"Christ, look at these streets... never seen anything worse than this, not even in the Middle East," muttered Tig, scanning the war-torn cityscape. Rubble and broken glass littered the ground as the team advanced through deserted streets, slipping between buildings and alleys torn apart by recent violence.

"Even the old ladies wanted in on the looting," Dutch remarked, nodding towards a pair of elderly women pushing shopping carts piled high with televisions and electronics. The sight was a grim testament to the desperation gripping the city.

"Stay alert," Tig ordered as they moved cautiously, keeping a low profile. Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice called out.

"Hey, you!" The team stopped, weapons ready as they turned to face a masked figure in a white cloak, his crude sword glinting under the dull light. He was flanked by several armed associates, their expressions hostile.

"Where do you think you're going?" the man demanded.

"We're made, Tig. What's the play?" whispered Tula, his rifle aimed at one of the unknowns.

"Hold fire," Tig instructed calmly.

The masked man looked them over suspiciously. "You don't look local, but you sure look like you're here for trouble. Are you with those black-and-blue coat people?"

Tig responded evenly, "We don't know who those people are, and we're not here to deal with you. We just want to get out of this place as fast as possible."

The man squinted, clearly unconvinced, but before he could press further, another group of white-cloaked men appeared, herding a line of unarmed civilians to their knees. Granite team watched the unfolding scene, immediately recognizing a public execution. Tig's jaw clenched; he knew they were about to cross a moral line.

"Look, this is none of your business," the man sneered. "Move along if you're wise, and let us handle these Chernobogians. They deserve every bit of what's coming."

Tig signaled the team to fall back, but as he turned to leave, he saw a young child among the prisoners, trembling and terrified. That was enough.

"Granite element—guns up," Tig ordered quietly. "Target the armed guys in white. Make 'em regret this."

In sync, the team assumed combat stance, picked their targets, and opened fire. The leader barely had time to react, his body jerking as bullets struck him down. His allies retaliated, charging forward with swords, but they were quickly overpowered. The gunfire faded, leaving only the moans of the injured.

After clearing the area, Tig and his team released the civilians, who looked at them with a mix of gratitude and fear.

"Thank you for saving us," said one man in a language Tula recognized. Tula replied with a nod, acknowledging them in their own tongue.

A woman holding her child approached cautiously. "Who are you people?"

"Just soldiers trying to get out, helping where we can," Tig answered. "Now listen—get to safety. Avoid crowds, and look for friendlies if you can."

"Wait, please..." the woman started to ask another question, but Tig cut her off gently.

"Just keep your heads down and get out of here. Godspeed."

With that, the team moved on, quickly distancing themselves for the sake of both their safety and that of the civilians.

"Did you see those people?" Poker asked, glancing back. "They... they had animal ears. That can't be real, right?"

"It's real," Dutch replied. "Looks like most of the locals have animal traits. Just another piece of the madness here."

After several minutes, the team took up position on an elevated rooftop, watching the ongoing battle through their scopes.

"Well, we've learned one thing," Dutch muttered. "Stay the hell away from those guys in white masks."

The others nodded grimly, each mentally preparing for what lay ahead. The streets were a maze of threats and allies, and every step forward felt like a step deeper into chaos.

POV: Rhodes Island

Just an hour after the Doctor's retrieval, Rhodes Island continued its cautious advance through the streets of Chernobog. Their objective was clear: reach the rendezvous with Nearl and Team E4.

"According to our planned route, we're approaching South Chernobog's central town," Instructor Dobermann stated, checking her map. "We'll reach the rendezvous point after crossing this park. Assuming there are no complications, Nearl and Team E4 should be waiting for us."

A Rhodes Island Guard shifted uneasily. "But... what if Nearl was attacked? What if they tried to reach us but couldn't because of the jamming? What would we do then?"

Dobermann hesitated, unsure. Amiya stepped forward. "We'll assess the situation as we go."

"Oh... right," the Guard said, trying to steady himself.

"Focus on what's in front of us," Ace advised firmly. "Don't let speculation get the best of you."

