275 Horrors of War(10)
– Ireland, Europe - 3:00 PM –
Adam Smasher, the infamous cyborg from the Cyberpunk universe was currently standing on top of the Horten Ho 229 X-wing fighter jet which was still hovering over the lake after successfully tracking it down to this remote location.
"Hmmm..." Adam mused, examining the aircraft beneath his feet before contacting the Reich commander of the class-A Zeppelin through his communicator. "Hey Jerry, I've located the jet, but the people who took it ain't here."
[I see, any leads as to where they might have gone?] asked the Reich commander on the other end.
"I've spotted tire tracks along the lake shore and large footprints. It seems our towering knight friend might be already on their trail."
[Uh huh, very well then. Bring the jet back here and take some troops with you if needed. We don't know who gave them a lift, but I believe it could be the cat's associates or some resistance group.]
"Perhaps. Fine, I'll return the jet to you and gather some men, but when it comes to killing, tell them to stay the fuck out of my way."
[Ja. Ja. We get it.]
The transmission ended as Adam took control of the jet and sent it flying into the sky, leaving the serene lake behind.
"Tower boy better not take the prey out before I do."
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Percy, Goblin Slayer, and Soldier were cruising down the road in the Reich truck, sharing stories with one another as they drove. Percy and Goblin Slayer recounted their pasts, detailing their hardships and adventures.
"Hahahaha!" Soldier erupted into laughter as he couldn't help but slammed his fist on the steering wheel. "You two are tough sons of bitches to go all that alive! Sorry to hear you two lost your families back in your younger days."
Percy chuckled, "Well, we found new families that is our own parties we made, so I guess things worked out in the en-"
Just as Percy spoke, a blue fast-moving projectile streaked down from the sky and struck a nearby tree as they were driving down the road, startling Soldier and the pair behind him.
"We're under attack!" Soldier shouted.
Goblin Slayer peered out the window to see more blue projectiles hurtling toward them from the sky. Upon closer inspection, he noticed these blue projectiles appear to be...
"Magic spears?"
"Evasive maneuvers!" Soldier called out, weaving the truck left and right to dodge the incoming magical spears as they struck the ground and nearby trees.
"Where are we getting attacked from?!" Percy shouted.
"The spears seem to be magic-based that's for sure," Goblin Slayer observed. "As for your question, they must be firing from a vantage point, a high ground, or somewhere with a clear view of us and the road."
"CURSE YOU HIGH GROUND!" Soldier exclaimed.
"There are plenty of cliffs and hills in these parts from where they have a perfect line of sight on us from those positions," Percy said in frustration as he scanned the surrounding area, "We won't be able to pinpoint their location in time."
Soldier swerved the truck to avoid another magical spear. "We'll have to go off road and head into the forest to lose their line of sight!"
Goblin Slayer nodded. "I agree with him, otherwise we will be bombarded continuously."
"Then let's get out of here!" Percy urged.
"Roger that!" Soldier replied, steering the truck off-road and into the dense woods, maneuvering through trees and bushes to evade the enemy's aim.
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The towering humanoid in armor, the one launching magical spears at the trio, stood on the edge of a cliff on top of a large hill. From his vantage point, he had a clear view of the forests and roads below, but unfortunately, he lost sight of the truck as it vanished into the dense trees.
"Damn, thou have lost thee enemy," he muttered.
Determined not to let his prey escape, the armored figure leaped off the cliff and landed on his feet with a thud. The impact cracked the ground beneath him, yet he remained unharmed. As he stood up from his feet, he swiftly set off to hunt them down.
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After escaping the enemy's attacks, the truck drove through the forest, navigating through trees and bushes, but the rough terrain caused the truck to bounce and shake.
"This is really rough terrain." Percy commented.
"At least it's better than getting blasted by spears." Soldier replied.
As the truck made it out of the forest and reached a new road, Soldier suddenly slammed on the brakes and brought the truck to a stop.
"Why'd you stop?" Percy asked.
"I see something up ahead. 600 meters away from us," Soldier replied with a deep frown. He pulled out his binoculars to examine the scene. In the distance, a Reich checkpoint was heavily fortified with dozens of Reich soldiers, Krasny soldats, Manglers, and two Zitadelles.
"Enemy checkpoint," he confirmed, passing the binoculars to Percy and Goblin Slayer so they could see for themselves.
"Should we use the disguise?" Percy asked.
"Seems like the safest option. Too many armored enemies to take on directly," Goblin Slayer replied.
