Casas Bellum

by The 20th Overlord

An Isekai War story: The Infinite War is the first and longest war the Republic have fight for, once thought as a war without ends. It was until the Republic plans to end the War in its most daring mission: creating invasion routes between itself and the enemy through the center of the galaxy: the worlds that remains untouched, from the rest of the galaxy, for a very long time!

2. Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Summoned

---

(Time: Unknown Date, 80,012 AR Location: Unknown, Unidentified World)

From what he recalls about the place he did not know yet always returns to in a couple of times. Always, he woke up unarmed on the floor of a building as he checked on himself and the room for his weapon. Then, he saw the balcony of his room and went out to see the building he was in.

What greeted him is a city surrounded by stone walls instead of metal forged walls. A large city that is being plagued by fire as he could barely see monsters and men pillaging the city as they leave bodies littered on the ground. Within his helmet that protects and hides his entire face to the outside elements, he closes one of his eyes as the remaining open eye sharpens to the point he could exactly see what's happening at a close up view.

What he sees makes his anger surface, but multiples tenfold that can mirror almost exactly to what he has felt in days as a child. In terms of his kind, He is nearly an adult, but the creed he has joined helped to control his rage. Most of the bodies are the people that lived within this city rather than soldiers, but more disturbing is the fact that there are more men and boys than women. Then, he saw what's happening to the women of this great city. It boils his blood as he sees unique variants of male born demonkin, berserking Minotaurs, and what looks like bandits laughing as they mercilessly killing defenseless men or young boys and raping women of all races and ages.

To what he has suffered prior before joining the Order is a minor issue as a bigger unforgiving sin is being replayed over and over everywhere he looks at different sections of this city. Seeing bestial or unacceptable lust clouded his mind as anger grew and grew to the point that his armored gloves were breaking parts of the "rail" in their grip. However, he wasn't angry enough to blindly jump to his death as he noticed that he is in the tallest white building of this city.

He ignores his observation instincts as he runs to exit this room and leads the defenders in repelling the savages. Ignoring his lack of weapon and noticing the designs of the building's internals as he runs out of the room and seeks a way down. When he found the stairs, he hastened his descent by jumps and spirits as he hoped that the stairway would take him to the base of the white tower.

He was disappointed when he was wrong as it led him down a hallway. From his standpoint, there are at least three: the way he came from, the way ahead of himself, and the way to his right. He doesn't need to know how to find another stairway as he was about to do another dash to the stairway until he heard a womanly scream from the right.

A warrior from either the creed he is part or the very nation that he swears his citizenship to will often choose the lives of the many rather than the lives of the few. But, there are some like himself who will try to save all even at the expense of themselves or those who follow them into battle. As such he couldn't ignore a cry of help, he ran into the hallway to the right. Soon, his sight caught the sight of white nicely decorated doors. He slows his pace to be in front of the doors and opens the doors in a manner of gaining attention.

From what he could tell from the room is that the tower is actually the palace of the very city on the verge of ruin. No matter how elegant the Throne room may be, for what greets his sight may put shock and anger at the same time. Before the throne are four individuals: three male and one female. The three men's clothing label them as bandits or mercenaries for they seem to have all their attention on the woman and their faces seem to be hidden for lack of a better term. What's really earned the Knight's ire is the fact that the two seem to be having the woman as the one in front of her seems to be grinning as they laugh in mockery of her.

As for the only woman in the room, it doesn't cast just anger, but shock and panic as well. Although he cannot see what her face looks like, but see the way she looks from guessing her back. From what he can tell from her backside, the woman stands about 5'9 as her long hair (reaching down her legs) is colored blonde. The way her body looks, she has glowing white skin and wears what seems to be pure white, revealing robes that had a black leather strap. On her arms were golden bracelets as there is a crown. The type that elven royalty of the East wears in the form of a wreath lies atop her head as she proved being an elf with her ears exposed to the people. The nearly naked backside of the woman seems to be beauty incarnate as she processed magnificent curves and wide hips.

The real shocker of all this is that the woman resembles someone that the Knight knew and loved a long time ago. Beneath the helmet, his eyes display feelings of longing, sadness, and joy mixed into one as he whispers the name of the first that he loved more than a friend, "Angelique."

What snapped out of it and set him into rage is the sight of the three men tearing her clothes off as she attempts to fight them off. The supposed Angelique screams as he could see them forcing her legs to spread while she tried in vain to cover her nude body. The one that hadn't held her was quick in removing his pants revealing his erection. The Knight has seen enough as he scans for a weapon and finds a spear on the ground.

He quickly picked it up and aim for the one who dare to rape his woman even though she have been dead when he was still green in the war. Before he throws the spear, he yells in fury, "LET HER GO!"

The spear connected with his target as the figure's corpse was thrown away from the woman. Before the remaining two could do anything, He uses the Gift as he imagined himself faster than the men. The Gift obeyed his request as he closed the distance and his hands quickly lashed out to the throats of these lowlifes. When his hands take hold of their throats, he quickly uses his strength to break their necks and throw them aside like trash.

After a quick dealing of those vermin, the Knight reattached his focus onto the woman once more as his emotions were getting the better of him. With a smile, he placed his hand on her shoulders and nudged her to turn around with the intention of hugging her. When he saw the face of "Angelique," he stopped as he was surprised that the woman standing before him wasn't Angelique, but an elven woman.

A unique one at that because there are many different variants of light colored Elves according to the world they inhabit. Most of the Light Ones (nicknamed by the Gifted) have long pointed ears while the one standing before her have pointed ears that are kind of short to most of their kind. She is kind of short compared to other elves of the known Galaxy. As the Knight scanned her up and down, he noticed that she had tremendous assets like large breasts which only half blood elves share while pure blooded elves are kind of flat-chest. Paying attention to her clothing as well, her robes had a black leather strap hanging from a circlet underneath her breasts to hide her modesty. A golden and jeweled ornament hung from the strap. He noticed that she has a second crown that is made of gold as the crown looked like decorative vines. Once he made contact with her green eyes, he thought for a moment as he saw Angelique with the Elven woman merge for a while and his heart pumps faster with his body seeming to freeze at the beauty stands before him.

Even if said Beauty looks frightened and relieved as she grabbed both of his hands. That action put him back as he looked at her expression as she said, "Help us, Infinity!"

Despite having a helmet that completely covers his face, his voice displays confusion as he asks, "Who are you?"

---

(Date: Third day of Glorification, 80,012 AR Location: Artheld, Salamis)

Before he can get an answer, he wakes up only to find himself in a forest area, resting against a tree and a rock. Lucky, the supposedly named Infinity wears his armor to protect his body and thin skin-like armor layer underneath to protect his body from the duration of wearing his armor. He looks where he placed his first choice weapon which he sees close enough for Infinity to grab it should his enemies know his location. The weapon on the ground next to him is in the form of a longsword: the hilt is designed uniquely beautiful as the blade is pure, straight, and true. (The Pommel contains a jewel that shines like fire and the Cross-Guard is shaped like the wings of a bird and seems sharp enough to be used to injure the enemies of the wielder.) Nearly the entire hilt is made of gold with a hint of silver as the blade is made from Thietrium, a metal that is naive to a world that was destroyed almost 3,000 years ago by the Empire. The long sword Dawnstar was passed down from the founder of his bloodline to his mother and now it is Infinity's most used weapon.

Then, he spent a second look in the area around him seeing the trees' bark are colored green with land based seaweed and land-based coral forms all over the rocky surfaces of the forest. These differences made him realize where he's at and what he's doing at; Infinity is near the Reefer's Pass. The Reefer's Pass is a merchant route that leads straight to Artheld, the Heartland of Salamis, without trouble from pirates or bandits. Ever since the eighteenth day of Requiem, Infinity and his forces were sent to Salamis, a Republic Naval World and one of four that is danger close to the Contested Zone, to repel an enemy's fleet of at least 297 warships of both primitive and modern designs. Since this fleet was foolish to invade a world that can supply the Republic Defense Fleet with new additions and reinforce by other spared forces, Salamis will remain a Naval World for the Republic.

However, that could easily change if Artheld falls to the Nexsians since the Republic Fleet at present can't repel the enemy everywhere. That is the reason why Infinity lies in wait at the Reefer's Pass and not in the seat of A.R.S The Freedom's Flight, Astro Classed Cruiser, and taking part in the main battles. Reefer's Pass is well known to the merchants and Nexsians are highly known for torturing captured citizens and officers for any advantages. Reefer's Pass won't stay a secret from the Nexsians for much longer, so Infinity makes measures of repelling them on the pass.

