3rd POV, Frostbite Mountains

The wind howled across the icy plains of the northern border, a relentless force that carried the biting cold deep into the bones of anyone brave or foolish enough to be outside. But for Tilo, this was just another day at the edge of the Reich, where the landscape was as harsh as the enemies that lay beyond it. The towering peaks of the Frostbite Mountains loomed in the distance, a natural barrier between the Teutonic Reich and the Nordic Empire/Norse Federation.

Tilo stood next to his Panzermech, the massive machine half-covered in a thick layer of frost, despite the steam that hissed from its joints. He was dressed in his winter combat gear, thick and insulated against the cold, with a fur-lined helmet that offered some protection from the frigid air. His breath formed clouds as he worked, his gloved hands adjusting the new thruster pack he had been testing—the Sturmschwinge.

The Sturmschwinge was an upgrade from the standard thruster packs used by the Reich's Panzermechs. It was designed for maximum maneuverability in rough, icy terrain, using advanced steam jets and reinforced hydraulics to allow for sharp turns, quick bursts of speed, and more stable landings on uneven ground. It was a piece of equipment that Tilo had been eager to test in the field, knowing it could give him a significant edge in the brutal northern theater of the war.

"So ready to test the new bad boy out," a female voice said

He turned to see a beautiful woman walk up to him, wearing a scientist lab coat over a pair of greasy clothes. This was Dr. Lina von Wagner, she was one of the R&D workers for the military, she mainly worked on the mechs, developing new weapons for them. She was known for being a talented engineer as well, she was responsible for making the new internal comms for the Panzermechs

"Sure, as long as I don't blow up," Tilo said with a smile,"heard the last prototype nearly killed the pilot when the last model went boom."

"Yes, sadly we didn't calibrate the fuel system properly," Lina said as she smiled,"but don't worry, we double checked everything and made sure everything is fine. So why don't you get in and start the training, or do I have to kick you in?"

"Be lucky your my supervisor or this would turn into something else."

"Oohh kinky."

Tilo chuckled as he climbed into the cockpit, his breath still visible in the frigid air, and fired up the Panzermech's systems. The machine roared to life, the new thruster pack emitting a low hum as it powered up, the roar of the engines were like a lions pride roaring together. Tilo ran through the checklist, making sure everything was in order before taking it for a spin.

"Okay, this is Private Eisenhart of KR Panzermech 0-1," Tilo said into the internal comms,"beginning testing phase of Sturmschwinge thruster packs."

"Copy that Private Eisenhart," Lina said on comms,"test starts now."

Tilo started up the thrusters on the Panzermech, it moved with a surprising fluidity, gliding across the snow-covered ground as Tilo tested the thrusters, sending the mech into sharp turns and quick dashes. The Sturmschwinge responded beautifully, the steam jets firing with precision, allowing him to maneuver with ease despite the slippery terrain.

"How is it," Lina asked

"Moves like a dream," Tilo said as he glides on the ground,"I might kick it up a notch, let's see if this thing can handle the pressure."

"Okay, but keep it under 90%, we don't know what will happen if you push it to hard."

"Understood."

Just as he was about to push the thrusters to their limit, a sharp tone echoed through the cockpit, signaling an incoming communication. Tilo raised an eyebrow, humming as he flipped the switch to receive the call, the voice of his commanding officer crackling through the speakers.

"Eisenhart, this is North Command, we've got a situation," they said,"Nordic forces have crossed the border into Reich territory. They've been spotted moving through the Frostbite Mountains, likely on a reconnaissance mission, but they're heavily armed. We need you to intercept and engage, your call sign will be Rhino 04."

'Rhino 04, that's something,' Tilo thought

Tilo's eyes narrowed as he listened, he wondered why the two forces were moving onto Reich territory. They've had a long and peaceful truce, trade was the main income for the Nordic Empire, they haven't shown any hostile intentions. But if they did, they had a small military force with a sizable companies of Mechs, but not enough to challenge the Reich 

"Understood North Command, send me the coordinates," Tilo said,"also sir, why are they moving into Reich territory? We have a non-aggression pact with them."

