On the high walls of the Capital of the Vanmeister kingdom stood several guards watching the long horizon stretching far and wide. Their leisure and bored postures showed that days like this were just a normality, some were even playing vard games and betting several coins.

"Jeez, I don't understand why we have to do longer shifts now man. All because some royal brat wants to play around. The kingdom has gone through worse. I don't see the need for the king to be so vigilant." Said a tired soldier yawning. He looked to his partner next to him and saw that he carried the same serious look.

His partner looked at him. "I don't think it's that simple this time. Haven't you noticed that none of the large armies we have sent to the frontlines Haven't come back? Just think about it for once man." The soldier said with a worried look as he fixed his gaze at the horizon.

He didn't take him seriously, he still felt like this was just another situation where the royals were just messing around and the lower class had to pay for it.

"How about after we finish up here we go to the red light district. Heard they got a batch of new girls in, even some exotic beast girls from Isteria." He was talking until he noticed his partner motioned for him to shut up.

He focused his gaze at where his friend was staring at, and off in the distance he could see a dark cloud in the sky. Behind the dark cloud was a large dust cloud on the only road going in that direction.

"Hey, we should report this shoul-" mid sentence his whole head exploded along with his partners as well.

Following them was another barrage of bullet fire to the rest of the guards on the ramparts.

"Take cover we're under attack, Sound the alarm bells!!" Yelled a nearby captain.

A loud ringing of bells could be heard up top on the ramparts. The sudden alarm fully awakened the lax guards. Before they could even get to the top for support, a series of loud explosions could be heard on the ramparts. Large chunks of the wall collapsed on the guards below.

Even more chaos ensued once the buzzards flew over the wall, and started their rain of death upon the guards. The sound of the spinning blades was a constant reminder to the kingdom soldiers that their end was near.

"Screw the kingdom and the royal family, I just wanted an easy position to make money and take bribes!" Yelled a man in an officers uniform as he ran down the street.

He only managed to get ten meters away, until his head exploded off his body. The rest of the soldiers hiding underneath the guard house were mortified. Half of them were already shell shocked, the rest were fighting amongst each other on what to do.

Meanwhile, in a JLTV far from the wall but close enough to see the action was Sam.

"Whats the status on the breach of the gate Nostromo?" Sam spoke to his communicator device.

"Air support has cleared the majority of their wall forces, only thing left is the fortified gate standing in your way sir." Nostromo reported.

"You're up next Ymir, take care of it." Sam ordered.

A blurry figure could be seen flying ahead of the vehicle caravan at high speed. Ymir charged up his punch, and once he made contact with it, multiple large runes lit up. To his surprise, and as wells as Sam's. He only made a large dent, and make the gate groan under pressure.

"Any obstacle in the path of my lord will fall!" Ymir said, he then sent a barrage of punches. Each one shaking the gate, and breaking it off its large hinges. Even the runes started to dissipate and lose power.

Once they were weak enough, he pulled the gate apart with his bare hands. The kingdoms soldiers have already made a run for it, they weren't going to wait any longer to see who it was that easily destroyed their enormous metal protection.

One last pull and both gate doors were ripped off, which formed long thick cracks on the stone wall.

"It has been done my lord." Ymir said, appearing on top of a nearby convoy truck.

"Good work, it's time to initiate the next phase of the plan. Nostromo, activate the underground forces. They'll team up with the convoy troops, and slowly take over the entire capital. Were you ever able to find an entrance inside the castle?." Sam said.

"Unfortunately we weren't able to find one, and the efforts to make a tunnel only led to the discovery of another dilemma. Surrounding the underground of the castle is an intricate layer of rune defenses. Unlike what we've encountered before, this set is more powerful and not easy to break. Thus the operation to brute force our way in was halted, since we dont want to expose the plan." Nostromo reported.

"Excellent job, we don't need to worry about infiltrating the castle. I planned on leaving that for last. Just getting underground access to the first four layers of the capital is fine. I'll command the hidden forces to begin, I want an easy path to the castle. Keep me updated if anything needs my attention." Sam said, with Nostromo being his eyes and ears during this whole situation made him feel better.

He soon sent a mental command to the hidden forces to act. Their job was to take the enemy by surprise, and open the gates for his ground troops to move more easily within every district. Over the past weeks, the hidden forces have not only gotten access to the commoners district, but to the institution & business, nobles, and academy districts as well. They numbered far greater than his ground troops that he brought along. It was going to be a massacre and an easy victory with them.

With his order spreading beneath the ground, a rumbling occurred everywhere in the capital. Kingdom soldiers that took positions on the multiple layers of walls that separated each district stumbled on their feet. Buildings quaked, small stones and dirt were shaken off the ground.

One soldier glanced at a nearby tunnel leading to the sewers, it's darkness cloaking the horrors that lay withing its eerie shadow. From that place, his eyes caught the sight of an approaching figure. Not just any figure, it quickly was closing in on him, and to his horror it wasn't human or monster. It was an abomination that only his nightmares could have concocted.

