The look on my face probably revealed my immense sense of unease.

"As you can witness, it is in our best interest to move with haste. I assure you, if you decide to escort me and my apprentices, you will be rewarded accordingly. You have my word when I affirm that our national coin, the silver lion, will show its value where even no castle stands."

I chuckle and turn away, not being able to get rid of my grin.

"I didn't mean to disregard your words, but I just found it funny that you used the term "silver lion". It doesn't concern you though, where I come from, it is also a currency."

"I understand, well it is good that you appreciate value when you see it. Is that all your bringing?" He motions towards the American reserves.

"Oh these things, if you want more for our convoy, that can be arranged. Though I need you to do something first."

"Name your price."

"That mostly intact tent over there, I know the banner doesn't match your own, but what I am about to do needs some privacy to work."

"Uh sure, I can follow your request, but it is dangerous by yourself, at least let our guards continue to watch the surrounding area."

"Oh them, that's fine, just tell them to not startle too bad."

The robe people all disembark and huddle in the tent as the guards glimpse back quickly surely getting extra heavy pockets from revealing anything they see here.

I open the research tab and select the German tree. If I could use multiple factions at once, I'd win the war for sure. Selecting the Panzer III Ausf E, one of the most numerous tanks for the Wehrmacht. In the drop down menu, the Panzer III Ausf B could also be crewed if need be. These two grey metal boxes worked in 1939, so they should perform even better here. Both fielding the 37mm KwK 36 main cannon along with 5 smoke grenade launchers, 7.92mm Mg34 machine guns with 121 and 3600 reserve rounds respectfully. The grey unpainted armor contradicting the olive drab vividly. I was about to move over to the Russian bias tree when I was forgetting something. The Panzer 35 (t). The (t) standing for "tschechisch" or the German word for Czechoslovakia, which the tank originated from. Sadly it's armor and armament wasn't as formidable compared to the Panzer III. (37mm KwK34t cannon, 72 ammo, 7.92mm M37t machine gun, 1800 ammo).

Space on the field was getting noticeably cramped, so the perimeter was expanded but standing around did cause me to get a little an angsty. Moving on to the soviet tree, the T-26 was next to make an appearance. The only difference between this one and the Chinese one was most likely to be the nationality of the gunner. Though the 45mm 20-K cannon with 205 ammo would probably add something down the line. The 7.62 DT machine guns with 1890 rounds also remained unchanged. The last thing from the reds is the infamous BT-5. Top speed of 33 miles per hour, same guns with 86 rounds for the 45mm.

I was about to invite the tea drinkers to the party but the roaring engines halted my plans for a moment. I stand still as it didn't take long for the armor to make a circle formation with me in the center. It brings a smile to my face that I didn't even have to order them around to do that, but if one of them had an itchy trigger finger, there was nothing I could do to prevent that. The British reserve forces field a 40mm QF 2-pounder with 50 rounds available to the Tetrarch I (A17) and 87 to the A13 Mk I. Two different machine guns for once with the 7.92mm BESA machine gun with 2025 bullets belonging to the Tetrarch I. While the A13 Mk I fires the 7.7mm Vickers Machine gun and enough rounds to counter a horde. (3500).

Actually reading the statistics for once really altered my perspective of the vehicles. I only payed attention to their looks and how well they performed in game, but now that we longer fight tanks, I already imagine how well they'd do against the people standing only a few meters away from us. Luckily machine guns were present for almost all vehicles, so enemy infantry shouldn't be a problem... hopefully. For the Asians, more pacifically, see what I did there, the Japanese, have rough reserve tier options. Suffering from WW1 syndrome, the Type 89b I-Go Ko wields a 57mm type 90 cannon with 100 rounds. Wish I could use the other type 90, along with a 6.5mm type 91 machine gun accompanied by 3000 unfired bullets. Ke-Ni bringing another 37mm (type 100) cannon (110 ammo) with a wider 7.7mm type 97 machine gun with the same amount of ammo.