Dobermann took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the anxious faces of the team. "Losing communication has shaken us more than I anticipated... especially with the looming Catastrophe." She straightened up. "We need to keep moving. Pick up the pace, everyone."

Just then, thick smoke began to billow around them.

"What's with this haze...?" Amiya's eyes widened as she realized what was happening. "Everyone, heads up! Defensive positions!"

From the smoke, an unknown figure barked an order: "Kill them!"

Arrows from hidden snipers cut through the haze.

"Take cover! Incoming enemy fire!" Dobermann shouted, Rhodes Island operators scrambling to shield the Doctor.

"It's a trap...!" the Doctor muttered, ducking behind an abandoned car. Reunion forces were closing in from behind, and the Guard's earlier nerves erupted into panic.

"Reunion forces are behind us!" he stammered.

"Where's our scout?" Amiya demanded.

"They got separated!" another operator replied, voice tense.

Meanwhile, from the shadows, a woman watched with narrowed eyes, her grip tightening on her dagger.

"Rhodes Island... I've caught you," she muttered to herself with cold satisfaction. Then, with a raised voice, she commanded, "Kill them all!"

"This time, I'll grind you to dust," she spat, her voice seething with vengeance.

"Ace!" Amiya called out.

"Snipers, halt their advance! Defenders, hold the line!" Dobermann shouted, rallying her team. "Get ready to push forward!"

But a new voice, young and almost playful, rang out from within the haze. "Hold on, hold on!"

Every eye, including the Doctor's, turned to see a boy striding into view with a disturbing grin. "I just finished purging the Southeast Fortress, but I hurried here as soon as I got the news. After all, these are my hunting grounds, Crownslayer."

The woman — Crownslayer — spun toward him, scowling. "What are you doing here, Mephisto?"

"Isn't it time you handed them over to me?" Mephisto asked with a mocking tilt to his head, completely unfazed by the unfolding battle.

Crownslayer's lip curled in disgust. "Why would I?"

"Oh, come on," Mephisto replied with exaggerated calm, as though explaining something to a stubborn child. "They're just a few flies buzzing around. Are they really worth your time? You've already secured the core energy sector... your job here's done."

"Don't do anything reckless!" she snapped.

"You've got other places to be, don't you?" he replied with a taunting smile.

Crownslayer scoffed, finally relenting. "Fine. Have it your way. I can't wait to see you fail." With one last contemptuous look, she signaled her squad. "We're leaving."

The Rhode Islanders watched in confusion as one of the enemy leaders left, taking a sizable force with her.

"One of the leaders just... pulled her troops out?" Amiya whispered, baffled.

"What are they planning?" Dobermann muttered. "We can't let our guard down; they still outnumber us."

Mephisto turned back to Rhodes Island with a sly smile. "Apologies for Crownslayer's rudeness. You can call me Mephisto."

"What is Reunion trying to accomplish?" Dobermann asked, struggling to keep her frustration from showing.

Really, Dobermann? the Doctor thought. Now's not the time for a Q&A. Just grab a prisoner for later!

"Oh, nothing in particular," Mephisto answered with a nonchalant wave. "Honestly, I wouldn't mind letting you all go. You weren't our intended targets."

Amiya frowned. "If we're not your targets, then why are you—"

"But then I had the pleasure of watching you fight," Mephisto continued, ignoring her. "Your tactics, your personnel... it's all very... intriguing."

"'Intriguing'?" A feline Medic on the team glared at him. "You think this bloodshed is... interesting?"

"Rhodes Island... I read about you once," Mephisto went on, a glint of dark curiosity in his eyes. "I thought you were just another lab-coat operation. But it seems you're pushing beyond your little test tubes and petri dishes." He smirked. "Wouldn't it be a shame to let you slip away now?"

If I had an explosive, I'd throw it at this kid right now, the Doctor thought irritably.

"A little competition is all I ask," Mephisto continued, his tone almost gleeful. "A ritual of sorts."

"Enough of this," Dobermann growled under her breath. She glanced at Amiya, communicating telepathically, Amiya, we might have to break through. Get ready; I'll draw his attention.

