I’ll be the Red Ranger
Chapter 106 – Olympus’ Jungle

- Nico -

It had been decades since Nico last served as a team captain. Yet, the lapse in time hadn't dulled his abilities. Unsurprisingly, Nico was entrusted with leading one of their Yellow Ranger units even within the first few weeks with the Dardanus.

Nico's group was stationed at the Half Wall and tasked with defending this critical position. The structure, resembling an iron titan, seemed to cleave the planet Olympus in two—it was the most important strategic point on the planet at the moment.

Though the Yellow Rangers specialized in logistical missions, they had been placed at the wall due to a shortage of Black Rangers and because it served as one of the most vital supply points for the front lines. Nico often found himself pacing along the top of the massive barrier. It wasn't technically his duty, but he couldn't relax unless he was watching the vast tropical jungle that stretched out before them. That dense forest was their greatest risk.

Whenever they attempted to venture out and reduce the number of trees, the Orks would attack their teams. The enemy used the thick foliage as cover, launching sudden assaults against the wall. “There's no point in drafting another report; they'll just ignore it," Nico sighed, watching the trees that grew less than a meter from the wall's base.

He had repeatedly explained to both the Dardanus and the NEA that this lack of visibility was critical—a security issue that could jeopardize everything. Yet many countered that it was a waste of time, arguing that they had thermal visors and that the wall was nearly impenetrable.

Nico couldn't convince them, and even he found it hard to doubt the might of the Half Wall. Built upon a foundation of reinforced concrete and armored with layers of composite metals, the structure radiated an air of impenetrability. Towering gun turrets lined its top—massive rail-mounted cannons capable of firing rounds that could shatter an Ork caravan in seconds. Along its length, trains transported additional artillery, supplies, and personnel, ensuring the wall's defenses were always at peak readiness.

Marked with the Imperium's insignia, the wall was more than a defense mechanism—it was a declaration of dominance. The constant hum of engines and the clattering of tracks echoed across the structure, creating a symphony of power.

Nico recalled when he first arrived. It wasn't the first time he'd seen a wall like this—it was standard procedure for the NEA whenever they were contesting a planet. However, the wall hadn't been nearly as imposing during the last Wave.

As he descended from his ship for the first time, Nico watched the formidable structure before him. Soldiers patrolled the top of the wall, their silhouettes dwarfed by the enormous cannons they operated. The massive artillery pieces loomed overhead, stark against the sky, embodying the sheer power of the fortification.

Beneath the surface, labyrinthine corridors housed barracks, command centers, and stockpiles of munitions, ensuring the wall was as formidable inside as it was out. Yet, despite the impressive defenses, a sense of apprehension lingered.

Nico stopped recollecting the last few days when he heard the footsteps of another soldier approaching. The man's attire was standard issue, similar to what the NEA used. However, the symbol of House Dardanus was embroidered on his uniform.

"Sir. The other captains have already arrived; they're gathering in room B3. They asked me to inform you," the soldier said, snapping a crisp salute.

Nico nodded. "Thank you," he replied, keeping his expression neutral.

‘Dammit, they sent a soldier just for that,’ Nico thought, trying to conceal his irritation. Unfortunately, not all the other captains were pleased with his sudden rise through the ranks of the Great House. Messages that could have been simple comms were delivered in person, deliberately wasting his time.

He quickly removed his helmet, wiping the sweat from his forehead and neck. Even above the forest canopy, the oppressive heat and humidity clung to everything like a damp shroud.

As soon as Nico finished fastening the Dardanus helmet back onto his head, the enormous wall beneath him began to tremble—so much so that even the soldiers accustomed to the fortification took notice. A deep rumble resonated through the structure, unsettling the air and drawing wary glances upward.

There was no need for a lengthy investigation. The moment Nico looked to the sky, he saw dozens of Ork ships approaching, their jagged silhouettes cutting through the clouds. They unleashed a barrage of missiles and laser fire upon the fortification. Though hundreds of projectiles streaked toward them, the majority were deflected by the shimmering energy field enveloping the wall. Still, a few found their mark, striking the base and sending shockwaves rippling through the massive wall.

"To the cannons!" Nico shouted to the soldiers around him. "Attack from the south—ships incoming!"

