Erebus - Simulated Unit Combat
The transition from Shangri-la's lush jungles to the stark deserts of Erebus was jarring. Where once towering trees had provided constant shade, now an endless expanse of sand stretched before them, shimmering under the merciless sun. The six officers arrived at the massive training facility constructed in the heart of the desert, joining the rest of the hundred elite graduates who had been undergoing their own parallel training regimens across Eldaria.
Father greeted them at the central command post, a towering structure of sandstone and metal that rose from the desert floor like a monument to war itself.
"Welcome to your final week of training," he announced to the assembled officers. "You have learned to fight with your bodies, with limited magic, and with technology. You have faced the physical, mental, and moral challenges of warfare. Now, you will bring all these lessons together in simulated unit combat."
He gestured to the vast desert expanse behind him, where two imposing fortresses stood on opposite horizons, separated by miles of open terrain dotted with rock formations, dunes, and the occasional oasis.
"Two armies, fifty officers each. Your objective is twofold; defend your fortress while capturing your opponent's. This exercise will last six days, concluding at sunset on the final day of your training."
A murmur of excitement passed through the gathered officers. After weeks of instruction and controlled scenarios, the prospect of open warfare; even simulated, ignited their competitive spirits.
"But first," Father continued, "you must prepare. Today, you will select and bond with your combat units."
At his signal, massive hangar doors opened in the base of the command post. From one emerged a procession of Dwarven technicians leading Golem Armors, hulking suits of Mythril plate connected by mana-powered circuits and gears. From another came handlers guiding Father's mythical beasts; Dire Wolves, Golden Lions, Wise Bears, White Tigers, and Silver Eagles: each creature radiating power and intelligence beyond ordinary animals.
"Dwarves, claim your Golem Armors," Father instructed. "Elves without existing mounts, you will select from among the mythical beasts. Choose wisely, these partnerships will be crucial to your success."
The officers dispersed eagerly. Leonidas made a beeline for his custom Golem Armor, its modifications and enhancements distinguishing it from the standard models. He ran his hands lovingly over the Mythril plating, already mentally cataloging adjustments he wanted to make.
"Hello, beautiful," he murmured, examining the mana flow regulators he had designed. "Ready for some upgrades?"
Nearby, Damian approached a standard Golem Armor with more hesitation. As a Dwelf, he had trained with the suits but never expected to operate one in combat. His hybrid physiology made the mana requirements challenging but manageable with his enhanced reserves.
"Are you certain I qualify for Golem Armor?" he asked the Dwarven technician.
"Father's orders," the technician replied, handing him the activation key. "This one's been calibrated for your specific mana signature. Should draw less power than standard models."
Damian accepted the key with a mixture of pride and trepidation. It represented acceptance; recognition that despite his mixed heritage, he belonged among the Dwarven warriors.
Meanwhile, the Elves gathered around the mythical beasts, each creature assessing potential riders as much as being assessed. Lucius already had Silver, who pranced excitedly at the sight of his kin among the Dire Wolves. Julian circled the assembled creatures thoughtfully, eventually stopping before a massive White Tiger whose intelligent eyes seemed to pierce through him.
"This one," he said simply, extending his hand.
The White Tiger sniffed his palm, then pressed its massive head against his chest; acceptance. Julian smiled, feeling an immediate connection forming between them.
Aurelia, as the highest-ranked officer, had first choice among the unclaimed mounts. She approached the Golden Lions, drawn to their regal bearing that matched her own royal lineage. A female with unusually bright eyes stepped forward, separating from her pride to meet Aurelia halfway.
"She's chosen you," the handler explained. "That's Solara, daughter of Nysia. She has her mother's temperament, proud but loyal."
Aurelia placed her hand on Solara's golden mane, feeling the powerful muscles beneath the fur. "We'll suit each other well," she said softly.
The most surprising choice came from Iris. While the other Desert Dwarves gravitated toward the Golem Armors, she approached the Silver Eagles, her eyes fixed on a particularly streamlined female with feathers that caught the desert light like polished metal.
"Dwarves typically operate Golem Armor," a handler reminded her. "The Eagles are usually paired with Elves."
"I want to fly," Iris replied simply, not taking her eyes from the Eagle.
The handler looked uncertain, but before he could object further, Father appeared beside them.
"Let her try," he instructed, studying Iris with interest. "I see the fire in her eyes."
The Silver Eagle regarded Iris with equal intensity, then lowered her massive wing in invitation. Iris climbed carefully onto the creature's back, settling between her shoulder blades. For a moment, nothing happened; then with a powerful thrust, the Eagle launched into the air, carrying Iris high above the training facility.
The Desert Dwarf's exhilarated cry echoed across the desert as the Eagle performed a series of intricate aerial maneuvers, testing her new rider's balance and courage. Iris held firm, her natural stability and low center of gravity proving advantageous in the unexpected role of aerial mount rider.