[Mm, okay!] said the bunny girl

With that Dobermann pulled out a flare gun and fired it into the sky sending a signal

"...What was that just now? Who are you sending a signal to?" Mephisto amusedly asked, thinking that Rhodes Island was doing this as some sort of joke or some last ditch effort, though needless to say in his mind, he has the upper hand.

"None of your business, kid." Dobermann stoicly replied [Amiya?]

"Come on, we're professionals here. Where's your basic courtesy?"

"If people like you didn't exist, I wouldn't have to constantly be honing my insults!" Dobermann continued replying to this little twat [Amiya?]

[Dobermann... All of our escape routes have been blocked by his troops!] Amiya informed the instructor

[How can that be?! How did he managed to do that in just a few minutes--]

(Author: Probably because you were too engaged into this damn brat's monologue about his glory, smh.)

"This simply won't do," Mephisto drawled, a twisted edge to his voice. "I extended a sincere invitation... and all you can think of is running away?" His tone grew sharper, laced with unhinged delight, making the Doctor grit his teeth, a sentiment shared by many around him.

"Actually..." Mephisto went on, his raspy voice dripping with malice. "I'll let you leave my hunting grounds safely... as long as you win. Until then, my friends here will keep trying to kill you. It's your victory... as long as you don't die. Simple rules, right?"

"Ace!" Dobermann called, steeling herself.

Ace responded, voice steady. "We're ready to break through, but we'll need to hold them off first."

Amiya tried to reason with the sadistic youth, desperate to buy time. "Why are you doing this? A Catastrophe is coming! If we don't get out of Chernobog, then everyone will—"

"Why leave?" Mephisto interrupted, a look of mad excitement in his eyes. "The Catastrophe makes it the perfect time to celebrate."

The Doctor and Amiya exchanged a look of horror. The Doctor, barely briefed on what a Catastrophe even was due to his amnesia, grasped just enough to know how catastrophic it could be. And this kid is eager to watch it all burn, he thought, disgusted.

"Ah, my esteemed guests," Mephisto continued, sweeping his arm toward them in mock invitation. "I'm honored to host you for this little game."

Around him, Reunion soldiers raised their weapons, rallying to their commander's call, and chanted their war cries, closing in on the Rhodes Island defenses.

"Amiya, stay alert!" Dobermann called, her eyes scanning for an opening.

But Mephisto wasn't finished. He suddenly raised a finger as if he'd remembered something. "Oh, right... we know exactly what you did in the central area. That masked person you rescued..." he smirked, eyes gleaming. "I'm very curious."

At this, Amiya's gaze flicked to the Doctor, her concern obvious.

"Crownslayer might be obsessed with where you're headed next," Mephisto continued, his eyes narrowing on the Doctor, "but I'm interested in something else... something you have." He stepped closer, staring straight at the Doctor. "Yes, you. The one staring right back at me. You're... different from us, aren't you? Just what was that device that managed to preserve your life?"

The Doctor returned his gaze without flinching, unnerved but resolute.

"I'm not such a cold-hearted person," Mephisto taunted, feigning generosity. "So here's my offer—give me the Doctor as a gift. I'll let the rest of you go and spare us all the trouble. How about it?"

Amiya moved quickly to shield the Doctor, her determination unshakable. "Doctor, get behind me!"

The Doctor's voice came out firm, his resolve clear. "Not a chance, kid. I don't care how 'nice' you pretend to be—there's nothing you could say to make me hand myself over. I'd sooner keep my distance from you and your soldiers, if you can even call them that."

A twisted grin spread across Mephisto's face, his patience worn thin. Raising his hand, he pointed directly at Rhodes Island. "Fine, then," he sneered. "Attack!"

With that, Mephisto's soldiers charged, weapons raised, their cries filling the air as they clashed with Rhodes Island's defenders.

POV change: Cold Harbor Crisis Troop 'Granite'

"Looks like those white coats are fighting them," Poker observed, watching the distant skirmish through his scope.

"What's the play, Tig?" Tula asked, glancing toward their team leader.

"We're going to help them," replied Tig, his face resolute beneath the brim of his red flannel shirt.

