Empyrdom x Federations/Chapter 1: The Myriad War

This is the first chapter of Empyrdom x Federations.

## Plot

The city is at its usual state. Peaceful with very low military presence. However, the peace was disturbed by an incoming force from a distant planet. A second force from another distant planet assisted the defense.

## Characters

### Aethervallum

#### Empyrdom of Anticytheris

1. Joshua Zephyrius - Archon Emperor
2. Caitlineia Eurius - Archon Empress
3. Jonathan Machina - Exalted Marshal
4. Cordelia Eurius - Armadean Marshal
5. Alice Argentum - Chief Marshallia
6. Severina Zephyrius - Arch Magistratess
7. Jesse Argentum - High Magistrate
8. Louisius Salamandra - Archon Marshal
9. Reius Draganea - Draco Magistrate
10. Thomas Atlanteum - Archon Marshal
11. Raymond Jetterra - Archon Marshal
12. Aeretherius XII - Anima Magistrate
13. Altairius Deneva - Empyrean Magistrate
14. Vegaea Deneva - Empyrean Magistrate
15. Megresiel Septans - Empyrean Magistrate
16. Alcalaid Asclipius - Empyrean Magistrate

#### Myriad of Regeleim

1. Paraptomii - Overlord
2. Dynapeinix - Executor
3. Vermudegarii - Conqueror

### Joshua the Hedgehog

#### The Jkirk Federations

1. Adex Zarvok Burns - Faction Leader
2. Joshua Sentrium Burns - Member
3. General Wade Lester - 5 Star Militoid General
4. ???

#### The Keter Var Empire

1. Dr. Advisto Metronia - Emperor
2. ???

## Rules

* The Usual: No Godmodding, Metagaming, Powerplaying, Autohitting, Etc.
* Within Terrain Terms, it will affect everyone. Unless you are in the sky or in Space.
* The weather will affect everyone and your Vehicles, unless they have supernatural weather powers.
* Rules of Engagement: ....Use everything you got, I don't care. XP
* You can also refer to Yoshiya's Roleplay Rules, only with one specific exception:
	+ You can speak "damn", "crap", and "hell" uncensored. Users who wrote any other vulgar terms are strictly obligated to change them accordingly.

MTBA

## Roleplay

### Act 1: Initial Invasion and Interception

#### Part 1A: Genesis Havoc

**November 17, 2016/3238 ATS**

**Anticytheris Receptacle, in Antiquus' orbit: 1:32 PM**

The Empyrdom is preparing for their voyage to search for planets. This was done in order to benefit the military force and the industry of the countries. The Receptacle's hangars opened, revealing a cluster of airships. They seemed to be loading some ground units.

"Severina, is the launch ready?" asked a green-haired man, seated on a black upholstered chair.

"All set," a fair lady with lighter green hair in two pigtails answered.

"Launch them towards the designated planet outside the Heluxion."

"Yes, br-- urm, milord."

The airships left a trail of cyan smoke after they were launched at increasing speeds. As they built up speed, they were enveloped in a veil of azure light. They eventually disappeared in the fabric of space.

From a distant planet, a large sickle-shaped structure loomed in the middle of the urban field. A signal was seen from a panel inside it. It was overseen by an unknown entity which spoke, "Interesting."

**Genesis City, Downunda (Australia), Jkirkian Territory: 9:32 AM**

The civilian population within the city have been going around their normal routine—going to their jobs, shop keepers selling food, appliances, etc. Everything seemed to be going good. Very low military presence seemed to be within the city.

Joshua Sentrium Burns, the son of the Jkirk Federation's faction leader, appeared to be visiting the city. He appears to be walking around the Jkirkian Mobian capital. Eventually, he stopped at a bench. He slid down his BFT-HUD from his forehead to his eyes and viewed the entire capital from satellite view. "...Hmm... this city has come a long way, even though it’s quite young.."

The expeditionary fleet ended up in the far side of Downunda. The green-haired man was watching over each airship from the Astral Panel. "They have made it," he declared. "Identify the planet."

"It is not in our hub, milord," an elderly man clothed in ornate clothing spoke up from one of the large airships.

There are currently 28 airships total—4 large ones and the 24 main attack force.

"Scour the planet if there are sapient life. If there are, DO NOT attack the area unless there is an opposing force," the green-haired man said.

"Yes, Your Majesty," replied the elderly man. "Relaying the Emperor's orders to all units."

The airships slowly glided towards the urban area. They stopped when one of the officers has sensed something amiss.

"Milord, we have company," alerted a monk-like man dressed in his traditional clothes.

"What force?" replied the green-haired man.

"Regimenians, at IX!"

A cluster of strange floating spacecrafts were gliding towards the city. Flying alien creatures also followed suit.

Joshua noticed the alien ships when they get close to the city. ".... What in the hell?"

"Prepare to engage while exercising caution around the civilian area. Forward, for Antiquus!" spoke the green-haired man.

"For Antiquus!" the crew officers spoke in unison.

The expeditionary fleet glided towards the invading force. Each of the flagships unloaded two vehicles with diagonal barrels—known as the aerial warmice. These vehicles prepared to place themselves in an area with a fairly high geographical advantage.

**Empyrdom of Anticytheris:** 24 empyrean dirigibles, 4 hecatoncherein carapaces (not including the units currently loaded in each), 8 aerial warmice

**Myriad of Regeleim:** 36 sky tyrants (the spacecraft), 62 carrion pygmies (the flying aliens)

Joshua went on to contact his father, Adex.

The Sky tyrants released a rain of energy bullets at the city. The Pygmies stooped down, preparing to attack any force trying to oppose them.

Four warmice released high-speed .25 Caliber tungsten carbide bullets at the Sky tyrants. The other four engaged the Pygmies. 6 Tyrants were destroyed; 17 Pygmies were bored with a lot of holes in their body.

The energy bullets appeared to hit the outskirts of the city.

Joshua himself is in the City Center. "...Come on.."

Adex Zarvok Burns, the Jkirkian faction leader, picked up. "Hello?"

"Dad, we have a situation developing at Genesis City.."

"What's going on?"

"A fleet of unknown forces is heading towards the ci-" He heard the ongoing firefight. "...on second thought, they're already here."

The Pygmies flied towards the Empyrdom forces.

"The flying entities are engaging the airships!" notified the aviator of the 2nd Hecatoncherein Carapace.

"Have the empyrean dirigibles erase them," ordered a fair woman with flowing dark green hair tied in a ponytail.

"Yes ma'am. Relaying orders!"

The dirigibles deployed 288 nexus cluster units from their small hangars. These small floating units released continuous energy beams at the Pygmies. Some of them got caught by the net of high-density energy, leading them to their death. The remnants of the pygmies attacking them released energy balls at the airships. However, the airships were protected by a Class B ethereal shielding. The shields were reduced trivially.

"Is that.... firearms I hear?" Adex asked.

"Unfortunately, yes," Joshua answered.

"I'm mobilizing the 1st Jkirkian First Response Fleet. They will be there within a couple of hours."

"All right then..." He noticed the civilians fleeing. He then hanged up. "...Welp. So much for my relaxation." He equipped his C-T59 Plasma Rifle. "And so much for my scheduled training." He sighed afterwards.

"Establishing interplanetary transmission with the urban communication system," spoke the green-haired man within the center building of the Receptacle.

After three minutes...

Joshua went on to assist the now mobilized law enforcement to evacuate the civilians and defend the city. The mobilization, however, is minor, along with SWAT personnel, having just deployed a single SWAT transport.

"Hmm. The communications are not responding." He adjusted the frequency of the Astral Panel arcane communication and watched over the panel. They got a incoming response after a minute. "Greetings," spoke the green-haired man.

"Yes, hello," Joshua picked up while riding on a tank. "Who is this?" he asked as firearms can be heard in the background.

"Are you the ruler of the area? We came to assist in the defense."

"No, I am not the ruler of this area. Or the entire 37% of this continent. That would be my father. Who is also mobilizing a first response fleet." As he was speaking, treads can be heard. "HEY. Watch where you drive that tank!"

"I see. I am the Archon Emperor of the Empyrdom of Anticytheris, Joshua (Aelianos ) Zephyrius of Planet Antiquus."

"I'm Joshua Sentrium Burns. The son of the Jkirkian 'Overlord'."

"Confirmed."

"So which one is the friendly army? The one with these Airships and...." He checked his BFT-HUD for a bit. "...Ground Forces, or the one with just the Airships?"

"Depending on your view. The white units are of the Empyrdom; the invading dark blue units are of the Regeleim."

"So... White units are friendlies, then."

"You can say that," Aelianos told him. "We shall take hold of the invaders. You take care now."

"Okay then," Joshua replied. An explosion can be heard. "...Well, there goes the freaking Tank." The communication ended.

The Dirigibles, with half-damaged shields, have incinerated 42 Pygmies. The Aerial Warmice were still engaging the Tyrants, which are now only 23 in total.

Joshua proceeded to look at the sky where the enemy airships were at. "Okay. Those airships have gotta go."

The Tyrants released energy bullets at different directions.

If they were high/low enough, the bullets would hit some skyscrapers.

The Empyrean dirigibles' cluster units kept firing at the Pygmies which were harassing them.

Joshua was looking up at the hostile airships and began to think of a strategy. "..Hm... A direct assault could result in high chance of failure... but, what the hell am I supposed to do, stand here?"

The Tyrants continued invading the city.

Joshua sighed. "Here goes nothing." He began ascending into the air. His LVRA Jetpack had been activated.

A small fleet of Imperial air vehicles were sent within the sky zone of Genesis City through multiple warp drives.

"Relaying commands to all Empyrean Magistrates. I have sent main aerial interception units to dispatch these thieving rats," said Aelianos .

"We heed your call, milord," said the fair woman with dark green hair.

Aelianos attempted to reconnect with Joshua’s comm.

The latter was in the air at this point, but he was contacted. "Yes?"

"I have sent my main aerial force to support you in the front lines. Do take care, my friend."

"Ah, thank you. I'm heading up to one of their Airships, so.. Please watch your fire."

4 Garudions and 16 Azure Eidolons warp-drove into the city airspace at high speeds.

Joshua was flying towards the smallest enemy airship within the Regimenian fleet. He then noticed the Imperial reinforcements within 20 seconds of their arrival. "Uh... Assuming those are yours?"

"Yes. Watch the colors."

"All right... By any chance, do you have any experience in these ships the enemy is using?"

"Oh, them? Facing the returning Regimenians from 230 years ago is not as easy as I thought. But I predict this force is yet meager."

The four Garudions released a stream of superheated plasma bullets at the Tyrants while the Azure Eidolons rushed towards these airships.

Joshua was getting closer to the enemy Airship.

The empyrean dirigibles have obliterated all the pygmies while their shields were slightly drained.

The azure eidolons pierced through few tyrants while maintaining their tachyonic speeds.

"I see.... Just curious, is it possible to board or hijack one?"

"They are airships controlled by the life force of the organism inside it. There are no technologies in them that can be controlled by others not of their kind."

"I see.... Well, in that case, best not to hijack it then."

"After 226 years of their past invasion, I remember their capabilities quite well. Take care not to let their organic units directly touch you."

"By directly touching, do you mean their weapons, or physical contact?"

"Physical contact. They inherently have a unique ability within their kind."

"I'm curious. What is their unique ability that makes it best for ranged engagements?"

"They can steal energy from your body. They will use it to turn your abilities against you."

The Tyrants were flying around in circles within a close dogfight.

"Oh..... Yeah, that's not good....... Are they flying around in circles?"

"That's because they are making maneuvers, obviously."

Some of the Azure Eidolons and Garudions were afflicted with a good amount of damage on their shielding.

"Right.."

If that ship had any sensors, it might have probably detected Joshua heading straight towards them.

Their aviators themselves can sense organisms within a 250-meter radius. Three of the airships headed towards him.

Joshua was looking straight towards the ship he's heading, not noticing the three reinforcing ships. "This is kind of a stupid question, but they are destructible from the inside, correct?"

"Yes, of course."

"All right, good, because I might find a way to do that."

"Very well."

"Any entries I can get into? Or perhaps weak points?"

"Any weapon with a fairly high oscillation rate can pierce their hide."

Joshua glanced at his Plasma Rifle on his back. "..Alright.. that might be a problem."

"Any melee weapons in your arsenal?"

"Yes."

The three Tyrants charged up their Essence Blaster Units. An Azure Eidolon was charging towards the three within a straight line.

"Dodge incoming projectiles at III."

"Incoming Projectiles?"

"Three o' clock, in short. Watch yourself—three Tyrants are engaging you!"

The three Tyrants released their slugs of high-density energy towards Joshua.

Joshua looked at his right (3:00 position). "...How did I notice that befo- OH GODS."

These Tyrants, however, were subsequently destroyed by a supersonic thrust from the Azure Eidolon's Calamity Blade. Unfortunately, the projectiles were already released. They were not that large, so they can be evaded in Joshua's position.

Joshua attempted to dodge the projectiles by taking evasive action. The three blasts zoomed away. He looked as the projectiles passed by him. "Welp. I lived. I'm going to disengage this call now."

"Do be careful now, then."

"All righty. See ya." The call has been disengaged.

There were no Pygmies left but the 10 remaining Tyrants were to be dispatched.

#### Part 2B: Regeleim's Reinforcements

"Emperor! We are detecting clusters of enemy reinforcements!" one of the regular crew aboard a Carapace alerted.

Joshua had almost reached one of the Tyrants.

Aelianos was observing the skirmish and the incoming reinforcements from the opposite side of the precursor's entrance. "Just as expected. The first forces were merely a precursor to a more hazardous skirmish." He adjusted the comm frequency to reach other military-grade communication sectors. "Reestablishing contact."

"Hello?" an unknown Jkirkian officer picked up.

"Hm? I hear a different voice," he observed. "State thine identity, if thou mayest."

"This is the commander of the 1st Jkirkian First Response Fleet. Who are you?"

"Aelianos , Archon Emperor of the Empyrdom of Anticytheris. May I be of service?"

4 Large-sized Contacts can be seen upon sensors.

"Well... I assume that you’re helping in the defense?"

"Yes. A force of extraterrestrial entities is attempting to raze your army's property. We have arrived on this planet to explore it yet we helped in the defense when they intercepted."

"I see. Nevertheless, the Jkirk Federations thank you for your support in the defense upon our capitol."

"Tis a pleasure to assist thee. My forces are at the west and east coordinates of this region. The invaders are entering from the north. It is best for yours to retaliate for we of the Empyrdom are not insurmountable although we have existed for more than four centuries."

"Understood."

"Now there are enemy reinforcements inbound. Are you forces prepared to mobilize? We will provide support for your units."

"Our fleet is mobilized, yes. However, we're only First Responders, so.... We'll wait and see."

From the horizon was a medium-sized battalion of Regimenian forces. There are 30 Grav Razorii, 150 Carrion Pygmies, 25 Sky tyrants, 5 Astral Warpers, and 15 Helical Rays. 60 Force Menders were seen supporting the Pygmies from the ground.

**Myriad of Regeleim**: 30 Grav Razorii, 150 Carrion Pygmies, 32 Sky tyrants, 5 Astral Warpers, 15 Helical Rays, 60 Force Menders

"I assume you have your forces mobilized as well?" the commander asked.

The Empyrdom currently has 24 Empyrean dirigibles, 4 Hecatoncherein Carapaces, 8 unloaded Aerial Warmice, 4 Garudions, and 16 Azure Eidolons. However, the Carapaces still have loaded units in their modules. They may be a small expeditionary force, but their quality rises over quantity.

**Empyrdom of Anticytheris**: 24 Empyrean dirigibles, 4 Hecatoncherein Carapaces, 8 unloaded Aerial Warmice, 4 Garudions, 16 Azure Eidolons

The commander was awaiting a response.

The enemy reinforcements continued to get to the city while the remaining Tyrants regrouped.

"They are few meters towards the city. Defensive measures must be initiated immediately," said Aelianos as he oversaw the situation from the Receptacle's multi-sensory panels from each Imperial unit.

"All right, then. I'll issue the deployment of my ground forces."

"Good. We will provide support now."

"Okay. Issuing orders..... Now."

The first wave of Jkirkian Ground Forces within the Airships have been ordered to mobilized at the barracks. 2 Platoons seem to make up the first wave.

The 24 Empyrean dirigibles deployed their Nexus Cluster Units (288 in total). The 8 Aerial Warmice calibrated their aim. The Hecatoncherein Carapaces loaded the Warmice back. From the existing rift emerged new 8 Garudions and 12 Azure Eidolons which regrouped with the 4 Garudions and 16 Garudions. The air vehicles moved out as a vanguard fleet. The Carapaces followed suit and started to look for an area available for drop-off.

The Helical Rays from behind released a long pulse of energy at the sky. These projectiles broke down into smaller fragments and are launched towards the Empyrdom aircraft.

The Azure Eidolons took evasive measures by using their speeds. The Garudions flew around to divert the projectiles.

The 2 Platoons have been loaded up into Genesis Transports. Within minutes, 3 Genesis Transports, along with 6 T7-N4 VTOLs to act as support, have launched from the hangars. At this point, the Law Enforcement within the city has been completely overrun.

The Grav Razorii started to engage the defensive lines of the city by releasing sawblade-like projectiles with edges charged with radiation wave energy. The Carrion Pygmies took the front as meatshields while trying to harass frontline enemy units. The Sky tyrants charged up their energy blaster units. The Astral Warpers unloaded 30 Vex Houndmen to act as melee fighters in the battlefield. The Force Menders provided medical support for the lunging Houndmen.

"Those Hostile Airships are becoming annoying. Charge up the Rail guns and Plasma Cannons at once!" ordered the fleet commander.

The 4 Reaper X3Y's start charging up their weapons. The Transports have landed within friendly lines, and the Platoons are deployed. The T7-N4's go with the Transports to provide cover. Meanwhile, Joshua is on the ground, within the disputed area of the city. He decided it was best to be on the ground, what with all the chaos going on in the skies.

The Grav Razorii held their position in the middle of the Regimenian battle formation as their sawblades were trying to pierce through the defense.
The numerous Carrion Pygmies released swift blasts of high-density energy from mid-range at the frontliners.
The Sky tyrants moved slightly backwards while their charging duration is almost complete.
The Astral Warpers moved towards the Grav Razorii to provide cloak detection capabilities.
The Vex Houndmen were still charging towards the defensive line.
The Force Menders followed suit.
The Garudions and Azure Eidolons were charging towards the enemy aerial units. The Garudions released multiple rays of plasma at the Sky tyrants. The Eidolons keep lunging as their Calamity Spears glowed brighter.
The Nexus Cluster Units glided towards the Pygmies and released a huge net of energy beams at them.
The Hecatoncherein Carapaces were trying to unload their ground vehicles behind the friendly lines.

The weapons upon the Reapers were fully charged. Upon a moment's notice, they fire their 8 Plasma Cannons and 2 Railguns at the Hostile fleet
Meanwhile, the Transports and its support reached their hangars, ready to deploy reinforcements, while the 2 Platoons reached the disputed area.

The Grav sawblades had breached the defensive line of the city front after minutes of being ignored. The Grav Razorii followed along with the Force Menders.
Half of the Carrion Pygmies released swift blasts of high-density energy from mid-range at the frontliners while the other half did the same at the Reaper airships. However, 35 of them got wiped out by the plasma cannons and the railguns. Another 50 of them were skewered by the cluster units. However, the remnants were getting tougher due to the Force Menders providing medical support.
The Sky tyrants released their charged blasts of radiation wave energy at the Reaper airships and the other transports. However, 9 of them went along with the 35 Pygmies. Another dozen of them were obliterated by the plasma rays and the Calamity Spears.
The Vex Houndmen engaged the front ground platoon through close combat with their Garganta Gauntlets, a couple of claw gauntlets made sturdy and lethal due to essence.
The Force Menders provided healing for the Houndmen should some of them get injured from ranged fire.

The Garudions and Azure Eidolons were maneuvering around the Tyrants as they continued attacking.
The Hecatoncherein Carapaces unloaded 12 Firestorm Machinas, 8 Aerial Warmice, 40 Aether secutors, and 6 Quadra Rampants behind the Jkirkian platoons.

The Infantry within the two Platoons that were engaged through Close Quarters Combat (unless if I'm mistaken. Hue.) lack any kind of Melee Potential, besides bashing their guns or using their bare hands. Nonetheless, 20% of the Platoons had been wiped out, while the rest attempted to engage with Ranged Combat. A squadron of Militant Soldiers decided to move away from the main front, and attempted to do a flanking maneuver, however there is a 43% chance they will be sighted. The Reapers themselves just got hit with bloody waves of Radiation energy. It’s unknown if their current Shields are able to block/reflect that (No, seriously. I don't know). The Reapers proceeded to counter the enemy fire by charging up another Volley. However, they started to move closer to the Tyrants, for whatever reason. Within one Reaper's 2 hangars, 60 T7-N4 VTOLs are being prepped up to engage Hostiles within the Skies, while in another Reaper's hangar, a single A74-UT Paratrooper/Support Plane were loading up "Paratroopers", while also readying up its guns for Ground Support.

