Arc of the Souls Chapter 104: Arc 3, Chapter 27 - What War Really Looks Like

Read chapter 104 of Arc of the Souls by Noyr on NovelPedia.

[ 15:19 ] The Star Gazer shuttle made their way inside the city. Their fight against the UoK was inevitable, but they have to do everything in their power to save the city. “Steady... steady does it...” Claude landed the ship in a clearing amidst the rubble of a once-bustling plaza. The landing was rough, the shuttle's struts groaning as they settled on uneven ground. Two more shuttles, the Cloud Ruler shuttle and an unidentified Testharian vessel, landed nearby. That could only mean one thing. The Royal Squad was here. The ramp of the Star Gazer slammed down, and the three of them sprinted out into the hellscape. The air was thick with smoke and the copper smell of blood. The sounds of battle were a deafening, gut-wrenching symphony. The crackle of plasma fire, the distant boom of artillery, the screams of the wounded and the dying. It was only a matter of time before this place was cloaked in impenetrable darkness. From the other shuttle emerged Brennon Creed and Losin Csihar. Brennon had slick black hair and black eyes while Losin had beige hair with hazel eyes. They were both in their standard issue Elite uniforms with determined eyes. The Testharian shuttle was sleek and elegant, with an insignia that wrapped around the entire shuttle. The ramp lowered, revealing three individuals in pristine black checkered suits. Marin Deseri, Maduk Numa and Asheera Eria. The three parties didn't meet each other and instead went separate ways. They were all tasked with their own objectives. Claude and Mikael looked at each other, nodding. They were a well-oiled machine, even when they were missing a third of its parts. “The UoK are on the ground too, huh?” Fortner City had underground bunkers in case situations like this happened, but that did not stop the bloodshed from happening. They were safe, but they weren't immune. Dark Intrinium's weapon wasn't one that only destroyed things in its path, it was one that also rotted and decayed living beings. “It's empty for now, good. We don't have to worry about any civilians getting hurt.” “I guess it's time to intercept them before they even enter the city.” Claude said, stretching his arms and legs. “Captain... word of advice.” “Hm?” “Don't reserve your Evolution any longer. If the Uprising of Kytron are all here, all of them, they’re coming to finish this. We’ll have to give everything we’ve got... that also means...” Mikael looked at Claude, his expression serious. Claude grinned, and for the first time since the dreadnought, it almost reached his eyes. “ “Actually... I've got something for them. Heh.” “...Why does that make me more nervous?” “You're on point. I'll anchor. We hold the wall and we do not let them past.” Claude rolled his shoulders, staring at the great scarred barrier that separated them from the no-man's-land beyond. “...And, hey, Mikael.” "Yeah?" "...She made the right call, staying back." Claude said, and the lie was gentle, and it was for Mikael, and they both let it stand. “She'd have hated it out here.” Mikael gripped his spear and watched the wall. “I hope you’re right about that, boss...” - [ On the other side of the wall... ] Enter - Uprising of Kytron. They were waiting in the hull of their respective ships, Avu was looking at the cityscape, not really admiring the smoke. He looked at the wall that separated them from the city, knowing that a tough fight was ahead. “Be on standby, we aren't to engage until Soul-Core arrives.” “Roger.” Every member said in unison. They waited for a minute, then another minute... then another. “...” “...” “Rmgg...” “...” “Ugh...” Everyone became impatient. Heios was fidgeting while Satono brushed her fedora. Aria's head tilted and looked at Avu with a questioning look. Jasper was leaning against the wall with a bored expression. “What a boring pastime. Wish I brought a doll to tinker with. Something that resembles Claude Magami.” Jasper said. “You’re always on about dolls and stuff... What do you even use them for?” Satono asked. “F