When they landed several minutes later, Iris's face was flushed with excitement. "Her name is Zephyr," she announced, somehow knowing it with certainty. "And we belong together."
Father nodded his approval. "Unconventional pairings often yield the greatest strengths. The enemy expects Dwarves in Golem Armor and Elves on mounts, your presence in the skies will surprise them."
Throughout the day, the officers bonded with their chosen partners. The process was different for each pairing; some immediate and intuitive, others requiring hours of careful interaction to establish trust. By sunset, each officer had named their mount or calibrated their Golem Armor, beginning the deep connection that would carry them into battle.
Julian named his White Tiger "Frost" for the unusual pale blue eyes that stood out against the white fur. Aurelia's Golden Lion Solara seemed to have arrived with her name already known. Damian, in a moment of unexpected whimsy, dubbed his Golem Armor "Halfblood," embracing rather than hiding his dual heritage.
The evening was spent in preparation; Dwarves performing maintenance and modifications on their Golem Armors, Elves learning the specific capabilities and preferences of their mounts. Leonidas worked tirelessly on his custom suit, installing additional mana efficiency measures and reinforcing joint articulation points.
"The standard models waste at least 15% of mana input through inefficient circulation," he explained to Damian, who watched attentively. "This recapture system I've designed reduces that to under 5%."
"Could you install something similar on mine?" Damian asked, eyeing his own Golem Armor.
Leonidas grinned. "I thought you'd never ask. Hand me that flux regulator."
Across the facility, Iris was receiving accelerated training from experienced Eagle riders. Though she had dreamed of flying, the reality required specific techniques and commands she needed to master quickly.
"Eagles respond to pressure cues more than verbal commands," her instructor explained. "Shift your weight forward to dive, back to climb, left or right to bank. In combat, you'll need to operate your MR1 while maintaining these controls."
Iris practiced the movements repeatedly, developing muscle memory while Zephyr patiently allowed her to adjust to the nuances of aerial riding. By midnight, she could guide the Eagle through basic combat maneuvers while maintaining her marksmanship with the MR1.
Dawn of the second day brought the official beginning of the exercise. The hundred officers were divided into two armies of fifty each, designated Blue and Red. Father had balanced the forces carefully, ensuring equal distribution of Golem Armor operators, mounted warriors, and specialists.
To the officers' surprise, their squad of six was kept intact, all assigned to the Blue Army. "Some units have developed exceptional cohesion," Father explained. "Breaking them would diminish their effectiveness. In real war, you fight alongside those you trust."
Each army was given three hours to establish command structure and develop strategy before the simulation officially began. The Blue Army gathered in their fortress; an impressive structure of sandstone and Mythril with multiple defensive layers, battlements for ranged fighters, and a central keep.
A senior Elven officer named Thorne, who had graduated fifth in their class, was elected overall commander. He quickly established a war council that included Aurelia, representing their squad among other high-ranked officers.
"Our intelligence suggests the Red Army has a slight advantage in Golem Armor units," Thorne briefed them, indicating positions on a tactical map. "We have more mounted units, particularly aerial. I propose a defensive core with mobile strike teams for targeted offensives."
Aurelia studied the map thoughtfully. "The desert terrain favors mounted units over Golem Armor in most areas. The armored units move slower through sand and require more mana to maintain optimal function in the heat."
"Agreed," Thorne nodded. "We'll position Golem Armor units primarily for fortress defense and as anchors for our battle line. Mounted units will form rapid response teams and conduct raids."
When Aurelia returned to her squad with their assignments, they quickly adapted their individual roles to complement the larger strategy. Leonidas and Damian would operate their Golem Armors as part of the defensive core, using their technological expertise to maximize the fortress defenses. Julian, Lucius, and Aurelia would lead a strike team of mounted warriors, conducting hit-and-run attacks to disrupt enemy movements. Iris and Zephyr would join the aerial reconnaissance unit, providing critical intelligence on enemy positions.
At midday, a horn sounded across the desert, signaling the start of the exercise. Almost immediately, dust clouds rose on the horizon as the Red Army began their advance.
"They're being aggressive early," Julian observed from the battlements, Frost growling softly beside him. "Committing significant forces to a frontal approach."
Thorne joined them, studying the advancing force through a spyglass. "A diversion, most likely. Their commander is Varis; he graduated third in our class and always favored misdirection."
"We should send scouts to check our flanks," Aurelia suggested.
"Already done," Thorne replied. "Your aerial specialist is leading the mission."
High above the desert, Iris and Zephyr soared in wide circles, accompanied by three Elven riders on Silver Eagles. The desert heat created thermal updrafts that the Eagles used to gain altitude with minimal effort, allowing them to survey vast stretches of terrain.
