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.

down into the valley. Before any of the remaining Nightmare Creatures could react, an onslaught of bullets,

descending column of vehicles.

ground in front of them in a loose line. Then, blinding arcs of

Roan was holding them back, for now, but his reserves of essence were probably not going to last

slip through the lightning wall. Others could simply leap over

javelin fell from the sky, piercing

for the

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

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 his once rudimentary archery

would have been

his aim a little, Sunny sighed. What was his friend doing right now? Probably staring at the

distractions, Sunny concentrated on the

the steep slope, well on its way to leave the valley. Naeve had arranged for an improvised minefield to be set up in the way of any potential pursuers, so their retreat had a good chance of happening without a

indeed, to everyone's surprise, nothing went

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

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

was hidden behind the visor of a closed helmet, but Sunny recognized Ascended Dale - Winter's former partner

glanced at

Sunny grinned.

sight for sore eyes. Say,

warrior stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. A calm voice

too bad

he dismissed his shield and summoned a powerful longbow

We did the best we could, but it will

...And it was, indeed.

still made it safely to the gates

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

when they had left, the city possessed robust

decommissioned battleships. Thousands of turrets were placed along the wall's length, some aiming at the ground, some staring into the dark sky. Sunny could see lumbering MWPs patrolling

abominations utterly torn apart. Teams of engineers moved

fortress on such a scale that Sunny struggled to imagine the amount of effort, resources, and ingenuity that had gone into

looked... like it was too large to

of the siege capital, though, which the caravan was currently swiftly

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