Chapter 14: Marberry Shore

Personnel: Aduin Mardstrom

Valkyrur. Age 93. Born on the island of Reite, for most of his life Aduin adhered to his people's politic of staying hidden from the public eye. Being a male Valkyrur, he was greatly respected by the rest of the community, and thanks to its support he became a renowned Historian known as Iosif Barclard. Throughout his life he witnessed the Great Industrial Revolution sparked by ragnite, and with science all over Europa making huge leaps, he realized that it wouldn't be long before the major countries might start noticing the existence of the Valkyrur.

Therefore he started using his reputation as a renowned academic to build a series of false proofs that convinced the world at large that the Valkyrur were indeed extinct, thus keeping his people safe for a few decades. However, in the First Europan War, his only son died while fighting with the Gallian Militia and his wife, a regular human, took her own life as a result.

The loss of his family deeply affected Aduin, who embarked on a journey to live his final days in peace. However, it would appear that his journey took a completely unexpected turn and he instead started cooperating with the Empire. He seems convinced that the Valkyrur must take control of the massive state and lead it to world domination. In theory, the Valkyrur should play the role of a leading caste for this new globe-spanning Empire, yet it seems unlikely that the Imperials have not thought of a way to keep the Valkyrur in check.


July 28, 1935.

Welkin and Alicia stood silently in front of the tombstone in Randgriz's most prestigious military cemetery, but that prestige could hardly make them feel any better. They remembered the ceremony of the day before. Juno wasn't the only loss, of course, but her story combined with the unveiling of what was happening in the labor camps of Fouzen had quickly made her a national hero. Even the more anti-Darcsen politicians were disgusted by the straight genocide the Imperials were trying to commit, and the fact that a Militia Corporal had given up her life to protect a child was a huge PR boost.

That said, Squad 7 at large was still demoralized for the loss of their companion. Alicia and Welkin especially.

"Hey...Alicia." Welkin asked with a mixture of timidity and the feeling that he was being somehow disrespectful, but Alicia hummed interrogatively and turned her head toward him. "Do you know what Juno meant with her last words? She told you not to be stupid like her, but I honestly can't think of a single instance where she was 'stupid'."

Alicia suddenly felt a chill on her spine. Of course she knew, and thinking about the promise they had made was now both excruciatingly painful and embarrassing at the same time.

Nonetheless, of one thing she was sure as shook her head. "Sorry, Welkin. But I can't tell you that. It's...girl stuff."

Welkin wasn't sure what that meant, but he replied "Oh...sure. Sorry."

Luckily for them, they were called up by Faldio.

"Figured you two might be here." the commander of Squad 1 said with a respectful tone.

Welkin and Alicia turned around, and realized that other than him, there were the officers of Squad E.

"Sorry to disturb you, Welkin." Claude said. "But we're on our way to the station so...we came to say goodbye."

Welkin nodded and turned completely toward them, making a step closer to speak. "Then allow me to thank you again for everything you did."

"It's us that should be thanking you." Leena intervened gently. "We can now do our job with more confidence, knowing that Gallia is in good hands."

"Don't worry, man. We'll tear down the Empire." Raz promised. "Even for Juno."

"Most people would have never laid down their lives for a group of Darcsens." Riley stated bitterly. "It's another reason why we need to fight for a more peaceful world."

Welkin sighed. "You know what's both the worst and best part?" he commented. "That she wasn't even supposed to be there."

"Uh?" Squad E asked.

Faldio replied "Juno had a scholarship. At college, she was exonerated from taking the officer course, and she could have very easily found an employment in a laboratory or somewhere else far from the frontline...instead she decided that she couldn't stand aside and stay safely in the back."

That revelation made the members of Squad E huff a little.

"Come to think of it, it was a bit surprising that she was just a Corporal." Claude commented a little dejected.

"It's fine." Welkin concluded. "Juno made her decision and we have to respect it. We will honor her memory by freeing our homeland."

"I'm sure she's watching over us, wherever she is now." Alicia added a bit optimistically.

Raz smirked. "Right. And we will get to the Imperial capital and put a bullet up their Emperor's ass."

"We will notify you once we free Hafen." the Lieutenant declared confidently. "Actually, if I remember correctly is not that far from Bruhl."

"Ah. Actually, yes." Claude replied with a more cheery tone. "A few kilometers south, still on the border."

"Great. Then we will make sure it will be ready to receive you once you're back." Alicia added. "Let's meet again once this war is over!"

"You can bet on it!" Leena said excited. "And you better have a lot of your delicious bread ready when that time comes."

Claude and Welkin went and shook their hands upward. "Good luck, Squad E. We hope to see you soon." Gunther wished.

"You too, Squad 7. We'll come back once the Empire is stopped for good." Wallace replied.

"Oh, right." Faldio suddenly remembered. "Do you guys have a plan in case the Valkyrias show up on your front?"

That question took everyone by surprise, and maybe a little bit discomfort, but it had to taken into consideration.

"I didn't hear anything about it." Claude replied. "But Command must have something in mind, especially since we all saw the show of power they did the other day."

