***

--- Alnus Army Hospital, Fort Alnus ---

Date: August 3rd, 2026

Filling out the release form, Pina couldn't be happier. After much delay and many near miss in the recovery room, that her brother was finally released from the hospital. It had been two weeks of rehabilitation and therapy until he was deemed ready to leave. While still having a long way to go to fully recover and get used to the fact he is missing an arm, a part of her believes that the hospital wanted to get him out of there as he has not made life easy for the nursing staff.

She looked at her older brother and saw him being helped in his room. The nurse seemed to be concerned about his health with each careful movement that ensured he got up okay.

"You really should stay in bed," the nurse urged. "The doctor said six weeks, not two."

"You people's ability to worry about everything is outstanding," Krysist replied.

"You should listen to them," Pina said. "They know what they are doing."

Krysist merely grunted, "I had to fight multiple times while wounded in the Arena. The only way to heal is to walk off the pain and get back in the Arena."

The nurse stared at the general with a shocked look. She quickly replied, "That is the worst way to recover, which is why many people like you died back in ancient times on Earth."

Krysist glanced at the nurse with a confused and confused look.

Watching the two facial reaction, Pina couldn't help but giggle, seeing the two different mentalities clashing. "Everything will be okay. He will remain what you call, 'light duty.' "

After more lecturing from the nurse about how 'dumb' he was acting, the nurse relented and gave the Empress a list of things he needed to do to help him recover.

Once Pina believed everything was finished, two more nurses approached while pushing a wheelchair. One of them said, "We are ready to check you out. Please, sit-down sir."

Noticing a confused look coming from her brother, Pina explained, "It is a standard policy that patients must leave in a wheelchair."

Krysist stared at the wheelchair, then at the nurses, and then at his missing hand. Frustrated, he boldly stated, "I lost my hand, not my legs. Do not insult my honor again unless you intend to challenge me."

"Why do you have to act like a Spartan all the time," the nurse chided.

"What is a Spartan?" Krysist asked.

Pina then briefly explained the history of the Spartans from Ancient Greece. Their brought a warrior spirit and never surrender attitude.

"Pathetic!" Krysist said. "You people used to be tough but those fancy trinkets of yours have made you all weak for centuries compared to your ancestors."

That said, Krysist walked past the nurses and headed out of the building.

"I am so sorry, ladies." Pina apologized to the nurses on behalf of her brother before heading out of the hospital to catch up with him.

"You did not have to be rude," Pina said. "They were just doing their job." Expecting a response, she was surprised that her brother said nothing. "I see... follow me, and I will take you to your quarters. The military created a section for their allies on Falmart."

As the two walked through the crowd of military personnel, Krysist noticed how busy the base was. "So, this is Alnus everyone kept talking about."

"Yup," Pina said. "It is mostly military. Most of the hardware has been moved to other cities. You should have been here when it was still small."

"Yup? It seems these Other Worlders have really influenced you as well."

"Terrans. They prefer to be called Terrans now," Pina replied defensively. "I think they got tired of being called Other Worlders."

"I see," Krysist responded as he dropped that subject. "But still, it would have been an honor to lay siege to this place. That was the Imperial Army's mistake of not holding this ground early on when their forces were small."

While listening to the boldness coming from the man, Pina couldn't help but chuckle. The balls on him, believing that he could lay siege to this NATO fortress.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing," Pina replied. "Almost a hundred thousand soldiers were here, plus the Coalition counterattack. And yet they were all defeated."

"By lesser men," Krysist said. "I defeated these people before while facing triple the amount with their flying machines; I could have done it then."

"You are unbelievable," Pina said. "But, if someone could have, you would have found a way. Or died trying."

As the two moved through the base, Pina saw many of the Imperial soldiers they passed nod their helmets and say, 'General.' While not everyone, she noticed the soldiers who fought in Elies were the ones who showed the most respect.

Looking toward her brother, she saw that Krysist was confused by the attention he was getting.

"See that," Pina said. "It looks like you have left an impression."

"Is this where you have been living?" Krysist asked.

"No," Pina said. "I have been stationed at a special force base south of here, called Fort Minick. My Generals and Senators are there. But the Americans set up a section for my republican forces for coordination. They are currently preparing for the attack on Sadera."

"Alright," Krysist said as he looked at the Imperial soldiers standing guard, the ones inside the fence training with NATO soldiers. "What are they doing?"

"They are teaching how to use some equipment like radios, sensors, or visors" Pina responded. "My Rose Knights were a test bed and are now being exported to the rest of the Legion. The main goal is communication with NATO forces and within their own ranks."

"That would be a game changer," Krysist studied the training. "The number one issue has always been how complex, and long it took to pass orders once a battle began or with units at a distance. It was the one utility that I envied."

"Now, let me take you to your quarters," Pina said. "I know you want to be active, but you need rest for future battles."

"Before we go any farther, I want you to speak plainly," Krysist said.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I can tell everyone is acting strange around me. Your Knights, Senators, and some of the NATO officers at this post. Even you. I demand to know why."

Pina's eyes locked onto her brother, surprised by the sudden question. While it was true that she was hiding something, she did not realize how transparent she was being.

"You are correct," Pina said. "But let us not speak of it here. It will be best if we speak in private, with Diabo."

"What does your brain head brother have to do with anything?" Krysist asked.

Taking a deep breath from the realization that what is about to come will be painful, Pina said, "He is the future Prime Minister of the Republic. It will be important if he is there."

"Right...," Krysist mumbled.

It did not take long before they reached Krysist's quarters. Being a general and soon-to-be Head of the Army, Pina made sure the room setting fitted her oldest brother's status. However, the man looked at everything indifferently. That the quality of the setting meant nothing as he was used to living in a tent surrounded by a hostile environment in the cold harsh North and the grittiness of the arena.

It wasn't until that very moment that Pina realized that he probably was not used to such luxurious conditions.

When Diabo entered the room, tension quickly grew. Seeing the facial reaction from both her brothers, Pina could easily tell that neither had any trust in the other.

For Diabo, he was old enough to remember the failed uprising six years ago against Imperial leadership. Just like her, he was born into a family of power and wealth where everything he wished was given, he was deemed to lose out if Krysist succeeded. In addition, being an academic and preferring knowledge and playing the political game over directness, Diabo never had a strong fondness for the military.

While Krysist being the opposite. Everything was direct, refusing to play the legislative game and preferring to cut the Red Tape, as the Terrans would say, and get the job done. A man who never knew who his father was, was birthed as a slave and then worked his way from a Gladiator to a General.