"Agreed, let's suit up," Soldier said.
The three quickly changed into Reich soldier uniforms, complete with helmets and masks to conceal their identities. They hid their weapons and other items beneath the seats and floor mats.
"These fit like a charm," Percy commented on the uniform he wore. For an enemy, their clothes are quite unique in design. "Now, let's move."
With their new disguises, they drove the truck toward the checkpoint.
"Let's hope this works," Percy muttered as they approached.
As the truck approached the checkpoint, two Manglers stopped them, one of whom approached the window next to Soldier. Fortunately, the trio's disguise of Reich soldier uniforms, masks, and helmets provided them cover, sparing them immediate suspicion. They were also relieved that they were conversing with a Mangler rather than a Reich soldier, as the language barrier or a different accent would have immediately raised suspicions.
"Supplies?" the Mangler asked.
Hearing the Mangler's question, Soldier simply nodded in response.
"Very well," the Mangler said, gesturing to the two nearby Reich soldiers. "You two, unload the cargo from the back."
The two soldiers followed and went to the rear of the truck to unload the cargo and replace it with a fresh stock of supplies. Once they were finished, the Mangler turned back to Soldier.
"Take these supplies," the Mangler instructed, handing Soldier a map. "The red dot marks your delivery location. Understood?"
Soldier responded with a thumbs up.
Seeing this behavior, the Mangler narrowed his eyes and leaned forward suspiciously as their silence and curt responses made him uneasy.
"Hmm… you three are awfully quiet. Anything wrong?" he asked.
Soldier shook his head in response.
"...Alright, then," the Mangler said, nodding slowly. "Let me do one last check on the supplies."
As the trio agreed, the Mangler made his way to the back of the truck. While inspecting the supplies, he secretly implemented an Arasaka model tracker to the rear bumper.
"Let's see if they go to the correct location or off course," he muttered to himself.
Once the inspection was complete, the Mangler allowed the truck to pass through the checkpoint. The trio drove away, leaving the checkpoint behind.
As the Mangler watched the truck disappear down the road, he turned to a nearby Reich soldier. "Monitor the Arasaka tracker to see where the truck heads. I've already placed it on the vehicle."
"Jawohl," the soldier acknowledged and walked off to carry out the task.
With the soldier gone, the Mangler turned his attention back to the road where the truck had gone, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"I may be a zombie, but I ain't stupid."
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In the realm of the dark aether, the Forsaken, now in his human form, was surveying the factories of his domain. These were spoils of his days spent conquering and merging worlds into the dark aether realm, which he used to produce the Reich's machines and vehicles at a fast pace. Powered by dark aether electricity, robotic factory hands swiftly assembled new vehicles and devices, rendering manual labor unnecessary. Material shortages were never a concern since the Reich supplied large amounts of metal, and the Forsaken had access to vast resources from the universes he had merged with his realm.
"Ah, work in progress," he mused to himself.
Just then, a Mangler approached him and reported the news. "We have the data regarding the universe we are attacking from Revenant. It's been printed on paper."
"What have you learned?" the Forsaken asked.
"We've learned that the cat works for an organization known as the SCP Foundation, which deals with the anomalies in their world."
"I see," Forsaken acknowledged.
"I suggest visiting Arasaka Corporation to read their files. The Führer is already reading the printed materials in his world," the Mangler advised.
"I'll see to it," Forsaken replied, opening a portal he simply created and stepping through it without hesitation.
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In New Berlin within the Wolfenstein universe, Hitler was engrossed in reading through the documents about the universe they were invading. The information about the massive and secretive group known as the SCP Foundation captured his interest.
"Hmmm..." he muttered, contemplating the implications, not long before a Mangler suddenly entered his office. "Yes?" Hitler prompted.
"A medizine soldat brought a man named Gustav. He claims to have been a mole within the SCP Foundation under the orders of their sworn enemy, the Chaos Insurgency," the Mangler reported.
"I see, this could prove useful. The more we understand, the better our strategies," Hitler remarked. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, Führer. All your generals are currently occupied with other operations in this universe and we need someone to lead the forces battling the enemy in this universe's Germany. Securing that territory would allow us to advance our forces strategically on both the eastern and western fronts of Europe. Irene Engel and Rudol von Stroheim are already busy in America," the Mangler explained.
Hitler considered the situation. Securing control of Germany in the alternate universe was a strategic priority, offering a foothold for further expansion. The Mangler was indeed correct, he needed to find another capable commander to lead the forces in the region.
