Waking the day after his synchronization Gilbert leaned against the wall of his bed, holding his circuit gem and staring at its internal structure. The previous day, his squad had been surprised to see him receive a custom gem, completely confused about where he had gotten it. He didn't tell them the truth, he couldn't, so he said his cousin had gotten it for him. Sighing lightly, he got himself ready for his first-ever practical class. He wore the clothing he received yesterday a skin-tight suit with padded areas at the shoulders, chest, back, knees, and neck. Looking at himself in the mirror, he noticed wild hair he hadn't taken care of for the past three months and thought it was a cut. Stepping out of his room, he saw the others waiting for him, all dressed similarly except for the girls, who wore protective vests over their with numerous brackets and connections at the back. Seeing him step out they all turned their attention to him
"Well guys you know what is at stake today, I want our best this isn't just training we will be fighting humanity's enemies." Said Gilbert
"As long as Kean doesn't let any enemies sneak up on us again we will be good," said Wolfgang giving Kean a sidelong glance
"Don't get beaten half to death no one will be able to save you this time," Kean shot back
Ignoring their banter Gilbert led the team out giving William a nod while bumping fists with Adam on his way out. As they walked out of their quarters marching towards the armory they joined a solemn choir of squires the only exceptions being those from Tier I cities walking as if they were on a field trip. Stepping into the armory they say Colonel Z'yna and Captain Cade
"Attention!" Colonel announced sending everyone standing into formation "Today you will all be outfitted with your armors. You will be given Squires class Dragon type Gen V armors, then transported towards Great Rift Styx nest where six squads will be assigned to a High Knight squad forming a platoon. Well, then no more need for words."
Upon entering the armory their rads levels were checked before being outfitted with their armors. Towering suits add at least two feet, sleek angular profiles constructed dragonite laced titanium alloys, and advanced composite materials. Painted predominantly in dark gold with red and black accents the signature colors of the dragon legion. As squires their armors carried minimal decorations other than standard identifications. Each squire bore a single scale insignia on their left shoulder, their ID number stenciled on the left side of their chest, and a black dragon breathing fire on the right. Team leaders stood apart with a flame icon on their right shoulder, subtly showing their elevated status. Each of them was given standard weapons a shield, an eclectic or heated sword, and a Serpent V power rifle with auxiliary arms such as grenades. They were permitted slight variations based on preference. For instance, William opted for a heat spear instead of a sword while Gilbert chose an advanced alloy sword as an additional weapon.
The medic and mechanics carried essential gear strapped to their legs, including tactical helmets, powered boots, and their most critical mechanic or medic-powered kit attached to the connections on their back. For protection, they were provided sidearms revolver-type pistols with red glowing circuitry.
As they finished arming their selves they were once again in formation with Captain Cade in armor standing at the forefront behind him were four other lieutenants High Knights. All of their armor was much more embellished with motifs from old-world European culture.
"From now on these armors are your life them you would treat a lover. After each battle, you take back to the armory where your team's mechanic shall be responsible for servicing and repairing any damage done to them." Captain Cade'svoice boomed across the field "You shall all be replacing half my unit lead by lieutenants behind me. Now all place your circuit gems inside the command unit and connect to the PANTHEON system."
As Gilbert placed his circuit gem inside the command unit his suit responded instantly, movement became fluid, and strain of energy siphoned by the bio-engine smoothed into a seamless flow. His HUD flickered to life, displaying a transmission his mind processed in an instant.
'Hello Squire 141, you are now connected to PANTHEON. Your squad 9 will be assigned to platoon 5 alongside squads 3, 21, 15, 17, and 6'
"By now you would be informed of your assignments now EVERYONE MOVE OUT!" Captain Cade's voice rang out sharp and commanding. With practice ease the squad then marched towards the waiting anti-grav trucks, where they met the rest of the members of their platoon 5. As they all loaded in the convoy began its forward push.
Inside the truck they met their platoon leader, his armor bearing the insignia of three scales and two flames, a dragon's head emblazoned on his chest- a mirrored mark by the rest of his squad. Intricate knots were welded into the armor's edges.