The Grav sawblades engaged the front Jkirkian platoon.
The 85 Carrion Pygmies harassed the front platoon.
The Vex Houndmen continued to charge towards the next frontal flank. Some of them were injured from the plasma rays but they were being healed by the Force Menders. However, this was not enough as 7 of them were instantly killed by the Firestorm Machina's ballistic Mauling Rods. They were under enemy interception as the Aether secutors charged at them.
The Force Menders followed the Houndmen while providing support.
The Sky tyrants' numbers were being reduced by the Imperial air vehicles and aerostats. They fired their energy blasts at the Reapers.
The Helical Rays were engaging the rear from afar. The rear Empyrdom units were being damaged significantly due to the number of attacks. Some of the energy projectiles harassed the Reaper's shielding.
The Garudions and Azure Eidolons were maneuvering around the Tyrants as they continued attacking.
The Hecatoncherein Carapaces charged their SCP cannons.
The Quadra Ramparts moved along the flanking maneuver to provide defense for the Jkirkian army.

The front Jkirkian Platoons had to forcefully undergo CQC, by using their weapons to try and bash them, while some provided suppressive fire. It’s unknown if the 8 Militants were detected or not. The 60 T7-N4's and 1 A74-UT were deployed from the mentioned hangars. 5 T7-N4's went to escort the plane as it was getting into position, while the rest engaged enemy Aircraft. The reaper's shields held, but are close to collapsing. They fire their 2nd Volley at the Tyrants.

The 26 Grav sawblades were equipped to the 26 Houndmen, while the remaining 4 continued to distract the front platoon.
The 85 Carrion Pygmies continued to harass the front platoon. 13 of them were killed by the Warmice.
As the close combat ensued, the Vex Houndmen were gradually being injured faster than the healing factor of the Force Menders, which are also being reduced to 47 by the harassment of the Aether secutors. 3 Vex Houndmen were killed by the Mauling Rods.
There were 12 Sky tyrants remaining after the second volley and the Empyrdom's aerial attacks. However, 4 of the Eidolons were destroyed by a flurry of energy blasts from the Tyrants.
The Helical Rays continued attacking the rear. 2 Firestorm Machinas were severely damaged.
The Garudions and Azure Eidolons were maneuvering around the Tyrants as they continued attacking.
The Hecatoncherein Carapaces wiped out 8 Sky tyrants from the skirmish through single blasts of SCP.
The Quadra Ramparts started to make a wall for the front infantry platoons to engage the charging Houndmen in effective ranged combat.

The Jkirkian Ground Platoons had lost 48 Infantry in total. However, due to the help of the Quadra Ramparts (Those are friendly, right?), They are able to proceed with Ranged Combat without the fear of CQC. The A74-UT unloaded it's payload of 30 Paratroopers once in position, and the 55 T7-N4's had made contact with enemy Aircraft. The Reaper's had begun charging up for a 3rd Volley.

The Vex Houndmen recklessly charged towards the Ramparts and slammed the equipped Grav sawblades at their shell. Due to the force of their attacks, they would most likely push the Ramparts slightly. They continued attacking while soaking the ranged damage, although these projectiles are strong enough to cause average damage to their scales. The Force Menders provided medical support despite being slaughtered by the invisible Aether secutors.
The 72 Carrion Pygmies continued to harass the front platoon. 13 of them were killed by the Warmice.

There were 12 Sky tyrants remaining after the second volley and the Empyrdom's aerial attacks. However, 4 of the Eidolons were destroyed by a flurry of energy blasts from the Tyrants.
The Helical Rays continued attacking the rear. 2 Firestorm Machinas were destroyed.
A Garudion and 2 Azure Eidolons were destroyed by the Sky tyrants.
The Hecatoncherein Carapaces charged another SCP volley.

Most of the Infantry Platoon have decided to fall back, and went on to garrison a building, while a few stayed at the front to provide a distraction, and to help the Ramparts. The Paratroopers at this point have almost reached their destination behind enemy lines, but are still in mid-air. The A74-UT had started to charge up its weapon to provide support for the ground forces. The T7-N4's are still attacking the Hostile aircraft. The Reapers then fired another Volley at the Tyrants

The Vex Houndmen continued attacking without second thoughts. Most of the Menders were slaughtered by the Aether secutors, leaving only 22 left.
The 59 Carrion Pygmies continued to harass the front platoon.

The remaining Sky tyrants released a wave of radiation energy at the Reapers before being obliterated.
The Helical Rays engaged the Reapers.
The Hecatoncherein Carapaces were still charging their second SCP volley.
The Astral Warpers came close to the Houndmen, detecting discrepancies in enemy attack levels.

The Platoon had successfully garrisoned a building, although they lost 5 infantry on the way. The ones on the front line are probably either still fighting, or dead. The T7-N4's began to harass any hostile air they saw. The A74-UT had charged up its weapons, firing 1 Plasma Minigun, 2 Anti-Matter Autocannons, and 1 Dark Matter Heavy Autocannon, at any hostile Ground unit they saw. The Paratroopers had landed successfully behind enemy lines, proceeding the take hostile units by surprise. The Reaper's shields had finally collapsed once hit. Once this happens, any Ground Forces within them begin loading into Transports, while Random Aircraft were preparing to load up and launch. The Reaper's begin charging up a 4th volley.

The Aether secutors and the Vex Houndmen clashed. The Grav Razorii prepared to launch another batch of sawblades. Some of them were significantly damaged by the variety of projectiles.

Joshua was still upon the ground. It was a wonder on how he wasn't spotted.

The Helical Rays keep attacking the Reapers' shielding.
The Empyrdom's aerial units prepared to concentrate on the potential next wave.

The Warpers detected the cloaked Aether secutors, causing half of the Houndmen platoon to clash with them.

The Platoon began to fire at any hostile that comes within sight of the garrisoned building. The remaining members at the front begin to fall back as well. The T7-N4's prepare for the next wave as well, with the Reaper's deploying 4 Genesis Transports, filled with the rest of the Infantry, and 1 Platoon of Random Vehicles, with the rest of the Aircraft being deployed as well.

The Helical Rays were slightly damaged because of the Pygmies' assistance. The latter 59 engaged the transports.
After a long time, the Houndmen were reduced to 30 due to the Mauling Rods. They destroyed the Quadra Ramparts.

The Transports shields had prevented their hulls from taking significant damage. The Paratroopers had reached sight upon the enemy front, and began to attack in Ranged Combat, 5 of them, however, were CQC Specialists, and went to attack with Melee Combat. The Platoon was still in the building, with their retreating members reaching the building. The Reaper's shields had begun to recharge as well, with their Aircraft awaiting the next possible wave. The A74-UT's weapons stopped firing, and needed to recharge its weapons.

A Houndman was about three times the size of one Paratrooper. Despite the latter being a unit specializing in close combat, its chances are still slim in overwhelming a Houndman. A Houndman is about three times the size of a Paratrooper. Additionally, it is physiologically tough and is also adept in close combat, which is the field of combat it is meant to be in. As the Quadra Ramparts were destroyed, 15 of them closed in and engaged the remaining front. Five of them engaged the opposing five while the 10 divided into two small squads toward the west and east flank respectively to engage the rear. They were taking cover through their scales from Paratrooper fire. The Helical Rays released long pulses of high-density energy which refracted into smaller projectiles which gradually bombarded the garrisoned buildings. The Aether secutors, however, were occupied by half of the remaining Houndman platoon due to the Warpers.

Despite the advantages the Houndmen had, the Paratroopers proceeded to fight on until their last dying breath. They at least were providing a distraction for the Transports to arrive with Reinforcements. The Transports finally arrive, deploying 3 more Platoons of randomly deployed Infantry, along with one Platoon of Randomly deployed Land Vehicles, within Friendly lines. The Commander of the 1st Jkirkian First Response Fleet had made contact with Adex, in order to see if he can provide Reinforcements.

Due to the advantage of the center Houndmen flank, they were able to break through while following the west and east flank. As of now, they have already breached the front security sector of the city due to sheer strength. Even though there are no Menders left to assist them, they were durable enough to withstand non-ballistic attacks. The three flanks were charging towards the open flank of Imperial ground vehicles. The rear Houndman flank regrouped with the front as the 59 Carrion Pygmies switched with them to harass the Aether secutors, who were split into two flanks: the front which are in pursuit of the Houndmen and the rear towards the Helical Rays supported by the Astral Warpers.
As the Jkirkian reinforcements were deployed, the Helical Rays released another batch of energy barrages towards them. The 30 Grav Razorii deployed another batch of Grav sawblades to raid the rear Aether secutor platoon.
The Empyrean dirigibles, along with the Warmice, engaged the Pygmies to minimize further casualties among the Aether secutors.

The Firestorm Machinas proceeded to release swift plasma rays towards the Vex Houndmen to decrease their durability as soon as reinforcements finish them off.

The entire Paratrooper Support has been wiped out from the Houndmen, but at least the Reinforcements arrived without losses, and they began heading towards the Enemy. The Transports lifted off, while also taking fire from the Helical Rays, so far their shields were holding out, but cannot take any more in the next turn. The A74-UT had recharged its weapons, and once gaining sight upon enemy Forces, it fired at them.

Joshua was within a structure, within the disputed battlefront, attempting to not be noticed by hostile forces.

"It is time to end this," Aelianos stated, growing annoyed by the tedium.

The Empyrean dirigibles controlled the still-present cluster units in the field to release their net of high-density energy beams at the Houndmen who were left open.

The remaining Firestorm Machinas launch their Mauling Rods at the Helical Rays. The Hecatoncherein Carapaces fired their SCP cannons at the Warpers.

The Vehicles within the next wave had reached the front first, having some of them gaining sight of the Houndmen.

They proceeded to fire at any hostile they could see. Once the Infantry got there, they did the same thing.

After few minutes of shooting, the Empyrdom's expeditionary force would see that the enemy is clear.

"Milord, it seems that we have eliminated the invading threat," notified Alcalaid.

"Good," replied Aelianos .

The commander of the 1st Jkirkian First Response Fleet had noticed the Hostile threat had been contained. "Well... That settles that, then."

The Dirigibles stored back the cluster units. The Carapaces loaded the platoons back into their transport modules.

The Jkirkian Ground Forces stayed upon the ground, in case Reinforcements arrive.

After few minutes, there has been no sight of enemy Regimenians nor they were on radar.

Nonetheless, they stayed. The Jkirkian Aircraft that were still in the skies landed back into their Hangars.

The Imperial air vehicles maneuvered near the Judgment Armada I.

Joshua had finally noticed that the sounds of battle had been quiet. "....The Gunfire stopped?" He peeked out of the entrance to see if the battle was over. To his surprise, the battle was over "...Huh."

### Act 2: First Day of Preparation

#### Part 2A: Xervedia

"Now, I may need to hold a meeting in your headquarters if your chief allows so," Aelianos requested to the commander.

"Okay.. I'll contact our faction leader, now," the commander replied.

Aelianos waited for the transmission which arrived after eight minutes. "Confirmed."

"....Hello?"

"Greetings."

"To whom am I speaking?"

"Archon Emperor of the Empyrdom of Anticytheris, Joshua (Aelianos) Zephyrius. May I ask of your identity?"

"Adex Zarvok Burns, Faction Leader of the Jkirk Federations."

"A pleasure to commune with thee. I suppose you have heard from your officer that I will be holding a meeting regarding the attack of the extraterrestrial entities."

"Yes. The meeting is to take place within the Jkirkian Headquarters. However, which HQ he meant is questionable."

"I see. Any headquarters is preferable." Aelianos crossed his arms. "Because I presume it would take a couple of minutes for me to get there on the planet."

"I see... Although, we have multiple Headquarters. Our main HQ, however, is off of this planet."

"I confirm. Please send me the coordinates on the specific location. We will be there shortly."

"..Very well, then. I am sending the coordinates. I will see you there, soon."

"Well then. Severina, where are the other officers of the main branch?"

"They are back in Ventilus, elder brother," Severina answered. "Shall I contact them?"

"Yes, please." Aelianos saw the coordinates sent to the Astral Panel.

The transmission ends

"Xervedia," said Aelianos . "But the coordinates are different from the location of the Judgment Armada. This must be another planet." He relayed commands to his forces on Mobius. "How long is the warp drive back to the Receptacle? You need repairs."

"4 minutes accelerating to the speed of sound, milord," an Eidolon pilot replied. "5 minutes while accumulating energy to boosters, sire," Alcalaid replied.

"Good. Return." The air vehicles proceeded to ascend to the sky while accelerating to the speed of sound. The aerostats proceeded normally as they gathered energy. The Empyrdom armada has warp-drove back to the Receptacle.

Minutes later, a Peregrine Chassis was there floating near the Imperial officers of the Ventilusian branch.

"A meeting with an interplanetary faction? Interesting," Alice commented.
"Hmm, I wonder what Xervedia is like," said Cordelia.

"Everyone, let us depart," Aelianos said as he zoomed off along a straight path. As he gained speed, he disappeared after reaching superluminal speeds, warp-driving out of the Receptacle. The other officers were transported through the Chassis which also warp-drove through the fabric of space

13:00, [insert location here], Xervedia

They appeared over the orbit of one of Xervedia's moons: Nova Bax.

As the Chassis warp-drove within the orbit, Aelianos warp-drove within the atmosphere of the moon.

The moon had no atmosphere, Unless Aelianos can breathe without oxygen, he's gonna need a oxygen tank

Aelianos stood up and looked for the headquarters.

There seems to be no headquarters. However, there is an Orbital Defense Station that seems to be nearby. Perhaps he could easily mistook that for the HQ

As he looked at the station, he telepathized with Severina. "Are we on the exact coordinates?"

"No, brother, you are on the moon of the planet in orbit. It seemed that there was interference in the warp-drive process."

"I see. I will be descending to the planet, then," Aelianos agreed

The Chassis glided towards the atmosphere of Xervedia, gradually descending to the ground. Aelianos indirectly followed suit, gliding down the planet's atmosphere

As they descended into Xervedia's atmosphere, they can quickly notice it is filled with smog, and... Whatever that stuff is that comes from Pollution.

Seeing the smog, Aelianos was startled. He braced himself as he descended. He slowly landed on both feet and took a good look at his surroundings. The Chassis docked 60 meters west from his current location

"This strange scent... Is there fire?" Aelianos wondered, seeing that he has not experienced pollution on Antiquus yet.

As he looked around, a mass amount of Production factories, Military Defenses/Structures, and Testing Facilities can be seen. Luckily for him, however, he was nearby the Jkirkian Commander Center.

Aelianos flicked his right hand, causing a gust of wind to blow away the smog from his sights. The officers were unloaded from the Chassis.

"Is this... Xervedia?" Alice wondered. "It is not... pristine."

Cordelia looked around. "True."

They saw Aelianos looking around the area. Aelianos noticed them from behind when he heard their voices.

"Good timing."

A rupture appeared 7.4 meters, southwest from the Command Center.

Aelianos saw the Reaper X3Y emerge from the portal. It seemed that they could create rifts in space as well.
When the Reaper had fully exited from the Rupture (Portal), it had begun to vanish slowly. Eventually, it was gone.

"It seems that their interplanetary transportation is somewhat ineffective, "Aelianos thought why they used an airship just for transportation.

"It might be their flagship, milord," Alice told him.

After a bit, a Genesis Transport can be seen, exiting a hangar, on the right side of the Reaper.

The Reaper itself, however, was not a flagship. While it's easily mistakable that it is a flagship due to its size and weaponry, it's no more than a standard warship that is commonly used.

"Hmm?" Aelianos noticed the transport coming out.

The transport was nearing the command center. Eventually, it landed behind it, where it was unable to be seen on what was being deployed.

Aelianos waited.

After a bit, the transport took off and headed back to the hangar of which it came from.

Aelianos and his comrades were observing the transport flying away while waiting for the rendezvous.

The Reaper just hovered there in the sky, as it was waiting for something. After a bit, the doors of the HQ open.

"Hm, it's open," Alice noticed.

"It's calling us to enter. Let us go," ordered Joshua. The Imperial officers entered the headquarters.

As they were inside, they could notice that the inside had a futuristic look to it. There were also 2 doorways on the left and right. The one on the left was labeled "War/Meeting Room", the other was labeled "Barracks/Armory. A person stood in the middle of these doorways. He appeared to have an advanced full armor suit on him. He is looking at them, and is waiting.

Alice coughed slightly after entering the building and sighed. Cordelia was beside Caitlineia.
Aelianos looked the soldier before him and bowed slightly as a friendly gesture. "We are of the Empyrdom from a distant world. Do you mind if we go to the assembly for discussions?"

"Please answer to the doorway on the left, our faction leader is expecting you."

"Thank you." Aelianos turned to his officers. "This way, miladies." He let his officers go first as he followed from the rear.

As they entered the Room, they could see a Holographic Table, along with various screens and projectors. There were about 10 Seats aligned with the Table, and at the very end of the table, sat Adex Zarvok Burns, along with General Lester at his side.

"Ah, you have arrived."

"Tis a pleasure." Aelianos looked at the holographic table before them. "Interesting."

"Mhm. Come, please, take a seat where ever you like."

"Thank you. However, before that, let me introduce you to my officers," said Aelianos as he slightly stepped back in order for the ladies to be recognize. "Would you have the honors?"

The leftmost woman had long dark turquoise hair. She was wearing a traditional robe suited for quick swordplay and a white scarf with cyan accents to uniquely signify her membership as an Imperial officer. "I am Cordelia Eurius, Armada Magistrate." She bowed slightly.

The woman on her right was her spitting image, except that she had a milder expression and she wore a priestess-like robe with an overgarment with the same accent as the other Imperial officers to indicate their loyalty. "Caitlineia Eurius, at your service."

The next woman has lighter green hair than Joshua's and was adorned in her traditional royal garment with a white robe. "I'm the Arch Magistratess of the Empyrdom, Severina Zephyrius."

"Alice Argentum is my name: the Chief Marshallia." Alice has flowing yellow hair and was adorned in a mechanist vest with a white robe as well.

"I see... It is a privilege to meet you all. I am Adex Zarvok Burns, the Faction Leader of the Jkirk Federations."

"All set, we are. Let us sit down," said Aelianos . He and his officers chose seats. Aelianos sat opposite to Adex while his officers sat on the side seats.

"Now, I am sure you are familiar with the incident at Genesis City?" The room started to darken, as the Holographic Table started to show the entirety of Genesis City.

"Yes, of course," Aelianos affirmed. "I have sent my Judgment Armada as an expeditionary force on the other planet but we intercepted the essence-seeking extraterrestrial entities known as the Regimenians."

"Yet it seems they were attacking the city at first, not my forces." Aelianos crossed his arms in thought.

"Mhm... It is a wonder on why did attacked a Civilian Metropolis, and not a Military Armada." The table started to show the starting events of the battle.

"It seems that they are looking for the thing they really need."

"And that thing seems to be within my Capitol?"

"No," Aelianos said. "It is your people."

"...That sounds most troubling...”

"That being said, they seek essence."

"Mm-hm.. I guarantee this isn't the last we see of them on Mobius, then."

"Yes," said Joshua. "We will have to devise a strategy to manipulate their setbacks to our advantage."

"That would be the wise decision."

The battle reenaction upon the Holographic Table had entered the part where the 1st Response Fleet came in.

"Their melee capabilities are deadly. It it comes to the point that they will just steal the essence of the ones they killed, they would be tougher." Aelianos thought of something. "As an unrelated note, is your faction in war with someone else on these times? They might get in our way."

"Sadly, yes."

The battle on the Holographic Table disappeared. After a bit, it was then replaced with another battle, but on a different planet. It showed a Jkirkian outpost on the verge of being overrun by a large army.

"What enemy faction is this?"

"They call themselves the Keter Var Empire. Their technology appears to be less advanced than ours... Yet, they impose a dangerous threat."

"How did they even topple one of your fortified properties?"

"They approve brute tactics, as well as being in large quantities. Although their technologies are less advanced, they have the capability of Intergalactic Travel. How they accomplished this is still under research."

"Quantity, I see," Aelianos said. "Now, regarding our fortification, we will be assisting you in this arc of war."
"To transport our units directly within a certain Jkirkian sector, we will be installing warp drive modules to link the process in the exact coordinates," said Alice. "Our Downloaders will take care of it."

"Alright. Would this include the civilian areas as well?"

"Yes. Any invasion-prone Jkirkian territory."

"I wonder if Xervedia is near the planet where the expeditionary force had been transported," said Severina.

"Hm?"

"If it is, then the installation will be of less hassle."

Aelianos thought of it somehow. "What is the name of the planet where our expeditionary force had been transported in?"

"That would be Mobius."

"I see," Aelianos affirmed. "Before I lose collection of an important action, do you consent to have an alliance with the Empyrdom?"

"Very well then. We will have the legal document ready afterwards."

"Alright then."

"Now then, we will continue on the strategy. We have a lead- that is, the modules. My officers will add information for the plan."

"Okay. I would like to hear this plan."

"We will reconnoiter within the circumference of the overrun Jkirkian outpost to see if the Keter Var has been utterly successful in their momentary conquest," Cordelia said. "I advise luring the Regimenian invasion force into it."

"Okay.. how long will it take your forces to load up for an Intergalactic Travel to another system?"

"Approximately 6 minutes min and 12 minutes max," Alice replied. "If we know the exact coordinates."

"I see... I will give the coordinates so that way we may depart faster."

