The echoes of annihilation reverberated across the battlefield as millions of lives were extinguished, their desperate screams blending with the relentless roar of the falling flyers. A brief silence enveloped the devastated landscape, only to be shattered by the mechanical hum of advancing machines and the descent of boarding ships from the heavens. Like an unstoppable wave, hundreds of thousands of mechanized and foot soldiers poured forth, advancing inexorably towards the imposing wall that marked the edge of Lavina's stronghold.
"They're going to clean them out," remarked Rhox, her eyes fixed intently on the chaotic scene unfolding beyond the window.
Gunn, seemingly indifferent to the carnage, lounged comfortably on Rhox's bed. "About time this is finished," he replied with a casual air, as if discussing the end of a mundane task rather than a brutal campaign.
Rhox, noticing Gunn's comfort, couldn't resist a playful jab. "You're looking way too comfortable on my bed, Mr. Mandibles," she teased, a smirk playing on her lips.
Gunn, unperturbed, responded with a relaxed demeanor. "This is the right of passengers, my friend," he said, stretching his massive feet towards the edge of the bed, the picture of nonchalance.
Rhox conceded with a chuckle, "You're right...my friend."
Suddenly, Rhox initiated a sharp descent towards a rendezvous point with the Red Fleet forces. The abrupt movement caught Gunn off guard, and as gravity took hold, he found himself tumbling from the bed, dragged unceremoniously towards the back of the ship.
"You fucking bitch!" Gunn exclaimed, his protest echoing through the confined space as he struggled against the unexpected force.
Rhox, thoroughly amused by the sight, couldn't help but laugh at Gunn's predicament. "Serves you right for getting too comfortable," she quipped, her voice filled with laughter.
As Rhox expertly steered her ship towards the descent, a radio transmission from Vincent interrupted the moment. "Why are we descending? We've already completed our mission," he inquired, his voice tinged with confusion and concern as he trailed behind Rhox's ship.
"You are free to retreat towards the dreadnought," Rhox replied calmly, her tone firm and resolute. "I have a score to settle with the queen, if she's still alive," she added, her determination evident in her voice.
Vincent's voice crackled back over the radio, a mix of admiration and worry in his tone. "Be careful, Rhox. We'll be ready to assist if needed," he assured, his loyalty unwavering.
Rhox nodded, even though he couldn't see it. "Thanks, Vincent. I'll make sure to finish what we started," she responded, her voice steady with resolve. The descent continued, her mind focused on the task ahead, ready to confront the challenges that awaited her.
As Rhox descended further, she observed Admiral Vonn Redd and his battalion advancing towards the formidable walls of the kingdom. Deciding to join them, she maneuvered her ship to land directly in the path of the advancing army. Vincent, her steadfast wingman, soon followed suit, landing his craft expertly beside hers. Gunn, wearing a somewhat disgruntled expression, exited alongside Rhox. They were met by Admiral Vonn Redd, the army poised and ready behind him. Vincent, ever dutiful, quickly exited his ship to join them.
"All three of you did great. Now leave the rest to us," Admiral Vonn Redd commended, his voice carrying a note of pride.
Rhox, her face set in a serious expression, replied, "I'll be going too."
Admiral Vonn Redd, puzzled, raised an eyebrow. "What for? We're going to clear the place of these wretches. The Lakvi refugees have successfully evacuated the kingdom before the bombardment, thanks to my spies. So, what's your motive?"
"Nothing big," Rhox said, her voice cold and resolute. "Just gonna flay the queen and her daughter alive."
Understanding the depth of her vendetta, Admiral Vonn Redd's expression hardened. "Let them feel what Gel felt, Rhox."
Respecting her determination, he decided to incorporate Rhox into their assault on the city. As the army marched forward, Rhox noticed Gunn heading back inside her ship. "Hey you! I require your assistance, friend! I need you to find a person," she called out.
With a slightly dissatisfied expression, Gunn approached her, aware that Admiral Vonn Redd, whom he greatly respected, was observing. Rhox explained her need for Gunn's help in locating and apprehending the pure-blooded Lavi princess she had encountered during the mission to save Gel. She mentioned using Rhaul, one of her ship's AIs, to obtain and analyze the princess's appearance data.
Gunn clicked his mandibles in mild annoyance but nodded. "Alright, who is this princess we're looking for?"
Rhox turned to the ship, her fingers flying over the control panel as she activated the AI. "Rhaul, pull up the appearance data on the pure-blooded Lavi princess we encountered."
"Affirmative, Captain," Rhaul responded, its mechanical voice cool and efficient. The holographic display flickered to life, showing a detailed image of the princess.