"Yeah. Telling to the entire world that they believe this to be some kinda 'holy war' bullshit." Raz commented. "But they do have quite a number of Valkyrias."

"The higher-ups must have something in mind. I mean, Gallia has the original Valkyrur, maybe there is a way to provide some for us, as well."


"I'm surprised the Elders accepted so quickly." Wilbur commented with both surprise and relief.

"It's clear that the Empire might actually match our numbers or even surpass them. Even if our Valkyrias are generally more proficient in combat, we are going to need every possible candidate to awaken, whether they live in Gallia or in any other country in Europa." Erwin explained.

"I do hope, however, that you will not try to awaken children." Adrien replied. He was clearly trying to joke, yet his mood was anything but joyful.

"Of course not." Erwin replied. "I already told them not to present us candidates below the age of 16. It's still too young, if you ask me, but they are grown enough to make their own decisions."

"Adrien, how do you feel?" Wilbur instead asked with caution.

The businessman sighed. "I just...I know the Imps were pieces of shit, but to do all that to other human beings. I can't get around it."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Erwin commented a little dejected as he thought back on what he saw.

"And Juno...damn it...she was the same age as Beth, guys. How many girls like her have already given up her lives in this war?"

"Too many." Wilbur replied with a tired tone. "But this whole ordeal did bring us some unexpected benefits."

"What do you mean?" Erwin asked.

"Well...first of all, the announcement has still to be made, Erwin, but given all your accomplishments in this war, including the recent liberation of Fouzen, the Archduchess will soon offer you the position of Marshall of Gallia."

Adrien was pleasantly taken aback, Erwin knew that there had been talks about it at High Command, but he honestly wasn't that excited.

"I'm honored she thinks that highly of me, but I honestly don't know if I'm ready for such responsibility."

"If not you, who else? So far, every major victory we earned was entirely thanks to your brain, Erwin." Wilbur replied with no intention of indulging his humility. "Besides, you are a Valkyrur, meaning that you know better than anyone else how your people will influence this conflict."

The last one was actually a fair point: DeWytt was a good General, but even he had confessed that he wasn't entirely sure how the deployment of Valkyrias was going to change the balance of power. And Erwin for sure was having chills at the idea of how Damon would recklessly use them if given the opportunity.

"I can't argue with that. Well, then I'll be waiting, but the war waits for no one."

"Before you unveil us your next brilliant plan, let me finish." Wilbur intervened, with a more friendly tone. "The camps at Fouzen have stirred quite the unrest around the world. Just this morning I spoke with the Vinlandian Ambassador. Apparently, the public opinion over there was quite shocked by the discovery of the camps. While they are not ready to commit to the war, there seem to be many Vinlandians willing to enlist in the Federal Army to fight. We also received requests from Gallian migrants who would like to come back and enlist here."

"Well, we can always use the manpower." Adrien noted. "But what we need the most is weapons: our stockpiles are not that great if we need to arm more men."

"I got that covered, as well. The Ambassador said that President Horvelt will soon propose a law by which the USV will basically gift some of their Army's stockpiles to the nations at war, and they might even be tempted to apply an embargo against the Empire."

"Ok, now that's what I'm talking about." Agusta replied a bit more excited. "If you want, I can tell my Board to apply some pressure on the Congress."

"I'm not exactly excited about this, but since it's legal, go for it."

"Great. I have a phone call to make, then." Adrien said quite excited. He hurried for the door, but then he stopped so quickly he almost slipped and made a scared yelp. "I almost forgot!" he said, rushing back and reaching for the left pocket of his suit. "Yesterday, Isara gave me a project of hers, and I believe it has a lot of potential." he said as he unwrapped a paper sheet.

"What kind of sorcery has she come up with, now?" Wilbur joked.

"I trust Isara more than half of our engineer corp. Let's see what she got." Erwin said with confidence.


August 1, 1935.

Days passed, and Squad 7 recovered from their first loss. For the moment, it seemed like the 1st Division was on standby, recovering their strength and waiting for Erwin to make his next move.

For certain, the news that he had been promoted to Marshall had greatly improved their morale, as they now felt part of an elite unit.

Also, they were all quite surprised to discover that Zaka had joined the Militia and was now the commander of the tank Shamrock, assigned to Squad 7 for additional fire support. The Shamrock was a standard gallian tank, which was manned by three people: the driver, a loader and the commander who also used the weapons.

The ones who had volunteered to get inside that little death machine were two members of the Resistance back in Fouzen, both Darcsen.

But there was another reason to try and being a little more cheerful that day.

"Happy Feast of all Spirits, everyone!" Welkin said as he entered the common room early in the morning.

"Happy feast, boss!" Largo replied, quickly followed by a chorus from the rest of the team.

"If you have gifts, you better start handing them: we officers have a meeting in the Marshall's office in half-an-hour."

"So we are getting back to the field?" Rosie asked.

"Most likely. Take your breakfast and be ready to depart on short notice." the Lieutenant instructed before reaching the counter and ordering some coffee and biscuits.

Right after that, Isara and Sheila entered the room and Welkin stopped them to ask something "Hey, girls, have you seen Alicia?"

The two pondered, but then sincerely replied "No."

