General POV
The cold wind that swept across the mountainous edges of eastern Darnova did little to calm the tension in the air.
A massive convoy approached — its black-and-gold armored trucks stretching across the barren landscape like a steel centipede. The lead vehicle bore the unmistakable emblem of the Blackwood Empire — a raven gripping a sword, surrounded by the Blackwood circle of unity. Behind it, dozens of B.A.M. tanks rolled forward, their engines humming like the quiet threat of thunder.
At the checkpoint, Darnovan soldiers stiffened.
Lieutenant Ruga, the border guard commander, adjusted his cap and stared through the reinforced window of the control booth. His hand hovered over the radio, hesitating. Protocol said no foreign military equipment without clearance.
But today wasn't a normal day.
The screen blinked — PRESIDENTIAL OVERRIDE — LEVEL BLACK.
A new command code scrolled across his monitor.
"FULL ACCESS. STAND DOWN. ASSIST AND ESCORT."
He swallowed hard.
Outside, the first B.A.M. soldier stepped forward — full matte-black armor, insignia glowing blood-red under the moonlight. Behind them, Blackwood engineers began unfolding mechanical cranes and automated turrets, escorted by drones that hovered like silent angels of death.
The gate buzzed.
It opened.
RUGA (muttering):
"This is really happening…"
He raised his hand in salute as the first Blackwood units crossed over.
One of the B.A.M. lieutenants nodded curtly. No words. Just a mission.
Within minutes, the silent mountains were lit up by massive mobile command structures being erected. Portable shield barriers hissed as they activated. Turrets were being calibrated. Darnovan engineers stood back, watching, confused… helpless… in awe.
They weren't building a base.
They were building a fortress.
A Blackwood fortress, inside Darnova.
And no one dared to stop it.
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