Vincent, observing the display, remarked, "So that's your target. Looks like you're in for quite a hunt."
Rhox's eyes narrowed as she studied the image. "She's somewhere in this city. We need to find her before she escapes."
Admiral Vonn Redd, listening to their plan, interjected, "Be swift and careful. The city is crawling with enemies, and we can't afford any mistakes."
Gunn, now fully on board with the mission, grinned menacingly. "We'll find her. No one escapes from us."
Rhox nodded, a steely determination in her eyes. "Let's move out. We have a queen and a princess to find."
As they prepared to head into the heart of the city, the air was thick with anticipation. The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them, but they were ready. This was more than just a mission; it was a quest for justice, a reckoning for the pain and suffering inflicted upon their own. And they would not stop until their enemies had paid in kind.
The army advanced towards the city, the synchronized sounds of hundreds of thousands of troops marching in unison echoing their intent to wreak havoc. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the air was thick with anticipation.
"Spare those who surrender, but kill those who resist!" Admiral Vonn Redd's commanding voice boomed across the battlefield, setting the tone for the impending assault. His words hung in the air, a grim decree that sent a shiver down the spine of every soldier.
The ensuing events unfolded with ruthless precision. Every combatant, both mechanized and foot forces, meticulously infiltrated every corner of the Lavi city's infrastructure. The soldiers moved like a well-oiled machine, executing their orders with unwavering determination. They engaged in chaotic and brutal combat, ruthlessly eliminating those who resisted while capturing those who chose to surrender. The city's streets became a warzone, filled with the sounds of gunfire and the cries of the wounded.
Meanwhile, Gunn disappeared into the city's labyrinth, his movements swift and silent. He pursued Rhox's designated target with unmatched agility and stealth, his senses honed to a razor's edge. The darkness of the city seemed to embrace him, concealing his presence as he moved closer to his goal.
The once bustling cityscape now echoed with the deafening cacophony of gunfire, resounding explosions, and the heart-wrenching screams of those caught in the crossfire. The relentless assault continued throughout the night, as soldiers, following Admiral Vonn Redd's orders, carried out their mission to purge the city of its resisting inhabitants. The scene was one of utter devastation, with buildings reduced to rubble and the streets running red with blood.
At the same time, those who surrendered were apprehended and corralled outside the fortified walls, awaiting their uncertain fate. The captured Lavi, their faces etched with fear and despair, were herded together under the watchful eyes of their captors. The night was filled with the sounds of weeping and the murmurs of frightened conversations.
Amidst the chaos, a soldier approached Admiral Vonn Redd, saluting crisply. "Sir, the resistance is weakening. We're securing the last of the strongholds."
"Good," Admiral Vonn Redd replied, his voice steely. "Ensure that no one who fights back is left standing. We will show them the consequences of defiance."
Another soldier, bloodied and weary, reported, "We've captured a significant number of Lavi civilians, Admiral. They're being held outside the city walls."
"Very well," the Admiral nodded. "Make sure they understand their new place."
The city, once vibrant and full of life, now lay in ruins, a stark testament to the price of rebellion against the Red Fleet. The dawn would soon break, but for the Lavi, it would bring no relief, only the cold, harsh light of a new reality.
As dawn approached, the ravaged city bore silent witness to the aftermath of the merciless assault. The remnants of structures, reduced to crumbling ruins by the relentless flyer bombardments, stood as stark monuments to the violence that had unfolded. Scattered across the desolate landscape were the lifeless bodies of Lavi men, women, and children, painting a grim tableau of the heavy toll exacted by the brutal war. The assault raged through the night, a relentless tide of destruction, until a mere 1031 Lavi surrendered.
Admiral Vonn Redd, surveying the scene with a grim expression, turned to his Infantry Commander and asked, "Is that all?"
The commander, equally somber, responded, "Indeed, Admiral. Our data indicates that the Lavi population numbered approximately 6.4 million. Shockingly, only 1031 individuals surrendered and survived. The remainder likely perished due to the intensity of our flyer bombardments."
Amidst the scene of desolation, Admiral Vonn Redd sat amid the wreckage, taking in the dire consequences of their actions. The stark contrast between the ruthless efficiency of their military campaign and the somber reality of lives lost weighed heavily on his conscience. The Void, indifferent to the struggles of the weak, had left an indelible mark on the city.
The Infantry Commander, observing the Admiral's contemplative demeanor, approached and said, "Admiral, the data on Lavi casualties is clear. The toll is significant."
Admiral Vonn Redd nodded, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. "The Void is never merciful to the weak," he muttered, his hands shaking slightly before he clenched them tightly.
