Fade.10

The man in Black Iron sat alone in his cell. Legs crisscrossed, while both arms chained to the black wall behind him. The chains were specially made for him. A restraint. A restriction. A safeguard for his captors. Now he could only laugh in their faces. That didn't matter, just his laughter was enough to cause the guards to shift in their armor uncomfortably.

He sat in contemplation of his fate. A great general reduced to nothing more than a slave. A mere pawn so Berenike could advance itself as the supreme human nation. The masters above all else.

The smell of human feces and decay filled his nostrils. The bones and flesh of his fellows were chained around him. This was his fate. The stone walls offered no comfort.

Beneath the slits of his helm, he closed his eyes. He sat and simply relived the days of glorious battle. Visions of the countless battlefields he fought on flashed by. Soldiers clad in steel armor conquered and subdued the many foes of the empire. Images of burning cities and streets filled with the blood of the enemy. A brief smile formed on his face as he remembered. Great times indeed.

Suddenly the sound of heavy footsteps filled his ear along with the clanking of armor. Looking up, he saw the emperor standing before him flanked by two of his honor guards. A look of superiority was cast over the emperor's face. A certain smugness associated only with someone who knew they held the upper hand. The Black Iron helm greeted that smugness was nothing. Not a word nor emotion.

"Black Iron, I have a proposition for you." The emperor said.

The man in Black Iron only tilted his head in response. He was curious. "I only see two forms of punishment worthy for you. You can either rot and die in this cesspool or you could relive your glory days, the days before you joined our glorious military. What say you?" The emperor asked.

Black Iron sat on silence for a moment. Die in disgrace in a prison or die a hero in the arena. Originally he was born a slave and eventually traded to be gladiator in the Coliseum of Berenike. They never expected him live past his first fight. They were wrong. He cleaved his way to the top, fighting for his vary survival. He was king in that place before the emperor took interest in him. The arena was his birthplace.

Many children would grow up in their parents homes, but not Black Iron. His home was the arena. The answer was very clear.

The man in Black Iron looked up and said,"The arena."

Heinbrecht smiled. The king was returning to his domain.

Black Iron stood behind a colossal steel gate separating the gladiators from the blood stained arena. The wall were of grey stone and the floor was blanketed with thin sheet of white snow covering brown mud. A light haze seemed to set in the arena, light enough so it did not interfere with the crowds view. It was however enough to create an eerie atmosphere.

A single torch was lit hung from the hall leading into the arena. The warm orange light served as a small beacon of hope for each gladiator, a beacon of something to strive return to. The faint flame and it's warm glow was something of a motivation for each gladiator.

Beams of white light from the outside penetrated between each gap in the bars of the gate, colliding with the Black Iron's own armor. Outside the gate he could hear the crowds shouting and screaming in excitement as the the last match finished. Soon he would be going in. Black Iron had no idea what Heinbrecht had planned for him, but he was ready.

Suddenly he heard the the crowd fall silent as the emperor himself took to the podium to announce Black Iron's return.

"Loyal citizens of Berenike, tonight has been a glorious night. The gladiators have given us the spectacle of combat that many of you had so desired. However that is not what I am here to announce."

Black Iron could hear the collective whispers and mutters of the crowd.

Then Heinbrecht continued. "Twenty years ago, a single man dominated these games. He conquered this arena and became what I can only describe as being the true uncontested king. A single Berenike man proved to us why Berenike remains as the most superior human kingdom. Warriors from all the surrounding kingdoms came to dethrone this man, but none succeeded. With great pride, I come to announce the return of the Black Iron Tarkus!"

The gates holding Tarkus opened and he walked. The crowd erupted in roars and cheers. Soon a chant began to pick up among the crowd and soon the only thing that filled his ears was, "TARKUS, TARKUS, TARKUS!"

It was glorious for him. Hundreds of people stood in the stands clapping and cheering. However this was not what he needed. He was made famous for his ability to out think his opponents and outplay them. While it was true he was easily stronger than most Berenike men due to the weight of his armor, he was also smarter than the average one also. That's what made him not only the best gladiator to ever exist, but also one of the greatest commanders of the Berenike Army.

Soon he began to access the arena itself. It was flat and covered with white snow, but large pools of crimson blood was spilled in various place around the floor. The wall were covered with spikes to prevent anyone from hugging the too tightly. On one side of the arena floor, a small fire was burning from what he guessed was a firebomb blast. The arena was open up top and snow fell slowly inside, however he could feel the shivering cold slowly penetrating his armor.

