"To the President, I have received word from our combat forces that the enemy attack has been repelled. The northern front had advanced a quarter kilometer, claiming enemy entrenchments. 3rd Armor Brigade, 4th ID had rescued the Unity beach landing zone and are mopping stragglers. For Salva, Colonel Hackett and Colonel Burke had secured the city.

Our QRF from Earth, 3rd Battalion, 1st Astralis Division, is conducting a blanket sweep from Indolass to Salva to remove any remaining Unity pockets. Those not neutralized troops retreated to Vagahm territory when the landing zone was captured. From there, they were evacuated by airships and naval ships, retreating to the port of City-State Tarvass. There was a debate about deploying an intervention force against the retreating enemy; however, I denied any counterattack for two reasons.

1) The enemy attack has crippled the critical capability our forces had on Alagore to the extent that I was concerned about overextension. Plus, after a long night of combat, with wounded and exhaustion spread throughout the battlespace, it was more important to reform. 2) We, and the Aristocracy, have a treaty with Vagahm to respect their sovereignty and neutrality, which the Unity had violated. I have reports that border guards have clashed against the Unity forces and a public disowning from the city. Clearly, the dwarves had sympathies for our cause, and I did not want to jeopardize positive relations with them. Now, I have moral high ground with the other city-states in the region.

Casualties are still being identified. Preliminary reports show that the enemy was going for the kill in this battle, going after our support units. 4th MDTF Odysseus Battalion, Air Defense Battalion, and 4th ID Artillery suffered significant damage. If the enemy forms for a counterattack, we do not have the combat support, so I am deploying the rest of the 1st Astralis Division to reinforce our lines, temporarily swapping Division Missile Artillery with 4th MDTF and 4th Artillery until they recover.

However, I don't worry about an imminent counterattack. The enemy is withdrawing from their positions around Salva and the northern plateau. We are working on recon teams to investigate the status of the enemy, but they can no longer sustain the blockade. I want to give it a few hours, but we have uplifted the siege and achieved victory." - Lieutenant General Sherman, Corps VII

April 20th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Salva Plaza, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Ryder stood, his leg gently trembling from the burning pain. Though treated as a minor wound, his battlesuit had absorbed the brunt of the energy blast. The medic assured him that he would be combat-ready within a few days.

After the battle on the plateau, the Comanche returned to Salva, taking refuge in one of the interior plazas. With the fighting over, civilians emerged from emergency bunkers to begin recovery efforts and deliver supplies to the battle-weary defenders.

The atmosphere was mixed. Some celebrated the victory over the enemy, but the carnage had left most in shock. Much of the recently rebuilt city lay in ruins. Many were still searching for loved ones or recovering from injuries.

Ryder looked toward Natilite, who sat on a piece of rubble, a towel wrapped around her. Gonzales and a Brevia Neko named Ayaka tended to the Valkyrie's back and wing wounds. The Maiden exfoliated the burns, removing necrotic tissue before Gonzales applied a burning gel—preparing the area for a Sanamancy mage's healing touch to prevent infection or accelerated degeneration.

Given the Templars' renowned regenerative abilities, Ryder knew the wounds must be severe. Though she would heal within a few days, he felt it necessary to ensure they were appropriately treated.

"Are you going to be okay? That does look bad," he asked.

"I should ask you that," Natilite replied. "My wound will recover, but that does not mean I am spared the pain."

"You kidding?" Gonzales said, still tending the wound. "On Earth, this kind of damage would mean a robotic replacement—or a ruined life. This is a miracle between the mage's work and your own healing."

"I never said it did not hurt," Natilite responded dryly.

Ryder chuckled. He turned to his daughter, who a medic had just checked. Nearby, Fraeya and Ar'lya sat wrapped in blankets, eating hot food. They bore bandages across their bodies and had been given several shots to prevent infections from contact with the Horde.

Assiaya stood. "Excuse me… I want to thank you for saving me. I truly believed I would be enslaved again."

"There's no need," Natilite replied gently. "I'm just happy you're safe."

"We're all just happy you're safe," Fraeya added, flinching as she received an anti-viral injection.

"Are you sure?" Ford asked. "You might've caught something from those goblins."

"I'm alive, Ben," Fraeya replied.

"Don't worry, Ben," Gonzales interjected. "I gave everyone a shot—just in case."

