The bitter mountain air of Kovura Pass smelled of burning blood, crushed pine, and cold iron as the northern defense line collapsed beneath the howling blizzard.
Grand Zorath Zaka Asakana stood atop a mound of shattered shields, his twin battle axes chipped and his heavy armor dripping with dark crimson.
Beside him, Kaka swung his axes with ragged breaths, his shoulders bruised and his northern warplate cracked in three places.
Squad 25 formed a tight, desperate defensive circle around the broken stone gatehouse, fighting back-to-back against relentless waves of frost-armored Soulless.
"Incoming from the eastern ridge!" Kiuga shouted, adjusting tactical wards as cold mist blinded their vision.
Just then, a volley of glowing tracer bolts tore through the freezing fog, accurately striking the joints of five charging frost enforcers.
Through the smoke rushed Banga, leading a spearheading vanguard of veteran northern warriors in reinforced combat tunics.
