Story 656: Blood and Command

General Viktor "Bloodfang" Kruger stood at the heart of his war room, the dim golden light casting deep shadows over his scarred face. His crimson beret sat perfectly on his head, a symbol of his unwavering command, but behind his cold, piercing eyes, something was shifting.

The serum coursing through his veins had begun to do more than enhance him—it was changing him. His grip tightened on the metal railing before him as he gazed down at the battlefield monitor. Flashes of fire and undead clashes illuminated the war below.

"Sir, the resistance is pushing back harder than expected. Their necromancers have reinforced the front lines."

Kruger turned slowly to face Sergeant Darius "Hellhound" Rook, who stood at attention, his face twisted with frustration. "Our hounds are losing ground," Rook growled. "We need to strike now, before they regroup."