The sun had set on the base, and a cool breeze blew across the landscape. The hum of activity had subsided for the day, replaced by the chirping of crickets and the rustle of the breeze through the grasses. The stars twinkled overhead, distant and untouchable.

A group of soldiers and Marines, a mix of Canadians, Americans, and a few Russians, had gathered in one of the base's hangars. A few were playing cards, others were cleaning their weapons, and some were just enjoying the camaraderie of their comrades.

One Marine was leaning against the wall, staring up at the stars through the open hangar doors. He was quiet, seemingly lost in thought.

The young man looked down as his fellow Marines called him over, inviting him to join a game.

"Sorry," he said, his voice thick with his Midwestern accent. "Not tonight."

The group shrugged, and the young man returned his gaze to the stars, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"I'm going home soon," he whispered, his words carried away by the breeze. "Just a little longer."

As the stars glimmered overhead, the soldiers and Marines below enjoyed the brief respite from the chaos and uncertainty of war. They would rest and regain their strength, knowing that the dawn would bring new challenges and new opportunities. For now, the night was theirs, and they would savor every moment.

The sun rose on a new day, its light gleaming through the windows of the base. The sound of boots hitting the ground could be heard as soldiers and Marines awoke from their slumber.

Anthony stood by the window, watching as his men and women went about their morning routines. A cup of coffee was in his hand, the steam rising into the cool morning air.

He took a sip, letting the warm liquid run down his throat and awaken his senses.

Martha, even though she was in her former armor, still continued her duties as Anthony's Head Maid, even if the man himself refused to admit it.

"You're up early," a voice said from behind him.

Both turned to see Vincent standing there, a cup of his own in hand.
"Couldn't sleep," Anthony replied.
Vincent nodded, understanding. The events of the past few days were still weighing heavily on everyone's mind.

"Any new orders?"

"Not yet," Anthony said. "The brass are still discussing the situation."

"Do you think they'll send us out again?"

"Probably. We're the closest team to the action. After what we saw with Leviathan, we know the Cross Army is taking a desperate move."

Vincent sighed. "Yeah, I don't think any of us were expecting that. But at least we know the Apostles aren't invincible. That's something."

Anthony and Martha gave a half-hearted chuckle.

"Yeah, I guess so."

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the three stood there in silence, each contemplating their next move. They knew that the coming days would bring new challenges and new possibilities, and they would be ready to face them together. Anthony looked at Martha wth a questioning gaze, his lips curling slightly upward.

"You're sure about this, right?"

Martha returned his smile, her eyes filled with determination. "Of course. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

"Then let's get to it."

With that, the two walked off, ready to tackle the next challenge head-on. Vincent watched them go, shaking his head with a wry grin.

"You're going to regret asking her that question," he muttered.

The sun continued to climb, its warmth chasing away the shadows of the night. Soldiers and Marines went about their daily routines, the bustle and noise of the base filling the air. Anthony and Martha made their way through the throngs of people, the occasional greeting or salute punctuating their path.

Finally, they arrived at their destination: the training grounds. A large field had been set up, complete with mock-ups of buildings and terrain.

They saw Kurono already there training like a mad man cutting down the mock-up dummies of Cross Army knights, his sword glowing Dark with energy.

"K," Anthony called out. "Can we have a word?"

The young man stopped mid-swing, his blade poised in the air. He was still trying to get used to people from other countries besides Japan being here and the military mannerisms in this base, which had been rebuilt recently.

"Sure," Kurono said, putting his sword away.

"What are you doing?"

"Training," Kurono replied. "I'm going to need all the strength I have if we're facing down the Cross Army and their other Apostles. I'm not sure what else I can do to prepare."

Anthony and Martha exchanged a look. "That's actually what we wanted to talk to you about," Martha said.

"Oh?"

"We're worried about you, K," Anthony said, his voice softening. "You've been pushing yourself harder than ever these past few days. Even after when we brought those three Apostles to our side. We're afraid you're going to burn out."

"Let me guess... Mina told you that I should slow down?" Kurono said with a sharp look.

Anthony nodded, "Yes, your cousin told me and a few of your comrades. Hell, even Lily recommended for you to slow your road."

"But you seen what the Cross Army is doing. You and I saw how Leviathan managed to break through your guys territory." Kurono said as he was about to continue when Martha stopped him.

She can tell by Kurono's body language and emotions that he was still shaken up and angry. "Listen, Kurono. I understand the desire to push yourself. But you can't do that if you're too exhausted to fight. Your teammates and allies need you at your best, not running yourself ragged."

Kurono sighed. "I know, I know. It's just... when I see what the Cross Army is capable of, it terrifies me. If I don't do everything in my power to stop them, I'll never forgive myself."

