Story 621: The Crimson Citadel

The massive steel doors of Kruger’s fortress, known as the Crimson Citadel, groaned as they opened. Inside, the halls gleamed with red-lit steel, a modern war machine built upon the ruins of an old bio-weapons facility. Here, inside his domain, General Viktor ‘Bloodfang’ Kruger stood sharpening his knife, his crimson beret casting a shadow over his cold, calculating eyes.

His undead army had proven their worth, but now came the next phase—the evolution of war.

The doors behind him slid open with a hiss, and Sergeant Darius ‘Hellhound’ Rook stepped inside, dragging a bloodied prisoner. The man was barely conscious, his uniform torn and stained. Rook tossed him forward, and the prisoner landed at Kruger’s feet.

“Caught this one trying to send out a distress call. Mercenary. Hired by what’s left of the resistance.” Rook’s voice was laced with disgust.

Kruger knelt, lifting the man’s chin with his knife. “Tell me, who sent you?” His voice was low, deadly.