"Thank you," Aelianos replied. "Alice, please connect the two stations."

"Yes, milord," responded Alice. An electric blue magic circle manifested from her extended right hand. "Lord Adex, do you mind if I interfere with the communication systems for a while?"

"I don't mind at all.. and please, just call me Adex."

"I apologize for my habitual honorific."

Alice began to read the electromagnetic signals sent from the headquarters to the Receptacle in her mind. Afterwards, she manipulated the signals into patterns in order to connect the interplanetary comm to the Receptacle.

Adex waited.

"While we wait for a while, we will discuss further. Adex, do you have plans on units harnessing technology from two different factions?" Aelianos asked.

"I am always interested in harnessing new Technologies. Why do you ask?"

"We can improvise new units to increase our strength in the battlefield."

After Alice has accomplished her task, she notified Joshua. "Oh, Sir Adex, you may send the coordinates now."

"Mhmm.. that sounds most satisfying to me. Oh, yeah, here's the coordinates." He sent the coordinates to them by connection to the Receptacle through the transmission Alice manually made.

"Now, Alice, would you show them the data of our units having potential for improvisation?"

"Yes, milord," she said. She revealed a panel device from her robe and displayed a swordsman through its holographic systems.

"Aether secutor," Severina spoke. "It is our close-combat powerhouse. Being very agile due to vigorous recon and parkour training, they are lethal against other infantry. They are equipped with an Aether Blade. Additionally, they can cloak at will. This is because the soldiers are of ethereal origin."

"Hmm... Interesting. Very interesting..."

"It will be our pleasure to enhance their weaponry with other technology. We can do the same with yours," said Aelianos as his eyes looked more serious. "To be honest, your transports can be further improved."

"Improved in what way?"

"There is an essential element in unit planning called streamlining."

Alice displayed another unit that looks like some kind of floating pod- it almost looks like a small UFO. "The Peregrine Chassis is one of the Empyrdom's air vehicles designed for quick transport. It utilizes the well-known data transport system which allows transported units to be converted into data while carrying little to no consequence of weight."

"..So it may be able to carry more units and supplies. That's good thinking.... Although, is the data conversion painful?"

"Not at all," Alice answered. "In fact, it is derived from the formula of the standard Antiquian teleportation magic. Simply put- reverse engineering."

"Mhm... That is a great method of transporting troops and supplies."

"Very well," Aelianos declared. "We need new troops to match the efficacy of these transports. Shortly put- a special force."

"Like a new Regiment for both of our factions to use? Or even possibly a Battle Group."

"True," Cordelia said.

"So what new units will we come up for this Regiment/Battle Group?"

"A pincer battle group, perhaps," Aelianos presumed. "Or a special assault regiment with other assisting battalions from the two factions if resources are insufficient."

"That may also work."

"I see," Aelianos responded. "What kind of technology do you primarily have?"

"Depends on what your referring to with technology."

"He is probably referring to technology in terms of offense."

"So, Military... We primarily have Plasma, Dark and Anti Matter. We also have Energy weapons, and Napalm Weapons.

"Dark matter and antimatter..." Caitlineia spoke. "We can improvise foot soldiers with these."

"I have some Rifles and such that my forces can develop for yours."

"We can further enhance their melee strength through that technology," Aelianos planned. "Before we get enough from your faction, would you like to have us allow you to use our own technology for tactical improvisation?"

"Hm... Besides the data conversion, what kind of Military Technologies does your faction have?"

"The Empyrdom is inclined in magical technology," Aelianos said. "Which leads to the production of supercooled plasma, light-speed travel from the Tachyonic Drive, the Astral Vigilance trajectory maneuver systems, and the Particle Magic primary offensive armament, might I add."

"I see... Those can be of use for our new units."

"Hmm, what piques your interest?"

"The Supercooled Plasma, and the Particle Magic, sounds good for me."

"Mm-hm," mouthed Aelianos , agreeing with him. "Perhaps we can improvise new units out of these." He stood up, about to make a petition regarding unit ideas. "Now, shall we begin making the draft for unit improvisation?"

"Yes, we shall begin the designs of new unit-." He stopped his sentence. He then questioned. "...Out of curiosity, does your faction have, or had any technologies or knowledge upon Nuclear Weapons?"

"Nuclear weapons? Yes, but I say they are unethical," Aelianos answered. "Using a wide-ranged radioactive weapon is a double-edged sword. I remember it was used by the Chromosapiens on their own planet to annihilate the Regimenians. Despite this, it did not work so well, considering the essence that the invaders had contained in order to resist the lethal dose of radiation through chronic evolution."

"...I see.. I agree with the unethical part, using them is just plain wrong.." He then tried to get back to the topic at hand "..Anyways, where were we?"

"Let us begin the planning of new units through the improvisation exercise," Aelianos said. "Alice here will provide information about our technology. Please say the word and she will follow with the information."

"Alright. I would like to hear the information, so we can begin."

Alice tapped the screen of the device few times. Images of panels replaced the unit images. These panels display Imperial technology. She then tapped on the screen once, revealing the info regarding "Supercooled Plasma".

Adex looked at the info, with much interest.

"The improvisation proper begins now!" Alice declared.

#### Part 2B: Collaboration

"Mhm. Let us begin," proclaimed Adex.

"Would you like to provide information to the Empyrdom as well?" Aelianos asked.

"Ah. Yes."

After a bit, the projector behind Adex begins to display the weaponry involving dark matter and antimatter.

"There it is," Aelianos said. "I need to relay information about these two technologies for the special regiment of the aether secutors."

"Eclipse machinas and polar machinas also come to mind. Jonathan may approve of it," Cordelia said.

"Alright," affirmed Adex.

"It seems the Empyrdom has three unit proposals in mind. From the Jkirk, please. You may take your time, though," Alice said.

"Okay then."

Alice displayed more information- this time, regarding Data Transport and Particle Magic weaponry.

He observed the technologies. With a bit less interest, but was still interested nonetheless.

"Any proposals?" Alice asked after some time.

"Hm... Perhaps we could arm some Militant Soldiers, or RI-CU7 Terminators with this Particle Magic technology."

"To support your proposal, Mister Burns, we can increase the density of their projectiles for additional firepower, if they use ranged weapons."

"They indeed use Ranged Weapons."

"I see," Alice affirmed. "Utilizing Hadron Magic, their firepower will be increased."

"That will be useful for these special versions of those troops."

"Very well," Alice confirmed. "We have four proposals in totality. Anyone who can add?"

The room was silent.

"...Um, would the Jkirk like to incorporate the Data Transport System into a new unit as suggested beforehand?"

General Lester finally spoke out. "We could use it for a new type of Transport."

"Very well. Please state basic details regarding this unit."

"It's not yet developed... But, it could transport alot of units and supplies."

"Oh, about that, I and our engineers will assist in installing the system for optimal performance."

"Alright then."

"I wonder if it is a ground or an air vehicle. Perhaps an aerostat or a spacecraft? " Aelianos wondered.

"About their primary technology," Caitlineia noted. "We can further enhance our experimentals with these. The R&D will take care of this, I presume?"

"Yes, Empress."

"Mhm.."

"Emperor, any additional proposals?" Alice asked.

"That is all for now," Aelianos answered. "We shall proceed to the alliance induction right away."

"I request all concerned officers to rise before commencing the induction for the official alliance," he said as he stood up first. His officers followed him.

Adex and General Lester stood up as well.

"Alice, the document, if you please."
"Yes, milord," Alice responded. She revealed a scroll from her sling bag that mainly stores tools. As she opened the scroll, she revealed a sort of nib pen from the inner pockets of her coat.

"Please follow after me," Alice said as she read the brief and concise contents of the scroll.

"Alright," Adex responded.

After the short induction, Alice and her fellow officers wrote their signatures on the bottom left portion of the scroll one by one.

Alice handed the scroll and the nib pen to Adex. "To the allied faction, on the bottom right."

"Mhm." He took the scroll and pen, signing his signature on the bottom right as instructed.

Adex gave the pen to Lester who put his signature as well.

"I hereby declare the Empyrdom and the Jkirk Federations in an official alliance," Aelianos proclaimed.

They both nodded in acceptance.

"Now, Adex, if you will excuse us, the Empyrdom will begin the installation of the warpdrive modules around Genesis City, which will take our Downloaders a day. Before I forget, do you have some free spaces around your territory where we can construct our support footholds?"

"We have some abandoned apartments within the city that you can, carefully, demolish, and build your downloaders."

"Our downloaders will take care of the space. Our Downloaders will be transported to the city through Chassis. Each module will be crafted in different locations around the city where we will also build different outposts to remotely operate them."

"I see. Well, best of luck, then. I'm afraid I have to take to some duties, now."

"We bid thee farewell." Aelianos walked out of the room along with his officers.

As soon as Aelianos walked out, the Holographic Table showed the same outpost that was being overrun by the Keterians.

"Now, Lester, what should we do about Makalov?"

#### Part 2C: Defensive Measures

Aelianos was seen doing paperwork. He sighed. "This time, there are many..."

"Milord, how is the congregation with that faction?" asked Megresiel, walking toward him.

"It is going well. We had discussions regarding innovative research and development against the Regimenians."

"Sire, that stack of parchment," Megresiel noticed. "Let the Conclave take care of the rest. Kindly manage the Empyrdom's assistance."

"As you wish, Sir Megresiel. You have my gratitude."

"Always I have, milord."

Aelianos proceeded to the warproom.

A small group of peregrine chassis was seen gliding towards the city, trying to land on abandoned apartments available in Genesis City.

There were a total of 20 abandoned apartments, scattered around within this massive city.

The Chassis were flying around in circles as they unloaded a Materia downloader near each apartment. As they were unloaded, they began their tasks. The downloaders retracted their melding coils and made contact with the structures, causing them to disintegrate into simpler substances like concrete, wood, metal, etc. These materials were transported back to Ventilus for future use.

Aelianos seemed to be nearby one of the sites, watching the show, and the civilians going back to their daily lives.
He thought: "So.. I guess my Dad made an alliance. That's neat."

The Downloaders began constructing the outposts with runescedalite and Class A hexagonal steel.

Josh Kirk: He continued to watch as they began construction.

He thought: "Hm... I wonder what they are building."

"The construction is going well," said Aelianos as he viewed the situation from invisible microsatellites known as Reality Invaders. "Alice, how is the R&D faring with the Jkirkian tech?"

Alice was on the first floor of the nexus tower, overseeing the R&D in their current task. "The process in ongoing, milord. We will establish efficient weapons with the tech, allowing us to enlist night aether secutors and polar aether secutors."

"After that research, I would like to assign these new units with Salem in an elite section. Relay orders to King Louisius back in Calderum."

"Right away," Alice obeyed as she tried to telepathize with Louisius.

Louisius, the king of Pyronia, was overseeing the Argyric Troopers in their firearm training. "Hmm? What is it?"

"Joshua's orders are to assign Salem and new combination troops in an elite force," telepathized Alice.

"That can be arranged."

A red-haired maiden dressed in simple battle gear but with a vermilion garment underneath was walking by the training hall. He caught a glimpse of Salem training in the room. All of a sudden, one of the Imperial guardians hurried to the hall which startled her. She stared at the direction of the hall, wondering what is happening right now.

"Sir Salem, you are being summoned by the king to the castle field," notified the guardian.

"I see. Very well then, I will head there immediately."

He unequipped the weapons he was using to train, and headed to the castle field.

The maiden saw Salem slip past her presence. She looked at the direction of the field. "This is enigmatic," she spoke as she followed suit to know what is happening.

Within minutes, Salem had reached the castle field.

Louisius was standing behind the argyric troopers who were testing their superheated plasma firearms on the field.

"You have come, Sir Salem."

"You acquire my services?"

"Salem, you have been an exemplary knight albeit a former mercenary," Louisius complimented. "I have been told by the Emperor himself that I give you the privilege to assign you in an Elite Envoy."

"An Elite Envoy? Is that like a squad of some sort?"

"More like a section made especially by the Emperor to spearhead the main assault force on the allied outpost which is overrun by another enemy."

"I see."

"May I see the members in this Envoy?"

"You can meet them at the Receptacle when we depart for the general assembly."

"Alright then, would that be all?"

"Yes, you can now return to your quarters if you prefer to continue your training," Louisius told Salem.

"Thank you."

He turned away, and proceeded back to the area he was training in.

As he was passing through the halls, the red-haired maiden cannot help but wonder who he is so she kept watching him out of curiosity.

Salem had failed to notice the maiden.

While he did not notice her even when he passed by her path, she continued to observe him in his training.

Salem once again used his steel lance to train with. It seems this could be his primary weapon.

"A lance wielder," she thought. Her attention was diverted when Louisius approached her when he took a rest after overseeing the firearm training.

"Astrapea, is something the matter?" Louisius asked when he noticed her leaning on the wall. However, he did not know that she was making observations.

"B-Brother..?!" the red-haired maiden was startled. "I-It's nothing... I am quite caught in- urm, I mean, I took a break from my sword training..."

"Have you taken breakfast already?"

"Oh, I forgot to eat afterwards."

"Come, I will cook you some viand."

Their conversation was normally audible from inside the training hall.

Salem had heard them speak, and after a bit, looked over to the source of their voices. "...?"

Louisius knocked on the open door to beckon Salem.

"..Ah, it's just you. Did you need something?"

"Have you eaten breakfast?" he asked.

Astrapea peeked from the wall. However, she might be readily noticeable.

"Hm... I do remember eating something this morning."

"Come, you can dine with us on a hearty meal. It is almost noon so you need to replenish your reserves," Louisius invited him.

"Well, I suppose why not. After all, it is a good idea to enjoy a well-deserved meal."

"Brother, who is that man you are with?" she whispered.

"He's Salem, one of my Fire Knights," Louisius softly answered before a grin etched on his face. "I take it you are interested to know him?"

"N-no, I am just curious...!" Astrapea swiftly answered in slight embarrassment.

Louisius smirked. "Just kidding."

Afterwards, in the dining hall...

"Vue'rah!" Louisius exclaimed, revealing the wide dining hall to Salem.

"Stylish, is it not?" Louisius told him.

"Hm.. I am indeed impressed on the sight."

Louisius headed to the northeast section of the hall where the kitchen is located.

Salem just waited.

"Please, have a seat."

He took a seat at the center left side of the table.

Astrapea took a seat at the center right side of the table, facing Salem. Louisius opened the cupboards to pick spices.

Salem waited once again.

He set the grill on small fire enough to sear anything in contact with the iron bars. From a small paper bag, he picked 3 pieces of pita dough and placed it on the bars. He placed the red ohn'nyn (onion), lettuce, goat cheese (fei'tah), and a long piece of ach'tyk (hot pepper) on the wooden board. After he chopped and diced these condiments, he fried some ground beef. After he got to work, he placed three small platters on the table with the filled pita.

"Please do enjoy," Louisius said.

"Thank you."

He began to eat his meal much like a gentleman would.

Astrapea took a small bit from the large pita. "Mm! The lettuce blends well with the mustard. The ohn'nyn and ach'tyk also balance out the spiciness."

"Mhm."

Louisius took a seat on the parallel center of the table. He took a bite from the pita.

"It is about time we go to Zephyeur for the Imperial congregation."

"I see. Shall we depart immediately after the meal, then?"

"Yes. We will go up to access the warproom."

Salem proceeded to finish his meal, not quickly of course, but he wasn't taking his time.

After some time, they walked to the warproom on the third floor when they finished their light meal.

Salem was walking along with them, having enjoyed his meal.

"Are you ready, Sir Salem? We will be meeting with the other Imperial branches first. After that, we all go to the Receptacle." Louisius walked towards the center of the room where the machine that enables the manual warp-driving is installed on. Astrapea followed him.

"I am indeed ready." Salem followed them in.

In Zephyeur Castle, the other Imperial officers were in the Kings' Lounge. The door was opened as Louisius first entered while Astrapea followed suit.

Salem looked around his surroundings, as he walked in with them.

"Just in time, Louisius," Aelianos said, sitting on the set with his officers.

"Hey, it has been a while," Louisius replied.

"Greetings, everyone," Astrapea spoke in a formal manner.

There were mixed positive emotions among the group.

"Good sir," Aelianos reached out his hand to Salem from afar as a means of formal reference. "Might you be Sir Salem?"

"I am indeed Sir Salem. Who might you be?"

"Aelianos of the Empyrdom. I am glad to welcome you, Sir Salem, with all the enlisted of this interplanetary faction. Yes, I was the one who told King Louisius to assign you in your personal envoy- the Swords of Salem."

"Sir Salem, you shall be meeting your comrades atop the Receptacle. After the official assignment, you will be ready to be deployed anytime during the current war, in which we have the returning Regimenians attacking our allied faction from the other star system," Louisius said.

He replied to Joshua, "Thank you, it is nice to make your acquaintance." He then replied to Louisius "Allied Faction? I am curious on their identities."

"Allow me to elaborate," Aelianos told him. "The First Judgment Armada has been transported to an inhabited planet known as Mobius. The Myriad attacked one of its cities in a minor continent but we were able to repel them together with the Jkirk Federations, the faction that colonized said continent."

"The Jkirk Federations? ...pardon my wording, but that kind of sounds like an odd name for a faction."

Aelianos chuckled. "Sort of, in my opinion."

"Hm... Most interesting..."

"Now, should we go to the Receptacle? It is nighttime here in Cryglen, so we better hurry up."

"I believe so."

"Officers, one by one to the warproom." Aelianos walked out of the lounge. His officers normally followed suit.

Salem followed along. As he followed, he thought about various questions about this faction.

### Act 3: The Swords of Salem

#### Part 3A: The Swords Stand Stalwart

Atop the Receptacle, Aelianos emerged first from the first floor of the nexus tower. His officers emerged one by one.

Salem emerged either last, or somewhere in between the other officers.

"Welcome to the Anticytherian Receptacle, Sir Salem!"

The officers went down in light, formal applause.

Salem observed his surroundings within the Receptacle.

"Let us exit the tower," Aelianos said.

As they exited, a futuristic environment was revealed. It seemed that they were atop a masive structure in the midst of the endless vacuum. The planet Antiquus was readily visible from the Anticytherian sky.

Salem continued to observe as he followed suit. He thought, "*Hmm.. most fascinating.*"

"The Receptacle is a one-year project of the Empyrdom. The Imperial headquarters is the nexus tower itself. Here we manufacture our experimentals and aerostats."

A crepuscular android was walking on the vast area of the foothold. It sensed its master from 20 meters away. "It has been a while, Creator."

"Greetings, Pyron," Aelianos greeted back.

"Hm?" Salem looked at the Android.

"Sir Salem, I would like you to meet Pyron Nadirflamme Lupii, a specialist in spirit extirpation."

"It is nice to meet you, Sir Salem. I am Spirit Paradox Android, Pyron," introduced Pyron.

"Likewise, Pyron. It is nice to make your acquaintance."

"Perhaps you are looking for your comrades in the Elite Envoy, Swords of Salem, as directed by the Creator?"

"I am most interested to see my fellow members, yes."

"Very well, I will show you the way. After that, you will be heading to the tower. Is that right, Creator?"

"Of course," Aelianos said. "Have the honors, Pyron."

"Gladly." Pyron walked to the west structure with the Imperial officers.

Salem followed along.

At the warrior dome, an Aether secutor, a Gram Grail, an Argyric Trooper, and a Dragonadier were standing by.

Aelianos and the others were there as well. "Let me introduce you to our elite troops which are soon to be promoted in the enlisted ranks."

Salem waited for the introductions to take place.

"I am Aeretherius XVII, a humble swordsman," the aether secutor said.

"I will be the envoy healer, Ryssus Agram of Ventilus," the gram grail said.

"Hydrargus Aermea of Benthos, the Quicksilver!" the vareionic trooper said.

"Borias Cynnaveum," the dragonadier said.

"It is nice to make all of your acquaintances."

"Sir Salem, is it not?" Seventeen said.

"Yes it is."

"We look forward to be your comrades in war. It seems that the Myriad is looking for natural energy after few years of stillness."

"Mhm.. with the attack on........ What was the name of the area of which the battleground took place?"

"The reports say it was..."

"Genesis City," Aelianos added.

"Ah, I see," Salem affirmed. "As I was saying, the attack on Genesis City, has proved that they still remain as a threat."

"Yes," Seventeen agreed. "Siphoning natural energy from others for their own uses... This ability is too selfish."

"Mhm."

"Now, should we go back to the nexus tower?" Aelianos told them.

"With pleasure, milord!" Hydrargus eagerly replied.

"I think it's time to go back to the tower as well." Salem agreed.

At the first floor of the tower, where the lobby is, Aelianos and his comrades were seated on the set.

Salem also took a seat.

"Now that Sir Salem is now the head of the section Swords of Salem, I suggest that you troops train with each other in sync."

"That will be most fascinating."

"Sir, what is your specialty in battle? Please, do tell," Seventeen asked.

"I mostly prefer to engage my opponent up close."

"A solid close combateer, I see," Borias replied.

"I am mainly a scout instead of a swordsman," Seventeen said. "However, I am not a slouch in actual swordplay. I shall have your back, sir."

"Alright then. Although if I may speak freely, it wouldn't be any harm to acquire a ranged weapon."

