"In war, it isn't the biggest wall that wins. It's the one that doesn't crack when something leans on it too hard."
—Branwyn, during the Siege of Redvale
+1 Day – Midpoint of the Ashen Vault Campaign
The machines came at dawn.
No alarms this time. No scouts. Just noise—grinding wheels, pistons cycling in unison, war-beats played in steel.
Jag stood atop Tower C's bunker wall, spyglass in hand. Fog clung to the field, but shapes moved like insects through smoke.
[Wave 5 Incoming – Adjusted Composition]
Reduced: Elite Clockwork Units -2
Enemy Formations:
• Clockgrinder Infantry (Massed Frontliners)
• Signal Reavers (Disruptor Saboteurs)
• Mobile Siege Platforms (Heavy Support)
Estimated Force: 200+
Expected Duration: 12–15 minutes sustained defense
[Pre-Battle Deployment – Fortified Loadout]
• Tower A: Upgraded Ballista + Shock Net
• Tower B: Mage Relay + Spell Mesh + Oil Trap
• Tower C: Grenadier Support + Flare Beacon
• Jag: Center Front – Command Node
• Ashra: Right Flank – Intercept Unit
• Branwyn: Left Wall – Anchor Line
Wave Begins – Horn One
Branwyn was first to clash.
[Skill: Earthstomp Charge]
— Frontline Collapse
— +52 Damage AoE
— Stunned 6x Clockgrinders
Ashra met the Signal Reavers mid-shadow.
They blurred with speed, slipping through magical auras.
[Passive Counter: Dagger Ward]
• Effect: Reflects first ability per unit
• Result: 4x Reavers eliminated on impact
Jag took the center, his Ashforge blade crackling.
[Skill: Bastion Cut]
— 3x chained strikes
— Defense buff + Party Zone Control
— Result: Center Hold remains at 96% integrity
Minute 6 – Siege Platforms Enter
Two mobile towers on spider-like legs climbed over the southern ridge. Their cannons rotated, targeting Towers A and B.
[Enemy Siege AI Sync Detected]
• Countdown to Full Charge: 45 seconds
• Suppression Range: 3 Tower Zones
System Suggestion: Flare Beacon Activation or Hero Disruption
"Branwyn, push!" Jag barked. "Ashra—mirror route, we flank together!"
Interception Phase
Ashra blinked to the southern trench, ducking under rotating turrets.
[Shadow Leap → Blade Coil Combo]
Result: Lower Cannon Disabled
Timer Reset: +20s
Branwyn launched from the left via reinforced ramp.
[Skill: Hammer Arc – Shieldbreaker Mod]
Result: Side Plating Destroyed
Platform Vulnerability Exposed
Jag threw his flare beacon high.
[System Sync: Flare Lock – Siege Units Target Switched]
Siege Aimed at Jag – Intercept Engaged
He gritted his teeth and charged alone.
[Skyreach Slash – Full Impact at Cannon Mount]
-164 HP
Result: Platform 1 Collapsing
A second later, the platform imploded—taking its stabilizer with it.
The other limped back, then detonated in retreat.
[Wave 5 Cleared]
Duration: 14m 02s
Damage Report:
• Tower A – 17% Structure Loss
• Tower B – Minor Fire Damage (contained)
• Tower C – Operational
Casualties: 4 injured (non-fatal)
Reward: 190 Gold, 1 Strategic Token
Upgrade Options:
• Install Rapid-Fire Repeater at Tower A (120 Gold)
• Add Auto-Recovery Field to Tower B (1 Token)
• Upgrade Grenadier Payload to Arc-Explosives (80 Gold)
Jag selected:
Tower A – Rapid-Fire Repeater Installed
• Output +20%, cooldown -30%
Evening – Command Ridge
The ashfield was quiet again.
Ashra crouched beside a dead Signal Reaver, studying its core.
"This wasn't just a soldier. This one was… coordinating the whole flank."
Rialt confirmed, "Each has a central thought-rune embedded. That's artificial battlefield cognition."
"They're learning mid-battle," Branwyn growled. "Machines aren't supposed to adapt."
Jag looked toward the south—toward the Vault.
"They're desperate now. They know we've cut their legs. All they have left is one final push."
System Update – Campaign Progress
Waves Completed: 5 / 8
Fort Integrity: 74%
Morale: 96%
Enemy Pattern Change Detected:
• Wave 6: Hybrid Assault – Mixed Infantry / Drone Bombers
• Wave 7: High-Tier Commander Confirmed
• Wave 8: Final Assault – "Omega Line" Unsealed
Optional Trigger: Begin Internal Vault Sweep before Wave 7 for Preemptive Buff
Jag turned from the map, voice quiet but firm.
"We hold three more lines."
Branwyn slammed her fist into her palm. "Let's make them regret every inch."
Ashra smirked, wiping her blade clean. "And we make the ash remember."