It takes fourteen days to reach a section of the Reefer's Pass that proved advantageous for a force of 2,500 against a rumored force of 7,000 crusaders. Only 2000 out of 2,500 are Infinity's warriors, the rest belong to Curtis Stillwall or more famously known as the Death Bat for his uses of bloody or ruthless tactics and strategies. It takes six days for a plan to be organized: Commander Stillwall will draw them in by being in front of their attention with his forces while ensuring the enemy forces won't be able to escape. While the enemy is focused on Stillwall, then Infinity with 1600 warriors and 400 armed with bows, crossbows, and arrows/bolts will attack them in the middle; creating confusion in the Nexsian Crusaders. It is a mad gamble to fight many by so few; then again their Empire is twice bigger than any other nation or world had achieved. But to the likes of the Death Bat and Infinity with the enemy trained to fight in open-area, the upcoming battle will be fair.

For 10 days and nights, Infinity lies in the shadows waiting for the opportune moment to happen. He was ready for any action until the 10th night when that dream came again with more evolved details. Seeing an Elven woman who looks so similar to the woman he has lost gives Infinity blindness to his current objective. It has been a long time for Infinity to see dreams as nonsense, but became visions of the sort. Ever since he woke on the 11th morning, he pondered the meaning of that so much that he failed to notice someone managed to land his armored hand onto his shoulder.

Upon contract, Infinity's right hand rashly grabs Dawnstar, ready to plunge the blade into the unknown as his body rotates to face a possible enemy. However, he stills his blade once he sees the one who surprised him. Although, the person cannot be identified because of the armor he is wearing to conceal what he or she looks like. Lucky, the armor designs and decorations are enough to stay his blade. Infinity could tell that the person is one of his own soldiers because he wears T shaped visored helmet that never reveals their faces or features of their identify, Steel plated made cuirass, steel plated made gauntlets, enchanted steel made sabaton, right sized pauldron, and belt-capes that have weapon holsters for his war axes and a dagger. His armor is painted dark color with baby blue that forms markings such as a marking that sports a wolf's eyes and other marking on the chest area that looks like the Jedi Order's symbol.

"Sorry Rexus, I was half-sleep," said Infinity apologizes/white lies to General Rexus, his military's second and one whom Infinity calls a brother-in-arms. Well, he considers the Rexus' family tree as brothers/sisters-in-arms. They have served Infinity from generation to generation; from James K. Rexus to Alexander Pierce Rexus. Ever since the First Rescue of Scattercost, Capt. James K. Rexus or "Rex" have been Infinity's side when the latter was still an apprentice under Barbra the Giant, to the Final Battle of Liphera 32 years later under Jedi Master Raiden.

General Alexander Pierce Rexus knows that Infinity is lying a bit, but he knows Infinity will talk to him later, "Don't mention it since most of us are barely waking up, my Jeddak. Besides, the Death Bat is getting ready to make his move!"

"About time! Does the enemy's numbers match or there are more?" Infinity asks as he gets out of his resting/hiding place.

"Neither, sir!"

That answer cost Infinity to look at Rex with body language telling the latter of Infinity's confusion. Infinity asks due to his knowledge of how Nexsian military works, "Did they split their force into smaller groups?"

Rex explains, "No, Sir! Our scouts tell us that the enemy's force numbered close to 6,000. The Point, one of the Patrol ships that we requested to survey the land to confirm no splitting of the enemy as they were on approach."

"Hmm" was all Infinity could say at the moment for he had been fighting the Nexsians and Seth ever since he was introduced to the Order. It's common knowledge for the enemy to have enough numbers to overwhelm; having a battle force of 6,000 strong is considered to be mid-range of what the enemy's force usually sent for capturing a significant target like Artheld. Could they be aware of Infinity and the Death Bat's planned ambush? No, he, personally, ensures that his plans are left in the dark to the enemy until it's time. It could be that their numbers have decreased to Republic ships intercepting; after all, ship-to-surface combat occurs in either total invasion, bombing/blockade, or ships that haven't entered the combat zone decided to have some living target practice.

Other than those reasons, it could be that the one leading this army is either prideful, confident, or there are Sethos within their invading party. That last line of thought creates some complications because Sethos have the same Gift as the Jedi do. It's just that the Seth Order sought to conquer everything including the source of the Gift: the Illumination as the Jedi Order sought to coexist with the bounty of the Galaxy and strive to ensure that peace benefits all of the Galaxy, regardless of Humans, elves, or otherwise. To the average warrior, it's nearly impossible to kill a member of Gifted and it takes an extreme amount of luck to manage to kill a full Jedi or Seth. In a war like the Infinite War, it's highly recommended for any of the average soldiers to never engage the Gifted unless a Gifted member is among them or let the Gifted settle their affairs by themselves.

"What about Commander Taylor?" Infinity asks formality about his latest apprentice Steven Taylor. It's been 12 years since he finds 4 years old on a battlefield on the World of Soliguard, which falls into the Empire's hands. Before the start of the new millennia, the Empire launched a major offense in which they found a Republic Haven World called Reach by luck and struck it hard. Reach, a secret military stronghold falls within 4 years due to constant Nexsian reinforcement. When Reach falls, it leaves about 65 worlds vulnerable to Nexsian invasion. With the fall of Reach, the defensive lines that consisted of Congested Worlds were nearly broken, but it was a devastating defeat for the Republic nevertheless.

"Commander Taylor is staying out of sight until the landslide we planned to create," said General Rex.

"Good! (Infinity gets out of his spot) Tell our friends to stay in the shadows and wait for the Death Bat's signal," said Infinity as his general and himself begin to stalk the trees and rocks to their positions.

"What about those who are armed with the crossbows and bows, Sir? Should we assign them to assist us or assist the Commander?" said Rex hiding behind a moist boulder.

"Have a small number of them to support Commander Taylor. If our timing is right, Taylor will have to face the enemy's rear while we handle the main bulk," ordered Infinity as he hides behind a tree fat enough to hide him and one other.

He notices Rex's body language inferring reluctance, "Do you have faith in me anymore?"

That shocked Rex enough since his family have been serving Infinity for generations, he quickly debunks, "No, my Jaddack! It just… that the Death Bat and his warrior…. Wait, how should I say it?"

"Just speak what comes to your mind about him, Rex"

"He acts more like our enemies, Sir!"

"What do you mean?" Infinity asks; underneath his helmet his eyes give a knowing look.

"There are rumors among our troops that the Death Bat will slaughter his own men to achieve what orders the higher ups give him. Even in battle, if one of his is being held as a hostage, he will just stab or shoot the enemy though his own soldier."

"You're afraid that his men might shoot us as well," Infinity cut to the chase.

"Sir, he used a pirate lord on Tortuga before Reach; he captures some of our people and offers a ransom for their safe returns only to find out he murdered them in cold blood. And now, he's a merc we have hired to help us to win the war after Reach. Added to the fact, he comes into blows with you when we are setting our battle plan. The way I see it, Curtis Stillwall is a criminal that violated many of the laws and some."

The points the latest Rex have made were valid since Tortuga, that failure of a Republic since it once filled with the most infamous of pirates/criminals that the Republic have faced; other than the Empire. It's true that Curtis Stillwall was once a lord of Tortuga and that Infinity has some moments with him that nearly strike his nerve. In all his actions against the Republic, Stillwall should be rotting in Regret instead of fighting side-by-side with Republic forces and Jedi Knights. Then again, Stillwall has a common enemy with the Republic which is the Empire who burned his world like Reach. The Queen's Vengeance, Stillwall's ship, were all that remained of the Free World of Tortuga and it filled him with rage and wanted payback for the Empire. He seeks the help of the Republic to do and make a deal with us; helps him to get revenge and in return he will be pardoned from all crimes. Normally, we wouldn't make promises with such demons in human skin, but since the Reach's downfall it happens to allow us to accept his deal. In some cases, it was a win-win situation of handling the Pirates of Tortuga.

"This isn't the first time the Republic makes deals with or does the work of Demon Lords! Besides, Stillwall has enough motives to fight against the Empire and side with the Republic. But, make no mistakes. If he has any slight hideous thirst for crimes during his turn of honoring the deal, then he's going down HARD!" said Infinity to settle Rex's unease towards the Death Bat.

"If it comes down to it, I will happily take part in taking down the Death Bat, my Jaddak," said Rex as one of his fists pound his chest displaying his loyalty towards Infinity.

"Thanks! I always know that I count on your family with my life!" said Infinity as Rex nods his head and quietly leaves to obey his Jaddak's commands. Once Rex is gone from his sight, he couldn't help but look upon Dawnstar as his mind goes back to the dream he had this morning.

'I wonder...'

---

(Imperial's POV) 'Those Republic Dogs were fools to think we won't be using this so-called merchant route to strike the Heart of Salamis,' were the thoughts of a man seemingly riding what seems to be a hybrid between a horse and mountain goat. The man seems to be in his late 30s or early 40s with a blackish short beard and tanned skin color. He wears a helmet that completely covers the upper part of his face to the back of his neck. His armor is mainly consists of metal plates covering his important parts of his body (which the armor is have 'predator bird' claws marking upon it), chainmail to cover the rest, and a cape; that trimmed with colors black (on the inside) and grayish (on the outside) with the symbol of the Empire.

