"Minutemen HHC, I am getting reports that the enemy is assaulting across the entire front lines. Thousands of Aristocracy warriors are assaulting the northern flank. They are holding, but are requesting for reinforcements. I am deploying a battalion from my 3rd Brigade to.

Standby…

Colonel. I have received word from Major Emir 1-43 IFPC Battalion, 4th MDTF that they have received multiple explosions. Multiple radar and defensive batteries are disabled or destroyed. No external strike was detected - meaning an unidentified unit somehow bypassed our security.

Small firefights are being reported across the interior. It is clear the enemy is trying to neutralize our defensive abilities. I am directing my 3rd Armor Brigade to rescue our lines, then I will be able to assist at Salva.

Standby…

To all American forces, the enemy has breached our security. HHC is under siege, requesting any available units to." – Major General Taylor Webster, 4 ID Division

April 19th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Salva, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Rushing into the Palace, Ryder saw dozens of security personnel and soldiers preparing for an imminent assault. His Comanche team was stationed outside, assisting in the defense after donning their battlesuits.

Seeing his daughter and the Head Maid being escorted to the underground Minutemen HQ, he felt relief knowing their safety was no longer his concern.

When Capitaneus Antius arrived after his Palatini equipped themselves, Ryder approached. "Is Horatius ready?"

"Always," Antius replied. "Is the Unity attacking the city?"

"No idea," Ryder said. "Follow me to the CIC."

After ensuring his daughter, Assiaya, and the Head Maid, Ceka, were secure, the four team leaders headed downstairs, passing dozens of staff rushing to their stations to assess the situation. Inside the command bunker, additional personnel manned terminals, while others studied physical and digital maps, coordinating battle damage assessments. Among them was Colonel William Hackett, who had just entered.

Ryder directed Assiaya and Ceka to find a safe corner in the CIC and stay out of the way before turning to Hackett.

"Good to see you two," Hackett said, stopping at the digital table. "Somehow, the enemy slipped Special Forces behind our lines and took out our seaborne radar sites."

The Captain stared at the main screen, which showed naval artillery firing from Great Kasin Lake. The enemy attack was precise, destroying many American radar stations and long-range defensive platforms, including anti-air batteries, Odysseus launchers, and missile defense systems.

Though it was clear the enemy had infiltrated with a specialized unit, Ryder struggled to accept the extent of the devastation. Until now, the southern front had seen only pirate skirmishes. His forces wouldn't have left such vulnerabilities exposed. RQ-13 Phantom drones had been patrolling to prevent exactly this scenario, yet the enemy had bypassed them.

"It had to be Tornlado Knighthood," Ryder said. "They captured me. From what I know, they're the closest thing Artie has to Special Forces."

"I'm not sure," Antius said. "It could be the Shadow."

"Who?" Ryder asked.

"No one knows," Antius replied, scanning the screens. "They're believed to be a Unity Knighthood, akin to your Special Forces. The Unity has struck with precision before, leaving only the clues they want us to find. The Imperium has never determined how. We only know them by the bodies they leave behind."

Hackett was handed a tablet and skimmed it. "Reports are still coming in, but they prioritized our Shoki batteries before targeting our launchers. We're defenseless."

"Shoki?" Antius asked.

"Our missile defense system," Ryder explained. "It intercepts enemy artillery, shrouds, and airships. But how could they neutralize them so fast? It's like they knew their exact locations."

"It seems the enemy is more adaptive than we anticipated," Hackett said. "They've countered our attacks, snuck past our security, and sabotaged the Bridge before this assault."

"I have no answers, Colonel," Antius said. "The enemy has bypassed our defenses and tracked our movements, forcing us onto the defensive."

"We'll figure it out later," Hackett said. "If they're targeting our batteries, the city's about to be assaulted."

Ryder turned to the main screen, which displayed live updates. One of three RQ-13 Phantom drones over Great Kasin Lake detected flashes in the distance. As it closed in, it revealed an enemy naval fleet firing rallustum against the 4th MDTF and 3rd ABCT. Four smaller escorts flanked a massive ship.

"Four monitors," Antius said. "And that's an Aristocracy battlecruiser."

"Where did that come from?" Ryder asked. "Intel said Tarvass didn't have large naval ships."

"They don't," Antius replied. "That ship must have come through the Kasin Straits—highly unusual for a warship this size. I must admit, I'm impressed. They've been planning this for a while."

On the main screen, the Phantom UAV tracked the enemy warships. The two remaining Odysseus launchers from the 4th MDTF fired their payloads in a desperate counterattack. Another feed showed Mācuahuitl and Tonbokiri missiles speeding toward the enemy fleet.

