Shadow Slave

The preparations did not take long. As the caravan was getting ready for one last push, the three Masters briefly discussed the plan of the battle.

There was not a lot they had to do. If things went well, most of the Nightmare Creatures would be pulled away by the city defenders, and the mountain road would be cleared by the Irregulars. However, it was always a good idea to prepare a few contingencies, just in case.

At some point, Roan gave Sunny a studying look and said:

"...You've look different, Sunless."

Sunny tilted his head a little, confused.

"Why wouldn't I? The last time we saw each other, I was still an Awakened. Oh... or do you mean my skin?"

Roan shook his head with a smile.

"No, I don't mean your appearance. You just seem... older."

Sunny blinked a couple of times.

"I am older, though? By about two years?"

The handsome Master chuckled.

"That you are. Anyway, I think we are as ready as we can be. Should I send the signal?"

Sunny nodded, prompting Roan to summon a Memory that resembled a waxed clay tablet. He simply drew a jagged line on it, then waved at them and walked over to his griffin.

Not long after that, the sortie that was supposed to lead most of Nightmare Creatures away from the valley commenced. It started with a heavy missile barrage, which was then followed by a full company of MWPs appearing on the far side, accompanied by many cohorts of Awakened.

Sunny and Naeve silently watched as the sea of abominations rushed forward, then glanced at each other and dashed toward their vehicles. Abomination and Blackie rose from the ground and shook their gaunt bodies, preparing for a battle.

They did not have to wait long.

As soon as the horde of Nightmare Creatures shifted to the far side of the valley and spilled out of it, pursuing the retreating diversion force, the Rhino growled and lunged forward. The battered APC was functioning perfectly, as if it had gathered all its remaining strength for one last glorious charge.

The long column of vehicles followed the mighty machine.

react, an onslaught of bullets,

turned around and saw the descending column of vehicles. Their howls and shrieks informed the rest of the creatures, and a mass of them staggered,

sky, piercing the ground in front of them in a loose line. Then, blinding

first few Nightmare Creatures that tried to pass through the barrier were instantly turned to ash. Roan was holding them

lightning wall. Others could simply leap over it... one was already trying, for

though, a javelin fell from the

heading for the distant

those abominations that had somehow survived the ranged attacks. Even Crow was helping, diving down to rip into the weaker enemies with its beak

after another. Each pierced an especially vulnerable spot on the bodies of the Nightmare Creatures, killing them instantly. His accuracy was scarily perfect... months of fighting in Antarctica had really honed

have been

now? Probably staring

all distractions, Sunny concentrated on

had arranged for an improvised minefield to be set up in the way of any potential pursuers, so their retreat had

to everyone's surprise, nothing went

mountains, Sunny was standing on the roof of the Rhino and staring at the familiar Gate up ahead. That was the place where he had slain the Gate

was suspiciously empty of enemies, and very soon, he realized why. A man in heavy plate armor suddenly appeared from behind a

behind the visor of a closed helmet, but Sunny recognized Ascended Dale - Winter's former partner and one of the captains of

Knight glanced at

Sunny grinned.

Dale. You really are a sight for sore eyes. Say, have you always been so

moment, then shook his head. A calm voice resounded

too bad

dismissed his shield and summoned a powerful

concentrate? We did the best we could, but it will still be a bumpy

...And it was, indeed.

made it safely to the gates of

mighty fortifications of the siege capital and approached a colossal, seemingly impregnable alloy wall, Sunny couldn't help but

when they had left, the city possessed robust

Its many bastions housed devastating railguns, which seemed like they had been scavenged from decommissioned battleships. Thousands of turrets were placed along the wall's length, some aiming at the ground, some staring

countless corpses, most of the abominations

Army was gathered here, and the city itself had been converted into a fortress on such a scale that Sunny struggled to

like it was too large

concentrated on the massive gates of the siege capital, though, which the caravan was

of the city wall fell on him, he let out a quiet sigh and suddenly staggered, as if robbed