This man riding on an animal looks behind to see the army that will conquer Artheld; the army that he, a native of Gaskos, will be leading instead of a pure-blooded Nexsian or a Sethos. Regardless, his very existence as a General should dismiss Republic propaganda that the God Emperor Cain's vision of a united galaxy will only benefit pure blooded Nexsians.

'A pack of fools!' this Gaskos thought as he smirks to the army regardless of a number of them, Crusaders that can be identified by their armor being white and having either a talisman or a fabric that displays Nexsian Empire's flag, weren't not happy to see Gaskos leading them into battle. He has led this battle force of 800 archers, 1400 knights, 800 pikeman, 30 crew for cannons or catapults, and the rest are Legionaries from Cape Monroe.

"I suggest you flash that smile once we capture Artheld, Jon Paulsson" said a deep male voice from his left that ruined his moment.

The now named Jon Paulsson looks to his left and growls at the one who ruined his moment of pride. Unlike most in this army, this one stands 4 feet taller than the average human height and just as bulky as the orcs of Southern World Azeroth. From the looks of his armor, it looks like the ebony version of the Empire's standard armor with horned shoulder pads, knee cap armor, boots with two peaks, and a yellow-colored visored helmet with twin curved horns in a row. His choice of armor is made to frighten his enemies since the armored giant wears hip covering cloth and bears one of many symbols belonging to the Seth order: A hand holding a world in its tight grasps. His weapon of choice is a massive war hammer that can smash half a human body: destroying bones and any surviving organ burst out of the body.

"You have been like this ever since we landed on Cape Monroe, Lord Vorn. What have gotten into you, my Lord?" said Jon as he carefully chooses his words since no matter if one is an honor citizen or pure citizen of the Empire that Sethos have a higher authority.

"We have met no resistance ever since we have taken this path. Do you find it odd?"

The giant's question was met by laughter causing the giant Seth to ready to smash Jon with his hammer. "No offense, my Lord! The path we have taken is a secret path shared among merchants to avoid bandits."

"So, what of it?"

"It was a secret to us; no doubt that it was a secret to them as well. This route goes near every city, village, and port on this continent including the Heartland. If we launch an attack on Artheld and take it under their noses, we will have the advantage over this world…"

"As long as we can hold," Lord Vorn finished.

Jon sighed as he was one of the some that don't understand about The Seth or their Republic's counterpart, The Jedi in their role in the war. "Yes, my Lord! Still feeling something will be wrong with this plan?"

"It's just a feeling! After all, you forget some important details!"

"What are they?" asked Jon as he felt annoyed towards the Seth.

"For one thing, we are heading to the canyon and our enemy could know about the route."

"Like I told you before my Lord that if we didn't know it, then it's likely that the Republicans don't as well since those merchants were strong in keeping it a secret."

"Then, what about the Spook?"

That earned Jon to be severely quiet since the Spook is no laughing matter to the whole Empire's military. To the Jedi/Seth world, the Spook was a Jedi that operated outside the Jedi or Seth lifestyles, but their own way of living. Since they were mostly Jedi, they fought against the Empire when the Republic was able to launch raids from 52,144 to 54,967. In these years, there were hundreds but now there is only one. To the Empire, the Last Spook is known as the Faceless Demon because he showed himself as the Master of Warfare as his armor, weapons, and such mastery over The Gift basically renders him to be indomitable. Which is why the Spook - this Infinity is one big reason why the Republic refuses to die so quickly!

After what might be seen as a lifetime for Jon, he finally says with some confidence, "Isn't the Spook's ship reported to be near the Aegean islands? Surely the Spook's attention is focused on the fleet, instead of troops on the ground."

"Even if what we see in the reports is accurate, we must exercise caution. In the meantime, I will order my disciples to be at the rear," said Lord Vorn says as they are near the mouth of the canyon.

---

While the invading Crusaders were moving in the canyon, they failed to notice many eyes spying on their movement as the Republic battle plan was reaching its starting point as a usual case of their military's arrogance. On the opposing side of the canyon section is a barricade made of rocks, wooden stakes, and metal waiting for the Empire to come and knock on their doors.

To host the welcoming committee is a mix of Republic troops and the Death Bat's men holding bows, crossbows, and the rarely used rifles. Despite their cannon counterparts being pretty common, the rifles are hesitant to be used by the army because the reload time is slower than the arrows, bound to explode when overloaded, and a unique excuse: give away an ally's location when firing to the enemy. Since the Republic is made up of different worlds of culture, creed, and nations that the Republic army of each member world is different to each other, Death Bat's and Infinity's are no different to that rule. The ones under command of the Death Bat either wear leather armor or armor that resembles Rex (just the color is all black).

Most of the 500 are positions lying on the ground with their ranged weaponry towards the opening where the enemy will be arriving in their sight while some hide behind the barricade and the few are positions on each side of the canyon. Among the left and right flank are two of Death Bat's people who are unarmed to say the least. Instead of taking a combat role, the two hold the important role to turn the battle into the Republic's favor from the very beginning: it is in the forms of two sword grip like objects with a big red button located where the blade should be.

At the center of the barricade is a man that follows the footsteps of Infinity when it comes to being mysterious. This figure wears black armor, which protection is suited for plasma based attacks from magic and rifles, for the torso with the umbilicus part of the body's armor are coated in the darker shade of red. Unlike most warriors of the Republic, this figure has leather covering his shoulders and elbows while he sported similar gauntlets that Infinity wears both now and when he was a disciple of the Order. Around the waist was a belt that kept his melee weapon on one side and a pistol on the other. The figure is also equipped with trousers perfectly suited for combat. The knees are protected with ballistic knee pads and sturdy boots. The torso armor extended all the way to his neck while the mask/helmet that completely covers his face and reveals only his ears. It looks almost like a bat with a sickly looking skull painted upon it.

Based upon his appearance and looks from his allies, he is Curtis Stillwall or his infamous codenamed The Death Bat. To all who knows Death Bat personally, they can feel Stillwall's thirsty for more payback on the Empire as they could see his grins each other they slaughter one of the Empire's war children. True to their feeling, Stillwall, underneath his helmet, is having a demon smile as he is excited of delivering another blow to the Empire.

So excited that he decided the speech was in order to boost the troops, "Listen up you morons! Today, we lay out another defeat to those Nexsian bastards. This might be seen as a common thing in the Republic since they outnumber their enemies with superior numbers. But, not when someone like me fights them, we can outmatch them with weapons and battle plans. However, the weapons we currently use may be the key to our victory, but they are limited in some way. This victory must be counted on our vigilance, carefully used of our rifles and bows, and a line of sight. Above all of these conditions, do not fire until you see their imperialistic in their eyes and kill every last one of them in the head ..."

Death Bat paused as he and his subordinates saw the front of the only Nexsian Army that landed where the heartland of the world was located. They quickly hide behind barricades, the sides of the canyon, or drop to the ground with man-made blankets of green as all, including Death Bat, have a rifle or a crossbow aimed at them and load an arrow onto their bows.

They could tell that the Next Imps were puzzled, even suspicious at the sight of their barricade, but the one riding a Dakso is the highest commanding officer urging them to advance with slight caution. They moved closer slowly with slightly drawn weapons. That action caused many ambushers to sweat as they hoped the Nexsians would think these barricades were built a long time ago instead of days ago.

On the other hand, Death Bat saw his opening mark as his target present traits that easily make him into a soldier that barely sees any action. He grins as he ready his firearm as his target is one or three steps away from his pistol's range. When the 16-years old Nexsian is finally in range, Death Bat quickly makes himself known to his target with his finger pushing the trigger causing the weapon to launch its deadly plasma projectile as he yells, "SENT THEM ALL TO HELL!"

The plasma projectile hits the young Nexsian at the neck, creating a more intense burn mark as the force of the projectile pushes him into the ground. He was dead before he could even touch the ground! Soon after that Nexsian soldier was shot down by the ruthless Death Bat, his forces follow their noble leader's example as they begin to gun down the stunned Imperials for a time. As the soldiers from the corners joined in the first phase of the plan, the two Death Bat's soldiers, who were holding their most valuable factors of this plan, activated the trap by pressing.

---

On the opposite entrances of the gap, the rear guard of the Nexsian will have a surprise or two as the trap was triggered. Placed hidden where piles of rocks rest on top of each other on both sides of the opening are two wide cylinder-shaped devices. These devices were built carefully as the top shows a small red light beeping dimly and silently since they were placed.

