***

--- Somewhere in Rondel ---

Date: June 16th, 2026

 

“Curse them... curse them all!” Kagash screams in rage with her hands grabbing her hair, ready to tear it off at what has transpired.

Their plan was supposed to be flawless. While the plan to end Rondel has been around for decades, they studied NATO and learned from them, using their strengths and weaknesses as part of their plans. From the very beginning as they had anticipated every possible move NATO could make to save the city. Each time they tried to help the people of Rondel it only increased the division and destruction. The Balrog was summoned and their long awaited objective finally was in their grasp, but in the end, the Balrog eventually fell thanks to a deeply troublesome blue-hair mage and exceptional ingenuity of Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Sharpe.

Galrik asked her what they should do now since it was only a matter of time before NATO forces would swarm the city. Kagash shook her head in despair, not knowing what to do now since their meticulously crafted plan was a complete failure. 

Unable to think of a plan, Kagash casted a communication spell to speak to her Lord. “My Lord, we have failed. The Balrog had been destroyed by NATO and our enemies are far more cunning than we thought. I am afraid there is nothing we can do to get rid of Rondel.”

Valker took his time to respond, letting the gravity of the situation unfold. “You have failed. I gave you the location of the Demon body and the gods taught us how to use it to summon the demon.”

“To be fair, most of the city has been destroyed,” Kagash interjected. “Any knowledge here would take years to recreate.”

“No matter,” Valker said. “The end is in sight but we must act before he intervenes.” He then points in the direction of a vital building in which Kagash and Galrik instantly understand what their lord means. “Destroy the vault.”

“I understand, it shall be done my lord,” Kagash stated as she casted off the communication spell. “My love, I need you to distract them while I gather the remainder of our forces.”

 

--- Market District, Rondel ---- 

 

Moving through the lines, Pina focused on preventing her small formation from collapsing. The Imperial Army was a much-needed manpower boost, however, the enemy currently has the momentum. In addition, she was forced to split her forces into three groups: one to help with the evacuation of the civilians, the other to help protect the magic academy to prevent plundering from the enemy force, and the rest are trying to defend the plaza for the Chinooks to land. The key is to hold until reinforcements arrive.

After feeling the ground shake from the MOAB explosion, Sharpe informed them that the demon had been destroyed and help was on the way. However, that created the next issue; the arriving helicopters are going to get shot down by enemy mages without protection. Colonel Yang had to use the plaza as a landing zone, the only open space within the city large enough for helicopters to land.

"Rory, can you spare Frayen?" Pina asked. "I need him to protect the landing zone"

“Got it!” Rory replied. “Once reinforcements arrive, get Jackson and the Vanguard team to give me a hand. It is difficult for me and Giselle to keep these three bitches from you all for long.”

Seeing that issue taken care of, Pina looked past the Rondel Knights and Legionaries as soldiers and Adventurers clashed in the streets. The Guild’s, pressing their advantage by staying on the roads and buildings, fought irregularly. "I cannot believe it came to this?"

"Why are they still fighting?" Panache asked. "They should have known that the Demon is dead. We all saw the blast. They have clearly lost the battle and the only logical path is to surrender. There is no point for them to futilely continue to fight."

"They are in too deep," Nicholas answered as he fired his HK417 Marksman Rifle at an adventurer.

Pina stopped and looked at the Delta operative. "What do you mean?"

"I saw something like this many times before during my time in the Middle East," Nicholas explained. "I cannot speak for them as a whole, but they sided with an enemy they did not fully understand out of sheer desperation. Before they realized it, they were fighting alongside a Demon, helping it and Darlko in their objective to destroy the city.  After they realized they had been duped, they felt that it was too late for them to turn back. Furthermore, they are in a lose-lose situation, no matter who wins, NATO or Darlko, the Guilds would still be the losers in the end.” 

"Let's not forget,  we are not in the situation to take prisoners," Cortez stated. “This is a fight for survival, only one of us will win today.”

“Even if we could take in prisoners, I don’t think Rondel’s citizens are in the mood to keep them alive after all of this clusterfuck.” Jessy stated. “I dare to bet sixty bucks, the people would be more than happy to stick the adventurers’ corpses on pikes the moment they get the chance. Nick and Cortez are right. Right now, the best chance they have is to keep on fighting and buy themselves some time until some miracle happens. Or at the very least, until they know what to do next.” 

Taking the three Delta operatives' words to heart, it reminded Pina of what Gray once said. ‘Don't eat more than you can stomach’. During the Delta raid, they discovered the Guild's leaders formed a pack to regain their independence. In short, they are too deep into the current situation

"Look out!"

Facing toward Cato, Pina saw what he was looking at; a prominent figure in Warlock armor appeared on the roof. The warlock placed his hand into the roof, which began to break apart. The upper half of the roof slowed purple and ripped apart from the rest of the building. Then, the roof broke into multiple pieces. "It is Galrik!"

Hearing the helicopters, Pina realized what Galrik's plan was. The other mages were either busy, or their mana was still regenerating to the point where they could not  stop him. Chunks of the building started to move toward the Chinooks – before the debris went ballistic, they stopped in mid air.

Seeing Frayen phase into their Realm, hands glowing as he stopped Galrik's attack, Pina pointed her sword toward Galrik. "Archers, mages, fire!"

A row of Imperial archers, supported by Tuka and Yao, fired a barrage toward Galrik. However, the Warlock stopped controlling the building fragments and jumped off, causing debris to fall everywhere, with the more significant parts being destroyed by Cato and Mimoza.

That did not stop a piece from landing nearby Pina. Nicholas grabbed her and tossed her into two Imperial soldiers, catching wood shrapnel into his side. "Nicholas! Yao!"

Directing two Legionaries to form a shield wall, Pina rushed to the standing Nickolas; he was looking at the piece of wood on his side. "Stay still; Yao! Give him some first-aid!"

As Yao approached to aid with the wound, Pina looked at Nicholas, confused as he laughed. "What is it? It looks bad."

