocracy had stopped their advancement. Hundreds of enemy warriors were in hot pursuit to prevent Comanche from reaching the city.

As Comanche ran on the brick road, they noticed Vanguard up ahead. They opened fire, focusing on the approaching Aristocracy forces, buying enough time for them to retreat to safety.

Up ahead, Vanguard held the position, providing cover for Comanche. When the two met, they abandoned their positions and continued toward Salva.

Toward Ryder's right, he saw a destroyed AMTV from a previous skirmish. Next, the rear half of a transport airship shot out of the sky. Off to the right, a burnt leg hanging off a ridge from a destroyed elecprobus walker.

In the distance, tracer rounds could be seen flying into the air. Small muzzle flashes appeared everywhere from the city walls, and the city legends covered the two Minutemen teams.

This allowed them to run through the northeast city gate unmolested, as the enemy was now focused on the rest of the city. As they passed, eight Bigdog UGVs, all armed with heavy machine guns and grenade launchers, protected the exterior.

Once inside, everyone turned around as two giant, thick metal doors slowly closed behind them, closing the gate. As part of rebuilding the city's defense, the old, ruined gates were replaced with state-of-the-art, specialized blast doors, knowing that this would be a weak spot.

Finally resting, Ryder Saw Captain Smith of Minutemen HQ in a LIRV; he ordered Rommel King to organize the team and restock from the nearby ammo truck. The Captain approached Captain Smith, Hackett's assistant. He noticed other LIRVs in the area. Some were empty, while others were driving away with Combat Fire Teams beside them. "Orders?"

"Hackett wants Comanche on zone four," Smith said.

After getting his orders, Ryder acknowledged the Captain and approached his team. Everyone had already restored their supplies, with Ford holding extra for his Captain. Wallace switched from his M338 to his M252, as the medium weapon would be less effective in this manner.

As he restocked, the Captain informed them of their new orders and told them to enter the Light Infantry Reconnaissance Vehicle. This vehicle was lightly armored, doorless, with an open frame around the exterior, unlike the AMTV, which was covered in thick armor.

"I prefer to fly," Natilite said.

"That is fine," Ryder said, understanding the wing issue. "Don't go too far."

Comanche mounted their two unarmored light vehicles before being driven off.

While the driver navigated through the city toward their destination, Mathew Ryder could see how radiant it was. Soldiers and militiamen manned their stations, rushed between points, and transported troops and supplies to the greatest need.

While en route to the city's southern side, Ryder heard a large sound from a smoothbore. As they passed what was formerly a large garden with trees and flowers, the Americans placed an M988 stationary mortar system due to its large size. The robotic arm reloaded the chamber, and the operator fired once ready. A loud sound echoed from the blast as the shell flew over the city wall toward its intended target.

Ryder could hear fire support observers using the digital marks around the area to adjust their coordinates over the radio.

Next to Military Police guiding the remaining civilians to the shelters, a fire truck from 4th ID put out a building fire that was struck by an enemy artillery shell. Among the firefighters was a mage lifting some debris from the crumbling building. This was all part of a damage control plan aimed at minimizing damage to Salva's infrastructure. The last thing the defenders needed was a wildfire consuming the city.

The light vehicles stopped by the wall. A few blocks away, Ryder could see the city palace. The muzzle flashed from the numerous machine gun fortifications, manned or remote, as they mixed with other infantry defenders shooting at the enemy.

Seeing the enemy weapon fire impact on the Palace, Ryder wondered if Assiaya was all right, being with Hackett within the Palace walls. He knew his daughter would be safe with the Colonel inside the city's lower levels from hostile artillery. Still, that didn't stop him from thinking the worst, a feeling he was not accustomed to.

"Sir!"

Hearing the driver say they had reached their destination, the Captain shifted into a combat mindset and dismounted. He then turned his team and directed them toward the wall.

Seeing the entryway door, the Comanche climbed the stairway until they reached the top of the defensive wall.

Ryder HUD came to life, and all the soldiers, labeled as Bravo Company, 5th Ranger, occupied Zone Four. The few Militiamen had a yellow marker over them from the VISOR IFF system, as the software does not know what else to label them yet.

The important part was all the red markers outside the wall, representing the visible enemy troops. Dozens of other small tabs and markers litter the battlespace, going from range markers to potential hostile bunkers.

Seeing the platoon Lieutenant, Ryder approached and asked, "LT, where do you need aid?"

