Ares' POV – A Few Hours After the Meeting
Ares sat atop an APC filled with a dozen of his personal guards. Around him, over 150 tanks and 100 APCs carried a battalion-sized force, while two battalions of Forbidden Cavalry followed in the rear. Above, Sean's Pegasus Cavalry soared through the winds, their mounts cutting graceful paths in the sky.
The Pegasus Variant C-1—Alex's term for the breed—was the result of experimental enhancements, much like the Forbidden Cavalry's steeds, the Verdisius Chargers. These majestic creatures had been perfected after countless attempts, though at the cost of their ability to reproduce.
"This kind of army would scare off those knights easily," Ares muttered, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "But orders from the Emperor are clear—surprise attack and capture them alive as much as possible."
In the distance, the Athenian war camp came into view. By Ares' calculations, it was about a day's march away. Yet, one pressing question gnawed at him: How had they arrived unnoticed by the 1st Legion?
"Commander," a radioman called from the hatch, breaking his train of thought. "The Navy reports they've intercepted a fleet of over 150 ships flying the Golden Chaos Empire's banner. They were stopped by the patrol fleet."
"What's their intention?" Ares asked, lowering his gaze to meet the soldier.
"Upon investigation, the fleet consisted of hired merchant vessels. After detaining and interrogating the admiral, he revealed they'd been contracted by the Athenian Duchy. However, the exact party responsible remains unclear."
"Send this report back to Alex. I want his assessment when we return," Ares commanded. Drawing his greatsword, his divine power flared, casting an intimidating aura. Soldiers around him began checking their ammunition, and those who hadn't yet refilled their magazines equipped their bayonets instead.
Athenian War Camp
The Athenian camp bustled with activity. Soldiers clad in full chainmail hurried to and fro under the watchful eyes of their officers. The knights, arranged by rank—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—oversaw the hierarchy.
"Move it! We're resting only a few hours. At dawn, we march to attack their main base!" a Silver Knight barked. His voice carried authority, befitting a battalion commander.
The camp, structured in a Roman-style layout, housed a force of 15,000 soldiers. Their plan was simple but seemingly foolproof: launch an assault on the main Draconian camp while allied forces besieged defensive lines. With their powerhouses in play, they intended to pressure the Legion into surrender.
However, their calculations failed to account for the gods and Draconian Sentinels—a grave oversight, especially with Alex present. Though weakened from a prior battle, he remained formidable.
Commander's Tent
Commander Argon, the right-hand man of the Athenian Knights' leader, studied a map with furrowed brows.
"My lord, reports state that letters have been sent to various factions under our influence. Preparations are underway to mobilize additional forces," a Silver Knight reported.
"Hmm… I see. Leave for now," Argon replied, gesturing for the knight to exit.
"Yes, sir," the knight acknowledged before leaving.
"What do you think?" Argon asked, turning to the knights still present.
"We should strike now while we have the advantage," one suggested, his voice laced with experience.
"No. We risk souring relations with key allies. Let's wait until their reinforcements leave before launching our offensive. But we must remain vigilant—there's a high chance they'll detect us," Argon responded grimly.
As plans for resource division and battle formations were finalized, a faint whistling sound interrupted them. A moment later, explosions rocked the camp, sending shockwaves that nearly tore the tent apart.
"Get ready for battle!" Argon shouted, donning his helmet and grabbing his spear. He rushed outside to see Pegasus Knights in the skies, their lances raining down spells. Moments later, the distinct rumble of engines grew louder, followed by the deafening BOOM of tank shells pounding their fortifications.
"Activate the defensive spells! Prepare the soldiers!" Argon commanded. His aura flared as he drove his spear into the ground, muttering incantations that shot beams of energy skyward. One such beam was intercepted mid-air by Sean Rosario, whose blade cut through it effortlessly.
Sean Rosario
Sean hovered above the battlefield, his Pegasus circling with practiced precision. After neutralizing the golden beam, he smirked.
"Time to nip this in the bud," he muttered, diving toward the camp. Just before impact, a transparent barrier shimmered into existence, forcing him to pull up.
"It's a strong one," Sean remarked as he joined Ares, who was observing tanks firing on the defenses.
"Barrier needs breaking. Now," Sean stated bluntly.
"Consider it done," Ares replied, raising his greatsword. A crimson cloud formed, releasing a torrent of lightning. Sean followed up by creating an energy arc that struck the barrier, causing it to crack.
Inside the Camp
"What—what is this?!" Argon bellowed as red lightning streaked across the sky, slamming into the barrier. Sword arcs followed in relentless waves. The final blow came as Sean descended inches from the barrier, his strike packed with enough force to split a mountain.
BOOM!
"Commander! The barrier has fallen!" an officer shouted as chaos erupted in the camp.
"Prepare for close combat! This is our stand for the Goddess!" Argon roared, rallying his soldiers. Knights and infantry formed shield walls, their determination reignited.
Ares' Side
"The barrier is down, Lord Ares. What are your orders?" asked one of his strategists.
"Send the infantry. I'll join shortly. Capture as many as possible—we want a good show when we return," Ares commanded.
Infantry disembarked, charging into the fray with fixed bayonets.
On the Battlefield
A Bronze Knight swung his sword at a Draconian soldier.
Clang!
The soldier parried with his bayonet but quickly pulled out his sidearm, firing a shot that struck the knight's head.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The soldier fired a few more rounds before advancing. Elsewhere, a squad surrounded a noisy tent. After tossing a flashbang inside, they breached it, finding 10 Silver Knights mid-preparation.
"Drop your weapons!"
"Hands in the air!"
Though some knights surrendered, others drew daggers, only to be gunned down.
"Cuff them and move them out!" the squad leader ordered.
Meanwhile, Ares entered the battle. His divine aura flared as he led his guards, cutting down knights and breaking defenses.
Sean's POV
"It's about time I joined in," Sean muttered, leaping off his steed. He landed with a thunderous crash, scanning the battlefield until he spotted Argon.
Charging forward, he was met by a wall of Silver Knights, their spears aimed and shields raised.
"You shall not pass!" they shouted in unison, forming a barrier.
"Do you think this can stop me?!" Sean roared.
Channeling his energy, he unleashed Sword Vector, a strike that cut through the barrier effortlessly. The vibration from the blow shattered shields and armor, leaving the soldiers bloodied and broken.
To be continued...