Until now as the red light faded out and the top of the cylinders popped out. As soon as the top pooped out, it began to suck the air inside itself at a rapid pace for an unknown design. Once it sucks in enough space, the cylinder devices emitted a flash light before creating a release of black fire and shock-wave at the same time. The result was creating a gap in the rocks causing the top layer of rocks of both sides to fall onto the Nexsian soldiers that were tasked with protecting the tools built for wall weakening.

Most of them didn't even have a chance of escaping a rocky death while some of them attempted to run out of danger and the few successful cheated death by extreme luck. All in short, a lot of boulders form a wall between the infantry and the gate crushers; keeping the crews with less soldiers to defend them from the outside while keeping the rest that makes up the army in the Reefer's Pass.

---

As Lord Vorn roams to the back just moments before Death Bat strikes, Lord Vorn and the middle column hears the sound of the new weapon in front as well as seeing the black smoke in the back. It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together.

Raising his war-hammer, Vorn commands, "Are you deaf? We are under attack! I wanted the rear to secure asap as the rest of you form a shield and advance."

As soon as they heard the commands of the Seth, they rushed to obey his commands since they knew Lord Vorn well enough to do so with haste. As everyone was busy either moving to the rear or forming a shield wall to assist the chosen general, one of the Nexsian soldiers stopped to see a shadow in front of himself. The soldier was confused at first until he felt a pain spreading out from his back as his breathing became closer. He couldn't understand why his body threatened to the ground along with his eyesight blurred... until he looked behind him and saw the "face" of the very being that put the fear into the most loyal of the Empire; Infinity, the Republic's Grim Reaper!

He can never forget the "face" that reflects the faces of his victims before delivering the final blow nor the fact that any battle against him will result in a devastating defeat. That was the very last he sees before his visions go black and his body falls to the ground. Once his body falls to the ground, the armor clanks as it catches nearby soldiers' attention to the source, even Lord Vorn, who was beyond the range of the sound, looks head-on battle ready.

Standing in his glory is the infamous Spook with his right hand holding his longsword strained with the blood of the body before him. The ones who saw him felt their bodies became as still as statues. Lord Vorn was the only one unfazed by the appearance of the Spook mostly because he is a member of the Seth Order and seeking glory in killing the Republic's Greatest Warrior. Unlike most giant races, Vorn isn't the one that doesn't believe numbers win battles and Infinity doesn't lead himself into a trap like this one.

Right on his mark, several of the Nexsian army, located at the middle of the Reefer's Pass, fall backward or forward due to arrows or energy based projectiles embedded themselves at the weaker or exposed areas of their armor. He doesn't need to issue an order to the men present as they rush no time to defend themselves or retaliate on their own.

Right after the continuing rain of arrows, a wave of blowing blows and war cry shouts echoes as Infinity's melee based combatants either jump or slide down the natural walls. They were unharmed either way since Infinity, the Jaddack of Liphera, instructed the blacksmiths to craft environmental resistance into the Liphera's military factors among other things. Most landed draws their weapons and charged towards the enemy as few of them were able to slain one of the Nexsian as they joined the battle their Jaddack led them. As swords clash and the clinging of shields, Vorn, of the Seth Order, and Infinity, the Spook, ready their respective weapons as they advance to meet each other. However, their underlings believe it's their duty to tire or weaken the leader. It would have worked for anyone, but not a Seth that deals with absolute and a former member of the Jedi Order deals with such necessary strength.

---

As Death Bat handles the head of the Scorpion and Infinity handles the pincers, it leaves the tail free to deliver its deadly poison to the enemy. Just outside of the rocky blockade, the rest of the army are mostly weapons used to siege fortified key locations as they were guarded by a battery of Nexsian Crusaders and two platoon worth of archers.

When the sounds of battle with the firing of the rifles echo throughout the canyon, a duo of high value officers throw orders in their eagerness to turn the tide against the ambushers. They are a man and a woman in their early 20s with blonde hairs and tattoos across their faces. They are not everyday high ranking personnel of the Nexsian army for they wear ebony armor bearing the marking of the Seth Order.

Following their orders, the crews, trained to use the howitzers, rushed to position the cannons to either to break the rocky wall or ready itself to fire where the enemy might be. Nexsian Crusaders ready their weapons as they prepare themselves for battle. As they waited before the debris wall, they made sounds of eagerness by smashing their pommels into their shields making clicking noise for the Empire's crusaders were notorious for killing enemies of the God-Emperor is their greatest honor, whether they wore armor or wore simple clothing.

The only ones that weren't so much hellbent on repelling the Republic forces on Reefer's Pass were the archers, located at the rear, for they remember their duty of defending the heavy weapons to the last man. They positioned themselves among the crews of said heavy weapons with arrows at the ready.

However, their attempts of reinforcing their comrades were starting to look in vain for they will be facing the same problem as the rest of the army are facing. Two squads worth of Jaddack Infinity have arrived at the edges of the canyon as they immediately load their crossbows or bows and loose the arrows and bolts onto the crews. Some find their targets while others hit the archers by chance or bounce against the metal of the cannons themselves.

Adding to the salt this small surprise is a bigger surprise as it shows itself. This bigger surprise turned out to be one of Infinity's Commanders. Unlike Rex, the Right-Hand of Jaddack Infinity when it involves the military, this Commander wears green with hints of brown colored imitation of leather armor with the helmet that exposes only his brown eyes and mouth as well as wearing glove-less gauntlets. On the chest area bears the pure colored symbol belonging to the Jedi Order. This commander is armed with twin sets of rapiers. Not just the blade generated bluish-white aura, but there are engraving glowing on the blades written in what the Jedi Order believe the language of the First Ones; one says "I am One with [Eywa]!" and the other "[Eywa] is One with me!" in rough Brittonic. In all that proves that this commander isn't a soldier under the command of a member of the Jedi Order, but Steven Taylor is a disciple to the Jaddack Infinity.

Alongside with him are high-ranking warriors befitting of Infinity's militaristic faction as their unique armors sport the color of green with hints of black. They draw their weapons ready to combat the enemy in close quarters.

"It's time for us to play our part! Surround those Howitzers while the rest of you are with me!" Commander Steven Taylor orders before he rushes out of his hiding place to plunge both of his blades into the stomach of an unsuspecting Crusader. His screams were deafened by the roaring of a battle horn alerting the enemy that they are not safe from battle as well as signifying the 500 of Jaddack Infinity's warriors to do their duty; battle the arrogant dogs that the Evil God Cain have unleashed.

In mere moments after the first kill Taylor initiated, they rushed out of the forest and clashed against the weak point like a tidal wave. It was devastating... for the Nexsians as they are not only outnumbered, but condense into two areas: in one stands the battery of Crusaders with their Sethos Commanders while the other stands the keys of conquering Artheld with barely an amount of warriors. It was a massacre when it involved the archers and the howitzers' crews since they are trained in little close quarters combat.

The Crusaders, on the other hand fare a bit well of handling the young Jedi's forces as their swords clash against shields or other swords. Hammers and maces dented shields and armor as axes of various sizes buried deep in the plated armor or broke the shields. Spears were rarely successful as they were shattered by the more flexible weapons. All in all, the Crusaders stand a better chance since the Sethos duo lead the counterattack.

The duo Sethos were just any partners, but they are proved to have a closer bond as they fight as one against their enemies. As much expected from the likes of Seth Blade-masters, any soldier or warrior of average blood. Right before they plunged their blades into their latest kills, they were suddenly pushed into the pile of each other by an unseenable force leaving the Republic's soldiers alive and kicking. The twins quickly get on their feet and in their stances with rage written on their faces at the culprit as their new opponent walks closer to the duo.

The culprit is none other than Commander Taylor as his hands grip his weapons a bit harder in his approaches. He says with contained anger, "Do you think that we're going to allow you to show up at our doorsteps?"

The male Blade-master relies, "Well, that's the plan coming one of those idiotic generals, but we wouldn't mind for you coming to us, just to offer your life to our blades. Right, sister?"

"Yep, more of your kind killed, the less trash you sell to us Jedi SCUMMM!" said the female Blade-master as she jumps at Taylor in an overhead strike. The brother also joins the fight against a Jedi by stabbing his leg as he thinks the Jedi Commander is too focused on his sister. Too bad... for them!

The battlefield around them became irrelevant as the moment of every soldier, whether they be Nexsian or Republic, became thrice as slow to the Jedi and the two Sethos. Yet, the flow of time allows them to be unscathed from being slow as the young Jedi barely dodge the male by stepping to his left before blocking the raging inferno blade aim for his head. Bluish-white calm aura battle against hellish-red for dominance as the blades of these gifted individuals. Purified Cortosis steel against corrupted Cortosis steel were on a standoff until another purified Cortosis steel smacked against the sister before he redirected itself to protect his limb from being stabbed by the brother by diverting its direction into the ground.