"Hmm, the Federations are prodigious in crafting those kind of weapons. I will send a request to their armory to make a crafting trade," Aelianos explained.

"Most appreciated."

"I have this rod here to heal your wounded. Please, use my ability as you like, Sir Salem," Ryssus said.

"I will be your marksman, my man," Hydrargus told him.

"I will provide anti-vehicle support and pyrotechnic ability as a dragonadier," Borias spoke.

"I see. Together, we shall prove to any hostile in our way that they shall meet our combined wrath."

"With utmost pleasure, sir!" Hydrargus replied.

Salem nodded in response.

"Now, let us prepare ourselves for tomorrow," Aelianos said. "We will be meeting with the Federations at Planet Mobius."

"Alright. I look forward to meeting them."

Anticytherian Receptacle, 2 PM..

A fleet of empyrean dirigibles were stationed on the hangar near the nexus tower. Hecatoncherein carapaces were also coupled with them. A peregrine chassis was stationed in standby outside the tower. Joshua, Alice, Caitlineia and Cordelia were talking to each other regarding the plan.

Aelianos crossed his arms. "Now, Sir Salem should be here any-"

Familiar footsteps drew near to them.

Salem was on his way to the tower.

The other five troops of the Swords went into position before the Archon Emperor.

"Reporting for duty, milord!" Hydrargus said.

Salem approached them. "Good day, everyone."

"Good day, sir," Seventeen replied.

"Salem, report for duty," Aelianos instructed.

"I am here, as instructed."

"Very well," replied Joshua. "Ready for positions. We are heading to Mobius through the peregrine chassis."

Salem got into his position.

"Peregrine chassis, prepare for transport," Aelianos said.

The AI of the chassis released robotic sounds as a means of confirmation. The targets were then converted into data. The two warpdrove to Mobius after they gained a tremendous amount of speed.

#### Part 2E: Second Coalition Meeting

Fort Jkirk, Genesis City, Downunda, Planet Mobius, 10 AM

Adex Zarvok Burns was preparing for the arranged meeting, along with General Lester, and Aelianos Sentrium Burns, who wanted to attend himself.

Aelianos and the others were standing before the automatic metal door.

The gates of the Fort open upon their arrival.

Inside the fort...

"Now, we are to introduce the first Elite Envoy to the Federations. Swords, salute!" Aelianos instructed.

Salem does so. The other five saluted as well.

Four troopers in some kind of Armored Suits (Militant Soldiers) step forward.

Aelianos crossed arms, wondering what has happened.

One of them spoke. "Fireteam Jex. Present... Arms!" The four Troopers had gotten their Dark Matter SMGs readied, and all 4 began shooting what seemed to be "safety shots".

As the four fired, it seems as every Trooper belonging to Jkirk had just saluted.

"So, an elite section as well."

The four stopped firing after a bit, and almost immediately the saluting had ended.

"Now, I take that these sections are to be modified into experimentals, is it not?"

Adex responded. "Some of our finest divisions will be categorized as Experimentals... But... I think it's best to allow Fireteam Jex to keep their current arsenal."

"Very well," Aelianos replied. "Regarding arsenal, Adex.... I have a favor to ask."

"A favor? What could it be?"

"Sir Salem here has been looking for an optimum firearm in the Jkirk armamentarium."

"He wishes to use one of our weapons? Hmm... I believe I can spare a weapon for him.. I'm gonna have to meet him later on, though."

"Well then," Aelianos agreed. "That settles it, then. Armament aside, is the intel trade going well? I pray that you have been using it."

"It is going well, I assure you.... Well. There is a small problem."

"What is it?"

"We have only few volunteers that willingly want to use these weapons. I guess their so used to their current ones, that they don't want to give them up."

"Are there modifications even in the structure?"

"Define structure.."

"The shape of the firearm. Method of usage. And... others."

"Ah.. For the most part, yeah."

Aelianos pondered so. "Plan A, we only add these new weapons to their current arsenal and train them for a given time, if sufficient."

"What's Plan B?"
"... We will train the volunteers and assign them in a special regiment."

"Agreed.. I could ask the same thing though, are you using our information well?"

"Night aether secutors, arch aether secutors, and some others are being developed through the efforts of our R&D."

"I see."

"Now, shall we begin the next operation as planned which will involve the Myriad and the Keter Var?"

"Indeed. Which target should we strike first?"

"We will lure the Myriad's invasion forces to the outpost overrun by the Keter Var. That way, we can minimize casualties on our side while creating further confusion within the opposing side."

"I see... How are we going to lure the Myriads onto another planet?"

"Before that, where is that planet, anyway?" Aelianos asked. "It seems a long method of preparation must be undergone in order to attain a high success rate."

"And the planet location is one of these factors," Cordelia noted.

"I see... Lester."

"On it, sir." Lester used his personal BFT-HUD to give the coordinates of the planet the Keterians and Jkirkians are currently duking it out.

"Hmm," Aelianos observed. "I see, so it is Kakastan on Planet Makalov." Aelianos was looking at the outpost name following the coordinates.

The Outpost seemed to be named Outpost Kakastan.

"That is correct."

"It seems they are many," Caitlineia noted.

"Mhm. How the Outpost hasn't fallen yet ponders me..." said Adex.

"What is up, Sir Adex?" Alice wondered.

"Well. If the Outpost is indeed being overrun... How has it not fallen under Keterian control?"

"Hmm, I wonder," Aelianos said. "It may be that they are making other preparations for a last resort gambit. And this move is one of them. We must take extreme caution when we carry out our counterattack."

"I see. What should be our battle plans?"

"I ask of something before I elaborate. Are the Keterians more numerous than we?"

"As of now, we lack the current knowledge of their other territories, but it seems they are quite numerous, as seen in our past battles."

"In this case, do they outnumber the Federations in the outpost?"

"It seems that way, yes."

"Perfect," Aelianos exclaimed. "Because of their numbers, they will be taken out by the Regimenians. They seek number, but their officers will personally take out the ones with high-quality energy." He began to explain the main plan. "First, we send a fleet of aerostats to the Planet Regeleim. They would feel overwhelmed by their mere size and their bombastic firepower. Since they want to destroy our strong units as much as possible, they will chase us to Makalov. When the fleet reaches the planet but is almost in the vicinity of the outpost, we must begin the warpdrive sequence or in your case, the rupture portals, to the Receptacle. Then if they have the Keterians in their sights, they will attack from the rear. But I wonder what respective forces we should send to the two enemy territories."

"Hmm..." Adex mouthed.

"Should we send the elite envoys to the outpost?" suggested Cordelia. "The Judgment Armada II will dispose of the Regimenians in their planet."

"Send our elite forces?"

"The Swords of Salem and the special regiments."

"Ah, yes. That could work."

Cordelia brushed her hair. "After all, the Myriad is Level 3 in the danger gauge."

"Well then," Aelianos affirmed. "Let us begin this operation: Accumulation and Conquest.".

"Hmm.. so let me go over this, so I may understand that this is what our plan is: We send our elite forces onto the enemy planet, and once we inflict enough damage, we retreat our forces to the Outpost, and hope that they chase us down to it, and that they will battle the Keterians, and then they will hopefully take each other out. That's correct, right?" Adex asked for clarification.

"Yes. By elite forces, we must send aerostats or spacecraft to Regeleim."

"I see.... And, what would be our failsafe plan, if our current plan doesn't work?"

"We will maintain a defensive stance on our main territories."

"So... Remain on the defensive if the plan fails to work? Hmm... If I may, I would like to suggest another plan."

"We are all ears."

"Perhaps maybe we should go on the offensive on both sides, should this plan not succeed, that way we won't risk losing any of our current footholds."

"I see," Aelianos said. "We will merely decrease our aggression to avoid leaving severe weak points."

"Aggressive to offensive, is it?" Cordelia asked.

"Perhaps," Adex briefly answered. "But if you feel that this plan should be faulty, then I understand."

"It is well-thought, Adex," Aelianos complimented. "We cannot let the enemy obtain the advantage in this battle. If Plan A fails, we press on more carefully. As a last resort, I have to use my experimental arsenal."

"I see then. I shall use the normal blast of the Xervedia Orbital Plasma Cannon, should both plans fail."

"Orbital plasma cannon....?" Aelianos was wondering how he could use that. He though he might really need a foothold the size of the Receptacle to have that.

"...It's a Orbital Bombardment Cannon, that is considered a form of WMD."

"Yes, I am not in the dark with such. However, how will you use that weapon? From a space foothold like the Imperial Anticytheris Receptacle in planetary orbit?"

"Something like that, yes."

"Will you use your dimensional transport to do that?"

"Yes. And if one were to be destroyed... Well, it's good to have some backups."

"Interesting," Caitlineia said. "A replaceable orbital cannon. Hm, though it takes time to do so."

"To replace one, or to transport one?"

"Replace."

"Our Atom-Construction technology does replace these relatively fast, but will still take some time, nonetheless."

"I see."

Aelianos nodded. "All set, then. Now, Sir Salem, you and your envoy comrades are to prepare for interplanetary launch to Makalov. With a peregrine chassis, that is."

"I will prepare myself and my comrades as soon as possible." Salem replied.

"I must gather my forces as well, then." Adex said.

"Good. Now, is there anything essential left to dissertate?" Aelianos asked.

"Milord, the Archetypes," Alice said. "Should things go antithetical, I will send a platoon of Standard Archetypes to Kakastan. We, on the other hand, will use the Transcendent ones."

"However, not all officers are authorized for now. We must save energy and use the officers who are not preoccupied with their main task."

"Yes, milord," Alice said.

"I will have the 1st and 2nd Jkirkian Assault Fleets support our elite forces into the field, make it look like we're actually invading."

"I hear you," Aelianos told Adex.

"I best have my forces mobilized then, what location and time should our forces meet?"

Cordelia began to speak. "Now, to summarize the protocol, we will have to conduct the reconnoitering on both target locations first. Next, we send the Judgment Armada II with our new air vehicles in tow. Then we use the warpdrive sequence or the rupture portals to be transported back to the Receptacle. When the preparations are complete, we will serve the main dish. Regarding such, Sir Adex, we will all meet on the Receptacle at 13:30 five days from now."

"I see then. May our plans work well, and hopefully we do don't resort to WMDs."

"I concur," Aelianos affirmed. "We do this for Antiquus!"

"For Antiquus!" the other Imperial officers exclaimed.

Adex nodded in response. "I will have my forces moblized by the time of our arranged meeting."

"Very well. Alliance council adjourned."

"Officers and enlistees, to the outer premises. Sir Salem, please remain."

"Alright, then." Salem responded.

Adex walks away to meet General Lester, along with Commander Madison, and Aelianos Sentrium Burns in the fort's Command Center.

The Imperial officers do so as told, walking normally out of the fort. The peregrine chassis was on standby.

"Sir Adex," Aelianos called him.

"Hm?"

Adex turned around in response.

"Shall we go to the armamentarium for Salem's earnest request?"

"Ah, yes. I had almost forgot about that."

"Please show us the way. We shall follow."

Adex nodded, and he proceeded to lead them over to one of the Fort's armories.

Salem had followed.

Aelianos followed them.

#### Part 3C: Addition to the Arsenal

In the armory...

"Fascinating," Aelianos commented.

"Thank you." Adex turned over to Salem. "You may choose one Infantry weapon in this entire armory."

Salem replied, "Gladly."

"I ponder on what you choose," Aelianos commented. "Perhaps a powerful and streamlined firearm."

Salem looked through the various weaponry. But only three seemed to catch his eye.

"Hmm?"

One seemed to resemble a Rifle, another a Pistol, and the last a Rocket Launcher.

Looking at Salem, who wields a lance that needs both hands to be used at optimal skill, he looked at the pistol-like firearm. "Salem, could you try the smaller one? Looks like it is easy to use while you wield your heavy lance."

"Hmm... I'll give it a try." Salem replied.

"What? The pistol?" Adex questioned.

"Yes," Aelianos answered. "A light firearm complements with a heavy lance. If he were to choose another heavy weapon, his speed would be worn down."

"Mhm.. that is rather true... However, that particular firearm... Is... Ah... Rather a weak weapon."

"Should we test it first before a conclusion? We never know."

"You may test it if you wish, but I suggest modifying it to make it more effective."

"I agree."

"Now, if you may, I will show you two to the firing range, so we may test the weapon, once your down with the modifications."

Salem nodded in response.

"Let us go forth, then," Aelianos affirmed.

"To the firing range, or the modification bay?"

"Sir Adex, I know you are familiar with the weapon. Should we modify it first before going to the range? Your atom construction tech could clinch this, I presume."

"It would be wise to modify first, yes."

"Very well."

"Please follow me, oh, and take the weapon with you." He began to lead them to a certain part of the armory.

Salem grabbed the Astred Anti Matter Pistol, and then followed Adex.

Aelianos followed suit from behind.

They reach an area, with some sort of table on it.

"I see," Aelianos noticed. "Yet what now?"

"Salem, place the weapon right there." He pointed to a rectangle-like panel.

Salem did so.

Aelianos waited, crossing his arms. He was wondering how they can modify the weapon. He was also looking around to check anything interesting inside the room.

The panel then put the weapon inside the table, as it becomes concealed.

The room itself had various examples of past modifications.

"These are all firearms, I see," Aelianos thought.

A holographic projection appeared over the table. It included an image of the pistol, and various modifications it is able to be enhanced with.

"Oh," Aelianos interjected. "Modification options..? Hmm, what would you like it to be modified, Salem?"

"Hmm..."

On the panel, there was a stat system that ranked the weapon on its Rate of Fire, Damage, Range, and Accuracy. Currently, the weapon has low Damage, Rate of Fire, High Accuracy, and moderate range.

Aelianos was reading the stats. "Apparently a last resort weapon, I suppose."

"Indeed." Adex replied. "It's equipped by our RI-SU5s."

Salem looked over of the various modifications.

"It is more like a tactical weapon instead of one meant for normal offense."

"You could say that."

Aelianos was waiting for the pistol to be modified.

Salem began modifying his new weapon to his likings.

"Oh?" Aelianos was quite enthusiastic with the results.

As Salem began modifying his weapon, the stats began to change for the weapon.

"Its damage output," Aelianos said. "It’s gradually increasing. Good choice for starters."

Adex replied "Indeed. It's becoming more of an offensive or defensive weapon, rather than just a Last Resort."

"Interesting. It has become more... standard for a strong firearm."

The Holographic projection then disappeared.

"Looks like it is done."

The weapon then appeared before them. It looked slightly different, and had a change in color scheme.

"It's more... Pyronian-themed. Fascinating!"

"Most interesting." Adex complimented.

Salem then grabbed the weapon off the table. "Well then, shall we proceed to the firing range?"

"About the right time, Salem," Aelianos enthusiastically replied.

Adex replied, "Well, if you’re so eager to, then let us proceed."

At the firing range...

Aelianos was standing with them, eager to see what Salem and his new weapon is capable of.

"All right, Salem. All you have to do is to neutralize these training robots." He pointed over to 5 Robotic "dummies."

Salem replied, "So... I can see that these aren't your everyday bullseye target... But I can manage."

"You know the drill, Salem," said Joshua. "I take it you are familiar with firearms since your time in the Empyrdom?"

"I'm familiar with the concept, yes." Salem replied.

"Alright Salem, are you ready?" Adex said.

"Very well," said Joshua. "I will be watching now."

"I am ready," Salem replied.

Adex nodded, and activated the training robots.

Salem readied his weapon, and took aim.

"Head," Aelianos briefly spoke.

Salem fired the weapon.

The shot had hit one of the robots in the lower torso area.

"Ohh," Aelianos mouthed. "Antimatter."

Salem looked over at Adex. "Well, this seems to be easy-" He was then stunned.

"Hm?"

"Oh, yeah, um.. I forgot to mention, those Training Robots fire back at you with Stun Blasters." Adex said.

Aelianos evaded a stun blast. "Not so friendly, is it?"

"Ah, no. No it isn't." Adex looked at Salem. "You all right?"

"Why. Do they retaliate?" Salem questioned.

The robots were then disabled.

"Defensive measures are in their AI, I suppose,” Aelianos inferred.

"Something like that, yeah." Adex replied.

"Now, Salem, are you still all right?"

"Yeah."

"Shall we continue or shall we stop for now? It seems the weapon is effective against foot soldiers," Aelianos said.

"I think I got a good idea on how good it is now." Salem replied

"Very well," Aelianos spoke. "Let us return to the Receptacle, then." He turned to Adex. "We give you our gratitude for granting my soldier's earnest request. I shall make it to you with anything you need for the Federations."

"You are welcome." Adex replied.

Salem got up. "All right then."

"We shall meet after five days. Organize your troops until then. Farewell." Aelianos turned to Salem. "Let's go."

"Indeed." Salem prepared to go.

Adex turned around to walk away.

Outside the fort...

"Milord, how are things?" Alice said.

"We just had an armament discussion for the Swords of Salem."

"I see."

"We will start the procedure tomorrow. Begin training the new volunteers."

Cordelia answered, "I will take care of that. We will let Alice have the research and development of the collaboration armament."

Aelianos nodded in response. "As for the Swords, you will begin sync training tomorrow. Prepare your schedule before then."

"Yes, Emperor," Ryssus, Seventeen, Hydrargus, and Borias normally spoke in unison.

"Of course, we will have it done." Salem replied.

They were all transported through the peregrine chassis which warp-drove back to the Receptacle.

#### Part 3D: Sync Training

**November 18, 2016/3238 ATS**

Salamandras Castle, Calderum City, Vulcaia, Pyronia: 5:00 AM

The synchronization training was about to begin. However, some of the Swords were not yet awake.

Hydrargus was not awake yet. Ryssus already woke up thirty minutes before to meditate, Seventeen did not need sleep at all, and Borias just woke up. Salem was still sleeping. Unbeknownst to him, Astrapea was fast asleep beside him.

She involuntarily moved towards Salem, who was lying on the right side of the bed. She may have bumped on his arm. Despite this, she was fast asleep.

Louisius was peeking from the door. "Poor sister. She fell asleep after she went all the trouble for my request."

"Zzzzzzzzz...”

The castle bells rang. Looks like it was time for the training.

"Zzzzzz..... Hm.. What?"

He might notice that something is sticking close to his right arm. He looked at his right arm.

Next to him, Astrapea was fast asleep. It seemed that her torso was too close.

"...?"

Astrapea heard the bell few minutes ago. She gradually opened her eyes.

Salem looked over his surroundings, as he rubbed his eyes.

As she opened her eyes, she felt herself sticking close to someone's arm.

He thought, "...Oh gods, what time is it?"

Her face turned beet red as she felt very embarrassed. She moved out of the way. Her back was facing Salem now. He may have noticed that she moved away.

Salem did notice that she moved away. "?"

"U-um..."

"...Ah... Good morning?"

"D-did you... see me...?"

"I see you right now.”

Astrapea knew that Salem was dense. She sighed softly. She rose up from bed and turned to Salem. She was wearing a crimson night gown. Although she was slightly well-endowed, she was not provocatively dressed. Her clothing was adequate to cover her torso.

"I forgot to rest so I slept beside you. U-um, please do not get the wrong idea, okay? My brother told me to... keep watch over you."

"Ah, it's alright.... Honestly, I'm more worried on what time it is right now."

"Oh!" Astrapea interjected. "You may need to go now... The castle bells have been sounded."

"....Oh gods."

Salem then rushed out of bed.

At the training hall, Ryssus, Seventeen, and Borias were already standing there.

Within a little bit, Salem comes rushing into the hall, barely looking ready.

"Am I late?"

"No, sir, you are just in time," said Ryssus. "The castle bells rang thirty minutes before the start of the training."

"Gangway!" A voice was heard along the hallway.

It seemed it was Hydrargus charging toward the hall.

Salem watched as he charged toward the hall. "..?"

He skidded to a stop. "Oh, good morning sir."

"Good morning. I suspect you had also gotten up a bit late?"

"No, I am naturally eager. Oh, and my sleep went well like a cedar log."

"I see."

Louisius walked in with Astrapea, who was dressed in her traditional royal attire.

Salem did not notice them walk in.

"Milord," Ryssus, Seventeen, and Borias greeted.

"Oh, there you are, sire," Hydrargus added.

"Hm?" He turned over to where the two were. "Ah. Hello."

"Everyone, we will proceed to the field," Louisius said.

At the field...

"Now, shall we begin warming up?" Louisius asked.

"Of course." Salem replied.

A montage of the Swords was seen. They were doing warm-up exercises at the beginning of the training session. Afterwards, they were fighting with each other to test each other's capabilities, as well as Ryssus albeit a mere healer.

Salem was a part of the training montage as well.

Seventeen was sparring with Salem, using his dual aether blade. He has two gauntlets that allow him to dual-wield.

Salem was using his Lance to spar with Seventeen. He appears to be quite effective with it.

"You are exceptionally skilled, Sir," Seventeen complimented.

"Thank you. I have much skill with this Lance."

Seventeen kept sparring. With his vareionic blaster, Hydrargus was testing his marksmanship by shooting at a wall of sacks with cross-hair markings stamped on them. Borias was testing his throwing ability with stones. It would probably be a waste to use his destructive dragon bombs.

Salem appears to be outperforming Seventeen but doesn't get too serious, in that he might accidentally cause an injury.