From the nation a little bit west of the Rising Sun, the M8 LAC (Light Armored Car) has the most peculiar design choice. A Chinese armed forces insignia. Besides that, it's the first open top with a 50 caliber machine gun to boot. More specifically the 12.7mm M2HB machine gun (400 rounds) beside the 7.62mm American made M1919A4 machine gun (1500 rounds). Lasty having a 37mm M6 cannon with only 80 shots. Even further west than that, the future Ariete owners drive the M13/40 (I and III). Almost done here, 47mm 47/32 mod.35 cannon. (104 and 87 ammo). 8mm Breda Mod.38 machine gun (x2-3048 available rounds).

The only thing similar between the French reserves is the machine gun stuck among the two. 7.5mm Mac 31 machine gun with 800 rounds offered to the AMD.35, with 3 times as many rounds awarded to the H.39. Another reason why the H.39 is better is because it uses the 37mm SA38 L/33 cannon with 76 shots. Although with only the 25mm SA34 L/72 cannon with 48 chances to fire, AMD.35's mobility is it's only positive. Last but not least is the Strv tree. Strv/31 and /38 are totally not reskins with the same 37mm kan m/38 cannon. The only difference being the 6.5mm ksp m/14-29 and 8mm ksp m/36 machine guns.

So that makes 19 total combat ready tanks. Man thinking about it, backups could probably used to increase that number, but since I don't have any, probably no point even if since I'd eventually reach rank II, no point on wasting them on reserve vehicles.

"Sorry for the wait, I finished my tank battalion. I know they don't match, but this variety will show it's worth if we ever get into combat."

"I am amazed young hero, to have so many summons at once, I am overjoyed. Please come into the tent for a private talk."

I am led inside a musty tank and we sit down at a dirty table that has seen better days. He allows me ask the first question.

"What exactly are we fighting."

"From what I have heard, we are losing the war against horses with no riders, beasts with no tamers, and bodies with no souls. It is as if the dark forces of the dead control the bodies of everything that perishes."

"Are we talking about the dead coming back to life, cause that is what it sounds like, am I wrong."

"Though I won't disagree with you here, I have not seen one with my own eyes, so I can't tell you with certainty."

"Have you heard rumors of beast that fly?"

"I have not heard of such a tale, why do you ask?"

"Cause mine do." Operation Fly By is a go. And it's late... fuck "Follow me outside."

The sound of biplane engines could not be heard, even though all the tanks in the area turned off engines and aligned radio frequencies before committing to radio silence. Just how far is that fighter spawn? I didn't check the map beforehand, I'm such an idiot. It could be hundreds of miles away. Taking a deep breathe, I open the map tab. The 23 fighter icons were all 4-5 miles away, though those weren't the only ones present. Sure I had air support incoming, but the amount of red triangles on the edge of the mini map made my stomach lurch.

"Tell your men to man the previous defenses. We have dozens of enemies incoming, can you cast a shield or barrier or something?"

"I specialize in attack magic, I assure you my fire ability will roast even the largest of creatures."

"And how about dozens of regular sized ones?"

"Around half if I let off a good volley."

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

"Thanks hopefully you can aim that stick of yours."

I return to the tank circle and frantically start the order.

"Engines on face 225 degrees West pronto!"

"Battle group 1, H.39 take point wedge formation along with Panzer III Ausf E, Ke-ni, T-26, A13 Mk 1, get to it!"

"Battle group 2, Panzer III Ausf B your squad leader. Strv/31, M13/40 (I), I-Go Ko, M2A4, you're up!"

"Battle group 3, on LVT(A)(1) now, M8 LAC, Panzer 38(t), BT-5, Strv/38 at the ready."

"Battle group 4, M13/40 (III) you lead, other T-26, Tetrarch I (A17), AMD.35, cover me!"

The slow moment of the treads, made the uncoordinated formations take painstakingly long to line up, so the plan changed to just form one long firing line for the first 3 battle groups. As for battle group 4, I took direct cover behind the M13/40 (III) by stepping up on the tread and hoisting myself on top of the engine cover. I position myself comfortably to use the 8mm Breada Mod.38 machine gun by resting my elbows on the roof armor and crossing my arms like I remembered from the movies. I knock against the hatch so I could relay orders via radio, since battle group 2 visibly didn't get the message to form a line till they already had 3 tanks in formation. I am handed the commander's radio and think of the best strategy. "To all tank commanders, I want you looking through binoculars till you spot something. If you see something, scout the bastard for the rest of us, also all loaders switch to AP (Armor Piercing) shells, over"

"This is H.39, read you loud and clear commander."