The first group of four missiles struck two monitors, destroying them instantly. One smaller warship sustained moderate damage. The battlecruiser deployed glowing orbs, creating mana shields around critical sections. Two missiles hit the ship's front, collapsing the shield, allowing a final missile to penetrate and destroy the forward battery. The explosion ignited ammunition and mana batteries, but the ship remained operational, its front end ablaze.

Hearing that the Odysseus Battalion was preparing a second barrage, Ryder noted the Aristocracy naval group retreating, confirmed by drone footage.

Some Minutemen staff cheered, and the Comanche Captain nearly joined them, hoping the worst was over. The damage was significant but not catastrophic. However, he noticed Flavius Antius standing silently, staring at the screen.

"What's wrong?" Ryder asked.

"This was too easy," Antius said, eyes widening. "They're assaulting from the air!"

Ryder turned to the screen, watching the retreating warships, then studied the digital map's damage reports. As Hackett had noted, the enemy targeted missile defenses, which could only mean one thing.

"Colonel," Ryder said. "Tell 3rd Brigade to prepare for an air assault."

Hackett glanced at a smaller screen above the digital table. "Too late."

The main screen switched to a new drone feed. Smaller screens showed perspectives from 4th MDTF and 3rd ABCT positions. Five Akilla-type attack airships and four Riffer-type interceptors approached rapidly. Upon reaching land, they unleashed dozens of bright-green sprouts, striking the remaining Odysseus launchers and other targets, crippling American long-range capabilities. Dozens of Orgat-type troop carrier airships followed, heading for the beach.

"They're not just targeting our assets," Ryder said. "They're going for the kill."

"Colonel," Smith said. "The Fort reports the Aristocracy is advancing on our position. Full assault."

"Sir," Haward added. "Reports indicate enemy teams inside the city, attacking our Bolas and Tawa batteries."

The screens above Ryder shifted to the city wall and bunkers. Artillery rained across Salva. Bolas 20mm and Tawa laser platforms intercepted many projectiles, but without the Shoki's long-range missile defense, more attacks broke through.

An intense firefight erupted at the northern fort. Walkers and crawlers emerged from the tree line, opening fire to cover the assault. Atlatl missiles from defending Rangers and defensive batteries destroyed several enemy vehicles before mobile amplifiers raised barriers.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

One amplifier walker exploded from a tank shell. Two Eaton main battle tanks rolled up the vehicle ramp to their platforms, engaging enemy walkers and allowing Rangers to focus on the charging infantry, who advanced in a standard shield formation.

The hill defended by Charlie Company, 1st Astralis Division, erupted in flames as the enemy attacked. Landmines slowed the assault, and mortar fire from Salva inflicted heavy casualties on the Aristocracy. Mages carved paths through the mines, enabling small shield-wall teams to advance, protecting their comrades.

These assaults were a distraction. The main Aristocracy force marched toward the city wall, supported by standing shield-walls and covering fire. Crawlers cleared obstacles and mines, paving the way for infantry.

"Where do you want us?" Ryder asked.

Hackett hesitated, studying the digital map. Then, as if a plan clicked, he began drawing on the table. "Assume we've lost our support. The enemy will overrun our defenses and breach the city. Smith, order the British and Canadian teams to hold the northern gates. If we lose the Fort, the city falls. Have the Japanese support Charlie Company in the south."

"The Minutemen?" Ryder asked.

"Assist the Rangers and 1st Brigade at checkpoints," Hackett said. "We must survive this night."

"I should face the Unity," Antius said.

"That's not wise," Hackett replied. "I need every man defending this city."

"With respect," Antius countered, "my people have fought the Unity for two decades, not the Aristocracy. Horatius' experience is best served there."

"Sir," Ryder said. "Flavius is right. If the Unity succeeds, our efforts here won't matter. But if they fail, the Aristocracy will retreat."

"Assuming they don't take the city," Hackett said. He studied the map, then nodded. "Fine. Capitaneus, get the Unity off my lawn. Duke Ryder, defend your city."

*****

Capitaneus Flavius-Elpidius Antius exited the Light Infantry Reconnaissance vehicle, ensuring his Palatini was prepared.

Around them, soldiers from 3rd ABCT, 4th ID, fortified Salva's western flank in case the Unity established a foothold. Fear was evident in their eyes; many were unsure of the situation, worried they'd be trapped on Alagore forever.

"Look at that," Derion said.

Antius gazed into the forested valley with rolling hills. Despite the light night, fires and smokestacks illuminated the landscape. Flashes of weapon fire raged across the battlefield. Unity airships bombed Altaerrie positions, while missiles downed enemy aircraft.

"Reminds you of Wrevntin?" Antius asked.

"Everything reminds me of Wrevntin," Canina replied. "The Americans relied too heavily on their technology."

