Chapter 10: Crete and the next campaign

/

Normal P.O.V.

Somewhere in Rhode Island. The recently patched up Trimongulis is grumbling as he was stuck kneeling before a small throne. His wounds and burns from his fight with the beast still cause him pain that he is trying to tough out. In front of him is a disappointed Sphinx monster staring at him with burning red eyes. Judgmental and filled with disappointment as he spoke in ancient Greek tongue.

("I gave you the simplest job in the world…and you had to go and blow it, you utter moronic simpleton.")

Trimongulis growled, ("I almost had him! You mean we did! I still feel itchy!")

("Silence! Your job was to break through the Hellenic army's pitful line of defense so we can finally pincer the Greek gods main base. Instead, you had to conquer the rest of the land first because your pea brain couldn't think of the bigger picture! Because of that you also lost one of our mines! It's inconceivable that you can be this dimwitted! Is there a functioning brain in one of those three heads?!")

("Grrr…")

As the Cerberus warlord growled another large beast walked into the room. While not humanoid in appearance is a large beast carrying multiple heads on his body. All glaring at him.

("Save your pathetic growling. Laiderius, make sure that beast is dead, and the Coalition advances are slowed. Build your forces as necessary.")

("Of course! It will be done. What's its? Shut it….")

Androsphx grew an annoyed look, ("For the love of our father and mother keep all of you focused.")

("I er we will try brother…")

("*Sigh* Why am I the only smart one among the three of us. This is why father placed us so low in the chain of command. However, the sooner we deal with the beast the better for us. It would be crazy to lose to such feeble enemy forces.")

("What of the Veil? We lost some of our forces trying to explore inside of it. Not even our other siblings dare venture into it.")

("Leave it be for now, we can deal with it after dealing with the Coalition. Trimongulis, you are to rest and recover. Once you are sufficiently healed, you are to support Laiderius. I expect better results the next time you meet that beast.")

("Yes…brother…")

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

"So, what's our next order of business?" I said as I looked at the map in the war room. The display showing off our current position in Greece.

Isabelle focused the map to the Crete Island, "Here, this is the next territory we need to tackle. The Ladon warlord home base is here and has set up a defense line. Because of the elevation of the land mass, we need to get through his territory before we can island hop to the next island after him. The G.A.T.E. is our only method of getting to these places. However, we can't strain the system too much. It is still a prototype after all. So, the best we can do is a one way trip to Crete."

Johan spoke up, "So we are just going to jump into enemy territory and hope for the best?"

Isabelle shook her head, "No, while the warlord has control over the entire land. His defenses are weaker at this corner here."

I watched closely as she pointed out to the closest edge near the land mass we are on. I also took quick note that Crete as an island has changed a bit. Appearing a bit wider in the center part of the land mass. No doubt a victim of land mass fusion, "So we drop in there and try to set up from there?" I asked.

"The base here isn't heavily fortified and not well armed. Our sudden appearance will take them by surprise, and we pack enough fire power to make short work of it. Ares agreed to send some of his troops over to us once we take enough land."

"I see, but question…what's with this?" I pointed to the swirling mass north of Crete and covering a large area that covered a few islands normally found in that region.

"I suppose we should finally inform you on these Nacho. This is a Veil Zone…we skimmed over them the last time you pointed them out. The truth of the matter is these phenomena started popping up around the world in specific locations. During the process of Ragnarok they were observed to form up and take hold great patches of land. We at first didn't know where they came from, but with some careful testing. They…belong to you Nacho. Some hunter virus strain and others unidentified. We don't know how, but you created these veils before you disappeared into the underworld."

"Okay…um…" I was at a loss what to say next. I remember seeing more than one of these veils on the earth. Knowing now that I had a hand in creating them just had me wondering if my beast state in the past left them like seeds on the planet, "Are they…dangerous?"

"It varies, the coalition has sent different teams of scouts. Some came back, others didn't. This one here is one of the latter and we were never able to recover any info from it. So, we stopped sending people altogether. However, it isn't the priority at the moment, Nacho. So please focus."

The briefing went along as normal. However, my attention couldn't break away from the Veil. How can I? Knowing they were created by me and something inside them is outright hostile to people. Curiosity and intrigue filled my mind as I wandered off. Before I knew it, I felt a small presence crawling around on my body. It's Kranaf who I haven't seen since my recovery.

"Kranaf? Where you been?"

"I been exploring…this big metal thing. Many crawlie space and many places I can fit. This a temporary home for the master?"