"Look," Anthony said, putting a hand on Kurono's shoulder. "We're all afraid. And we're all pushing ourselves. But we have to trust that we'll be strong enough when the time comes. We'll get through this together."

Kurono smiled slightly, "Okay, okay. I'll try to pace myself a bit."

Anthony and Martha smiled, knowing that was the best they could hope for.

As the tension in Kurono's shoulders eased, Anthony gave him a reassuring pat on the back. Martha stepped forward, her expression a mix of authority and warmth.

"That's all we ask, Kurono," she said firmly. "You're an important part of this fight. We can't have you falling apart before the next battle."

Kurono nodded, glancing at the mock dummies around him. "I get it. It's just hard not to feel like every second I'm not training is a second wasted."

Anthony chuckled softly. "You've got the spirit of a Marine, I'll give you that. But even we take breaks when we need to. A burnt-out soldier is no use to anyone."

The three of them stood in silence for a moment, the tension of the conversation giving way to the sounds of the training ground. In the distance, a group of soldiers practiced close-quarters combat drills while others sparred with wooden weapons.

Martha crossed her arms, her sharp gaze falling on Kurono. "If it helps, how about we spar later? It's been a while since I've had a proper match."

Kurono raised an eyebrow. "You want to spar? Against me?"

"Why not?" Martha smirked. "I may be a maid, but don't forget—before this uniform, I was the 1st Apostle. I could use the practice, and it might give you a different perspective on your training."

Anthony grinned. "Oh, this I have to see. You're in for a treat, K."

Kurono hesitated, his pride warring with his respect for Martha. Finally, he nodded. "Alright, I'm in. But don't go easy on me."

Martha's smile widened. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it."

Anthony clapped his hands together. "Great. That's settled. But first, K, how about you join us for breakfast? You've earned it."

Kurono blinked, then laughed. "Sure. I guess I could use a meal."

The three of them left the training grounds, the morning sun casting long shadows across the field. As they made their way to the mess hall, the camaraderie between them grew stronger, a bond forged in the crucible of war.

Later, at the Mess Hall

The mess hall buzzed with activity as soldiers and allies from various nations shared meals and stories. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee, eggs, and bread.

Anthony, Martha, and Kurono found a table near the center, their plates piled high. Kurono couldn't help but notice the glances they received from other soldiers, likely due to Martha's distinct presence in her old Apostle armor.

"Looks like you're still turning heads," Kurono joked, gesturing at the staring troops.

Martha chuckled as she sipped her tea. "Let them stare. It's not every day they see a maid who could destroy a battalion."

Anthony grinned. "And that's why we keep you around, Martha. You keep the enemy—and us—on our toes."

The three laughed, the tension of the past few days momentarily forgotten. Around them, the soldiers of the UNE and URK enjoyed the rare moment of peace, each aware that it might not last long.

Kurono glanced at Anthony and Martha, his smile fading slightly. "You know, it's moments like these that remind me what we're fighting for. To protect this."

Anthony nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly. And that's why we need to pace ourselves. So we can keep protecting it."

Martha placed a hand on Kurono's shoulder, her voice soft but firm. "You're stronger than you realize, Kurono. And you're not alone in this fight. Remember that."

Kurono looked at her, then Anthony, and finally nodded. "I will. Thanks."

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the three of them shared stories and laughter, their resolve renewed. The battles ahead would be fierce, but for now, they took solace in the small moments of peace and camaraderie that made the fight worthwhile.

In the command building, Stepan and Jacob were watching the footage taken from the UAV. They had watched the footage dozens of times, looking for any clue as to the whereabouts of the Cross Army in the areas that is close to their home turf. The Holy City of Elysion.

"Anything?" The former asked.

The latter shook his head, frustrated. "No. All the signs point to the city, but we can't be sure."

Stepan sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Damn it. We're so close, and yet..."

Jacob rested a hand on his friend's shoulder, his tone sympathetic. "Hey, don't beat yourself up. We'll figure this out. There's gotta be something we're missing."

Just then, an idea struck Stepan. He whirled to face his friend, his eyes alight with excitement. "We can nuke it!"

"Wait what? No way. We do that and we'll be just as bad if not worse than the Cross Army."

"I know, I know. But hear me out. If we nuke the city, it'll take out the Cross Army's forces along with their Apostles."

Jacob raised an eyebrow. "And how are we going to get a nuke past their defenses?"

"Simple," Stepan replied, his tone deadly serious. "We use one of our own. The Russians and US still has plenty of nuclear bombs, and we can get our hands on one without anyone knowing. The radiation won't affect us because we'll have a safe distance. It'll be perfect."

Jacob stared at his friend, stunned. He had never expected to hear such a suggestion come from him.