"Coordinates are being transmitted now," the voice continued,"we'll have the Kanonier-88 field guns laying down suppressive fire to soften them up before you engage. Stay sharp, we don't know why they're coming onto our territory Eisenhart, but expect the worse soldier."

The coordinates flashed on Tilo's HUD, and he quickly memorized the location: Alpha-3, Echo-7, and Delta-5. These were deep within the Frostbite Mountains, where the terrain would be treacherous, even for the Nordic and Norse forces. But that also meant it would be tough going for his Panzermech, it was tough but an assault from all sides is tough much for it

"Copy that, North Command," Tilo said,"moving out now. Looks like we'll have to finish the test later Doktor."

"Yes, but this does present an opportunity for us to try the thrusters in an actually combat scenario," Lina said,"so don't die will you? I don't want to spend another week making another Sturmschwinge and getting a pilot to drive it."

Tilo laughed as he engaged the thrusters, the Sturmschwinge propelling the Panzermech forward with a burst of steam and fire. The machine surged through the snow, heading towards the coordinates at high speed. He hummed as he wondered why the two forces were moving in, maybe a scouting party? Or a vanguard trying to weaken their border defenses?

'Still doesn't make sense, but still I have to do my duty to the Reich and Vatherland,' he thought as he pushed on

As he closed in on the location, he activated his long-range sensors, picking up the first signs of the enemy forces. The Nordic troops were distinct, even from a distance, some were just laughing, drinking and cooking, like they didn't know they were close to violating the Accords of the Drakon. He hummed as he used the binoculars to scan the area, seeing they had transport trucks, a few platoons and Mechs squads

Their armor was a blend of ancient tradition and modern technology—heavy, fur-lined plate armor that covered their bodies from head to toe, with intricate runic designs etched into the metal. The helmets were adorned with horned visors, giving them a fearsome appearance, and they carried long, bolt-action rifles with steam-powered mechanisms that allowed for rapid firing. These rifles, known as Skjolf-15s, were capable of piercing armor at a distance, making them a deadly threat to any unprotected target.

Among the infantry moved their mechs, which were as imposing as the soldiers themselves. The NF-11 Thunderstrike mechs were tall and heavily armored, their design reminiscent of the ancient Norse warriors they were named after. Each Thunderstrike was equipped with a massive warhammer, powered by steam rockets and capable of crushing anything in its path, as well as a shoulder-mounted cannon that fired high-explosive rounds. Their joints glowed with the blue light of the runic inscriptions that supposedly enhanced their strength and durability, making them formidable opponents on the battlefield.

Tilo's heart pounded as he watched the enemy forces advance, their discipline and coordination clear even in the rough terrain. He knew that engaging them head-on would be dangerous, but with the support of the Kanonier-88 field guns, he had a chance to disrupt their formation and drive them back. If it came to it, as war on another front would be difficult for the Reich

"North Command, this is Eisenhart," Tilo reported,"I have visual on the enemy, they are 200 feet from entering Reich territory."

"If they don't divert from their course, radio in the coordinates," Command said

Tilo hummed as he watched the advancing columns of Nordic forces, all who seem like they were just on a simple patrol. Tilo grunted as he no doubt believed some idiotic politicians wanted to try something and piss the Reich off. As he watched, he soon saw the and Norse Federation had cross over into Reich territory, thus enacting a declaration of war

"North Command, Nordic Empire forces have crossed into Reich Territory," Tilo reported to North Command,"I repeat, Nordic Empire forces have crossed into Reich Territory."

"Understood Rhino 04, stand by for orders," Command said

"Understood."

As Tilo looked at the columns, he just so happens to see a scouting force on the side of NF-11's seems they were scouting ahead of the main force. He hummed as soon he got a call from Command.

"Rhino 04, the Reich is now at war with the Nordic Empire," North Command said,"you are hereby ordered to intercept the Nordic forces."

"Roger that Command, engaging now. Requesting immediate fire support from the Kanonier-88s at following coordinates; Alpha-3, Echo-7, and Delta-5."

"Roger that, Eisenhart. Field guns are locked onto the target area. Fire mission commencing in three, two, one—fire!"

