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 them,

the tail 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 the creatures,

of the horde could reorient itself, however, a rain of strange metal roads fell from the sky, piercing the ground in front of them in

pass through the barrier were instantly turned to ash. Roan was holding them

powerful abominations could weather the damage and slip through the lightning wall. Others could simply leap over

it could land, though, a javelin fell from

for the

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

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

have

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

away all distractions, Sunny concentrated on the task at

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

everyone's surprise,

Rhino and staring at the familiar Gate up ahead. That was

armor suddenly appeared from behind a large boulder and effortlessly jumped to the roof of

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

Knight glanced at him

Sunny grinned.

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

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

not too bad

his shield and

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

...And it was, indeed.

still made it safely to the gates of

mighty fortifications of the siege capital and approached a colossal, seemingly impregnable alloy wall, Sunny couldn't help but stare at it in

city possessed robust defenses... but

been scavenged from decommissioned battleships. Thousands of turrets were placed along the wall's length, some aiming at the ground, some staring

littered with countless corpses, most of the abominations utterly torn apart. Teams of engineers moved among them, gathering soul

whole might of the First Army 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 had gone into building these

it was too large

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

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