"Uh. That's weird, she didn't meet me this morning." Welkin commented a little worried. "I wonder if she's fine."

"Maybe she just overslept." Zaka suggested. "The Valkyrias trained quite late, yesterday."

"Oh, right, then it must be that." the Lieutenant replied, though he sounded a bit let down anyway.

The girls then took their rations and went to sit with Largo and Rosie.

"Already here?" the woman asked with a joking tone. "I figured you would be spending the day with your boyfriends."

"Well, they're already in the Marshall's office, so we can only wait." Sheila explained.

Isara instead seemed to try and avoid the conversation.

"You okay, kid?" Largo asked her.

"Uh, yes. Sure." Isara replied nervous.

"Wait…" Rosie said amused. "Are you nervous about giving your gift to Ramal?"

Isara didn't have the strength to reply but certainly blushed. Then she took a little courage and explained her situation. "We have been dating for a while, but it's not like we have agreed on making it official…" then she muttered "We haven't even kissed yet."

"What?!" Rosie exclaimed. "Really? Is Ramal holding out on you? Because if that's so…" she added a bit indignant.

"No, no!" Isara promptly defended.

"Ah, I see it." Largo intervened amused. "The boy likes you so much that he doesn't want to push the matter on you."

"That's right." Sheila intervened. "He won't make the final move until Is feels ready. That's why it's vital she gives him a gift today."

Welkin heard the conversation and tried to reassure his sister. "Is, I really don't see why you have to be nervous: there is no way Ramal will turn you down."

Isara didn't have the strength to reply. In any case, they finished breakfast and then Welkin went to the Marshall's office while the rest of the squad waited in the barracks. The wait was gnawing on Isara's nerves as she repeatedly checked the gift that she was about to give. However, nearly ten minutes after the officers had disappeared, it was Alicia's moment to suddenly enter the common rooms...covered in mud from head to toe.

"Woah! Alicia, what happened?!" Largo asked baffled.

Yet, Alicia, who was being followed by Hans, was smiling radiantly. Putting a finger on her cheek, she replied with a cheery tone "Sorry. That's a secret. Now, if you'll excuse me, I better take a shower and chance my clothes." she added a little embarrassed but never letting go of her smile.

As she walked away with a very lighthearted pace, everyone looked stunned.

"Don't tell me…" Private Aika Thompson commented giggling. "She finally made a move on the boss?!"

"What?!" Private Dallas yelled. "No way! Miss Alicia is a pure maiden! She would never do that!"

"Oh, Dallas," Corporal Freesia York teased. "when will you realize you're barking up the wrong tree?"

Noce clicked his tongue instead. "If he had to wait for the woman to make the move, what kind of man is he?"

"You're just jealous that the boss doesn't need poetry to get her attention!" Private Vyse Inglebard pricked him and Noce grunted in frustration.

Finally, nearly an hour and a half later, Welkin returned and Isara almost jumped on her seat when she saw that Kiril and most importantly Ramal were with him.

"All right, 7s." Welkin started. "We got our orders: our next target is the estuary of the Marberry river."

"The Marberry?" Corporal Nils Daerden asked. "Isn't the estuary a rocky highland?"

"Which is why the Imps have built a supply base on the only beach there, and a tunnel going through the plateau that supplies their lines on the two sides of the river fork." Welkin explained, then he went and reached a map of Gallia hanging on the wall. He went and put a finger on the south. "We will get to Anthold, first. The Federation has provided us with amphibious landing crafts. Our Squad will reinforce the Marine Regiment of the Navy as they launch an assault on the shore. This will happen in six days, once the rest of the front will have launched another large-scale assault to pin down the Imperials."

The rest of the Squad was stunned. "An amphibious assault?!" Alicia exclaimed. "I have never even seen a beach in my whole life!"

"Yeah, and I can't swim!" Corporal Kevin Abbot lamented.

"Well, the landing crafts will take us where the water is low, or even directly on the beach, ideally. The Navy will provide us some cover fire with the cruiser Randgriz and two Destroyers, but we'll mostly be there to provide some additional firepower for the Marines." Welkin explained calmly, then he nodded toward the two GSS. "Besides, we may find no resistance once we get there."

Ramal and Kiril stepped in the middle of the room and the latter started explaining. "The night before the landing, the two of us and another squad will infiltrate the plateau and make sure that the enemy defenses on the beach will be taken out. We don't know exactly what we'll find, but we know that the only way to access the gorge at Marberry Shore is through a very narrow passage, which means the Imps can't possibly have placed more than one or two fortified positions."

"When we see your landing crafts, we will strike their first line of defense." Ramal reassured. "We'll make sure that you can land without a rain of bullets welcoming you. But just in case, the moment you set foot on the beach, lay down some smoke."

The Squad felt a bit reassured, but the idea of fighting under conditions they had never tried before was still making them nervous.

"Still, aren't the Marines enough for this task? I mean, if we distract the Imps…" Rosie argued, but was interrupted by a loud and calm voice.

"I prefer to have my best Squad on the job."

Everyone turned around with a jolt and saw Erwin, dressed in his usual black uniform, but with new, shining ranks on the shoulders and a cape that covered his back down until the thighs. He was being followed by two bodyguards.

