10th November 3981, The War in Heaven Memorial Day. Neo Constantinople, Deneb Prime, Deneb System.
A blond-haired woman who seemed to be in her mid-30s standing on the landing platform. Alongside her are soldiers of Deneb, the best Deneb could offer, and a group of people that seemed to be highly influential.
"The shuttle is entering the atmosphere, Madam Governor. They will be here shortly." Said one of the people who stood beside her.
The woman is the current governor of Deneb Sector, Governor Hannah Pryce. The governor only gives her aide an understanding nod, as she looks ahead, expecting the arrival of the shuttle.
Not long after, a shuttle landed on the platform of the Governor's Office on Deneb Prime. With the presence of the Governor and the best soldiers Deneb could offer, it was surely a welcoming committee for a person of influence.
The shuttle opens its ramps, and several people came out of the shuttle. A group of Cerberus soldiers in full armor and armed were guarding what it seems, another Cerberus soldier, but it was clear that the soldier in question was of higher importance as the soldiers around them, including the Governor saluted.
"Welcome back to Deneb Prime, Young Master Lucius."
The Cerberus soldier took off his helmet and showed his facial features. Black raven hair, oval-shaped face, blue eyes as bright as a Neutron Star, and he appears to be in his mid-20s. His name is Lucius Aurelius, son of Augustus Aurelius III, a Colonel of Cerberus.
"It's good to be back, Governor Pryce." Lucius saluted back at her.
The two figures walked side-by-side, with Cerberus and the Governor's guards accompanying them.
"I am truly honored that you would attend the Memorial Day on Deneb. I hope I did not trouble you, Young Master." She said.
"Nonsense. My father certainly liked it if I visit Deneb often. After all, it's where Mother came, and where she stayed." Lucius replied. "On that note, I wish to visit my mother. It has been a while."
"I have prepared your accommodation here, Young Master. The populace would like to see you in the memorial." Governor Pryce said. "The people would like to see a member of the Imperial Family paying his respects to the fallen. Remember the memorial starts at 1500."
"Of course, I would be there." He replied. "Nevertheless, it's not hurt to explore. And who knows, get lucky with some girls too."
"*Sigh*, just be there Lucius."
"Of course, Aunt Hannah. I was merely joking." Lucius said as he gave his reassuring smile.
"On that note, I must get prepared. A Governor's job is never done. I will see you at the memorial. Don't. Be. Late."
"Of course, Aunt Hannah. You will see me in all of its glory."
Governor Pryce saluted at the young man as it was customary to do so to a member of the Imperial Family, and Lucius saluted back as she in a sense a member of the Imperial Family.
The two parted ways, as the Young Master of the Imperium watched the governor and her entourage walk with her to her next business. What he doesn't know, or refuses to know, is that the Cerberus soldiers who were with him were gawking at the swaying hips of the governor.
"For an old woman, she's got it going on huh." One of the Cerberus soldiers commented.
"Oi, watch it. That's my aunt." Lucius warned them.
"What, she's like, 350-ish? She still looked good." One of them jabbed in.
"She's 150 years younger than the Imperator." Another said. "Everyone in the Imperium is good-looking, but damn, she's hot."
"I heard she used to babysit you when you were young. You must be very lucky to be cuddled by her." Another jumped in. "You have to admit she's hot. Cause, I'm like damn she's fine~!"
"Wonder when she'll be mine~?" One of them jumped in.
"She walked past, I pressed rewind~."
"To see that ass one more time~.
"Can you four stop talking about my aunt? It's getting on my nerves." Lucius said. "And did you guys just sing 679 by Fetty Wap to describe my aunt?"
"Sorry, sir. We were just messing with you." One of them said. "But it was a given opportunity that we just had to take."
"*Sigh* Well stop it alright. Now, let's go. I want to see my mom." Lucius said.
After the not-so-fun talk, Lucius had to endure, Lucius and his entourage of Cerberus soldiers went on to visit the wife of the Imperator. On their way, they bought several bouquets, each for one of them.
