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.

could react, an onslaught of bullets, arrows, and magical projectiles fell upon them, tearing

and saw the descending column of

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

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

lightning wall. Others

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

Rhino was already heading for the distant entrance to the

of the vehicles, tearing apart those abominations that had somehow survived the ranged attacks. Even Crow

one arrow flying 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 his once rudimentary

would have been

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

Sunny concentrated on the task

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

everyone's surprise,

the roof of the 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. Very little

suddenly appeared from behind a large boulder and effortlessly jumped to the roof of the Rhino, landing just a few steps away

of a closed helmet, but Sunny recognized Ascended Dale - Winter's former

Knight glanced at him and nodded

Sunny grinned.

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

at him for a moment, then shook his head. A calm voice resounded from

not too bad yourself,

shield and summoned

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

...And it was, indeed.

made it safely to the

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

possessed robust defenses... but

many bastions housed devastating railguns, which seemed like they had been scavenged from decommissioned battleships. Thousands

abominations utterly torn

into a fortress on such a scale that Sunny struggled to imagine the amount of

it was too large to

massive gates of the siege capital, though, which the caravan was currently

on him, he let out a quiet sigh and