High above the stands, the proud banners of Berenike hung proudly. Then finally, Tarkus set his gaze upon where Heinbrecht was sitting. Around him the heavily armored figures of the entire Berenike Command Staff, but that wasn't what interested him. What interested him was that several other leader from various other countries stood sat near the emperor. He saw leaders from Balder, Zena, and various human city-states around the Berenike.

Now he saw what this truly was. This was a way so Heinbrecht could motivate the citizens of Berenike and he knew how. Suddenly he had an idea on who his opponents would be. Just on queue, the other gates holding the other gladiators opened and he saw various warrior from all the other human nations slowly walk out glaring at him. He counted at least twenty opponents. He was outnumbered, but this wasn't even close to the largest he ever faced at once.

Suddenly an approaching knight from Balder stopped a few meter in front of him and called out, "This is the end of the line for you Black Iron! Today you die."

Tarkus observed the knight. He wore heavy plates of steel that covered his vital parts, while the brilliantly red cape common to all Balder Knights hung on his back. A single elongated sword hung loosely in his hand while he held no shield. Tarkus disapproved. He doubted this man would be able to move quickly enough to dodge his swings. A shield would save his life. Not that it would matter anyway.

Slowly Tarkus turned his head back up to look at the knight and simply growled, "We'll see about that."

With that he slowly turned to look up at Heinbrecht for permission to begin. Silence fell over the crowd as everyone turned to the emperor waiting in anticipation for his word. Time began to slow for Tarkus as he watched the emperor rise and raise his arm outward. The sun that came from the arena open roof of the arena shined brilliantly on the emperor steel armor. The suddenly the emperor thumb went upward indicating the match was to begin.

Without hesitation, Tarkus pulled his greatsword off his back and charged the nearest foe. To his opponents he was a black blur, no one expected him be able to launch himself that fast. A man in fur armor screamed in surprise and agony as the cold steel blade tore through his chest, adding more red stains to the frozen floor beneath The crowd roared in approval.

The other gladiators were stunned for a brief moment, then they regained their senses and charged Tarkus. Black Iron watched them from underneath his visor. Three men in chain mail were the farthest ahead in the charge toward Tarkus. Each of them wielded long swords and wooden shields. With a quick swing of his Greatsword, Tarkus cleaved the first one and blocked the other two with his shield.

Without hesitation, Tarkus slammed his shield into the two other and swung his sword downward scoring two other kills. A man clothed in fur armor and wielding an axe charged toward him screaming a war cry. Tarkus recognized the man to be a barbarian from one of the barbarian tribes. The barbarians absolutely hated Berenike and would take any chance they got cause harm to any man or woman of the empire. It was no surprise one of them was here to kill him. After all, he was infamous for his destructive campaign against the tribes. The very campaigns that expanded the empire exponentially.

Tarkus raised his black shield to block the first strike and then swung his sword at the barbarian. It missed as the fur clad being jumped out of the way. Tarkus looked at the mans face and saw him snarling at him. Blue war paint covered his face and strands of his long grey hair came down to his face. Tarkus was repulsed by the man and with a shout he charged.

His speed caught the barbarian by surprise and he was unable dodge as Tarkus brought his sword down into his chest. Another cheer from the crowd.

In a span of five minutes, he smashed his way though the other gladiator with ease until only the knight from Balder was left standing. The crowd was out of their seats and screaming in excitement. He gave them exactly what they wanted, an unmatched bloody spectacle. The snowy earth beneath him was painted crimson. It was hard to see, but even his black armor was covered in blood. Tarkus turned his gaze upward to where the emperor was sitting and saw the him smile broadly. He knew he had pleased the crowd and demonstrated Berenike supremacy to the other kingdoms.

Tarkus looked back to the lone Balder Knight and saw the barely concealed fear in his eyes. The knight gripped his sword tightly as he stared at the bloody arena around him. The man was unfocused and seemingly caught up in his own dream world. Unfortunately, Black Iron would have to end whatever dream he was in.

"This is the end of the line boy." Tarkus called out and began walking toward the man.

The Balder Knight's head snapped toward Tarkus. A look of fear and then rage came across his face.

"Stay back! You demon! Stay away!" The knight screamed as the man in Black Iron slowly stomped toward him.