"Atten-tion!" Welkin promptly ordered as he made the salute, followed immediately by everyone else.

"At ease." the Marshall said.

As the troops relaxed, the Marshall started to calmly pace around as he talked. "True, normally, nobody would think about sending Militia to an amphibious operation. However that's another reason to make this attack: the Imps will never expect anything more than a small team to try and disembark on those shores.

"If we execute this operation correctly, we will completely expose the Imperial flank on the Marberry, and that point they will have to choose between being surrounded or retreating on the Naggiar Plains."

"That's all great, sir." Rosie said, still a bit worried. "But there's still the issue that many of us have never even seen the sea."

"You'll get to see it, soon." Erwin replied with a paternal smile. "Her Majesty Cordelia has graciously decided to lend the private beach of House Randgriz for this exercise."

"A...a private beach?" Sheila asked baffled.

"Indeed. It also happens to be secluded inside a small gulf. It's the closest replica we can get to the Marberry Shore, so it will be perfect for you guys to train in the next four days. You will of course have some time to properly enjoy the place, so I hope you all have a swimsuit."

The mood completely turned upside down.

"Don't get too carried away, folks." Welkin reminded calmly. "Remember: duty first, fun later."

"Oh, give us a moment, boss." Largo replied, still quite excited himself. "After everything that happened recently, we all deserve a brief vacation."

As everyone started thinking if they had a swimsuit, and to plan a trip into the city to buy one in case of a negative answer, Erwin instructed Ramal and Kiril to instead go and get prepared for their own mission.

Isara decided to try and tail Ramal, but Erwin suddenly called her. "Isara. Can I talk to you for a second?"

Gritting her teeth in her head, she halted and turned toward the Marshall, still holding the doll under her shawl.

However, Erwin noticed that she was very stiff and in a hurry. It wasn't that difficult, because she had never behaved like that and he had a keen eye. Then he noticed that she was holding her hands hidden inside the shawl and he quickly realized what was going on. With a pensive tone, he added "Actually, you know what? I just remembered I have to finish a very important report. Why don't you come up in an hour or so?"

Isara suddenly smiled widely and made a strong salute. "Yes, sir!" and then hurried out.

With her heart pounding, she ran out and went to the armory, quickly finding Ramal and Kiril intent on preparing their gear, but the point was that they were together, and she was suddenly taken again by a sense of shame.

"Leave this to me." a voice whispered behind her back, making her jump scared.

"Oh...Sheila." she said.

Her friend smirked, emerged from behind the corner they were hiding and made sure to be seen by her boyfriend, who quickly got the gist and sneakily left Ramal alone.

The moment the Sergeant noticed, he looked around. "Uh...bro?"

"Ramal." Isara said all of a sudden.

Valt turned around surprised to hear or see her then and there, but he wasn't complaining.

"Isara…" he muttered, suddenly realizing that he had wanted to see her that morning.

Still, Isara closed her eyes as her lips trembled. She tried to open her mouth, but the words simply didn't come out. So she did the only thing she could do: she showed the doll and tried to hand it over to him.

"H...Happy Feast of all Spirits!" she said, blushing violently, her head seemingly trying to disappear inside her shoulders.

Ramal was surprised in many ways. For he was fully aware that a gift on that day could be a declaration of love or eternal friendship, but surely, Isara was acting way too weird to be asking only for friendship.

"Oh." he muttered at first, unsure what to say.

"Ramal, I...I made this for you…" Isara said with a struggle. Damning herself for not being able to be direct. "Will...you...accept it?"

Ramal instead had regained his composure and was smiling confidently. He gently took the doll from her hands and used the chance to hold hers with one. He quickly inspected the doll with his right hand and said "I can see you really put your heart into it."

Isara had turned into a strawberry and still stumbled with words. "Yes...I...I really want to...show that I'm grateful to you and…" she grunted because she couldn't bring herself to say it.

Seeing her struggling, and being the experienced one, Ramal decided that he couldn't wait anymore himself, so he said "Isara. I love you."

Isara had figured that those words would have put her heart at ease, instead she descended into a bigger panic...at first.

As Ramal kept looking at her with a determined gaze and a warm smile, his head already leaning toward her, Isara suddenly started to get ridden of every negative emotion. With a perception suddenly slowing down, she calmly replied.

"I love you, too."

Ramal leaned in a little more, and she understood what was going on. For a moment, she felt a bit numb and simply closed her eyes while puckering her lips. The young man saw that and went in with a gentle flow.


Peeking is rude, but Kiril and Sheila just couldn't help themselves as they spied on Ramal and Isara sharing their first kiss.

"Aw…" Sheila gawked. "Look at them."

"I'm just glad they finally came over it." Kiril replied with a huge smile.

Still, now that he was sure that his best friend had finally hooked up with a promising girl, he pulled back a little. "But speaking of which…" and then playfully grabbed Sheila's waist and made her turn around, kissing her as she was drawn to him, and as soon as she realized what he was doing, she eagerly followed.

When they untangled, Sheila still held her hands on Kiril's face. "That was quite assertive for you." she commented mischievously.