"The Galactic Council has been very chatty these days. They aren't too happy with how the Imperium blatantly refuses to give a raise in recovery aids than the already determined and agreed amount." One of them said. "Calling us names, one of them being genocidal race. They even threaten us that they will take action."
"Those twats in the Galactic Council are saying nonsense, Lucas. They got some nerve to say that." One of them commented. "I'd like to see how they fare with the aids cut-off."
"They're just old farts who want money, Igor. It's nothing new to us. The Imperium before Octavius was the same, all they needed is a reality check." One of them replied.
"I actually would be glad to have some action again. Sure, war is awful, but I want to have some action again." Lucas replied.
"Aren't you a bit too warmongering for a Cerberus?"
"Oh, piss off Mark."
"Easy boys. Remember, we're still on duty." The last one of the four said. "That said, what's your opinion on this Luci?"
"Those so-called 'leaders' of the Galactic Council are being full of themselves. Then again, they always were. In the War in Heaven, they weren't capable of defending themselves when at the start they were overconfident that they would win without the help of the Galactic Custodes." Lucius said. "Their words weigh little to us in the Imperium and the Galactic Custodes. Their threats are as loud as an empty barrel. Pay no heed to them, they aren't worth the trouble Hector."
These four Cerberus are Lucius's teammates and closest friends. Lieutenant Colonel Hector Hernandez, Lieutenant Colonel Igor Romanov, Major Marcus Bennett, and Major Lucas Aelius. These four have been along Lucius since The War in Heaven, and they have been serving the craziest and heaviest fighting alongside him.
After driving for a while, they stopped at a place. The place is guarded by soldiers and police alike, armed to the teeth defending the place. The place was open to all civilians, which caught the attention of the populace of the Young Master of the Imperium. Seeing how the situation would go, both soldiers and the police made a barrier that separates the civilians and Lucius.
The four walked past the crowd, through the beautiful garden that has the most beautiful and non-lethal plants all across the Galaxy. They kept walking on, as they climb up the stairs of a monument of sorts. The monument was grand and aesthetically pleasing. They stopped upon a marble statue. Lucius and his friends knelt and placed their bouquets on the base of the statue. On the base of the statue were letters carved to it.
Ava Aurelius nee Pryce (3411-3745). A loving wife, A caring mother, and a wonderful Empress.
"Hey, Mom. I'm back. It's me, Luci." Luci said as he looked at the great statue of her mother. The statue was great, it showed exactly what she looked like. But it was never the same, the similarity can never replace the sweet smile her mother used to have.
"I'm here with my friends. And I'm sorry I only just visit you now. I've been very busy as of late. The War is over, Mom. The Ravernals are gone. You're avenged, I hope you can rest easy there." Lucius said. "Father and Cassandra never seem to be able to cope and get over. And honestly, I think I'm the same way. It has been what, two hundred years or so? Maybe more. I know you would nag to us that we should get over it and live our lives, but we're trying Mom, we do. Do you know what's funny? Now I miss you being mad at me and Cassandra. Heck, I miss you when you scold Dad every time he overworked himself."
Lucius chuckled at what he said. He remembered it as if it was yesterday. How his fierce mother would come bursting through a meeting and yank his father from his business, just to make sure he gets enough rest. And what's even funny is that his father couldn't do anything about it. It was one of a kind family. It was never boring, and despite the harsh teachings of the Imperial Family, it was his family and he loved it.
"I came here to visit you and try to get over it. Today is The War in Heaven Memorial Day, I'll make sure to put on a good appearance, otherwise, Aunt Hannah would beat me. And for your information, she is still single. I don't think she's making an effort to find a partner per your order, Mom. You should haunt her, maybe that would get her to find one." Lucius chuckled as he hold her mother's stone-cold feet. "When the day comes, I'll make you proud of me. I swear to you. I should get going, I promise my boys we would take a tour of Deneb."
Lucius kissed her mother's feet, as he looked into the eyes of his mother's statue.
"I'll see you again soon, Mother. Luci always loved you."
Lucius turned around, not even taking a single look back. The boys and he arrived at the car.