"Alright," Krysist said. "Now that the Prime Minister is here, whatever that is supposed to be, what is this great secret you two have?"

The urge to respond to the question was strong; however, no words formed in the Empress's mouth. She struggled to speak as she knew how much pain this would bring him.

"If you are not going to tell him, then I will," Diabo said. "No point dragging this out... Krysist-."

Pina placed her hand on Diabo's shoulder to stop him. She took a deep breath and said, "Krysist... everyone in this room has the same father."

It was as though time had stopped and all noise had suddenly subsided. Krysist said no words with a blank expression across his face. It remained that way for what seemed like an eternity, no one making a single move. The color had left Krysist's face as his jaw slowly slumped and his eyes widened.

She found her eldest brother's reaction interesting. He stood there frozen in place, like a statue, like he could not properly react to the information given, almost like what she said was in another language.

Then she saw something in his eyes as something clicked.

"This has to be a joke?" Krysist slowly said, wanting to reject what was said.

Pina just stood there; a hint of pity was visible in her eyes as she slightly shook her head. Finally realizing that this was no joke, Krysist's facial expression went from confusion to denial and finally anger.

"I do not accept this! I cannot accept this!" Krysist spat. "That man, that feral beast is not my father."

"It is the truth," Diabo explained. "I was at the meeting(1) when our father told us. Zorzal and I were summoned, and it was there that he revealed the truth. From there, Zorzal decided to remove you as he saw you as a threat to his throne."

"Wait...," Krysist mumbled.

Pina watched as her brother's expression changed once more until he decided on a mood, anger. She could see the amount of hatred spreading throughout his facial reaction as he came to accept that his biological father had tried to murder him multiple times.

While Pina did not expect him to spill out his emotions, being too proud to do so. However, she could imagine the feeling of being ousted by their father. Realizing that every mission, every command, and the war was designed to get him killed, not because he was the best for the job.

Even though learning that your father was a bastard, Pina knew his true anger with Zorzal.

Suddenly, Krysist grabbed Diabo by the neck and squeezed.

"Krysist!" Pina yelled, trying to get him to release Diablo.

As Krysist fist gripped tightly, to the point where his nails started cutting his younger brother's skin, he said, "You are telling me that my Legion was betrayed, murdered, and disgraced all because you all were afraid that I might challenge your birthright to the damn throne?"

The silence was the only response Krysist received. Pina waited for Diabo to speak. However, she noticed he stood there with fear in his eyes.

Quickly realizing what was happening, Pina grabbed his arm once more and forced it to let go of Diabo. "Krysist! Stop! It is not his fault."

"I do not care; you people killed my men!" Krysist said as he was forced to release his grip due to his weakened state.

He leaned back and fell into a chair, mumbling about his dead men.

Pina saw that Diabo wanted to react, but she stopped him, telling him to let it go.

She looked upon her eldest brother, seeing the deep depression with the realization of everything, trying to find a way to relate to his pain but couldn't. How could anyone relate to someone who just learned their entire life was a lie.

"What did you two want?" Krysist asked. "Why did you even tell me this?"

"Because this would make you the firstborn," Diabo answered. "That means you are the true heir to the throne."

"I see," Krysist mumbled. "So, this conversation is about avoiding a political crisis of your so-called revolutions."

"That is part of the reason, but my biggest reason is that I simply wanted to tell you because you deserved to know the truth," Pina said. "You were going to find out one way or another; I figured it would be best if it came from me."

"I... I just cannot believe it," Krysist said, shaking his head. "I do not know where to begin. Everything I have done was for... nothing."

"Knock it off, Krysist," Diabo said.

Feeling the tension rising again, Pina got between the two. She gave Diabo a look, telling him to back off. Looking toward her other brother, she said, "Look, I know the story about your men. What happened to them was evil, but Diabo is not the enemy; Zorzal and his regime as well as our bastard of a father are."

"Oh, back to Zorzal," Krysist said, backing up. "No. I am done. I have shed enough blood for your family. What has it ever brought to me? Exile, pain, betrayal, and...." He raised his right hand and remembered that it was missing. It took all his strength to suppress his emotions on the matter and glanced down.

After another moment of silence, Krysist looked back up and asked, "What do you want from me? If I am the firstborn, is the reason you rescued me to put me on the throne? Is that the plan of this revolution? What if I do not want the throne, or... what if I do. I have many enemies that must pay for their crimes against the Legion."

"I knew this was going to happen, Pina," Diabo said. "Once he learned the truth, I knew his father's side would emerge. No matter how honorable and steel-willed he is, this kind of truth will make all men succumb to the temptation of Palapon. He is not fit to become Emperor!"

"What!?"

Pina quickly looked toward Diabo, confused by what he said. Krysist becoming Emperor? While he has the right to claim the throne, which could spark a civil war within her Revolution. Both agreed that Krysist could not become Emperor because of that and that she did not believe that the General would be interested in politics.

"You heard me!" Diabo quickly responded, pointing his finger at Krysist. "Our father was a Warrior Emperor, like you. All you have accomplished in life is killing others. What is the saying, 'live by the sword, die by the sword?"

"Coming from a man who has never been punched," Krysist said. "I am nothing like that man. I never sacrificed my men for my own goals."

"Did you not?" Diabo asked, giving his eldest brother a glare. "Then why did you abandon your exile from the North and come to Elies to fight the greatest enemy this world has ever seen? You came down here for personal glory. Because you knew that your name would echo for eternity. All your legions died not because of our brother but because of your pride!"

As Diabo finished his sentence, Krysist quickly reacted by punching him in the face, knocking the man into a table.

"Enough, both of you!" Pina yelled as she got between them again.

"No, Pina," Diabo said as he placed his hand over a large bruise on his cheek. "He needs to hear this. Yes, Molt did everything to kill. That was because you were a mistake, Krysist."

Pina looked to Diabo, shocked that he refused to shut up. She has never seen him like this before. He usually remained quiet in the shadows, minding his books.

Diabo then slowly stood up. "The truth is, Krysist, Zorzal never gave a damn about you until he learned of your bloodline. Only then did he decide to remove you as a possible threat."

"You said that already," Pina said.

"Yes, but for some reason, everyone has forgotten that Zorzal was right," Diabo said. "You came from the North, joined in the war with the intent to surrender to NATO so you can lay siege against Sadera and dethrone the royal family. So, you can exact your failed revenge six years ago. Am I missing anything?"

After listening, Pina closed her eyes, frustrated by the turn of events. "Make your point, Diabo."