"The enemy has reinforced that hill over there," the Lieutenant said. "I could use extra men on that section."

"We will take care of it," Ryder said.

Comanche rushed down the tall wall, passing dozens of Rangers and Militia defending the wall. Some soldiers used the battlements as cover, while others took shelter behind sandbag bunkers, peeking over their cover to fire at the enemy soldiers in the distance. Another stood with a rocket launcher, firing at a group of crawlers. Another was a Wood Elf armed with a circiletum, sniping off targets of interest.

Further down the line, they passed one of the M2-armed Locally Operated Weapon Stations, firing toward the ridgeline. Another open-top, manned sandbag bunker, serving as a substitute for the battlements, had two Rangers armed with an M338.

Energy bolts, shrouds, and flechette impact the wall, leaving dents or scorch marks. A powerful projectile from a hostile accelerator impacted the wall, causing the ground to shake. A bright blue glow appeared from the large crystals embedded into the reinforced concrete city wall, which absorbed and then redirected much of the kinetic energy of the enemy circiletum,

Reaching their position, Ryder turned to his team and said, "Split into two groups. King, your team is further down. Higgins, see what support we can get."

"On it, boss," Higgins said.

"Wings," Ryder said. "It is going to get crowded, so go to that rooftop. See if you can pick off anyone important."

"As you command." Natilite leaped off the city wall and glided through the air with her pink-tip, cyan-feather wings until she landed on the vine-infested brown roof, where she took a firing position.

The Captain saw his team in their optimal position, engaging the enemy and occupying the ridgeline. He then took a position by Sergeant Ford, leaning against a battlement. The two leaned over their protection and fired their rifles toward the hill.

Looking through his scope, he saw dozens of hostiles entrenched in whatever cover they could find. Most were infantry attempting to provide suppressive fire for the inevitable Unity assault. One group caught Ryder's attention—soldiers setting up a ballista.

The Comanche warrior placed his rifle carefully on the battlement, lining his shot with his M31. Having a clear shot at the operator, he took it, neutralizing one of the Unity soldiers. The others ducked for cover.

Seeing more hostiles occupying the hill, Ryder turned toward his Airman and asked, "Where is my support?"

"Trying, boss," Higgins said. "The Aristocracy has launched a full-scale assault against the northern flank. 4th ID Artillery said the North has priority. We're queue."

That news terrified the Comanche Captain, as Salva was supposed to be prioritized for support. The 2nd Lance Brigade Combat Team was deployed a few kilometers north of the city to prevent the enemy from flanking Salva and Indolass. With no infrastructure, the 4th ID soldiers had to dig deep with trenches to repel the enemy, similar to the fortifications the enemy deployed around Salva. If they requested prioritization, that meant they were on the verge of collapse. Kicking himself with frustration, he informed the Airman to keep trying. This also meant the enemy was launching a major offensive on all fronts.

"I guess we are putting that wall reconstruction to work," Barrett stated.

"Hopefully, they will hold," Ryder said. "Keep the men low and watch for snipers."

As the firefight intensified, Comanche mixed with the other defenders as they fought off the growing enemy swarm. Energy bolts impacted all around the battlement, leaving dark scars. Flechettes fired from infantry-size electromagnet accelerators called circiletum left powerful dents within the steel-reinforced concrete backed by damper enchantment crystals installed around the eastern city wall.

But this didn't stop the enemy from being able to place a well-aimed shot. An enemy sniper skilled with a flechette penetrated the side of a nearby Ranger, falling onto the ground, holding his side while screaming in pain. Two of his comrades quickly rushed over to grab him off the wall.

Closer to Rommel King's position, a ground force of Rangers manning a medium machine gun sandbag bunker, focusing on the nearest enemy-occupied hill. A dim light from one of the rock formations until a lightning bolt zigzagged through the air, impacting the remaining Ranger's position, causing them to fan out of the explosion.

Seeing that the weapon station was unmanned, Bruno Barrios rushed toward the medium machine gun. They continued firing, covering the medical teams as they gathered the casualties. That was when a blinding light appeared over this area of the battlespace. The American VISORs were designed to block sunlight, making the effects more manageable. However, the light was so powerful that it still had a negative impact.

"I think they have a luxmancy mage," King said over TEAMCOM.

"Wings!" Ryder said over TEAMCOM.