Dutch, however, frowned. "Tig, we don't know who these people are, and they sure as hell don't know us. For all they know, we could be enemy reinforcements. And we're armed to the teeth—they'd see us as a threat on sight."

Tig met Dutch's gaze, unflinching. "I get the risks. But it's better to take a shot at figuring out who's friendly than sit here waiting for this to blow over. Sooner or later, the local forces or whoever runs this place will come looking for us—especially since we took down those white coats earlier. Unless you've got a better plan, we move. Now."

Dutch sighed, but there was no further argument; the decision had been made. Poker packed up his Barrett MRAD, slinging it onto his back, and the team fell into formation, leaving their cover and slipping back into the ruined streets of Chernobog.

As they moved, they passed huddled groups of civilians. Some had patches of strange black crystals embedded in their skin and looked weary and downtrodden. Granite team exchanged uneasy glances but knew they couldn't do anything for these people, no matter how much they wanted to.

Tula's gaze lingered on one civilian, a young man with black crystals jutting out of his shoulder. "What are those crystals?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

"Hold," Tig whispered, raising his fist. The team dropped to a crouch as they spotted strange, glowing creatures crawling along the street. They watched in silence until the glowing slugs slowly vanished out of sight.

Tig waited a moment longer before motioning them forward. "Let's move."

Poker, glancing back at the eerie creatures, muttered, "What were those things?"

"I don't know, Poker," Tig replied, scanning the street ahead. "But let's not stick around to find out."

POV change: Rhodes Island

"Incoming!" shouted Noir Corne, a Defender who threw himself in front of the Doctor just as a sniper's bolt nearly found its mark. The bolt thudded into his shield, stopping inches from the Doctor.

"Stay behind me, Doctor!" Noir Corne said firmly.

"Thank you—that was close," the Doctor replied, catching his breath.

"A bit too close for comfort, Doc," Noir Corne muttered as the skirmish raged on.

Twenty grueling minutes passed with Reunion showing no signs of letting up. Rhodes Island's operators were wounded and exhausted, though the Medics were doing all they could to keep them in fighting shape. However, fatigue was seeping in, and morale was fraying.

"Jeez, when are they giving up?" a Guard growled, yanking his sword free from a fallen Reunion soldier.

"This whole side's a damn mess!"

"Where's our reinforcements?" another operator yelled.

"Medic!" a Defender screamed as he took a bolt to the shoulder. A Medic rushed over, her Arts glowing as she stabilized him.

The Doctor took charge. "Defenders, don't bunch up. Spread out; we don't want to be an easy target for their Casters. Stay in cover to protect me."

Following his orders, the Defenders spread out, covering every possible angle to shield the Doctor.

"Amiya!" he called.

She looked back, ready for orders.

"Think we can push through their lines if we leapfrog?"

Amiya analyzed their formation and Reunion's positioning, then shook her head. "Not yet, Dokutah. We don't have the strength for that. For now, we just need to hold on a bit longer."

Nearby, a Medic was treating a wounded operator when a Reunion soldier suddenly broke through the defenses.

"Watch out!" A Guard lunged forward, stabbing the intruder in the back before he could strike the Medic.

"Are you okay?" he asked, helping the shaken Medic to her feet.

"I'm fine... just a scratch," she replied, glancing at her ripped sleeve and the shallow cut on her arm.

"Not good enough," Amiya muttered as she cast a bolt of Arts, taking down another advancing enemy. "If they keep this up, they'll overwhelm us."

Dobermann's voice crackled through the line. "I've identified a weak point in their ranks, but without backup, it's taking all we've got just to hold them off!"

"Focus on the snipers and Casters!" Amiya ordered. "Our own Casters can take care of the vanguard!"

A Rhodes Island sniper called out, "Doc, look out!" He fired, taking down an enemy sniper aiming for the Doctor.

The Doctor quickly assessed the left flank. "More Reunion snipers and Casters on the left! Adjust your fire!"

Rangers nodded, relaying the Doctor's orders to his snipers, who turned their aim left.