"I should thank you," Ar'lya said. "I'd be dead if you hadn't surrendered in the Dungeon. Who knew a vampire had honor?"

"I still feel my blood racing," Fraeya added. "That had to be the craziest thing I've ever been through."

"Craziest?" Natilite said with mock indignation. "Where have you been for the past six months?"

Fraeya tilted her head, ears perked in confusion. "Here?"

The group burst into laughter, further perplexing the Wood Elf. Ryder smiled, recalling the long and arduous journey they had all endured. Everyone had their trials, yet each had met and overcome them.

Rommel King approached from where the Comanche were resting. "Sir, everyone is at an acceptable status."

Ryder turned his gaze toward the city streets, watching tavern and bakery owners walk among the defenders, handing out drinks and food. The Twins had already grabbed three bottles and shared them with the unit. Cheering and celebration followed.

"I don't think that'll last long," Ryder said.

King sighed. "I'll put a stop to it."

"Let them enjoy it," Ryder said. "The other units are doing the same."

The Captain chuckled and thanked his XO for having his back, not just today, but throughout the campaign. King jokingly promised to remember it during tax season. King began teasing the Princess, and they laughed, just as Wallace arrived with two bottles. The burly soldier offered one to Ar'lya, then pulled it away teasingly before finally handing it over, complimenting her and Fraeya for their bravery.

"Big boy," Natilite said, grabbing the bottle. She took a long drink before passing it back.

"Sure, you don't want any, kid?" Wallace asked Assiaya.

She shook her head. "I like being a girl."

The crowd erupted in laughter, though Ryder remained confused. Wallace leaned over and whispered that he'd explain it later.

Just then, Ayaka approached.

"My Lord," she said, bowing slightly. "Lady Natilite's wounds will heal."

She glanced at King and froze.

"Can I help you?" King asked.

The Neko trembled and bowed to Ryder. "May… may I have permission to thank your comrade?"

The two men exchanged glances, but Ryder nodded.

"My Grace," Ayaka said to King, bowing deeply. "I know I am only a Maiden, but I have long wished to thank you for your aid. I am honored and blessed. Thank you for saving me."

Recognition dawned on King. During the goblin assault on the tunnel network beneath Vagahm, a Maiden had been attacked—one he had protected.

"It was nothing," King said. "I'm just glad you're well."

"I endured an infection, which delayed my gratitude… but I am forever blessed."

With that, she darted away, flustered. Ryder grinned. "I think the feline's got a crush on her knight in shining armor."

King swore under his breath.

A LIRV pulled up to the plaza, and Colonel William Hackett stepped out. He walked through his Minutemen and thanked them. He approached Assiaya, knelt, and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Welcome back, kid. I'm glad you're safe. But next time… don't do that."

"They were going to kill everyone," she said.

"I know. We'll talk more later. But that was very brave. Thank you."

Assiaya wiped her tears and embraced her father. He hugged her tightly, grateful they were reunited.

"What about us?" Ar'lya yelled. "That insane plan nearly got us—well… you know."

"I still can't believe I did that," Fraeya admitted. "My father would not be pleased."

After returning to Salva, Ryder had been informed of his mentor's plan—how the Elf and Farian were tasked with luring the enemy. Desperate, risky, and morally questionable, it had worked. It had also kept all three girls alive.

"Fraeya, Ar'lya," Ryder said. "I don't have the words to express my gratitude. Whatever you need—anything—you got it."

"I'm just happy everyone's back together," Fraeya said. "Family should stick together."

"I'll take that reward," Ar'lya quipped. "But next time, I'm not acting as goblin bait."

"No," Ryder said, catching their attention. "I know what you risked. I'm eternally grateful."

The two smiled at the recognition.

"Now," Hackett said, "we've won a major victory. The enemy is retreating. Salva is secure."

"Then it's time to party!" Ar'lya declared. "I love how you Americans party."

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Hackett chuckled. "I think that's a fine idea."

Assiaya jumped excitedly. "Is it time?" she asked.

"I say so," Hackett said. "I brought it with me. You should have the honors."

She rushed off, but Ryder instinctively stopped her. Hackett gave him a knowing nod. It was okay to let go.

Captain Smith escorted her to an AMTV. Behind it, a Deuce carried a massive, white-covered object. With the help of four yellow IRiSS units and several soldiers, they hauled it toward a newly installed 120-foot flagpole in the plaza's center.