"Well, let's get going while we still have time," Lucius said.
"Alright. Luci, we're always here for you." Hector said.
This came with an assuring nod coming from the rest. Lucius smiled and gave an acknowledging nod.
"Come on boys, let's have a tour of the city," Lucius said.
"Maybe I'll get lucky this time! I heard Deneb got some hot girls in the sector." Lucas said.
"You and your desperate single ass, Lucas." Mark shook his head.
"Come on! I don't wanna be haunted by the Empress for not having a girl! Come on man, help a brother out."
"The Empress could care less about your single ass, Lucas," Igor said.
"My mother treats my friends like relatives. She might just as well haunt your ass as well, Lucas." Lucius joked.
"Oh, now that's just great," Lucas whined.
The boys laughed at Lucas's shenanigans, it was a needed laugh from that sad atmosphere.
°°°°°°
Downtown of Neo Constantinople
The boys just finished lunch, and it now shows 13:30 on Hector's watch.
"Yo, I think we better get back to the Governor's Office. It's almost time too."
"It's 13:30. Yeah, it made sense. It will take us one hour by car. You think we should take the AV?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah, let's take the AV. I don't want to catch traffic. Traffic in Deneb is a bitch." Lucius said.
The boys grabbed their stuff, and several people consisting of the manager and the waiters and waitresses comes by.
"I-Is something not to your liking? We can do anything for you to help." The manager said, anxious about bad service.
"Hm? Oh no, we're just done eating and we're just about to pay and leave. The service here is exemplary." Lucius said.
"O-oh! V-very well, Y-Young Master! L-Let us help you with the payment." The manager said as he motioned one of the waiters to do the job.
The waitress rushed to the cashier, and after a few moments, she rushed back.
"T-the bill has been sent to the Imperial Family, Y-Young Master." The waitress said.
"Good. The food was delicious. I might revisit if I have the time." Lucius said.
"B-but of course! The Young Master of the Imperium is always welcome here! We await your next visit." The manager said as he bowed a bit.
Lucius and his boys walked out of the restaurant, right to the heart of the city.
"Aren't those people seem too nervous? I understand that Luci's here with us, but not to that point." Lucas said.
"We're Cerberus. People have always been terrified of Cerberus ever since the rule of Octavius the Tyrant." Igor replied. "Then again, it's a good thing. If they fear us, they fear the Imperium. And in our book, that's a good thing."
Then as the four kept on walking to their car, they saw people crowding. They looked at what they were crowding at, and he saw a Roman gate erected right in the center of the city. Lucius never saw that before, and the boys could've sworn that the structure wasn't there the last time they look in that direction. Having a bad feeling, Lucius got closer to the structure.
After passing through the crowd, the GATE was 20ft tall and 15ft wide, the thing was massive. The police did all their can to make the civilians step away from the mysterious structure, while nearby battalion garrison soldiers of the Deneb Civil Guard rounded up and formed a defensive perimeter around the structure.
"Young Master, it's not safe here. We must get you to safety." A captain of the Civil Guard said to Lucius.
"You seem to forget that I'm also a Cerberus, captain. I refuse to leave. And I don't want to hear anything from you." Lucius said.
"I... I understand sir."
While Lucius's attention was diverted to the captain, he just managed to see the silhouettes coming from the GATE. Lucius looked to see the silhouettes clearly, only to see an army. Though what he didn't expect, is that the army was a primitive Romanesque army, with 3ft tall beasts behind them and what it looks to be a scaled Ikran like those in Pandora.
"This is Aquila Red 1, we have an 11-99!! I repeat, 11-99 emergency! We have a primitive army coming from a mysterious structure with teleportation capability, along with Charlie-class war beasts! Deneb Prime is under attack! I repeat Deneb Prime is under attack!!"
As Lucius finished calling an alarm, the primitive army already formed a line and let out a war cry. Shortly, they charged towards the already dug-in Deneb Civil Guard.
"Open fire!!"
*Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw* *Pshiw*
The Deneb Civil Guard opened fire at the charging primitive army. The primitive army was gunned down and slowed down, but it doesn't stop their advance. Lucius looked back and saw the civilians being evacuated with haste by the police force. Lucius approached the major who was in charge of the battalion. The leading major looked and noticed that Lucius was heading towards him, as he saluted.
"Major! How many soldiers are currently under your command?" Lucius asked.
"Exactly 1,000 soldiers, sir!"
"How long can you hold the enemy at bay?" Lucius asked again.
"We can hold for as long as needed, Young Master!"
Lucius nodded at his answer. "I'm taking command of your battalion, Major. The Police Force is currently evacuating civilians, we will hold until they are evacuated."
"Understood, sir! My men are at your command!"
The Major saluted as he returned to commanding his men on the defense. The primitive army's assaults are relentless despite being pinned by the Deneb Civil Guard. Lucius turned towards his comrades, and he saw them four at the ready for orders.
"Igor, take command of the Police Force and evacuate every single civilian you can find. I will need an exclusion zone around 4 Kilometers radius." Lucius commanded.
"Understood, sir!" Igor said as he rushed to the nearest Police Force to relay the Young Master's command.
"Marcus, Lucas, Hector. Take command of the companies we have in the center. On my command, we will fall back in several directions as far as 4 Kilometers away from the center."
"Understood, sir!" The three of them responded as they rushed to any company of the present Deneb Civil Guard.
30 minutes into the fighting, the Deneb Civil Guard decided to gradually fall back as the primitive army's push began to strengthen despite losing so many. In any case, the battle shows no sign of ending. It became the Civil Guard's thorn as the Ikran-like beasts harassed the defensive positions of the Civil Guards, however, they were relatively easy to deal with.
"Aquila Red 1, this Red 3. Civilians have been evacuated. You have your exclusion zone."
"Copy that, Red 3," Lucius responded. "Major! Call the retreat!"
The major nodded as he radioed his men to retreat.
"Aquila Red 1, this is Governor Pryce. I need a SITREP on the current situation."
"Governor Pryce, this Aquila Red 1. The primitive army has attacked us by surprise, but the nearby Civil Guard garrison is currently holding the enemy in the center. However I do not know how many hostiles we are facing, so I'm calling the battalion to retreat." Lucius reported. "I request further reinforcements from Deneb Civil Guards to contain and repulse the enemy army. I have created an exclusion zone as far as 4 Kilometers radius from the center, and I need reinforcements to hold a perimeter surrounding the center."
"Copy that, Aquila Red 1. You will have all the support you need from Deneb. Governor Pryce out."
Lucius wasn't done, as he radioed what he believes to be the key to repelling the invaders from Neo Constantinople. The Young Master of the Imperium looked at the savages trying to invade his mother's home. How dare they, he thought. And now, he's going to make sure they'll taste the bitterness of incurring the Imperium's wrath.
"Eclipse, this Aquila Red 1. Deneb Prime is under attack. A foreign primitive hostile army has been spotted in the City Center of Neo Constantinople, requesting reinforcements. I need full hands on deck, all available Cerberus elements are to deploy and regroup at the given coordinates." Lucius relayed his commands. "These savages are trying to soil my mother's home planet. I want them to taste the wrath of the Galactic Imperium!"
"Copy that, Aquila Red 1. All Cerberus elements of Eclipse answer your call. Glory to the Galactic Imperium!"
Lucius then transmitted the coordinates, and now gradually retreating along with the Deneb Civil Guard. They retreated in an orderly fashion, slowly backing away as they kept the pressure on the enemy.
°°°°°°
General Marius, the leading general of the 2nd Gate Expeditionary Legion could not believe his eyes on what he is seeing. Buildings reaching the heavens, iron carriages flying across the sky, and what scares him, is how devastating the enemy retaliated.
He leads a force of 250,000 soldiers and several thousand war beasts, a much larger force than the one sent to the Gate of Alnus. And in under 30 minutes, he lost at least more than 40,000 men and several hundred beasts against 1,000 enemies, a number that he was quite baffled with.
He felt the Empire of Sadera have finally stepped on a giant's foot, and enraged the giant. However, he has orders. And that is to push forward.
