While the princeps and Knight nobles who had previously refused to fight scrambled to activate their god-machines within the Mercury High Wall, the killing grounds of exultation outside had become a hell of steel, where a feast of desecration was being inflicted upon yesterday's heroes.
The Firebee Legion's Titan formation was suffering unprecedented devastation, and most heartbreaking of all, its tormentors were its former comrades.
"Hold formation! Left-flank Warhound squadron, lay down overlapping fire across sector G-7!"
The voice of the Raging Inferno's princeps echoed through the Incandescent Flame Network. He fought to remain calm, but every word seemed steeped in suppressed fury.
Three Emperor-class Titans stood scattered across the battlefield like fearless giants. Every roar of their heavy weapons sounded like a dirge for their fallen brothers.
Boom!
The Raging Inferno's plasma annihilation cannon roared again, sending a massive blue plasma beam screaming into the midst of a distant group of Warbringer wrecks that were firing a volley.
The azure beam exploded violently, scattering ultrahot plasma.
"The Emperor above... that's the Indomitable!"
The Raging Inferno's second-in-command cried out, his voice trembling. In the instant before the stricken Warbringer wreck melted, the emblem of the Iron Serpents Legion remained unmistakable on its scorched, twisted, yet still recognizable armor—a coiled serpent of steel!
Now, a foul eight-pointed star had been carved beside that glorious emblem.
"I know..."
The Raging Inferno's princeps spoke in a low, anguished voice.
"When Beta-Garmon fell, Princeps Oric and his crew fought to the last... they never deserved this desecration! Lay him to rest. It's the only mercy we can offer!"
More enemies surged forward.
A Reaver-class Titan staggered ahead on twisted leg assemblies, dragging a ruined hydraulic line. The Gatling blaster on its arm spun madly.
The crossed iron fists of the Warmongers Legion were still