An enemy Caster unleashed a powerful strike, hammering the left flank and staggering the defenders. A group of Reunion soldiers, some wielding shields, charged forward.

"The left flank is crumbling!" a Defender yelled, struggling to hold the line. "Get up, or this side's gonna fall!"

Before he could rally his team, another blast from a Caster sent him reeling. He fell onto his back, watching as the enemy closed in. Helpless, he braced for the end, raising an arm to shield himself—until he heard rapid gunfire, dropping the attackers around him.

He looked up and saw a figure on a nearby rooftop, a man waving before ducking behind cover as Reunion snipers returned fire.

"This ain't the place to die, soldier! Get your men up and reform your line!" the stranger called out.

With renewed resolve, the Defender and his comrades pushed to their feet, as Rhodes Island Medics rushed in to heal their wounds and get them back into position.

"Who was that?" the Doctor muttered, noticing the rooftop shooter, but he quickly refocused on commanding his team.

Across the field, Mephisto watched the chaos with glee. "A new player? Wonderful! This is how battles should be fought. Keep struggling for me!"

Dobermann clenched her teeth, feeling a mix of rage and frustration as Mephisto's orders rang out, loud enough for everyone to hear. "This brat..."

"Excellent! Next, F3, F5!" Mephisto shouted, directing his soldiers like pieces on a game board.

A Guard gasped, "They're flanking us again!"

"Take two Defenders and a Sniper to intercept! Keep them tied up!" Amiya ordered urgently.

"Next, H2, H6!" Mephisto called out, reveling in the chaos.

"They're—rushing us head-on!" a Medic said nervously, her eyes darting to the tightening defensive line.

"Vanguards, move up and flush them out!" Ace commanded, positioning Rhodes Island's Vanguards to block the oncoming surge.

Watching the desperate struggle below, Mephisto laughed, a sickening sound of delight. "That's right—show me how you struggle! This is exactly what I wanted!"

POV change: Cold Harbor

"We need a better vantage point. Follow me," Tig said, signaling Granite Team to relocate. They moved swiftly through the ruined streets, keeping low until they found a position overlooking the skirmish between Rhodes Island and Reunion.

"This area's perfect for a machine gun position," Dutch noted as he scanned the perimeter. Tula nodded, setting down his gear and pulling out his customized M249 SAW—a formidable weapon equipped with a SOPMOD stock, Steiner DBAL-A3 IR laser, suppressor, and an ELCAN Spectre 1-4x scope chambered in .300 Blackout. He set the bipod on the parapet, checking his aim.

"You're cleared to fire, Tula," Tig reminded him, giving the green light.

"Roger that." Tula acknowledged, focusing downrange. He squeezed the trigger in controlled 4-5 round bursts, each burst pounding Reunion's forces with a steady rain of fire. His shots were soon joined by his teammates, who provided precise cover fire, picking off Reunion operatives and easing the pressure on Rhodes Island's defenders.

Together, Granite Team's sudden assault forced Reunion soldiers to hesitate, throwing their lines into disarray and giving Rhodes Island's operators a much-needed breather.

POV change: Rhodes Island

"Looks like we've got some new friends," the Doctor observed, watching the reinforcements join the fray.

"Or potential foes," Noir Corne muttered, still wary.

"Now, Casters, move to C7! Capture their Rook!" Mephisto's voice rang out, barking commands that sounded oddly like a twisted chess match.

"Enemy Casters incoming! They're hiding behind their Defenders!" Amiya reported.

"Take cover, now!" Dobermann yelled as the Reunion Casters unleashed a barrage of flames, forcing Rhodes Island to hunker down. Smoke and heat closed in, leaving many of them gasping for breath.

"Be snuffed out, like flames before a storm!" Mephisto jeered, his control over Reunion's forces tightening.

"Is he really commanding his troops like that?" Amiya muttered in disbelief. "Precise orders with nothing but chess moves? He's turned these disorderly thugs into an army... if he keeps exploiting his advantage, we'll be overwhelmed!"

"If we can just suppress him, their formation will fall apart," Dobermann urged. "Don't give him an inch, or we're done for!"