"General Marius, the enemy has retreated in several directions, and is as far as 2 leuga away from our force." One of his aides reported. "However, we have not encountered a single commoner that we could capture. Our scouts are currently searching for them to capture."
"... Bring the rest of the army here. I have a feeling we might need them all to fight this enemy." Marius said.
"Understood, sir. "
He watches on as his forces gathered at the other side of the gate. It has been approximately half an hour, yet still, the enemy didn't make any moves other than reinforcements surrounding them. It took his entire army to assemble on the other side around a few hours, and even then there have been no sightings of the enemy's movement. However, he was rather curious about how few numbers were sent to meet his force. His scouts reported at least 5000 enemy soldiers are surrounding his army's position. Normally, one would get worried, but with him are 250,000+ soldiers and beasts. All of them gathered at the massive center and spread out to the adjacent areas. If he wanted to, he could give the order to just push the enemy, and he would win. However, something wasn't quite right.
Marius wouldn't find out the reason for his unease until it was already too late.
Governor's Office, 15:00
Lucius, Governor Pryce, the leading general of the entire Deneb Civil Guard, and his teammates representing the Cerberus are gathered in a meeting.
"It has been several hours, and the enemy has not many any major moves. The enemy is being careful with us, as we have spotted scouts screening the roads to the City Center. They also used those flying beasts to scour the area, however, they were relatively easy to handle." The leading general said. "Recon shows enemy reinforcements pouring out of the GATE. I'd say they're about to make a great push."
"How many are there, General Vrataski?" Governor Pryce asked. "I trust we have the firepower and the capability to repel them despite the numbers?"
"Around more than 250,000 men, madam Governor." General Vrataski said. "And yes, we have the necessary firepower to defend Deneb without the need to call for reinforcements from other planets. Reinforcements from the 671st Mechanized Civil Guard Division and 642nd Air Wing are at our disposal."
"I have called the Cerberus under my command to reinforce as well, Madam Governor. All 5,000 of them along with the air power the Eclipse is ready to provide." Lucius jumped in.
"Great. Now, I want to hear about the casualties we lost." Governor Pryce asked.
"We suffer no civilian casualties, only minor injuries. And the good news, is we suffer no damages to our boys who held the line." General Vrataski said.
"I see. I am glad that we suffer little damage. But, such an attack cannot go unpunished." Governor Pryce said as she looked at her nephew. "Nephew, I will give you the command of the entire retaliation force. This insult must be responded to tenfold."
"I was about to usurp command, either way, aunt. Those savages will taste the Imperium's wrath. They dared attack the home planet of my dear mother, they will pay the price." Lucius replied.
"*Laughs* Is that so? Well then, I will leave it to your trusting hands. I am sure, my sister's honor will be defended well if it's her son." Governor Pryce said.
"Your orders, Young Master." General Vrataski affirms Lucius's role to command.
"The 671st Mechanized Civil Guard Division is to be split and cover the ground to surround the enemy. I will relay orders to Cerberus and have them split evenly. Once we made preparations, I will have the Eclipse commence a small-scale orbital bombardment to soften the enemy positions. Once it is done, the 671st Mechanized Civil Guard will commence their assault simultaneously on all fronts.
On the field, Cerberus will have total control of how they proceed. I will only give a simple order, and that is to deliver the most devastating damage and terror to the enemy. I want them to be scarred for life, both their physique and psyche. I don't care how brutal or barbaric it would be from the Custodes' standpoint, I want these savages to feel our wrath. And of course, during the battle, I will have a company of Cerberus hold the entrance to the GATE. I will not allow anyone to escape the Imperium's wrath.
If everything goes well, it would end in less than a few hours. We will follow procedures regarding prisoners until we have gathered them and totaled them. There are more than 250,000 hostiles currently gathered in the City Center. Once the battle is over, I will only allow 20,000 to be spared. Should we have more, we will liquidize them until we reach 20,000. Of course, we will take people of influence within them. Intel about them will be invaluable to us."
"Permission to give an opinion, Young Master?" General Vrataski asked.