Kiril smirked. "Let's say I'm quite disappointed that I won't get to see you in a swimsuit."

"Oh, you dirty lecher." Sheila replied with a joking tone, but the meaning of those words had not been lost to her. "So you're leaving, already?"

"Afraid so." the young man replied without showing melancholy. "The Estuary is not that easy to navigate. We'll have to go there and plan our pattern carefully. Better take all the time we can to scout the area."

Sheila sighed, but tried to keep an optimistic tone. "Then I guess you have one more reason to stay alive. Once this war is over, we need to go to a real beach together."

"I can't wait for that. In the meantime…" he added, reaching for one of the pockets on the right side of his jacket and taking out a small package. "Happy Feast." he said.

Sheila was taken by surprise, in both a good way and a bad way: the two of them usually did not exchange gifts for the Feast.

"Kiril, I...are you serious? I didn't get you anything…" she said ashamed.

"You know that I don't give a damn. Besides, I wasn't expecting you to do that with a Militia salary." Kiril reassured.

Sheila shook her head with a smile and unwrapped the gift. It revealed a rectangular box with something that made her gasp in surprise.

"A wristwatch?"

"You always wanted one, didn't you?" Kiril asked tenderly.

"Kiril, I...It's beautiful, but it can't have been cheap. Really, I feel guilty…"

"It wasn't that big of a deal. I went to the Darcsen district in Randgriz and guess who I met?"

"Who?"

"Mister Vibby. The watchmaker of Yugs. He has managed to set up a shop there."

Sheila gasped. "No way, the old Vibby?! I have to visit him as soon as I can."

Kiril chuckled. "In the meantime, he sold me this watch at a favorable price, so that's the last thing you should worry about. Come on, try it on."

Sheila promptly bound it to her left wrist. "Good. It fits."

"It makes you look like a fine lady." Kiril complimented.

Sheila chuckled, but after he had mentioned their old acquaintance, her mind raced toward a quick and staggering conclusion.

"Hold it...if we're going to attack the Marberry, then it means…"

Kiril suddenly assumed a more serious expression and tone. "Yeah. Yugs is actually the main goal of this offensive. Recon shows that the Imps have heavily fortified it, and since the city lies exactly at the divergence point of the river, it's hard to imagine they will give it up that easily, even if the operation at the shore goes smoothly."

Sheila pondered on that, feeling both nervous and yet strongly determined. "So we're finally retaking our home." she said firmly.

"Yeah." the Sergeant replied with a whisper. "So let's make sure we get past this, as well, okay?"

Sheila sighed and smiled. "Sure." and then they shared a hug.


August 7, 1935.

The training of the Marines had been intense and quite brutal, but it had served its purpose: to teach a Militia Squad how to properly behave during a landing operation. How to swim to shore in case they were forced to jump into the water, that they had to hold their weapons out of the water at any cost and to immediately find any possible cover the moment they set foot on the beach.

Alicia was making a little checklist in her head and contemplating how war can throw somebody into two completely different situation: until half a day before, she and the others were on the beach, enjoying the summer for once. Now they were all pressed into the landing craft, which was basically a cargo bed moving on water.

"So...good luck to everyone." one of the Marines, Corporal Burig, said in front of her.

"Keep your cool, and in two hours at most it will be ours." Sergeant Barsen said.

Alicia had been quite surprised to see him again after Reite, but then again, the Gallian Marines were the size of a single battalion. It wasn't that difficult that they would be on this operation.

At the very least, Alicia noted in her head, the Marines took their pride in a good way: while most Army units outside the 1st CAD were notorious for sending the Militia at the front as meat shields, the Marines were taking point. Both in that landing craft and the one with the Shamrock on it, the small Marine squads were in front, which risked making them the first victims of enemy fire.

Behind them, there was the craft reserved exclusively for the Edelweiss, given the size of the tank. As the crafts descended from the ramp of the Federal amphibious carrier, they splashed into the water and then started their run toward the beach.

Meanwhile, the GN Gilroy, Randgriz and Leuter opened fire with their cannons. The sands of the beach were soon engulfed in terrifying explosions that rocked the first imperial outpost behind the gorge, but most of the base was well-protected by the conformation of the canyon. Only the airplanes would have had a chance to bombard it, but the scouts had identified two anti-air turrets, now equipped with four synchronized machine-guns. Therefore, the base had to be taken by ground assault.

As the cannons kept rumbling regularly and the projectiles flew over their heads, Squad 7 waited as the crafts inevitably brought them toward the sandy shore of Marberry. One or two threw up because of the seasickness, but to their great relief, the imperial bunkers on the beach did not fire.

"Looks like the kids did their part." Rosie commented next to Alicia.

Finally, the LC finally hit the few wooden obstacles covering the beach and the ramp lowered with a slam into the water.

"Come on, move it!" Barsen quickly exhorted as he ran down the ramp first, leading his Marines and with the Militia following through.

On their left, the Edelweiss was disembarking and the first thing it did was to fire a smoke round. The shell landed some twenty meters in front and created a thick curtain for the infantry to advance unimpeded, but yet no bullet came from the bunkers excavated in the rocky walls of the gorge.