Taylor gained some air by jumping to avoid the twin's swords as he reassured his stance to deal with blade-masters. The twins glance at each other as they nod in confirmation as they run once more at the disciple. Taylor grits his teeth seeing the skills these terrible twos can unleash on "worthy prey" seeing this will test himself as the apprentice to Jaddack Infinity.

---

Speaking of Infinity, he has just finished a brutish man, who was foolish enough to think muscle will overcome him, by cutting off his arms before moving on to beheading him to cease the screaming. So far in his approach towards the Seth known as Vorn, Infinity is still prime in his stamina as well as his armor lacks any scrapes since he has gone of dodging every attempt of weakening him as he finished them off with slashes or stabs in their exposed/weak points. One of the deadliest enemies the Jedi have faced against before and during the so-called Infinite War, the massive Seth let his armor earn dents and scratches as he gives his attackers a wide swing of his hammer, Unquestionable Thirst, or the crushing of the Spook's warriors. Neither gives a darn about their underlings for the lions in front of them are a greater prize/threat.

Among the fighting between the outnumbered Lipherans and the slightly outmatched Nexsians, the two champions from the Two Galactic Sized Superpower Nations; one belong to one of the oldest countries that continues expanding their borders and the other belong to a new idea of rule founded by an alliance. Like the fight between their apprentices, the sounds of battle become non-existence to the two Gifted individuals as they check themselves up and down in hopes of finding the 'black spot.' It was total silence as they examined each other in their armored masks even in their casual standing. Then, they begin to circle one another with their weapon at the ready.

"I should have seen this coming!" Vorn breaks the silence that their standoff is creating.

Infinity replies with a hint of mockery, "You didn't expect us to defend our worlds! It would arrive that the Empire alongside the Seth Order started to have low standards."

"No, not that! I meant you!" Vorn growls at this, "Ever since your first appearance or your predecessors' appearance, the Empire have been facing setback after setback on every world where you, the Republic's attack dog, drive our comrades away like we were wild animals."

"I am called Infinity, the Achiever of the Impossibles, for a reason! Throughout my life journey, I have trained and master myself in the arts of warfare to become the Champion of the People as well as the Bringer of Ruin to the Nexsian Empire."

"FOOL! The Empire's Head is a God, those like the God-Emperor are everlasting in both power and lifespan. Even if you are the greatest among the Jedi, you might be throwing pebbles at a mighty mountain..."

Before the Giant of a Seth finishes this battle of wits and words, Infinity interferes, "As much as you wanted to prove that you're superior than us, it's only proven your kind the opposite. You think with great power makes you higher than all forms of life like the Gods. When in truth, the power of the Gift is a set of responsibility granted by a far greater power than those Godlings; to merely safeguard the Balance. You, a Seth, have chosen to reject that responsibility in favor of pursuing power and control and as such, makes your kind as low as Demon Lord or far beneath them."

That done it as Vorn smashes his war-hammer to the ground before picking it up as he yells, "HOW DARE YOU! YOU INSULTS NOT JUST ME, BUT OF OUR EMPIRE AND MY CREED! I, Vorn, shall send you to the afterlife after your body is liquid and your head mounted on a pike in my return!" Then, Vorn charges straight forward with his hammer ready to smash Infinity for first strike. But, Infinity merely jumps away from the strike as the war-hammer creates a gaping hole in the ground. Infinity's left hand held out towards the angry Seth Giant as blade-shaped flames appeared atop the hand.

Infinity utters a word, "Firebolt!" With that, the blade-shaped flame flies toward one of the legs of Vorn as the impact creates a cloud of black smoke blocking the Caster's view of his enemy. None that it matters to Infinity as he knew as Seth and Jedi are tougher to be killed, even against each other. All he did was merely buy himself a short time frame.

Infinity landed in a fair distance and his senses kicked in as he flipped Dawnstar backwards and thrust its blade into a Nexsian soldier. Without even looking, he recalls his blade causing the soldier to fall into the ground as another corpse, slain by one of his warriors no doubt, falls atop of the soldier causing his time to speed up due to the lack of oxygen.

He says almost as if he was speaking himself as Infinity positioned his sword above his head in both hands, "A wise man once said 'The Arrogance of man is thinking nature is in our control, and not the other way around."

From the moment he said that, an orange light emitting from the smoke as well as the helmet of Vorn glows in the shadow indicating his outrage. Despite his size, Vorn jumps out of the smoke like cannon-fire with his war-hammer, now in flames, swiping, heading straight for him from his left flank. If he wasn't with the Gift or strong bones, he would have been a dead man or if he was a second too late, Infinity would have experienced some major damage. Just as he guess, Dawnstar, now adored with a Silver colored aura, intersects the war-hammer in a vertical cut fashioned; it was successful in stopping the blow, but the force of the hammer push Infinity's feet to digs into the ground as the auras of the supernatural weapons fought for dominance. Vorn's anger slightly vanished as his head cocked back in surprise at the displays. The reason was quite shocking in the form of the puny fancy dagger's aura Infinity wields have absorbed most of the inferno and transformed it into Infinity as the latter started to push back Vorn steps-by-steps.

Almost impossible to a tiny person, Infinity managed to thaw Vorn off of him by taking advantage of the surprise by using his inhuman strength into his sword as it flew off the hammer. Vorn was stunned for a moment or two before he swung his war-hammer once more. This time, Infinity jumps to avoid as he takes the opportunity to use his ancestral sword; slashing off the horned shoulder pads before he is backhanded into the air. Lucky, Infinity flipped his body weight while in midair and landed on the ground like a cat.

He cursed himself for his battle-born side starting to show itself. Lucky, his helmet hides the wolf-hungry smile as he observes Vorn like he were prey. On the opposing side, Vorn looks at the spot where Infinity has managed to slice off a piece of his armor as his hand rests atop of the exposed dark grey skin. There were slices of the skin, but Vorn felt a little hint of fear at this and he hated it. He hates this feeling in his entire life at the feeling of inferiority so much that he undergoes extreme training before and during his time as a Seth. As proof of his attempt of being a superior, his body, much less than his memories, have earned scars during his battles against hard fought foes. But, these foes didn't even commit a considerable amount of damage to his upgraded armor meaning this Infinity is the deadliest warrior he have come across so far.

The Rhinox positioned himself in an unnatural combat form, one of his hands held the war-hammer as if it was a spear in a casual manner yet his legs clenched that made him look like he was about to charge. His free hand clenched and opened as his entire body shook so much that one might say that he was scared. To Infinity, he has his fair share of enemies and their fighting styles and he now knows what kind of Seth Lord Vorn is. In response, Infinity steady his footing as holds Dawnstar in a close stance, a popular form among all warriors that refer to shields as means of slowing them back.

Eyes fully focused on Vorn, Infinity notices the war-hammer donning more violent flames as the air around Vorn bursts out in flames and his armor generates streams. In mere moments, Vorn, whose mind now is plagued with rage and hatred, let out a monstrous howl before he ran at a speed unlike someone of his size. No, running in full speed ain't the best way of describing his wrathful charge, it's more like launching himself to smash Infinity into the rocky wall.

He waited till the Rhinox made the attempt to grab him with his free hand. On the mark, Vorn in his berserk state reached out his free hand to grab Infinity and used his war-hammer to smash into the ground and keep smashing him to the point of his corpse and the armor reflected a pebble. But, it doesn't happen as Infinity moves his body beneath the hot glowering armored hand of Lord Vorn before he redirects his sword in an inevitable collision to Vorn's side. His blade pierced not just the armor, but the skin as well as his blood flows out as soon as the blade leaves the flesh.

The berserk quickly turns around as Infinity swirls around in a flash; ready to charge at each other head on. Infinity thoughts before the Rhinox charges again, 'Look like it's going to be all-out. Typical for a Seth Berserker.'

---

(Back to the battle of the apprentices) Sersa pants heavily before her eyes glanced towards the bastard, who managed to slightly plunge one of his swords into her hips, fighting her brother, Othello. The wound she has received won't kill, but damn it hurts like the pits of Kur as the pain will slow her down. She cursed the Jedi-in-training for injuring her and forcing her brother to fight in her stead. She hates this feeling of 'weakness' as her brother once more protects her from something.

As Sersa 'recovers,' Othello in his fury state of his sweet twin sister has earned a possibly life-threatening wound from this peace-loving mongrel of a warrior. He swings his sword in rapid motions in attempting the same fashion done onto Sersa. In one moment of the duel, Othello has managed to disarm one of Taylor's swords before Othello's hand creates foul lightning, causing Taylor to land atop of a dead soldier. Taylor rearmed the free hand with a shield of said dead body and got on his feet just in time of facing the Mad Brother of a Seth.