Albeit his skill and such the fact that lances are effective against swords, Seventeen wields two swords which might reverse the advantage. However, these swords were short, so they were almost at equal grounds. Seventeen, however, has a hard time with Salem.

Louisius was overseeing them. "Good, good. At mid-afternoon, we will be facing training constructs for the training proper. Eight minutes before break!"

Salem kept up his focus, as he continued sparing.

Eight minutes later, Seventeen and the other Swords were taking a break. Seventeen, although an Aeretherian, was fairly tired by Salem's exceptional skill in the lancing arts. Hydrargus and Borias were resting their hands.

"You were not a former mercenary for naught, sir," Seventeen complimented.

"Thank you, Seventeen. You work very well with your Blades as well."

"My humble thanks to thee."

Louisius walked to the front of the bench where they were sitting. "Afterwards, we will be having a synchronization training. You Swords will fight against training constructs to increase your teamwork."

"Seems simple enough."

"I think we can surpass this as one," Ryssus replied.

"Yeah. We just need to protect ourselves and watch out for our comrades," Hydrargus added.

"Alright then. I suppose we should get started soon, then?"

"Precisely, sir," replied Borias.

Salem nodded in response, and continued to relax.

Hydrargus was checking his vareionic blaster, should minor problems arise within the weapon.

After the duration of the break, the Swords were on their positions as Louisius began to brief them with the procedure.

Salem awaited instructions.

"I will now summon the constructs," said Louisius. A peregrine chassis went flying by and dropped four training constructs to the field.

Salem watched as the process went on.

Hydrargus took aim. Borias prepared to remove the pin of a dragon bomb. Seventeen retracted his dual aether blades. Ryssus held his somatic grail. Salem readied his Lance/Pistol.

The constructs loaded their 200V blaster units.

"Now, let it begin!" Louisius announced.

Seventeen began charging at the constructs which were releasing small compressed blasts of 200V electricity. He was deflecting them with his dual aether blades while Hydrargus diverted some of the blasts with supercooled plasma rays. Seventeen sliced through one and proceeded to the other behind it.

Salem charged at the constructs as well, with one hand, he shoots at any construct with the Anti-Matter Pistol, although his shots are inaccurate as he's firing with one hand, and uses his lance to target any construct if they are within Close Range. Since he cannot block or reflect, he has to rely on dodging in avoid being stunned. He's been stunned once, and he does not want to be stunned again.

The shots somehow dented through few constructs while some missed barely. Sparks were released upon projectile contact.

"Rear!" Borias signalled.

Seventeen leaped to the right- just in time before he tossed a dragon bomb towards the constructs.

Seeing Borias throw the dragon bomb at the constructs, Salem tried getting out of the blast radius by leaping backwards.

After some time, the draconic bomb exploded, flinging the constructs around it into different directions.

"Good, good," Louisius commended. "You synchronize well."

Salem looked at the destroyed constructs. "..Huh... that went well."

Louisius snapped his fingers. Another cluster of constructs surround them.

One of them fired a short 200V blast at Hydrargus, stunning him as he dropped his blaster. "Ngh!"

Ryssus extended forth his two hands while holding his somatic grail. A healing aura enveloped Hydrargus.

Salem looked at the newly summoned constructs, and watched as they stunned Hydragus. "...Well that was unexpected... Take them out!" He ordered, as he charged right at them.

"Sir, is it best we balance our stance in this situation?" asked Seventeen as he attacked the constructs from 6 o' clock while Borias equipped his ax and bludgeoned any construct that attempt to attack Hydrargus.

The other constructs were keeping up despite their weak armor. As Hydrargus felt better after some time, he spoke, "Thanks, man!" as he grabbed his blaster and supported Salem from the rear.

Salem would risk himself getting stunned easily as he charged at the constructs recklessly without minding Hydrargus. This might be because he often fought by his lonesome and is not used to fight alongside others as a former mercenary.

Salem, now realizing the mistake he just made, quickly went back to them in a defensive stance. "Right. I kind of got a bit rushy there..."

"No problem," Seventeen replied. "Ryssus healed him just in time."

The other constructs neared them, ready to fire.

"...Anyone got any suggestions besides blindly rushing at them?" Salem said, still one-shooting his Pistol at the constructs.

Two constructs were hit and were pushed back. They took severe damage due to their weak armor.

"Coordinate attacks, sir. Let us watch out for others."

Salem nodded, as he aggressively shot at any approaching constructs, while slowly advancing.

One construct released a short 200V blast at Salem but was deflected by Hydrargus' SCP rays. Seventeen sneaked around the constructs while slicing some before regrouping. Borias removed the pin of a dragon bomb and signalled Salem, "Rear!"

Salem once again got out of the presumed blast radius, by leaping backwards.

Borias tossed the grenade towards the accumulating constructs which were obliterated afterwards by the explosion few seconds later.

Louisius clapped his hands. "Impressive."

Salem looked at the 2nd wave of constructs being reduced to nothing. "I assume there's going to be a third wave?"

"No, that will be enough for today." He then crossed his arms. "Even though you almost left yourselves open, you regained your ground swiftly."

"Oh. Well then.." He looked at the others.

"Well done, sir," Seventeen commended.

"Thank you. You all also did very well." He replied, complementing on everyone's performance.

### Act 4: Midgame

#### Part 4A: Vigilance

The next day... Anticytheris Receptacle, 9:45 AM...

Alice and the R&D were diligently developing the schematics for the equipment of the new units.

From the Receptacle's warrior dome, some violet and blue aether secutors emerged from it and are being assigned by Aeretherius XII, the chief aether secutor.
From the machina mill, few violet and blue machinas were being manufactured. Jonathan Machina, the developer of the machinas, was overseeing the operation and helping the engineers install the different armament and modules the machinas need.

Meanwhile, over at multiple military installations in Jkirkian Territories, vast quantities of RI-CU7 Ultra Terminators were being manufactured, while multiple Militoids had switched out their current armored suits, for stronger and better ones, making them enter the Militant Soldier Ultra class. Multiple units of these infantry classes were also being assigned to both existing, and new Divisions within the Jkirkian Military.

In the archetypal halls, several Standard Archetypes were being manufactured and the Transcendent Archetypes were being tweaked. Jesse was assisting the engineers in managing the downloaders.

In Genesis City, a peregrine chassis emerged from one of the warpdrive modules on the dimensional canals built from the demolished abandoned apartments. They were unloading eight standard vigilance sections, forming a vigilance platoon, at the front of the "canal". The units were waiting to group with a Jkirkian scouting division in order to survey Outpost Kakastan on Planet Makalov.

An entire platoon of Militant Recon units had met up with the Empyrdom's units.

Cordelia was there, personally leading the operation as part of her armada commandeering. Leading small groups was not really hard as leading a whole Imperial armada. "Greetings, Anticytherians and Jkirkians!"

An RI-CO3 (Robotic Infantry - Commanding Officer) happened to be leading the Jkirkian platoon.

"I am Cordelia Eurius, Armadean Marshal of the Empyrdom. I will be leading this scout operation with this particular Jkirkian construct." She turned to the robot. "Kindly introduce yourself."

*"I am RI-CU3 Unit #03655. I will be leading this Jkirkian Platoon of Militoid Troopers within the Militant Recon Infantry Class. My platoon will be working alongside the Empyrdom's units, as instructed."*

"Thank you!" she responded. "Now, the procedure will be as follows. We inspect the outpost by factional category. We will be given orders from the chiefs as soon as we arrive. However, the standard protocol will still be applied. I assume everyone has prior knowledge of this."

"Eliminate impending enemies with extreme caution as to avoid even the slightest of suspicion and oversee the enemy battlefield from an optimally safe area, ma'am!" one of the silent lancers responded.

"Magnificent," she replied. "Reality invaders will accompany us in order to capture the actual visual information."

Unit #3655 looked at the Militant Recons. *"We shall follow Stealth Protocols as issued in your Basic Training Camps. You will scout out the Outpost, and avoid any hostile engagement, unless absolutely necessary. Your mission is to find out the enemy's numbers and strength, and the status of the Outpost."*

The Militant Recon units nod in response.

"Afterwards, we will all report to our respective surveillance stations on our territories. Henceforth, we shall go now. To your aerial transports, men!" demanded Cordelia as the standard vigilance platoon was loaded by the single chassis.

The Militant Recons enter into a single Genesis Transport.

Unit #3655 watches as both transports take off.

4:30 PM, Outpost Kakastan, Azterk, Planet Makalov...

The Genesis Transport has entered the desert region, along with the potential arrival of the Chassis.

The peregrine chassis has docked beside the transport.

The chassis unloaded the platoon.

The Genesis Transport deploys the Platoon of Militant Recons. They are all divided into individual Squadrons, of which there are 5 in total.

The Imperial platoon was also divided in five squads—each having 10 members.

Squadrons 1 and 5 begin their journey towards the Outpost, heading towards the Left and Right flanks, while Squadrons 2, 3, and 4 head towards the middle.

The first and second squads headed towards the northeast and northwest respectively, the third and fifth squads reared the first and second, while the fourth reared the three Jkirkian squadrons. Five reality invaders—one for each temporary group, hovered above their respective flanks.

A half hour later...

They reach visual sight on Outpost Kakastan, along with multiple Aerostats above the Outpost, with various AA (SAMs, Plasma Rounds) Fire at the Aerostats... it is obvious the Aerostats don't belong to Jkirk. Whatever AAA Systems the Outpost might've had possibly had been disabled.

The Aerostats, on the other hand, have been Bombarding the Outpost, by firing 50 - 80mm AP Autocannons at the Outpost very half hour. Transport and Attack Helicopters, deployed from the Aerostat's hangars, had been deploying troops and supplies, and delivering Air-to-Ground assaults on the Outpost.

The reality invaders were overseeing the situation from afar. Their astral sensors relayed captured visual information to the Receptacle.

There were 6 Aerostats in total, with very large quantities of Helicopters, along with recent deployments of Fighter and Bomber jets. This sight might suggest that this faction mainly uses Caliber and Millimeter Weapons... but it's strange on how they discovered Intergalactic Travel...

Alice was watching the footage with few R&D engineers. "Hmm, these weapons are... conventional."

"It seems they prefer concussive weapons over energy weapons, ma'am," one of the engineers noted.

"To add, their tech looks obviously of the modern Terran age..." Alice observed. She opened another astral channel for the Jkirkian comm array at Genesis City, if any. If none, then the channel would most likely link to Xervedia's.

The link was linked over to Xervedia. There, General Lester had answered it. "Yes?"

"We have conducted the surveillance operation on Kakastan. I have some questions to ask you, General."

"And those questions are...?"

"Do they use other weaponry... besides conventional weaponry?"

"Do Mass Accelerated Cannons count?"

"Perhaps," Alice answered. "Mainly, which planet did the Keter Var come from? I assume it is on Makalov..."

"It is assumed they have come from another planet. The first planet we've encountered them on was named Basterven. It was very heavily defended on its surface, but I doubt it's their primary planet."

"I see," Alice responded. "Now that you have told me that, it is peculiar for a faction that mostly uses conventional weaponry to emphasize their transportation in a transcendent level."

"It is quite interesting... I for one, am amazed that we haven't forced them into submission yet."

"I wonder how so..." Alice said.

"Sir, we have contact, one of ours!" A Militant Recon from Squadron 2 said.

"Hmm?" She noticed Cordelia walking toward the panel hardware. "Hey, Cordelia."

"I'm back," Cordelia replied.

A Rupture appears above the Outpost.

"Ma'am, rift inbound," telepathized a silent lancer.

Cordelia, who had just arrived within the Receptacle's nexus tower, received the alert. "Yes, I am watching the situation with the Chief Marshallia."

A Jkirkian Reaper X3Y Airship appears out of the Rupture, which seems to have brought fresh troops and supplies, along with overhead fire support.

"It's a Jkirkian aerostat, ma'am," telepathized the lancer.

"They are still keeping up the fight, it seems," Cordelia said. *"Hang in there, the main army shall accompany you eventually..."*

"We shall now make the summary of the current situation, ma'am."

"Go ahead."

The Reaper was then suddenly under heavy fire from the 6 Keterian Aerostats as it was deploying Genesis Transports, firing what seemed to be 75mm SP Autocannons. This might cause them to realize on why Keter has been such a problem in the first place.

Each half of the Imperial squads used their Mnesian visual modules to keep track of the situation through recorded memory data and visual support. The other halves were on guard duty to protect the first halves and the invisible reality invaders above them.

"What Sir Adex said before was true before my eyes," Cordelia said. "They are like... the Myriad."

The Reaper X3Y, of course, had retaliated with their Plasma Cannons, but was sustaining heavy damage. Meanwhile, Squadrons 1 and 5 had just gained visual on Keterian Ground Forces.

"Sir, we have spotted Keterian Infantry and Ground Vehicles, mostly "Conscripts", Battle Tanks, Artillery, and AA." Said a Militant Recon in the 5th Squadron.

"Interesting... And they are quite large in numbers, I take it?" Lester responded.

"Yes sir, their numbers are reaching Overwhelmingly rates. We don't know if the Outpost's B980 Turrets and Defending Personnel can hold out for much longer." Replied the same Militant Recon.

"General, extrapolating from their stalwartness, they might have more supplies than yours... which can be a great problem as long as the Jkirkian forces on the outpost fight for their lives."

"I see...... hold on... we're being hailed by the Faction Leader, stand by."

Adex had suddenly joined in the communications. "Greetings, everyone."

"Sir Adex, you have come," Alice responded.

"Indeed. It has come to my attention that the situation at Makalov is becoming more dire than expected. As of right now, multiple Jkirkian Installations on the planet are under siege."

Another channel appeared from Adex on Alice's astral panel. Suddenly, another channel appeared from the Zephyeurian astral comm array.

"What have I missed?" Aelianos spoke.

Adex was a bit surprised. "Nothing much. It seems now we have both Leaders on the same comm. Most interesting.."

"I came to notify that we are nearly completing the quota for the alliance units."

On Squadron 2's comms, sounds of Gunfire could be heard. "Sir! Our position's been compromis- AGGH!" The comm then disconnected all of the sudden.

"Hmm, I take it the operation is ongoing?"

Adex and Lester were silent for a while. Finally, Lester spoke. "Yes. Right now we just had our first causalities... most unfortunate."

"Yes, milord, and we are under fire..." Alice said.

"Relaying orders to RI-CO3 to activate camouflage systems if any," Cordelia spoke through a different comm.

Unit #3655 had ordered the Militant Recons to activate their Stealth Functions on their Armor Suits, making them invisible.

The first half of each Imperial squads had just finished recording as the second Jkirkian squadron is experiencing enemy attack. The squads began aiming their dark lancers at the enemy targets while keeping themselves down.

"What happened to Squadron 2?" Adex asked.

"Sir, it appears an Airstrike had taken them out. Someone must've spotted them, and called in an Airstrike... kind of a waste, though." A Squadron 3 Militant Recon said.

"Ma'am, we have few Jkirkian casualties!" telepathized a silent lancer. "We are in the process of pinpointing the specific enemy unit which caused this."

The Silent Lancer could see a Keterian Fighter/Bomber that was very close to when Squadron 2 was taken out.

The reality invaders watched over. Seeing the airstrike, some of them attempted to pan to the source of the attack.

"An enemy air vehicle inbound, ma'am," the silent lancer telepathized. "Orders to attack a single enemy unit?"

"Relay orders to all lancers," Cordelia ordered. "Concentrate attacks!"

The Empyrdom's Units can see a major explosion on the Reaper X3Y. Whatever caused that explosion had just forced their shields to collapse permanently. Within minutes after the explosion, one of the Aerostats had fired a Frontal MAC Cannon at the Reaper.

The platoons aimed their dark lancers at the Keterian fighter/bomber. The suits of the silent lancers were naturally made to adapt to the contacted environment.

The Fighter/Bomber looked like it was leaving the area, heading back towards the Aerostat, possibly going in for refueling and rearming.

The reality invaders were about to finish recording the situation. They were focused on the aerostats.

When the MAC round hit the Reaper, it was met with devastating damage, of which the Reaper X3Y started to descend at an alarming rate... it's crash landing.
Before the aircraft could move far away, the silent lancers simultaneously fired single instantaneous particle beams at it.

The Particle Beams had hit one of the wings of the Fighter/Bomber, causing it to come crashing down.

"Sir, the enemy appears to have authorized the use of MAC rounds in the engagement. They just took down the supporting Reaper X3Y." A Militant Recon from Squadron 4 reported.

"The assailant is down, ma'am," one of the silent lancers from the fifth squad reported.

"Exercise greater caution afterwards," ordered Cordelia. "Support the Jkirkians!"

"Yes, ma'am."

Adex was met with silence for a bit. He finally spoke. "This engagement on Makalov has escalated far beyond than it was originally intended to be. I am authorizing the deployment of a J.O.S.S to the planet."

"In the operation, however, we need to get as much data. Cordelia, are the reality invaders done with the footages?" asked Joshua.

"Yes, milord."

"Then regroup everyone to their transports. It is dangerous to stay there with our currently deployed forces."

Aelianos might wonder on the mention of the so-called J.O.S.S.

"Indeed. I am ordering the Recon Squadrons to fall back." Lester had said.

"Good," Aelianos responded. "Yet I wonder what kind of weapon you just authorized to use on the planet, Adex..."

"Are you referring to the J.O.S.S?" Adex replied.

"Perhaps."

The Imperial squads received orders to fall back. They went over to the chassis which was situated on a depression to decrease risk of enemy contact. They were then loaded inside.

"I would find the term 'Weapon' appropriate, but the J.O.S.S is actually a massive Space Station, that is one of the most feared War Machines to ever show up in our arsenal." Adex responded.

The 4 remaining Militant Recon Squadrons were ordered to fall back to their extraction point.

*"I shall use the normal blast of the Xervedia Orbital Plasma Cannon, should both plans fail."*

*"Orbital plasma cannon....?" "...It's an Orbital Bombardment Cannon, that is considered a form of WMD."*

*"Yes, I am not in the dark with such. However, how will you use that weapon? From a space foothold like the Imperial Anticytheris Receptacle in planetary orbit?"*

*"Something like that, yes."*

"I see," Aelianos remembered. "You need a space foothold to use your orbital cannon. I assume that it is used by the J.O.S.S.."

"Yes. The Jkirkian Orbital Supremacy Station does have one Xervedia Orbital Plasma Cannon, along with other various weapons suitable for Orbital Strikes and Bombardments."

The ground violently shook all of the sudden at Outpost Kakastan. It seems the Reaper X3Y had finally made contact with the ground.

The chassis had just hovered few seconds before the tremor occurred.

The Genesis Transport had just loaded up the Militant Recon squadrons when the tremors occurred. As such, they began lift-off.

"Interesting," Aelianos replied. "But first things first before you use your WMD. Perhaps this challenging a force can be eliminated by... less destructive means."

"Who said I was immediately authorizing the WMD?"

"Again, I am not in the dark with what you are referring to. As much as possible, we should not eliminate the enemy with the orbital cannons on the day of judgment." Aelianos crossed his arms. ".... Only if Plan A and Plan B fails. Do you remember?"

"Ah, yes, I am aware of this. However, I was mainly referring to using WMDs. I am only deploying the J.O.S.S to Makalov, so we can buy more time for either plans to take effect."

"I see. I understand," replied Joshua. "The Receptacle will be preparing its orbital cannon to support the J.O.S.S., then."

"Many thanks, my friend." Adex replied.

"Have they retreated now?"

The reality invaders began gliding away from the outpost, along with the chassis.

"All units that have not been marked KIA or MIA have been accounted for in the transport. Should we declare this part of the operation a success?" Lester said.

"Regardless of casualties, the Empyrdom declares the operation successful," Aelianos proclaimed.

#### Part 4B: Analysis of Results

"Very well then. What should be the next course of action?" Adex asked.

"Sir Adex, we have two other Receptacle astral channels linking," Alice alerted.

"I see." Adex responded.

Two Receptacle astral channels appeared.

"Reporting for duty, milord," Aeretherius XII, the anima magistrate of the Empyrdom, spoke.

"Looks like the production of the experimentals are going nicely as expected," Jesse Argentum, the high magistrate, notified.

"Hm.. you have already produced a majority of our Combination units?" Adex asked.

"Yes, sir," Jesse replied. "The eclipse machinas and the antipode machinas are fresh from the mill."

From behind Aeretherius XII, blue and violet aether secutors were training with each other through sparring. "Night aether secutors and arch aether secutors are also ready to be assigned in the elite envoy."

"Most interesting.. I have received reports that my Combination Units have already been assigned to their respective divisions," shared Adex.

"Good," Aelianos replied.

"Now then, shall we interpret the results of the operation?" Alice said.

"That would be best." Adex responded.

Several minutes later, the footages were downloaded into the astral hub, allowing the Receptacle officers to access them personally. The reports of the two platoons were also gathered.

Alice was scanning the footages and the reports. "Hmm..."

The Militant Recons had just began uploading the footage taken from their helmet cams. Unfortunately, they could not retrieve the footage taken from Squadron 2.

"Just as we inferred," Alice concluded. "These are quite strong conventional weapons."
The footage taken from the 4 remaining squadrons have been successfully uploaded. Adex began watching said footage from the Squadrons. "Mhm..."