"My point is that he cannot be trusted to be on the throne," Diabo said. "Please note, General, I understand that your motives were pure and justified. You are your father's firstborn, but you do not yet have his heart or desires. To end the war quickly, and save the Legion and the Empire, we must dispose of the corruption that led us to this destruction.

However, this future Republic will not survive having another Warrior Emperor. Especially one who is willing to put everything on the line for his own glory."

"Diabo," Pina said, shocked by what she heard. "What the hell? Why are you-." She then felt a hand on her shoulder.

"No," Krysist said. "He is right."

Looking toward the broken General, Pina puzzlingly repeated, "He is right?"

Krysist replied. "I am a Gladiator, a General, a broken soldier. The throne has had enough of my kind. I disavow any claim to the throne that my blood gave me. It is yours, Empress. Your action in choosing to save Fabius instead of me has proven that you are willing to put the needs of others over personal desire. The people need an Empress like you to lead them to a better future(3)."

Confused by the events, Pina was happy that she did not have to worry about a future leadership crisis. Now that she is throughout it, she wondered if that was Diabo's plan to make Krysist admit his flaws and give her leadership more legitimacy. If so, she underestimated his support for her Revolution.

"Thank you, Krysist," Pina said. "Maybe the throne no longer needs Warrior-Emperors, but your ways are still needed. I want you to become my General of the Army, Krysist."

"Why?"

She then pulled out the scroll and laid it out on the table. "Remember this?"

"Yes. I gave this to you."

On the table laid the scroll that Krysist gave her when he took her prisoner. When she learned of his true intent in saving the Empire. "I do not agree with my brother that you only sought glory for yourself(2). I see it as loyalty to the Empire and everything you value. I committed myself to follow your dream, but I cannot do it alone."

"However, you have something I will never have," Pina said. "Your loyalty to the Legion. I spoke with Legatus Fabius Aulus; he and his men still think highly of you. Even the common soldiers on this base think highly of you, and you were fighting them. You are a warrior to the core, and the Republic needs that to survive. I need you."

The room went silent again. This time Pina did not see anger coming from her eldest brother but instead, she saw him contemplating.

After taking a breath, Krysist responded, "I will accept, however, I have conditions."

"Conditions?" Pina asked.

"I already assume that the Other Worlders already have their plans for the current Emperor and his inner circle," Krysist said. "I will settle for this one condition. I want the Oprichnina, all of them. They will pay for what they have done against the Legion."

Hearing the strong resolve in her eldest brother's voice, she realized there would be no debate on this matter and she could understand why. The Oprichnina had committed multiple war crimes and betrayals of their own brethren, especially after a second betrayal against Legatus Fabius Aulus.

Knowing what happened at Thaluilas where every traitor was hunted down and executed, Pina saw no way to restrain the Legion from wanting revenge and the truth is, she wanted to see them all killed also. With the boiling hate against the Oprichnina for everything they have done, there was no way that organization would be part of the future of her Republic.

"I agree," Pina said. "However, I do not want blood and murders in the streets. Keep your revenge out of the public eye and you can tear down the Oprichnina once and for all."

***

--- Mealud Valley, Southern Dumas Mountain Range, near the newly established Bunny Kingdom of Itemyui ---

Date: August 3rd, 2026

Staring at the fire, an individual watched the flames fight off an impossible foe, the rain. He watched its futile attempt as it struggled until the inevitable. Most individuals pay no mind to the lessons of nature, only seeing it as a nuisance or obstacle. For Lashin, after hundreds of years of studying the forests, studying what the Tree Goddess, Wareharun, provided for his people, he came to realize that everything in nature is a consistent state of chaos, a constant state of war.

Fire and water are polar opposites. Each tried to eliminate the other to become the dominant power. As Lashin's closest friend spoke, he watched the fire and water battle. The Imperials consider themselves the master of tactics, the elves consider themselves the masters of archery, and the Dwarves are the masters of the ground. However, he has learned that no one can compare the arts of war to mother nature. The only question is, which would win? The fire or the water.

"My lord?"

Looking away from the campfire, Lashin saw Haoulis. "I am sorry. I was pondering something; studying the flames."

"I noticed," Haoulis said. "With the falling rain, I believe the flames will be burnt without more wood."

"I happen to agree," Lashin said.

"My old friend, I believe our flame is also at an end," Haoulis stated.

While it pains Lashin to admit it, he agreed with the situation. Up to this point, he has been using the war as a smokescreen, knowing either side wouldn't focus on his war party because of the bigger threats. Those days were ending, and NATO Special Forces have been targeting his forces(4).

"I have come to agree, dear old friend," Lashin said. "We have no more space to move or exploit. It will have to be our last when we make our move."

"I will keep the men ready," Haoulis said. "All are ready to commit their lives for you. But do you know when our time will come? The enemy will find us if we stay still."

"I know," Lashin said. "And we will strike once my spy reports where they leave their base."

Alnus is a city that the Other Worlders call a melting pot. It means a people with many different cultures, values, and beliefs all living in one location. Perfect for sending agents to spy on NATO movements and information.

From there, his agents learned of the establishment of the new Bunny Kingdom in the Mealud Valley, part of the southern tip of the Dumas Mountains.

Knowing Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Sharpe and his warrior's relationship with the Warrior Bunnies, Lashin gambled that his unit would go to the ceremony of the new kingdom's creation. If so, he knows that he would bring his daughter along, as he did during their Woodline State elves' visit.

As the two spoke, another wood elf approached and reported. Haoulis engaged with the elf, and after a few words, he looked toward his lord and nodded.

"Then it is time," Lashin said.

Lashin stood up and walked through the camp, seeing his fellow warriors preparing. He then reached for a tree and placed his hand on it. His hand flared up with a green shimmer.

— Bunny Kingdom of Itemyui, Itemyui Forest, South of Mealud Valley —

The Itemyui Forest, was land still fresh with blood, littered with steel, and the voices of the fallen still echoed throughout the land.

A new once battle-ridden forest that bordered the Elbe Fiefdom now had brick houses, carved out of dirt roads and other signs of construction of a new, thriving community; a few solar panels and generators to provide energy, food, and water.

The old kingdom was on the great plains, forcing them to be a hunter-gatherer society. While in Tyuule's heart she would never forget the open plains and the breeze flowing through her hair, the culture that was created around that lifestyle only led them to their end. This time, she wanted to build a civilization and act among the other nations and hope that her people could adjust to this new way of life and not revert to their old ways.

With the League forces being pushed to the brink in the valley, Tyuule saw an opportunity.

