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.

Nightmare Creatures could react, an onslaught of bullets, arrows, and magical projectiles fell upon them, tearing the monsters

Scores of abominations turned around and saw the descending column

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

first few Nightmare Creatures that tried to pass through the barrier were instantly turned to ash. Roan was holding them back, for now, but his

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

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

was already heading for the

Echoes were moving ahead of the vehicles, tearing apart those abominations that had somehow survived the ranged attacks.

arrow flying after another. Each pierced an especially vulnerable spot on the bodies of the Nightmare Creatures, killing them instantly.

have been

right now? Probably staring at the anchored battleships

Sunny concentrated on

the caravan was already climbing 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

to everyone's surprise,

on 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

man in heavy plate armor suddenly appeared from behind a large boulder and effortlessly jumped to the roof of the Rhino,

Ascended Dale - Winter's former partner and

glanced at him and nodded

Sunny grinned.

a sight for sore

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

too bad yourself,

his shield and summoned a powerful longbow

did the best we

...And it was, indeed.

in the end, the caravan still made it safely to the

of the siege capital and approached a colossal, seemingly impregnable alloy

city possessed

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

killing field around the city was littered with countless corpses, most of the abominations utterly torn apart. Teams

city itself had been converted into a fortress on such a scale

Scott looked... like it was too

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

he let out a quiet sigh and suddenly staggered, as if robbed of all