"You can say that. Still though the girls would have loved to meet you."

"Your mates? I see you need time with them. Which why I did not show. But now anytime would work if it okay."

"Yeah…"

"Something else bother the master?"

"The veils…*sigh* it shouldn't matter since I need to focus on the task at hand."

"Oh? What task that be brudda?" As to add to the number of voices I have to listen to. I felt another hand on my opposite shoulder. Baron Samedi showing himself to me again.

"Well for one, my duties to the Coalition. Don't worry I haven't forgotten the promises I made in the underworld."

"I hope not, that would be very unwise, mon. Though forgive my intrusions, who is this little fella?"

"This would be Kranaf, say hello Kranaf."

"Hello"

"Pleasure's all mine," The Baron shook hands with the small kobold, "Baron Samedi, my mon. If you need anything I am willing to make a deal."

I look in Kranaf's eyes and shook my head, "I will…think about it."

"It's fine mon. Now then what I was doing here for? Ah right…" With a snap of his finger a bit of fire popped out and what came is a piece of paper, "Since you been busy and all that mon. I been doing my best to make things easier for you to help poor Osirus."

"Did you find anybody that can act as his chosen?"

"Now now, don't get too excited. If you wanted that service, we should've shake on it. Unfortunately, these are just possible people that fit the king of the Egyptian afterlife criteria. Take it brudda, the rest you need to figure out on your own, ta ta!" The baron handed me the paper and flashed a smile before disappearing in a flashy display. I simply shook my head as I gave a quick glance to the paper before giving it to Kranaf to hold.

/

Time passed and the alarms went off for the G.A.T.E. system being activated. I seen the thing come out of the portal before and now I'm going to experience again the magic at work. Standing on the bridge I found myself being held onto by Ankha and Isabelle as we watched the machine work its magic. The whirling of energies along with some concerning bangs as finally the machine fired a violet beam that seemed to punch a hole in reality. The open space bend like fabric as it opened and a cosmic hole was created. Once that was done the Sphinx drove forward into and we all braced ourselves as a sudden force pushed on all of us. I smiled at seeing the swirling warp that replaced the open environment that we once saw.

"You know I don't think I will ever tire of traveling like this. This is awesome!"

"Of course you would find this appealing love. You done it before without this machine," Ankha replied.

"With your…bare hands. I'm still not sure how you managed to pull that off, Nacho," Isabelle added.

"Well…I had the right motivation," I hugged them close.

I was enjoying the moment as we broke through to the other end. It was this time Kranaf decided to drop in as I felt his light body land on me. Surprising the girls a bit, "Master I fell."

"I can see that Kranaf. Not the way I wanted to introduce you to the girls, but too late to change that. Girls, this is Kranaf, my kobold servant…I guess?"

"So that's what's been crawling in the vents. Not what I expected, but love when did you get a servant?" Ankha asked curiously.

"At the mines, he wants to be a dragon and well he decided that following me is the best way to achieve that. Though they serve only dragons…apparently, I am dragon enough."

"Why was he in the vents?" Isabelle added with curiosity as she cautiously approached the kobold clinging onto my back.

"He was…getting the lay of the land. So to speak."

Before the conversation can continue. There was an announcement that we fully passed through the gate and are now directly next to the enemy base. Isabelle wasted no time telling everyone on the Sphinx to get into positions and to get ready to attack. Telling gunners to man their positions as me and Ankha got a good look of the base. It wasn't very large and looks to still be in the process of being fully built and reinforced. Obviously, the enemy force took notice of the mobile base, now in their neighborhood. Attempted to defend themselves with whatever they had. Unfortunately for them the guns of the Sphinx made short work of them and their barely budding base. Which in turn makes this our foothold in the Ladon warlord's territory.

By the time I walked out to check the carnage the area was nearly a bullet ridden crater. Already I can spot the Baron at work moving the bodies and cleaning the area. Something that still surprises the people of the coalition and has them wary. Most of the buildings were destroyed with anything left not worth putting back together. It wasn't long before Isabelle gave the order to start setting up ourselves. Quickly as possible our presence becomes more noted by the enemy forces. I helped with the efforts to get the heavier objects out there and build up the defenses. Nothing new for me as much of our day was turning this spot into a nice base. While the Sphinx is here and is a superior base. It can't stay here forever hence the importance of creating this one of possible many bases.