"Don't stop! Charge through!" Barsen incited, staying in front of everyone.

Just behind the gorge, the Imperials had placed a few sandbags and a small guardhouse, clearly not expecting any major assault there. Caught completely by surprise, and thanks to the Marine's quick action, the sentries were gunned down immediately and the Gallians occupied a foothold.

In order to reach the base, they would then have to keep pushing down the short canyon, making even a turn that had a few sandbag barricades, but as expected, the Imperials were woefully unprepared to defend against an assault from the sea.

As even the Edelweiss and the Shamrock managed to get inside the canyon, by exercising enough caution and with allied fire coming from the top, after nearly an hour and only a handful of wounded, the Gallians had completely overcome the imperial base.

It was at that point that the guardian angels of Squad 7 showed up: the Nameless.

"Kurt. I guess it's you guys we must thank for that fire support." Welkin joked as he climbed out of his tank.

"Don't sell yourself too short, Welkin. You all fought very well. Besides, the ones you should really thank you is those two."

Kurt quickly pointed at Ramal and Kiril, who were waltzing in alongside their comrades of the 422, all of which were also encircling those two and making frenzied comments or compliments.

"You probably didn't see them," the Captain kept explaining satisfied. "But not only the two of them managed to climb down into one of the bunker, they seized a machine-gun and neutralized the opposite post before you guys even touched the beach."

"How did you just ran down that precipice?! That was so cool!" Private Annika Alcott asked amazed.

"It's called 'rappelling'." Ramal said humbly. "Maybe we'll show you one day."

"Ah, I should've expected that." Welkin commented amused, then he turned toward his Sergeant. "Alicia, have the squad make another sweep, just to be safe."

The young woman nodded and then went to form three small teams to check the various corners of the base, while the Edelweiss waited in front of the tunnel leading out of the estuary. Since there wasn't much use for the tank anymore, Welkin proceeded on foot, so Isara used the chance to slip out of the driver seat and finally see Ramal after a week that had seemed unending.

The Sergeant saw her and also smiled fondly. The two shared a heartfelt hug, then Isara put her arms around his neck and pulled him down so she could kiss him. The two chuckled without any care in the world.

"I really missed you." Isara said.

"Come on, it wasn't that long." Ramal joked.

Isara's smile became a bit more embarrassed, as she briefly looked away. "Right…"

Ramal caught up to it and became slightly alarmed. "What's up?"

Isara struggled to find the words, and in that brief moment of silence, Rama's conditioning kicked in and he gave a quick look to their surroundings, since they were still in an active war zone.

And would you ever believe it: right at that moment he saw an Imperial marksman peeking out from the hut in front of the tunnel and clearly aiming at the two of them.

"Sniper!" he yelled and pushed Isara back behind the Edelweiss.

That happened before a shot resonated all around the canyon. As Isara just finished falling on the ground, she then saw Ramal being hit on the left part of his chest and slamming on the ground, as well.

For a moment she just froze in confusion. Only as the other Gallians promptly reacted by opening a concerto of weapons cracks toward the last imperial stragglers did she finally realized what had just happened. She scrambled to get back up and sprinted on top of her lover.

"Ram!" she said, with a trembling attempt of screaming. "Ram, respond!" she said. She then took a mental breather and recalled the first aid training.

But it wasn't necessary: Ramal suddenly grunted in pain and went to lay on his back by himself.

As the firefight continued around them, Ramal kept grunting and breathing loudly. Something was clearly giving him a huge deal of pain, but he still moved on his own.

"Come on!" Isara exhorted, dragging him toward the cover of the Edelweiss, but given her slender build, if Ramal hadn't pushed with his own legs, her attempt would have been quite fruitless.

Suddenly, Kiril also appeared out of nowhere, diving right next to his friend.

"Ram! Are you hurt?!"

"I…" the other Sergeant grunted, then he passed his right hand on the part of the chest that had been hit. "I think I'm...quite fine…?" he said puzzled.

Right then, the weapons finally quieted and some other came to see how he was doing.

But before anyone could get any more worried, Ramal realized something and put his hand inside his jacket. A moment later, he dragged out the Darcsen doll, with the bullet planted right into its body of straws.

Everyone just looked at the scene with falling jaws. The sheer size of that stroke of luck was appalling.

Finally, Zaka commented the situation. "Looks like the charm worked."

That finally moved the situation forward, and everyone reacted with either disapproval for the joke or bursting out laughing.

Kiril and Ramal laughed, Isara added tears to that as she leaned in to put her head on his chest.

Except that the Sergeant yelled when that happened.

"Sorry, sorry!" Isara reacted terrified and sincere.

"Gh...it still hurts!" he commented.

"Let me have a look." Amy Apple, a young support soldier of Squad 422 said as she knelt in front of him and calmly asked "Kiril, would you remove his jacket in this area?"

"On it." Kiril replied and hastily removed the rucksack, the bandolier and the Vilcrum vest.

It quickly became clear that Ramal had a very apparent bruise.

"You might have avoided getting another hole, but it might have given you a fracture. I'll apply some ragnaid…"

"Don't." Ramal still said as he struggled with the pain. "We don't have the luxury to waste it on this. Let's hear the doc, first."