Cordelia was reading the reports from the Mnesian virtual memory system.

"Hm... It appears they were using their K-32 Main Battle Tanks, along with Keterian Conscripts, K-12 Mobile AA, and K-17 Mobile Artillery..." Adex said.

"Conscripts?" Alice asked.

"That's what we refer to them as their mainline Infantry." Adex replied.

"I see."

"Strange," Cordelia said. "The reports state they have no particular energy shielding."

"That they do not." Adex responded.

Aelianos heard, causing him to grin. "Considering they focus on concussive projectiles, armor, and numbers, I suggest having a new tactic within the main operation."

"Hm?" Adex responded. "A modification in our original plans?"

"Not really," Aelianos said. "I'd say it is more like a tip in the battle specifically against the Keterians."

"I see... Let us hear it then." Adex said.

"It is best we use area-of-effect units in this situation as they tend to accumulate in a certain division when attacking with brute force."

"So units like Bombers, Artillery, and any of the sort?" Lester asked.

"Yes," Aelianos replied.

"Interesting." He replied.

"And if we are at it, we can use electromagnetic pulses while any cluster of their mechanical units are apart from yours."

"That can work. However, we must advise caution to not show too much brute force with this tactic... Past incidents with using such tactics, although not identical.. have shown retaliation of a rather interesting WMD..."

"They have one?"

"Yes. It has shown to be quite powerful as a thermonuclear device... however, it lacks any nuclear properties."

Aelianos grinned. "Oh, they still even follow ethics albeit their supposed deeds against the Federations? They are an interesting foe."

"Very interesting, indeed.. This WMD usually takes form as a Bomb, but incidents have been shown that they have also been used in a form as a Missile." Adex replied.

"If that is the case... then we can intercept it."

"Inferring from its characteristics, it might be a ballistic missile," Alice explained. "As such, when its projectile speed is variable, we will redirect it with similar ballistic weaponry."

"I see... do you have anything that intercepts Ray Shields?" Adex asked.

"The lightning harrier's discharge rifle is an EMP rifle that releases long-distance, instantaneous bursts of electromagnetic pulses, albeit weaker than their own WMD."

"So I take that as a yes, then."

"While the ray shields are neutralized, we will utilize the snowstorm machina's cold mauling rod."

"I see you've thought this out very well." Adex complimented.

"My humble thanks," Aelianos replied. "Now, we have four protocols for this. Alice, please notify them."

"Hmm?" Adex had immediately shown interest in this.

"Yes, milord," Alice said. "The first protocol is MK-1 Myriad Diversion, in which, as said beforehand, we will divert the Myriad's strongest forces with our aerostats."

"I think I'm fully aware of that protocol.. what about the other 3?" Adex asked.

"Second: the MK-2 Main Dish. Using our elite envoys and our primary battle platoons, together we will crush the Myriad and Keter on Kakastan while they are distracted with each other. Third: if they ever use their WMD... MK-3 Redirection will be implemented. The Empyrdom will deploy few lightning harriers and snowstorm machinas to neutralize the missile's ray shields and redirect the missile towards the enemy, just in time as it explodes after the incurring delay from the cold mauling rod's reduced temperature recedes. And fourth: MK-4 Judgment will involve the Judgment Armada and potential allied forces raze Regeleim."

"Hm... MK-4 Judgment sounds similar to Order 0...." Adex replied.

"Oh? Does it involve 'purification'- simply put razing a planet?"

"It involves the use of multiple WMDs in our arsenal, no matter how deadly it is, and it is used on multiple targets."

"Oh, not really similar," Aelianos replied. "The Empyrdom will not really use every WMD it has. Rather, we will subdue the enemy until they are beyond repair. I take it as more similar to one of the Imperial main protocols: the Empyrean Mandate."

"Ah... I was partially mistaken then-.... Empyrean Mandate?"

"The absolute decree of oblivion, the Empyrean Mandate," he bluntly said. "The whole Empyrdom will use all their arsenal to wipe out multiple enemy strongholds. Though it is only mandated against a Level 4+ faction."

"Interesting... and how many incidents has it been authorized?"

"Fortunately, none."

Aelianos crossed his arms. "We have not encountered a Level 4+ before so I think it is best that we should stay like this."

"That is fortunate. Order 0: Devastation has never been authorized at all as well."

"Let us keep up," Cordelia noted.

"Wow, what a lengthy discussion it was," Aelianos noticed.

"Apparently. We must've gotten a little off-task." Adex replied.

"Heh. Regardless, everything we have discussed is essential to our directive at hand."

"That is true."

"I think that would be all for now. Please organize your troops as we proceed to the day of judgment."

"Alright. What is the date of the initial assault?" Adex asked.

"November 22," he replied. "Today is November 20."

"2 Days... that should give me enough time to mobilize my main forces." Adex had said.

"Same here, sir," Alice replied.

"Be advised, I will be deploying a large quantity of forces." He said, as he adjourned his Communications, same with General Lester.

"Mm-hm," Aelianos mouthed. The others adjourned as well from the Jkirkian comm arrays, leaving only the Imperial officers to discuss their plans.

Adex still had his communications with Lester. "General Lester, Mobilize Battle Group: Invasion, for the upcoming Invasion, along with it's Experimental and Combination Units." Adex had ordered.

"Would that include it's J.O.S.S?" Lester questioned.

"Yes, bring the Battle Group's J.O.S.S with them. We must have the entire Battle Group ready in two days." Adex said.

"It will be done, sir." Lester said, before adjourning his communications.

"Jesse, how is the Nexus Amalgamation system faring?" asked Joshua.

"Now fully operational, milord. I will ready the system should you need to deploy it," Jesse replied.

"Gladly," Aelianos affirmed. "MK-5: Immediately after the foe on the outpost is wiped out. Cordelia, are the divisions assigned now?"

"On it, milord," Cordelia answered. "The Theatre of Purification has all the elite assault envoys assigned to it. The Judgment Armada will be deployed back to Regeleim as soon as their planetary forces are significantly reduced to fight on the outpost."

"Good. Adjourning this factional discussion."

#### Part 4C: Mobilization

**November 21, 2016/3238 ATS**

54% of Battle Group: Invasion, has already been Mobilized. The Battle Group's J.O.S.S has it's Xervedia Orbital Plasma Cannon charged up enough to fire 1 Overcharge Blasts, or 3 Normal Blasts as well, should WMDs be neccessary.

One hecatoncherein carapace was stationed on each planetary branch of the Empyrdom. At this point, 64% of the theatre was being mobilized through the carapaces which will warpdrive to the Receptacle for the final deployment. Regiments of night and arch aether secutors as well as eclipse and antipode machinas were stationed near two hangars on the Receptacle. The Judgment Armada I was stationed at the frontlines, ready to be deployed to Regeleim at any point of time. The Receptacle's Empyrean Rift Cannon was being charged and calibrated. Its Circumgyratory Rey-Graviton system is being run in conjunction with the exhibited Tachyonic Drive Tera, ready to be warpdriven to the outpost. The Primordial Archetypes were also ready to be deployed from the Receptacle's archetypal hall.

Meanwhile, at the outpost...

The 6 Keterian Aerostats have kept doing on what they were doing since Yesterday, periodically bombarding the Outpost. How the Outpost is still operational is beyond them, but they want it gone.

Jkirk tried once again to bring Reinforcements to the Outpost, by sending in 3 Reaper X3Y Airships over to the Outpost, via Rupture. Of course, as soon as they arrived, they were met with heavy fire, but as long as they were there, they provided some reinforcements and extra firepower. This gave everyone a little more time for the Plan to take effect tomorrow.

As the Reaper's were battling the Aerostats, they managed to bring 2 of them down, but at the cost of 1 of their own Reapers. The Keterian Commander that was overseeing the operation had ordered reinforcements the minute the 1st Aerostat was shot down, and within minutes, 3 more Aerostats came to the Outpost via Hyperspace (said Aerostats had to exit HS in Orbit, however).

### Act 5: High Time

#### Part 5A: MK-1 Myriad Diversion

**November 22nd, 2016/3238 ATS**

Aelianos and the Ventilusian officers, of course except for the Empyrean Magistrates who were manning the Judgment Armada, were inside the nexus tower, preparing to link with the Jkirkian comm arrays.

The entire force of Battle Group: Invasion, has been fully mobilized on the Jkirkian Planet of Fadenhawk, of which it is also the homeworld of the Militoids. The Battle Group is ready to invade on Adex's command.

Adex and General Lester prepared to link as well.

As soon as they prepared to communicate, they turned on their channels.

Aelianos was seated at the middle top- the Emperor's seat, while the others are at the leftmost side of the floor, separated with different interfaces.

Adex and General Lester was successfully hailed.

The Jkirkian comm arrays on Genesis City and Xervedia would likely notice three incoming Imperial astral channels. Three others are following from the planetary arrays.

The planetary arrays were from the three branch leaders.

"The time has come for the judgment," Aelianos said.

"I see. I take it your forces have been Mobilized?" Adex replied.

"All atop the Receptacle," he responded. "Where are yours?"

"They are at the Planet Fadenhawk. They are waiting for me to give the order."

"Good. Now let the Empyrdom serve the appetizer first. MK-1, commence!"

As soon as the protocol has been carried out, the Judgment Armada's aerostats began to gather energy while the air vehicles encircled them in order to activate their warpdrive sequence. Zooming forward would disorient the timing of the arrival.

"Battle Group: Invasion, you are authorized to move to the target planet. Give them no mercy, troops." Adex had ordered. As soon as the order was given, the Aerostats within the Fleet had started entering their Ruptures.

Alice spoke from the astral comm, "In this protocol, the Jkirkians are advised not to attack the Myriad and Keter nor reveal the presence of their battle group when the Judgment Armada has not completely lured the Myriad into the outpost."

"The Emperor will relay orders to the Federation's leader as soon as the Myriad's powerhouse forces make thir rendezvous in the outpost," said Cordelia.

The Battle Group has fully entered their Ruptures, ready to exit the Ruptures about 10 Minutes of Rupture Travel away from Makalov, until they have been given the signal to attack.

As soon as the armada arrived within the planet's atmosphere, they began attacking with their armament to make it look like they are invading.

The Regeleim's evolutionary defenses sensed the presence of the aerostats and the air vehicles. The density pits, AA structures of the Regeleim's territory, released blobs of bluish white energy at the armada. From the mass orifices, bunkers of Regeleim, a huge cluster of Myriad units, looking like they were assigned as large as a regiment, proceeded to retaliate against the armada.

Many of the astral warpers began to load vex houndmen, force menders, few behemoth steamrollers, and other units to be sent out of the planet. As soon as the armada crew detected the warpers about to send their forces to Mobius (while crossing Makalov, of course), it immediately retreated. However, to minimize the risk of getting casualties while accumulating energy for another warpdrive, the empyrean dirigibles blotted the sky with the 288 nexus cluster units.

Sky tyrants attempted to catch their trail, supported by living dreadnoughts and crypt watchdogs, aerial units meant for invasions.

As soon as the armada warpdrove back to the Receptacle, the massive horde of Regimenian units began charging towards Mobius. As they crossed Makalov, most of the lifeforms were attracted to the amount of energy they can find from the organisms in the planet.

"It seems we have found another enemy territory, abundant in energy!" noted the supposed leader of the Myriad.

"Shall we invade that planet before the horde? We must find the armada that attacked us," spoke his right-hand: a burly Regimenian.

"Why not? Watch out, Empyrdom, for we are to bring your demise!"

As soon as the Myriad's horde arrived within the planet's atmosphere, this might have alarmed any existing force duking it out on the outpost.

The Outpost's still functional scanners had detected the presence of the Myriads. The Keter Var's Aerostats had also detected the Myriad's, thinking it was Jkirkian Reinforcements.

"Reports on the current forces?" the Regimenian right-hand telepathized to one of the warpers.

"Teeming life energy, must extract," a warper telepathized back.

The right-hand inspected the battlefield and there were many units down there. "Orders, Overlord?"

"Extract the energy at once," the Overlord ordered. "And search for the Imperial underdogs!"

The Keterian Commander immediately ordered more reinforcements, in order to combat the incoming Myriad Force, still thinking they were Jkirkians.

The horde began to commence their attack on the outpost. The twenty warpers unloaded 300 vex houndmen, 180 force menders, 20 behemoth steamrollers, 120 grav razorii and 60 helical rays. The 60 sky tyrants, 10 living dreadnoughts, and 45 crypt watchdogs supported the ground forces.

#### Part 5B: MK-2 Main Dish

Without the knowledge of the outpost's battling forces, a reality invader was left there, inspecting the whole battle since the start of the operation.

"MK-2, commence," Aelianos relayed orders to Adex.

"Roger." Adex said, as he signalled the Battle Group to attack.

Five hecatoncherein carapaces and ten peregrine chassis carrying the whole theater of the elite assault envoys and the standard vehicular units were warpdriven to the outpost. The Nexus Fleet, consisting of fifteen empyrean dirigibles, fifteen azure eidolons, ten mirage raiders, fifteen prismatic arcs and five Garudions went along as part of the theatre.

The entire Battle Group (except it's J.O.S.S, of which it exited at Makalov's orbit) has arrived at the Outpost via Ruptures. There were a total of 20 Reaper X3Ys, and 10 TA-650s.

As the theatre had warpdriven within the premises of the outpost, the transports unloaded the ground units. From it emerged two thousands of night and arch aether secutors. Four hundreds of eclipse and antipode machinas led the theatre from the ground.
100 lightning harriers, 200 snowstorm machinas, and some other ground units joined in.
Five hundred scelirian mounts supported the machinas by using their shields while mounted on mechanical horses.

The Keterian Reinforcements had arrived, bringing in 10 Aerostats. However, it seems like this wasn't enough to take them on. The Battle Group on the other hand started deploying Transports, and various Aircraft, in overwhelming numbers.

"Twenty minutes before circumgyratory warp," a Receptacle A.I. notified the officers.

The theatre, along with the Jkirkian battle group, began to attack the Myriad forces and the Keterians.

"What the- What is going on?! Where did these units come from?!" Yelled a Keterian Lieutenant that was alongside the Commander.

"Who cares, you fool! Unleash the Bomb!" Ordered the Commander.

As the Myriad forces attacked the Keterians, the attacking units began to gather the life energy from the conscripts and the other organic units.

The First wave of Jkirkian Ground Forces were successfully deployed, as they began attacking the Keterians and Myriads, as the Keterians were realizing the Myriads were Jkirkian, and engaged them as well.

A very large Bomber Jet emerged from a hangar from one of the Keterian Aerostats.

"What? The two factions planned to trap our powerhouse in a ruse?" spoke the Overlord.

"Orders?" The right-hand spoke.

"Where in muck is Vermudegarii?!"

"It seems he has acted in his own accord, Overlord. He plans to attack the enemy territory as soon as he can."

"Our forces are disoriented. We need to deploy the Paraxeneon's Circle immediately."

"Ten minutes before deployment."

The Bomber Jet reached above the Outpost, and dropped a moderate-sized Bomb.

The reality invader recorded the scene wherein the bomber was deployed.

#### Part 5C: MK-3 Redirection

"MK-3, commence," demanded Joshua.

The Jkirkian Forces kept battling the Myriads and Keterians, possibly triumphing over them both.

The lightning harriers aimed their discharge rifles as soon as the bomb was dropped. They released swift bursts of EMP at the bomb.

The EMP disabled it's Ray Shields, but did not disarm the actual bomb. It was more than halfway to reaching the Outpost's Command Center..

"Finish it," Aelianos ordered. Upon his decree, the snowstorm machinas released their cold mauling rods at the bomb. As they were Class A hexsteel rods, they were harder than the bomb's outer shell. They were attempting to strike the bomb away while processing their edges with supercooled plasma in order to delay the explosion when upon concussive contact. It would most likely bounce off towards the Myriad-Keter forces.

When the bomb bounced off, instead of landing near the most active place of Keter - Myriad engagements, it landed... right in the middle of the outpost.

Aelianos facepalmed, "What the-"

Since the Bomb landed in the middle of the Outpost, of which it's assumed it was at the center of the entire battlefield, once the bomb exploded, its Blast Radius had caused Major, but equal, Casualties, on all armies.

Several of the Empyrdom's ground units were wiped out. The aerial fleet managed to have little casualties at that point. Their shielding protected most of their units from the explosion.

Aelianos stood up while the channels were still on. "Caitlineia."

She nodded in response. The two walked out of the tower.

Both of Jkirk's Ground and Aerostat forces had received casualties, but thanks to their shielding technologies, the causality rate was equal to that of the others.

The Jkirkian officers would likely notice them, along with the three other branch leaders, exit their current channels.

Adex noticed them exit the channels, as he was overseeing the Battlefield with his BFT-HUD. "...Huh... that didn't go as expected..." He said.

Keter's Ground Forces received all of the Casualties, while their Aerostat's received none, which was odd...

The outpost itself, was destroyed in the blast as well.

Alice and Cordelia were left there with their channels open.

"Oh, that," Cordelia said. "They will be back shortly."

Meanwhile, in the archetypal hall, the Ancient Kings and Caitlineia were there being transported into certain mechs called the Primordial Archetypes.

"Back shortly? Are they doing something?" Adex asked.

"Yes, sir," Cordelia replied.

As they were being deployed to Makalov, their channels linked back to the Jkirkian comm arrays.

This time, there were five rebooted channels in total, instead of four.

Adex took notice of this. "...Hmm..."

All of them appeared as if they were in some kind of mechs...

"We return," Aelianos said.

"Hm... you all appear to be in... Vehicles, I presume?" Adex asked.

"You can say that," Thomas said.

"Allow me to introduce to you the Archon Empress, Caitlineia," Aelianos said to Adex. "...who is my wife."

"...I see." He said, a little bit surprised.

Over on the Battlefield, Jkirk's forces still continued to engage the Myriads and Keterians.

"Greetings," spoke Caitlineia. It seems her voice was almost identical to Cordelia's but somewhat rather more breezy.

"Greetings..." Adex replied, a bit hesitant... as if something bothered him.

"Hm?" She quickly noticed.

"Huh?" Adex quickly responded.

"What's the matter...?"

"Nothing." He replied quickly.

While the theatre was still there attacking the overwhelmed enemy clusters, four Primordial Archetypes entered the battlefield.

"Circumgyratory warp in 3, 2, 1. Commencing," said the Receptacle A.I. At that moment, the Receptacle was warpdriven to Makalov's orbit.

The different aether secutors continued to hack through the enemies while the scelirian mounts provided them with optimal defense. The fleet unlesshed their armament against respective foes.

Multiple RI-CU7 Ultra Terminators and Militant Soldier Ultras were seen firing their blasters at the hostile forces, as their CQC counterparts were engaging in Close Quarters Combat, with their Vehicles covering them. The Reaper X3Y's were firing their armaments at the hostile Aerostats.

The prismatic arcs charged their energy prisms. The azure eidolons began encircling the Keterian aerostats. The living dreadnoughts seem to be gradually terminating any hostile ground unit with its evolutionary spikes.

The Myriad forces were overwhelmed because three forces were ganging up on them.

The Keterian Forces were getting overwhelmed, as they tried desperately to fight on 3 fronts. Within minutes, they finally started retreating.

The firepower of the Myriad forces will most likely be divided, decreasing their efficiency.

"Screw this! I'm not going to allow my entire force to be destroyed by this crap! I'm signalling the retreat! Fall back!" Ordered the Keterian Commander.

Less than half of the Empyrdom's forces were casualties due to the previous explosion and the crossfire.

The four Primordial Archetypes went in pursuit of Regeleim, making it look like they were trying to pursue the retreating Keterians.

The Keterian Aerostats attempted to ascend towards Orbit, in order to activate Hyperspace.

The remnants of the Myriad forces were retreating as well. The theater regrouped with the Imperial fleet.

The Jkirkian Aerostats also fired at the retreating Keterians/Myriads with their armaments.

The Imperial fleets engaged the remnants with their armaments. The prismatic arcs simultaneously released continuous and instantaneous high-density particle beams at the Keterian aerostats.

If the Myriads/Keterians were to enter Orbit, they would be greeted by a J.O.S.S, of which would start firing at them upon sight.

The Myriads did. The Anticytheris Receptacle had finished circumgyratory warp and was in orbit with Makalov. The Receptacle fired multidirectional streams of different projectiles- missiles, plasma rays, AP bullets, and others, at the retreating armies.

The J.O.S.S's crew, deciding to finish the Keterian Threat early, with no risk to causalities, fired up a Normal Xervedia Orbital Plasma Cannon Blast at the remnants of their fleet. After all, they did just blow up their outpost with an WMD.

Just as soon as they fired, the theatre has already descended to the Receptacle.

"Save the Rift Cannon for later," Cordelia notified the cannon crew from a local comm array.

"Yes, ma'am!" answered one of the engineers in charge of the cannon's functions.

The second the Red thin Plasma Ray hit a Keterian Aerostat, had laid complete destruction of their entire fleet, allowing for no one affected to survive the blast.

The use of the XOPC during the presence of Empyrdom might have allowed them to see what their WMD was capable for.

"An ethical area-of-effect weapon," Alice said. "Albeit a WMD."

"Almost similar to the Rift Cannon, perhaps?" Cordelia noted.