His thin sword was pointed toward Tarkus. Tarkus ignored the knights pleads and continued walking. Huge clouds of snow rose up with every step he took. He was easily two heads taller than the Balder Knight and his form casted a dark shadow over him.

Suddenly in a scream of rage, the knight from Balder charged with his sword raised. A bad move on his part. It didn't serve his comrades well, as they were dead now.

Seemingly in slow motion, Tarkus swung his blade horizontally and watched as the enormous mass of steel collided against the armor of the Balder Knight. A gaping deny was formed on the plates and Tarkus heard something snap.

The Balder Knight hit the snow screaming and clutching where the left side of his rib cage would be. While the sword did not cut through the armor, it easily bent it inward. Crimson blood poured out of the fallen knights mouth, nearly suffocated him. Tarkus stood over the man and slowly brought his sword up in the air. Slowly the man from Balder turned his gaze upward to see the slits of Tarkus's helmet staring down at him. Then it was over as the giant steel blade decapitated the man.

Without waiting for acknowledgment from the emperor, Tarkus walked to the dimly lit torch in the distance while ignoring the cheering crowd.

Victory was his.

A few day before Berenike Offensive

Emperor Heinbrecht of Berenike sat on his iron throne, surrounded by various advisors and military officers. The room was a flurry of activity, with men and women clad in steel and iron moving furiously trying to complete their orders.

This was the Berenike War Room, the place was were all maneuvers of the Berenike forces would be issued and the brain of the empire. A large rectangular table was on the far side of the room for all the Berenike command officers. On the wall opposite of the table, a large map of the entire known world was set. Blocks of iron representing different armies and towns were constantly being moved by soldiers as each army moved.

A large window where falcons would fly in from and sit from a perch delivering messages and troop locations constantly kept the Berenike high command constantly updated. A small group of officers were bellowing orders at the soldiers responsible for the map. Sitting at the center of the table, Emperor Heinbrecht silently listened to the various commanders and generals of the Berenike military argue.

"This is an atrocity! We cannot tolerate the gods any longer. Do you not see it? We're only pawns in the grand scheme of things." Said Berenike General Speers.

A murmur of assent washed over the table of soldiers. Heinbrecht personally agreed with Speers.

"We've been their pawns for a long time, no doubting that. You should know Speers, that any assault on the God's will mean nothing in the long run! They hold too much power to challenge!" Rebuked the Berenike War Chancellor Keitel.

Speers had a look of pure irritation on his face, the one present when trying to convince someone of a hard line stance something new.

"Now is the time Keitel! The god's are locked in their own wars right now. They are weaker than they have ever been and probably ever will!" Speers said while rising from his seat.

"You damned fool! It's not the God's we just have to worry about! Did you even think about Balder? Zena? The various other city-states surrounding this land? Or how about those religious zealots located throughout our own empire. We'll be surrounded from the outside and attacked from within our own walls!" Keitel shouted back while also rising from his chairs.

Before Speers could retaliate, Heinbrecht shouted, "ENOUGH! This bickering is getting us no where."

The room fell silent immediately and Speers and Keitel slowly slid back into their chairs. The only sounds that could be heard was the silent hums of the lanterns hanging above, the raging snowstorm outside, and the soldiers moving pieces on the map.

Slowly Heinbrecht began to speak again, "There is no doubt, we must go to war."

A small look of fury flushed on Keitels face, but he kept silent. He knew better than to provoke the emperor's ire.

"This empire stands on the greatest stepping stone ever place before mankind. If we wish to take it, seize it, and control it. We must strike the gods from their throne and make it our own." Heinbrecht continued.

He swept his gaze throughout the room and beneath the dimly lit light, he saw nods of approval from almost all of his top commanders.

"The question is... How?" Heinbrecht finished.

Silence.

The command staff looked around, armor grinding as they shifted around. Slowly one man stood up. His figure was massive and heavy plates of steel covered his flesh. A enormous grey beard covered his face and his eyes held a certain calmness that would send a shiver down anyone's spine. The emperor felt a grin form on his face as he watched his top general rise.

"General Strauss, I assume you have an answer?" Heinbrecht asked.

"Yes my liege." Strauss answered swiftly.

All attention turned to Strauss, his sheer presence alone and words commanded attention.