"There!" Iris called to her companions, pointing toward a rocky outcropping to the west of their fortress. "Movement in the shadows."
She guided Zephyr lower for a better look, maintaining enough distance to avoid detection. A substantial force of Red Army units was using the terrain for cover, clearly positioning for a flanking attack while the main force drew attention to the front.
"At least fifteen Golem Armors and ten mounted units," she reported when they returned to the fortress. "Positioning for a western assault while their main force engages from the south."
Thorne adjusted their defensive posture accordingly, reinforcing the western wall with additional Golem Armor units, including Leonidas and Damian. Julian, Lucius, and Aurelia prepared their strike team to counter the flanking force before it could coordinate with the main assault.
The battle was joined an hour later, with the Red Army's main force engaging the southern defenses while their flanking units emerged from the western rocks. The Blue Army was ready, meeting both threats with coordinated resistance.
Leonidas found himself at the center of the western defense, his custom Golem Armor performing admirably as he directed a section of the wall. The armor amplified his Dwarven strength, allowing him to hurl specially designed stun-bombs that simulated artillery fire, marking enemy units as "damaged" or "disabled" according to the exercise parameters.
"They're testing our range!" he called to Damian, who operated his Golem Armor with surprising skill nearby. "Conserve mana until they commit to the assault!"
Outside the walls, Julian led the counter-flanking force, with Lucius and Aurelia coordinating their mounted units in a pincer movement. The White Tiger Frost moved with incredible speed across the desert terrain, Julian using minimal mana to enhance his connection with the beast. Silver and Solara flanked them, carrying Lucius and Aurelia in a formation that had become second nature during their training.
The clash between mounted units was spectacular, mythical beasts leaping and charging while their riders exchanged simulated combat maneuvers. Training staves replaced real weapons, delivering mild shocks that registered hits without causing serious injury. Specially designed vests worn by all participants tracked these hits, calculating theoretical damage and declaring units "wounded" or "eliminated" when appropriate thresholds were reached.
Overhead, Iris and the aerial units engaged in their own battle, as Red Army Eagles contested control of the skies. Zephyr proved remarkably agile despite carrying a Dwarven rider, compensating for Iris's weight with powerful wing strokes. Iris used her MR1 with deadly accuracy, the weapon modified to fire training rounds that left bright paint marks on targets.
"Two enemy Eagles marked!" she called triumphantly as her shots found their targets, the rules of engagement requiring the marked riders to withdraw temporarily from the battle.
The first day's conflict continued until sunset, when horns signaled a mandatory ceasefire. Both armies withdrew to their fortresses to rest, treat "wounded" participants, and plan for the following day. Though no decisive advantage had been gained by either side, the Blue Army had successfully repelled the initial assault while gathering valuable intelligence on their opponents' tactics.
"They committed too heavily to their opening gambit," Thorne assessed during the evening council. "Tomorrow they'll be more cautious, probably focusing on probing attacks while they develop a new strategy."
"Or they might expect us to expect that," Aurelia countered. "Commander Varis might double down, hoping to catch us preparing for a more measured approach."
The debate continued late into the night, with various officers contributing insights based on their specialties and observations. Eventually, a consensus strategy emerged; flexible defensive posture with prepared rapid response units ready to counter whatever approach the Red Army adopted.
The following days fell into a rhythm of engagement, assessment, and adaptation. Each army learned from previous encounters, developing increasingly sophisticated tactics. The desert itself became a weapon and an obstacle, with sandstorms providing cover for stealth operations and extreme heat limiting the duration of sustained combat.
By the fourth day, both sides had attempted and repelled major assaults on their fortresses. The simulation had evolved into a complex dance of feints, raids, and resource management. Mana conservation became increasingly critical as the exercise continued, with officers carefully rationing their magical reserves for maximum impact.
The six officers from Avalon found their previous training invaluable, particularly the lessons from week three about operating with limited mana. While other units sometimes depleted their reserves in dramatic but ultimately ineffective displays, their squad maintained discipline, using magic only when conventional means wouldn't suffice.
On the fifth day, Commander Thorne called Aurelia's squad to a private council.
"We're at a stalemate," he admitted, showing them the current battle map. "Neither side has gained a decisive advantage, and we have only one day remaining. I need your squad to execute a special operation tonight."
The plan was audacious; a night infiltration of the Red fortress by a small elite team, targeting their command structure to create chaos before the final day's decisive battle. Aurelia's squad was selected based on their demonstrated cohesion and adaptability throughout the exercise.
"This is beyond the normal parameters of the simulation," Thorne warned them. "But Father has approved it as a test of unconventional tactics."