It was night when everything was set and done. Buildings are set up and planted to house some of our forces to keep this bit of land for ourselves. Scouts have been sent out to scan the land for the current enemy positions and possible resources of the land. Must keep an eye out for anything that could pose trouble. Which is why I joined in those efforts. My eyes, I found, adjusting very well in the dark along with my other senses being able to discern smells. It would appear some of my animal senses returned in the meantime since my recovery. We covered the wide area around the base and found nothing of note. Still a part of me anticipates the next battle to come.

With scouting done we returned to the Sphinx. Isabelle and Ankha were busy at the moment, so I decided to pay Lavi a visit in the barracks.

"Hey Lavi, how are you holding up?"

"Nothing I can't handle. Honestly, me and my team are waiting for our next mission to help in the war effort. Marshal and Kiki been wanting to see you again, I am not surprised though. They were your neighbors back in Mellow, right?"

"Yeah, they are good friends of mine. Well, I made an effort to befriend my neighbors even when they eventually move out."

"Heh, you get around. I haven't forgotten that you have got human friends too. Dingo and myself being examples."

"That is probably going to be harder now considering what I am. What are my odds with Johan on the friendship scale?"

Lavi shook his head, "Unless it's on a mission you are not going to find good times to socialize with him. He and his warlocks tend to be that way. If you are curious to learn more about him, ask Ankha. Those two have been on plenty of missions together and formed respect for one another. Or you can talk to Fang and Audie about this. Preferably Audie since she is the friendliest out of the two."

"I see…hmm…"

"It's getting close to nighttime man. Night watch is going keep look out. Though it sounds like you are trying to get a read on people."

"You could say that. There is a chance I will be paired up with anybody if the mission calls for it. So, I thought to at least get an ear on my standing with some people. You know to avoid any potential social landmines."

"No problem, have a good night."

I returned the friendly gesture as I left the barracks. Ignoring the stares I was getting as I looked for a good spot to just loiter. Finding it in the mess hall as I just found a nice corner to rest against. Pulling out the paper Baron gave me and the list of named candidates for Osiris's chosen position.

"Rakirn, Sokheis, Mairk, Anurois, Tisrhum, and Erinska….I have no idea who any of those people are. Nor do I know where any of them are. Geeze…"

Folding the paper and stowing it away I felt Kranaf crawl onto my back, "Master, Kranaf back from forage."

"What have you managed to find?"

"Dirt, rocks, a few shinies, and this!" he held out what seemed like nothing, but on closer examination I noticed it was some sort of scale but see through.

"What the…where did you find this?" I grabbed the scale and noted how it completely disappears under certain angles.

"Found in bush! Glittery things…not sure what made them though."

"Hmm…we might need to keep an eye out then what made this. Can you send this to the science team? They can probably figure out what this belongs too."

"If master wishes then so shall I do," Kranaf saluted me as he took back the scale and scampered off. Leaving me alone.

"This feels like an omen of things to come…"

/

Ankha's P.O.V.

"So, this is what we are doing this time…" I gazed upon the campaign progression chart and noticed how we're splitting into two large armies. Heading out with the plan to take over the Ladon warlord's bases along the way. However, with a scouting team being sent ahead to gather information and get an idea what we are dealing with. Several teams of scouts being sent behind enemy lines myself included. Which means it's another mission away from Nacho again. Unfortunately, there is no way around it, but with Nacho aiding one of the main armies I can at least expect more men coming back alive thanks to him.

Isabelle nodded, "Since we are running on little information out there its best to exercise caution. We can expect the usual bulk of enemy units though. Fortunately, Mason was able to create a great number of high-power rounds for your standard arms. However, don't fire them willy nilly. There is only so much to go around and if you are out, then you are out until more can be supplied. I trust that all of you will use them when the situation calls for it."

There was a sound affirmation from many of the military commanders and captains going into battle. Ready to face the trek waiting for them on this campaign. No surprise my squad is being paired up with Johan's again, but he is bringing Fang and Audie this time around. I feel bad for anybody who must fight us though. We're quite a powerhouse on our own, so it's safe to say we will be doing more than just scout ahead. We're going to be dismantling the enemy behind their own lines. Still somewhat risky since we don't know all what the Ladon warlord has in store for us. Especially since Nacho's little helper found a translucent scale. That's a bad sign especially so close to our location. Which means something was nearby watching us. Best to exercise caution.

After preparations had been made Nacho, Isabelle and I wished each other well before mobilizing. Isabelle staying in mission control, Nacho assigned into Freya's and Crackerjack's group heading towards Kandanos…or whatever remains of it since ragnarok and from there Elyros. With the other main force heading towards Polyrrhenia, Kissamos and then after Kydonia. Scout teams will be ahead of them and as for my team we are going to land near Lappa and start our mission from there.