"I suggest we launch an surprise offensive on Balder. We take their city and add their land to our own before they can even arm their armies. With Balder removed we will be virtually unchallenged by any other human state. We swiftly scour the land and eliminate any human resistance in a swift blitzkrieg campaign." Strauss began.

Everyone nodded in agreement, except Keitel. His face was still full of apprehension.

Suddenly Strauss took a brief intake of air before continuing. "However before that we still need to deal with any internal problems. The church still possesses a significant hold over this empire, the incident around the border has loosened that grip. If the military is to assume complete control of Berenike, we must eliminate any dissenters. At the same time we also need more workers to make food and provide valuable materials we will be needing for the upcoming war against the gods."

Heinbrecht found himself nodding slowly before saying,"What did you have in mind General?"

Strauss looked briefly around the room before resuming. "The church is our main opposition and they will have to be eliminated. With the incident at the border, we could place them all under the arrest for treason or under the guise of looking for any internal corruption within this empire. Along with the prisoners we will receive from Balder, we could construct work camps and farms up farther north. We will have a cheap and mostly reliable work force."

Finally another officer spoke. "That's a risky plan Strauss. If handled incorrectly, the people may revolt. Public backlash could easily halt this offensive before it starts."

Heinbrecht looked to see it was Commander Jurgen of the Berenike Inquisition. The man himself was armored in plates of black steel and a cowl hung loosely over his head. Beneath the shadows casted over his face by the hood, a pair of bright and almost shining black eyes seemingly assessed the room around them. His face was unable to be seen due to the dark casted by the hood, not a single feature.

The Berenike Inquisition patrolled the city's, watched for crime, and served as the main law enforcement in all of Berenike. They kept the people of the empire in line. Stories of random people suddenly and unexpectedly going missing were always associated with the Inquisition. People that caused to much trouble were often "relocated" or went "missing". Everyone feared the Berenike Inquisition for valid reasons, for no one wanted to be taken by men in black cloaks during the blackness of night. They were the boogie men who maintained discipline and watched carefully for anyone to slip up.

"That's were you come in Jurgen. As Commander of the Inquisition, you will arrest anyone who opposes or makes too much noise. Have your men take them in the night and send them to the camps in the morning. We will have no criticism from the public of we intend to fight this war." Strauss replied.

Heinbrecht saw Strauss's plan perfectly. The man intended to eliminate Berenike's internal and external problems in one quick strike. Strauss was known for efficiency.

However for the invasion, Heinbrecht knew one thing had to be done.

"Once all threats on this side of the border are finished, we will amass our forces near the border and push. A reaction force is already on it's way to challenge The Lord of Death in the city of Oolicile. For now we act like we're just avenging the lives lost by the border, but in time as the gods progress in their war and we have no reason to keep this facade up, we will strike Anor Londo and Izalith." Heinbrecht declared.

Everyone nodded before Speers said, "My liege, who will be commanding the forces sent to Balder and who will be sent to challenge the gods?"

Heinbrecht sat motionless in deep thought before saying, "Speers, you have been most vocal in waging war. You will command the forces being sent to the border, while General Steiner will be sent to Balder to place it under imperial control. I will assign the rest of you to subjugate the city-states and the few barbarian hordes. I doubt Zena will make any attempt to attack us, the march here would take out a majority of their already small army before it even arrived."

"An honor my liege, I will bring glory to this empire." Speers declared.

"Indeed my liege. I shall not fail." Steiner also declared.

The Emperor looked at both men briefly and said, "Good."

Heinbrecht then turned to Strauss and said, "Strauss, I am placing you as my second in command. I hereby promote you to Commandant of the Imperial Berenike Army. Congratulations Commandant. You will command all our forces one every theater of this war."

Strauss stood from his chair and bowed, "An honor my liege. I will not fail."

Heinbrecht surveyed the men around him and smiled. This was the best of humanity and the strongest.

Human supremacy would be guaranteed.

Present time

General Steiner watched his army slowly march. Instead of the typical square formations they usually traveled in, they took a much looser and spread out rectangle formation. The covered their armor in grass found from the local area and march slowly ahead while carefully scanning for any enemies.

The Kingdom of Balder was located on a large flat plain filled with high grass and trees. The land itself was dry and hot. Thankfully, today dark clouds covered the sky, blanketing the land in grey.

Steiner then turned to his an officer standing next to him and asked, "How far are we from the city of Balder?"