Ryder noticed more women emerging from vehicles and joining Assiaya.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Rubbing salt in the wound," Hackett said. "We won today—but I want the enemy to see that they'll never win again."

"I wish it were that easy," Ryder muttered. "We barely survived."

"They're in the same situation," Hackett replied.

The massive bag was hoisted. It unfurled when it reached the top: a giant American flag, red and white stripes with a blue box of white stars, flowing above the city.

Another bag followed—a maroon-red banner bearing a grey tree on a hill symbolizing Salva.

Assiaya tackled her father's leg, pointing excitedly. "That's my secret project! Do you like it?"

It took Ryder a moment to realize what she meant. The flag wasn't finely pressed like Earth's—it was handmade. Patchworked together from cotton, wool, and nylon. Dozens of sacrifices were stitched into that symbol.

"You all did an amazing job," he said.

Hackett handed Ryder a note card. At the top, it read: "Defense of Fort M'Henry." Beneath were speech notes.

"I know you're exhausted," Hackett said. "But memorize this. I need you both."

They climbed onto a UGV Deuce and looked out over the plaza. Ryder saw the crowd staring. Public speaking unnerved him more than combat, but this moment was necessary. His daughter was the Princess of Salva—and by extension, he was a Duke.

He took a breath and spoke into the microphone. "During the War of 1812, the most powerful Empire attacked a lone Fort called M'Henry. The defenders were outnumbered and outgunned. Surrounded without hope of relief.

Throughout the night, as the brave soldiers endured an endless bombardment, they held their post in defense of their country, their home, and their families.

As you see behind me, our flags rose from the darkness in defiance of our enemies. A symbol that no matter how many times they attacked, our flag stood tall. So they fled, knowing they couldn't defeat the defenders' resolve.

Just like the Defense of Fort M'Henry, we stood here. We fought against unbelievable odds, saving a young nation. While the men of this great city fought, my daughter, the Princess of Salva, and many of your wives, sisters, and daughters worked tirelessly to create this flag.

A symbol of freedom and defiance from our world, stitched with the blood, sweat, and tears of yours. A symbol of unity."

The crowd erupted. American soldiers, Salva militia, and civilians alike cheered. Ryder's doubts melted away. He was accepted—not just as a leader, but as one of them.

Assiaya gave her own speech, thanking the women who helped with the project, telling their stories and sacrifices. The gloom over Salva had lifted, replaced by unity and pride.

Hackett stepped beside Ryder and whispered a single word: fight.

Ryder understood. He raised his fist and yelled, fight. Assiaya joined in. Then Hackett. Then the soldiers. The civilians. The militia.

The Elves shouted maeth. Others cried pugna.

Two worlds, one voice.

Ready for whatever comes next.

April 20th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Plateau, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Walking alongside the wounded, Vampire Lord Kallem Verliance saw the mark of defeat etched deep within their eyes. Victory had been within their grasp—only for the Altaerrie to rob them of it.

His army had come close to seizing the city, yet the Altaerrie refused to break. Though they had hoped otherwise, the flanks were never meant to breach the walls. The strategy centered on piercing the heart of the defense—to shatter the enemy's will by driving through the center. The plan hinged on Slava collapsing once the Unity eliminated the rear support. Bold, yes—but also valiant. Had it worked, victory would have been assured.

Yet, most critical of all had been his personal mission: capturing the enemy royal figurehead and her thrall—Assiaya. Even as the battle faltered, his Knights had again demonstrated their unshakable loyalty by successfully seizing her. Exploiting the Vagahm tunnel network—once used by the Minutemen to outflank their blockade—Tornlado infiltrated the enemy's inner sanctum and reached the palace dungeons.

And yet, once more, his most prized possession was wrenched from his grasp.

After attending to the troops and wounded, Kallem approached a ridgeline that overlooked the city. His Field Marshal, Verlcon Korva, stood nearby, speaking with General Dulok Jijdon about the collapse of their assault.

Though the fires within the Crebling City-State had been quenched, dozens of columns of smoke still billowed into the air. Destruction blanketed the landscape—walls shattered and scorched, crystalline defenses fractured beyond recognition.

"What is the situation?" Kallem asked.

"The Oralit'ee Kajia clan continues to cover our retreat," Verlcon reported. "Goblins remain scattered across these lands, engaging in skirmishes with our forces. The rest of the Brighton has withdrawn from Salva and is preparing to resume the siege."