Suiting up and getting on our specialized aerial transport. Final checks in place before we took off. My worries were being pushed to the side as now the mission came first.

/

Sometime after the takeoff Audie was the first to start talking, "It's nice to be on a mission with you again Ankha! Like, it's been too long since the last time."

"Likewise Audie, the Coalition really wants to make sure we are well prepared for whatever we might run into," I smiled in amusement as Audie was a delight in her own way. I cannot really hate her despite her air headed like behavior. However, I know her well enough to know she is smarter than she lets on. At least when it concerns her field of expertise. She struggles with things beyond that.

"Totally! Like Fang and I saw those minotaurs before in our scouting mission and they are really mean. Just one look and they go axe murder crazy! Like, whoa dude, what did I do to you!"

Fang let out a chuckle, "That is because you called one a wall of beef and thought he needed more greens. Furthermore, you pointed to an open field for him to graze on."

"Well, minotaurs are part bull right? They probably graze like one too! Though they can be confusing as I remember Bull folk exist. The two look a bit similar when you put them next to each other. Whoa…maybe they are related."

"Maybe they are? Or perhaps just very similar yet distinct races. You never know," I played along with her wandering thought process. It's amusing to see her thinking like this. You would be forgiven for not knowing she is completely capable of sabotaging various forms of tech and engineering.

"Yeaaaah, I guess it doesn't matter since we got friendly ones now."

"If they are willing to fight. Though I don't have doubts about it as more of their tribesmen, women, and children are likely in different enslavement camps."

"Then we will help where we can," Fang added, "The more we bolster our forces the better we can push them back. Also having some big guys taking the front lines will take the heat off our gunners."

"Well Nacho has proven that well. As well that enough show of force can scare off an entire army."

"I read that in the report. I wouldn't have believed it if there weren't so many witnesses to it."

"Ankha, your boyfriend is very scary," Audie said shivering, "Like I know you talked about him before, but he is huuuge! You sure he was human before?"

"Postive Audie, just circumstance has made him into what he is."

"Regardless he has proven to be a great asset despite the hiccups," Johan cut in, "Those men are going to hold up well with him around. Though let's focus on the task at hand because we are going into enemy territory with no idea how the Ladon warlord functions. Trimongulis was straightforward, but we have no idea with this one."

"Well, Nacho on the side has informed me in the stories that Ladon is a multi-headed serpent dragon. I recall hearing the stories before in the past, but I never saw the monster myself."

"It had one hundred heads if I remember correctly. So, sneaking up on him is probably impossible unless all heads are asleep."

"The original had no special abilities, but this new one probably is a different story."

"Indeed."

*Lappa location sighted, seems to have an enemy outpost there. I'm going to land us a far distance away. After that, do what you do best.*

The pilot buzzed us as we cut our conversation short and got our gear prepped as we felt our transport land. My helmet on we all disembarked as our mission began officially.

/

A small trek later we reached Lappa. The ancient city that has seen better days, even more so now seeing the monsters walking about. The mix of newer buildings and old infrastructures clashed against the enemy defenses and buildings. All showing the insignia of the Typhon army. I sent out a scout drone to do a quick scan of the general area as this mostly unknown territory.

"The guard is on alert. They aren't kidding around. Regular patrol routes and everything else they need to keep us out. Even some harpies flying about from the sky. I like a challenge for once. Spilt teams as usual?"

Johan nodded, "Your team stay on the ground, take out any guard that blocks your path. My team we will take the high road to get a better view and drop some harpies."

"Very well, mission start."

Activating my stealth function in my suit, my team and I creeped away into the darkness. We maneuvered around minotaurs, hyena folks, and lizard men who must have been from Mythcia. They complicate things by slinking up walls to reach higher ground and elevation. One nearly spotted us when it started sniffing around. I took no chances with it and with help from my team we silenced the monster before it could alert anybody and hide the body away. Fortunately, their scales weren't too tough against my blades. My ears picked up a bullet shot from a silenced sniper rifle. I knew it was fang taking shots at harpies who made the mistake of being open targets. With it, less air born security to bother us as I pinged the destination of our mission. The center of this city to see what is going on here with the increased security.

More sneaking and occasional assassination, we managed to bypass most of the guards without issue and reach the main part of the city. Spotting a heavy fortification that is clearly the main center of operations based on the guards wandering around for potential threats. I turned on my communicator in my helmet.