"This is nothing, Empress," Nicholas stated. "I am married, so... I've been through worse."

Yao placed her hand on Nickolas' side, grabbing the fragment. "I thought marriage was a happy event between humans?"

"Not when the misses are throwing plates and knives at you for forgetting to mow the lawn for five years," Nickolas explained.

Baffled by what Nickolas said, Pina shook her head to remain focused. "I thought you were the sane one. You are no better than Sharpe… Yao, take him to Soredin."

Once Nickolas was taken away to Soredin for healing, Pina looked toward Frayen. “I need you to keep him pinned. Once the SOCOM MQ-8 Chickasaws arrive, I will have them bring hell on him."

Frayen stared at Pina calmly. He slowly nodded and said, "my master would be impressed, you are manifesting his spirit." He then took off.

"Ginebra! Contact command and coordinate air support against the mages," Pina ordered and then looked to Masulk, the young Head Knight of Rondel. "Masulk, once help arrives, I want everyone to begin pushing. If we use the sudden surge of reinforcement, we could shock the enemy out of their position and trigger a domino effect, provided that we keep the momentum. Randy, can you help with this?"

"Sun Tzu. Someone paid attention in class." Randy replied. "We will take care of it, but you should hang back and wait for Yang, Pepreos, and Sharpe."

Suddenly, Cato, Mimoza and Soredin rushed over in a panic. Cato spoke first, " Pina, Dalko is burning down the Academy! We have to go there and save it."

"The Academy can be rebuilt," Pina said. "We need to crush the enemy in one swoop."

"Look Empress! It is not about the academy but what is inside the academy, the library and the vault of scrolls and books, " Soredin said. "You do remember that the end goal of the whole operation in Rondel is the knowledge offered by it. That knowledge is the legacy of the Rondel people, the cornerstone of your new Republic, the future of NATO and my people! Even if we beat the Darlko and the Guilds to get the city back, the whole operation would be a total failure if we couldn’t save the very essence of the city.” 

Soredin’s words helped to remind Pina about their main objective here. If she failed to protect the precious knowledge of Rondel, her revolution would end before it had a chance to begin. It would show her incompetence as a leader, making it look as if she had hardly grown and highlighting her past failures. Her Senate would use it to undermine her views and Pepreos might reconsider his support if she does not try to save the heart of Rondel. 

“Ok, Randy and Reldom, get some of your men to escort the mages to save the academy,” Pina ordered. “We must not let the academy be burnt to the ground. My knights and I, and the remaining men will try to defend the landing zone as much as possible.” Once the orders were given, everyone moved to carry them out.

Hearing Ginebra comment about a missile, Pina saw two missiles pass overhead, targeting deeper inside the city. Heading toward their fight, Frayen used his fade spell and disappeared, leaving Galrik open to attack.

A Hellfire missile struck the roof as Galrik summoned a shield that withstood the blast. Once the shield dissipated  he formed an energy orb above, using it as a shield as another missile detonated while it entered the sphere. Once protected, he held both hands out. A ray of dark energy string out, destroying the Chickasaw.

Another missile was fired by an appearing Chickasaw. The orb adjusted its location, blocking the second missile. Like last time, Galrik puts his hands together as small sparks form around him, enlarging seconds later; he extended both hands and fired a multi-flaming bolt attack, destroying the drone helicopter.

Pina stood there and watched, trying to figure out what to do. Galrik is a monster; she was hoping the advanced NATO weapons would have taken care of any troublemakers; however, at this rate, once those Chickasaws are taken out, he is going to start targeting the Chinooks.

"Pina, tell the Americans to fire another missile when I am ready," Frayen requested.

Frayen appeared in front of Galrik once more, eyes filled with the void. "You consider yourself a master of the dark arts? You have yet to fathom the darkest of all pits." Listening to what Galrik said in the dead language, he smirked in response,, "I am the Apostle of Knowledge, of all knowledge. Even the darkest of spells within Darlko and the Phantom Realm."

"What is Frayen doing?" Pina asked. "Why is he just standing there?"

"He is using Phantom Magic," Soredin answered as she saw the event through the NETT Warrior connected to her VISOR.

"It is more than that," Cato said. "That orb is an ancient, powerful spell. It will block everything that is coming. What Frayen is doing is something I thought was impossible, hijacking someone else's spell. You can redirect, counter, or even cancel one out. But taking someone else's spell, especially against a powerful opponent, is foolish. I can only assume he plans to take the orb and phase it out of our Realm."

Raising his hand, Frayen emitted a ray of darkness around the orb. Fearing what he was doing, Galrik quickly placed his hands together and then fired a stream of flames, which flew through the air like a dragon until it engulfed Frayen; his clothing and body began to burn away.

Pina watched, not knowing what to do. Ginebra, chiming in that she lost communications with Frayen; his personal radio most likely was destroyed. While she never built a personal relationship with the Apostle, her brother Krysist trusted him with his life. There had to be a reason why Frayen is doing this, and he did say use another missile. She noticed a slight color change, watching the orb, but the flames prevented her from getting a good view. "Ginebra, tell Sarah to fire another one now!"

Another Chickasaw fired another missile. Unlike the previous two times, this missile went through the orb like it was not there. The missile struck near Galrik, the top of the building collapsed on itself. As the dust settled, it seemed like Galrik either was killed or retreated. Frayen emerged from the rubble, most of his body was charred due to the flames, but his body had already begun to regenerate.

Feeling the wind blowing as the Chinooks began to land, Pina watched as US forces and Legionaries stormed out from the back and rushed towards them. The sight is strange, seeing two formal enemies on the same side. Coming out of another Chinook, she saw the remaining of her Rose Knights coming out, bringing out much joy.

"Pina!" Bozes yelled. She quickly rushed over and tackled her Empress. "You are still ok!"