Rising to his feet, his expression a tapestry of determination and sorrow, Admiral Vonn Redd stepped outside the gates, venturing into the captured territory. Before him stood the defeated Lavi, disheveled and injured, their faces a mask of desolation. Their hollow gazes mirrored the abyss, reflecting the aftermath of the conflict that had unfolded within their homes. The visceral reality of war, with its complexity and moral ambiguity, lingered in the air—a poignant testament to the harsh realities of the Void.
Facing the captives, Admiral Vonn Redd questioned aloud, "Was I in the wrong?"
He continued, his voice rising, "Because your leader stole something from my daughter, it is only fair that I take something from your leader in return."
Vonn Redd's voice grew more intense, "She must have sobbed and pleaded for the beating to stop, but your queen surely continued until her legs were nothing more than mush."
"In the eyes of my family, the Red Fleet, I am a loving father who will go to any length to protect them," Vonn Redd proclaimed, his voice echoing with conviction. "It's detrimental that I failed, but all I can do now is to cast down the hammer upon your entire kingdom." His words caused the captives to quiver, their terror palpable.
One of the captives, his voice trembling, dared to speak up, "B-But where would we live!?"
Vonn Redd's response was stern and unwavering, "You can be slaughtered right now, or you can join the Red Fleet as family, not as captives or prisoners!"
Faced with this choice, the captives pondered their options, their fear giving way to a grim determination. Admiral Vonn Redd, decisive, ordered the soldiers to free them, stating firmly, "Your choice, life or death."
Confronted with this ultimatum, the entire group of 1031 hostages made the decision to join the Red Fleet. They boarded the ships alongside the soldiers, marking a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the intense conflict.
Perched upon a grand pedestal in the heart of the kingdom's central square, Rhox found herself amidst a haunting scene. The lifeless bodies of nobility, once adorned with grandeur, now lay strewn across the cobblestones, their limbs splayed in eerie contortions. An unsettling silence lingered, the chilling aftermath of chaos enveloping the surroundings. As Rhox surveyed the grim tableau, distant hysterical screams pierced the air, guiding her gaze toward Gunn, who held two captives by their necks – the Queen and her daughter.
In the throes of suffocation, the Queen's desperate cries for mercy echoed through the square. On the other hand, the lifeless princess dangled with a lacerated head, her vacant eyes portraying a mixture of fear and regret. Gunn, in his characteristic nonchalant demeanor, remarked, "Got some game here, you hungry?" His callous chuckle punctuated the air, adding a sinister undertone to the already macabre scene.
Rhox's eyes narrowed with anger as she rebuked, "Idiot, why'd you kill her? I was supposed to be the one to do it."
Gunn, attempting to justify his actions, responded with a shrug, "Apparently, the girl had a hidden knife and tried to stab me, so I slashed her on instinct. Sorry, Valkaryann genes," he added, his tone indifferent.
Rhox's disapproval was palpable as she demanded, "Release them, now." Gunn complied, and the lifeless princess slumped unceremoniously to the ground. The Queen, driven by desperation, attempted to flee. Rhox, displaying ruthless efficiency, discharged two shots – one for each leg of the Queen.
[Boom!] [Boom!] [Splat!]
The once-regal monarch, now crippled, emitted anguished cries as she collapsed onto the cold cobblestones.
"Running won't save you," Rhox said coldly, her voice cutting through the Queen's whimpers.
Gunn, watching the scene unfold, clicked his mandibles in mild amusement. "Guess she won't be going anywhere now," he remarked.
The Queen, now sprawled on the ground, looked up at Rhox with a mix of terror and defiance. "Why are you doing this?" she gasped, her voice strained with pain.
Rhox leaned down, her eyes boring into the Queen's. "For Gel," she replied, her voice steady and filled with cold resolve. "Your reign of cruelty ends here."
Gunn, ever the observer, added, "You should've thought about the consequences before tormenting innocents." He glanced at the Queen's daughter, then back at Rhox. "What now?"
Rhox stood up, her gaze never leaving the Queen. "Now, she faces the consequences," she said, her tone leaving no room for mercy.
"S-Spare me, please… Please," the Queen's voice quivered with desperation, each word laced with a plea for mercy.
Rhox, undeterred by the pitiful cries, approached the fallen monarch with a cold, calculated indifference. Seizing the Queen by her hair, Rhox dragged her toward the imposing pedestal, ignoring the anguished protests. Once there, she bound the Queen's hands tightly, ensuring no chance of escape. The desperate pleas for help echoed around the desolate square, but the vacant eyes of the fallen Lavi bore no witness to the unfolding brutality.