Amy would have clearly preferred to proceed with the medication, but Ramal had a point: although painful, his wound would most likely repair itself with a week or so of proper rest. It was useless to use something as precious as ragnaid unless his life was really hanging on a thread.

"All right. Let's get you back to the evac point."

"Come on, man." Kiril said as he grabbed Ramal's right arm and put it around his neck to help him stand up.


Marberry Shore was safe, and so two more battalions of the Third Regiment were sent in, amassing forces for an attack that had to be launched the next day.

After a visit from a medical officer, Ramal was deemed clearly out of danger. He had to put a cord to keep his arm and shoulder immobilized for a couple of days, and he had to rest for a whole week, but he was far from danger and he refused to be sent back to the rear for such a short amount of time.

So noon came, and once everyone from the morning battle had taken some rest, Welkin asked his Squad to gather around to make an important announcement. Isara was standing next to him, alongside someone whose presence alone rose many questions: Kreis Czerny, outfitted with the uniform and kit of a tank driver.

"Everyone, thank you for coming. I felt like you all deserved to know this." he started, though the thought partially made him sad, as well. "Starting tomorrow, Kreis will take Isara's place as the tank driver of the Edelweiss, while she will head back to Randgriz."

A surprised murmur rose from Squad 7. As for the two GSS listening in, Kiril was more concerned for the reaction of his friend. In fact, Ramal was taken aback, but he was set on listening the whole speech to the end before deciding how he should feel.

"I cannot get into details, but all I can say is that Isara is being transferred to the R Department. It's a huge opportunity for her to start building a career for herself even after the war, so I encouraged her to accept."

Isara made a step forward. "Everyone. I won't lie: I feel an unbearable guilt, knowing that I'm going to a safe place while you keep risking your lives on the frontline. All I can offer you is the promise that I will give everything I've got into this project, and into creating anything that will help you win the war sooner." as she made her promise, her head was bowed in a show of humility.

After a brief silence, Rosie commented with a joking tone. "Well, about time they noticed you."

"Uh?" Isara muttered. That wasn't much the reaction she expected.

"Let's be real, girl." the woman kept going with a sisterly smile. "I have been thinking that you are kinda wasted just driving a tank."

"Yeah." Largo came in. "Your mind is too bright to risk it on the frontline. I know you can do your best in a lab."

"Make sure you give us the weapons we need to chase the Imps out of Gallia." Wavy commented.

"That's where you deserve to be, Isara." Private Lynn said in a friendly tone.

"We're gonna miss you, sis." Sheila finally said, reaching Isara and patting her shoulder, then she turned toward the newcomer. "Kreis, welcome to the team."

Not thinking anyone would talk to him so soon, Kreis snapped out of his silence. "Oh, thank you. I know I'm not even remotely skilled as Isara, but I'll give everything I got to see us through this war."

"You see, Is?" Sheila added to her friend. "We'll be fine. I truly wish you all the best."

"Guys…" Isara said with a broken voice and tears starting to swell in front of all that warmth they were giving her. Even more when the group stood up and started getting around her to giver her one last goodbye.

After Sheila, it was Rosie the first one to go and give her a friendly hug. "I'm gonna miss you, dark-hair." she said, no more with the despise that marked their first interactions.

Isara returned the hug. "Rosie...next time we see, I'd like to hear you sing." she then asked a bit timidly.

Rosie undid the hug and looked at her a bit weirded out. "You want...to hear me sing?"

Isara nodded with a lovable face. "I always hear you humming, and I know you used to be a singer. I'd really love to hear your real performance."

A bit embarrassed, Rosie smirked and scratched her head, then took some courage and replied "All right, then. It's a promise."

Farewells were spent, until the squad returned to enjoy some time off and Isara was left with what appeared to be the worst part of all this: talk to the young man that she loved and felt like she had wronged him by not telling him anything sooner.

"Oh, I'm not mad at all." Ramal said after she had just apologized.

"Wait...really?"

Ramal chuckled. "Erwin did tell me that they were scouting you. I had plenty of time to come to terms with it, but I share the same sentiment as everyone else: you deserve this opportunity."

She had prepared for a heated argument, so when the situation turned out so well, Isara was left a bit dumbfounded. Then she sighed. "I can't believe how you're so okay with it. I mean...here I am, feeling guilty that I'm abandoning you and the others, while you…"

"Hey, you're not abandoning anyone." he immediately defended. "In fact, I'm sure you can give your greatest contribution by building new toys that will allow us to shorten the war. And sure, I'm gonna miss you a lot, but...maybe we can still see when I'm on leave?" he said optimistically even though he knew that wasn't an easy project to realize.

Isara made a slightly consoled smile, then reached for his hand. "Well...we have some time until I leave tomorrow."

"I was worried you wouldn't notice." Ramal said before going and kissing her again.


August 9, 1937.

"With Fouzen gone and Gregor dead, our current chances of subjugating Gallia are basically non-existent." Aduin reported calmly at the War Council. "We also received news that the United States of Vinland might be inclined to aid the Federation after the discovery of what Gregor was doing at Fouzen."