"We can't allow ourselves to be stalled any longer! There has to be some way to turn the tables... anything!" Amiya's voice held a note of desperation, her thoughts turning grim. "If we can't... the Doctor's going to..."

Just as defeat seemed inevitable, a sudden commotion erupted in the enemy's ranks.

"Gaaaahh!" Reunion soldiers screamed, thrown into the air as an unstoppable force smashed through their lines.

"What...?" Mephisto's shock was evident. "What's going on? Why are my men being flung around like that?" Then he caught sight of the new arrivals. "What the... who are they?"

Rhodes Island's operators turned to see a figure clad in shining armor charging through the enemy ranks like a human battering ram.

"You guys sure took your sweet time," the armored woman called out, her voice calm yet commanding. "I even had time to help the civilians to safety."

Amiya and the others looked on in astonishment as the figure effortlessly cleared a path through the Reunion soldiers.

"Out of my way!" the armored woman shouted, her shield and handheld weapon swinging with deadly precision. Nearby Reunion soldiers scrambled to dodge, but most weren't fast enough to avoid her sweeping strikes.

"Let's hit them harder!" she rallied her team. "Don't give them a chance to regroup!"

"You got it," responded a soldier wearing green tactical gear, his rifle at the ready. He and seven other soldiers—each clad in a mix of tactical uniforms, each wielding different weapons—joined in the fight, working seamlessly with the knight-like woman.

Reunion's lines began to falter, the combined assault from Rhodes Island and the new arrivals overwhelming their hastily constructed defenses.

"Miss Nearl!" Amiya called out, relief evident in her voice.

"I'm here," replied Nearl, the Radiant Knight, with a confident smile as she approached. Her presence seemed to lift the spirits of everyone around her. "I'm glad to see you're safe, Amiya. Let's keep moving."

Dobermann, the instructor, let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you were deployed on this operation, Nearl."

"Using the signal flare was a wise choice," Nearl noted, assessing the battleground around them. "Looks like you've been having a rough time of it." Her gaze fell on the Doctor, who gave her a nod.

"You must be Dr. Rivette, correct?" she asked.

"Yes," the Doctor replied, nodding in acknowledgment.

Nearl straightened, giving a respectful bow. "Radiant Knight, Nearl, at your service. Your chariot has arrived, Doctor."

Her calm but resolute presence brought renewed energy to Rhodes Island's forces. Everyone felt a surge of confidence, knowing that Nearl, a powerful ally, was now leading the charge.

POV change: Cold Harbor

Poker let out a loud whistle, directing it at the group of soldiers who had joined the fray. "Yo! You guys contractors?"

One of the soldiers, caught off guard but amused, shouted back, "Yeah, how'd you know?"

Poker chuckled. "The mismatched gear kinda gives it away."

The contractor grinned. "You got us. Four of us are from United Security, the other four from BEAR."

"Norvinsk region, huh?" Poker replied with a smirk. "We're Cold Harbor. Been operating out in Syria."

"Not bad," the contractor responded, nodding in approval. "But hey, we should focus on helping these folks get clear of this mess, don't you think?"

Poker nodded firmly. "That's the plan. We're here for the same reason. Let's make it count—let's get them out!"

With quick nods of agreement, both groups moved into formation, coordinating their fire and using their combined skills to support Rhodes Island's forces and drive back the advancing Reunion soldiers. The unexpected alliance turned the tide of battle, creating an opportunity for a breakout.

POV change: Rhodes Island

The Doctor raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the contractors. "BEAR, USEC, and Cold Harbor? Interesting organizations." He hadn't expected to see private military contractors working together here.

Nearby, Mephisto observed Nearl with disdain. "What's with this woman..." he muttered, unnerved by her confidence.

Nearl met his gaze, unimpressed. "You there," she called out. "Reunion took over the Chernobog strongholds with precision, but your men act like deranged thugs—mindless slaughter, burning, and hunting innocents. Your commander ordered chaos, but you revel in it. Someone this depraved couldn't have designed a tactical strike; you're nothing more than a sadistic opportunist."