Returning the hug, Pina then pushed Bozes back and looked at all her Knights. "We can talk later. Form up!" Looking at the approaching reinforcements, she is amazed by the scale. It looked like every Vanguard team had arrived. That's when she noticed Sharpe, Pepreos, and Yang's approach. With them is Colonel Anderson of the 101st Division – she remembered him during the Siege of Italica. “Sirs, welcome to Rondel.”

Pina quickly got the officers up to speed on the situation. They informed her that the Chinooks would return with the rest of the battalion. The main issue is that all two KC-46A Pegasus fuel tankers on Falmart that refuel all the aircraft coming between Alnus, Italica, and Rondel are currently returning to Alnus to be refueled themselves. "Are we going to wait here until we have more forces?"

Seeing that his home was rubble and engulfed in flames, Pepreos glared directly toward Pina and boldly stated, "No... We attack now and cleanse these bastards."

"Not to put it like that, but yeah," Sharpe said. "We are all pushing against the Guild's District. We are going to crush them here and now. This shit ends today!"

Pina nodded and looked to her Knights. "Alright, Let's get them."

 

--- Villa --

 

Selina looked out into the city, seeing the helicopters come and leave. She saw the terrifying sight of that towering Demon laying waste to everything in its path past before it left the city just less than an hour ago. Jerry, Vanguard-7 medic, told her that a sudden earthquake and bright light that happened not too long ago was a MOAB, killing the Demon.

Now, she heard over the radio that her father and sisters were leading the attack on retaking the city. Even now, she witnessed the NATO side pushing deep into the city, heading to the academy and Guild's headquarters.

"I honestly believed the end was near," Skrotarot commented. "Watching your people's mightiest weapons fail to kill it, I thought this was the end of days for Rondel."

"Never underestimate my father and big sisters," Selina replied as she heard Jerry call her name, requesting her help.

Looking back to the lobby, Selina saw all the wounded that kept coming in. Some mercenaries from the Guild tried to storm the Villa not too long ago, before being stopped by some loyal Rondel Knights. Rushing over, Selina saw a burnt woman on the floor. Like many others who are here she was burned by the Demon.

Getting on her knees, she placed her hand over the woman's face. Hand glowed gold and slowly restored parts of the woman's face.

"Not too much, Selina," Jerry said. "You don't want to wear yourself out."

"I got it," Selina replied.

Jerry looked at Selina and smiled. "You have already proved yourself to me from all the times you have volunteered with me at the temple. Now, you don't want to wear yourself out because you won't be able to save more lives. You have to ration your ability to help the people who need it the most."

"I understand." For quite a while now, Selina has received many lessons regarding medical treatment and first aid from Jerry and Karlin. All the times she volunteered at Alnus Columna Lactaria. One of which was about Triage, the process of sorting patients based on the severity of their injuries, and then prioritizing those who have more chance to be saved based on the available resources, such as medicines, manpower and the likes. 

At first, Selina repulsed the concept. Insisting that she wanted to save everyone. But Jerry taught her that sometimes, some things are simply out of their control. Jerry said that he too wished for the same thing as Selina once. But as time went on, he finally realized that he has to focus on what he can do and making them count, rather than wasting precious resources for the sake of chasing fantasies.

Now, Selina was also faced with the same dilemma. For the duration of the day, Selina had been triaging patients and learning to make good use of the resources they had. Bandages, medicines, and most importantly, her mana. She had been doing her best to treat as many people as possible. But regrettably, she also had to tag several patients as ‘black’. The color that means said patient is either dead or their injuries are too severe to be treated with the care they currently had. Even now, despite the large number of patients who are now resting soundly after their injuries had been taken care of by her, Selina couldn’t help but wonder whether all she did was worth the sacrifices she had to make. The decisions and sacrifices that she casted upon the lives that weren't hers. 

After a while, the woman’s deep burns were healed, Selina stopped. Wiping the sweat off her forehead, she looked up at Jerry. "Do you wish that you were with the others?"

"Yes and no," Jerry replied. "I know what you're thinking, Princess. I would prefer to assist my teammates. But I am here doing my job because it is my place. Now, mind going to the lobby and getting more bandages and water?"

Walking out of the chamber, Selina took off her bloody gloves. While the amount of blood is a little unsettling, the sight of blood unfazed her. Working at Karlin temple, she had grown accustomed to helping women, delivering babies, and cleaning up the temple, as a loyal follower of Mirrita should do.

As Selina went through Jerry's medical bag, a dark feeling engulfed her heart. Noticing one of the Pro-NATO noblemen laying on the floor in a pool of blood, she knew it was not because he died from his wounds.

Seeing a metal boot, Selina looked up and saw a Knight holding a sword. Her eyes widened.

In pure instinct, Selina got up and tried to rush back to Jerry. The Knight stopped her by ramming her to the ground. "Boss, is this her?

"There you are. I have been looking for you."

Looking over, Selina saw the dishonored Knight Albus Russus. "How did you get in here?"

Russus shook his head. "Do you really think I was that stupid? I picked this Villa; I know everything about it. Now, you're coming with me."

The Knight pulled Selina from the floor and dragged her to Russus. Thanks to all of the training she has received from her father and Alicia, she was able to remain calm. She grabbed her small medical scissors from her pouch, and she rammed the sharp shape end of it into the armor’s open joint. While the Knight comments how much it hurt, it surprised her that he did not let go, showing great discipline.

"You little whore!" Surprised by Selina's resistance, Russus quickly came over to knock her out.

Quickly emerging from the bedroom, Jerry blocked Russus and knocked him over. Looking to the other Knight, he faked an attack to get the Knight to react. Seeing an opening, he knocked the Knight back, then grabbed the arm holding Selina and twisted it until he freed her.

Dropping onto the floor, Selina quickly crawled away. Once against the wall, she saw Jerry swinging the Knight into the pillar. Smiling, she saw Russus charging toward him. "Watch out!"

Just dodging a sword swing, Jerry probed with his combat knife, trying to keep Russus off balance. However, that proved fruitless, Russus’ knight experience showing. Russus stood there, smiling as Jerry was forced to block the other Knight's attack. "Selina, run!"