He could only let out a quick cry for help as he was split in half with its sharp claws. Following the human mutants were several more of his kind and bio goblins. Along with some new ones that used to be orcs and lizardmen. Altough not as many as the bio goblins but the bio lizardmen were far more terrifying. They had the strongest armor with their scales and had high dexterity an speed.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Bio orcs were no different, they boasted far greater strength than the mutant humans. They used to be green in color but now had a dark crimson color. They easily tore through any defenses the surprised kingdom soldiers put up.

They were also followed by several gold ranked mechs to keep them in check. Altough they were created to be loyal and obedient. Their was times where they let their new nature get out of hand.

"You disobedient dog, we do not attack the civilians. That is the lords orders!" An energy mech reprimanded a nearby bio orc that tried to attack a civilian caught outside its home. "I do apologize for that good sir, please move along to your home. We have an invasion to get done."

All over the capital you could hear the sounds of skirmishes, and more of Sam's hidden troops rushing out of the ground. Soon the gate leading to the institute & business district was captured. The mechs opened the closed gate, which allowed Sam's convoy to pass through. Over time the convoy got smaller the more gates they passed through. Until it was just the vehicle he was riding and a few more.

"My lord if I can inquire about a certain matter." Spoke a hooded figure riding in the backseat of Sam's vehicle.

"Speak" Sam replied.

"Thank you my lord, but why is it that you decided to destroy the first outer gate. You could have easily allowed your hidden forces to open it for you. Destroying it would only ask to repair it later and use resources." Asked the hooded figure.

"I wanted to test an average kingdoms gate defenses. To see if it could hold up against a black gold mech or not. I do plan on taking over more kingdoms in the future, this would be a good chance to collect some information." Sam explained.

"You are most wise my lord, I can already imagine the magnificent empire you will build. This servant of yours is truly blessed to be in your service." Spoke the hooded figure with reverence in his tone.

After another bit of driving, the road started getting more deserted and wider. They could make out the castle gate entrance. A shimmering shield array had covered the wall and the castle. On its ramparts were neatly arranged royal knights, they wore platinum gold armor that gleamed in the sunlight. Right in the middle of this display of power stood a large man, his aura was palpable just from this far a distance. Sam could recognize this individual right away. How could someone forget their own father? The king.

"To have the very king greet me on arrival, let's not keep the old man waiting." Sam said, hopping out of the vehicle with his entourage.

A whole battalion of gold ranked mechs lined up, and all five frost mechs surrounding him like professional bodyguards. Most curious of all were the two hooded figures behind him. They were both tall and from the outline of the cloaks, they were massive.

Sam walked with such confidence that it got King Varne to scrunch up his face slightly in rage.

'This bastard dares to take me lightly, let him enjoy this bit of freedom before I inflict some discipline into him', king Varne thought to himself.

After everything this unfilial bastard of his has done, he still needed to get the powerful artifacts that he has found. Even if he wanted to kill him, it was necessary to hold back even now.

"HALT YOU SAVAGE INVADERS! YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE MIGHTIEST KING THAT HAS GRACED THE CONTINENT OF IDETH!" Yelled an older gentleman that looked familiar to Sam.

Sam immediately recognized the old fool, it was an adversary that got away before. The great general Palmar, him and viscount Olmar were saved by the royal guard commander Gustafson. Gustafson stood proudly on the right side of the king, while another royal court mage he didn't recognize stood to his left. It seemed they haven't had luck finding Vince.

"Does this idiot speak for you oh great father of mine?" Sam said, enough for king Varne to hear him.

Sam and Varne stood motionless for a while sizing each other up.

Varne felt like this person in front of him wasn't someone he knew at all. The past Samuel was always timid and shy, and if spoken to, he would cower before him. This one looked like his bastard son, but he didn't feel like it.

"Kneel boy and I might find the patience to forgive your impolite behavior. Hand over all the treasures you posses and seize this childish tantrum." Varne commanded with a stern deep voice.

His words were not those of one who is fighting a losing battle. It was more of a tyrant ordering you to do as he says or he could easily crush you.

"Cool it big guy, I haven't even showed you all my cards yet. Bring them out!" Sam said, showing a cunning smile to Varne.

Muffled screams could be heard from the back of the mech formation. Three people were dragged in front of Sam and brought to their knees. They had several cuts and bruises while wearing black bags over their heads. Once their bags were removed, the peanut gallery on the wall started making a fuss. How could they not? The kings most important children were in serious danger.

Varne, Admond, and Angela looked around adjusting to the bright light. They were confused on where they were at first, but soon realized where they were. Their pleading eyes were locked onto their fathers, since they had gags and collars restricting their abilities they couldn't do much.

"How about it big man? You can have your precious children back and in return you hand over the kingdom. Fair trade ain't it? For a father their is nothing he would trade for the saftey of his chil-"

The sound of heads rolling on the floor could be heard then followed by bodies dropping. In a matter of seconds the kings children were killed, and the executioner was their own father.

Sam noticed the cauterized necks, then the residue of fire magic. Altough he was expecting this, it was still nonetheless cruel to see.