"You may, General."
"While this is a solid plan, I have to say, this is a bit barbaric. It will be a massacre even just being on the crosshair of the Civil Guards, being tormented that way by the Cerberus is just overkill. Aren't we going a bit too far with this?" The general said his piece of concern.
"It will be fine, General Vrataski. If you are concerned about our friends in the Galactic Custodes, don't be. Our actions are still within the parameters of the Galactic Custodes's rules of war. After all, each nation of the Galactic Custodes has the right to do whatever they see fit to protect their worlds." Lucius answered. "Besides, the Custodes couldn't care less about savages who attack others at a whim."
"I see. By your will, Young Master."
The general understood. Soon, the 671st Mechanized Civil Guard arrived at the site. Orders were soon given as the Civil Guard took their positions as they were told to.
Lucius took command of the eastern force, the force that was positioned to be the buffer for the Governor's Office. With him are 2000 Cerberus, along with the rest of the 671st Mechanized Civil Guard. They stand ready, manning the defensive positions that were set up earlier in the day. Lucius's boys were separated and were assigned to lead a front, except for Igor who remained with him.
But as Lucius was about to give the order, an officer rushed to his side.
"Young Master, the enemy is on the move." The officer relayed his information. "The enemy has separated into smaller detachments and is going to advance to all fronts. A force of 52,500 hostiles is coming our way."
"I see. Thank you, Ensign."
The officer saluted and returned to his post, while Lucius brought his communicator close.
"This is Aquila Actual. Hold your position. The enemy has made their first move. Await for my command to push these savages back to where they came."
"This is Aquila Red 4, Roger that."
"Aquila Red 5, copy."
"Aquila Red 2, understood sir."
The Civil Guards hold their positions per Lucius. As they await for the enemy to be at least a few hundred meters away, the enemy stopped. The enemy went into a shield formation, ready to withstand whatever they were being sent at.
"Loose!" The commander of the Saderan detachment ordered.
A volley of arrows was set loose upon the defending Civil Guards. The Saderans hoped that it would at least cause some damage, and to their dismay, it caused no damage whatsoever.
The body armor of both the Civil Guards and the Cerberus are all designed to be able to withstand kinetic force as strong as a 21st-century IFV cannon, and they are equipped with a portable shield generator to withstand heavy energy weapons. This allows the Imperium to suffer minimal damage, and oftentimes the winning factor of a battle.
"These people suffered no damage from our arrows..." One of the legionnaires muttered in shock.
"Tch! Hold your ground men! Do not falter!" The centurion rallies his men. "Open formation! Charge!!"
The centurion leads his men for a charge. He and his men were put in the reserves and were already anxious to face the enemy. And now, he and his men have the chance to bring themselves glory. They charged, ready to shed their enemy's blood. They were about to shed blood, it's just not their enemies.
The Civil Guard opened fire. The rate of fire of the Civil Guard's Plasma Rifles brought the line to a complete halt, as they were pinned by the intensity of the constant assault of plasma to rip their line apart.
The line was in complete disarray. Yet, it wasn't enough for Lucius.
"Eclipse, this is Aquila Actual. Commence orbital bombardment at the given coordinates."
"Copy that, Aquila Actual. Bombardment commencing."
Lucius turned to Cerberus's officer with him and gave him a simple nod, which the officer understood and radioed the battalion.
"642nd Air Wing, this is Aquila Actual. Commence aerial supremacy. I want those flying lizards on the ground." Lucius radioed in.
On an airbase not far, airmen of the 642nd Air Wing run about to their designated aircraft. The Avenger-class multirole stealth fighter and the Firehawk-class VTOL multirole fighter taxied the runway and took off in squadrons, as the Dragonfly-class AH began to hover their way to the battlefield.
The guns of the Eclipse swivel a few degrees and came to a sudden halt as they locked on the coordinates. From the firing controls of the Eclipse, the officer zooms in to confirm the target.
"Target confirmed."
"Commence bombardment!" The captain ordered.
The Eclipse shot out both plasma and kinetic projectiles in a continuous barrage.