Thus, he reached a decision and began writing a letter. He sealed it in an envelope and handed it to the Mangler.
"Take this to Castle Wolfenstein in the German Alps of my universe," Hitler instructed. "Once there, inquire about the vice head of the paranormal division of the Third Reich. Deliver this letter to the vice head once you get his whereabouts."
"The vice head?" the Mangler asked, seeking clarification.
"Yes. Stroheim is the main head of the division, but I want you to deliver this letter to the vice head, who took on the role after Helga's death at the hands of BJ in the 1940s."
"I understand."
"Now go," Hitler ordered.
A dark aether portal opened behind the Mangler, who stepped through it without hesitation. The portal closed behind him, leaving Hitler to contemplate his next moves in the ever-evolving conflict.
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– Castle Wolfenstein, The German Alps, Third Reich Germany, Wolfenstein Universe - 11:05 AM –
On a rainy day, the Mangler arrived at one of the corridors of Castle Wolfenstein as nearby Reich soldiers took notice of his presence.
"Ja?" one of them asked.
"I bring a letter for the vice head of your paranormal division from the Führer," the Mangler said, handing over the letter to the soldier who examined the envelope and, upon seeing the Führer's signature, nodded in acknowledgment.
"Follow me," the soldier instructed.
The Mangler followed the soldier through the castle, eventually reaching one of the balconies outside. There, the vice head stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gripping a pair of tonfa blades. He wore a mask and Reich general's attire, and allowed the rain to pour down on him without concern.
The door behind the vice head opened, and he turned his head slightly to see the Mangler and the soldier enter.
"It's an honor to meet you... General Kroenen."
"..."
[IMAGES]
Kroenen remained silent but accepted the envelope from the Mangler. He opened it and read the Führer's orders to take command of the troops in the enemy's universe Germany.
The Mangler waited for Kroenen's response. "So, are you in or out?"
Kroenen lifted his gaze to meet the Mangler's eyes and gave a firm nod. His acceptance of the mission was clear.
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– Berlin, Germany, SCP Universe - 2:59 PM –
The Reich and dark aether forces had made their entry into the city of Berlin during the beginning of the invasion and had been facing off against the universe's version of the German army, known as the "Bundeswehr," as well as occasional encounters with MTF forces. The battle raged for half a day, with gunfire contributing through the city, while the troops awaited further orders or strategy from a general.
A Reich soldier can be seen standing behind the front lines, observing the ongoing skirmishes and waiting for a change in command.
Right on cue, a dark aether portal materialized in front of the troops. Kroenen, accompanied by the Mangler who had delivered the Führer's letter, stepped out from the portal. The moment Kroenen appeared, the troops snapped to attention and saluted him, recognizing his authority and the command he was about to assume.
And right in cue, a dark aether portal materialized in front of the troops and Kroenen along with the Mangler who delivered the letter stepped out of the portal and the troops immediately saluted Kroenen the moment he made his presence.
"..."
As Kroenen arrived, another Mangler suddenly approached him and showed him a map with new information about their current situation. The Mangler pointed out the outside borders of the country and explained.
"We have troops stationed outside the borders to prevent enemy forces, including this Mobile Task Force which we obtained from the new information from the latest Arasaka report, from interfering with our battle here in other areas and countries."
As Kroenen examines the map, he points to a part of a certain name that caught his attention.
"The Ardennes forest? Ha! Don't worry, the Serpent that the Forsaken brought from a very interesting universe will keep that side guarded." the Mangler replied confidently
"?" Kroenen raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding the Mangler's statement.
Sensing Kroenen's confusion, the Mangler gave a knowing smirk beneath his helmet and assured him.
"Trust me. He's a real big help, and I mean big."
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In the Ardennes forest, situated between France and Germany, a giant white serpent stood watch over the lush, green landscape, waiting patiently. The creature's imposing form stretched over three hundred feet from head to tail, with a body width spanning a hundred feet. Its scales glistened in the sunlight, creating a stark contrast against the surrounding greenery.
It possessed a distinctive appearance, with a golden eye on its right and a blue eye on its left, both featuring vertical black pupils typical of snakes. Crowned atop its head were two horns, adding to its majestic and fearsome presence. Additionally, a golden bracelet adorned the back of its neck, emphasizing its otherworldly and regal nature.
"Hsssss..."