"Yes, though the Rift Cannon is a particle cannon," Alice replied. "It may not leave room for surviving temporal units. Particularly very effective against anything but ultimate shielding systems, it can disintegrate anything within a molecular level."

"Alice, the kings are heading to the enemy planet."

The J.O.S.S's WMD still had two more shots left. As such, it aimed at the remnants of the Myriad's fleet (If they were still there), and fired.

They were almost obliterated by the Receptacle's armament. The living dreadnoughts survived but were obliterated by the normal blast.

The J.O.S.S had one more shot of it's WMD, and it's crew decided it was finally time to end the Conflict on Makalov, by aiming at a Keterian Stronghold, that was assumed to be it's main foothold, and fired one last time.

The crew on the J.O.S.S cheered, as they vanquished the remnants of both the Keterians, and the Myriads. However, what they soon detected... was a Massive Fortress 30 Miles from the obliterated Stronghold... it just.. came out of nowhere. Perhaps it was hidden by a Stealth Field?

The reality invader detected it as it flew near the stronghold.

"Hmm?" Alice mouthed.

A crew member on the J.O.S.S hailed General Lester. "Sir, we have just detected a massive Stronghold belonging to hostile forces. It just appeared right after we blew up the other Stronghold."

"Hm.... That's odd." Lester replied.

"Should we raze it as well?" Alice asked.

"Yes." General Lester replied.

Since the area was free from any friendly units, the Receptacle charged its Empyrean Rift Cannon on its bottom part to use its single mode as there are three modes available for different functions in the battlefield. After few minutes, the cannon released a thin continuous and instantaneous ray of high-density particle energy at the stronghold. Most likely, it will be disintegrated after several seconds of contact if it hits.

The ray did indeed hit, and the entire stronghold was destroyed. Despite there being a few minor installations, Makolov is free from Keter Ground Attacks, until another Fleet is sent to the planet. Immediately, General Lester orders the reconstruction of Outpost Kakastan.

"Forty minutes before circumgyratory warp," issued the Receptacle A.I..

"Sir Adex, will you carry on to Planet Regeleim with the Imperial rulers?" Alice asked.

"Certainly. What are the coordinates?" Adex replied

"Sixth planet from the sun in the system where Planet Antiquus is."

"I see. I best be on my way, then." Adex replied.

Several minutes later of rupture travel and warpdriving....

Adex arrived within the planet's orbit within a Reaper X3Y.

On the surface, there were a multitude of Regimenian units ready to battle. The horde back then was merely a quarter of their main forces.

Adex might see four mechs of different statures standing on top of a cliff. Down it was the multitude, with supporting units from the horizon.

Adex looked at the surface on the planet, along with the Mechs "Hmm.. interesting." He said.

Adex requested for additional Jkirk Forces to appear in the planets orbit.

The Theatre of Purification which includes the Judgment Armada, the Nexus Fleet, and the elite assault and vehicular regiments (loaded in four hecatoncherein carapaces and ten peregrine chassis) arrived within the planet's orbit.

Within minutes, 20 Reaper X3Y Airships, 10 TA-650 Airships, and a J.O.S.S came to the planet, via Ruptures.

A certain Regimenian spacecraft caught the attention of the Imperial forces. It loomed the battlefield with darkness. Larger than an Aetheris dome- a huge aerostat in the form of an aerial fortress, the Paraxeneon's Circle was optimally functional.

A naturally-transmitted low-frequency comm tried to link with the Empyrdom and the Federations.

The Federations were able to be successfully linked.

The Empyrdom was linked as well. After such, they might see two Regimenians in the channel.

Adex saw said Regimenians. "...?"

"You have weaved a well-done ruse," 'spoke' the muscular Regimenian- the Overlord. His "voice" was slightly distorted because his thoughts are merely being processed to be actually spoken out.

"..." Adex did not respond

"Strange that your forces were meager back then," Aelianos said.

"Heh. But it is time for your web to be crumpled. Attack!" ordered the Overlord.

On Genesis City, a Regimenian was still standing there since six days ago- the first Myriad attack of Genesis, the 'Siege of Genesis'. As he felt that it is time to carry out his goals, two Myriad hordes from the eastern section of Regeleim were approaching the city.

The Jkirkian defenses on Genesis City would most likely be alerted by the impending Myriad horde.

The Radar on Fort Jkirk detects the incoming invasion force. Immediately, it's commander orders the mobilization of a Defense Fleet

Their commander, the Conqueror of the Myriad, began to extend forth its hands, gathering electricity in them. It looks like he is about to sabotage the whole city...
The horde, however, was ready to strike at any time. Carrying 40 astral warpers with loaded 1,000 vex houndmen and 1,000 force menders, 30 living dreadnoughts, 130 sky tyrants, 600 crypt watchdogs, 800 grav razorii, and 2,000 carrion pygmies, they brought terror into the battlefield.

Alice received the transmission which results to them seeing the commander in a channel. "At your service," she said. "What is the situation?"

"We've detected a major hostile force inbound onto Genesis City. We're mobilizing our forces as we speak, but their numbers are great." The commander said.

"We will check the situation right away," she replied. On another astral panel, twenty footages were displayed on screen through the twenty dimensional canals on Genesis City. All of the footages sighted the impending Myriad horde closing in on all sides. "I... see."

"Set up your defenses. We will send in our units to assist."

"Many thanks. Our first wave should be arriving by the minute."

After accumulating enough energy into its body, the Conqueror released an electromagnetic pulse that stretches for five miles while it was within the city itself after a long time.

Alice sighted the wave through the astral sensors on the dimensional canals. "Huh..."

The commander was probably still on the channel. "What was that?"

"A wide-scale EMP, perhaps?"

Alice leaned on her seat. "Well, anyway. Deploying the first and second dimensional regiments."

"First wave is arriving now." The commander replied.

6 Ruptures on the Southwest side of the city's outskirts appeared.

From the twenty canals, forty Imperial platoons emerged from them to assemble into two regiments.

4 Reaper X3Ys and 2 TA-650s arrived from the ruptures.

Each dimensional regiment is composed of 880 units in total. They are divided into 140 scelirian mounts, 40 aerial warmice, 25 firestorm machinas, 25 snowstorm machinas, 50 Garudions, 5 empyrean dirigibles, 45 graviton bikes, 35 azure eidolons, 15 prismatic arcs, 200 aether secutors, 150 argyric troopers and 150 vareionic troopers. They organized themselves in twenty sectors. They are now ready to engage the horde at will.

"As soon as the horde attacks, please deploy your forces right away in optimally strategic positions as the regiments mitigate their numbers," Alice told the commander.

"Alright." The commander replied.

**Empyrdom of Anticytheris: 1,760**

The 4 Reaper X3Ys began deploying various types of Aircraft, while the TA-650 deployed Transports.

The horde started to engage the Jkirkian front.

The Transports landed, deploying various types of Infantry and Ground Vehicles (number not yet determined. It is estimated that the first wave of ground troops is in the hundreds), and said Ground Forces began fighting the Myriads ground forces, as Jkirk's Aircraft and Aerostats began fighting the Myriads own Aircraft and Aerostats.

While the siege ensued, the scene went back to Planet Regeleim.

The Tachyon received an astral transmission from the Receptacle astral comm array.

"Yes?" Aelianos asked.

"Milord, Genesis City is being invaded once again," notified Alice.

Aelianos was silent for a while. "Did you send forces to help the Federations contain the threat?"

"Yes. The first and second dimensional regiments are now deployed. Currently, the attack has started and we are now retaliating."

The Tachyon's comm tried to link with Adex's Reaper X3Y.

The link with Adex's Reaper succeeded.

"Adex, it seems they had a plan of their own as well," notified Joshua.

"Plan? What are they doing?" Adex asked

"The Myriad has sent an invasion force to Genesis."

He sighed in annoyance. "Again?"

"Yes. As we speak, two of my dimensional regiments are assisting in the defense."

"I see." He replied.

Aelianos observed the battle footage carefully. "They are equivalent to... six regiments?!"

"..That's bad, isn't it." Adex said

Aelianos went silent for a while. "The Empyrdom unit quality precedes quantity. We shall be victorious!"

"Alright then. So does that mean we don't send in addition forces?"

"I will deploy the second wave of the third and fourth dimensional regiments from Antiquus later."

Aelianos turned to Adex's channel. "For now, we will mitigate the Myriad forces on this planet."

Adex nodded in response.

The channel from the Myriad Overlord rebooted. "Are you done yet? I am itching to take your energy!" The Overlord 'spoke' to them.

"..Is he still on our channel?" Adex said. "...Huh."

Aelianos turned off the Regimenian channel. "Prepare to mobilize all forces."

Adex began ordering his forces on his Reaper X3Y to prep up, and to begin the invasion once given the order.

The Paraxeneon's Circle was ready to load its organic weapons.

A UFO-like Aerostat emerged from one of the hangars of the Reaper. It was in Jkirkian Colors, but it's not any unit type seen beforehand. Accompanying the UFO-Aerostat, was a Genesis Transport.

The Primordial Archetypes were primed. The Theater of Purification was ready to strike.

"Milord, the Swords of Salem are being sent to the planet," Cordelia notified.

"Affirmed," Aelianos said. "And prepare reinforcements from two sides. Divide the Theater of Oblivion into two and deploy them after ten minutes of skirmish."

"Yes, milord."

A single peregrine chassis deployed the special envoy near the allied forces. It was the Swords of Salem—ready for their first real battle.

Salem was deployed. "Alright, we're here."

"Ready."

Following the UFO Aerostat and Genesis Transport, came multiple T7-N4's and CSR9 Bombers.

Hydrargus loaded his vareionic blaster. Borias prepared to throw a draconic bomb. Seventeen was beside Salem, readying his dual aether blades. Ryssus was ready to follow them.
Salem began readying his Lance and Anti-Matter Pistol, as combat was growing near.

‘’'The Jkirk Federations: 1 Adex Drone Platform, 1 Genesis Transport, 12 T7-N4's, 6 CSR9 Bombers, 1 Reaper X3Y Airship’’'

The deployed Jkirkian Forces started descending into the planet's atmosphere, except the UFO Aerostat and Genesis Transport. Apparently the Reaper X3Y and the other aircraft are being used as Scouts.

**Empyrdom of Anticytheris: 11,600**

**Myriad of Regeleim: 67,200**

The Scouts awaited confrontation from the Myriads forces. The UFO Aerostat and the Genesis Transport remained in orbit, to await the arrival of the Jkirkian Battle Group.

Vex houndmen and force menders dominated the Myriad battlefront in which they came charging at the allied forces.

Jkirks forces has not yet consisted of Ground Forces. However, the Aircraft and Reaper X3Y began attacking the Myriads ground forces. Unless the Myriad had any AA/AAA weapons, the Aircraft will only have a moderate threat on their hands.

It was easier for the allied forces to mitigate their numbers.

However, from the rear, helical rays released a multitude of energy rays at the air forces.

The Shields of the Aircraft held as they faced fire from their Energy rays. The T7-N4 VTOLs continued to fire their Plasma Miniguns and Napalm Missile Launchers, as the CSR9 Bombers dropped multiple payloads of Alfred-01 Plasma Bombs on the Ground Forces. The Reaper X3Y fired at the Ground Forces using their Plasma Cannons, which since they are AOE weapons, multiple casualties are expected.

Since the Myriad and the Empyrdom were on tight close quarters, casualties are both expected from said sides. To minimize friendly casualties, the snowstorm machinas redirected the plasma bombs towards the enemy clusters. However, the helical rays seem to be intercepting some of them before they got even closer.

The Paraxeneon's Circle was ready to attack. It retracted its electromagnetic probes around it and released individual EMPs at the allied forces. Meanwhile, another array of units similar to nexus cluster units were deployed from its hangars. These were fire scarabs that intercept the cluster units like bombs.
The Aircraft attempted to dodge any EMP that was fired at them. However, it's expected that there's a high chance of multiple Aircraft being hit, due to the Myriads size. They continued to fire nonetheless, and the Reaper continued to bombard hostile ground forces.

The Paraxeneon's Circle was firing energy projectiles similar to helical rays at the enemy aircraft.

The Primordial Archetypes began to charge at the Circle, tanking the projectiles as they glide toward it.

The Aircraft committed evasive maneuvers, as they were fired upon. However again sheer size allowed for multiple hits to their shields, but they still pressed on. The Aerostat kept bombarding their ground forces.

Ruptures began appearing behind the Offensive Line of the Myriads.

More Myriad CQC units were eliminated, but an almost equal number of them replaced them.

Beneath the massive Circle was a strange organic structure that seemed to deploy all those units.

Aerostats began appearing out of the Ruptures. Since Regiment G26 Frigates hadn't been developed yet (Although they are in Prototype phase), 4 Reaper X3Y and 1 TA-650 Airships emerged from the Ruptures. Once deployed, the Reapers firing their weapons at the Myriads, while the TA-650 prepares Transports for Surface Combat. Because the assault from behind was sudden, the Myriads would not expect the assault, which might increase causalities. The Reapers also prepared Aircraft to escort the Transports and to assist in the assault.

The Paraxeneon's Circle would take all the hits from the fresh units, as the deployment was from behind. Nevertheless, it released another batch of fire scarabs.

The Myriad front was having an advantage over the Imperial front as they were too many and adaptive evolution made things worse in mass CQC.

The Aerostat's crew from the Scouts realized that the Imperial Front was having difficulties. As such, they began bombarding the Myriads CQC units in an attempt to turn the tide.

Transports from BG: Invasion were almost prepped up with Ground Forces, along with the Aircraft.

More vex houndmen and force menders were eliminated from this. This allowed the aether secutors to push back and the machinas to continue their all-out attack.
"Is the Theater of Oblivion ready to launch?" asked Aelianos through his astral comm.

"Yes, milord, at your command." Alice continued tapping on the panel. "Five minutes before arrival."

The Scout Aerostat's saw that mass quantities of Myriad Forces were still upon the battlefront... This troubled them.. They thought it was time to resort to desperate measures. As such, the Aerostat began to reposition itself to where the Myriads Forces were at their weakest, and hovered above them. A hatch on the Reapers bottom began to open.

Meanwhile the Transports and Aircraft from BG: Invasion were ready, and began exiting the hangars.

Adex was overseeing the battlefield with his BFT-HUD.

"Adex, could you go on tactically defensive? The Theater of Oblivion will deliver a close pincer strike."

"Hm?" Adex said. "What if suddenly going Defensive might render my forces vulnerable?"

The hatch below the Scout Reaper was fully open.

“Not entirely defensive. Your starships will do the main offensive. The enemy artillery seems to be ineffective against well-built units."

While Aelianos was speaking, Caitlineia was making maneuvers around the enemy, looking for vantage points to strike the artillery from afar.

"Ah... I see- ...Wait, what the..." Adex just noticed the hatch open.

Something massive suddenly came out of the hatch. The object was coming at the surface at a high velocity...

The object landed on the surface, which left the ground shaking. Anything that was under the object was immediately crushed.

The Baryon supported the Jkirkian front with baryonic blasts and AP missiles against the charging enemy. The Graviton was an auxiliary since it kept them in check with its Hand of Antigravis that subdues units within range of a wide-scale gravity field.

"What was that?" Louisius noticed from above, firing its hadronic cannons at the Myriad front.

"...Huh.. it appears my Scout Aerostat's just resorted to desperate measures... They deployed a Jkirk 7RV Warmech." Adex said, as the Mech firmly made its presence known with its sheer size. Any Jkirkian Troops in the area immediately shout out in joy, as their morale has just increased.
"To all Primordial Archetypes, support the Warmech!" ordered Joshua.

The kings nodded in response. The Primordial Archetypes flew around the Warmech as a means of support.

The Myriad's morale was unaffected because of the presence of the Paraxeneon's Circle. They were more than motivated to "expunge" Antiquians.

Something began charging up on what seemed to be Arm Cannons. The Warmech began making its way towards the Circle. Anything below its steps would be immediately crushed.

The Empyrdom's morale had experience an increase first during the deployment of the Archetypes, then a decrease occurred because of Myriad's push strategy. However, since the Warmech was deployed, it went back to its slightly elevated rate.

It stepped on the vex houndmen and force menders.

The Transports arrived on the ground, deploying Jkirkian Ground Vehicles, as currently Infantry seems to be ineffective. The Aerostats and Aircraft also keep bombarding Myriad Forces.

Unfortunately, the Paraxeneon's Circle was far larger than any of the units on the field.

Reinforcements arrived from the western horizon. It seems that the western sector of Regeleim was alerted.

"Enemy reinforcements at 9 o' clock," spoke Joshua. "Initiate nexus amalgamation."

The kings nodded.

The Warmech fired its left Arm Cannon at the Circle, with Dark Matter, as its other weapons fired at any surrounding Myriad units.

The Paraxeneon Circle took the hit big time. However, it seemed to be surrounded by a strange barrier similar to ethereal shielding.

The western sector reinforcements were almost the size of the initial Regimenian horde on Central Regeleim. Arrival of all western units would take around 15 minutes.

The Jkirkian Ground Vehicles began engaging Myriad Units. Two out of 5 Reapers began to turn their attention to the Circle, assisting the Warmech.

The central sector held onto its evolving defenses. The fresh houndmen assaulted the Warmech's feet while force menders healed them.

The rest of the Reapers took notice of the approaching reinforcements, and began bombarding them.

The kings simultaneously pushed their throttles. All of the Primordial Archetypes were close within a range of a kilometer.

The attacks from the Houndmen would prove to be almost useless, as the Warmech's shields tanked the damage, as it took another step onto its path of destruction. Literally. Anything under its foot would be crushed.

The Warmech fired another Dark Matter blast from its Right Arm Cannon at the Circle as well.

They began to disassemble to merge into a single body. Caitlineia was transported into the rear cockpit to manage the navigation. The four kings had their cockpits situated beside each other.

It was the ultimate Imperial Archetype—the Archaeon.

The Imperial units pushed through as morale had increased drastically.

The Theater of Oblivion has arrived from two sides. Each flank has 8,000 units.

The Jkirkian Ground Vehicles kept engaging the Myriads, along with the Aircraft and the 4 Reapers, while the other 2 and Warmech continued its concentration on the Circle.

"...Oh?" Adex said, as he noticed the Theater's arrival.

The Circle tanked the dark matter with its shielding, which was now at 63%.

The Warmech was halfway there to the Circle. It's frontal weapons now targeting the Circle as it's back Weaponry continued to fire at any Myriad Units behind it.

The Circle intercepted the projectiles with its fire scarabs which were continually produced.

Its multitudes of energy cannons made things worse. By now, a rain of them descended upon the Warmech and the escorts.

The Warmech was hit by the Projectiles, and it's Shields were now at Critical Rates. It began charging another DM blast as it took another step. The Reapers kept firing as well.

The rain continued to fall upon it. The manifold number of projectiles would create a visual distortion on the sights of the Warmech and the escorts.

The Archaeon came to the rescue as it hovered above the Warmech with its A.E.S. (Absolute Ethereal Shielding) that could almost render any energy attack useless against it.

The Warmech’s Shielding would have collapsed had it not been for the Archaeon. It fired another DM blast with the Arm Cannon, as its frontal weapons kept firing as well. The Aerostats began to turn their attention on the swarming Myriad Units.

By the time they had their attention to the swarms, they were practically surrounded.

Fortunately, the Theater of Oblivion was mitigating the western reinforcements.

The Warmech took another step, crushing more units under its foot, as it's almost within CQC distance. It begins charging up another DM blast.

Jkirkian Forces were still engaging the Myriads.

Adex kept watching the battle, getting a little bit bored. "...Pilot, land the Transport in Empyrdom Lines. I wish to participate myself." Adex said.

"Yes, sir." The pilot responded, the Genesis began descending into atmosphere. The UFO Aerostat followed.

The Theater of Oblivion consisted mostly of the aerospace corps, highlighting their superiority in aerospace battle.

The Archaeon had its A.E.S. active while about to attack. It retracted its deadly arsenal of almost all the Imperial magitech incorporated into it.

Adex's Transport entered Atmosphere, along with the Aerostat, as the Warmech fired yet another blast of DM.

Yet again the blast was tanked by the 28% shielding of the Circle.

Fire scarabs surrounded the Warmech and the Archaeon and lunged at them.

```
"No problem," Raymond said.

```

The left hand of the Archaeon stretched to the trajectory of the fire scarabs.

The Warmech's Frontal and Back weapons began firing at the Scarabs upon lunging. It also looked like it was about to swing it's left arm Cannon.

Its Hand of Antigravis immobilized the scarabs within a gravity field.

Adex's Transport enters the area, about to deploy him within the Empyrdom's line. The Aerostat that followed then hovered them.

The scarabs exploded as the Warmech eliminated the immobilized scarabs.

However, a flank of scarabs was behind the Warmech. They had evaded the range of the gravity field.

The Warmech's back weapon would still fire at them, as it swung it's Left Arm Cannon at the shield, while charging it's DM Blast.

Adex set foot upon the planet’s surface within friendly lines. The Empyrdom's forces might notice his deployment.

"Sir Adex.." some of the aether secutors noticed.

The Archaeon clenched its left fist, cancelling the field.

It turned to the massive Circle and released a multitude of mixed projectiles from its arsenal, from baryonic cannons, hadronic cannons, AP hexsteel missiles, etc.