Rethinking his plan of attacks since this is a first real use of the shield in combat, but his training with the Spook have priced off as the Nexsian pavise shield covers his body if Othello uses that accused lightning once more for a bit. Then again, both Jedi and Seth Orders are more commonly taught in weapon or hand-to-hand combat than what outsiders often called their Gift as magic. Taylor finds it both a blessing and a curse when it matters and this is one of them. Othello, once more, unleashed a fury of slashes onto the shield of Taylor as he directed the shield; absorbing the hits as bits of the shield broke off from the combined pressure of fire and supernatural metal.

Othello swung his sword as he transferred his Gifted stamina into it, causing the inferno to rage more wildly. But, Commander Taylor bash what remains of the shield against Othello's face as he narrowly dodge the cursed sword in perfect timing. The synchronization of Othello and the now useless pavise shield have staggered long enough for Taylor to charge with the sword and connect it to where a human lung is located.

Othello gasped and gagged as he looked down as blood leaked out of mouth before Taylor retraced his blade and fell back five steps. Sersa widened her eyes at seeing her brother fall to the ground with his face looking to the sky. From what Commander Taylor could tell to pause his battle as the injured Seth slowly made her way to the fallen brother. The pain he sees in the woman's face makes him remember the days before he met his mentor as well as spotting tears in her eyes and her lips trembling.

Her body remains still as a statue as she sees her dying brother helps Taylor to understand the meaning of Infinity's words about labeling everything as a mask to hide what is true to reality and what's true to one's sight. Sersa didn't have any words to speak at the sight of her brother as she started to regret all the times insulting him from training, his protection over her, and their lives as well.

Despite the desire of slaining her just because she is the enemy of the order he has joined and ally to the very Empire that murders his parents, he was taught to be a better man from the Spook. In all honesty, had she chosen to lay down her arms, Commander Taylor would no doubt have been treated with care before as a prisoner of war.

Then again, the Seth Order never trained its members to control the 'basic' instincts as sorrow was replaced with vengeance: to avenge her brother! She started to breathe huffing and puffing as her hair clouded her eyes. Her hands gripped around the sword hard enough that if the sword was made out of inferior metal, it would break or bend on the pressure as the sword pulse as if rekindling the flames it emits. Before long, Sersa looks straight at him as Taylor literally sees her eyes changing from reddish-orange to black as the darkness covers the entire looks for they emitted absolute darkness. With that, sorrow became rage as her injuries were ignored as adrenaline replaced the pain.

"You will face this goddess of yours with only your head; eyeless and earless," said the consumed Sersa as her head is full of hatred and killing intent towards Taylor.

With that said, Sersa swiped her sword in the air and a slash shaped flame was launch; heading toward Taylor. In reaction, Taylor held out his free hand and with the unique knowledge granted by the Spook. The energy flourished out of his hand and crafted itself into growing in a reflecting manner diamond barrier. The flames were rendered harmless as it hit the diamond reflection shield instead of Commander Taylor.

It was unfortunate that he hadn't mastered the shield ability since it vanished leaving Sersa to close up the distance with many slashes and thrusts to hit the target as Taylor was more pushed in keeping himself from encountering an early death. Wielding a single blade, Taylor tried to jump backwards, but the mad Gifted never gave him a moment of rest nor adapted to the current problem.

'Jump, left, left, right, another left! BY EYWA, HOW IN THE GALAXY AM I GOING TO OVERCOME THIS!' Steven Taylor started to panic as Sersa landed a small hit on his armor. Lucky for him, the armor was given by Infinity meaning that it provided him prolonged protection against magical attacks or Sethos than the average Republic armor. But, the flames of the sword were not to be underestimated as the blows it landed caused the spot to show signs of transforming into a liquid state.

After what felt like hours, Sersa started to slow down due to the adrenaline starting to fade away as Taylor is in equal status as the sounds of battle were starting to speed in normal speed.

The battle was getting to a close as many of Republic troops present were looking at the fight between Jedi and Seth with the surviving Nexsians dropping their weapons as a sign of surrendering. The Republic troops have obtained newly hard-earned howitzer cannons as well as being used to severely decimating the Nexsians at the two locations where Infinity strictly ordered Death Bat, his student, and the soldiers in the fight to avoid them like a plague. The Crusaders, the best the Empire have to offer, are now being outnumbered from 1 to 24 as they stick to the ideology that the God-Emperor gave unto them.

The calming Sersa now realized her situation getting worse and worse as the battle rages on. She sees the Jedi's soldiers are watching the match with their weapons at the ready as if waiting to join in the fight or waiting for their commander to fall since they might consider themselves as the last defense against a Republic's victory. She saw the Jedi standing tired and in full confidence that she would surrender the fight or summit to death.

Sersa isn't loyal to the Empire enough to die for nor the Seth Order for that matter. Sersa is a survivalist above all else as the Republic initiates the Graveyard Protocol when a Star Destroyer, the battleships of the Empire's navy, invades Sazush. She was one of many who didn't escape from a seemingly unbeatable army and it was the day where she cursed both the Jedi Order and the Republic as they abandoned the very people they swore to defend their freedom from the Nexsian tyranny. What a load of crap! Sazush merely traded one evil to the other, but the Nexsian God-Emperor was honest in his desires of creating a peaceful galaxy through force: thus making the Empire as the lesser evil.

Despite her brother's death by the hands of the man standing before herself with his troops surrounding her, She would rather live long than die in the next minutes of succeeding in revenge-killing her brother's killer or not.

Her thoughts were thrown away as she heard the clicking of a weapon and her heart was hammering its beat like a nail. The reason was simple: the sword that Taylor lost during the fight against Othello flew right past her to return to the Jedi's free hand. If she was a couple of inches to the left, her neck would be sliced open and she would die of suffocation.

Then, she heard her brother's killer say once he is restored in energy, "You're surrounded! It'll be wise if you throw your weapon away and surrender."

She doesn't need to reply to the Jedi's demands because she already made her mind as it was no doubt the hardest decision once more. She grits her teeth as she complies by throwing her sword to the feet of the Jedi and relocating her hands behind her head. Her troopers were shocked to see a member of their Seth Commander actually surrender to the damn Republic as if they were betrayed by her. The Jedi who saw it remembers it's a sort of a common pattern if the Seth is willing to be captured by the Empire's enemies. Yet, all the same, he was glad that the Seth before him had a good amount of common sense as he issued the order to his soldiers.

---

(Back to the Battle of the Masters) The Booming of explosives deafening the sounds of tradition fighting throughout the Canyon section of the Reefer's Pass, the Republic minor battle-group is in the upper hand over the Empire's superior numbers. The Howitzers were firing their loads onto the rear, sending a hell storm onto 3/5 of the Nexsian army as they were facing a two-front attack, and the front, separating the front portion of the column from the rest of the army. Ever since Commander Taylor used the enemy's tools against them, the conditions of a Republic victory have been clear.

The Battlefield of the middle column is littered with bodies of either fallen Nexsians or fallen Republic soldiers as the fighting is still onward as the Nexsians were more motivated to fight this in the end. Somewhere on that battlefield, the Sethos Lord Vorn lying on the ground as he struggles to get right up to continue already losing the fight. Instead, he crawled to a rock that supported him getting right back up, but it was more difficult if one of his arms was severed with his hammer while the other was facing a severe case of frostbite. Not to mention his armor is in ruins as the Rhinox is bleeding a significant amount of blood emitting from where the armor was cut apart from Infinity's Dawnstar.

He could recognize Infinity's demon side revealing itself as the latter still aiming on parts of his body to bleed, not kill. The Jedi are easy kills due to their belief system in the game of warfare, but not the Spook. Despite his previous status as a Jedi, the Spook have proven itself as the deadliest Gifted that existed at this point. It would seem the rumors were mostly accurate: trained by numerous warriors to make itself untouchable, able to create a new element for the Gifted to master, and having a military mind that is flexible as well as creating plans with a battle plan that can be considered prophetic.

Infinity may have the tendency to prolong the pain, but he also processes the tendency to end the pain. A flash was all Vorn needed to know before he lost the feeling of his legs as he felt something wet leaking from the lower section of the spine. Infinity slash through the armor and flesh as Dawnstar separates the Rhinex spine enough for Vorn to live and cease his crawls indefinitely. Vorn breathed hardly as his heart started to beat twice as much as the blood loss was starting to take root. He knew that his time had come as Infinity came within sight with his sword itching close to each other's side.

It was at that moment that his saga came to a close as Sethos Lord Vorn will embrace his end by staring deep into Infinity. He angles his body to proper face Infinity is the latter puts two hands and raises his blade like an executor.

Before Infinity serves Vorn's head, the massive Sethos Lord utters, "A thousand curses on you and a thousand blessings upon the one who slain you!"