"Keep me waiting boy and you will soon follow them to the afterlife. I don't need useless tools, besides, whats another twenty years? plenty of time to make more." Varne said flashing a mad grin.

"Hmph, making you wait was part of the plan you idiot." Sam said as he sneered back.

Varne watched as the golden barrier protecting him was slowly fading away. He then flicked his head to look at Sam in disbelief and then to one of the cloaked figures behind him. Only someone who is well acquainted with the royal castle would know how to disable its defenses.

'It can't be!' Varne thought to himself. "Vince, you TRAITOROUS FOOL!!" words of pure rage escaped the kings mouth.

"Ah! those words do sound so pleasant to my old ears, or should should I say, new ones." Vince said, as he undid his cloak. Showing to the world his new form.

Once was he but a husk and shell of his younger self. Now reborn in the visage of his new liege. His sickly pale and frail limbs were replaced with bionic muscles. Some parts like the skull, neck, abdomen, arms, and legs had several metallic parts that gave him a fierce look. His skin contained no wrinkles and had a pale complexion that only made his augmentations stand out more. His eyes were all black with gold glowing irises.

"Aaaaaah that look on your face does make all those grueling decades of service to your pathetic lineage worthwhile. No offense my lord." Vince said, as he bowed low afterwards to Sam.

"You worthless WORM! after all that my family has done for YOU-"

"YOU and your family have done NOTHING for me, I got to my position ONLY because of my talent and hard work. All you and your father did was to IMPEDE me from going beyond my limits. Pay for your arrogance with your LIFE!" Vince proclaimed, afterwards he sent a large clear shaped lance towards Varne.

Varne could barely react on time, he didn't expect Vince to be far stronger than him.

LIGHTNING BARRIER ARRAY

Before he could get hit, large lightning pillars surrounded Varne and managed to stop the lance. Varne turned to Gustafson only to find that the move he did to save his life had taken a toll on him.

The attack Vince sent out was the spark everyone needed to start attacking each other. Spells, arrows, bullets, and any sort of projectile were flung at both sides. With the kings side losing out. Arachno tanks and their advanced weaponry shot at a much higher rate with more power. Silver ranked archers and the court mages couldn't keep up.

Vince launched himself towards Varne, only to be blocked by Gustafson again.

"Gustafson, why stand in my!? Varne never had our best interests at heart. If you join me and the new lord, we could be more than we ever could have!" Vince yelled, hoping to convince him.

"Unlike you Vince, my loyalty does not waver for the slightest chance at attaining power. I am his majestys sword, and I will cut you down!" Gustafson replied, then sent lightning slashes that Vince easily repelled by putting up a translucent barrier.

"Then die like the loyal dog you're!"

While their fight was happening, Sam took the initiative and sent three frost mechs to take care of Varne. He didn't even have to lift a finger for this final fight, Varne was never a threat to him. The earlier display of killing his siblings was nothing much, he sensed the attack and didn't do anything because it didn't threaten his life.

The royal court mage next to Varne and his royal knights tried to stop the incoming attackers. It was all in vain, how could they possibly stop three black gold ranks. Varne just watched in despair as he felt his life coming to an end. That despair turned to anger, how could they think he would fall that easy.

CRIMSON RING

Once the Frost mechs surrounded him, Varne let out one of his top tier spells in his arsenal. Scorching flames spread in a ring formation around him, it hit the frost mechs directly and engulfing them. For a couple of seconds with no movement registering, Varne let out a loud laugh.

"I am the king! No one will take what I have worked so hard for and certainly not your weak puppets. Be it god or demon, I will never fall!" His mad ranting had cost him to turn lax and distracted.

A quick punch to his chest, which pulverized his sternum had sucked all of the air out of him. Varne quickly activated one of his rings in his fingers, immediate relief and healing spread on his chest. Healing the caved in dent that was created, finally able to breath, he stood up and saw the three frost mechs extinguishing his flames.

The one who punched him was staring at him, and his reality set in. Not hesitating, Ymir went for the finisher towards his head. As the fist came upon him, Varne knew this was truly the end for him. In that moment of resignation and weakness, something inside his core started to churn. His golden core started to have black streaks cover all over its surface. A flame hotter than he has ever felt ignited into a flaming purgatory.

A large pillar of dark crimson flames erupted with Varne in the middle. The sudden explosion had pushed Ymir several meters away. His metal gauntlets had deformed slightly from the flames.

"I really am the mightiest of kings, I have seen death in the face and have walked out stronger than ever." A loud booming voice could be heard, it had momentarily stopped all the fighting. "You should feel honored for helping me Samuel. This bottleneck that has stopped me for decades was one of my biggest setbacks. For making me cower in fear, I will return it tenfold."

ANGARA PHYSIQUE

Varnes body started to crack, as if the radiating fire within him couldn't be contained. His red hair ignited into fire and his very body turned into the definition of a fire god descending to bring forth the apocalypse.

"You feel that Samuel? you're in the presence of a living god. Something you will never achieve, be grateful to have me go through such lengths for someone as insignificant as you."