Queen Tyuule and her fellow Warrior Bunnies helped cleanse the forest from the remaining Imperials. This was not any normal battle; however, this was the place she decided that was going to be their new home.

Prior to the battle, the queen negotiated with the US government to provide funding and engineers for her new motherland. With that funding, she wanted to use what she learned from Alnus and build the infrastructure she needed to birth a great city. By creating schools, developing hospitals, and other essential infrastructure, like indoor plumbing, she started construction in her new nation with the hope to surpass the Koda Woodline State.

Today is the day, Tyuule would make the formal declaration of the establishment of the new nation for her people, which served a brand-new purpose for her people to fight for as warriors. Instead of warmongering, her people would fight for the future for themselves and their descendants. Tyuule stood up on the podium in her formal suit as she looked at her people and members of the Vanguard teams who attended the event as she made her speech:

"My fellow bunnies, friends, and comrades. For centuries, the Bunnies have always been a divided group of people who live in different tribes of the old valley. While our society at that time was built upon the foundation of strength and warrior spirit, it also breeds a culture of violence, rape, and barbarism, not only against the outsiders but also against each other. Because of this reason along with our exotic beauty, the Empire invaded and conquered us, leading to a decade of suffering and scattering of our people.

However, today is the day that the bunny people once again united as one not just for the sake of survival against a common enemy but to build a kingdom together were no differences that separate us. This country will be called the United Bunny Kingdom. To signify that our days of tribal separation that weaken us and the deplorable culture we embraced for centuries that justify our oppression and enslavement are over. From this day today, we are building a civilized civilization, not a tribe where everyone can see us as strong and noble warriors, not barbaric savages. Our children and descendants are to live and grow up filled with pride and their heads raised high. I know that some of you might still linger toward the old ways so I will tell you this.

The days of kidnapping and raping men to procure our species are over. Fighting and hunting against each other are over! From this day on, we will be one among many great nations of this new world that are forming among our eyes. We will embrace the sacred love between men and women as we have all seen has made us stronger than going alone. The divine image of family and together we will make ourselves anew as Warriors Of Light And Justice! Like Our fellow Terrians! From Now On, We Give Birth To Our Nation!"

Many Bunnies could not hold back their tears after the speech as they clapped their hands furiously welcoming the birth of their nation.

"She is surely such a good orator," Sharpe commented. "It seems like she paid close attention to the President's speeches."

"I think she learned a bit from you too, Daddy," Selina added, having him smirk.

"It was an impressive speech," Alesoid said. "Queen Tyuule seems to have truly adopted your people's ways. Everyone is celebrating mainly because they have a home but everything, she said was not for our people's ears but for yours and everyone else who inhabits these lands."

"What do you mean?" Lelei asked.

"We all know about the reputation of us bunnies," Alesoid responded. "Our people is a mixed bag and a lot of people will be worried about having the new Bunny Kingdom forming. Her speech is basically telling the two worlds that she is embracing their culture so please do not invade us again."

"Well, I cannot say I disagree," Sharpe said. "Right now, the public likes your kind however, if you revert back to the old ways that high opinion will not last. My government has been worried about how all these post-war nations will act once we draw down our forces. However, based on the speech and my personal interaction I do think Tyuule means everything she says."

"That is mainly thanks to Bailey and Delilah," Alicia said. "Those two love couples shockingly showed how things could work. I hope it lasts."

"Agreed, I hope they don't adopt our high divorce rate," Sharpe teased and then looked toward Alesoid and Albert who were sitting next to her. "Never thought you would attend this event, Alesoid. I thought you still hated your former Queen."

Alesoid crossed her arms and said, "I only come here to witness the day my people can finally have a country of our own. Regardless of my personal beliefs, today will represent a milestone for our people. To look forward to a future that is worth fighting for after many years of being scattered, enslaved, and oppressed. In short, I just want to see the happiness of my people. I don't do this for Tyuule. My loyalty is toward the British Crown now."

Albert wrapped his arm around Alesoid with a smirk and commented, "Yes, it is now."

As the ceremony continued, an alarm bell rang loudly indicating an attack, causing everyone to startle up.

"We are under attack! Everyone to their stations! Get the younglings to safety," Tyuule shouted as she stepped down from the podium to search for weapons as all attendants stood up and prepared for battle

"The League?" Sharpe asked. In his head, he tried to think of any nearby battles however he couldn't think of any. The closest now is far north from here. "It makes sense for them trying to stop this, but they are busy being routed up north and south. And the timing is off."

"It has to be the League," Tyuule said. "Who else would be attacking us? Especially in the dark?"

"She's probably correct," Rory said as she grabbed her halberd. "I will scout ahead and gather more information."

"I will go with you. Honey! Take our daughters to safety with the other younglings in that school building. The babysitters will look after them. Ok, Mommy needs to fight so stay safe and I will be right back!" Delilah said to her husband as she kissed her twin daughters and handed them to her husband before heading out to search for weapons.

As the two left, Sharpe ordered his Rangers to head back to the JLTVs and prepare for battle. He looked down and directed Selina to stay with Sarah, Lelei and Yao headed to the JLTVs to grab his guns.

"Why cannot the Empire just leave us alone," Tyuule commented. "I mean, they are literally on their last legs, and shouldn't they focus on building up defenses rather than going on the offense like this? It does not make any sense"

"I will give them this, they are a persistent bunch of people," Sharpe said. "This has to be a last-ditch effort on their part to gain some grounds in the losing war."

"If so, let us make sure they will regret-," Tyuule was saying before being stopped as the two saw Rory moving through the air and hit the cliff edge boulder, crashing into it before falling to the ground. Right after a large explosion happened at the outer concrete wall as the Ents started throwing boulders at the wall.

Sharpe rushed to Rory; she had already gotten to her feet by the time he arrived. "Apostle?"

"No," Rory said. "And it is not the League. It is your old bastard of a friend, the Wood Elves."

"Wood...," Sharpe asked before realizing what she meant. "What the hell are they doing here?"

"And that is not all, they have Ents that are trying to break through the wall," Rory added.

He then looked toward the concrete wall as he saw bunny archers firing arrows returned from the Wood-elves. Both species were quick and accurate, but while the bunnies were experts in melee warfare, the elves were just as good at archery. Despite the bunny's natural night vision, it did not help them much as the Wood Elves continued hammering them hard with their superior archery skill and Fey Magic.

However, that is not what is concerning Sharpe. In the darkness, he and everyone around him saw these trees approaching. Each took long steps forward with archers and mages on the branches, firing at the bunnies with arrows and magic-conjured sharp tree branches.

