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.

Before any of the remaining Nightmare Creatures could react, an onslaught of bullets, arrows, and magical projectiles fell upon

abominations turned around and saw the descending column of vehicles. Their howls and shrieks informed the rest

could reorient itself, however, a rain of strange metal roads fell from the sky, piercing the ground in front of them in a loose line. Then, blinding arcs of electricity suddenly shot between the rods, creating a

Roan was holding them back, for now, but his reserves of essence were probably

abominations could weather the damage and slip through the lightning

though, a javelin fell from the sky, piercing the creature

the distant entrance to

those abominations that had somehow survived the ranged attacks. Even Crow was helping, diving down

spot on the bodies of the Nightmare Creatures, killing them instantly. His accuracy was scarily perfect... months of fighting in Antarctica

have

little, Sunny sighed. What was his friend doing right now? Probably staring at the anchored battleships and waiting

Sunny concentrated on the task at

was already climbing the steep slope, well on its way to leave the valley. Naeve had arranged for an

to everyone's surprise,

staring at the familiar Gate up ahead. That was the place where he had slain the Gate

very soon, he realized why. A man in heavy plate armor suddenly appeared from behind a large boulder and effortlessly jumped

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

Knight glanced at him and nodded

Sunny grinned.

Dale. You really are a sight for sore

moment, then shook his head.

too

shield and

We did the best we could, but it will

...And it was, indeed.

in the end, the caravan still made it safely to

and approached a colossal, seemingly impregnable alloy wall, Sunny couldn't help but stare at it

city possessed robust

the whole siege capital. 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 into the dark

abominations utterly torn apart. Teams of engineers moved among them, gathering soul shards

was gathered here, and the city itself had been converted into a fortress on such a scale that Sunny struggled to imagine the amount of effort, resources, and ingenuity that

looked... like it was

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

fell on him, he let out a quiet sigh