"Panzer III B here Kommandant, on stand by as ordered."

"LVT here sir, ready and awaiting targets over."

"Are you done with the radio sir?"

"Yeah thanks, I think we are ready, but before you close the hatch, can I use your binoculars for a sec?"

"I'll make this quick, then you can continue scouting."

Peering at the tree line to my front, the idle engine noises continuing to produce some familiarity to calm my nerves. Judging from the movement of the scouted enemies on the map, I am pretty sure my planes were close enough to see them, but couldn't engage for some reason. Though the exact positions were still unknown on the ground. Radio's stayed silent until movement had been confirmed. Horses, well, you could call them horses, but unlike regular horses, they looked disturbing. Galloping full sprint towards our position, I was ready to show those things the modern cavalry division, but the amount that came pouring out made me sweat. The flat terrain that bordered the forest could no longer be seen, it appeared as if the ground was moving itself.

My palm that was gripping the machine gun began to sweat along with my forehead as in theory, this was only my second real battle, as I didn't think a bunch of fucking horses would commit to human wave tactics.

"I see them, if I had to guess, that's about 450 meters out and closing, let everyone know to be on standby."

"Roger, this is M13, all units be ready to engage, I repeat, all units be ready to engage over."

"Thanks you can have these back." I hand her the binoculars which she strings around her neck. She then holds onto my hand and thanks me for being here, before hiding behind the closed hatch. I then reposition myself on the gun, hoping we have enough firepower at this moment.

The first tank to fire was the Strv/31. Though it's shell was a visible miss only showing the dirt what's up before reloading. We waited for only mere seconds before opening up our entire arsenal at around 200 meters. Luckily most of the tanks could fire, and those that did overlapped their firing patterns boosting my confidence per shot. But it wasn't enough, unsurprisingly, it didn't slow then down or cause them to route. Thinking about it, we didn't have anywhere near enough force to disable every single one of them before they got to our line. Even if they made it, even the light tanks weighed enough to stop a horse dead in it's tracks right? Fuck, this is going to be a mess. If they do gallop pass, then what, I am sure those men with spears and shields could put them to use.

The bursts of machine guns awakes me to do the same. I squeeze the trigger watching my rounds travel all the way into the enemy. Though it's effect was immediately dealt and forgotten. I hold down the trigger and it kicks my shoulder back causing me to whiff my aim. I curse before continuing to put lead down range. The "hit" icon was a welcome surprise. Once the magazine ran dry, I could only watch at trained tank crews thinned out the horde rather well, but it didn't matter. The first horse made it with bullet holes visible across it's body, ramming itself into the Ke-ni, which lurched back a few feet but otherwise remained upright.

The scout cars couldn't get behind the heavier allies next to them so they were hit the hardest. The M8 LAC and T26 were flipped on their sides at the sheer momentum and it didn't end at that. Sure we could hold our ground, but we were getting pushed around to high hell. Most of the exposed commanders had to blind fire their machine guns in order to fire. Thinking fast, the AMD.35 parked in front of us and waited. The slow turret traverse couldn't help rotate the gun in time to be effective. It also took a blow causing it to rock back and forth for a single moment, the tires having some air time.

The previous sounds of cannons and machines guns was muffled with horses climbing over the tanks in some instances. A single look through the gun sight revealed that aiming wasn't needed. We were surrounded, enveloped, but didn't break against the mass of undead horses.

A giant fireball captured my eye, landing 30 meters from us erupting into a firing explosion of charred horse remains. Two more flew into the crowd, causing immense amounts of damage, but the horde was already thinning out naturally. The occasional cannon shot reminded me that we still had a chance, though I didn't think our first battle would go this poorly.

I open the hatch and scream into the opening, "Tell the fucking crew to brace!"