"That is acceptable," Kallem replied. He turned to the Unity commander. "Securing our lines will take time."

"Victory was in our hands," Dulok said grimly. "We must strike again."

"Impossible," Verlcon countered. "By the time we can marshal fresh forces, the enemy will have recovered. We also have yet to address the persistent flanking attacks."

"My comrade speaks truth," Kallem agreed.

The Orc Grand General clenched his fist in frustration, the bitterness of failure evident. "If only you had retained that slave girl, we would not be retreating empty-handed. I still cannot understand how the enemy summoned a Horde."

Kallem was haunted by the memory—it was still vivid in his mind, reminiscent of the skirmish on the plateau. He had held her in his very hands. Then chaos struck. Plans laid with meticulous precision unraveled in an instant.

Fraeya—daughter of Raegel—had appeared atop an Altaerrie crawler, accompanied by an unknown Farian. They arrived where they should not have been, trailed by a horde that materialized from the rear and overwhelmed his encampment. He could not determine their origin, nor if the Altaerrie were somehow aligned with such savage forces. The most plausible theory was that the enemy encountered goblins during their tunneling efforts and, in desperation, manipulated them into attacking. It was a horrifyingly effective tactic—typical of the Americans—all for the sake of retrieving Assiaya.

Amid the upheaval, Captain Ryder and the Templar Natilite had arrived. Kallem anticipated a rescue attempt, but not with such audacity or swiftness. The pair fought valiantly, buying time for the Wood Elf, the Farian, and the Lat Princess to flee unscathed back to the city.

While Assiaya had once aided the Altaerrie man during his captivity, Kallem had grossly underestimated their bond. It had never occurred to him that this self-proclaimed Duke would risk everything for her—something even Assiaya's blood father would never have dared. The image of Ryder locking eyes with him as the battle drew close delivered a chilling message.

"It was no rogue Horde," Kallem said darkly. "I do not know how, but the humans must have encountered those creatures and used the two females to bait them. I warned you not to underestimate the Altaerrie."

Kallem's attention shifted as he noticed his son, Ere-hian, staring out over the ridge. He approached, and the boy pointed toward the city.

"Father," Ere-hian said, uncertainty in his voice. "They just raised a banner."

The Verliance Lord was momentarily puzzled. Banners were commonplace—his own castles bore hundreds in honor of their great empire. Why should this matter?

One of the scope operators provided clarification. A massive rectangular flag had been hoisted—bearing red, white, and blue. Its symbols mirrored those found on the shoulders of the American soldiers.

As debate broke out among the officers, Verlcon raised a hand to silence them. All turned to listen. At first, there was only wind. Then, a faint chant rose from the city, carried on the breeze. It grew until it echoed across the plateau. It came in many tongues but unified in meaning: one word—Fight.

"What does it mean?" Ere-hian asked.

Kallem pondered the significance of Altaerrie's defiance, but then the answer struck him with clarity. "Field Marshal, withdraw the Brighton back to Irishia."

"What?" Dulok balked. "We cannot abandon our positions here."

Kallem gestured toward the city. "Listen to them. They are not broken. Their Palatini and Minutemen are tearing through our supply lines, and that will only worsen after this setback. The Horde is broken, but stragglers roam freely."

"Our Lord speaks wisely," Verlcon said. "The Altaerrie will need time to fortify, and so do we."

Kallem felt his throat tighten. He was about to speak words he had never imagined uttering. "It is your decision, General, and I shall obey. But my advice is this—we must withdraw and stabilize our position."

Dulok retrieved his scope, his expression grim. Placing a hand on his hip, the Orc General turned toward the Vampire Lord. "I will defer to your judgment. We shall retreat and re-fortify our lines."

As the officers departed the ridge to initiate the retreat, Kallem remained behind, alone. From his vantage point, he could still hear the defiant chants rising from the city beneath the massive foreign banner.

The lessons of Ryder's escape had proven true. The Altaerrie were a people full of surprises. In mere weeks, this new force had arrived in Alagore, endured assault, adapted to chaos, and never once faltered beneath the pressure.

With the siege broken, all others left the plateau, but Kallem lingered. He looked down upon the battlefield—still haunted by what had transpired only hours before. Among all the chaos, there was one detail he kept to himself.

