A Victory Earned

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The storm outside raged like a beast, its winds battering the palace windows, as Jakob Monn stood in his war room, focused on the glowing map that hovered before him. The room felt small and suffocating despite its grandeur, but Jakob was used to it. The weight of the Kingdom’s future pressed heavily on his shoulders.

Minutes earlier, he had received word that the battle for Wyrmfen had turned in their favor. His mind was still processing the reality of it: the Marines had successfully held the line against the Dominion forces. But the situation wasn’t over—not yet. Reinforcements were needed to consolidate the victory and ensure Wyrmfen’s continued allegiance to the Kingdom.

Jakob turned as the door opened, and Admiral Caelan Orick entered. Tall and unyielding, Orick was the kind of officer who had seen the horrors of war firsthand, and his presence always grounded Jakob, reminding him of what was at stake.

"Your Majesty," Orick began, his voice calm, but there was a fire behind his words. "The battle is won, but the Marines need reinforcements. The Dominion forces are retreating for now, but they’re far from broken. Wyrmfen’s borders remain vulnerable."

Jakob absorbed the information with the practiced calm of a ruler who had lived through countless battles. He knew the significance of this victory—Wyrmfen was crucial to the unification of the Kingdom—but he also knew that securing it now was just the beginning.

"I’ll join them," Jakob said firmly. "Prepare the Royal 1st Fleet. We’ll reinforce the Marines and solidify the victory. The Dominion won’t recover from this—not if I have anything to say about it."

Orick nodded, a small, approving smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "At once, Your Majesty."

---

Royal Palace, Landing Pad

The howling winds outside were nothing compared to the noise that greeted Jakob as he stepped onto the Royal Palace’s landing pad. A Thunderstrike Dropship hovered just above the ground, ready to transport Jakob to his flagship, The Eternal. The enormous carrier floated in the sky like a leviathan, its immense hull bristling with weaponry, its engines humming with quiet power.

Jakob stepped onto the platform, flanked by his personal Royal Guard. He exchanged a brief nod with Ghost, who stood by, ever watchful.

"Is everything ready?" Jakob asked, his voice clear, but tinged with the responsibility of the moment.

"Everything’s in place," Ghost replied, his tone reassuring. "The Royal 1st Fleet is prepared, and the Knights are mobilizing for deployment. You’ll be safe once you're aboard The Eternal, Jakob. You have my word."

Jakob nodded and boarded the Thunderstrike Dropship, settling into the seat as it lifted off from the palace grounds. The dropship cut through the stormy skies, heading toward the colossal form of The Eternal as it hovered above Wyrmfen’s rugged landscape.

---

The Eternal, Hangar Bay

The Thunderstrike Dropship docked with The Eternal, and Jakob was swiftly escorted onto the carrier. The familiar hum of the flagship filled the air as he made his way toward the command center. The size and scale of The Eternal never ceased to amaze him. It was not just a ship; it was a fortress, capable of holding the kingdom’s most elite forces—Knights, Marines, and countless ground vehicles.

Jakob stood in the main hangar bay, watching as the Knights began to deploy from their landing platforms. These elite soldiers were the backbone of the Kingdom’s military might, specially trained to operate both in the air and on the ground. Their battle armor gleamed in the dim light of the hangar as they boarded their transports—ready for deployment to Wyrmfen's frontlines.

Jakob observed the scene with a steady gaze, knowing the weight of this moment. The Knights would be the key to securing Wyrmfen's victory. However, Jakob’s own role was yet to come. He could not afford to risk himself until he was certain the situation was stable.

"Ghost," Jakob called, his voice firm. "I’ll follow once you’ve confirmed the Knights have secured the perimeter. I can’t afford to make myself a target until the enemy is neutralized."

"I understand," Ghost replied without hesitation, giving Jakob a sharp nod. "I’ll guarantee your safety. The Knights are already moving out, and I’ll ensure the enemy remains contained. You have my word."

Jakob gave a brief nod, trusting Ghost’s experience. His Royal Guard Captain would ensure that Jakob’s safety was secured while the Knights executed their mission. Jakob remained in the hangar bay, watching as the Knights embarked on their assault. He felt the familiar surge of anticipation—a king on the battlefield, yet unwilling to risk everything until the right moment.

---

Wyrmfen, Frontline Command Post

Meanwhile, Ghost had already moved out with the Knights. Their heavy boots thudded across the rocky ground as they approached the frontlines, ready to clear out the last of the Dominion forces. Their movements were calculated, each step taken with the certainty of elite soldiers trained for combat in any environment.

Jakob’s attention remained focused on the scene in the distance as he waited for word from Ghost. He knew his forces had the upper hand, but he wouldn’t make his move until he had complete certainty. His role now was one of leadership, not recklessness. He would give his orders, but he wouldn’t gamble with the Kingdom’s future—not yet.

---

The Eternal, Command Deck

After several long minutes, Jakob’s communicator buzzed, and Ghost’s voice came through, calm and steady.

"Jakob, the perimeter is secure. The Knights have cleared the area. You can join the frontlines now. We’ve got this."

Jakob stood up straight, the decision made. "I’ll meet you there."

---

Wyrmfen, Frontline

As Jakob descended onto the battlefield, his presence added to the growing momentum of the Marines and Knights. With the perimeter secured, Jakob joined his forces, providing strategic direction and solidifying the victory over the Dominion. The battle, though hard-fought, was now truly in their hands.

The forces of Wyrmfen had held fast, and with the arrival of The Eternal and its reinforcements, the Kingdom’s might was undeniable.

---

End of Chapter Five.

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