Switching to their Valkyrie's feed, Ryder saw her aiming for the enemy mage, now being part of Comanche she was given some Minutemen equipment to assist in integrating her onto the team, such as radios and a camera. When she found her target, his Warrant Officer-1 theory was correct, stating that it was a luxmancy mage blinding everyone. She took the shot, hitting the mage in the chest. The blinding light vanished as if it never happened.

But as the light disappeared, a thick, dark gust appeared, blazing the entire area and making visibility on the ridgeline impossible.

"They are trying to keep us from seeing what they are doing," Barrett said. "But what is it."

Ryder looked carefully over the wall as if he didn't want a lucky shot to clear his head. At first, he couldn't see anything, thanks to the magical spell. He focused his eyesight, looking for any shadows moving on the ground. That was when he saw two dark figures carrying something. "They are storming the wall!" he yelled.

Using the windstorm as cover, the enemy troops worked through the land mines and claymores, reached the wall's foundation, and placed devices on the ground. Some of the Rangers tossed grenades, taking out some of the attacking enemy. For the others, a bright blue-white glow appeared from the device.

While the Captain stared at the strange device, Barrett rushed over. "Boss. That glow reminds me of the anti-gravity lifts we saw at the mountain port."

"I think you are right," Ryder said.

Before the Comanche Captain could warn everyone, dozens of enemy soldiers floated over the three-story tall wall. They landed, shield and sword at the ready. They started attacking any nearby area with more followers.

One of the nearby enemy soldiers, an Orc and Vampire dressed in the armor of the Unity, charged at one of the Rangers. The American trooper fired his rifle; however, he was only able to fire three times before the hostile rammed him with his energy shield and sheer strength. The Ranger fell onto the ground, but before he could turn his rifle against the orc, the hostile rammed his foot against his hand.

The Orc then raised his sword in preparation to ram the blade's tip into the open slots of the battlesuit. As he thrust, a 6.8mm from Natilite DMR impacted the tusk humanoid in the side, killing the hostile.

While the Ranger was lucky, others were not. The wall defenders killed most of the first wave, but more Unity troops lifted onto the wall, making Ryder fear that they were about to be overrun. The first few waves were heavily composed of melee forces, but the following ranged under the assumption. Some of the remaining shieldmen created shield walls of two to three men around areas of landing, covering their reinforcements.

Some of the Militia swordsmen quickly responded, protecting some Special Forces from the enemy melee forces. Some utilized riot control tactics, riflemen behind shieldmen as they pressed against the enemy-held positions.

A Unity Vampire charging at him with an elecprobus set to the spear setting, Ryder unleashed three rounds into the hostile, killing the threat. He was not able to put his mind at ease, though, as two more enemy soldiers quickly charged past the corpse. One had a shield and sword, and the other carried an energy staff.

Prioritizing the elecprobus as he was worried about being shot in the back when dealing with a melee soldier, the Captain fired the remaining bullets from his M31 until the ranged hostile, only wounding him. He was forced to drop his rifle, pull out his .45 caliber sidearm, and unleash a quarter of the magazine into the charging swordsmen, causing the orc to fall on top of him.

An orc corpse with a heavier body mass than an average human was no problem for Ryder's Itlian battlesuit exoskeleton, which he was able to push the body over the interior edge quickly. However, he saw another orc pulling his sword out of a Ranger corpse before rushing toward the knocked-over Captain before he could recover.

Seeing the threat, Ryder quickly aimed his sidearm, but to his surprise, the incoming hostile had his shield ready, deflecting his bullets. Seeing that the enemy soldier was going to reach him before penetrating the shield, the Comanche warrior grabbed a nearby shield from a fallen Militiaman's body to deflect the sword attack.

The Unity Orc retracted his melee weapon, allowing Ryder to peek his M45A2 from his shield and force the enemy soldier to protect himself. But it was too late to make a difference as the Orc thrust forward and was already on top of him.

The Orc raised his sword in preparation to strike Ryder, but a sizeable steel-gray metal arm grabbed the enemy soldier. Its metal figures wrapped around the organic humanoid fist, unable to shake free. That was when the Comanche Captain saw that the arm of an IriSS climbed the interior side of the city wall.

The Unity Orc started to panic, but the IriSS easily held firm and finished climbing the wall. The one-eyed robotic soldier stood eight feet tall, towering over any Unity soldiers. Without hesitation, the American robotic warrior swung the orc over the wall before turning toward the Captain.

