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.

of the remaining Nightmare Creatures could react, an onslaught of

the deceived horde sensed that something was wrong. Scores of abominations turned around and saw the descending column of vehicles. Their howls and shrieks informed the rest of

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

to ash. Roan was holding them

lightning wall. Others could simply leap over

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

was already heading for the distant entrance to the

ahead of the vehicles, tearing apart those abominations that had somehow survived the ranged attacks. Even Crow was helping, diving down to rip into

the Nightmare Creatures, killing them instantly. His accuracy was scarily perfect...

have

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

all distractions, Sunny concentrated on the task

valley. Naeve had arranged for an improvised minefield to be set up in the way of any potential pursuers, so

indeed, to everyone's surprise, nothing went

Rhino and staring at the familiar Gate up ahead. That was the place where he had slain the Gate Guardian, Defiled Witness, a few months ago.

plate armor suddenly appeared from behind a

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

Knight glanced at

Sunny grinned.

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

ironclad warrior stared at him for a moment, then shook his

too

dismissed his shield and summoned a powerful

concentrate? We did the best we could, but

...And it was, indeed.

in the end, the caravan still made

a colossal, seemingly impregnable

left, the city possessed robust defenses... but not nearly

wall was at least seventy meters tall, surrounding 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 sky. Sunny could see lumbering MWPs patrolling the

abominations utterly torn apart. Teams of engineers moved among

might of the First Army was gathered here, and the city itself had been converted into a fortress on such a scale

Scott looked... like it

the massive gates of the siege

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