Vol II | Chapter IX

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

In the approach towards the conflict ahead, the team involving the director, watchmaster, and the lieutenants crept to the enemy positions in absolute stealth – sabotage and guerilla tactic in place – as the team delved to the scene.

Amidst the fighting, the watchmaster involuntarily reverted back to compare the familiar sighting and environment that she was briefly mesmerized by it all. But even as she had been distracted momentarily, she resumed back to the mission at hand as she caught the signal.

Unclipped grenades were thrown, and the androids had either missed to detect the explosive or had been late to recognize and evade the explosive. Whatever the cases were, the result was satisfactory as plenty were blown to bits and rendered neutralized.

But although the damage inflicted have been destructive and massive to the enemy's numbers – it reminded them that these were soulless entities – the uncaring machines brushed their torn kin aside as if their 'death' meant nothing.

Fighting soon erupted as both sides began to cause mayhem. Walls became riddled, buildings were torn to shreds, and streets were exploded and destroyed as the fight continued. However, in about time agents and personnel arrived as reinforcement and helped in concluding the battle.

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"So, what were your reasons to join the military, good sir?" Mr. Abigail spoke with confidence and interest as he looked at the man's gas mask without a trace of uncertainty and perhaps fear – all as the gas mask plainly looked at him without uttering a word as a response.

But despite the cold shoulder as the soldier looked to turn away and resume back to guarding and keeping a lookout, the mad unhinged professor interacted again.

"Was it ambition, or to seek fame? Perhaps, glory and recognition?"

No response.

"However then again, those things aren't enough to make a soldier – one that is such determine and set on a primitive path."

But just as it felt the man had no more bizarre things to say, he continued.

"But humans are like that. We have goals we want to achieve; results we want to be produced – humans are like that. All those; ambition, fame, glory, and recognition are what fuel our species. So much so, that we strive for the stars. How beautiful it might be, to witness a united mankind as we take to the dark edges of space."

He received no words, but then he could just assume that his words were at least heard. Though it has been the case, Hylric has taken an interest in the man and his speech that he involuntarily spoke up.

"A united mankind – is a beautiful word"

But before the student and the professor could even process it as both stood shocked, a transmission patched through;

"Grenadier – the area is secured; move to next target position."

On receiving the order, the man turned back to shape as what's expected of an Imperial Guardsmen.

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Pardoned and excused to spend time in her luxury, Masha entered a nearly decrypted building just by the headquarters. With each step she took as she climbed the set of stairs; she finally steps foot on the rooftop.

Behind the gas mask, she looked out to the distance with empty eyes as she beholds the spectacular sight; such a sight that made Masha feel – at home – where she belongs. To the battlefield.

Envelop by the intense connection, by the scene, and the beauty of the sight of it all;

The gas mask was removed.

In a large deep breath, she took in the scent and the rich air as she closes her blue eyes to savor the experience. The cold air rushes to her pale skin, as her silver-blonde hair was carried like the tidal waves.

'Terra – is so beautiful'

Her eyes remained close as she dwells to taste the showering feel of the event. It was sentimental, although she did not know of it. But it ended just as the peaceful thoughts became corrupted by the vile thoughts;

'The human authorities in this world – in Holy Terra – would not be so foolish as to let the Justice League be in control.'

Her thoughts continued.

'As if the humans would ever allow the mutants, abhumans and xenos to dictate the ways on this Sacred World.'

The Watchmaster clutched her hand into a fist.

'But as witnessed that there are humans that even thought to support and admire the heretics. Those humans are branded traitors, and punishment is to be purged.'

As the Death Korps Guardsman established a conclusion;

'This Sacred World – will be cleansed!'

In addition to the claim, a pair of boots made way to fetch and attach to the Watchmaster;

Grenadier, 017823-9348 – reporting she identified as the korpsman produced a salute, which she returned with the same rigor.

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