As ordered, Selina ran with no intention to run away but rather to get her pistol. As she rushed into their bedroom, she noticed another Knight, hands, and sword wet from blood.

With no time to figure out why they were here, Selina had to duck from the Knight attack. To her surprise, he did not use his sword, trying to capture her alive instead. She wonders why before dismissing the thought and resumed her search.

Getting to a pile of bags, Selina began searching for her purse. Hidden among her sister's stuff, she now realized why her father always told her to keep her room organized. "Damnit, where is it!"

Feeling the Knight grab the back of her clothing, Selina heard another noise bursting through the door. Skrotarot rammed into the Knight, freeing as she watched the fight, an Orc going against a Knight.

"Princess, look for whatever you were looking for!" Skrotarot yelled as he locked hands with the Knight.

"Right." Digging deeper into the pile, Selina found her purse and pulled out her Shield Ez pistol. Grabbing a magazine, she loaded it and quickly aimed and shot the Knight twice.

The Knight stood still for a moment until he fell to his knees, dropping dead. Blood oozing from the two holes in the back of his armor.

"Wow," Skrotarot commented, shocked by how efficient a projectile weapon is. "No wonder your kind abandoned melee weapons. But how did they get past the guards? Are they working for him?"

"Possibly, but Russus said he picked this place for a reason, so there must be some kind of secret backdoors," Selina answered.

"Russus is behind this?" Skrotarot said in a shocked tone. "This must be revenge against us for stripping all his honors and his banishment from Rondel. Now let us go help your friend."

Taking the lead, Selina rushed out of the bedroom. Once back at the lobby, she aimed her pistol, but she noticed that there were three Knights now; Jerry is in the middle. Once the Knights noticed her and the Orc, Russus grabbed Jerry and held a dagger to his neck. Seeing Russus’ broken chest armor, it seemed like Jerry could stab him with his combat knife. Three verse one, though, she saw why Jerry lost.

"What is the meaning of this, Russus?" Skrotarot demanded.

"Meaning of this?" Russus repeated angrily. "You fucking bastard robbed everything from me! Just to please these people from another world?! I broke no laws, I never sold Rondel out, and yet I was humiliated!." He then held Jerry close, knife cutting into the neck.

"It is over, Russus!" Skrotarot warned. "Look outside; the Demon is dead. NATO and the Imperial Army are working together and killing your allies. Lay down your weapon and surrender."

Russus suddenly laughed. "I will be leaving. But she is my ticket out of here. She might be physically spoiled, but I still know people who will pay a fortune for a Princess. Enough for me to start a new life outside of the Falmart continent. Now, if either of you moves, I will slit his throat. Skrotarot, stay back, and Selina, put down your toy, or I will kill him."

Knowing Skrotarot was not armed, Selina was the only one with a weapon. While the two were talking, she carefully aimed her gun, taking the time to perfect her shot. 

Noticing that Selina refused to lower her weapon, Russus yelled, "what are you doing, little girl? I have two Knights with me. You are more likely to kill your friend here than hit any of us."

"You're just like Lashin, those bullies in class, and the others," Selina said. "Just Because I was a Princess and cute, I am helpless. My father is one of the deadliest warriors both worlds have ever seen, and he spent the past year training me for moments like this."

“Well then you can say goodbye to your friend,” Russus said as he prepared to dig his dagger into Jerry’s throat.

“Wrong, I will not say that to him but I will say this to you. Hasta La Vista Bastard!” Selina exclaimed.

At first, Russus was confused by the meaning of Selina’s words, but then realized his mistake.

Having Russus’ head in the iron sights, Selina fired one shot, shooting Russus in the head through his eye. Jerry broke free, bypassing the two Knights as they watch their leader drop to the floor, dead.

"You bitch! You killed him!"

"Kill them, and then let's get out of here!"

The two Knights started to charge but suddenly stopped, dropping their swords. This confused Selina as she knew she couldn't kill both of them. Turning around, she saw Captain Bailey Robinson and the rest of Vanguard-5.

"Smart move," Bailey said, commenting on what the knights did. "Tie them up for war crimes."

 

--- Rondel Academy ---  

 

Moving through the city was traumatic for Lelei. It was only a few years ago that she walked through these streets. Stores she bought goods from were destroyed, the dorms on fire, even the trees that made the streets beautiful were in ashes. 

Once they reached the school, they ran into other mages. Sofia and Frost, their escorts, were not pleased to see them and threatened to kill them if they acted strangely. If it was not for Cato and Masulk vouching for them, being fellow teachers, they probably would have been shot. 

As the group moved through the main academy hall, a few mages and sages attempted to put out fires, saving as much material as possible. Over in the corner are two mages arguing. One is a Pro-NATO, and the other is a Pro-Empire, blaming each other for the crisis.

"Knock it off, you two!" Cato said. "Don't you realize we were all used? Who is to blame no longer matters; what matters right now is just saving what we can."

As Cato lectured and gave orders to the other faculty staff, Lelei walked over to Sofia. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Sofia, looking confused, answered, "Ahh… sure. What is it?"

Looking around, seeing a body being carried out of the hall, and spoke, "Was it like this back in Philadelphia?(2)"

Taking a deep breath, Sofia nodded, "Yes, it was. The entire city was not destroyed, mainly a few kilometers around the Gate."

"I see," Lelei said. "I think I understand why you are so angry at everyone here. I always knew the destruction was bad, but I honestly thought you were holding a grudge for the sake of holding one. It was not like everyone was responsible for the attack, but now I understand. Seeing everything you once knew be gone."

Looking away, Sofia responded, "Damn right. People think I am just this angry bitch, but when it happens to you, it is now different." Reflecting on what she said, she turned to Lelei. "But…, they are rebuilding Philadelphia. The city itself did not go away. I guess…, once this is over, my people will rebuild this city to its former glory."

