Valor and Insanity

Kamm, 914

Adler leaned against the cold stone wall, letting out a deep yawn as he meticulously cleaned his musket. The church was a sanctuary for the weary soldiers, each one finding solace in their own way. Some rested on the pews, others engaged in hushed conversations, while a few were lost in the rhythm of their writing, penning letters to distant loved ones. The atmosphere was heavy with a solemn silence, punctuated only by the soft murmurs of the men, the scratch of pens on paper, the occasional snore, and the haunting melody of the church organ.

The captain of their beleaguered company stood near the altar, conversing quietly with the priest. This church, one of the few in Konig, had only recently embraced Christianity, introduced by universe travelers eight years prior. Though not widely recognized, it had gained acceptance as a legitimate faith by the government.

Adler's senses suddenly heightened. The usual cacophony of flapping wings, growls, and screams from outside had ceased. With cautious steps, he approached the door and peered through the keyhole. The streets lay empty and silent, a stark contrast to the chaos they had grown accustomed to. He sighed in relief and turned to face the captain.

"Captain," Adler called out, his voice drawing the attention of his comrades. He felt a wave of unease at being the center of attention but pressed on. "The streets are quiet. I suggest this is our chance to go."

The captain paused, exchanging a glance with the military chaplain before addressing Adler. "Already?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's still dark out there. We should wait until daybreak."

"I understand, Captain, but this might be our only chance," Adler insisted.

The captain sighed, weighing the risks. "Are you absolutely sure they're gone?"

Adler nodded. "The streets have been silent for a while now. No sign of black wings or glowing eyes. We should move while we can."

Reluctantly, the captain agreed. "Very well, soldier. Men, gather your things! This might be our only opportunity!"

With their weapons clutched tightly, the company ventured into the desolate streets. The air was thick with tension, each soldier casting wary glances around, alert for any sign of the voidborns. The town was a grim tableau of destruction, with blood-stained walls and lifeless bodies scattered about—soldiers, locals, and voidborns alike. Adler felt a tremor of fear as he gripped his Type 25 Höllezorn, each step forward a test of their resolve.

The journey through the ruined town was fraught with anxiety, every shadow a potential threat. But they pressed on, driven by the hope of survival and the promise of a new dawn.

The journey through the ruined town was fraught with anxiety, every shadow a potential threat. But they pressed on, driven by the hope of survival and the promise of a new dawn.

After some time of walking, they reached a house, which happened to be infested with voidborns. The creatures screeched and flew at them with terrifying speed. Adler ducked to avoid a slashing attack, then knelt to the ground. "FIRE!" the captain bellowed. Adler and his comrades pulled their triggers, unleashing a hail of bullets that tore through the voidborns. After several intense minutes of gunfire, the captain drew his sabre. "DRAW YOUR SABRES AND CHARGE!" he commanded. With a collective yell, Adler and the others charged forward, their sabres slicing through the air. Blood splattered everywhere as their blades cut through the voidborns' flesh. Some of the creatures managed to block their attacks but were quickly overwhelmed and slain.

Panting heavily, Adler drove his sabre into a voidborn one last time before pulling it out. The creature let out a final groan before collapsing lifelessly. Adler glanced around, noting that they had only suffered two casualties. One soldier lay headless on the floor, blood pouring from his neck, his eyes wide open in a final expression of horror. The other had been dismembered, his limbs torn off and nowhere to be found, blood pooling around his mutilated body. Adler approached the headless soldier, crouching down to close his eyes. "Rest well," he murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for the families these men had left behind.