Rhox's expression remained stoic as she decided to further strip the Queen of her remaining dignity. In a show of dominance, she tore away the monarch's garments, exposing her to the elements and the chilling reality of her downfall. To quell any resistance, Rhox delivered a series of punishing kicks to the Queen's stomach, each blow forcing the fight out of her until her struggles ceased.
"S-Stop… Stop… Please… Spare me," the once-powerful queen begged, her voice barely a whisper now, echoing through the eerily quiet square. The scene before them painted a grim picture of brutality and despair, a stark reminder of the consequences that befell the fallen rulers of this desolate kingdom.
Rhox, driven by an insatiable thirst for vengeance, took her cruelty to a horrifying peak. She placed her foot on the Queen's head, the very symbol of authority that once ruled this land, and pressed down with sadistic glee. Then, in an unrelenting display of brutality, she unleashed a storm of gunfire, targeting the Queen's legs. For a grueling fifteen minutes, each bullet was met with a heart-wrenching scream from the fallen monarch, her cries echoing through the square.
"K-Kill me already," the Queen begged, her voice breaking with pain and tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.
Rhox paused, her eyes cold and unfeeling. "You think you deserve a quick death after everything you've done?" she hissed, her tone icy. "This is just the beginning."
The Queen, writhing in agony, sobbed, "Please, just end it. I can't take anymore."
Gunn, watching the scene with a mixture of interest and detachment, remarked, "You're wasting your breath, Queen. Rhox isn't one to show mercy."
Rhox turned her gaze to Gunn, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Exactly," she said, her voice unwavering. "This is justice for Gel and everyone else who suffered because of you."
Gunn nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. "Make sure she feels every bit of it," he added, his tone approving.
Rhox looked back at the Queen, her expression hardening. "This is for everyone you tormented," she declared, her voice ringing with finality. "You will suffer as they did, and you will know their pain."
The Queen, defeated and broken, could only whisper, "Please... no more..."
But Rhox's resolve was unyielding. She stepped back, letting the Queen's screams fill the square, a grim symphony of vengeance and retribution that would echo long after the last bullet was fired.
Rhox, her eyes glinting with malice, sneered, "Oh, I won't kill you just yet. First, I'll be skinning you alive." With a sadistic gleam, she seized the Queen by the hair and began the horrific task of flaying her alive. Using a dull and rusty knife, Rhox meticulously stripped away the Queen's skin, starting from her head and working her way down to the remnants of her legs. The Queen's agonized screams pierced the air, echoing far beyond the walls and reaching the ears of the distant soldiers.
Even after the brutal flaying, the Queen clung to life, her muttered pleas for release barely audible. Rhox, showing no signs of compassion, acknowledged the suffering with a chilling coldness. "You want me to kill you?" she asked, her voice devoid of emotion. "As you command, your majesty."
The Queen, her body battered and trembling, seemed to find solace in the prospect of death. But Rhox had other plans. "You shall now die, burned alive slowly," she whispered menacingly. "Right here, on the pedestal at the center of the kingdom you once loved." The Queen's moans and wails grew more desperate as Rhox, with an expression of grim determination, chained her to the pedestal.
Turning to Gunn, Rhox demanded, "Hey, can you make a fire?" Gunn, observing the Queen's suffering with a detached curiosity, replied with a dark jest, "You'll make a magnificent Valkaryann, Rhox." With a wicked grin, he exhaled a toxic vapor, igniting the Queen into a horrific, fiery spectacle.
As the Queen burned, her screams of torment filled the air. Rhox and Gunn, their mission complete, walked away from the gruesome scene. They made their way to rendezvous with Admiral Vonn Redd, who awaited news of their success. "Is it done?" he asked, his voice steady.
Rhox nodded, her expression hard. "It's done," she confirmed. Gunn and Vincent joined her as they boarded Rhox's ship, lifting off to return to orbit.
As they ascended, Rhox glanced down at the city below. The sight of colossal flames engulfing the Queen at the heart of the inferno filled her with a dark satisfaction. Admiral Vonn Redd, observing the scene from the dreadnought, issued his final command. "Unleash the orbital strikes," he ordered. The dreadnought responded, launching a barrage of destructive firepower that obliterated the kingdom of Lavina in a cataclysmic finale.
[Distant Booms...!]
Rhox sighed deeply, leaning back in her seat. Gunn, reclining once more on her bed, remarked, "Revenge tenfold, eh?"
Rhox's eyes flashed with determination as she replied, "Damn right." The echoes of their revenge reverberated through the void, sealing the fate of a kingdom in flames.