"I guess." Lelei began to feel the exhaustion from the non-stop fighting but she is genuinely happy that Sofia is getting over her hatred gradually. The sight of her city halfway destroyed has been demoralizing; now she understands why Sofia has been so angry from her experience. 

Hearing an explosion, a sage rushed over, screaming that a group of mercenaries was attacking. It sounded that the joint US-Imperial force were pushing the Guild's back and now assaulting the academy.

"Cato, I think you, me, Arpeggio, and Lelei should go to the vault," Soredin proposed. "Everyone else should help with the others."

"Hell no," Frost said. "We have orders to protect you. I am not about to drop those orders."

"What is that term your kind use, flanking?" Arpeggio asked. "Wouldn't it be wise to protect that?"

"It is to protect someone's side from attack," Jaleoa said. "The Terran soldiers like to use terms like that. You get used to it quickly. But she is correct; your weapon-set is more useful protecting our flanks, not coming to the halls. Trust me, I have been fighting with some of your soldiers in the 1st Cav; I know how your tactics work."

"That is why you should stay," Cato added. "Frost, Sofia, Reldom, you should hold here and help. We need to protect our flank."

"Ok, Masters," Masulk said. "We will help here."

"Before we move on, I brought some mana potions," Jaleoa said. "Had to convince Colonel Yang to give up most of DARPA captured reserves, but they agreed. I know it is not a lot of the highest of quality but it is all they had. I think they're expecting to get more after this."

"Assuming anything is left," Arpeggio commented.

As everyone got ready for the next stage of their mission, Lelei approached Jaleoa. "Can I ask you a question?"

Confused, Jaleoa nodded in response."Why are you here?" Lelei asked. "I thought you were not a fighter, and I thought they kicked you out?"

"So?" Jaleoa replied. "Rondel is still my home, and I could not just stay in Alnus playing games while my city is burning. So, I thought you could use my help."

"Me… like me?" Lelei asked, blushing.

"Ahh, yeah," Jaleoa said, confused. "Knowing you, you would be in the most dangerous situations. Besides, I might not be a natural fighter, but neither are you, and yet you are here. It is what I like about yeah." Hearing Cato calling him, he rushed off.

Unable to believe that he had just said that, Lelei remained silent. Looking at her sister and teacher, she glared at them. "He is just an idiot."

"You Like him don’t you," Soredin cutely asked. "The fact that you pointed that out means you like it. Come on, we need to go."

As the four rushed toward the vault, the route that led to there was filled with debris and intense fire. Since they have exhausted their mana from the fighting and the mana potions are limited and cannot relinquish the whole mana level, they have to ration the mana given by the portions to clear an effective path. They had to use the fire extinguishers that were given by Randy to get through. 

As the group cleared rubble from a door, Lelei heard her teacher comment how Excalibur could have been useful in creating a path. “Teacher... I am sorry for the Excalibur.”

Soredin stretched and then laughed. “Do not fear my dear. It was worth it. Just like all tools, it can be fixed with enough time and patience. Do not forget, the sword is enchanted to always magically come back to the rightful owner. In time, it will be alive again.” She then showed the broken sword as it lightly glowed.

“I will say my dear, you handled the blade well,” Soredin continued. “Merlin and King Author would have been honored. Once the blade is fixed, I think you are worthy of being one of its owners.”

Blushing, finding it honored to be considered worthy of being a future owner of such a weapon, shw bowed as she blushed. “Thank you master.”

“I do have a question,” Arpeggio said. “Master Soredin, why are you helping us? I don’t mean to sound ruined or anything but why? The destruction of Rondel magical knowledge would benefit your kind in becoming the dominant mage on two worlds.”

Unable to believe her sister asked that, Lelei responded, “Don’t say that! That is rude, especially after what happened to the Excalibur! Don’t fall for Drasho Getro propaganda. He just said that to scare everyone(3).”

“I do not sister,” Arpeggio responded. “I didn't mean to imply an evil intent, it is just, it would. A mage from another world going this far to help save our ways. 

“Both of you stop fighting now!” Cato ordered. “This is not the time for another one of your spats.”

“It is ok Lelei,” Soredin replied. “You must remember, not everyone has been blessed to have gone on so many trips like you. Most have not had a chance to gain the perspective you gained on first hand.”

The group continued down the path, once heading down stairs Soredin continued, “There was once a place we called the Great Library of Alexandra. Just like Rondel, much of our knowledge of the magical arts was stored there. A great man named Caesar, leader of the Romans destroyed the library and all its knowledge to defeat his enemies. The Egyptians with their magic sided against him and as punishment purged everything to make sure they never could challenge Rome and his rule again.” 

“To give you context, the people called Egyptians are some of the oldest civilizations on Earth, one of the first,” Soredin said with much zeal. “The vast knowledge of history, science and magic accumulated by the Egyptians throughout centuries. The truth is that there were many dangerous magical tomes and knowledge in that library that could enable it. The Egyptians used that to turn the tide against the Roman Republic so Cesar deliberately burned it down, destroying tons of precious knowledge that could benefit the future generations. Therefore, I will not let that tragedy happen again.”

After clearing another path, the group managed to dig deeper into the vault. The vault is huge with thousands of books, scrolls and magical artifacts stored in it. The group know that they cannot save everything due to the intensity of the flame and some of the stuff have already been destroyed so they have to hurry to save as much as they can. 

“Ok, Lelei and I will gather everything from the left wing while you and Arpeggio go to the right wing,” Cato stated as they rushed to save the books, scrolls and artifacts. 

As Cato and Lelei approach the left wing of the vault, they bottom-up all the mana potions they have with them to have as much mana as possible to save all the artifacts. They use telekinesis to quickly move the books, scrolls and artifacts while at the same time extinguish the fire. While Lelei is busy lifting a huge stack of books with her magic, a purple magical blast comes at her from behind but Cato quickly shields Lelei from the blast. 

A woman emerged from the fire and it is none other than Kagash along with some Dalko mages and adventurers. “You pesky blue-haired bitch! I will make sure you die today for ruining everything!” Kagash powered her magic at Lelei and Cato. 