"As long as they send a few peasants and some weapons, Vinland doesn't represent much of a threat." Maximillian said from his throne-shaped chair. "Rather, Master Aduin, what do you make of Our plan?"

In the room, Jaeger and Selvaria turned their heads toward the old Valkyrur. The latter in particular had a spark of trepidation in her cold eyes, as if she was fervently hoping that her mentor would just go ahead and say those words.

"Truth be told, I am not one for head-on battles. However, this might be our only occasion to severely deplete, if not destroy, the enemy Valkyrian forces. A confrontation on the Naggiar is inevitable anyway, Your Grace, so my opinion is that your plan is logic enough to gain my approval. If you wish to carry on a decisive battle, just give us the order."

"Good." Maximillian replied, then turned toward the Valkyria in the room. "Selvaria, you will be the spearhead of this operation. It's time to show the world what you and your Valkyrian sisters are capable of."

Selvaria made the imperial salute and lowered her head. "Yes, Your Grace. On my blood as a Valkyria, I promise that Gallia will bow in front of you soon."

"Go, then. Bring us victory." the Prince ordered with his composed demeanor. "Jaeger, you will accompany us as our escort."

"Of course, Your Grace." the General replied.

"Come on, Selvaria. We need to prepare your sisters." Aduin instead said. Both him and the woman took their leave and headed toward the section of Ghirlandaio that had been reserved to Task Force Asgard.

Here they found the total of 22 Valkyrias actively fighting for the Imperial Army alongside the members of Calamity Raven and Ausbruch. In fact, Aduin saw Dahau and Walz talking about military tactics before they noticed their boss and went to stand informally at attention. As Aduin and Selvaria stopped just past the door, everyone slowly started to notice them and that they clearly had an announcement to make, so all the Valkyrias also gathered around. Once she had the undivided attention of the room, Selvaria spoke up.

"Sisters of Valkyrur blood. The moment of our greatest triumph is approaching." she proclaimed with vigorous confidence. "His Grace has decided to lure the arrogant Gallians to a final battle at the Naggiar plains. There, we will show the superiority of our resolve."

The other Valkyrias listened with a mix of excitement and somber acknowledgment. For sure, they all understood that a direct confrontation against the Gallian Valkyrias may not have ended well for many of them.

"The battle in front of us may just determine the future of this war." Aduin explained calmly. "I expect all of you to give until your last drop of blood for the cause." then he suddenly whipped out one of his swords. "I will always be in front of you."

That declaration alone was enough to convince all the Valkyrias, most of whom saw him as a leader if not a father figure outright, to steel their resolves. And while he told them to get in the courtyard and start the daily training, Aduin took Dahau, Walz and even Crymaria on the sideline.

"Gentlemen, despite what I said, I have a mission for you that is way too important to leave it in the hands of the Army alone." he said with a humble demeanor.

"We're listening." Dahau calmly replied.

"You...are cutting me from the battle?" Crymaria asked, with a tone that Aduin knew far too well.

Immediately, the old Valkyrur turned toward her and reached her arm. "Crymaria, this mission will grant us a future if things at Naggiar end up in the wrong way for us. I'm sending you because you are the most powerful Valkyria we have. I need you to lend your power to Dahau and Walz."

"The...most powerful…?" Crymaria asked baffled.

"Precisely. By far you have the greatest destructive power. We have worked a lot on your control, now show me that you are worthy of my trust."

The woman took a moment to reflect, then finally nodded with more resolve than before.

"Oh, I almost forgot…" Aduin said before turning toward a dark corner of the room. "Get here, you two."

The synchronized groan of two voices erupted from there, and soon enough Nikola and Chiara emerged from the shadows. "I thought we had it, this time." Chiara lamented in frustration.

"You're getting better, though." Dahau slightly quipped. "I only thought there was someone there."

"Why do you have to sneak around even when it's just us?" Walz asked instead.

"Uh, because it's so funny to see your faces when we do that." Nikola replied amused.

"Anyway." Aduin interjected severely and everyone focused their attention on him. He then took a map and handed it to the two officers. "The Federation is still advancing into the southern part of the Empire. Soon, they will reach the city of Weiden, where there is a research facility vital for our group. I need you guys to head there as soon as possible and aid in the evacuation of the personnel and all the data inside."

Walz noticed that it was several hundred km away from Ghirlandaio and commented "Hot damn, that's quite a trip. What's so important about that facility?"

Aduin shook his head. "I'm sorry, guys. I can't tell you, right now, not when you risk being captured in the next battle: return back alive, and I will share it with you, I promise."

"So I suppose this is some kind of secret weapon." Dahau commented unfazed.

"As I said: not now." Aduin simply replied.

"Very well, then." Walz said and turned toward his men. "Otto, prepare for a long trip. We need to leave as soon as we manage to get a train."

"Yes, sir!" his attendant saluted.

"Good luck, people." Aduin wished.

"You too, my Lord." Dahau replied.

"Don't die out there. It would be quite pathetic." Nikola said, in a twisted way to show her respect, and Chiara nodded.

Adrien huffed amused. "I suppose it would."