"They are going to walk over our defenses," Tyuule said.

As the two watched, the Ents carrying huge boulders approached the wall and destroyed it by smashing the boulders onto it. Some of the bunnies attacked the legs with their blades which had little effect.

Delilah quickly approached and said, "My Queen, what should we do? Our tactics aren't working at all."

"Bring up all of our troops," Tyuule said. "Grab some wine bottles and turn them into Molotov Cocktails to burn those Ents and use flame arrows on them. We hold them here."

As they planned their defense, one of the approaching Ents was consumed with .50 caliber fire from one of the JLTVs, distracting it. A moment later, a rocket from an AT4 destroyed one of the Ents. With its death, fiery explosions spread across the area.

"Delilah," Sharpe said. "Don't aim for the base of the trees. Surround the ends and hack at the branches instead. Pick them apart and then use fire against the rest."

Looking behind, Sharpe saw most of his Rangers. "Two teams left and right. Stay away from the branches and pick off the elves. The best option is to keep hitting them with rocket fire and bring up the incinerator. Try to keep the ents distracted here. And someone gets Lelei, Tuka, and Yao up here."

As everyone took their positions and more bunnies joined the fight from the underground huts.

From what Sharpe could gather, there are nine Ents with dozens more wood elves as infantry support. Most of the elves got off the Ents which surprised him, pulling out their swords to engage the bunnies while the rest found a place that utilized their bow and magic more effectively.

Taking his recommendation, Tyuule ordered her bunnies to remain mobile as their blades have little effect on the tree trunks and roots. This proved to be hard as melee combat began so a standup fight was seen to be a disadvantage.

The bunnies are superior melee fighters, easily cutting down a wood elf. However, a new problem emerged as once a bunny engaged one of the elf swordsmen, one of the ent branches reached down and either blocked the bunny or worse, killed her. Furthermore, the Wood Elf archers and mages stand in the tree branches, providing long-range support to their swordsmen, making it far more difficult for the bunnies to engage them.

Seeing just that, Sharpe pulled his Colt and killed one of the warriors that were flanking Delilah. Rory then swooped in and knocked one of the Ents back.

"Thank you, sir," Delilah said.

"I am not going to tell your husband that you died under my watch," Sharpe said. "They are fighting smart so don't get stuck in one place."

"Ok," Delilah responded. "I know what to do."

Delilah rallied her bunnies and acted like a rubber band. Two bunnies charged forward and engaged the elvish swordsmen. Once a branch came to aid, the two backed away, and two more bunnies bounced forward, slicing the branches from the ents. Then, the first two bunnies came charging back to finish off the elves.

"We are here dad," Lelei said as she ran up with Tuka and Yao.

"You three know what to do," Sharpe said. "Work with the rocket team and focus on the center and work your way out. Cut these bastards off from one another."

The two elven sisters then start throwing fireballs at the Ents while Lelei at the same time conjuring shields to protect their allies from long-range attacks. To protect themselves from the fireballs from the three, the Wood Elves channel their magic through the Ents, causing the Ents to conjure thick tree branches from their hands in the form of a shield to block the fireballs. The flame is then extinguished quickly as the tree branches secrete their water to put down the flame.

While Sharpe's first reaction was to relate these Ents with Tolkien's work, they acted more like Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. Able to grow and recover quickly.

Randy then approached Sharpe and said, "Something doesn't feel right. Where is Lashin?"

"That crossed my mind also," Sharpe said. "I also want to know how the hell he knew we were even here."

"Then must have a spy in Alnus," Randy replied. "Does not help that we bypass these events for PR reasons."

Lashin, a man Sharpe hated more than life itself. However, if he had to give that elf one credit, the elf is no coward. Lashin would never throw away his men pointlessly like this alone unless there was something more going on. Especially, the single goal of his quest was the execution of his daughter.

Seeing that their fireballs do not work against the Ents due to their water secretion capability, Lelei then conjures a huge fireball combined with lighting spells to heat up the fireball until it turns into a ball of plasma. She then hurls the plasma ball at the Ent, causing it to explode in a spectacular blue blaze, incinerating all Wood Elves standing on the tree branches. However, the explosion is far more than Lelei can anticipate, and she quickly conjures a shield to cover herself from the amount of heat that was radiating from it.

Suddenly, the nearly destroyed Ent rushed at Lelei and intended to drop his dead heavy body on her to kill her, Rory dashed down and grabbed her just in time, however, once the ent body hit the ground, its remains exploded again and the flames spread in all directions, catching Rory and Lelei.

"Rory, Lelei!" Sharpe yelled. He rushed over, killing two elves that were going after the two girls with his sidearm.

Once there, Sharpe saw Rory on the ground, legs, and back suffering from deep third-degree burns, however, Lelei was mostly ok expect parts of her clothing were burnt. It is clear to him that Rory used her body to protect Lelei.

"Are you ok?" Sharpe asked.

"Yes," Rory replied. "You always worry... I will... heal."

He then looked at Lelei, seeing this confused look on her face. "Lelei, what the hell? You went overboard with that spell of yours!"

"That was not me," Lelei quickly replied. "The plasma ball was not supposed to make the Ent explode so violently like that. I had calculated the explosion so that it wouldn't harm me, but the Ent exploded far more violently than I anticipated, and twice too."

Over the radio, Sharpe heard one of his rangers was about to fire another rocket. He watched as the rocket impacted another Ent. Like last time, it exploded into multiple jet flames and fell to the ground. The fire spread everywhere, catching huts, other trees, and anyone nearby in flames.

"These Ents have been embedded with explosive runes which make them explode violently and release their flames spread across the landscape," Lelei said as she examined the burning remains of the Ent.

"This is what he wants," Sharpe stated. "Lashin knew we would bring out the heavy guns to take out the Ents so he rigged them to explode and spread the damage as far as they could. They are all rigged to blow if impacted."

"Dad!" Lelei said as she stood up. "Ents are summoned creatures, so we need to find someone who summoned them and control them and take them out. Without the summoners, all summoned creatures will crumble down."

"Got it," Sharpe said. "Tell Andrew to form a term and start a spotting mission. Also, tell Tyuule to send out assassins to search for the summoners and eliminate them. Lelei, Tuka and Yao try something different. Ice, earth, something else that prevents them from exploding."

"I know exactly what to do with them," Lelei said. "Tuka, Yao! Prepare Frost Spell with me to freeze them and shatter them. The extremely cold temperature should disable those explosive runes effectively." She then began to charge a powerful stream of cold air to freeze the Ents..