Down below, a high-pitched sound was heard throughout the battlefield. The centurion looked up and saw blue lights coming their way.
"What in the-"
Just then, his position was bombarded. His men cowered as they were being crushed by this powerful magi.
General Marius looked over in horror, as the eastern front are being subjected to the horrendous form of magi. While he was in shock, his close men went into an uproar as they couldn't believe their eyes.
"What was that?!"
"That's the eastern front!"
"Are they destroyed??"
To answer their questions, a lone soldier approached his position.
"My lords, the eastern front has been destroyed! Their centurion has fallen, and now enacting full retreat!"
Before any of them could retort to the report, another explosion occurred on the western front. Then another on the northern, and then the south.
"Send the wyverns! We must assist our fronts before they are completely broken!" General Marius commanded.
As per his orders, the wyverns took off as they split up to support the retreating legionnaires. One squadron of wyverns spotted the enemy and was about to harass them and support the ground forces. However, they saw massive iron elephants. The smaller iron elephants aimed their snouts at them, and they shoot out blue magi right at them. One of the wyverns was shot down immediately and both the wyvern and rider were killed.
"Damn it! Evasive maneuvers!" The lead rider commanded.
The wyverns took evasive maneuvers, trying to get away from the iron elephants. As they were evading, they saw the larger iron elephants shooting their magi at the retreating legionnaires and it exploded once it hit.
"Such powerful magi..." The rider muttered.
General Marius couldn't believe his eyes. His wyverns are being repelled that easily. He already exerts many of his forces, including his auxiliaries. However, the worse came to last. All of a sudden, half of his wyverns are shot down on all fronts by flying magic arrows. He was baffled and completely shocked, he was confused by how it happened. It was soon that he have his answer. Flying Iron Wyverns. Dozens of them. And they laid waste to his wyverns, rendering them useless and dead. Not just his wyverns, the Iron Wyverns also attacked his legionnaires on the ground, resulting in more damage.
He knew the battle was at a loss. He had to call for a full retreat back to Falmart. However, that plan also failed and it failed before it began. As two Iron Wyverns came to his position and bombarded his bodyguards. Then from it came soldiers with armor and within a glance, anyone would notice that it was better made than the Imperial Legionnaires. The soldiers then proceeded to kill his remaining men, and Marius was left alone, shocked. He didn't even put up a fight when the soldiers subdued him, he knew he lost and he would just die rather than be alive bringing shame. However, the enemy seemed to need him alive, much to Marius's dismay. And he was forced to watch as his men slaughtered as they tried to break through the blockading enemy from their home.
The entire battle lasted around a few hours. A record the Imperium would have been proud of if their enemy aren't primitive.
Within those few hours, Lucius caused so much damage to the enemy, however, he didn't reach his goal of killing so many. And now, he was left with more or less 40,000 prisoners, awaiting their fate.
As he looked down at the prisoners as they were on their knees, General Vrataski approached him.
"Young Master... Are you sure you want to do this?"
"... Have we separated the important ones from the rest?" Lucius asked back, disregarding Vrataski's concern.
"...Yes, Young Master. We did."
"Good. Take half of them, and kill 5,000 of them. The rest are to be kept hostage. The other 20,000 are to be released." Lucius commanded.
Vrataski breathed out a silent sigh of relief, at the very least he didn't massacre all 20,000.
"Understood, Young Master."
The Deneb Civil Guards only stood guard and watched, as the Cerberus gathered and separated the 40,000 to what the Young Master have commanded. As the Cerberus brought with them 5,000 unfortunate soldiers, they were brought for every one of the Saderans to witness. They were then burned by a squad of flamethrowers. Their agonizing wail terrorized the rest of the Saderans, some even pissed their pants. Some couldn't bear the horrific sight, as they only can put their head down while they cannot stop the traumatizing wail of agony.
The 5,000 burned to death. Cooking as their carcass emits a horrible smell of cooked piss and shit. With a single flick of Lucius's hands, the 20,000 were led to the GATE while the 15,000 stayed.