---

With superior weaponry, the battle between Death Bat and the General of the Nexsian Army is less of a battle and more like a massacre. Even though the shields of the known Galaxy have greatly improved to the point of resisting energy-based weapons, It cannot protect one if it hits on an exposed angle. Ever since the first blood, the Nexsians present were having a tough time earning a few kills since Death Bat and his men all use rifles that showers them with no means of giving the enemy breathing.

Furthermore, the echoing of several loud whistling of the air and the booming make them think that they are finally making progress in turning the tide of this battle. Their hopes of turning the tide were smashed into pieces as the first cannon fire landed onto their lines deteriorated their defense as most were immediately killed off and the lucky few were thrown off the ground or acquiring life-threatening injuries. Those who are safe from the blast soon realize that the horror has only just begun as the enemy stops firing their weapons. The reasons were in the forms of the explosives of the cannon fires atop their own lines as booms after booms created blood strained craters as more of the Nexsians fell victim to their own weapons that lasted about 12 minutes. By the time it was all over, there were already too many losses as those who survived were either screaming in pain, knocked out/disoriented, and shell-shocked over such betrayal.

Seeing no more cannon shells signal Death Bat and his battle-group to break cover and casually walk into the damaged section of the whole Reefer's Pass route. When the surviving Nexsians saw them coming to them, those who still have legs stands up with their hands up as few of them yells out "We Surrender," "Don't shoot," or even "We have suffers!" All except Jon Paulsson, who lay on a boulder with his broken back watch in disbelief, alongside the dying, knock-out, and the dead, intends to surrender to the only enemy they have waged war against for more than 10,000 years.

That disbrief turns into horror as General Paulsson sees Death Bat use his firearm to shoot at point blank killing unarmed Nexsian before the rest of his troops join in as they aim their rifles and fire upon the surrendered. Even those who are knocked-out or those who received shrapnel wounds as a sound in pain, movement, or checking the pulse/temperature of a body separately the dead as Republic soldiers that aligned the Death Bat hesitantly joined in.

It wasn't long before one of them spotted Jon and started to approach him. His heart pounded like a war drum as fear plagued his mind as he tried to reach for his war ax. If this day is going to be his last, then his Gaskos culture demands him to kill the one who killed him, so that he would've been granted entry into the fields of Hungary.

However, it was too late as Jon Paulsson, an Honorary Nexsian, hears the humming of the rifle causing the General to look to find the soldier aiming his rifle at his head. As much as he wants to convince them to spare them, but his breath dies as he steps away from entering Budapest; the wandering hell of the Gaskos religion.

"WAIT!" a deep voice said was all from stopping a Republic mercenary from killing Paulsson for a moment. The soldier in question felt a hand on his shoulder causing him to lower his rifle and his back faced the Nexsian General for a brief moment. The soldier stands aside revealing the one who stops his death is none other than the Death Bat itself. Upon seeing an image of horror jawing teeth painted upon Death Bat's helmet, Paulsson instinctively gulped in fear as he exchanged a quick death for a painful one as Death Bat's body language suggests murderous intents.

"Well, well, well! What does it stand before my Presence?" Death Bat asks in a playful manner. "That design (caught sight of the predator bird claw mark) casts you as an outsider yet you lead them all the same."

The moment after that was complete silence as Paulsson doesn't have the guts of telling the enemy for he knew a savage when he witnessed his atrocious acts. Then without warning, Death Bat unsheathe his cutlass and slash off his right hand, or more separate four of his fingers leaving his thumb intact.

"AAAAAAHHHHH!" Jon Paulsson screams as his only unwounded hand tends to the other; straining his armor with his blood. His pain intensified with every movement he caused as Death Bat looked at him in amusement mixed with downright disgust towards this warrior displaying cowardice whines.

"All hail the conqueror!" Death Bat slowly said as he gained the attention of nearby soldiers who were about to report to him. Death says out loud; gaining the attention of his war band, "ALL HAIL THE CONQUEROR CAIN! Let us remember the God among Gods as a bringer of peace, order, and justice. Not the one who is willing to wage wars as he seems fit. As Cain, the God who saves us from ourselves, and not the God who betrays, steals, and murders for the sake of his Perfected Galaxy! Let us see him forever, as the Caring Emperor. And not as a power-grabbing hypocritical Tyrant. All hail the Savior God; the one who was supposed to help us to achieve our highest potential..."

Before Paulsson could object or say something that screams blasphemy towards his God-Emperor, Death Bat unfurls his firearm and discharge projectile after projectile onto Jon Paulsson. The first projectile burns the eye to black, the second hits just underneath his chin, as the rest projectiles strike on various locations of the body. It was overkill plain and simple as his firearm smokes out as a sign of overheating/cooling down. Death Bat turned to his troops and simply said, "That's my answer!"

---

The only land-based battle on Salamis of the Year 80,012 ended in Republic Victory. The Spook leads about 40% of his forces with support from the mercenary Death Bat leads against a Nexsian force of 6000 with a trio of Sethos and a troop of Crusaders. Of course, victory can not be achieved flawlessly as there are 79 Lipheran troops killed in the line of duty with 112 suffering an injury from battle. Out of 6,000 Nexsians, only about 989 survived and became prisoners of war.

On the edge of the cliff, Infinity stood dangerously on the edge overlooking Medics doing their best to prevent any more losses of life. One of Infinity's fists clenched violently as he oversaw the pirates disrespecting the dead by stripping them of any value. Based upon his family's beliefs and that of the Jedi Order, the Spook have a strong and unique code of living. Infinity isn't the only one disgusted by this action as many including the chained prisoners saw this and wanted to do something or attempted to do something.

"No sense of morality, huh" said Rex as he sits down on a rock, in a safe distance from the falling from the cliff, taking off his helmet. Alexander Pierce Rexus is in his late 30s or early 40s due to the face looking no younger as he was at age 21 as his eyes shrine a fierce brown color as his tanned face acquired strong features. Unlike the rest of his ancestors, Rexus has made it a habit of shaving his head every once in a while since his helmet can be taken off at any time in battle.

Infinity turns his head to see Rex, "If they are prideful as always!"

"Prideful about what, Sir? If they wanted to restock their weapons or armor, they should have asked the Republic to do so."

"When it comes to restocking, the pirates are used to doing what they do best. Besides that, how is transport coming?"

Rex positioned his hand in front of the sun as his eyes roamed to the shadow of his hand, "I said about 10-25 minutes for the Freedom's Flight to be in range for communication."

"So about an hour and 45 minutes?" Said Infinity as he guessed the Freedom's Flight arrived time.

"Well, It will be a bit late if the Flight is escorting the Queen's Vengeance and a Charon classed ship."

"A cargo ship! Is it for the cannons Taylor acquired?" Infinity sounded surprised as Charon ships are cargo runners as they are launched from the Heart of the Republic to help worlds that are behind in developing their production. They can outrun any ships including the firepower of a Star Destroyer as they carry a sufficient amount of weapons, armor, vehicles, even spare metal ores.

"Yes, my Jaddack," Rex confirmed as he too was surprised by the information since they haven't requested one.

"Speaking of Taylor, where is he?" said Infinity as he waited for the leaders of this successful ambush to meet him. He knew Rex and heavily requested the Death Bat to meet himself, but he didn't know about Taylor.

"I have sent someone to fetch him. I reckoned that he was heading here as we spoke."

"Good! Good," Infinity said as he had time to ponder over the meaning of the dream in the morning.

The slouching of his shoulders as well as the downcast of the masked Jaddack didn't go unnoticed as Rex finds it a good time for it, "Uh, Sir? Would it be a good time to discuss what is troubling you?"

As expected from the Rexus Family, they were heavily famous for teaching their future generations of being the best soldiers, military minds, and advisory to their Jaddack. As a bonus of becoming Infinity's right hand, they process a sense of knowing Infinity's thought process when the latter doesn't express it in body language. Rumor among the troops that the Rexus Family were among the first to know the Jaddack without a helmet on. Infinity no doubt knew what he meant since he and his ancestors have spent their lifetimes serving him. That alone has earned him enough trust to speak of his troubles.

The Jaddack turns around fully as he takes several steps away from the cliff. The action alone required complete attention from Rex since he did so. "I strongly believe that I have received a vis..."

Before Infinity could be revealed, another voice interrupted him, "What does the Great and Fearsome Spook want with the likes of me?"

Infinity turns his sight towards the source as anger returns to him as he bears to see Curtis Stillwall, who left his face revealed to the militaristic leaders of Liphera. Infinity started to approach him as Rex stood up holding his helmet at his hip.

"Did you summon me here to be congrats of earning another victory for the Republic or at the least sharing a victory with you Spook?" said the early 30s man with a face fitted for a sinister look as his hand causal holding his death mask. Infinity only responds to Stillwall in the form of a fist connecting the latter's face; causing the Pirate Lord to be knocked off the ground before landing with his helmet kind of bounced away from him.