With the threat neutralized, the IriSS soldier turned to the Comanche Captain. "I your Command."

Ryder stood and noticed additional IriSS soldiers climbing the walls; he concluded that there had to be two squads of these machines. Additional friendly units, IFFs, appeared on the lower sections of the wall, preparing to storm it. The label stated they were Ivy soldiers led by ODA from the 10th SFG. It was clear to him that Command had sent reinforcements.

"Secure the wall," Ryder ordered.

As he grabbed his rifle, he noticed Fraeya taking cover by a battlement next to Ford, Wallace, and Higgins. Rushing toward their location, he radioed Natilite to regroup at his position. Once he arrived, he slid next to the battlement for cover.

"About time reinforcements arrived," Ford said.

"That is what I call heavy metal," Wallace stated. "What is the plan, Boss?"

Before Ryder could respond, the Combat Controller grabbed his shoulder with an urgent look. "What is it?"

"I just got word from Division," Higgins said. "Artillery incoming."

The Comanche Captain felt a sense of relief, but they quickly suppressed that emotion after seeing additional hostiles climbing over the wall. This was not the time to celebrate, as the battle was still raging. "Warn all units and bring in the rain."

The Captain heard his Airman over the DEFNET frequency warning all forces of a danger close mission. He used all the digitally marked targets labeled throughout the battlespace and utilized the city Palace as a central measurement point.

Hearing Wallace warn of additional hostiles, Ryder saw seven enemy soldiers approaching. Five orcs and two dark elves appeared over the wall, using the gravity lift to land next to them. Ford's quick reaction killed the first; however, the others rushed forward, hiding behind a soldier welding an orange energy circle.

The front swordsman swung his long blade against Ford, causing him to dodge the attack, but an orc rammed through their lines and impacted Ford, making him an easy target. The first dark elf repositioned his sword and thrust toward the Sergeant.

Before the impact, the dark elf's arm was frozen by Fraeya's hydromancy magic. This allowed Wallace to rush past his comrades and swing his tomahawk into the immobilized dark elf, cutting through the top section of the ice and slicing the fang beast's neck. The giant orc let out a roar and attacked the bodybuilder American, and the two began fighting in a test of strength. Each was attempting to overpower the other.

Unable to get a clear shot, Ryder leaned toward the wall's interior with Ford and fired at the remaining Unity troops on the other side of the physical duel. The enemy was doing the same, also fearing they might hit their comrade. As the firefight continued, additional Unity infantry lifted over the wall.

"I am afraid to hit Wallace!" Fraeya asked.

"Forget it," Ryder said. "Fraeya, take out those lifts. Ford, cover her."

Benjamin Ford leaned over a battlement, firing against the Unity troops below. Fraeya kneeled as she channeled her mana into the mini orb built into her gloves. Once ready, she leaned over and used a shattering spell that broke apart the ground's surface, destroying or disabling the gravity-lifting device and reducing the number of enemy troops coming over the wall.

With the enemy reinforcements, Eger Wallace struggled to face off against the superior numerical Unity force. The bulky Comanche stood against them in a melee fight with two enemy soldiers. The new Unity soldiers stood, shocked by the sight of a lone human standing toe-to-toe against an Orc and a Vampire.

As Wallace rammed his tomahawk against one opponent while arm-locking the Orc, one of the other new Unity soldiers jumped onto the bulky Comanche's back, forcing him to let go of the Orc. This surprise attack allowed the four hostiles to gang up on American soldiers.

Seeing that one of his men was in trouble, Ryder pointed to Ford in preparation to intervene. However, Bruno Barrios nearly ran over the two, yelling, 'Get out of the way!'

With a loud war cry, the Hispanic Comanche thrust his tomahawk into one of the Unity soldiers, who was beating his buddy on the side. The resulting surprise impact knocked the enemy soldier before tossing the orc off the wall. This caught the others off guard, allowing Wallace to regain the initiative and overpower his opponent.

Seeing that the four attackers had been neutralized, the Twins clasped hands in solidarity, showing they had each other's backs. The two then looked down at the enemy-occupied section of the curtain wall and saw more Unity troops appear over the wall. The two nodded and pressed against the Unity forces, using their tomahawks and sidearms to engage the Utopian enemy as one.

As the Captain watched the Twins giving the enemy a moment of pause, he noticed Rommel King and the rest of Comanche regrouping. "You're a sight for sore eyes."