Lelei drops what she is doing and engages the enemies with Cato, killing several Darlko mages and adventurers.

“Teacher, Big Sis, we need help!” Lelei called out over the radio. “Dalko is attacking us.”

“We cannot Lelei! We are also getting ambushed too,” Soredin replied as they fend off several Dalko mages and adventurers on their side.

While Lelei was distracted with the fight, a seemingly injured Galrik sneaks behind ready to deal a fatal blow from behind. 

“Lelei, Look out!” Cato quickly noticed the dark aura from him and quickly generated a barrier in the nick of time before his deadly grip could tear Lelei’s head off. 

However, this action leaves him open. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Kagash thrusted a dark magic blast at his chest. The spell went right through Cato.

‘No! Master!” Lelei screamed as Cato stumped to the ground and she rushed at Cato’s body. Tears streamed down her cheer, forgetting everything that was happening around her, placing her hand on Cato's chest as the Kagash and Galrik and the surviving Darlko mages and adventurers close by.

“You little brat. Some little girl who just came to her own body spoiled a lifetime dream, a lifetime work. I am going to not just kill you but make your soul suffered for a thousand generations!” Kagash created a dark mist and sprayed toward Lelei. 

A bright light burned the mist away. Galrik formed a miniature orb around his right fist, charging toward Lelei. His fist slammed into a  barrier that quickly formed around Lelei and Cato. “How dare you fight without honor!” Jaleoa yelled.

Soredin rushed toward Galrik, using much of her mana to blast him through the wall. “Frost, Sofia, we need backup! Man down, Man down,” she yelled at the radio.

“You won’t win this fight, Soredin,” Kagash confidently stated. “Your mana is depleted and your sword is broken. You have noth-.” She was forced to deflect an energy blast, breathing heavily.

“But my mana is at its peak Darlko,” Jaleoa stated as he walked to Soredin’s side. “I think both of us could easily kill you and your husband. At least until our friends arrive and you don’t want to be here when they arrive.”

Kagash glared at the young boy and the middle-aged woman. As Galrik approached, she spoke in a strange language and both teleported themselves and their men from the vault.

“Teacher! Please help him.” Lelei desperately screamed at Soredin and Arpeggio to save Cato.

As Soredin and Arpeggio examine the wound, they stumble down in defeat.

“I am so sorry Lelei! It is too late for him! He cannot be saved, his entire chest is pretty much burned off already. And it looks like his lungs also got ruptured, too.” Soredin tearfully states to Lelei.

“No, No! You have to do something!” Lelei states in disbelief. “He cannot die like this. Call Selina! Her magic can....” 

Arpeggio got on her knees, holding Cato right side as she cried. “What about that healing girl? Selina?”

“Selina just learned how to use her ability,” Soredin said, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Even with healing magic, master Cato is beyond saving.” 

“It is ok, Lelei... Arpeggio.” Cato weakly said while coughing up blood, proving Soredin’s statement about his ruptured lungs. “You have done your best. I am proud of both of you... You are like my daughters. Promise me, Lelei... bring Rondel and this world to the new dawn as you dreamed of... Soredin! Take Care of my daughters.” Cato uttered his last words as he breathed his last breath.

“No, no! You cannot die! I have so many incredible things to tell you! I have so much to show you!” Lelei hysterically cried as she vainly tried to revive her dead master, who was like her father before she met Sharpe.

Arpeggio came over and the two sisters gave a long hug as they cried together.

“It is ok, Lelei! It is ok,” Soredin sofly comforts her student as she hugs Lelei and Arpeggio

As the rest of the reinforcements come to the vault, the only thing they can do is help get the remaining books, scrolls and artifacts to safety while mourning the death of Cato. Mimoza took this extremely hard as she fell into her knee and is petrified with grief. 

 

 --- Rondel Streets, outskirts of the Guild's headquarters --- 

 

Taking cover by a collapsed wall, Sharpe saw everyone taking cover. He watched a Ranger drag a half-burned Ranger from Vanguard-2, with two Legionaries covered with their shields. A flame spell directly hit that Ranger and two other swordsmen. The sight of Imperial soldiers helping a Ranger was exciting. 

"They have the high ground," Owen said.

Guild's warriors are on top of the alley stairway, looking through a hole in the broken wall. Not having a decent view, he believed there is half a platoon strength which generally wouldn't be a problem. His first thought was to outflank them from both sides; however, with so much destruction, there aren’t many paths his large force can move through, allowing the enemy to focus on chokepoints.

"Owen, Andrew, Scott, get three others from V-2, V-3, and ten Legionaries. Before to form up and march through," Sharpe ordered before looking at Alicia. "Contact Yang; I want a mortar strike."

At the landing zone, Colonel Yang is stationed there with the support elements. Mortar fire came roaring through the sky, and three shells impacted where the enemy position was. Once the enemy position was destroyed, a line of swordsmen with shields formed up, with Knight Bozes behind them directly behind them. The Rangers from three teams form up behind them.

This has become a common tactic in recent months. The Swords and Bullets tactic developed by King Duran and the US military was first employed during the short Elbe-Alguna War(4), The swordsmen use their shields to protect the riflemen behind them and snipe the enemy safely. The goal behind this tactic is to put pressure on the enemy as they cannot kill anyone. If they move to attack or flee, they are gunned down. If they stay in cover, they will be cut down by the swordsmen. 

Because the Imperial army has no training in such tactics, the Rose Knights have coordinated between the two different groups. Bozes barking orders, making sure everyone worked as a team.

Once the column reached the top of the alley, Andrew and Bozes gave the order to break. The Rangers took cover, engaging while the Legionaries started cutting the enemy down. 

Getting the 'all clear' sign' from Andrew over NW, Sharpe ordered everyone to advance. Randers, Airborne, Rose and Rondel Knights, and Legionaries storm up the stairway. 