During the battle, Kallem had experienced a moment of autoscopy—as if hovering above the carnage, disembodied. It was a sensation he hadn't felt in centuries, not since he was a young warrior sitting beside a fire, speaking in secret with the one who had saved him during the war against the Kiriyaks.

He smirked at the realization. His connection with Assiaya Melder in a world of magic mirrored a phenomenon only the Linurel could awaken—an ancient ability offered by Tekali and her fairies.

Then, hearing his son approach from behind, Kallem finally turned from the city and departed—his mind already sharpening for the battles to come.

*****

My Fellow Americans. I am here to address the growing situation around Fort Carson and Space Base Raymond. The news reports about a significant military campaign at the facility are valid.

On March 1st, we encountered alien refugees within the NASA research compound at Space Base Raymon from a device we discovered only months prior called the Bridge. These aliens, which we have identified as Wood Elves, came through when we activated the device, followed by creatures we call Vampires. A short battle ensured this enemy captured many of our people in their world. However, we were able to protect one of the refugees.

From there, my Administration learned that the Bridge connects to a world called Alagore. In the aftermath, I sent the 5th Ranger Battalion, Minutemen, and the 4th Infantry Division to chase our people and secure a foothold. In the process, our forces engaged against enemy forces called the Unity and their vassal state, Verliance Aristocracy. This mission was intended to gather intelligence in this new world and open a dialogue with these Empires.

The refugees that came to Earth were sent from a City-State called Salva. After securing their side of the Bridge, I ordered our forces to Liberate the city from the Unity. That was when we discovered the horrific reality of why this world came to our aid. Similar to our past when fighting those with Utopian ideals, the Moon of Alagore has been ravished in a global war—a Coalition of free nations fighting against a dystopian power that wished for global dominance. From what we learned, all must adapt to the religion of the Katra, and those who refuse face execution.

This included the situation around Salva, with this new enemy committing genocide of these people and their leaders being taken to concentration camps for refusing to convert their religion.

Now let me be clear: the objective of this expedition was to rescue our people and investigate the situation in this new world. The desire was to find an opportunity to begin negotiations for peace. The enemy refused all attempts forms of dialogue and continued attacking our position and our Salva allies.

During one of our operations, three-manned Minutemen and a British team task force infiltrated the enemy base, rescuing some of our people and those who were captured at Salva. This included the last surviving member of the royal family of this region, Princess Assiaya.

With freeing the leader of Salva and witnessing the crimes being committed by the Unity, this left my Administration a choice. We can destroy the Bridge, ignoring the pleas for aid by the first alien contact in human history, or we can intervene and prevent genocide. As President, my first duty is to the American people.

However, let us explore that topic. We consider ourselves an Astralis Superpower, the strongest on Earth. We are fighters, frontiersmen, innovators, boldly going where no Man has gone before. We have been to the Moon and now beyond. We say we have entered a second Era of our Manifest Destiny, that it is our God's birthright to inherit the stars.

Many will say that this is not our fight. That we have no business intervening in Alagore affairs. However, with the recent battle that concluded yesterday around Salva, I have made my decision. Appearing on the side of your screen, you see pictures and audio less videos showing what has happened. As you can see, American soldiers fought side-by-side with the people of Salva – by the end, all chanting to Old Glory in victory. We started as people from two different worlds, but by the end, we were brothers in arms.

Then that begs the question: Do we consider ourselves God's chosen country, or will we turn aside the greatest scientific and theological discovery in human history? Now that the Battle for Salva is over, I will not pull the troops away but reinforce them.

I have spoken with the Princess and Lieutenant General Sherman, and we have agreed. The United States will guarantee defense of the City-State of Salva, and her backing on Daru'uie throne. Anyone within the Nevali Region who wishes to be free will be liberated and protected by us. I call upon Congress for a full declaration of war against the Unity and their vassals and with military might, push the crusaders out of the region and restore the previous regime.

I have already ordered elements of the 10th Mountain and 101st Airborne Divisions to aid the 4th Division, who bravely fought against the enemy in the defense of those who they just met. This world sought us for not just aid, but hope. While the United States did not war, we did not seek this conflict and after a brutal twenty-year war against the Cartels, we all wished to return to a sense of peace, but when destiny calls we must answer.

God Bless American." – President Michael Humphrey Oval Office live address

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