The entire base erupted in a symphony of alarms. Klaxons blared, and crimson lights flashed along the corridors. Soldiers sprang into action, ascending via elevators to take their positions at the thousands of turrets embedded at every wall level. The hum of machinery and the clatter of boots against metal filled the air as the defensive behemoth awakened.

Grabbing his communicator, Nico relayed the situation. "We're under attack! Dozens of enemy ships are firing on the fortification!"

Static crackled before another captain's voice responded with dismissive calm. "No problem. They often attack just to test our defenses. We're still waiting for you."

Another explosion, more forceful than the last, rocked the wall. Glancing toward the forest, Nico saw trees sway violently before crashing to the ground. From the shadows of the collapsing canopy emerged the dreaded Ork war machines.

Hundreds of Grinder Beasts surged forward—a brutal combination of ingenuity and chaos. Built on the chassis of a centipede-like construct, these tanks crawled over the terrain with unsettling agility, their segmented, armored legs smashing through obstacles with the force of a stampede. Each limb ended in an enormous clawed appendage, capable of ripping apart fortifications or tearing through enemy vehicles like paper.

The bodies of the Grinder Beasts were patchworks of salvaged armor plates, scorched metal, and glowing red energy conduits that pulsed like veins through their hulking frames. The cockpits, perched atop the monstrosities, bristled with antennas, scopes, and crude Ork glyphs etched into the plating. Main turrets—absurdly oversized cannons—dominated the constructs' tops, spewing shells large enough to obliterate entire squads in a single shot. Smaller gun emplacements jutted from their sides, allowing Ork gunners to unleash a relentless storm of firepower in every direction.

A fresh salvo of enemy fire hammered the wall, testing its defenses anew.

"Cancel that fucking meeting!" Nico barked into the communicator, his voice edged with urgency and authority. "This is not a scouting attack. We have Grinder Beasts on the ground. Any captain not at his post in the next three minutes can consider himself no longer needed at this base!"

Nice didn't actually have the power to dismiss other captains, but they didn't know that. After his rapid rise within the House, it was entirely possible he had some leverage—an ace up his sleeve they weren't aware of.

"Cannons ready!" one of the officers near Nico reported. "Should we focus on the ships or the Beasts?"

Making a swift decision, Nico commanded, "Target the ground—eliminate those Grinder Beasts!"

The ships were powerful but highly agile, capable of evading their fire. The Grinder Beasts, however, were a tangible threat advancing relentlessly toward the wall's foundations. By focusing their firepower on the ground, they could swiftly neutralize the tanks and prevent a catastrophic breach. Moreover, destroying the Beasts would help clear the battlefield, expanding their line of sight.

As the orders echoed through the ranks, the wall's artillery roared to life. Cannons discharged in unison, sending explosive shells raining down upon the advancing horde. The ground erupted in plumes of fire and smoke as the first line of Grinder Beasts exploded under the assault. The air was thick with the stench of burning metal and the deafening cacophony of warfare.

The explosion had finally cleared a significant portion of the forest that lay before them. Trees toppled and flames licked at the remains, casting an eerie glow over the battlefield. However, the newfound visibility did nothing to ease Nico's apprehension. Hidden behind the wreckage of the Grinder Beasts, another horde was advancing.

Emerging from the shadows were fourteen colossal monstrosities, dragging themselves across the scorched earth—aberrations forged from a gruesome fusion of blood, entrails, and metal. Their hulking forms oozed malice, mechanical limbs entwined with organic matter in a horrifying blend of flesh and machinery.

"Fucking Hell," Nico muttered under his breath, feeling his heart pound as he beheld the Titans marching toward the Half Wall. Each step they took sent tremors through the ground, the very earth recoiling at their presence.

Grabbing his communicator, he switched to an open channel connecting all Houses and the NEA. His voice was steady but laced with urgency as he issued the highest-level alert. "Fourteen Titans are advancing toward the Half Wall. Maximum support is requested. Satellite strikes and Mechs needed immediately!"

He then toggled to the internal channel, addressing his own forces. "Fourteen Titans inbound. Hold your positions and brace yourselves. Good luck to us all."