The officer turned and said, "General, the city is located just beyond this hill. I suggest we begin setting the trebuchets."

Steiner turned to look at the map at his side and found the city was indeed behind the hill. Without hesitation he ordered everyone to halt all movement and regroup into a defensive position.

His plan was to simple. Capture or destroy the enemy capital at all cost. He managed to sneak his armies into Balder while destroying any enemy patrols he found. He ignored all other cities and towns in Balder in favor of a swift decapitating strike.

Another wave of soldiers still in Berenike would be crossing the border into Balder once he began the siege. Their objective would be capture the rest of the enemy kingdom.

"General, what are your orders." A young Berenike officer asked.

Steiner looked at the officer and said, "Begin the immediate construction of the trebuchets and place them on that hill. I want the rest of the troops to surround the city and prepare the battering rams. We begin the assault soon."

The officer nodded and ran off to complete his orders. Steiner then looked around to see the steel clad soldier of his army where running around preparing themselves for the attack. Suddenly the same officer from before came running back.

"General Steiner, the trebuchets shall be ready to fire within a couple hours. Ballistas are being positioned along the main roads to deter anyone attempting escape. The men have also begun fortifying themselves along the hill. So far we have not been spotted, the men's tactics of covering themselves on grass is working well." The officer said.

Steiner smiled and replied, "Good, this will be a glorious day for Berenike."

Knight King Rendal shifted uncomfortably in his steel armor. The night breeze that set in his city of Balder was both refreshing and chilling. From his bed chambers he could see the entirety of the city.

The building structures of Balder were relatively low to the ground and at maximum only went up two to three stories at most. The only exception was his own castle which was easily twice that number. Even then walls weren't as tall as his castle. It was slightly revolting to him that he possessed such a large area to himself that only housed a select few.

While all of the royalty within Balder mainly ruled from the throne, they were all warriors at heart and would not hesitate to step onto the battlefield if necessary.

'The battlefield...' he mused to himself silently.

That particular word brought filled his heart and mind with dread. The Empire of Berenike was in an uproar from what his royal officials housed in the embassy in Berenike reported to him. It appeared they were gearing up for war against the gods! The sheer thought of that made him cringe at the loss of life that would be lost. He questioned the sanity of Emperor Heinbrecht of Berenike and his council of warmongering generals.

He couldn't fault the empire for wanting war. He heard of the annihilation of their armies by Lord of Death, yet he couldn't agree with them. While it was true that Berenike was best geared to take them on, it would be foolish for them to try. The soldiers of Berenike were known as monsters of men and possessed strength that no other being possessed, in the end it would matter because they were still humans.

How could mere humans challenge the mighty rays of the sun from Anor Londo, the endless waves of flames from Izalith, or the immortal touch of death? They couldn't. The religious fanatics in Balder urged him to authorize a holy crusade to "subjugate and purge" the heretics in Berenike. He merely waved off their requests, but knew it was only a matter of time before the entire city would join them.

All this thinking gave him a headache.

With a sigh, Rendal looked down upon his city. The light from dim lanterns along with the ones from the city watch filled the street. The city was always quiet during the night save for the few taverns, those were always bustling with activity. Rendal turned his gaze skyward and was met a peculiar site.

Fire.

Streaks of orange flame soared across the night, hundreds of them slowly arching toward the city. It was beautiful and captivated his attention for brief moments. Then he realized something was wrong.

The first rock slammed into a nearby building sending chunks of brick everywhere. On impact, a wave of fire erupted and was send flowing across the surface. Hundreds more of them did the same. The very impact of each one shook the nearby earth and sent objects nearby flying.

Suddenly a pair of guards rushed into his bedchambers. They clung to the walls and kept a low stance due to the incoming barrage. They both had their hand rested on their swords.

"My liege! We must get you out of here! The city is under attack!" One guard screamed.

Rendal's mind was on overdrive.

He had to coordinate the defense of this city. Balder needed its king. Rendal looked at the guard and shouted, "What is the status of the rest of the army? Do you know who is attacking?"

The guards face set to a grimace and then one replied,"I'm afraid we cannot answer either of those question sir, for we do not know. On our way here we saw large groups of soldiers in the streets rushing toward the walls. However my liege, there will be time for that later, all guards are required evacuate you and all figures of great importance to the center of the castle."