In the distance, Sharpe saw an explosion from a 105mm round from the recently arrived gunship - there were only three AC-130s in the Falmart Theater, the command never believing that a high-altitude aircraft could be taken out in the air in this war. With the odds of another Demon appearing is low, Vanguard Command got approval for another gunship.

Military assets are slowly arriving to support the effort of retaking the city, such as the second wave of Airborne from the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 101st Division. MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, F-15E Strike Eagles, and Mirage 2000Ds providing surveillance and close air support. The main issue is the lack of fuel tankers to get A-10s into this theater, and long-range missiles were depleted to take out the Balrog. That is why it seems Air Combat Command prioritized the Eagles and Mirage because they have a default long combat range compared to most aircraft.

After getting everyone together, the large force advanced, moving through the streets of Rondel. After eliminating a few stray Adventurers and mages, the group passed a burning inn. Passing the building, Sharpe saw the wreckage of the destroyed gunship. 

"Jackson," Rory said.

"What is it? In trouble?" Sharpe asked.

"Ha, am I ever? Wait, Frayen is telling me something." The radio transmission from Rory got cut off, most likely because Frayen and her are talking to each other off radio. After a silent pause, Rory finally continued her transmission, "good point. Listen, the Darlko mages, save for Kagash and her damn warlock of a husband, are all confirmed dead. And the Guilds forces are falling back to their headquarters. While it, in and of itself, is good news, that would mean the three Apostles only have one place to go."

Seeing the Rangers, the Rose knights, and the Legionaries stare at him, knowing they are worried about engaging Apostles. Sharpe replied, "Good. Once we push these bastards back to their HQ, push one of the Apostles there. Keep the other two busy. We will take it from there. Our plan is this, we take down one Apostle in front of the enemy to completely demoralize them to force a surrender on them."

While Sharpe's tone is calm, almost sounding like he wants to fight an Apostle, he knows he had to show his confidence, even if he sounded eager to do so. The threat is there regardless, so he must come up with a solution. "Johnson, by chance, did you bring the new A1's?"

"Yes, sir," Johnson said. "Colonel Yang wanted us to be as prepared as possible, with all things considered."

Sharpe is thrilled by the whole news that they brought the new DARPA weapon, the XM77A1 taser rifle. The first model was tested by the SAS against Taylin during the second Sadera raid(4). While the weapon proved promising, they immediately discovered flaws from it. Mainly, it still utilized standard electrical probes connected by wire to the battery in the rifle. Not only it limits the weapon range to how long the wires are, it also allows the target to just yank the probes off of their body, if not outright use them against the operators by pulling them closer. Flaws emerged that limited the weapon. The A1 model could be said to be a massive departure from the previous XM77 design. Suppose the XM77 was using the conventional 'wire-and-probe' taser configuration in the shape of a rifle, where the electric probes connected to the battery inside the rifle's receiver through wires. In that case, the A1 variant's entire projectile is the taser. The projectile itself is a can-sized 'taser slug,' with electrical probes sticking on the nose end of it, the middle section, covered by several barbs connected to the electrical to intensify the shock should the target to grab it with their hand and pull it off, housing a specially designed amulet as a power-source providing more voltage and more lasting effect than conventional batteries, and the tail end has folding fins to provide stability mid-flight.

Meanwhile, the rifle itself only acts as the launcher in the shape of a standard M4 rifle with an oversized barrel, launching the taser projectile using standard 5.56mm M200 blank rounds after the slug is loaded from the barrel’s muzzle like a rifle grenade. 

Because of this, the XM77A1 received a nickname from among the special forces as ‘Mjölnir Launcher’, a portmanteau of the name of Thor’s hammer and ‘Grenade Launcher’. Once the slug attached to its target, it released a continuous shock throughout the body. With no cables and thanks to the barbs, the Apostle couldn't rip these slugs off, allowing the soldier to quickly and safely reload their rifle clip one another for a second shot without the risk of being pulled by the Apostle. In addition, the DARPA designers have promised that it also has an effective range of up to 100 yards. Eliminating the need of closing the distance to the Apostle and thus putting the operator's life at risk. A feature welcomed by every NATO soldier. 

Knowing his options, Sharpe explained, "All right everyone, this is the plan. Rory, Giselle and Frayen will lure one of the enemy Apostles into a Killzone. Even with their regeneration ability, they are still affected by a hail of bullets. General Pepreos will arrive with his force and provide magic support. Once pinned, Vanguard-2 will take them."

Seeing everyone understood the plan, the group moved forward. Sharpe looked into his HUD and saw the updates from NW, from the Reaper above. The enemy seemed to be gathering for a last stand. 

As they approached, a giant ice wall formed, blocking their path. A volley of arrows came falling down, forcing everyone to take cover. A mix of ice, fire, and energy enchanted arrows scattered through the group. A large ice patch formed on a building, and another halfway caught an Imperial soldier from enchanted arrows. Two others tried to cut the Legionnaire out from the ice as he screamed for help.

"Those volleys are going to tear us apart," Johnson commented.

"Agreed, get the Rangers to provide cover fire," Sharpe said. "Alicia, call in an air-strike. Bozes, I want the Knights and Legionaries to go right down the middle. Johnson, your team, take the right flank while we will take the left."

Taking cover to avoid the second volley, Sharpe looked at his team. "Scott, Owen, head to that second floor there. Get a good vantage point. Once that Apostle arrives, introduce the 6.8mm round."

"Love it, sir," Scott replied. 

Alicia approached, hand on her helmet radio. "Strike Eagle inbound!. Dropping two AGM-179 JAGMs. Time on target, in three seconds!"

Noticing the Strike Eagle fighter flypast high above, two missiles were dropped. "Danger close!"

The missiles landed on the other side of the ice wall. The ground shook from the two large explosions. The ice wall shattered, allowing everyone to rush through.

Vanguard-2 passed through with his team right behind. Once through, Sharpe saw a clash of swordsmen. Over to the left, he noticed Beefeater, Pepreos, and Captain Charles Casaus of Vanguard-3 coming through the gap in the ice wall to the right. Once the swordsmen passed through, Sharpe heard screaming and slashes of metal. 