Lucius left, not even giving a glance back, and he and his comrades head straight to the Governor's Office.
°°°°°°
Lucius and his friends arrived once more at the Governor's Office. The courtyard of the building was filled with civilians treating their wounds. Many of their civilians bowed their heads to respect him and responded with an acknowledging nod. As he walked past them, a little girl 8 years old suddenly hugged Lucius's feet. It was a surprise, but this one was welcomed.
"I'm truly sorry, Young Master! She won't do it again!!"
Lucius looked at the woman who he guessed was the mother of the child. He gave a reassuring smile and a small pat to the child.
"It's nothing serious, ma'am. She's but a child." Lucius said. "I do, however, want to know why you hugged my leg little one?"
"Mommy said that you would defeat the invaders away. And you did! So I want to thank you!" She said excitedly.
Lucius couldn't help but laugh as he rubbed his hand on her head.
"Aren't you a sweetheart? Well, I thank you for the hug, little one. Now, go with your mother. You don't want to get lost, would you?" Lucius said to the girl. The girl shook her head and ran straight to her mom.
As the mother bowed and left with the child, the child turned back and waved at Lucius. Lucius smiled and waved back until she was out of sight.
Lucius continued on his way to the Governor's Office, as he was inches away from his aunt's door. The door opened automatically and revealed Governor Pryce standing in attention to a holographic transmission. Lucius and his friends immediately knelt, and put their heads down.
"Forgive me, I was not aware of your presence," Lucius said.
"Don't be, son. Arise, Lucius."
Lucius and Lucius alone rise and saw the holographic transmission of his father, the current Imperator of the Galactic Imperium, Augustus Aurelius III.
"You four, leave us." His father commanded his friends.
"By your orders, Imperator."
His friends left the room, leaving only his aunt and himself. Lucius stepped forward, close enough to address the Imperator.
"I have heard that Neo Constantinople was under attack by some primitive army. Tell me, are they vanquished?"
"They have indeed, Father. The Deneb Civil Guards and I have made quick work of them. We have captured 15,000 of them, killed more than 150,000 of them, and released 20,000 back to whence they came."
"Releasing 20,000? That's merciful of you. As I recall, you're never this merciful. Especially against the Ravernals." Augustus said. "Then again, it's the Ravernals. Of course, you would give no mercy. But still, 20,000 men were released? What are you planning?"
"I plan to spread the word of our might, Father. These are savages, it would be more convincing for them if 20,000 men are spared and live to tell the tale." Lucius answered. "That, and I plan to retaliate. By your permission, of course."
"You have my permission, and my blessings to do whatever you wish with them. The GATE could lead us to another undeveloped planet of which we could make use. You will have ships and men under your command." The Imperator said. "I will assign to you the 25th Star Classis, the 212th and the 501st Assault Legions, and the 5th Cerberus Pack. You will cross the GATE with the 5th Cerberus Pack, and beacon the planet in which the 25th Classis along with the 212th and 501st follow. You will subject the planet to Imperium control, and you will do so under your jurisdiction."
Lucius was in awe, he knows that sooner or later he would be sent across the gate. But he didn't expect to be given such force.
The Assault Legions each contains 1,500,000 personnel, along with complementary several tens of thousands of armor vehicles of all roles. The 25th Classis is one of the Imperium's most battle-hardened fleets there is. They have served in several engagements, and their most famous is the Battle of Terminal Egress. They have thousands of starships, and with them have 500,000 Imperial Marines and millions of crewmen.
And the 5th Cerberus Pack is the best in the entire Imperium space. They have a fleet, of around 500 starships. And armed personnel around 2,000,000 and complementary armed vehicles around 30,000. This force that his father gave him, is enough to take on a small sector and all of them are for him to use.
"I will do all I can to make you proud, Father," Lucius said.
"You need not be, because you made me proud years ago. I would like to talk more, but I must get going. The Galactic Council has been very annoying. Good luck to you all."
Lucius and Governor Pryce bowed, as the transmission ended. As Lucius stood back, he recalled his father's orders and the size of the force.
I will not fail. He said to himself.