Rendal froze for a second and briefly the thought of rushing toward the wall to assume direct control of the defense seemed greatly appealing to him. However reason took hold and he realized that a command post must be established first. He was confident in the army's ability to hold back any aggressors for the time being. He learned that not having an efficient communication line between the front lines and the command center could cripple any military operation.

The capital of Balder consisted of two walls. The lower outer wall that protected the peasants and lower class citizens, then the taller inner wall that shielded the aristocracy. It would take time for the city to fall, especially when each street was narrow and the perfect kill zone. The shaking of the castle brought him back to reality and to two urgent guards.

"Sir, we really must leave this place!" One shouted.

Rendal looked at both of them and said, "Then let us depart, we must hurry so we can assume control of the army."

With that, the king and the two guards rushed out of the room.

Commander Diederich of the Berenike Army and his cohort of four hundred and eighty men advanced slowly across in a wide rectangle formation to the first wall of Balder. They kept their shields in raised in front of them to block incoming arrows, while they kept their weapons ready.

Diederich stood in the rear of the formation so he could have a wide view of the surrounding area. That served him well because he could quickly spot and respond to any threats that came near his cohort.

The siege on Balder just began moments before, but already several openings appeared in the outer wall of the city. Beneath his heavy steel armor he found himself shaking in excitement. This was one largest assaults in Berenike history and he had the honor of fighting for the glory of the empire.

He was fairly young and took command of this cohort at a mere age of 25 and led his soldiers to victory against barbarians on several occasions. Today would be the first time he ever fought a for such as this however the soldiers of Balder would not be like the uncivilized barbarian tribes he put down before. This foe would be trained, well supplied, and had the luxury of a well fortified city. That didn't worry him in the slightest. He had something much better. He was a member of the most superior human nation to ever exist and commanded a cohort of some of the greatest soldiers ever known.

Victory was assured.

A shout that echoed throughout the cohort of men shook him from his musing.

"Light Balder calvary charging from the left side!" They shouted.

Quickly Diederich looked to his left and indeed saw a group of at least thirty armored horsemen sporting the crimson red of Balder moving toward his formation, most likely in an attempt to catch his cohort by surprise. He had to suppress a laugh, his men were too well trained to be caught by that on the open plain.

With an intake of the cold night air, he shouted, "All troops halt!"

Despite it being a requirement for all officers of the Berenike Army to possess a loud and clear voice, the men under their command had to be disciplined enough to maintain absolute silence and clearly relay the order as it came down line. So an echo of of his previous order was heard.

"First line shields raised! Left row turn with pikes at ready! Everyone remain in a defensive position! Cover your comrades!" Diederich shouted.

The soldiers on the far left of the cohort turned and raised their pikes. The men behind them did the same, while the men in the very first line provided cover from the raining arrows. Everyone in the center raised their shield high above them. Inside the fortress of shields, the men moved aside as Diederich moved swiftly to the left most side so he could gain a better visual on the incoming charge. He knew that it was far to dark for the horsemen to see the wall of pikes. By the time they noticed them, it would be far too late and they were closing in fast.

"The Horsemen are closing in! All troops prepare for impact!" Diederich shouted.

Suddenly the Balder Horsemen were upon them. A line of horse collided against a wall of pikes sending the horsemen themselves flying directly into the center of the Berenike cohort. Diederich watched as the men in the center brought their maces down upon the Balder horsemen, then quickly brought their shield back up. The Balder attack had failed.

Victory to Berenike. However the war was far from over.

General Steiner watched his army close in around Balder, while the artillery from the trebuchets laid waste to the city. Steel armored archers fired arrows covered in burning flames into the city. The assault was going exactly as planned.

"General Steiner! A messenger bird from Berenike has came in. Reinforcements are crossing the border now and all towns that have Balder presence in them have will be attacked. The entire might of our military has been unleashed general." An officer in charge of communications shouted.

Steiner felt an unbelievable joy at that and said, "Very well, that is wonderful news. This is a glorious day men! I want the army pushing harder into the enemy capital! We will have this city within a week. Glory to the empire!"

All around him the men and women of Berenike heard that and soon a cheer erupted from all of them.

"Glory to the empire!"

"Glory to the emperor!"

"All hail Berenike!"

The soldiers of the Empire of Berenike never felt greater.

The chapter may have came out weirdly. Problems occurred when during the uploading process that demanded my immediate re editing of the entire chapter.

-Tokyo Express