Chapter 156: Wrath of the Imperium

Chapter 156: Wrath of the Imperium

The Edge of Collapse

The battlefield of Eryndor stretched as far as the eye could see, a sprawling hellscape of scorched earth and corrupted mana. Above, the sky churned with black clouds, pierced occasionally by the violet pulse of the Rift Nexus—a growing tear in the fabric of reality. From its depths, demonic forces poured forth in endless waves, their numbers threatening to drown the Imperium's desperate defenses.

In the mobile command center, Jack stood motionless, staring at the holographic map that displayed the battlefield in real-time. Icons flashed red across the eastern flank—a grim reminder of how quickly their forces were falling. His fists clenched behind his back, though his expression betrayed none of the turmoil beneath.

"Commander, the demons are advancing faster than anticipated," General Callan said, his voice steady but grim. "We've committed the Vanguard units, but they're being overwhelmed by the Rift's new wave. We'll need reinforcements at Grid Point Theta within the hour, or we risk losing the entire sector."

Eve materialized beside Jack, her digital form flickering faintly. "Analysis indicates a 64% reduction in combat efficiency among infantry units due to fatigue and high casualties. Mana-fusion mechs and auto-drones have been deployed to support Grid Point Theta, but their effectiveness is limited against the new demonic entities."

Eryndra, leaning against the table with her silver hair glowing faintly under the mana-light, frowned. "We've seen these tactics before—they send fodder to draw our attention, only to unleash something far worse once we're committed. The Rift Nexus isn't just an enemy—it's a predator."

Jack's gaze remained fixed on the map. "And predators need to be outmaneuvered," he said coldly. "What's the status of our special forces?"

Special Forces in Action

Far behind enemy lines, Unit Alpha, one of the Imperium's most elite special forces teams, moved with precision through the ruins of a once-thriving city. Their objective was critical: disrupt the Rift Nexus's outer defenses by destroying its demonic wardstones, which shielded the structure from direct assault.

The team was a diverse blend of Imperium might: humans, elves, and even a towering combat mech piloted by Lieutenant Bren Kaelor, its sleek design equipped with twin plasma cannons and a retractable mana-infused blade.

"Kaelor, keep watch," Captain Reilan Voss ordered, his voice sharp over the comms. "Nythra, scout ahead. We need those defenses down before the main offensive begins."

Nythra Valis, the shadow mage, vanished into the darkness like a wisp of smoke. Moments later, her voice crackled through the communicator. "Two sentries, corrupted war beasts. I'll handle it."

From the shadows, Nythra struck. A flurry of shadowy tendrils silenced the demonic sentries before they could react, their bodies collapsing into lifeless heaps. Reilan gave the signal to advance, his squad following close behind.

At the heart of the ruined district, the demonic wardstone pulsed with malevolent energy. The air shimmered with its protective magic, a barrier that repelled conventional attacks.

"Kaelor, take point," Reilan commanded.

The mech strode forward, its heavy footfalls shaking the ground. With a deafening roar, its plasma cannons unleashed concentrated bursts of energy at the wardstone. The barrier crackled and flickered but held firm.

"Switching to blade," Kaelor muttered, retracting the cannons and activating the mech's mana blade. The glowing weapon hummed as it cut through the barrier, shattering the wardstone with a final, decisive strike.

The team regrouped, watching as the shield protecting the Rift Nexus began to falter.

"One down," Reilan said. "But this is just the beginning."

The Frontlines: Robots, Mechs, and Chaos

Back on the eastern front, the battlefield was a cacophony of destruction. Mana-fusion tanks fired devastating rounds into the advancing demon horde, their glowing projectiles ripping through corrupted flesh. Overhead, Stormclaw-class helicopters rained missiles down on demonic siege beasts attempting to breach the Imperium's trenches.

Among the chaos, combat drones moved in synchronized formations, their AI-guided weaponry targeting key enemy units with precision. Some of the larger, humanoid battle mechs fought alongside infantry, their mechanical limbs outfitted with heavy plasma repeaters and mana blades.

Tyra Solen, a human sergeant, barked orders from the trenches as she watched one of the mechs engage a towering infernal golem. The mech's operator, Corporal Jaren, maneuvered skillfully, dodging the golem's massive fists before driving his blade deep into its chest.

"Nice work, Jaren," Tyra called out, though her relief was short-lived. A deafening roar signaled the arrival of another wave—this time led by a demonic general.

The general was an imposing figure, its armor pulsating with dark energy. It wielded a massive, jagged spear that radiated corrupted mana, and its every step seemed to sap the courage from those nearby.

"We need air support now!" Tyra shouted into her communicator.

Above, fighter jets armed with mana-charged missiles soared into formation. The jets unleashed their payload, explosions rocking the battlefield as the missiles struck the demon general. But even this wasn't enough. The creature emerged from the smoke, barely slowed.

The Rift Nexus Awakens

In the command center, Eve's voice broke through the chaos. "Commander, the Rift Nexus is surging. Scans indicate it is attempting a high-level summoning."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "What are they summoning?"

"A titan," Eve replied. "A colossal entity infused with Rift energy. If it completes its emergence, the eastern front will collapse."

General Callan stiffened. "We don't have the firepower to stop something like that, Commander."

"We'll make firepower," Jack said coldly. "Deploy the remaining mechs to the eastern front. I want every available unit focusing on containment."

Eryndra stepped forward, her expression stern. "Jack, this isn't just about containment anymore. If that thing gets through, we lose everything."

Jack turned to her, his gaze unflinching. "Then we don't let it through."

End of Chapter 156