Meanwhile, the other Swords were under skirmish along with the Imperial front.

However, because of their special training, they were more skilled than the classics.

"Greetings." Adex said, stretching. "Ahh.. been awhile since I've been in a battle... No matter." He added.

The Warmech aimed it's Arm Cannon at the now vulnerable Circle, and fired a DM Blast.

Seventeen severed the gut of a houndman and turned to the voice. "Sir Adex!"

The energy projectiles were still raining upon the Warmech. The blast would make its shielding collapse.

"I have been waiting for this moment...!" Paraptomii said. The Circle retracted its last resort weapon at the top.

The blast indeed made its shields collapse, as it was too close to the Circle. Nevertheless, it prepared to swing its right Armor Cannon.

"Alright, Playtime's over." Adex said, as he made a gesture with his right hand.

The duration of the energy attack would have collapsed the Warmech's shields around this time which will in turn allow the projectiles to directly hit the Warmech's armor.

The energy attacks did hit the Warmech’s armor.. but due to its strength, it had very little effect. It swung its Cannon at the Circle.

The Circle's bottom hull took the brunt of the attack. Despite the sheer force, the fortress was not moved.

The Circle launched a spherical object up high.

Aircraft of some sort began exiting the UFO Aerostat, as Adex made more hand gestures.

Strange nodes emerged from the object. It spun and scattered a multitude of electromagnetic blasts upon the ground.

The Warmech was likely hit with the Electromagnetic blasts. The result would it being disabled.

More Aircraft kept emerging from the UFO Aerostat, as they approached the friendly Empyrdom line.

"What is Sir Adex doing...?" Seventeen noticed.

Upon closer inspection, the Aircraft were actually Automated Drones, that had the words Adex-01/Adex-02 on the sides. The drones with Adex 01 seemed to be outfitted with Ballistic Weaponry, while the Drones with Adex 02 seem to be outfitted with Support Equipment. The drones began to line up above the front, as they faced the Myriads forces. There were 36 Drones in total as well (26 Attack and 10 Support).

"Where is Sir Salem?" Seventeen asked.

"I have no idea as to where he went..." Hydrargus replied as he kept firing at the houndmen.

Meanwhile Salem was currently invisible, observing the situation from behind the Empyrdom's Front. "..."

"Annnd time for the barrage." Adex said, as he made a hand gesture.

Suddenly, the Adex-01 Drones began firing at the Myriads with Miniguns and Napalm Missile Launchers, while the Adex-02 Drones provided shields and healing to any friendly within their range.

The Theater of Oblivion mitigated the western reinforcements from behind with a multitude of projectiles from star vehicles.

The Drones kept firing at the Myriads/Supporting the Empyrdom's troops, as Adex watched.

Salem began to make his way towards the front, still invisible.

"Oh. I sense Sir Salem now," Seventeen said.

The Myriad forces being hit were quite resistant against concussive attacks, but the napalm attacks were not helpful to them.

They can resist high temperatures but they could not stand being fried to death and getting to explode.

The frontal vex houndmen continued on their way to engage the secutors to CQC.

The electromagnetic rain might be detrimental to electronics on the field.

The Napalm on the affected Myriad Forces suddenly began to just... Come off of them? Upon further inspection the Napalm was being gathered into a big Fireball.

"...What the?" Adex thought to himself, as his Drones were practically getting bombarded with EMPs.. luckily their shields would hold out for a turn until they fully affect the Drones.

"Sir Salem...!" Seventeen thought.

Borias shouted "Rear!" as he prepared to frag the enemy with a dragon bomb that will be mixed with the fireball upon contact with the Myriad forces.
Salem hurled the fireball at the Myriads.

The Drones would now be affected by the 'EMPs.'

"....Well, that's unfortunate." Adex said.

The Paraxeneon's Circle stopped firing its energy cannons as it needs to collect more.

The vex houndmen began to retreat to the Circle.

The Archaeon maneuvered around the Warmech and its crew noticed the electromagnetic sphere shooting all those pulses.

The fireball would probably hit the retreating Houndmen along with the dragon bomb.

"Jkirkian forces must take cover. I repeat, take cover," spoke Aelianos to Adex through astral comm.

The Warmech and Drones are also temporarily disabled.

"Hm?" Adex said, as he equipped on what seemed to be a Grenade Launcher.

A fairly large fraction of the houndmen was incinerated. Some lost balance as they stumbled on the ground due to the force of the explosion. Force menders started to heal them as they fell.

Salem watched as the Houndmen retreated. "Well, there goes their cavalry." He said.

Those houndmen that safely retreated were secured near the Circle as the Warmech near it was temporarily disabled.

All of a sudden, however, strange tendrils from the Circle impaled them through the back.

"Good, Paraxeneon, good...!" Paraptomii was feeling successful. "We shall eliminate the threat as soon as possible. Dynapeinix! We shall set foot on the battlefield."

"Gladly, Overlord..." the larger figure named Dynapeinix said.

Salem took a look at the disabled drones. "Those drones.." He thought to himself, as he looked over to Adex, who was loading a Grenade into the Launcher.

They were transported through the strange structure beneath the Circle. They emerged from it.

Within Orbit, 2 Ruptures appear... One was normal for a Jkirkian Aerostat.... The other was massive.

The Archaeon destroyed the sphere with a single blast from its baryonic cannon. The barrage stopped.

Seventeen noticed the two from afar. He readied his dual aether blades.

Adex took notice of the stop of the barrage. "..Oh, it stopped."

Within few minutes, the Warmech and the drones would reboot after the barrage of EMP.

Salem looked at Seventeen, wondering what he was looking at, before noticing the two.

The Drones and Warmech did indeed reboot. Upon rebooting, the Warmech began attacking the Circle again, as the Drones began to hover around Adex.

In Orbit, a TA-650 Airship and a J.O.S.S emerges from their ruptures. Within the TA-650 came Joshua... Why he was there was unknown to the Empyrdom.

The Theater of Oblivion was composed of over hundreds of each attack-type star vehicles and the majority was infantry. A certain massive starship had appeared through a warp drive sequence in Regeleim orbit before the Theater of Oblivion emerged.

Suddenly, an object ejects from the TA-650, and it's heading towards the planet at a high velocity.

The Imperial front scattered to avoid the impending object.

Adex looks as he gained control of his Drones again. "Ah, that's more like it.."

The Receptacle was in orbit as well.

Salem readied his Lance and AM Pistol, to prepare to engage in combat with the two.

However, there was a moon in the same orbit that housed Regimenian defenses. The Receptacle experienced attacks from it.

Regardless, the Receptacle prepared to bombard the central sector with its plasma cannons.

Paraptomii and Dynapeinix readied for battle. Paraptomii grew wings from his back while Dynapeinix reformed his extremities into strange cannons.

The J.O.S.S noticed the Regimenian defenses on the moon. Immediately, it began bombarding it with its weaponry, while charging up its XOPC, should it be needed.

However, since the XOPC could be found on the bottom of the J.O.S.S., it would not probably take aim at the moon.

Adex looked at Salem and Seventeen.

He thought, as he finally noticed the two. "..Oh, those two. Must be powerful." He added in his thoughts.

The object is within Re-entry, stilling heading towards the surface of the planet at a high speed. The object is now noticable.

The Warmech is still attacking the Circle as well.

Dynapeinix cackled as he released four almost-instantaneous blasts of high-density energy towards Adex.

The Circle revealed a strange cannon from the bottom part of its hull. It ascended to the point that the Warmech could not reach it with its CQC attacks.
The Warmech began to attack it with ranged weaponry.

The Archaeon flew towards the Circle in behalf of the Warmech and attack it with the same ranged weapons it has.

Adex thought, as he had his Drones block the energy beams with their shields. Good thing he has a high Perception Lvl, along with all 36 of his Drones, otherwise he would have been hit..

The cannon was charging at 15%.

That object coming down to the surface suddenly activated thrusters, decreasing its speed downward, as it descended towards the scattered line.

The J.O.S.S was still bombarding the Orbital Defenses, with its XOPC charged at 20%.

The Regimenian moon deployed around 25 crypt watchdogs from its lair. These units were long-ranged air vehicles. They released almost instantaneous blasts at the XOPC.

The beams would be blocked by the J.O.S.S' shields, and in retaliation they fired back at the Watchdogs.

The Warmech on the other hand kept firing at the Circle, while those Aerostats from earlier finally got their heads out of their arses, and fired at the Circle as well.

The object finally landed onto the surface. From the looks of it, it appears to be a Drop Pod.

These watchdogs were annihilated.

Regardless, the moon was firing back at the J.O.S.S.

Paraptomii glided towards the enemy as he grew spines on his legs and these were released at them.

The circle cannon was charged at 45%.

The J.O.S.S retaliates by firing at the moon. It's XOPC is at 40% now.

Adex uses the drones to block, and retaliate, while Salem attempts to dodge the attack, and counter by firing his AM Pistol.

The Warmech and Aerostats continued to fire at the Cannon. Surely it would be damaged by all of this fire.

Paraptomii went at close range, retracting blades from its forearms and swinging at Adex. Dynapeinix followed up with another barrage.

The cannon was slightly damaged as it was sturdy due to the collected energy that also paved a way to evolve its exoskeleton.

As it was charging, another rain of energy projectiles fell upon the Warmech and the aerostats.

Adex attempted to dodge the attacks, while using the Drones to block and retaliate as they move along with his movements.

Hydrargus took aim at Paraptomii and released SCP rays from his blaster.

The Warmech was hit by the Energy projectiles, but its strength allowed it to tank the damage, along with the Aerostat's shields. They retaliate by firing their weapons.

Paraptomii was very agile mid-air, evading most of the SCP rays and the minigun bullets lunging at him. He used his blades against the ones that he could not dodge at time.

He then proceeded to Adex's rear and swung his blades.

Dynapeinix retracted two mortar-like weapons from its shoulders. He fired two salvos of energy mortars at Adex.

Adex had the Support Drones project a Shield around him, in order to counter the incoming attacks, while using the Attack Drones to retaliate.
14 more Drones (10 Attack and 4 Support) emerged from the Aerostat, making their way to Adex.

The XOPC was charged at 60% at this time, with the Warmech and Aerostats still firing at the Cannon.

The energy mortars exploded upon contact. They were especially strong enough to half the shield reserves.

Paraptomii took this chance to charge and swing his blades at them.

The Archaeon attacked the cannon as well.

The combined effort of the 14 initial Support Drones allowed for the Shield to tank the Mortars and Blades, but the Shield was, of course, was at 50% now.

The Drop Pod's hatched suddenly popped off, as someone emerged from it. The person was none other than JOSHUA.

Aerostats and Warmech still firing.

Salem attempted to draw the attention from Adex by conjuring multiple Fireballs, and having them lunge at Paraptomii.

Dynapeinix's arm cannons reformed into his hands. He clasped them to form into a large cannon which released a high-density energy beam at the shield.

Adex attempted to dodge the energy beam, as he had the 10 newly summoned Attack Drones to target Dynapeinix, while having the other 4 Support Drones help strengthen his shield.

The cannon was at full power. As it took the brunt of all those attacks, a massive dark energy beam was released towards the Warmech and the aerostats before it exploded beyond repair.

The cannon managed to hit the Warmech. Upon the connection, the Warmech was immediately destroyed, having its remains fall to the ground, leaving the ground shaking. The Aerostats were unaffected however due to being at a distance.

XOPC is now at 80%.

The Paraxeneon's Circle, upon the destruction of its cannon, was left vulnerable.

Since the blast struck the ground after obliterating the Warmech, tremors occurred in the area.

The Aerostats continued to fire at the Circle with their weapons.

It's unknown of what the status is with the Moon Orbital Platform.

The moon lost defenses so easily.

Joshua attempted to keep his balance, and resorted to ascending into the air by a few feet via Jetpack to avoid falling. "The hell?"

"That was strong..!" Seventeen thought.

Salem and Adex were not so lucky to have flight, so they had to keep their balance strong to avoid falling.

"Tch," Hydrargus grunted as he lost balance to take aim.

Dynapeinix was quite heavy so the tremors had little to no effect on him. He began to jump towards the drones as a means of crushing them.

He launched another batch of energy mortars before making contact.

Paraptomii glided backwards to attack as they would leave themselves open.

Since the Drones were obviously capable of flight, and that Dynapeinix would probably be slow due to weight, the Drones attempted to dodge the incoming attacks, while also retaliating.

XOPC was at 100% now, and is ready to fire upon command.

Dynapeinix stomped on the ground but missed. He was surrounded by a dark matter barrier.

In retaliation, he released energy blasts as the drones avoided.

"To J.O.S.S. crew," Aelianos attempted to communicate with the J.O.S.S. comm.

Adex and Salem had managed to keep their balance as the tremors probably stopped now.

The drones' personal shields had blocked the energy blasts, as they retaliated.

"What is it?" The captain of the station responded

"Are you aiming at the enemy fortress?"

"If we were to aim there, the sheer blast radius would engulf friendly forces within the area, not to mention our Faction Leader." He replied.

The Archaeon moved out to the cliff.

"Well then," replied Joshua.

"There are more suitable targets on this planet, correct?"

"I suppose so."

"If you know of one, please state it now."

Paraptomii harassed the flying drones with his CQC.

The Drones personal shields would block his CQC attacks. The drones would retaliate, and seeing he's literally right there, it would make interception of the missiles difficult.

Paraptomii springboarded away and released more spines to intercept the missiles.

Dynapeinix was still there, making efforts to drain them of their shielding with energy mortars and blasts.

Joshua noticed that his father was under attack, and he immediately began rushing over there with his Jetpack, equipping his AM/DM Swords.

The Drones tried their best to evade the attacks and such. Eventually, two drones had their shields drained.

"Kindly aim for the fortress," Aelianos spoke.

"But the blast would engulf friendly forces." Stated the captain.

"I will relay the alert to all allied forces."

"....Very well. I will give you 10 minutes to have our forces retreat."

"To all allied forces, take momentary exfil to higher ground!" Aelianos commanded.

Everyone including Adex, Joshua, and Salem had gotten the message... Currently however Adex was busy with Paraptomii..

The Imperial front went to retreat to the cliff.

The Theater of Oblivion aerospace units went back to the Atlancific Plate.

Adex had to distract him somehow.. He used his Attack Drones in an effort to surround Paraptomii, as he literally hopped onto a Support Drone, and had it fly him out of there. Joshua, of course was easily able to get out of the blast radius with his LVRA Jetpack.. but what if that of Salem?

Seventeen sensed Salem still situated on the field. He called for Borias to carry him out of the field.

Borias came to Salem. "Sir! I will carry you out of here."

Their peregrine chassis came by. Seventeen noticed it and said "Never mind."

Ryssus was there leading the way to the chassis just nearby.

Salem noticed the chassis, and made his way towards it.

Seeing as Paraptomii was probably successfully distracted, Adex was able to escape from his grasp, as JOSHUA followed suit.

He and the Swords were loaded into its lattice core. The chassis began to fly away to the Atlancific Plate.

Paraptomii stopped on his tracks. Dynapeinix followed him.

"Not yet! Paraptomii placed his hands on the ground while retracting spines from it to impale the drones surrounding him.

The Jkirkian Aerostats began to ascend out of atmosphere, as a Genesis Transport made its way towards JOSHUA and Adex.

Attack Drones were still surrounding Paraptomii Lel.

And those 10 other AD that were attacking Dynapeinix were also still there.

Dynapeinix retracted cannons around his body as a last resort. He then proceeded to fire a dome of energy around him.

The Drones without shields would be blasted away. The ones with shields would still be there, just without their shields now.

The Genesis Transport reached JOSHUA and Adex, and prepared to load them in, while in mid-air.

Seeing there are open areas for them to follow suit, Paraptomii used his wings to create gusts as he took off towards the transport.

Dynapeinix, on the other hand, reformed his feet into strange cannons. He was then propelled upwards while leaving an explosion on his wake.

The Attack Drones that surrounded him went on to pursuit him, as the Transport loaded JOSHUA and Adex successfully, of which now it makes its way into Orbit.

Those ADs attacking Dynapeinix are probably Ded now.

The cannons reformed into propulsors as Dynapeinix followed suit.

The field was almost devoid of forces. Except the Circle.

Half of the drones harassing Paraptomii began to harass Dynapeinix, firing mostly at his propulsors.

Half of the drones harassing Paraptomii began to harass Dynapeinix, firing mostly at his propulsors.

The Judgment Armada began to transport the Imperial forces before they went to the Plate.

Few seconds were remaining as the Judgment Armada was approaching the orbit.

Paraptomii and Dynapeinix had reached the troposphere at this point.

10 minutes had passed now. The XOPC was about to fire now.

The Genesis Transport had entered Orbit, and began making its way to the J.O.S.S, along with the other Aerostats.

Drones were still harassing them at this point.

The Judgment Armada, ToP, and the ToO had landed on the plate.

Regardless, Paraptomii and Dynapeinix were at the troposphere.

The XOPC fired a Normal Blast at the Circle.

They were indeed harassed but Paraptomii was very maneuverable. Dynapeinix scattered his mortars to have them fall apart from the sky.

The Circle was struck by the cannon and began to explode into a mist of purple dust.

A certain structure was covered in debris from the Circle. It seemed that it was slightly damaged from the outward force of the blast but emerged fairly fine.

If either one of them were to be detected by the J.O.S.S or Aerostats, they would face heavy fire.

They were at the troposphere at this point so they lost track of Adex. They began to fly away to the eastern sector.

The Genesis Transport carrying Adex and JOSHUA made its way to the J.O.S.S.

The Archaeon began to disassemble back to four. The kings emerged from their Archetypes as these took their special repairs.

Back at Genesis City...

Seeing that the battle on the Myriad Planet is somewhat over, it is assumed that the 2nd Attack on Genesis City was also over, because logic.

The city would have experienced significant damage from the horde's onslaught.

The city did indeed receive major damages to its structures and such. However it is widely assumed that the Defenders was successfully able to repel their 2nd attack.

Vermudegarii was badly wounded as he went to participate himself. He was on a structure at the outskirts of the city.

Many Jkirkian Aerostats was above the City, of which might give a reason to what contributed to the Defenders victory.

After the events of the First Regeleim Conflict, Vermudegarii returned to Regeleim to receive intensive therapy. The central base of Regimenian operations were now on East Regeleim as Central Regeleim lost a majority of its defenses and units.

The Imperial theaters returned to the Receptacle to renovate damaged units and treat the injured.

Jkirkian Forces that were injured during the battle on Regeleim were sent to Medical Bays upon the J.O.S.S, while some Vehicles received repairs.

A day later...

Cetraix Mobile Atom Construction Vehicles were sent to Genesis City, tasked with repairing the damaged structures. On Regeleim, the J.O.S.S stationed there had remained, but the Aerostats, JOSHUA, and Adex had left the System.

Since the Empyrdom knew that the Regimenians were not completely expunged yet, the military went double time to train. The Receptacle continued discovering new developments through the efforts of the R&D.

Alice was viewing a footage of the battle of Kakastan. She analyzed the weapons of the Keter Var starships which caught her attention. "What sheer force... Even the Federations could not currently stand to this kind of weapon." She was referring to the magnetic accelerator cannon.

Now witnessing the might of the Savage Myriads, and the strength of the Imperial Empyrdom, the Jkirk Federations worked endlessly to get stronger after such an event. Their troops went under mass training, and new plans of new units, such as the Regiment G26 Frigate and Militant Shielder were developed, along with new technologies. Adex had officially out the Empyrdom within the Jkirkian Database, writing a full faction report on their new mighty ally. Needless to say, the Jkirk Federations may not be the same as it once was weeks prior.

The Empyrdom experienced great changes throughout the years of making innovations. The end results were the newly-upgraded empyrean dirigible which could accomodate 200 nexus cluster units and sport fresh arsenal, such as the lethal tachyomagnetic accelerator cannon. The quadra rampart was put out of commission and was replaced by the cavalry scelirian mount for the benefit of the Imperial horsemen. New star vehicles were put in service as well.

Aelianos was stuck in a dilemma whether to reactivate one of the Empyrdom's fate-changing systems or to have it stay as it is to avoid further problems to the faction. They conversed with the other kings regarding this. After a long-winded discussion, the scene transitioned to the Receptacle. In the primeval archives was a certain hatch. As it opened, an awfully familiar figure emerged from it. It looked like Queen Astreia of Ventilus, except the fact that this figure was... robotic. After being kept in stasis for few centuries, its mechanical body experienced slight depreciation. Regardless, it had an breathtakingly ethereal visage left unscarred by the years. Its lavender hair flowed down to her hips. Strangely, the hair was real!

Meanwhile, on Regeleim, Vermudegarii was in a glass hatch, submerged in a strange clear purple fluid. Paraptomii came over to see him. "I see you have failed, Vermudegarii."

"Heh. Regardless, the city I was on was almost laid in complete ruin. Fortunately, I have collected enough spare energy to restore Central Regeleim."

"Hmm, suppose so. The Circle may have been extirpated, but the hive.... It remains living."

"Where's Dynapeinix?"

"He has left to manage things on the South. I am yet to establish my personal colony within the East. I need enough time to innovate the Myriad. In the future, we will take Antiquus and our kin shall hunger... no more."

END