A general born to rule

the tensions rises

A City Interrupted

The sun was high in the sky as Marcus, Sam, and their companions wandered through the bustling streets of Karalina. Markets were alive with traders shouting their wares, the scent of roasted meats and exotic spices filling the air. Alara, Aislin, and Seraphine eagerly dragged Sam from one shop to another, while Valdrianna and Elandra walked beside Marcus, discussing various diplomatic matters.

“I must admit, for a city outside our lands, Karalina has a certain charm,” Elandra said, examining the intricate architecture around them.

“It does,” Valdrianna agreed. “But I still prefer the grandeur of my empire.”

Marcus smirked. “At least you both get a break from all the court politics back home.”

Before either of them could respond, a sharp crackle came through Marcus’s radio.

“Commander Marcus, Admiral Havrik speaking—report back immediately.”

Marcus pulled out the radio, his brow furrowing. “What’s the matter, Admiral?”

The urgency in the admiral’s voice was unmistakable. “We have an emergency. There are unknown military ships from an unrecognized nation positioning themselves into firing range—right at your current location.”

Marcus’s expression darkened as he exchanged glances with Sam.

“Unknown ships?” Sam asked.

“Yes, sir. Their movements suggest hostile intent. We need you and your entire group to return to the carrier immediately.”

Valdrianna’s golden eyes narrowed. “Who dares to fire upon us?”

Elandra’s hand hovered near the hilt of her dagger. “We need to move.”

Just as Marcus was about to respond, a thunderous explosion rocked the city. The ground trembled beneath them as plumes of smoke and fire erupted in the distance. Citizens screamed in panic, scrambling for cover as sirens blared through the air.

“Damn it,” Marcus growled, pressing his radio again. “Havrik, the bombardment has begun!”

“Understood, Commander. We’re attempting to hail the unknown vessels now. Stand by.”

Sam quickly grabbed his radio, contacting the Valorcrest Council. “We need intel on who’s attacking us. Send in Silent Eye to gather intelligence.”

One of the council members hesitated. “But, sir, you’re far offshore in unknown territory—”

Marcus cut in, his voice firm. “Then mobilize the Alliance Navy! I want the Freehold Republic, Darkthar Dwarves, Loritha Elves, and the Abyssal Dominion to meet up immediately. Tell them this is a coordinated defense effort.”

Elandra and Valdrianna quickly sent out their own orders, calling upon their respective fleets. Within moments, Valorcrest’s aircraft carrier sent a final warning to the unknown warships.

“Unidentified vessels, hold your fire or be engaged. This is your final warning.”

When the enemy ships refused to comply, the carrier responded with a series of warning shots. The rounds splashed into the ocean near the enemy fleet—but instead of retreating, the unknown warships fired again.

“Return fire!” the admiral ordered. Within seconds, the deck guns of the aircraft carrier roared to life, unleashing precise counterstrikes against the hostiles.

Meanwhile, across the vast landmasses beyond the sea, Reynolds and his forces scrambled to react. Unlike Valorcrest’s advanced military, these nations still relied on WWI and Napoleonic-era equipment. As the sirens blared, biplanes took to the skies, searching for the source of the missile strikes. Soldiers in steel helmets and long coats rushed to defensive positions as massive columns of horse-drawn artillery and early tanks rumbled through the streets.