That night, under the cover of darkness, the six officers approached the Red fortress from its least defended angle. Leonidas and Damian had modified their Golem Armor for stealth, muffling joints and minimizing mana signatures. Julian, Lucius, and Aurelia left their mounts behind, recognizing that the beasts, while powerful, would compromise their stealth. Only Iris and Zephyr maintained their partnership, the Silver Eagle's night vision providing crucial aerial reconnaissance.
"Guard rotation in three minutes," Iris reported through a communication crystal after a high altitude pass over the fortress. "Southeast corner has minimal coverage during the shift change."
The infiltration proceeded with precision born from weeks of training together. Julian's survival skills allowed him to identify and disable alarm mechanisms. Leonidas's technical knowledge helped them navigate the fortress's defensive systems. Lucius, reunited with Silver for this operation, used the dire wolf's acute senses to avoid patrols.
They reached the central keep without detection, locating the Red Army's command center where Commander Varis and his lieutenants were planning the next day's battle. Using non-lethal stunning devices developed by Leonidas, they neutralized the guards and burst into the room.
"Your command center is compromised," Aurelia announced to the shocked Red officers. "In a real combat situation, you would now be prisoners or casualties."
According to the simulation parameters, the captured Red commanders were required to remain out of communication with their forces for six hours; creating precisely the leadership vacuum Thorne had hoped to exploit for the final day's battle.
The Blue Army launched their major offensive at dawn, coordinating a multi-pronged assault that the disorganized Red forces struggled to counter. Without clear central command, their defensive efforts became fragmented and reactive rather than cohesive.
Leonidas and Damian led a Golem Armor charge against the main gate, their units forming a shield wall that absorbed enemy fire while battering rams weakened the defenses. Julian, Lucius, and Aurelia commanded mounted units that exploited gaps in the perimeter, penetrating deep into the fortress to secure key positions. Overhead, Iris and the aerial units provided covering fire and tactical intelligence, directing Blue forces toward vulnerable points.
By midday, the outcome was clear. The Blue Army had breached the Red fortress's outer defenses and was methodically securing the interior. When the final horn sounded at sunset, officially ending the exercise, the Blue flag flew from the Red fortress's central tower; a decisive victory.
Father gathered all hundred officers in the neutral ground between the fortresses for the final assessment. Despite the competitive nature of the exercise, there was no true animosity between the armies; all recognized they were ultimately on the same side, preparing for a common enemy.
"You have completed your training," Father announced, his voice carrying across the assembled officers. "Six weeks ago, you were Academy graduates with theoretical knowledge. Today, you are officers prepared to lead the Fae Alliance against the human threat."
He walked among them, acknowledging individual achievements and notable tactics from both armies.
"The Blue Army achieved victory through unconventional thinking and exceptional unit cohesion," he noted. "The Red Army demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience under pressure. Both qualities will be essential in the coming conflict."
When he reached Aurelia's squad, he paused longer. "This unit exemplifies what we have sought to develop, diverse talents working in harmony, each member's strengths compensating for others' limitations. Remember this balance when you take command of your assigned forces."
As the sun set on their final day of training, the hundred officers stood together one last time before dispersing to their war assignments across Eldaria. The six who had begun their journey in Avalon remained close, bound by experiences that had transformed them from individual talents into something greater; a true fighting unit.
"What happens now?" Damian asked as they gathered their equipment, preparing to depart Erebus.
"We receive our commissions," Aurelia replied. "Command assignments for the defense of Eldaria."
Julian looked toward the horizon, beyond which lay the Human Realm and the enemy they had trained to face. "Do you think we're ready?"
"As ready as we can be," Leonidas answered, his Golem Armor standing silent beside him. "We've learned to fight like humans while remaining Fae."
Lucius scratched Silver behind the ears, the dire wolf leaning contentedly against his leg. "Father has prepared us for everything he could."
"Not everything," Iris said quietly, one hand resting on Zephyr's feathers. "No training can fully prepare you for real war."
They fell silent, each contemplating the path that had brought them here and the uncertain future that awaited. Six weeks ago, they had been strangers with individual ambitions. Now they moved as one unit, thinking and acting with shared purpose.
As darkness fell over the desert, Father approached them one last time.
"Your official assignments will come tomorrow," he told them. "But I wanted you to know, you six will remain together. I've created a special operations unit under your command, Aurelia."
Surprise and pride flickered across her face. "Thank you, Father. We won't disappoint you."
"I know," he replied, his expression momentarily softening. "You've become exactly what Eldaria needs; officers who understand not just how to fight, but why we fight."
He looked at each of them in turn, these six who had endured his most rigorous training and emerged stronger for it. "The barrier between realms weakens daily. Soon, Alexander's humans will find their way to our shores. When that day comes, remember everything you've learned; not just tactics and techniques, but the values worth defending."
With those words, he left them to their final night in Erebus, six officers ready to face whatever challenges awaited in the defense of their world against human invasion.