Tilo heard the distant roar of the Kanonier-88s as they unleashed their barrage, the sky lighting up as the shells screamed towards their targets. He braced himself as the ground shook with the impact, explosions tearing through the snow and rock, sending debris and body parts flying in all directions. Painting the once snowy white ground with blood and black markings

"What the hell," Hakon Ironfist yelled the shockwave made his Mech shook

"Artillery fire, but we not supposed to to be close to any enemy fortifications," Skadi Thorsdottir yelled in shock as she almost got hit

"Damn, seems we got played by the Upper Brass at home," Astrid Forstheart said, in a cold tone that fitted her name

"Damn those bastards," Lieutenant Jarl Bjorn Ericsson said,"Hakon, can you reach any of your allies?!"

"Negative Lieutenant," he said,"all I'm getting is yells and pleas for medics, it's a clusterfuck sir."

Jarl snarled as he looked out of his mech hatch, seeing fire and more explosions around him and his squad. Suddenly he heard machine gun fire, but not the ones from their weapons, soon making him see a Rich Panzermech glide into the battlefield. The Nordic forces scrambled to respond, their mechs moving to shield their infantry as the shells rained down.

But the Panzermech was already moving, the Sturmschwinge propelling Tilo into the fray with blinding speed. He used his twin guns to mow down the infantry forces, using the cannon to destroy the trucks or weakened mechs. He watched as he gunned down the enemy forces, but as he did, he felt tears on his face, making him realize he was crying

'Why...why am I crying,' he thought as he rubbed his eye,'must be...must be cause...tch, stop! They are my enemy, cry about it later!'

"That mech is tearing our forces apart," Hakon yelled,"sir we have to stop it!"

"Tch, okay then," Jarl said,"everyone surround them, we'll force them to surrender."

Soon the sensors in Tilo's Panzermech cut through the haze, pinpointing the approaching Nordic forces. The Sturmschwinge thruster pack hummed with energy as Tilo prepared for what was coming. He knew this wouldn't be an easy foght, he was just a rookie pilot going against seasoned pilots, ones who have years of experience ahead of him

Through the swirling snow, the NF-11 Thunderstrike mechs emerged, their glowing runes cutting through the gloom like ancient spirits. At their forefront was Jarl, his warhammer resting on the mech's shoulder, the cannon on its back scanning for targets. He noticed Tilo was alone, so this would be an easy fight for them

"Remember, we fight as one and move as one," Jarl Eriksson's voice crackled over the Nordic squad's comms,"this is Reich territory, so we gotta end this quick, or enemy reinforcements will overwhelm us."

"Understood, Jarl," Skadi Thorsdottir replied, her Thunderstrike's frame barely visible as she flanked left,"I'll circle around and hit him from the side."

"Hakon, take the front," Eriksson commanded,"draw his fire while Astrid coordinates the attack. Let's force him into a corner."

Tilo caught snippets of their conversation on his intercepts, which was lucky since they don't work well in the high altitudes. They were well-coordinated, but he couldn't let that distract him, or he'll die. His fingers danced over the controls, and the Panzermech surged forward, steam billowing from the Sturmschwinge as he accelerated into battle.

Hakon was the first to engage, his Thunderstrike charging headlong through the snow, warhammer raised high, the rocket powered on the end makes it go faster. Tilo sidestepped the powerful swing, the Sturmschwinge jets flaring to life, propelling him out of harm's way, but the hammer scrapped his hatch.

"Too slow, get faster," Tilo muttered, as he brought his Kanon-88 to bear

He fired a shell directly into Hakon's exposed side, making large sparks go flying. The explosion rocked the Thunderstrike, but Hakon remained upright, the mech's thick armor absorbing the worst of the impact. But another one of those will pierce the hull and kill him, so he needed to be careful

"You'll need more than that to stop me, Reich dog," Hakon roared, swinging the warhammer again, this time connecting with the Panzermech's arm, sending a shudder through Tilo's cockpit.

