2026-01-07 09:50:33
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Chapter 136: Declaration of Love
Ten thousand Argo soldiers stretched across the horizon like a dark tide preparing to consume everything in its path. Jacob watched through binoculars as the army organized itself into assault formations, their discipline evident even at this distance. These were not conscripts or militia—they were professional warriors who had conquered territories before and would do so again today."Update defensive positions," Jacob ordered, forcing himself to sound confident despite the doom he felt. "All units prepare for contact. Fire on my command only."But the orders felt meaningless against such overwhelming force. Resistance fighters had maybe enough ammunition for sustained combat lasting a few hours. After that, they would be fighting with captured weapons and improvised explosives. Argo could simply advance until defenders ran out of bullets, then sweep through the city unopposed.Anna stood beside Jacob on the command center rooftop, watching the enemy army through her own binoculars.
Chapter 135: Dawn Approaches
The final hours before dawn passed with agonizing slowness. Jacob and Anna returned to the command center, joining the other leaders who would coordinate the defense. No one spoke much—everything that needed saying had been said during the planning sessions.At 0400 hours, the religious leaders arrived. Priests, imams, rabbis, and spiritual guides from every faith represented in Seron came to offer blessings to fighters who wanted them. Some defenders prayed fervently, seeking divine protection. Others refused, finding comfort in weapons and tactics rather than faith.Carl's Himulan warriors performed traditional ceremonies from their sect, rituals meant to honor those about to die in righteous combat. They spoke words in ancient languages that few still understood, but the meaning transcended translation—acceptance of mortality and commitment to fighting until the last breath.Roseline's criminals held their own ceremonies. Toasts to fallen comrades. Promises to watch each other's ba
Chapter 134: Night Before Battle
Dawn was five hours away. Five hours until Argo's main invasion force crossed the border with overwhelming strength that would test every defensive position to its breaking point. The captured soldier's revelation about the assault's size had spread through resistance ranks despite attempts to contain it, and Jacob could see fear taking hold among fighters who had been confident just hours earlier."Get rest while you can," Jacob ordered commanders during the final briefing. "Sleep in shifts, maintain security, and be ready to move to combat positions when the alert sounds."But sleep was impossible for most fighters. They sat in defensive positions cleaning weapons for the tenth time, checking ammunition counts, and making peace with the strong possibility they would not survive the coming day.Some wrote letters. Farewell messages to family members, instructions for loved ones, and final thoughts they wanted preserved if they did not return. The letters accumulated in a box at headq
Chapter 133: First Skirmish
Jacob and Anna reached the command center within minutes, finding chaos as reports flooded in from across the city. The explosions had hit three targets simultaneously—a power substation in the northern district, a communications hub near the docks, and a fuel depot on the eastern edge that was now burning out of control."Argo's embedded soldiers," Leo reported, pointing to the tactical map showing attack locations. "They are activating earlier than expected. Bishop must have accelerated the timeline when he realized we knew about the invasion.""How many?" Jacob demanded."Unclear. At least fifty confirmed contacts across multiple districts. Probably twice that number still unidentified."Jacob studied the map, seeing the pattern emerge. The attacks were not random—they targeted infrastructure that resistance forces would need for coordinated defense. Cut power and communications, and defending units could not communicate or coordinate responses effectively."Send runners to all def
Chapter 132: Stolen Moments
They stood on the rooftop for several more minutes, neither wanting to return to the chaos below but knowing duty would not wait. Finally, Anna broke the silence."Take me somewhere," she said. "Away from the command center, away from the planning and preparations. Just for an hour before everything starts."Jacob knew they should stay at headquarters coordinating final defensive measures. But he also knew Anna was right—they might not have another chance for anything resembling normalcy. If they died tomorrow, let them at least have one final evening together."Where do you want to go?" Jacob asked."Our house," Anna said. "The one Bishop burned down. I want to see it."Jacob was surprised. The house Marcus had destroyed held painful memories—their brief time living as a married couple before war had consumed everything. But Anna seemed determined, so he borrowed a vehicle and drove them through darkening streets toward the residential district where their home had stood.The neighbo
Chapter 131: Preparation
The knowledge that a traitor existed within their command structure poisoned every interaction and decision. Jacob found himself second-guessing orders, wondering if the information would reach Argo within minutes of being issued. Leo implemented compartmentalization protocols—sharing operational details only with people who absolutely needed to know—but it created inefficiencies that slowed their preparation."We have maybe twelve hours before Argo crosses the border," Jacob told the assembled commanders during what might be their final planning session. "Use that time to prepare positions, stockpile ammunition, and drill your units on defensive protocols."The city was transforming into a fortress. Noble families who had pledged support were opening warehouses filled with supplies that could sustain prolonged conflict. Weapons were distributed to militia units composed of civilians with minimal training but fierce determination to defend their homes. Defensive barricades were erecte
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