"Rory, get back to the JLTVs until you heal, and then...," Sharpe ordered until he stopped, looking back to the Ents.

His gut suddenly warned him that something else was off. He knew what their objective was, Selina. Lashin would care little about these bunnies as their homeland is far to the west, far away from this war. His senses are screaming at him that she is somehow even though he sent her into the bunker.

"Jackson, just go," Rory said as she was being carried by Jerry.

Without hesitation, Sharpe rushed past a few warriors fighting, heading to the palace bunker. He knew Tyuule was not going to leave all her defenses unmanned, so they were not flanked. However, the closer he reached the palace, the fewer bunny defenders he saw.

Passing a building, Sharpe was grabbed and forced against the wall. To his surprise, it was a bunny, a civilian who was scared. She warned him to be quiet.

Realizing the situation, he peaked around the corner and saw moving tree branches, peaking over buildings and boulders. It seemed that the ent was stomping around, destroying huts and underground homes. On top, that is where he saw him. Lashin. Around him seems to be about a dozen elves, his personal guard.

Hearing footsteps coming from behind, he aimed his M1911 Colt but saw it was two of his Rangers, Sofia, and Frost. Warning them to whisper, he said, "I wanted you all to help in the defense."

"Never leave the officer alone sir," Frost said.

"Besides, we all know by now that you are a danger magnet," Sofia said. "We all know what is at stake for you, so let's end this."

After directing the civilians away, he responded, "Okay. I want you two to set up right above here and pick off his personal guard. I am going right after Lashin and end this."

"You are insane sir," Sofia commented.

"Just cover me."

"Was not an insult. On this team, being insane works."

Watching his two Rangers get into position, both engage with elves, taking them off guard. Sharpe watched as four were killed before they found cover.

Seeing his opening, Sharpe rushed forward, passing many of the elves. Reaching the end, he ran off a boulder and jumped onto the back of the Ent.

"Sharpe!?" Lashin shouted. He then pulled out his dagger and started slashing at Sharpe's hands.

Struggling to gain his footing from the moving Ent and trying not to love his hand, Sharpe tried to dodge. With Lashin on the 'high ground', finding a moment to aim has become complicated.

As another strike came from the Lashin dagger where Sharpe was forced to let go of the branch, almost falling off the Ent.

As Lashin adjusted himself closer for the kill, Sharpe noticed that the elf's leg was opened. Leaning forward, he grabbed the leg and pulled Lahsin down, nearly throwing him off.

As Lashing hung on a branch, Sharpe noticed that they were over the palace bunker. He climbed up the Ent. As he climbed, he noticed markings all over the tree. From Lelei studies, the marking looked like rune markings. That is when he realized that is how the trees kept exploding.

As Sharpe reached the top of the ent, he looked down and saw Selina among other bunny children scrambling to flee the ent.

"Dad!" Selina yelled as she noticed her father.

Before he could respond, he saw Sofia rush over to Selina and grab her. Frost is nearby, firing at the tree with little effect.

Sharpe realized what Lashin's plan was. To march his ent over here and blow it up, killing everyone. It has become clear that this was a suicide mission and this time, the elf took no chances of failure.

He then remembered a religious conversation from Rory regarding Palapon. That those who sign a contract with him to get revenge must carry out the revenge if they intend to do no matter what or else their souls will be damned. However, there is a loophole is that if a person gets killed or died in some circumstances in the middle of carrying out their vengeance, his/her soul will not be damned as they will be claimed either by Hardy or Emroy, voiding them of the fate of being dammed by Palapon. This fact made it clear to Sharpe that Lashin and his elves intend to not only kill Selina to fulfill their revenge but to avoid themselves from being damned by Palapon by dying in combat.

Sharpe ran through the list of his options. He had to prevent himself from panicking about the danger to his daughter and the others. Explosives were not an option, and bullets were pointless. An incendiary grenade would have the opposite effect that he would want.

"If not incendiary, what about fragmentation?" Sharpe mumbled.

While Hollywood showed the standard M67 grenade as an explosive weapon where it could explode with a wide radius, that is not the reality of it. Once donated, a fragmentation grenade fired out small steel fragments with enough kinetic energy to go through body armor and other protection. While not strong enough to kill this wooden beast, it could slow it down long enough to save his daughter.

As Sharpe pulled a grenade off his vest, he quickly dodged a rear strike from Lashin. Quickly grabbed the arm and tried to force him to drop the dagger.

However, lashing was able to strike Sharpe on the head with his other fist, forcing him to let go.

Before recovering, Sharpe saw the dagger again. Not having anywhere to move, he swung out his knife, forcing Lashing back.

For a moment, both stared each other in the eye. No words were needed as both knew what the other was thinking and were wholly committed. A short knife duel as each other tried to gain the upper hand and find an opening for the kill.

Lashin placed his free hand on a branch. That branch suddenly thrust toward Sharpe, forcing him to back away toward the edge of the Ent. From the attack, he dropped his Colt as he grabbed for the branch.

After re-adjusting his ground, Lashin looked directly at Sharpe. He then looked toward his hand and aimed his dagger at the defenseless Ranger.

Bullet sounds zoomed past and hit Lashin.

In Lashin confusion, Sharpe looked down and saw Selina firing her pistol as Sofia grabbed a bunny. Regretting teaching her to have a backbone and not fleeing when danger is around. However, the weapon fire forced Lashin to back and seek cover for a moment.

Seeing the Ent arm reach down at his daughter, Sharpe saw his opportunity and slid down the Ent side until he reached the tree arm section. Taking the fragmentation grenade and shoved it inside one of the joint holes in the bark.

Sharpe quickly swung around the other side of the tree as he heard the grenade go off. As hoped, the Ent arm came off and fell to the ground. The tree let out a roar like it was in pain, which was something he did not expect.

Seeing another hole, Sharpe pulled out a grenade and put it inside.

"No, I will not let you steal this from me!" Lashin yelled. He then jumped off the Ent and rammed into Sharpe, forcing him to let go of the tree branch.

As Sharpe hit the ground, he saw the fragmentation grenade explode, taking out another section of the Ent but not killing it. He slowly rolled to his side.

Hearing Lashin standing up, he quickly stood up and held out his combat knife. While he wanted to escape this fight and grab Selina, Lashin already got in the way, forcing a fight. Behind the elf leader, he saw the other arm of the Ent reach down behind the bunker toward the children.

---

"Selina, we must run."