But Tilo was already moving, using the momentum from the hit to pivot and fire off a burst from his MG-20s. The heavy rounds peppered Hakon's Thunderstrike, forcing him back just as Skadi's mech appeared on Tilo's flank, her Skjolf-15 rifle barking with rapid fire, firing from the open hatch of her mech. Tilo's Panzermech danced between the shots, the Sturmschwinge allowing him to evade with an agility that caught Skadi off guard.

"Damn it, he's faster than we thought," Skadi growled, adjusting her aim.

"Must be those thruster packs on his mech, keep him busy though," Astrid's voice cut in, calm and focused,"I'm lining up the shot."

Tilo could see what was happening, they were trying to pin him down, to overwhelm him with coordinated strikes. But he wasn't about to let them dictate the terms of the battle, he may be a Youngblood, but he won't lose today. So he pushed the Sturmschwinge to its limits, the Panzermech darting forward to close the distance with Skadi.

She tried to backpedal, but Tilo was too fast cause of the thrusters. He slammed the Panzermech's fist into her Thunderstrike's chest, sending the lighter mech reeling back it fell down onto the snowy ground. As Skadi struggled to regain control, Tilo heard a sharp tone from his sensors—Astrid had locked onto him.

"Incoming," Astrid announced coldly,

She then fired a high-explosive round shot out from her Thunderstrike's shoulder cannon, streaking through the air toward Tilo. He had only seconds to react, Tilo engaged the Sturmschwinge's full thrust, launching the Panzermech into a sideways leap just as the shell detonated where he had been standing moments before. The force of the explosion rocked the battlefield, throwing up a massive cloud of snow and debris.

"Jarl, he's too fast," Hakon shouted, frustration lacing his voice.

"Then we slow him down," Jarl responded, his tone grim and determined,"Skadi, Astrid-on me. We'll take him together."

The three Thunderstrikes converged on Tilo's position, their warhammers and rifles ready. Tilo could feel the intensity of the battle rising, but he knew he couldn't let them surround him.

He surged forward, targeting Jarl directly. The Panzermech's Kanon-88 fired, but Eriksson anticipated the move, his Thunderstrike twisting to avoid the shell. In response, Eriksson brought his warhammer down in a sweeping arc, aiming to crush Tilo's mech beneath its weight. Tilo sidestepped, his thrusters flaring, but Eriksson was ready, his mech's shoulder cannon firing in tandem with Astrid's, forcing Tilo to dive for cover.

"Now Skadi," Eriksson ordered.

Skadi appeared from the side, her Thunderstrike's rifle raised to deliver the finishing blow, but Tilo was prepared. Using the Sturmschwinge, he launched the Panzermech into a rapid spin, bringing his MG-20s to bear on Skadi's position. The heavy rounds tore into her mechs torso, ripping her and the mid section of the mech apart and soon exploded, sending it crashing into the snow.

"Skadi," Astrid's voice broke through the comms, her calm demeanor slipping as she watched her comrade fall dead.

"Stay focused," Eriksson snapped,"we take him down now, we will avenge her!"

But Tilo wasn't giving them the chance, he engaged the thrusters again, propelling the Panzermech directly at Eriksson's Thunderstrike. The two mechs collided with a deafening crash, metal against metal, the force of the impact sending shockwaves through both machines.

For a moment, it was a contest of strength, each pilot pushing their mech to the limit, but Tilo's maneuverability gave him the edge. He pulled back just enough to create space, then fired his Kanon-88 point-blank into Eriksson's mech, the shell blasting through the Thunderstrike's chest plate. Eriksson's mech staggered, steam pouring from the gaping wound in its armor.

Tilo didn't waste any time—he swung the Panzermech's fist into the Thunderstrike's head, the force of the blow finally bringing the legendary mech to its knees. Astrid and Hakon moved to cover their leader, but it was too late. With their formation broken and Skadi's dead, they had no choice but to retreat.

