Strategy

Inside Hein's shop, a group huddled around a large digital board, the tension in the air thickening with every passing minute. A satellite image of the Eastern Dam was displayed on the screen, marked with strategic notes and key locations.

Ludwig and Petra stood beside the board, explaining the map. In the corner, Jack, Lupus, Frain, Lunice, and two of the Stellius sisters sat anxiously, absorbing every word.

"...And on the southern side of the city, the grand river cuts through here. We could use it to lure enemy attacks," Petra explained, her voice steady.

"Understood," Jack replied, glancing at Rhok, who sat facing the board, elbows on his knees, his eyes fixed on the map, twitching with restrained anger.

"Rhok was a Gold-Rank Armatus Knight. I believe we can hold our own while the arcanists focus on the eastern forest," Jack continued. He hesitated before asking, "Rhok, we have three mobile suits and two P.N.I. bots. How many do you need?"

Rhok didn't respond immediately. He straightened, his expression unreadable. "One," he said coldly.

"Got it." Jack nodded and turned back to the board. "I'll take the rest and split them into two groups. One will escort the arcane team."

"I'll support you from above. My cruiser is non-combatant, but we can provide surveillance," David said, standing with his former DebrisX crew, still in their orange jumpsuits.

Jack eyed him. "Wait, you're in?"

"Of course! You're my friends," David said firmly. "We may not be fighters, but we can provide battlefield intel." His crew nodded in unison. "We'd like to help."

"Then keep your craft in mesosphere range," Jack advised. "That way, I'll know you're safe."

"The shop is always open if you need repairs!" Hein chimed in with a toothy grin. Jack gave him an appreciative nod.

"I'll fight too!" Aurelia interjected. Her voice made everyone turn toward her, including Friederich. The red-haired girl stood against the far wall, flanked by her guardian, Triss, and the Novitcius mages of Virgo.

"Aurelia? This isn't our fight," Friederich whispered.

"Are we going to ignore that these people are risking their lives against an army of Armatus?" she shot back. "And just stand by and watch?"

"This is war... People die all the time."

"Yes, but this is happening right in front of us. What did these people do to deserve this?"

Friederich's face softened. He already knew he couldn't win against her unwavering resolve. "Fine… I'll come with you."

Aurelia shot him a satisfied smile, one that made him blush. He quickly hid his expression under his usual cold facade.

Triss stepped forward with graceful poise, hands clasped at her chest. "We will provide healing support on the battlefield. Please allow us to join." She exchanged a smile with the princess of Solis Aeternum.

The magistrate smiled kindly. As he swept his gaze across the room, he saw courage and determination in their eyes. They had come together, sharing the same goal.

Feeling immense gratitude, he bowed. "Thank you for volunteering to fight for us!" Petra followed his gesture with an even more graceful bow.

Some nodded, and some smiled in response.

"Alright, then! Let's protect our people and our town!" Ludwig declared, and everyone shuffled out of the meeting room.

Only Jack, Lupus, and Frain remained in the dimly lit room. Lupus pulled them close in a tight hug. "Mmm!" she purred, her sweet scent enveloping them.

"Will you two be alright?" Jack asked, examining their expressions. He wasn't overly worried, knowing half of his command bots would be with them.

"Mm, mm! We'll be fine. We have a strong team. Plus, Prince Aurelia and that black-haired elf," Lupus said confidently. "Three Stellius mages, one Olympian mage from the Hoffmann family, two Stellius mages from Solis Aeternum, and three Novitcius mages of Virgo. They won't see us coming."

"If we strike while they're engaged with the Eastern Dam's sentry mages, we'll have the advantage," Lupus added, smirking as she patted Frain's hair.

"Lupus! Come on!" Lunice called from the doorway, waving.

Suddenly, Lupus pulled Jack in and kissed him on the lips. She pulled back, both hands cupping his shoulders. "Please stay safe, Jackie," she said sincerely.

Next to them, Frain stood quietly, giving them a thousand-yard stare. The girl never changed; she was still an oddball.

"You too," Jack replied, deeply flushed and awkward. The warmth of her kiss lingered as his heart only wished for their safe return.

Soon, the rest all hurried out.

***

Rhok once again put on his dark armour. His heavy boots clanked against the workshop floor as he strode forward. Jack, dressed in knight armor, diligently checked system readiness on his datapad with Hein. 

"The P.N.I. bots have a service repair protocol," Hein explained. "Still, if the damage is too much, I suggest you fly them back here. I'll set up a repair station and have manpower ready." The workshop owner raised his voice to be heard over machinery noises in the background. 

Above them, three towering mobile suits loomed, casting intimidating shadows. Each was armed with standard blades and cannons.

Rhok glanced up, momentarily impressed. Two silver suits, one black. "These are scavenged Armatus? They look brand new."

"Ah! Rhok, over here," Jack called, motioning him closer. He pointed at the dark Armatus suit. "This one's yours."

Rhok's eyes gleamed with contentment. "Any is fine," he said, inspecting the datapad. Everything checked out.

"Thank you for having me," Rhok murmured, flexing his gloved fingers, reliving his past as a veteran. "I was foolish to think I deserved this..."

Jack's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Rhok, the mission is simple, but since you have more experience with mobile suit warfare, any recommendations?"

"Shield up, attack, shield down, retreat," Rhok said, rubbing his chin. "Stay alive, Jack."

Jack smiled. "Nice and simple." He motioned for Rhok to enter his assigned suit.

"Good luck!" Hein called from across the workshop.

Jack's helmet slid over his head. He boosted himself into the torso of a silver mech, the HUD screen and arcanite engine humming to life.

"All systems clear. Let's move!" Jack instructed.

Rhok nodded, and the three Armatus, along with two small bots, lifted into the air. Their thrusters roared with blue flames as they flew eastward.

A mix of excitement and fear surged through Jack. He swallowed hard, gripping the controls. "Calm down… Calm down..." he muttered.

The battle was imminent.