Mephisto's pride was visibly wounded. He clenched his jaw. "...Faust, shoot her in the mouth," he ordered, his voice dripping with anger. In a flash, Faust's bolt sailed through the air, slamming into Nearl's shield with explosive force.

"Nearl!" Amiya cried, moving to help her ally.

"That sniper is ridiculous," Dobermann exclaimed. "If Nearl gets hit again, she won't be able to defend herself!"

"Nearl, pull back!" Amiya urged.

But Nearl held her ground. "No—I can't. If I fall back, he'll hit our squads. I have to intercept his shots."

Meanwhile, Poker was already in action, setting up his MRAD and scanning for Faust. "Come on, show yourself," he muttered, his eyes locked through the scope.

Mephisto watched Nearl's unwavering stance in disbelief. "Impossible! Faust, fire again! Blow her to pieces!" Another bolt hurtled toward Nearl, but Ace intervened, shielding her.

"Hostile sniper is on the south platform, raised level!" Poker reported to Rhodes Island.

"You heard him," Amiya commanded. "Snipers, take aim! Fire!" In unison, the snipers targeted Faust's position, forcing him to retreat under the concentrated fire.

"Damn it!" Mephisto fumed, frustration clear on his face. "Why can't you just roll over and die?!"

With Faust suppressed, Amiya seized the moment. "Nearl, now's your chance! Go, and we'll push through!"

"All members of Team E4, follow me!" Nearl shouted. The combined forces of Rhodes Island, along with the USEC, BEAR, and Cold Harbor contractors, surged forward, breaking through Reunion's lines with fierce determination.

As they advanced, one of the USEC contractors called into his radio, "Raven, exit secured! Tell the rest to follow."

"Watch the windows and alleys," Poker advised, eyes still scanning for threats.

"Roger that, Demon. Left flank secure," came the response from a BEAR contractor.

Nearl led the Rhodes Island operators and contractors forward, dodging Reunion's scattered but desperate attempts to regroup. As they made their way through the debris-strewn streets of Chernobog, Poker's Cold Harbor team, having caught up, fell in line with the other squads. The temporary alliance was solidified as Raven from USEC exchanged radio frequencies with Nearl for better coordination.

"Nearl, we're moving through the alleys now and catching up fast. Reunion might regroup for another assault."

"Understood, we'll hold at a nearby construction area. The Doctor needs a moment to recover," Nearl replied over the comms.

As they regrouped, Poker glanced at the aftermath around them—fallen Reunion soldiers, wounded Rhodes Island operators, and the exhausted but relieved contractors. "Nearl, huh? That's a strong name," he remarked.

One of the BEAR contractors grunted, still catching his breath. "Da. Her team saved us. We were lost in this mess too. No idea how we even ended up here."

When they finally reached the rest of Rhodes Island, the exhausted forces were greeted by rows of fallen Reunion soldiers.

Dutch took in the sight and nodded. "You all held your ground well."

A Rhodes Island sniper chuckled. "We couldn't have done it without the Doctor's sharp strategies."

"A Doctor with tactical experience? Now that's something you don't see every day," said a BEAR contractor, his thick Russian accent unmistakable.

As the weary forces regrouped, a newfound respect grew between Rhodes Island and their unconventional allies, each recognizing that today's survival was owed to a shared determination—and a bit of luck in finding each other amidst the chaos.

Dobermann arrived with a relieved expression. "Scouting complete. I can confirm the enemies pursuing us have been eliminated." The announcement was met with a collective sigh of relief from the exhausted Rhodes Island operators. "We've broken through their encirclement. We'll be at the outskirts of Chernobog soon."

Ace nodded, his voice somber. "Even though we've taken out a small portion of their forces, it's a temporary victory. For now, at least, we're safe." His words were met with quiet agreement.

Nearl turned to Ace, gratitude in her voice. "Thank you for what you did back there. I'm forever in your debt."

Ace waved it off, uncomfortable with the attention. "Don't say that. I'm not the one who deserves thanks. Besides, I don't have the right to ask the Radiant Knight for repayment," he said, the modesty in his tone making it clear he wasn't one to seek accolades. Changing the subject quickly, he added, "Let's talk about that sniper."

