CRONOS I—WAR ROOM BUNKER
One officer shouted, "The Orcs have broken through our lines in the north! The Eternals are starting to flee! We can't hold out much longer!"
Marshall Androf said, "Order the infantry to hold on, no matter what! If they take a single step backwards, I will trigger their implants without a second warning!"
Another officer answered, "It's too late, Marshall! Our line is completely collapsing in the north! Over fifty million of our soldiers are routing!"
Androf's face was ugly, distorted by anger—
Then he received a communication request from Colonel Apophis, which he accepted at once.
Apophis appeared in the video feed. "It's done. Regnier is dead. Unfortunately, the colonel didn't make it."
Androf was relieved. Finally, some good news! He answered "Congratulations, Colonel Apophis! I will ask the Chancellor to decorate you! But first, I'm transferring control of all Eternal troops to your command, effective immediately! I ask you to motivate them. Their morale has been crippled by the difficult fighting. Glory to the Federation—and congratulations!"
***
CRONOS I—EQUATOR
Regnier's health had stabilized. Thanks to his exceptional rate of regeneration, the blood had already stopped flowing from his wounds. This was the exceptional power of a Rank-A!
Of course, Jiraya had helped a bit by applying bandages and healing skills. Because Jiraya was a Hunter, he had access to a few minor healing skills for desperate situations where there were no proper healers available.
Regnier said, "Well… Thank you for your care. I will leave you now, but first, I would like to speak with you alone, Apophis."
Apophis nodded, sending the two remaining members of his party to climb to the surface of the ravine.
Once they were alone, Apophis said, "I'm listening..."
Regnier said nothing, but only kneeled and proffered his sword.
"I Regnier, Lord of the Qorus, Oairas, and Quitiras systems, Viceroy of the Orc Empire, swear allegiance to you, Lord Apophis, for saving my life. Please accept my sword as a sign of my loyalty."
Apophis was shocked! He stammered as he replied, "I...I... I accept your allegiance, Lord Regnier."
Apophis took Regnier's sword. It was a magnificent black sword two meters long, weighing about a hundred kilograms. Apophis inspected it curiously.
[Sword Of Regnier] [Warrior] [Sword] [Epic]
Item Summary: Two-handed sword belonging to Regnier.
Origin: Unknown
Effect: Perfectly equalizes the energy and power of its user.
But more than simply its game stats, Apophis realized the sword's true significance. Regnier was peculiarly bound by something like nostalgia for his former master, whom he identified with Apophis. It was surely this factor which prompted this event, more than the simple fact that Apophis had saved his life.
No matter the reason for this offer of allegiance, Apophis recognized it as a real jackpot! Regnier was not only one of the most powerful Ascensionists in the galaxy, but he also commanded millions of Orcs, as well as a huge fleet which would be very useful for the development of his guild!
Apophis said, "Rise, Lord Regnier."
Once Regnier was on his feet, Apophis added, "Good… Good. Your first mission, Lord Regnier, is to withdraw from Cronos I. Take your fleet to the Era Prime system, where you'll make contact with one of my subordinates, an Eternal Ascensionist by the name of Lotus. I'll meet you there, myself, in a few days."
Regnier nodded and immediately sent a message to the entire Orc force to fall back. "Thank you, my lord, for your trust. I promise you that we will reclaim everything that was taken from us."
Then he boarded one of the corvettes in the ravine and flew away.
