Vol II | Chapter VII

I am shattered by the terrible news. My condolences to the family, and my last chant with the man - Technoblade - "Blood For The Blood God!"

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On their track to make it to the D.E.O Headquarters, the unit mobilized in a cautious and steady approach that irks the korpsmen at the pace. But the Watchmaster suppressed the inborn urge to advance in the Krieg way; which showed that no matter what rank is held in the Death Korps – the affiliated ways will always remain imprinted.

Korpsmen do not think – but simply eliminate the foe.

But despite it once again, as a contradiction to what Krieg Guardsmen follow. Watchmaster Masha was slightly different from her kin, and the Grenadier has gradually begun to see and sense it as well after being attached under her command.

How a normal korpsmen line infantry, turned into a grenadier and learns as he serves under the watchmaster's guidance and lessons she inputs through her orders and decisions she chooses.

It wasn't long after having transverse the active war zone that the team encountered a large patrol that was marching and hunting human stragglers. "Looters – suppose they made some noise that attracted the metal junks. Wouldn't put it past them if those androids had enhanced hearing."

Nick could only silently agree with what Sandra had said as the team laid back and watched. "A-aren't we going to help them?" Emelia stuttered as she looked at the androids that has mercilessly traumatized her – marching to finish someone off as the looters ran.

"Too many of those metal junks. Also, the greedy bastards knew the place was crawling with those things surely, but couldn't let the opportunity slip to loot. I say those guys deserve what's coming to them."

Nick seemed adamant at his assumption, but it couldn't be helped as Sandra knew the person who had seen the worst in people was Nick; as he operated counter-terrorism and witnessed how cruel people could just be.

"Okay that's enough sightseeing, everyone let's move around them to be sure to avoid their detection. Wouldn't want to be caught up in their radar now, would we?"

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Sighing in exhaustion and as the wound tears back open, Alex heavily leaned against the side of the building as she catches her breath and bears the pain. "Director, you alright?" Sandra took notice as she looked at the clean patch that have been put, which had then become dirtied with the stains of blood. "We should take another rest-"

"No, I can rest at HQ. Besides, we're getting close… argh!"

Alex fell to her knees as her legs couldn't remain to stand. "Director, the wound is opened. We need to address it." It took a moment as Alex contemplated whether to delay their return until the choice was made for them.

"Lieutenant Nick, carry the Director on your back. We'll clear the way immediately."

The Watchmaster didn't wait as she and her subordinate proceeded at their own fast pace at clearing the path ahead. The buildings that remained damaged and standing, as it endures the art of war – painted by grim paint of dark gray from the ashes of explosions and dust.

It was an apocalypse as the streets were torched in burning fire, and cars burnt in charcoal paint. In this situation, even the ex-marine, and former delta operative – these situations fit none other than the korpsmen of the Death Korps of Krieg;

Versatile to battle in any harsh terrains. Always the soldiers to be most appropriate to deploy despite the numerous various warfare and its conditions.

The battle is the Korpsmen life and their deathbed.

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Moving from one building to the next, and across the street to another – the level of destruction that is bore witnessed was devastating – as the team followed on with the guardsmen leading. Though there hasn't been a moment to stop and take a breather, the catastrophic event had just been too eye-catching to not look at with sadness on their face.

But meanwhile, the korpsmen appeared to fit right in the apocalyptic case. Their dark grey trench coat matched well with the scenery and their gas mask dealt with the pollution in the hazy air.

Yet still, their marathon continued on…

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Meanwhile…

Supergirl; the hero of National City, the city in burning flames and in a state of drastic devastation coughed and wheezed for respite as she fought the constant engagement with Indigo's android minions – equipped with kryptonite – that has exhaustively weakened the Kryptonian.

"I must say that I am very shocked that you have lasted this long, especially against the most upgraded and precious addition in my army." Indigo nonchalantly chatted as she took on Earth's Strongest without the slightest caution, as though everything was under control.

With gleaming eyes as she amusingly watched and observed her arts at work – she made work on analysis and reports on parts that could do with further upgrades. 'It seems that 'artifact' possess such an astronomical source – that a small energy that is withdrawn from it is still even more powerful than the sun's maximum solar energy produced. Incredible.'

'Just how fortunate I was to have heard its voice, its soft and elusive voice.'

But as the villain became too occupied with the prospect fascination of with the artifact she has acquired; it seems the Superhero isn't done just yet in dealing with Indigo.

"Oh don't be too hasty, Supergirl. If these androids can't keep you busy enough, I wouldn't mind letting you play with more." And on cue more made an appearance, much to the Superhero's dilemma.

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Within National City; the Police Station, over time in each passing minute the place has become beyond crowded and over capacity to hold any more refugees and the injured. The nearby buildings have also become fully occupied and the streets as well, even the nearby hospital have become a similar state.

"Sir, I believe we can't keep bringing people here any longer." A senior officer spoke of the elephant in the room before he suggested an alternative. "Perhaps we could make the new incoming batch relocate to the stadium that is further away, but it will prove to be safer than here. As intel suggests, the androids' activities have begun to draw closer here."

The idea was understandably reasonable and appropriate, but with limited resources to attend to the people and reinforce defenses the chief was conflicted. That was until a piece of static news entered through and brought rather good news.

"National Guards are entering the city. Please be informed of incoming friendlies."

Rejoicing at the relieving news, the communication operators all jumped as all heard. The operators that had to listen to the cries of help, and requests of assistance were now no longer useless to provide aid. But just as the news brought a momentary respite to the unending terrible news, another strike of bad luck occurred.

"This is National Guards! Oh shit! We're being heavily targeted! We've been ambushed! Fuck! He's been hit! Someone get the 50s up! Someone get the 50s up!-"

The transmission was chaotic but it leveled the situation as another voice could be heard through. "The captain's been hit!"

As the event began to escalate and the situation was becoming dire, the chief began to order and relay orders around. "Does anyone know Wonder Woman's or Flash's location?! Tell them we need assistance-"

"Both are occupied, sir! I could-" but the line operator was cut short as another Superhero came to the rescue as mentioned by the National Guards at the scene.

"Hey it's him!" The cavalry arrived, and it was the Man of Steel.

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Emelie…

A normal senior high school student, who had thought the best way to spend the day was to buy hardcore drugs in the other parts of the city during the seemingly ordinary afternoon. How she regretted even coming out at all as another batch of androids patrol the area.

It has been some time since the team has come to a stop, waiting for the perfect chance to slip through the patrol undetected. But so far it has proved that their chance was slim and to go now – was spelling their doom. However even then, the longer the group remained in the same spot, the higher the ever-growing risk to be discovered.

But then again, the Director as she came to know by the name Alex; has stated that she memorized the streets, though deformed and destroyed as they were – but it meant the D.E.O Headquarters was nearby and that made the girl tremendously happy that she would finally be in a safe place. Until then, she has to remain cautious and vigilant.

"Emelia, how are you holding up?" another woman she came to know, Sandra asked whispery. "Mhmm! I'm fine. It hurts but I just can't wait to just feel safe."

Emelie winced as she put some weight on the sprained ankle as she tried to take a step. "Team get ready, and… move! Move! Move! Move!" and everyone else dashed as all held their aim to ghostly threats that could be a reality, while Emelia limped all the way to their next cover.

It was then when the odd sounds and yelling made the team take a detour to investigate the source.

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