Selina looked toward Sofia. A part of her is still shocked that this woman was even here, saving everyone. Last time she thought, Sofia hated her and everyone that are not from Earth. However, based on what Lelei said about Sofia's experience in Rondel, it seems that she has grown sympathetic toward the people of this world who suffer their own plights and sees the errors of her unjust hateful ways.

Looking back up the Ent, Selina watched as her father and Lashin fought. She grabbed her pistol and tried to aim for Lashin. Once she thought she had a shot and now that her father was hanging on a branch, she fired.

While none of her bullets hit Lashin, she watched as her father did what he did best. At first, take out one arm and then take out the other arm.

However, the joy of victory was swept away as Lashin attacked her father and both fell behind Tyuule's palace bunker.

"Selina, we must run now!" Sofia yelled.

Looking back toward the Ent, she was getting closer. Even without arms, the wooden beast seemed to wish to kill her. Sofia got behind, firing her rifle but the bullets only chipped away the bark.

Feeling Frost's arm grabbing her, Selina said, "What about my father?"

"You first, him second," Frost said.

As Selina was pulled away, she looked at the Ent again, this time at his eyes. She did not think that such a beast had eyes, being a tree however once she thought about it it made sense, otherwise, how could they have moved?

But what took Selina was the Ent gaze. She did not feel any hate, malice, or lust to kill but only pain and suffering. The more she stared, the more she felt the tree pain in her heart.

"No, let me go!" Selina ordered. While Frost refused to let go, she kicked him in the side which made him let go. "I am sorry Frost; I didn't mean to do so but I must go."

She then ran toward the Ent, ignoring Frost and Sofia's pleas.

She stopped, feeling terrified as the giant wooden monster got closer. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Miritta. Please help me. Please help me heal this creature of life."

Selina opened her eyes and then jumped onto the Ent. Her hand and eyes glowed goldish-yellow and she placed her hand on the Ent face.

---

Seeing the Ent go behind Tyuule palace bunker, all Sharpe could feel was anger and hatred that prevented him from doing the number one responsibility he had in life, protecting his daughter.

"You bastard," Sharpe said. "I am going to kill you here and now."

Lashing glanced backward and smirked, assuming that his revenge was complete. "Empty threats. While it was not how I would like to do it, my oath to Palapon is complete."

Washing that grin on Lashin's face only angered Sharpe. Noticing the hut shadow, he glanced over to the nearly broken building. It seems the arm he blew off crushed the roof.

Besides charging toward Lashin, Sharpe with all his strength rammed into an unfinished wall. As hoped, the naming part of the wall fell to where he was as all the remaining weight was leaning outside.

Sharpe rushed out of the building as the wall fell. He moved back around the building. To his confusion, he saw nobody.

Hearing a crack, Sharpe moved out of the war as Lashin rushed past him.

Regaining his combat stance, Sharpe stared at his opponent. Covered in dirt, dust, and blood, it seemed that Lashin did suffer from the collapsed hut.

The two engaged in a knife duel. Each jabbing and blocking the other while looking for an opening. With Lashin, bruises and cut all over his body.

Taking a step back, Sharpe dodged a charge from Lashing. However, he slipped over a piece of rubble that was caused by the wall, dropping his knife.

Lashing quickly recovered and came to Sharpe.

Quickly grabbing a piece of rubble, Sharpe swung it into Lashin's hand, breaking it and forcing him to drop the dagger.

Getting up, Sharpe saw Lashin pick up his knife. Before the elf could use it, Sharpe rushed over and tackled him, forcing Lashin to drop the knife and flung it into a boulder.

As Sharpe grabbed a rock to smash Lashin's head, a green fire formed around Lashin's hand. The elf then cast a green fire blast, hitting Sharpe in the chest.

Feeling the intense heat, Sharpe dropped the rock and quickly ripped off his vest and jacket. Tossing the two over another builder as some of his bullets began to explode.

As Sharpe prepared to charge, a shadow hangover, Sharpe looked up and saw the Ent.

"This is the end, Sharpe," Lashin laughed. "I know I will not survive this battle, but I will rest easy knowing I killed her and you. My death will be complete. I will see my wife and child again in the afterlife when Emroy claims my soul"

"Not so fast Lashin," Selina said.

Confused, Lashin quickly looked up at his Ent and saw Selina on top of it. The end foot stomped where he was, forcing the elf to dodge away.

Seeing where Lashin would land, Sharpe moved close, closing his fists together. As the elf got up, he gave the Elf a right hook and an uppercut, spilling blood everywhere and knocking Lashin to the ground.

He then grabbed Lashin clothing, held him down, and punched as hard as he could, knocking some teeth out until Lashin is completely incapacitated.

Seeing the elf incapacitated, Sharpe catches his breath as the Ent lowered Selina down next to him.

"Hi, daddy."

"Hi, sweetheart. Glad you are safe."

Selina then handed her pistol to her father and nodded.

Sharpe took the pistol. While the grip is not suited for him, it would be enough for the final shot.

"How?" Lashin asked. "Ent, I command you to kill them. Why will you not listen?"

"Because Lashin, I healed it," Selina said.

"What?"

"Your people once believed in the Tree Goddess of Wareharun," Selina explained. "Just like Miritta, Wareharun is a beautiful goddess who brought life to this world. Your kind once protected her from the destructive nature of civilization. Because you sold yourself to Palapon, you corrupted Wareharun and all her beauty as you use her creations to wreak havoc and cause death in the name of vengeance so when I healed the Ent with my healing magic that Wareharun blessed me with and Warehun gave me her blessing to control the Ent. This tree will no longer serve you and your bloodthirsty will."

"So, the Goddess has finally turned on me and my kin for our sacrilege," Lashin said. He then looked toward Sharpe, knowing that he had lost. I might have lost but do not think this is over, my people will carry on my will. Her father has committed grave sins against our people so we will never forget, and we will never forgive. I will be the martyr for this cause until the last bloodline of King Julius is extinguished from the face of this world"

"Not unless we wipe your kind off the face of Uros," Sharpe said. "But you won't be around to see that."

"Then, send me to Emroy! Let me reunite with my wife and child!" Lashin boldly said as he closes his eyes, accepting his fate.

With the press of the trigger, Sharpe shot Lashin in the head.

***

--- Fort Minick ---

Date: August 5th, 2026

Listening to the falling rain beginning to flow, Sharpe felt his side and felt very little pain.

"I have to say, Selina, you have gotten better at this," Sharpe said. "Your lessons with Karlin have paid off."

"Thank you, daddy," Selina said.

"Look like she has surpassed even you Lelei!", Rory joked.

