The midnight highway of Route Nine vibrated under the thunderous charge of the Citadel Vanguard.
Leading the charge, Kendra channeled forty percent of her sovereign core into the reinforced alloy frame of her vanguard buckler.
A radiant barrier of crimson and gold mana condensed five feet in front of her, forming a wedge-shaped prow that parted the freezing night air.
"Impact in six seconds!" the defender shouted through her helmet transceiver, her feet digging deep strides into the cracked road.
"Flankers, prepare for immediate perimeter dispersion across the ditch line!"
Behind her, Sharon and six veteran shield bearers matched her rapid stride with synchronized precision.
High on the catwalk of Checkpoint Charlie, a corporate commissar in a gold-trimmed uniform shrieked into his radio handset.
"Shoot her down... man the defense turrets and concentrate all fire on the shield bearer!"