Focusing on his area, Sharpe aimed and killed a spearman that was charging. Randy is right behind him, directly leading the unit into a firing line, warning everyone to stay low to prevent being hit by a spell. Once lined up, six Rangers open fire, killing anything that moves. 

In front of them is all the Guild's headquarters. A large group came storming out of the buildings, heading toward them. "Scott, light them up."

A hail of 6.8mm bullets rained down on the advancing enemy force from Scott's light machine gun. All the Rangers from four teams now noticed and engaged. Bozes and Beefeater rallied the Knights and Legionaries, so they did not rush into the crossfire, holding them back.

As Sharpe watched, he saw the last-ditch attempt not even getting close. "Advance Rangers!"

Vanguard-7 with the other Rangers marched forward in line formation, firing while they moved. The sword fight seemed to be coming to a close. A mage formed a barrier, but it did not last long as a Ranger blew it up with a well-placed rocket.

“Sharpe, be advised!” Rory’s voice blared from Sharpe’s radio. “We managed to block Envira and Mabel from advancing to the Guild HQ. That leaves Jasis on her way there now, so be ready!”

Getting an update from Rory that Jasis is on her way to the headquarters. By the time Sharpe warned everyone, one of Jasis's arrows had killed three people.

As soldiers engaged, Jasis moved too quickly for everyone to react. Bullets passed her, hitting where she was. With her speed, she sniped two more soldiers, this time, one was an American soldier. 

Randy approached and commented, "this isn't working."

"I know," Sharpe replied. "We just need her to stay still for one moment. "Giselle, mind lending a hand?"

Giselle laughed before responding, "the fact you are asking me for help means you accept my superiority. That last time was a fluke."

"Do as he commands, Giselle! Or you want to get shocked," Rory yelled.

Jasis used her bow as a spear; she sliced a man's head off. As she moved toward Beefeater, Giselle flew in, using her scythe to block the bow. Breaking the stalemate, Giselle stopped one of Jasis's punches with her wing as she swung Jasis to the ground. 

Giselle wrapped her scythe, using her weapon as an arm-lock, trapping Jasis. "Now or never!"

With the order, nearly three dozen American soldiers fired their weapons. Dozens more Legionaries and Knights firing arrows and spears. Giselle bursted into the sky as Jasis was bombarded with bullets and arrows.

As Jasis tried to escape, the ground around her shattered. Stone spike burst out of the ground, impaling her, trapping her in her location. Looking over, Sharpe saw Pepreos using his magic to trap the Apostle.

While Jasis stood there, Sharpe saw the volume of concentrated fire was taking a toll on the Apostle, watching as she fell to one knee and an arm falling off. One of the bullets goes through her eye, blinding her. "Johnson, now!"

Three Rangers from Vanguard-2 formed up with their taser rifles. As they fired, one of the three slugs connected to Jasis’ hip. She let out a sudden scream of pain as the slug began electrocuting her from within.

Not wasting time, the three Rangers reloaded and fired three more slugs, this time two slugs connecting. NCOs and Rose Knights order everyone to cease as Jasis continues to let out a loud, painful scream as she is continuously shocked. 

The battle froze as everyone watched the Apostle scream in pain. The remaining Guild's members watched, seeing their ally fell. Rory, Frayen, and Giselle appeared and watched.

"I remember that," Giselle commented, seeing the three big sized objects sticking onto Jasis as she’s convulsing in pain on the ground. "Your little taser and your prison hurt in places I didn't know I had. With those things that big, I cannot imagine what she is going through."

According to Johnson, the new amulet battery is supposed to last ten minutes. Not wanting to trust experimental technology, he ordered the third volley of taser slugs against Jasis. Frayen stopped him, stating that he would finish it.

Frayen approached Jasis as she cried, barely able to speak from the non-stop pain. He placed his hand on her head and chanted, putting her to sleep. He used his phased ability to remove the slugs.

"Is that wise?" Sharpe asked. "We won't get another chance."

"I don't recommend challenging Frayen, Jackson." Rory answered. "This is Apostles' business, he knows what he is doing."

"Besides, there is everyone else," Tuka pointed out."

Taking the hint, Sharpe decided to drop the topic. "Where are the other Apostles?"

"Once Jasis began screaming, they disappeared," Rory explained. "It was confusing."

Looking at the remaining Guild's members, he ordered the attack.

Sharpe aimed his rifle at a young swordsman in purplish armor, standing petrified in horror. Sharpe looked around and found that the rest of the adventurers also had the same, terrified look on their faces as well. Apparently, after witnessing an Apostle being subdued, along with seeing the presence of three Apostles on American forces’ side, whatever morale the adventurers had left had been crumbled. After a few seconds of stare-off, the swordsman dropped his sword, holding his hands up crying. "All units, check your fire! We got one who surrendered. Quickly tie up and secure anyone who surrenders; anyone who resist, end them. Randy."

Randy and Alicia rushed over and tossed the young man to the ground, placing a zip tie on his hands. There is no time to be gentle as they are still in an active combat zone. 

While the swordsman was being subdued, however, another swordsman decided to charge at the Vanguard group only to be gunned down by three precise shots to his chest. After the swordsman was downed, the lady behind him dropped her bow and got onto her knees, begging to spare her life. Soon enough, more and more Guild's members dropped their weapons and surrendered.

The Magic Guild’s headquarters doors opened, and a dozen mages walked out. As everyone prepared for a magical battle, a man emerged from the group, hands risen. "I am Drasho Getro, leader of the Magic Guild. We wish to surrender to NATO and end hostilities. Please spread the word to all who are loyal to the Guild’s scattered around the city” Drasho asked the Vanguard group, knowing a thing or two about their means of long range communication. “It is over. No more”

 

 

Reference:

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(1)Short: So it Begins

(2)Chapter 166

(3)Chapter 

(4)Chapter 62

(5)Chapter 191