Nearl's expression turned serious. "Putting aside the sheer destructive force of that ballista, I think..." she paused, thinking carefully. "He might have set up multiple turrets or other automatic devices in advance."

One of the USEC contractors spoke up, a grim look on his face. "If that's the case, we're dealing with an experienced combat engineer who can set up sentry turrets in minutes. Or, that sniper isn't alone—he might have his own team hiding around here."

"Both theories are plausible, but the second one seems more likely," Nearl replied, offering the contractor a rare compliment. "You're a sharp thinker."

She continued, "I was targeted from multiple locations, but I only saw one sniper. If we consider what we know about Reunion's squads, where those two soldiers had their own teams, it seems likely there's a coordinated effort."

Ace nodded. "I noticed something too. The first and second shots exploded almost simultaneously, but there was a slight delay between them. Those shots weren't fired from the same ballista." His eyes narrowed. "When we returned fire, we weren't aiming at the same sniper."

Nearl raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ace, did you realize something?"

"I can't say for sure, but what if the sniper was moving so quickly that he appeared to be in several places at once?" Ace's voice was thoughtful, but Nearl shook her head.

"No one can move that fast. But you're right—this isn't a time to underestimate Reunion." Her expression grew darker. "The sniper was just a part of their strategy. We can't be sure what else they've prepared."

Dobermann chimed in, his voice low but edged with anger. "That brat who commanded the sniper didn't even call for his support until we were deep into the fighting. He was planning this the whole time."

"Looks like his vile personality is backed by real power," Nearl added, her voice steely.

Ace remained quiet for a moment before adding, "But even in his rage, he didn't attack us directly."

"Either his combat abilities are lacking, or he's holding back, waiting for the right moment," Dobermann speculated. "But what really worries me is how he commanded his troops. It was like they were his puppets."

Nearl nodded in agreement. "But no matter what, we're no longer in his territory."

Amiya stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Nearl, thank you. If not for your timely arrival, we would have been in grave danger."

Nearl smiled warmly, though her eyes remained serious. "I was just doing my job. You were the one who took charge and solved the problem. You shouldn't doubt your own abilities, Amiya."

Nearl's voice softened as she glanced away. "When I was on my way here, I saw the extent of Reunion's destruction, and I couldn't help but wonder... What if I had engaged their forces sooner? What if I'd stayed behind to help Ursus, or waited at the rendezvous point for you?" She shook her head, frustrated with herself. "If I had called the shots, who knows how much worse things could have gotten."

Amiya hesitated, the weight of Nearl's words sinking in. "I... I'm not good at thinking several steps ahead. The only thing I know is to keep fighting." She paused before continuing softly, "But I don't always know if it's enough."

Nearl's smile softened, a knowing look in her eyes. "Amiya, you did it. You solved this problem. That's what counts. You've earned this victory, and you should have more confidence in yourself."

Amiya remained silent for a moment, taken aback by the knight's kind words. Finally, Nearl chuckled lightly to lighten the mood.

As the group moved on, Nearl looked at the hooded figure standing beside Amiya. "This person must be the Doctor, then," she said, her gaze curious.

"That's right," Amiya confirmed, but before she could continue, Dobermann interrupted with a wry smile.

"Every time we meet someone, Amiya ends up repeating the story about the Doctor's amnesia. It's a bit of a pain, really."

Nearl's smile softened, and she nodded. "Dr. Rivette... One of my friends lost her memories as well. I'm sure you two will get along just fine. After all, you understand how precious living in the present is."

Amiya smiled, a bit embarrassed, but grateful for Nearl's understanding. "Mhm...!"

Nearl clapped her hands, signaling the group to move out. "Alright, everyone. Let's keep moving. We still need to escort the Doctor to Rhodes Island."

The team began marching through the streets of Chernobog once again, but this time, there was a renewed sense of purpose. The immediate danger had passed, but the journey was far from over. And with new allies at their side, Rhodes Island's resolve had never been stronger.

(I'm not sure if this one feels appealing to read but shit, here we are.)