"Be pleased! She managed to do that because of pure circumstances," Lelei snapped back as she drinks her hot cocoa.

"Ah! Somebody is jealous!" Tuka teased.

"I am not jealous!" Lelei annoyingly replied, frowning and she looked away, checks puffed up from jealously. "I am the one who come up with the idea of taking down those Ents effectively to save the whole bunny town, so I still have a bigger feat here."

"I am just glad this is over," Sarah said as she nursed the baby. "I am getting tired of all this revenge killing, honor code stuff."

"It is over," Selina said and then looked to her father. "Is it?"

"I think so," Sharpe said. "We make sure the Wood Elves will not follow Lashin's footsteps anymore."

As the battle ended, all the Ents were frozen and shattered by the combined frost magic of Lelei, Tuka, Yao, and most of the surviving Wood Elves were rounded up. In the Warrior Bunny tradition, the wounded were executed as retaliation for trying to kill their youth and the death of some of the bunnies who were killed in combat.

All Wood Elves accept their death with no signs of fear as they want Emroy to claim them instead of Palapon. They know to the clear damnation they will have to suffer if they proclaim that they give up their vengeance. Lashin's second-in-command Haoulis agreed to send a letter through a pigeon to the ruling council of the Northern Wood Elves tribe to ask them to stop any attempt on Selina or else NATO will conduct airstrikes against their villages, driving them into extinction. When the letter is delivered, Haoulis lets Deliah slit his throat.

All Sharpe can do is hope that it is all over.

Hearing a knock at the door, Lelei telekinetically opens the door, and a familiar face is shown.

"Hey dad, it is the Great General Krysist?" Selina said.

"Let him in," Sharpe said. He then turned to Sarah and the girls in confusion.

"No," Sarah said. "I had no idea he was coming over."

"We neither!", the girls said in unison.

Looking over, Sharpe watched Selina escort Krysist into the living room. As expected, he is in his legendary armor, helmet in his arms.

"Welcome General of the Army," Sharpe said.

"You did hear then."

"Everyone expected that you would be given command of all Legions," Sharpe said. "A lot of people probably would be pissed if you didn't take command after everything you've been through. I am surprised you are wearing your old armor and not ours."

"I will assume that made sense to you," Krysist said. "And what other armor would I wear?"

"I figured you would wear the same Kevlar ones as all the Knights wear," Sharpe said.

"Do you have enough for everyone in the Legion to wear?" Krysist asked.

"I don't think so," Sharpe replied. "I doubt we have enough time to manufacture enough for everyone."

"Then I shall wear what the Legion wears."

"Fair enough." Sharpe gave the General a single nod of respect. If there is one thing that he could say about the man, it is that he is loyal to his men. No matter what, which any officer should be. "Now, what brings you here?"

"I came to say good luck before we depart to Sadera."

Sadera, the capital of the Empire. The one place that is remaining in League hands. Close enough to be struck, just far enough away to prevent a direct invasion thanks to the Dumas Mountain Range. However, as planned, the highway was completed through the Dumas and now heavy armor and supplies can freely move through, although resistance and raids from remnants of the League forces are still quite fierce throughout the Dumas Mountain.

Originally called Operation Uppercut, now called Operation Mjolnir, the plan is to strike in three stages. Because most military and economic positions in Sadera were destroyed from stand-off weapons in two previous raids, most of the League forces were camped farther east.

To prevent the enemy from reinforcing and fleeing the city, the 82nd will drop two Battalions east of the city. Once that is complete, the Vanguard teams, Alcatris and Rose Knights, and a Brigade from the 101st will Airborne into the city. The bulk of the Republican army, backed by a brigade from 1st Cav will punch right through the city walls.

The battle is expected to take three days a week at the most thanks to all the rubble. However, if the 82nd successfully does their jobs the war should end as most of the enemy leadership should still be in the city.

"I guess I will see you in three days," Sharpe said. "Will see you inside the city."

"I actually will not be joining in the assault," Krysist sadly said.

Confused, Sharpe asked, "Why not? This will be the battle for the ages."

Krysist held out his handless arm. "The Empress said that I need to stay back. Just in case she falls in battle, or anything happens. That she wants someone she trusts just in case."

"I am sorry to hear that," Sharpe said. "But you should listen. She is not the same girl from when you first took her."

"No, she is not," Krysist said. "Who knows so much can change in such a short period of time? You have my great gratitude for mentoring her into an Empress like she is right now"

"Thank you, general," Sharpe replied. "She is quite a pain-in-the-ass for a while but watching her grow as a leader, makes me quite proud of her."

"I have a question," Selina said. "Why is up with you in kidnapping girls General? First my mom, then Pina."

"The girl has a point," Sarah said while sitting on the couch.

Krysist looked at Selina and smirked. "You want to know the truth?"

Selina's eyes widened but nodded.

"The truth was that I originally planned to kidnap you to draw out your father and his people out in battle," Krysist explained. "We would fight under my terms and then once it was over, I would give you back under the condition that we assault Sadera."

"You... were planning to come after me all along?" Selina asked.

"Yup," Krysist said and then messed with her hair.

"That only reinforces the point of your fetish of kidnapping women," Sarah said. "You might want to fix that if you ever want to attract a woman one day."

"They do have a point," Sharpe added.

Slowly, Krysist looked at each one of them. He then smirked again. "If I recall, if I did not kidnap Sarah, then you never would have had the opportunity to save her from my dungeon. Which means you two never would have come together. So, in truth, all three of you owe me a thank you so... you are welcome."

There was nothing but silence before Sarah spoke first, "My god. He is just as bad as you Jackson."

"But he is right!" Selina added.

"It is funny how life works sometimes," Sharpe said. "Now, back to business. Hopefully, the enemy will just surrender besides forcing another street-to-street fight like what you did in Havcristen."

"No," Krysist said. "At this point, the Legions they have there will fight until Zorzal is dead as all the remaining force of the League will rather die than surrender to the enemy. Anyone else already defected to our cause, stationed elsewhere, or fled." He then looked directly at Sharpe with a serious look. "I assume you are the one going to kill him?"

"I honestly have not thought about it but if I get the opportunity, I will," Sharpe said.

"Good." Krysist held out his hand.

Seeing the gesture, Sharpe took his former enemy's hand and shook it.

"By the way General, I have heard that Pina has told you the truth about your heritage. So how you will feel," Sharpe said but was cut off by Krysist.

"Pina and Diabo might be my siblings, but my parent had long died when Molt ordered their death", Krysist said solemnly as he remembers the fate of his beloved adopted father and mother.