[IMAGES]
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In Ireland, Percy, Goblin Slayer, and Soldier found themselves in an abandoned Irish town, surrounded by broken wooden houses as Soldier can be seen taking great pleasure in torching the Reich uniforms, watching them burn with manic, triumphant laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHA! BURN!" Soldier exclaimed, reveling in the sight of the burning uniforms.
"Well, he's happy at least," Percy observed, a hint of concern in his voice as he watched Soldier's antics.
Goblin Slayer nodded. "Still, we could have made further use of those uniforms, but the man had lost his patience, I can't argue with that."
"True, and I-" Percy began, but was suddenly interrupted by a voice behind them.
"Surprise!"
The unexpected exclamation caught the three off guard, and they turned to face the source of the voice.
The next moment, the abandoned Irish town quickly turned hostile as five Manglers, ten Reich soldiers, and a Panzerhund jumped out from behind houses and trees, their weapons trained on Percy, Goblin Slayer, and Soldier.
"Ambush!" Soldier shouted in alarm.
"We are actually," Percy retorted, acknowledging the setup.
"The tracker did its work and gave up your location," the Mangler sneered, "Oh how things work out."
Unfazed, Soldier brought out his rocket launcher and aimed it at the enemies. "We ain't scared you maggots!"
"I know you aren't," the Mangler replied as he powered up his shockwave cannon, "But you will soon."
The trio readied their weapons and put their backs against each other, forming a defensive stance. As the dark aether and Reich forces closed in, a mysterious humanoid figure suddenly phased out from beneath the Panzerhund. The figure ghosted through the robotic dog, causing it to break apart and collapse. Then, as mysteriously as it had appeared, the being phased back into the ground.
The sudden and unexpected intervention startled the enemy forces, who found themselves momentarily thrown off by the destruction of the Panzerhund.
"What?!"
~ JJBA Stone Ocean: Jolyn Theme (Full Version) | EPIC HQ COVER ~
As the tension between the two sides reached its peak, a female voice with a thick Irish accent cut through the silence, drawing everyone's attention.
"Yare yare dawa, you Nazi punks really like ambushing, don't you? You all are never fair," the voice taunted.
Out of nowhere, blue strings emerged from the cracks in the broken houses and quickly snatched the weapons from the Reich soldiers' hands. The soldiers were caught off guard, unable to react as their weapons were magically pulled away from them. Before they could comprehend the situation, the humanoid figure that had destroyed the Panzerhund reappeared, touching all the floating weapons and causing them to instantly disassemble into countless pieces, rendering them useless.
"Who are you?!" the Mangler demanded, taken aback by the sudden and mysterious turn of events.
"Your punishment, lad!" the humanoid figure who destroyed their weapons replied with an Irish accent, revealing itself to the enemy forces.
[IMAGES]
The Manglers raised their cannons and unleashed a barrage of shockwaves at the newcomer. However, Diver Down activated his phasing ability, allowing the shockwaves to pass harmlessly through him and obliterate the small houses behind him instead. He then rushed towards the Reich soldiers and phased through their bodies, rearranging their limbs and turning them into bouncy springs as the soldiers were left hopping helplessly from side to side.
"Kill him!" The Mangler in the middle shouted as he and the four other Manglers charged at Diver Down. However, multiple strings suddenly emerged from the cracks in the houses and pulled the Manglers towards the cracks.
At the same time, a blue female humanoid with green sunglasses emerged from the cracks and unleashed a barrage of punches at the Manglers.
"ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA! ORA!
"ORAAAAA!!"
With a final powerful punch, she sent them flying into the air. Not even a second has passed, she wrapped multiple thin strings around their necks, and with a sharp pull, she decapitated their heads as their lifeless bodies fell to the ground in front of the female humanoid.
...Who had revealed herself as Stone Free.
[IMAGES]
"Damn Manglers. Always were a nuisance in zombie mode."
Witnessing such display of skill and power, Percy couldn't help but feel astonished by this. Soldier and Goblin Slaber, on the other hand, were visibly impressed by the spectacle.
"Dear God."
Noticing their presence, Stone Free turned her gaze towards the three and commented, "We'll, aren't you a surprising trio. Welcome to Ireland.
"IRELAND!? CURSE YOU, MERASMUS!" Soldier shouted in frustration.
Stone Free chuckled at Soldier's outburst. "Never change ya, Soldier. Never change," she said with amusement before focusing her attention on the group with a smirk, "Let's have a talk, shall we?"
Percy let out a resigned sigh, "Here we go again."
~Music Ends ~
