Carinthia was a land of jagged mountains and dense forests, the perfect ground for war to fester in shadow and smoke. Hans stood atop a rocky outcrop, surveying the valley where Coalition forces had entrenched themselves. His breath came out in steady clouds, mingling with the morning mist.
Behind him, his soldiers prepared — the 10,000 strong force now bound tighter by shared trials and that burning scar on Hans's face. The officers, though still cautious, had finally begun to trust one another more. The fractures remained, but were held in check by the gravity of their mission.
"Commander," Engelhardt said, stepping forward, "their defenses look strong, but their supply lines run thin. If we strike fast, we can cut them off."
Albrecht grinned. "Finally, some action. Let's remind them why they fear us."
Hans nodded. "We'll split the army into three groups. One blocks the main road. One takes the eastern ridge. And I'll lead the vanguard through the forest path."
The men prepared silently, knowing this battle could shape the fate of Austria.
As the assault began, bullets whistled, grenades exploded, and the air filled with shouts and the clash of steel.
Hans moved with purpose — calm, commanding, yet fierce. His presence pushed his men forward, breaking enemy lines and sowing chaos among the Coalition mercenaries.
But then a thunderous roar tore through the battlefield.
A monstrous creature, a Gate-born terror, emerged — a towering Chimera with flames licking its scaly hide.
The soldiers faltered. Fear gripped their hearts.
Hans raised his voice, "Hold the line! Target its eyes! Don't let it break through!"
The battle raged fiercely. Soldiers fell, and the Chimera smashed through barricades.
Hans faced it directly, Luger drawn, dodging flames and claws. He fired precise shots, but the beast seemed almost immune.
Then a soldier shouted, "Commander! The officers—"
Hans turned to see Albrecht and Engelhardt fighting back-to-back, their squads holding the flanks.
In that moment, Hans knew the battle was more than brute force — it was unity.
With a roar, he charged, signaling the men to focus fire.
The Chimera staggered, weakened by their combined assault.
Finally, with one last shot, Hans' bullet shattered its skull.
Silence fell.
The cost was heavy. Many wounded, some lost.
Hans wiped blood from his cheek, feeling the sting where the scar had opened.
"Today," he said, voice hoarse but proud, "we showed what we are made of."
The officers gathered, no longer rivals but brothers in arms.
And somewhere deep in the shadows, unseen eyes watched — the Coalition's grip tightening, the Gates pulsing with renewed menace.