After a few weeks of more skirmishes. Shinra's troops advanced a lot and were gaining tons of ground. Relative to their size that is, because they were still hundreds of kilometers away from the mainland. And were still at the southern part of the island where forests dominated the place.
The next part they would need to cross is a mountain range that was a natural barrier for Wutai's main village in the north.
And they would be susceptible to attacks at the west and east if they get stuck in the front lines trying to cross the mountain. So the bitter war for more power and land was going to continue for a long time.
Though the soldiers of Shinra were quite happy that they were making progress, even though it's not that much.
Ramiel and Alexandra were cutting paths for the soldiers. Giving them a better time to advance. They also gave their side an advantage of course. While Godo received information about the heavy infantry and their shields. And they have been starting to deploy heavier guns with lots of bullets so they can't advance.
Godo didn't use artillery or mortars because that will quickly wipe out the Shinra troops. And their target for this war was to buy as much time as possible so Lazard could disseminate the phones for Shinra's downfall.
And due to the new Pokemon game that got launched that was available for a small price of 10 gil. Their popularity skyrocketed, basically the era of handheld gaming platforms that could also contact other people with better reception and cameras. What's there to stop everyone from buying it.
And due to the resources and focus needed for the war. Shinra didn't really give a damn to a game company with a better phone than the current flip types. They technically have them by the balls anyway. As the company owns the radio towers and they will just swoop in later when they ripen for harvesting.
Lazard also gave Ramiel pretty surprising news. There was a rising insurgent group, calling themselves Avalanche. It was a pest at best for Shinra. Spreading the truth about the Mako reactors throughout Midgar. But in time, more people will definitely join the cause.
"Interesting, it seems that I owe this Avalanche group a thank you. I'll try to contact them later and absorb their little terrorist group." Ramiel gave a smirk as he read the news from Lazard.
Ramiel was surveying the east while Alexandra was at the west. Making sure to guard the place where Wutai soldiers can converge. As they can't let them make a base there and rain explosive shells at the army. Or they will be under fire from Shinra. Incompetence and suspicions will rise. Making their lives a teeny bit more difficult.
"Hah, I guess I'll just create more apps or something." Ramiel took out some computers and began coding again. Now, he was also using his telekinesis to type in four computers at the same time.
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At the middle part of the south, inside the forests of Wutai. The soldiers of Shinra were having a little expedition again while the 2nd class SOLDIERs were happily leading the army. As their supreme commanders trusted them with the troops.
"Hah, I can feel it in my bones. We're definitely gonna make some good progress, I'm pumped." One of the SOLDIERs smiled.
The troops and the SOLDIERs were having a pretty good time, marching on smoothly. While they had the confidence of not being suddenly bombarded by artillery and bombs because their sides were covered. The front still is a cause for concern, but Wutai can't mobilize that much firepower easily in the mountainous terrain even if the place was their home.
They were also accompanied by SOLDIER 2nd class. They could easily use materia to protect them from the bombardment and quickly retreat away.
The troops quickly saw the muzzle flashes once again and the SOLDIERs began using their barrier materia to strengthen the shields of the heavy infantry. The heavier calibers could only scratch their reliable shields.
"Go and advance! We will show these guys how good we are!" The 2nd class in charge hyped them up and the Shinra troops chanted their victory as they advanced quickly to the attackers.
The SOLDIERs also casted some spells so they could reduce the gunfire for a counter attack. Firaga spells were launched at the location of the Wutai troops and sizable explosions caused chaos at their ranks.
The Shinra troops cheered and after 30 minutes of waiting. Wutai didn't harass or try to stop their advance. So the SOLDIERs quickly ordered for a quick break to keep stamina and morale high. As they knew that they were much more durable and energetic than their foot soldiers. But they can't win a war without them.
Everybody began quenching their thirst and eating their mre's. Especially the heavy infantry, as they were the ones who consumed the most energy after SOLDIERs.
And when they were completely relaxed, they heard thuds that were heading their way at four sides.
"Quick! In your positions!" Their commander quickly suited up and as expected of SOLDIER. Even if they were 2nd class, they were still the elite of the elites. Quickly casting a circle of barrier magic to the troops and ordering the heavy infantry to surround them like a turtle shell.
The other free 2nd class were also ready to fire their most destructive spells. So they could try and cut through the ambush in order to have a less disadvantaged position.
Trees were felled and everybody began to get nervous. And once the suspected enemies were close enough. They could see beasts with dark skin, 10 meters tall with horns on their heads. Wielding axes, morning stars, and maces. (pic)
"Mother of god, what the hell are those ugly motherfuckers?" One of the troops was in shock. Four of the beasts quickly converged into their position and roared.
The 2nd class that had spells prepared quickly threw them at the monsters. Explosions from fire spells created shockwaves that made hurricane-like winds. Lightning ripped the air and thunderclaps almost made the troops deaf.
But after the dust settled, the monsters had negligible damage on them. With their thick arms that was the size of large tree trunks. They swung their weapons and the barrier that the SOLDIERs put up were immediately shattered. Along with many of their troops.
"Fuck! Quick, call the captain and vice-captain! We're surely gonna lose here!" Their commander in charge shouted out. But everyone was trying to defend themselves or attack to try and make a difference.
He also couldn't contact them because he was currently dodging or parrying attacks from the monstrous beast that were quickly killing them off one by one.
"Charlie! No! Fuck! Why does this have to happen when the captains are away!?" He saw one of his friends get smashed into a pulp. Trying to protect a squad of heavy infantry and troops.
But that wasn't all, what looked like grenades exploded above them and a purplish liquid quickly bathed the Shinra troops. A mist started propagating and they felt their muscles started to get paralyzed.
Wutai's ninjas were on the scene and they quickly dispatched the obvious elites. With precise blows to their vitals. Humans even if they were enhanced were still humans. Unlike the ones like Ramiel and Alexandra who have transcended being human.
"Captain... Forgive me, we have failed you. Haha, just a short amount of time you aren't here. And we already got wiped out." He saw one of the ninjas stand in front of him as he couldn't move anymore from the injuries and poison.
A cold glint of steel was the last thing he saw before his head rolled. The Shinra troops were wiped out quickly in under an hour.
Ramiel who was focused on his coding, quickly craned his head to the direction of their troops and he frowned heavily. Feeling a lot of souls enter the lifestream at once. And when he squinted his eyes, he saw that smoke was emanating from their position.
"Shit! Alex! Quickly come back to the troops, they're under attack! This isn't supposed to happen, what the hell?" Ramiel quickly flew to their position and broke the sound barrier.
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Thanks for reading, ciao.