"Son of a... (grunts in pain) landscaper!" Curtis Stillwall said as he was trying until a wave of Infinity's hand caused an invisible force to push him into the ground. Curtis mutters angrily as he groans as he punches the ground in rages. Infinity stands there with the patience of a holy man and the glare of a territorial predator as Rex looks at him in an expression best suited to remain out of this going-to-be argument.

Once Curtis is finished with throwing his fitted, Curtis yelled out as he looks like wanting to beat the hell out of Infinity for that, "WHAT THE FUCKING HELL YOU DID THAT FOR!?"

"The Troops that I planted into your army for additional support weren't there to boost your success, but to be my eyes and ears on your band of bandits since both you and your 'warriors' are wildcards. Unfortunately for you, they reported to me that you have slaughtered unarmed combatants that are willing to surrender..."

The unmasked Death Bat interrupts the masked Infinity, "They were Nexsians plain and sim..."

That remark allowed anger to rise as he decided to hit him a bit more harder and that time give him a black eye. Infinity says, "That reason alone doesn't give you the right of who lives and who dies."

"Oh, sorry! But at what point did you forget WE"RE AT WAR AGAINST THESE BASTARDS?!" CURTIS yelled out in what might be considered venom against Infinity.

Yet, Infinity remained steadfast with his code of warfare, "I didn't forget that fact since I have waged war against them my whole life. However, your employer is the Avalon Republic and most of us (signaling Lipherans and himself) know when an enemy is broken. We. Aren't. Murderers! Plain and simple!"

"Spoken like those weak-willed Jedi! I always thought Spooks are different, but it appears I was wrong!"

"Don't label them as weak, Curtis since they are at least better than the likes of you. It's best to leave my origins in the past!" Infinity said with an edge.

As the two war heroes bicker, Rex hears movement behind, causing him to turn his head and sees Commander Taylor with another Lipheran soldier. The armor of this Lipheran is different from the armor normally served. That person's armor is sleeker than the rest as it's color scheme is more black than grey with faded blue colors. The helmet is designed to be menace looking with bumps where the ears are located, and a small metal rod sticking out on the right helmet bump. He carries a crossbow on his back as some sort of metallic box sticking on his chest including a circle underneath his left arm. If none of these doesn't give Rex that Taylor is with a Mercury.

Mercurius are republic soldiers that are trained to fight at range instead of melee combat. The reason was that these soldiers carried a technology that slowly integrated into the Armies of the Republic in the last years of the 79th millennium. The same tech that allows ships to communicate with each other and the same tech that allows the higher-ups talking to each other from worlds away, only modified to be carried around.

From the looks of their faces, they were about to report something to Infinity, but Death Bat beat them to him. While the Jaddock Infinity is busy, Rex should see to it for finding out information as he excuses himself and joins the duo.

"This is war and war means destroying your enemies enough so they can never rebuild themselves!"

"You are no better than them! The fighting only ends when they no longer have the will to fight on!"

"That's letting someone else turn them into an army again!"

"Not if we allow it so!" said Infinity, causing Death Bat to stutter trying to find a better argument against Infinity, but couldn't as he just glared at him.

With the argument over, Rex says catching the Jaddock's attention, "Sir, the Freedom's Flight have sent us a message."

"You're dismissed, Stillwall," was all Infinity could say to him as he turned his back against Curtis as he threw another fit while leaving out of the Spook's presence.

Once Infinity stands at arms length with the three, Taylor nods his head downwards as a greeting for his master and the two Lipheran straighten themselves as they form left fist pounds the right side of their chest armor. Infinity nods back as he asks, "Is it an update?"

Rex only shakes his head as the Mercury was the one who spoke of the message sent to his squad, "With your presence on Salamis, the world is still part of the Republic. So, technically speaking it's more than an order."

"Orders from who, Mr..." Infinity casually asks as he wonders the name of the Mercury since in the military of Liphera is made up about half of the population and reflects the common races that aligns itself to the Republic and the rare races from elsewhere.

The Mercury caught this as he says, "My name is Hayden Riggs, a sergeant within the Mercurius ranks. But, I'm often referred to as 'Echo,' my Jaddack."

"Echo?" Infinity wonders why he was called like that, then again the Jaddack of Liphera has chosen a name of his own instead of staying with his birth name. "Does the order come from the Jedi High Council?"

"No, Master," said Taylor.

"The Aegis or the Shadow Chambers?" Infinity asks as he knows one thing if it isn't the Jedi Order, then it's the league made up of the very best militaristic minds the Republic have assembled wanting either the Lipheran army deliver another Republic victory or covert actions he partakes in a role off the books.

"Actually Sir, the order came straight to the Chancellor Whitmore," said Rex, which the information surprised Infinity as it is very rare for the Chancellor, the current king of delegates, to issue a command since his duty is to help lessen the stress of our counterpart of the Old Rule System given upon election.

"How do we execute His Orders, gentlemen?"

"Come to Coruscant, the Paragon have summoned you for something important, my Jaddock!" said Taylor as it's even rarer for the Paragon of the Republic to personally order the Spook. All he could tell from Infinity was the rising of his head as the helmet faces the sun could indicate interest at the order.

As for Infinity, he remembers the times of being summoned by the Paragon ever since he was recruited by the Jedi Order only to face being summoned little to none. It was that lack of experience gives Infinity to think about the connection between the "dream" and the summon. It can't be a coincidence that a vision appears before the Paragon's message as his beliefs remind him that everything happens for a reason. Hopefully, he will find it out by fulfilling the Paragon's commands and what he finds is the key to the visions. One thing for sure, wars end and the Infinite War is no different as it has a dawn and will have a dusk. But, the question remains: who shall be left standing in the aftermath?

---

I have finally finished making this chapter since I mostly spent working on it on weekends if I don't have work and neglect some time for gaming. I'm not going to say about much of this chapter or the Isekai Warverse since I'm kinda getting tired of prolonging the chapter more than I badly limiting myself since I hear most readers of this site will be bored to death once the word count hits over 10,000 so I have rewrite it a bit shorter since originally I wanted to completely show off the main character with his weapons, abilities, and skills. However, there will another opportunities to do so.

Orginally all of the enemies in this killed, well at least the leaders were all about to face until I further researches about aftermath of wars that not all bad guys were handed quickly as there are some left alive and that not all of them are evil in our books, so I tried my best of creating reasons to do so. The Aegis Chamber is basically a militaristic cabinet that the Paragon, the Republic president have chosen during his/her time as leader of the free realm. The Paragon is the officially federal government positions that more or less reflects our presidential elections, but the elections only happens where an generation is mature. All I'm going to explains in this explains is that the universe is the technological advances since it is mixed with ancient and futuristic tech is that it tends in a slowly and painfully road since it based their technological advancement on what I knows about warhammer universes (well on the theory where all three games are connected). In a way, the bigger the technology, the more easier to be widely used, but the smaller the tech, the more difficult to be used proper. Like, the guns in this universe exists only in the forms of cannons and rifles are rarely based on the fact it tends to blow-up and leave the person defenseless if they survived since inputting the magic of the land into something as complex as a gun is highly dangerous than a magical sword to be used.

To Chosen-One-92: Yes, I did feel like I did bite off more than I could chew. The reason is that I have created the main story, but I haven't finished it since I basically create both within the same year. Hey, check on my profile bio since loading some history is part of my trademark and I personally feel like most people will be confused with the timeline. I will tried my best of maintaining the muilt-verse fanfiction.

To eveyone who wanted to ask questions on the Isekai Warverse, there is a forum link on my profile and needs a moderator or two. Really hoping at least one or two people will be the main ones to challenge me so to speak in the forum of writing this prequel. The Warverse is a forum of information and questions for now.

`I might create a character profiles either before or during Selenus on Infinity since he is the main character. As for the side character, do you guys wanted Taylor to be the side character or Death Bat since I create Death Bat to provide Infinity's mindset on certain things since he is in a way the Rapist King Volt except he is more driven of killing instead of raping. Although I feels like the Death Bat's arugment is kind of weak, so I might updated it once more with some help.

As for the harem, I decided to add some characters from Youkoso Sukebe Elf no Mori e into it based upon reading fanfic like the Irregular, the Hand of Suffering, and The Shinigami of Selenus since there are more light and dark elves than the hentai is giving me.

"Infinity": Origa Discordia, Celestine Lucullus, Alicia Arcturus, Chloe, Maia, Nol (adult form), Misery Stentrem, Kaguya, and Delva Celebrian.

Side Character: Ruu-Ruu, Grace Campbell, Anna Florence, and Evelyn Celebrian

Uncertain: Prim, Kaguya, Claudia, Lucie Menelumia, Firis Hagerhelm, and Elda Ballad (Should the last three be in this story or not? Should Prim be with Infinity or the Side Character? Should Claudia's husband be murder or the husband needs to be live?)

Overlord Signing Off!