"Fall back," Eriksson ordered, his voice strained but unbroken

"Go, I'll hold them off," Harkon yelled as he moved ahead

"HARKON YOU IMBECILE," Astrid yelled as she followed

"No don't, if we keep this up we will all die," Jarl yelled to her

Harkon was moving fast as possible, his warhammer on full throttle as he streaks to Tilo, who saw and got ready. As soon as he got close, Tilo dashed to the side as Harkon went to swing his hammer to bash him but missed. Tilo groaned as he felt the force of the G force making him yell as he fired his shoulder cannon in the rear of the mech, hitting the power source and caused a massive explosion

"HARKON," Astrid yelled as she streaked at Tilo

Tilo panted as he fired his twin machine guns at her, aiming at her exposed legs, crippling her until she crashed landed on the icy ground. She streaked down as she crashed into a rock, a small explosion on her mechs back, making her scream in pain. She came out, crawling as she had fire over her, she screamed in pain as she got out and looked at Tilo, who watched impassively

She growled at him as she turned onto her back, gasping as she soon fell silent as she died from burned lungs. Tilo panted as he watched, out of breath as he glanced at Jarl, who stood in shock as he lost his entire squad, his hands shaking on his controls. He growled as he was about to attack, avenge his team and die with honor, but suddenly he heard his comms

"ALL NORDIC FORCES PULL BACK, WE'RE FUCKING DYING OUT HERE," a soldier yelled over the comms

Jarl looked as he saw all Nordic forces running away from the battle, using any operating vehicle to escape the bombardment of the Reichs cannons. He sighed as he looked at Tilo, who stood in a defensive stance as he waited for Jarl to respond. Jarl growled as he turned around and moved to the rear guard, he lost to many people today and he won't let these men die

Tilo panted as he relaxed and slacked down a bit, his chest going in and out as he wiped the huge amounts of  sweat on his forehead. He sighed heavy as he turned his comms on to report to North Command, his vision was blurry a bit but he can still see what is in front of him right now.

"This is Rhino-04 to North Command, Nordic forces are in full retreat," he said,"I repeat, Nordic forces are in full retreat, over."

"Understood Rhino-04, reinforcements are enroute to your location," North Command said,"secure the location and capture any prisoners in the area."

"Copy that sir."

Tilo sighed as he moved the Panzermech, scouting the area and finding a few creates of food, rations and tools, plus simple tents and other things. He grunted as he figured it out, this was suppose to be a simple training exercise, but it was a mask to try and invade Reich territory. He grunted as he finished looking around, sadly no one was alive, any that was were to injured and he put them out of their misery misery

Soon Reich reinforcements came and cleaned the area, as he was ordered to return to the research post to give a full debrief on his mission. He leaves and when he got there, he was meet with cheers, slaps to the back and congratulations from officers and the staff. When he reached the command center, he found General von Falkenrath and a few lieutenants

"Herr General," Tilo said as he saluted,"Private Eisenhart, callsign Rhino-04, reporting in as order sir!"

"At ease Private," von Falkenrath said as he walked up,"I must commend you for your actions Private, you manage to push back an invasion force alone, not simple for a single pilot."

"Sir if I may, it wasn't an invasion force Herr General."

"It wasn't," a Lieutenant asked

"Nein  Leutnant(No Lieutenant), from observing the wreckage of the site and over hearing their comms, it was but a simple training mission."

"Mein Gott(My God)," von Falkenrath said in disbelief,"they lied to their men to invade the Reich while we engage the Gaulic Dominion, sneaky bastards."

"We should expect this from the Tsardom Federation if they decide to get bog heads," another Lieutenant said

"We will focus on that later, for now, Private Eisenhart, please stand forward."

Tilo stood in front as the General grabbed a small metal and soon clipped it to his chest. It was a small bronze and sliver pin, with the symbol Reich in the middle surrounded by a cog. Tilo stood in shock as he was just given the Panzer Corss, a medal given to decorated pilots who achieved significant victories.

"For fighting against many enemy forces and defending the border with your life," Von Falkenrath said,"I hereby grant you the Panzer Corss, you deserve it Private, wear it with pride soldier."

"I will General," Tilo said, making the General march off

"Oh and Doktor Wagner, make sure his mech is repaired and is outfitted with the Sturmschwinge when he deploys to the frontlines."

"Understood General," Lina said with a smile and gave a salute

Tilo breathed out, chuckling a bit as he soon felt the relief wash over him like a tidal wave. He sighed as he looked out of the window, wondering what will happen next to him now.