Reliable Terrans

When Augustus walked out of the Hall of Ascension, the fighting outside was already raging. Several corrupted Daelaam legions had taken the lead in turning on their allies, launching an unprovoked attack, and the Purifiers and Terran Empire forces immediately struck back.

Large numbers of medium and heavy war machines had been thrown into this unforeseen war—Colossi, Thors, Immortals, Warhounds. The skies were dominated by hissing particle weapons, plasma weapons, beam weapons, and missiles. Deadly explosions and terrifying flashes were clearly visible as pale fire swept across the land, like a violent summer storm bearing down.

The Purifiers had deployed an especially large number of war machines. These ultimate purification machines, optimized through accords, had been born for war and equipped with even more dangerous, dreadful weapons.

"How bad is the situation?"

A ten-man Royal Guard fire team spread out before Augustus. His gaze passed over the broad shoulder plate of a Royal Marine and settled on the smoke-shrouded battlefield.

Horrific signs of battle covered the vast courtyards outside the Hall of Ascension. Incredible pillars and suspended structures crashed down from the sky as though mountains were collapsing. In an instant, countless art treasures were reduced to ruin.

Daelaam Templar corrupted by Amon were assaulting the Terran Empire and Purifier lines—even though their numbers were less than a tenth of the combined forces facing them. War cries and shouts of slaughter rang out everywhere, with troops from every side tangled together. Templar and Purifier warriors locked blades, while terrifying weapons of war could turn soldiers on the battlefield into charred husks in an instant.

These respected and honorable Templar had been twisted beyond recognition by hatred and fury, drawing their blades against former brothers and allies without the slightest hesitation.

The effects of corruption upon them were obvious. The purifying