"And we haven't?" Vestalis said. "All I see is history repeating itself."

"Do you think the war is over?" Rosa asked.

The conversation felt depressingly familiar. Since arriving in Salva, Horatius had begun to believe victory was possible. That hope now seemed misplaced with the Unity's arrival and their superior magitech. The Americans could have turned the tide, but they might not get the chance.

Antius pushed those thoughts aside, unwilling to surrender. He didn't know what his Legate hoped to achieve by bringing the Altaerrie here, but there had to be a reason. He felt Tekali hadn't abandoned them. For once, he and his team felt hope, and he wouldn't let it die.

"Enough," Antius said. "The Altaerrie are our only hope, but if they need Hispana's aid, we will serve. Mother has created this moment; Horatius will not let it fade."

Horatius Alfredus Canina organized the Palatini, preparing them for battle. After inspecting their equipment and attaching noxvisus to their helmets for night combat, they ensured silence with American radios and IFF transponders.

"I hope these devices work," Canina said. "The Americans won't hesitate to fire."

"They've worked before," Antius replied. "But we'll stay cautious."

"What's our objective?" Canina asked. "We could get lost in this chaos."

"Everything is meaningless if we don't dismantle the Unity foothold," Antius said.

Horatius soon witnessed the aftermath of the Aristocracy's naval attack. Craters scarred the landscape, and a hillside collapsed. A radar dish was obliterated, and an Odysseus launcher burned alongside other wrecked equipment.

As they approached, two American sentries raised their rifles at the Palatini. Antius signaled they were friendly, but his translation amulet malfunctioned, confusing. After adjusting it, he restated their allegiance, though the soldiers remained skeptical.

"Bull," one soldier said. "After what I saw, I trust no one."

"We don't need your trust," Canina said. "We want to pass and slay our shared enemies."

The soldiers exchanged glances, lowered their weapons, and let Horatius pass, perhaps recognizing Canina's resolve.

Dozens of Americans searched for wounded or recovered from the chaos. Medics treated the injured, while officers reorganized. Nearby, a raging battle deafened the area—a platoon of Americans held a ridge against a Unity assault.

Small mortars supported the defenders, firing desperately to shift the tide. In the sky, orange shrouds streaked, likely spear-rockets suppressing Altaerrie counterattacks and securing the landing zone.

"They have a gunship," Canina said.

"Then we're running out of time," Antius replied.

Leaving the ruined Odysseus battery, Horatius observed skirmishes everywhere. There was no clear front line. Trapped Americans defended behind Unity-held territory, while the enemy pushed in all directions with limited success.

Horatius heard a gunship nearby and rushed to investigate. They encountered a Unity Orc patrol, neutralizing them easily. However, they saw why the enemy had revealed their position.

Two American soldiers lay dead, executed. Their uniforms identified them as 4th MDTF support staff, likely caught regrouping during the attack. The Unity, merciless, had demonstrated the stakes of this war.

"It feels wrong," Rosa said.

"What do you mean?" Kirath asked. "Aren't you used to this?"

"That's not what I meant," Rosa replied.

"She means they're not from here," Antius interjected. "This wasn't a soldier's death. The Unity killed for pleasure, not duty. We die for our homes; they died on another world."

A powerful explosion near a round hill prompted them to move. Knowing this path led to their objective, Horatius prepared for battle. They scavenged useful items from the Unity corpses before advancing.

At the hill, they witnessed an intense firefight. A dozen American soldiers protected an Eaton main battle tank, the pinnacle of American armor, pinned down by a Unity troop split into two groups, crossfiring on the Eaton. A Unity soldier fired a rallustum shroud, its plasma splashing the tank's turret, destroying sensors and weapons. The hull glowed red, but the tank remained operational, firing at the enemy ridgeline.

American armor prioritized durability over mobility, unlike walkers. A shroud would have crippled a walker's leg, but the Eaton's heavy armor absorbed the hit.

"The enemy is divided and distracted," Canina said. "If we hit one group, we can overwhelm them before they react."

Antius approved the plan. The enemy was about to overrun the Americans, making this their chance. "Legionaries, when we strike, don't let them regroup. Pressure is key," he said.

Horatius split into two teams. The ranged group took cover behind trees and boulders, lining up shots to thin the enemy. The melee team prepared to charge. Antius targeted a dark elf with long green hair, the Unity commander, adjusting his circiletum's iron sights.

Horatius fired. Flechettes struck their targets, and fireballs from their pyromancer pounded the crusaders, sowing chaos.

"Ælia," Antius said. "Summon."

The Noble Elf drew her wand, tracing an outline in the air, combining atomacy, summoning, and pyromancy to conjure a fiery beast. The ground glowed, and a liquid-flame biped Ossinlundo—a raptor-like predator—emerged.