"Found it Hardass, doesn't seem like anything special though. Seems like a run of the mill fort the monsters are building here."

"Seems that way, get inside if you can Queen. Havoc squad will join you as soon as we can."

"Got it, tread carefully."

I kept my squad close as we advanced. P'orcs now wandering around near the base here sniffing the air. It would be best to steer clear of them to the best of our ability. Down steps and over barriers like a ghost. However, two guards made up of a minotaur and a lizard man is blocking the way in. A distraction was needed, and some nearby rocks look good enough for me. Taking one in hand, I observed my potential two targets. The lizard man looked bored and tired so hitting him with the rock wouldn't do much other than alert him. Compared to the minotaur who was glancing around on alert. Perhaps I can get one to attack the other?

Carefully I adjusted my position to pick a perfect place to toss the rock. Picking a position left of the lizard man. I aimed for the minotaur and tossed the rock hard into the side of his head. I heard the rock smack against the monster's tough skull and bounce off to land on the head of the lizard man. An improbable shot, but it worked as the minotaur was looking around before looking at his partner who was picking up the rock in confusion.

"Why did you throw a rock at my head?"

"I did? I felt it hit me on the head. You sure you weren't hit by a different rock?"

"Do you see another rock that was thrown at me?"

"I don't know…we just got this one. We should look around…you know, just to be safe?"

"Fine, but if this is a waste of time, I will blame you for this."

The guards took off in the direction where they felt the rock hit them both. Giving my team and I our opening in. Inside the base, the mission became more dangerous. Wooden hallways of this fort told me this place is a mixed material structure. More well made than what I have seen so far other than Trimongulis's home base. The lighting was done by torches which was primitive but worked. We tried to stay clear from tight hallways to give the roaming inhabitants a wide berth. All the while planting explosives out of sight to bring it down. After a few minutes I got a call from Johan saying that his team had entered the building from the other side. Planting explosives themselves as well.

Killing a few in the way monsters we managed to stumble upon a meeting going on with a magic circle being used to display the speaker. Said speaker was a multiheaded dragon serpent monster who is no doubt our Ladon warlord of the region.

"Attention troops! Listen up! Seriously do! This is important! Blah blah blah," All the heads attempted to talk over each other. Cutting each other off almost instantly, I had to hold back a sigh as they continued to get nowhere until in unison, "Everyone shut up and focus! *Sigh* I hate myself sometimes…anyways attention troops! This is an announcement for all bases across Crete. The Coalition had landed and with them the beast. My brother failed to finish off the beast, but it was proven that the beast could be felled with enough force. You have my serpents, make use of them and make sure they don't proceed any further. We aren't cavemen so use your brains! I expect results! Yeah! Go team! They might die anyways."

The warlord's presumably main head just sighed as his other heads started cutting in on each other again. Cutting off the communication as the monsters started barking orders to each other. My team stayed out of the path of these scrambling monsters. I turned on my communication with Johan again, "Hardass, we need to start the fireworks soon. This base is going to start mobilizing and its best we nip this one here before it gets out of control."

"Work quick Queen, place enough explosives and get out of there."

"On it, let's move people!"

Quickly we increased our pace and placed more bombs in the vital points of the structure. Avoiding the scrambling monsters in the process was a pain as some we had to kill from bumping into us. Once we were done, we exited that base as fast as we possibly could. I gave the call to Johan and heard the greenlight from him as well. With the press of a button explosions rang out and collapsed the base. Sending the monsters into a panic as we made it back to our transport. Adding more casualties along the way before we regrouped together. Exiting the area and moving a bit further into the region to cause more disarray.

"Just another day on the job."

/

? P.O.V.

The ground stirs as I chip away at it. Back to the days of my youth in the dark underground. Unlike those simpler days I do so with a different purpose. I feel his presence…an unmistakable presence. The aura of the beast…my progenitor…

"Raddle…"

"Yes, great wyrm?"

I raised a claw, "The beast is close to the dark earth…we must contact him. Grab some of your…fellows and meet him in person…stay in disguise and let none of the…lesser beings know about our actions. Kill them if you must, but it shouldn't be necessary if things go well."

"Right away."

I placed a claw into the dark soil before me. With it I can feel the beast…my creator comes ever closer.

"Finally, hehe, perhaps this is what the people call…fate. I can feel my excitement rising…" Looking up into the crimson skies a smile grows on my face, "Perhaps finally…I can have true direction with my work.