"It is like this all along this section of the wall," King said. He then noticed the Twins fighting. "I see why you keep them around."

"The issue is, they might ask for a raise after this," Ryder said. "But I need your team covering the wall while we deal with the house guests."

"Got it," King said before taking over the wall's defense.

As Ryder prepared his counterattack with Ford and Higgins, he noticed the team's Templar landing within the Unity position. The Comanche Captain cut down the invaders with his sword at the ready. But over the NET, he heard that artillery was inbound.

"Everyone, get down," Ryder said.

The Captain left his position and rushed down the wall toward the Templar. Wallace rammed his tomahawk into the gap between the armpits of the Orc armor before grabbing the enemy soldier's helmet. Using his strength, he slammed his opponent's head into the battlement.

"Cover me!" Ryder yelled.

Wallace ducked down, grabbed the enemy elecprobus on the ground, and fired at the first hostile. Ryder rushed past the corpses and reached the Templar. Before she would inquire why he was there, he grabbed her arm and pulled her against the battlement.

"What was that for?" Natilite asked

"It's going to rain," Ryder replied before facing many ridges and hills outside the city.

"I might be a Valkyrie," Natilite said. "But I am not afraid of the rain."

Before he could respond, loud zooming sounds echoed overhead. Everyone knew what would happen as Natilite covered her head while the Unity troops stared into the sky or searched for cover. Seconds later, dozens of artillery shells exploded against the landmass outside the city. The ground rumbled violently, even making the mighty Salva wall shake from the sheer force of the 155mm artillery 4th ID was providing. The multiple shockwaves blew away some Unity soldiers.

"You were not kidding about the rain," Natilite yelled.

After a violently intense artillery bombardment, the artificial quakes from the mass bombardment stopped, leaving dust and the sounds of screaming wounded. The fire mission felt like it had gone on for hours, with some of the shells landing within the city, missing their targets, but most of them hitting their targets.

When the coast was clear, Ryder turned toward Natilite and saw the same reaction. They were shocked to be alive. That was when he saw a dark figure emerging from the fog and walking down the curtain wall. It was an IriSS robotic soldier wielding an M338.

Much of the robot armor plating was battered, steaming from energy bolts and dents from melee weapons. However, it remained strong, stopping in front of the two. "Wall secured, Captain."

The remaining robots lined up against the wall, all facing toward the enemy-occupied hill.

Ryder stood, then reached down, allowing Natilite to gently grab it before standing. Once on her feet, she slightly bowed, thanking him for the lift.

"It seems like the enemy called it quits," Natilite said.

"Just for today," Ryder replied. He then turned toward the wall's interior, where he saw the casualties being gathered. A flatbed version of the Armored Tactical Mobility Vehicle and medical variant Lance APCs appeared to transport the wounded to the Aid Station.

"Yeah," Natilite said. "But we must go on. I will be down there if you need me."

Before Ryder could inquire what the Templar meant, he watched her flex her wings and glide down to the lower levels—landing at the center of the wounded. She then went from soldier to soldier, gently placing her hand on everyone's cheek before offering a calming prayer to allow the medics to do their job, and then being transported away.

He then noticed his XO approaching, wiping off the sweat and dirt covering his face. "Status?"

"Wall secured," King said. "10th SF and Ivy Charlie Company are taking command of this section of the wall."

"Okay. Once they are in position, rally the team at the Palace."

"Got it, Boss." King then looked around, confused. "What happened to Wings?"

"Down there," Ryder answered.

The Warrant Officer looked toward the plaza below and saw the Templar assisting the wounded with her religious rituals. "Damn. What a woman."

"You don't say." Ryder watched, surprised by how much the Templar cared about the injured. It wasn't out of obligation or duty, but he believed she genuinely cared. More importantly, he was impressed by how she found the strength to keep going. After everything she had endured—coming here, being tortured, bearing the weight of the world—she maintained a loving, cheerful personality.

The Comanche Captain turned toward the enemy-occupied hills and ridgelines.

The landmass was in ruins, with smoke steaming off the ground. Much of the foliage was destroyed, and a section of the second hill was on fire from enemy equipment.

It seemed that the enemy assault was beaten back after a close battle. A few sharpshooters from both sides continued to engage, taking more potshots or providing cover. Still, it seemed that the battle was over today. But he knew this would not be the last.

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