It was then USMC four star General Dustin Walker entered the room. Both men snapped to attention, saluting him.

"General," they said in unison.

Dustin returned their salutes. "At ease. What's the latest news?" He said in his stoic and emotionless tone.

Stepan cleared his throat. "We have some possible intel, but we're not sure. The Cross Army could be hiding somewhere nearby, but we can't pinpoint their location."

"So, what do you recommend?"

"I suggest we nuke it," Stepan replied.

Dustin's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"

"I'm serious, General," Stepan continued. "If we nuke the area, we'll take out the Cross Army's forces along with their Apostles. They'll never see it coming."

"How are we going to get a nuke past their defenses?" Dustin protested.

"Easy. We use one of our own. The Russians and US still have plenty of nuclear bombs, and we can get our hands on one without anyone knowing. The radiation won't affect us because we'll have a safe distance. It'll be perfect."

The man looked at the Ukrainian Major. "You do realize if we do this, we're no better than the Cross Army."

"Sir, please! Just think about it. This is our best chance at taking them down."

"And starting a civil war or a terrorist organization within our own borders. As by far, we only used the nukes against the demons. And you wanna know why?"

"It was for the greater good, and we had to get rid of the threat."

"Major, this isn't like back then. We are not fighting against the demons. We are fighting against other humans. Humans who are just as lost and scared as us. And I won't have it."

Stepan stared at him, stunned. "But General—"

"That is enough, Major," Dustin cut him off. "However, I do understand your concerns. But I will not authorize such an operation without further investigation. You are dismissed."

"Yes, sir," Stepan muttered, leaving the room.

Jacob shook his head as his friend stormed out.

As Stepan exited the room, his frustration was palpable. He muttered under his breath in Ukrainian, pacing back and forth in the hallway, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his mind. He clenched his fists, staring down at the floor.

Jacob emerged moments later, his expression calm but concerned. He approached his friend cautiously.

"Stepan, you need to cool off," Jacob said evenly.

The Ukrainian Major looked up sharply, his eyes blazing with anger. "Cool off? Jacob, we're losing people out there every day! Do you know what that's like? To watch your country, your comrades, and your people be torn apart while the Cross Army continues their madness?"

Jacob sighed, crossing his arms. "I know what it feels like to lose people, Stepan. Believe me, I do. But nuking the city? That's not who we are. You heard the General—this isn't about just winning the war. It's about making sure we don't become the monsters we're fighting against."

Stepan ran a hand through his hair, letting out a deep breath. "I just... I don't see any other way, Jacob. The Apostles, the Cross Army—they're like a hydra. We cut off one head, and two more grow back."

Jacob placed a hand on Stepan's shoulder, grounding him. "Then we find another way. We've always found another way. Trust the team, trust the intel, and trust that we'll figure this out."

Stepan's shoulders sagged as the fight drained out of him. "You're right," he admitted quietly. "I'm just... tired, Jacob. So damn tired."

Jacob gave his friend a reassuring squeeze. "We all are. But we're in this together, alright? We'll figure it out."

Stepan nodded reluctantly. "Alright. Let's go back to work."

General Dustin Walker remained at the map table, studying the UAV footage and tactical overlays. When Jacob and Stepan re-entered, he glanced up, his face unreadable.

"Major, Captain," Dustin acknowledged. "Back so soon?"

Stepan straightened, his demeanor more composed. "I let my frustration get the better of me earlier, sir. I apologize."

Dustin nodded curtly. "Accepted. Now, I assume you're ready to focus on actionable strategies?"

"Yes, sir."

Jacob stepped forward, changing the subject to steer the tension away. "General, we've reviewed the UAV footage, but there's a pattern I think we might've overlooked. The Cross Army's supply lines seem to be converging on a specific region outside Elysion's northern border. It's heavily forested, which would provide excellent cover for a large force."

Dustin raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting they've established a forward operating base in the forest?"

"Possibly," Jacob replied. "It could also be a staging ground for an assault on our position or a fallback point if their capital comes under attack."

The General nodded thoughtfully. "Good observation. Major, I want you and Captain Rawlins to coordinate with reconnaissance and plan a scouting mission. I want eyes on that forest before we make any moves."

"Yes, sir," Stepan and Jacob replied in unison.

Stepan seemed lighter, his focus sharpening as he discussed the scouting mission with Jacob.

"I owe you one," Stepan said grudgingly.

Jacob smirked. "You owe me about ten by now. Let's make this one count."

With a shared sense of purpose, the two officers headed off to plan the next step in the fight against the Cross Army. For now, they put the idea of nuclear solutions behind them, choosing instead to focus on strategy, teamwork, and the hope of finding a path that didn't compromise their humanity.