Prologue: Georg

Dear Mother

It is finally Christmas again. I hope from the bottom of my heart to soon return to you, Adriana and Livie again. Make sure Adriana is eating enough and tell Livie again not to go to the forest alone, she knows it's dangerous. We dealt another devastating blow to the Alliance in Berlin last month, we might even advance all the way to Madrid this winter! Pray for my safe return and for the Empire!

Yours Georg

'To hell with the fucking Empire. Seven years already are we fighting and there is no end in sight. These letters only make me think of the family I used to have in a life that seems distant after all this mindless slaughter.'

He sighed while crumbling the letter in his hand.

'They might not even be alive anymore. I don't want to think of it but this winter has been harsh even so far in the south.'

He got up from the desk and went to pack his gear. Around two hundred 50 Caliber rounds for his sniper rifle. He even packed explosive rounds for the enemy drones and Powersuit users.

Next to all the necessities like food, water, rope, sleeping bag, tent, night vision goggles and much more he of course got his bow.

Georg was a sharpshooter in the 15th division of the Great Saudi Empire. The 15th had the current objective to secure parts of the west coast of Italy in preparation of the coming invasion into Alliance territory, formerly Spain.

'I still only really trust you'

He absently though as he eyed his bow. It was more a heavy bow, considering the explosive arrows he primarily used weighed over eight pounds.

Packing everything together his gear weighed well over 200 pounds but that would drop to at least half as the mission went on. Georg was always prepared for everything. That's also a reason why he was one of the best.

He equipped his combat suit and stepped into the elevator.

'The snow is beautiful this winter, if only it wasn't for this slight diplomatic disagreement.'

Thought Georg as he rapidly approached the helipad.

He silently stepped into the chopper which lifted off soon after.

'Insane how silent these things got in last year, I barely hear the rotors.'

He thought as he slowly reopened his previously crumpled letter.

- You doin alright?

His partner asked, feeling the changing mood. Georg only nodded once, he was known to not talk as much as others. He was also known to be less dead than others. It's generally advised to be silent in the 15th division, being on the front can easily alert soundmules, a new variant of mines reacting to spoken language. They started to pop up around this time two years ago, an early Christmas present from the Alliance. This is why the rookies always ask why nobody sings anymore.

Inhaling the cold air rushing next to the flying chopper Georg almost felt nostalgic.

'Another fucking year. The only thing that's keeping me together is blasting another one of

those Alliance shits. Why can't it all just end?'

- Oh fuck Georg check this out!

Dimitri pointed to the South. Turning his head towards the mentioned event Georg saw the moving forest, the falling snow and high above it he saw fire.

'Finally Christmas'

The only thought that came to his mind as he saw the likely end of this war descending over Europe. The spectacle didn't take longer than two minutes to astonish. A blinding flash could be seen on the horizon all over the world as life itself turned into dust. As of yet unknown this event would later go down in history as the Hour of Hope.