"Nice to meet you all I am High Knight 3A1, today we will be posted ten miles away from the nest where there will be Tier III styxs dealt with by my squad meanwhile the Tier IV and Vs will be dealt with by you guys, we will only intervene more any Tier IIIs attack your squads." He said with a gruff voice
"Why are posted so far from the nest?" asked the Squad 6's team leader
"Because you all would just be cannon fodder, only High knights can fight at the edge of the great nest while inside it either station three Great Knights squads generally some have a grand knight squad or a single dread marine." He replied, "Now keep your heads focused we will be arriving in two minutes."
As they arrived at their assigned zone they disembarked from their vehicle, leaving the medics and mechanics station inside. Before their last member alighted, a snaked-shaped Styx fifteen meters long its body glistening with metallic scales and boasting three pairs of wings lunged at them triggering alarms and chaos.
While the squires scrambled to form up, 3A1 acted swiftly unleashing a blast from his power rifle to drive the styx back, buying precious seconds. As the creature recoiled, one of his squad mates armed with a power hammer activated his thrusters which were more pronounced than the ones on squire armor propelling himself into the air. With pinpoint accuracy, he set the Styx crashing to the ground. Capitalizing on the opportunity, 3A1 shoved his rifle into the styx'smouth, unloading a barrage of energy rounds. At the same time, another teammate used his shield to intercept and attack the creature's tail, holding off the assault with raw strength.
Despite its thrashing, the team maintained their relentless assault with high synchronicity before its head was crushed by the hammer silencing it for good.
"Squads 3 and 9, take the second row on the left and right! Squads 21 and 15 cover the rear, Squads 17 guard the area around the truck, and Squad 6 should play firefighter" 3A1 barked sharp and commanding moving as his unit moved into battle formation before charging forward. Gilbert's HUD lit up marking his squad's defensive position. Their first adversaries came quickly
" Two Styx, three o'clock. E.T.A. fifteen seconds," announced Kean. Emerging from the distance was more snake-like Styx, their metallic scale wings glinting, though these measured seven to ten meters in length and bore only two pairs of wings.
As the creatures closed in, William and Gilbert took the front, raising their shields as the entire squad rained a relentless barrage of fire, grounding the beasts and keeping them at bay. When the Styx arrived in striking range, Wolfgang joined in shotgun roaring as he pushed forward.
Taking positions, William engaged one Styx, using his shield and spear to keep it at bay with Adam's assistance, while Gilbert and the rest of the squad targeted the other. Standing at the forefront, Gilbert wielded his dual swords, using his electro sword to paralyze one of the Styx's wings. As Kean leaped onto its back, his short sword tore into the flesh of its wings aiming to cripple its ability to fly.
The Styx retaliated, tossing Kean off before attempting to take flight once more. Its tail lashed out, striking Gilbert sending him skidding backward. Wolfgang's shotgun roared again, shredding one of the Styx's wings and preventing it from fully taking off. Seizing the opening, Gilbert activated his suit's thrusters, positioning himself above the beast. In one swift maneuver, he pinned two of its wings to the ground with his swords. Then took out his rifle and fired a decisive shot into its head, ending its life.
Quickly recovering his swords, Gilbert moved to assist William and Adam, only to find their Styx already to a sieve from either spear strikes or sniper rounds.
"Squad 9 clear," Gilbert reported. "Check ammunition reserves and stay sharp. Good job William, Adam"
" Please rest assured that we are fully capable of managing this situation.," William replied cleaning the blood off his spear meanwhile Adam gave a simple nod.
The squad's day unfolded in a nightmarish haze, battling the relentless onslaught of Styx, who came at them in ceaseless waves—sometimes in menacing packs, at other times as solitary, stealthy attackers. Each time they were overwhelmed, they retreated to the safety of their truck, a makeshift haven where they caught their breath and methodically replenished their dwindling supplies. As the hours dragged on, a palpable rhythm began to take shape within the group, their synergy sharpening like a finely honed blade as they learned to anticipate each other's moves and instincts. Through grit and determination, they evolved from a ragged collection of individuals into a cohesive unit, ready to face the next wave with renewed resolve.
"We are under assault by a pack of Tier IV Styx squads. Stay alert and be prepared, as you may have to engage Tier IIIs. Squads shrink the distance between each other Squads 9 and 3 deal with any Tier IIIs that attack." 3A1's loud voice came across the Pantheon system surprising all squads.