"I'm ready," Ælia said.

Canina slung his circiletum, drew his gladius, and charged with the fiery beast, followed by Vestalis, Rutilus, and Derion. They struck the shocked Unity flank.

Canina cut down an orc firing at the Americans, then faced a charging Nagal. He blocked the attack, maneuvered behind, and dodged a counterstrike. Using superior skill, he disarmed the Nagal, tripped him, and thrust the enemy's own sword into him.

Canina's efficiency unnerved the Unity. Horatius Luperca overwhelmed three orcs and nagals, while Rutilus used his scutum to block a shroud, its enchantment glowing, and stabbed an orc's armor joint.

The fire beast tore through the crusaders, burning limbs and igniting under fabric. A Unity soldier fired a pin spark from a mana hand mortar, destroying the beast. Antius shot the soldier with his circiletum and rushed to his Palatini.

"Engage the other section!" Antius ordered.

The melee legionaries switched to ranged weapons, while Rosa, Kirath, and Ælia fired from the captured position, catching the remaining Unity soldiers off guard. Antius grabbed the hand mortar, passing it to Derion, who fired, devastating the enemy and forcing their retreat.

Horatius cheered their victory. Antius raised his circiletum to signal to the Americans they were friendly.

"Enough," Canina said. "The war isn't over. Search the bodies and prepare to advance. Capitaneus, can we recruit those Altaerrie?"

"I think they're called Americans," Rosa said.

"They're from the Bridge," Canina replied. "All Altaerrie."

"Regardless," Antius said. "Vestalis, Rosa, with me. Canina, prepare Horatius to assault the beachhead."

Sliding down the ridgeline, Antius, Vestalis, and Rosa approached the Americans. Bright flashes from the battle interfered with their noxvisus, temporarily blinding them.

A dozen American soldiers secured the area or tended to the casualties. The Eaton's turret bore glowing scars, its external components melted, but it remained functional.

Rosa aided the wounded, while Antius approached a dark-skinned Second Lieutenant with a gold bar and green Ivy Insignia, accompanied by a lighter-skinned Staff Sergeant reporting unit status.

"Thank you for the assist," the officer said.

"It's dishonorable to abandon a brother in battle. I am Capitaneus Antius, head of Horatius, Legionaries of Hispana."

"Only 'Legionary' made sense, but I'll take it. I'm Second Lieutenant Terrel, B Company, 3rd ABCT. Thanks for the help."

"How are your men?"

"Most of my platoon is intact, but it's a mess out here."

"When you're ready, we need your tank to assault the beach."

"Not my orders," Terrel said. "VII Corps is sending an Astralis Battalion from Indolass within the hour, and 2nd LBCT is deploying a battalion from the northern front. We'll link up and push the landing zone."

Antius understood the American plan: flank the Unity with two large forces to squeeze them back to the beach. Sound, but he worried the enemy was too entrenched.

"I respect your orders," Antius said. "But you must disregard them. We must strike now, before the Unity digs in. I've seen it."

"You kidding?" Terrel said. "I'm not marching my platoon against thousands to get massacred. We're not equipped."

Antius eyed the Eaton's intact cannon, realizing it could target Orgat airships offloading troops. It wouldn't destroy the enemy, but it could disrupt them. "Is the tank functional?"

"Optics are fried," Terrel said. "Hull's damaged but operational. Why?"

"Can it move and fire?"

Terrel radioed the Eaton, confirming it needed visual range but was functional. Antius stepped back, unsheathed his gladius, and pointed to the hill overlooking the Unity beachhead.

"Lieutenant Terrel," Antius said. "Retreat if you must, but Horatius will not. The Imperium's duty is to protect the Republic, yet we've retreated for two decades, each sacrifice leading to defeat. No longer. Those losses brought us to this moment—the last hope, a potential turning point against what you call Uptionists. Alagore, our cradle, is invaded, and we will fight to save her. Tekali is under assault, and we won't abandon her again. We'll stop the enemy for honor and duty before they defeat your armies. Alone, if we must."

Silence hung between the Americans. The Staff Sergeant turned to Terrel. "Let's get the bastards. Got a plan?"

"What about the gunship?" Terrel asked. "It'll snipe the Eaton before we reach the beach."

Antius met Terrel's gaze. "We'll destroy it for you. Then your tank can target their airships unopposed, turning the battle."

The Staff Sergeant studied the hill, then the tank, and nodded. "Yes, sir."

As he left to rally his men, Vestalis said, "For a moment, I thought they were cowards."

"Not cowards," Antius said. "Trust and boldness needed earning. His fear was valid. We must destroy that gunship for the plan to succeed."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.