I lean my back on the rear turret and watch in fear as horses come and go out of my peripheral vision. A small shape in the sky meets my gaze, it's propeller cutting the wind on it's way to it's target.

The ever increasing propeller whirling grows louder as the nose diving biplane streaks across the field, it's machine guns laying out a path of blood that lacked in force. More follow suit, one after the other releasing more rounds into the enemy. But much like the machine guns on the ground, prove effective against single targets. The right track came to life on the M13/40, I grip on the handle of the escape hatch in order not to get launched off. We turned 180 degrees and continued to fire, the 47mm hitting it's target without fail.

"Fuck yeah some air support!...wait."

"Maria radio now!"

"My names not Maria sir!"

"Sorry, it was the first thing I could think off, but I still need that damn radio!"

Fuck, I guess a premium command vehicle wouldn't hurt, sadly now isn't the time for that. I grip it with all my strength and order a full retreat. Even though are allies were human, I only counted around 40-50 total and not everyone carried a weapon, there was no way they could hold out for long. In the end I still left them out to dry.

"All tanks move forward and take positions on the hill to the right, we need higher ground to regroup." I realize it would have been smarter to just keep the radio on myself and relay orders verbally to the tank I was crouched on. The constant back and forth exchanges for the radio could be optimized at a later date.

The M13/40's 130 horsepower engine stalls for only a moment before pushing across the kicked up dirt, with the AMD.35 tailing behind without delay. Our right turn leads us over a small crater, which causes me to loose my sense of balance, and I slide off the back of the engine cover. I don't brace for the fall well as the brunt of the impact it taken with my shoulder and hip. I fix my hair and jog up to the AMD's hull banging my fist against it.

It brakes suddenly but doesn't do anything, I thought I would get to look at a cute French girl but I guess not. I get a little annoyed but only think of the gesture as usable cover while I move across the field. My ears ring even louder as the Panzer 38t sends a round into the dirt by missing a horse galloping away from it. I was pretty much crouching in a crater awe struck by the combat slugging on all around me. Fuck it looked cool, but if a stray round hit me I doubt I'd be able to live much longer. I take a deep breath a pushed on until the ground started to elevate a little. Speaking of which, the angle was pretty steep, but I don't think war thunder physics apply here. One can only hope. Rushing past everyone else, the M8 LAC was towed back upright and was the first one on the hill. I almost trip closing the gap on them but lean my arm on the structure steel keep my cool.

"This isn't a race you know, but glad to see you are alive and well."

"Likewise sir, wanna take our 50 Cal for a spin?"

"Sure, can you pull me up?"

"Grab on, you have 400 rounds."

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"Stop chatting and get to the shooting."

That shuts me up as I grab the handle and lift myself up a little. I push my thumbs down and the machine gun does it's thing. I completely go deaf and don't lift thumbs getting way to into it. I counted only 35 rounds being fired so far, but the battle was finally over. Majority of the targets rushed passed our line, and exited through the other side of the camp as well. A decent amount of disable horses lay on the ground, but it wasn't a pretty sight. The only reason they weren't moving was because they physically couldn't.

"Alright it's over, can I use the radio for a sec."

"Yeah here." I reach out and find my hand shaking, was it excitement? Fear?

"Thanks, also take us down."

"Ok all planes.....shit this is a bumpy ride.....stay in the air for as long as possible, we are trying to locate a possible landing area on the ground, though a field landing is most likely going to be your only option over."

"All tanks asses damages, (wait they have free repairs, but that only happens in the hanger) and report back a the old time circus tent, I want to make sure everyone is combat ready, again over."

The M8 LAC tires compliment the dirt nicely when the ground is flat. Coming to a complete stop, I hop off and check the flashing notification icon.

Simulator Battles, [Conquest #1] Abandoned Encampment (3 respawns)

*My Results*

*My place in the team: 2*

*Air Targets destroyed 0*

*Ground Targets destroyed 6* (2,484)

*Enemy Kill Assists 3* (270)

*Critical Hits 2* (140)

*Hits* 15 (486)

*Battle Time* (12:50) (1,560)

*Activity* 82%

*Reward for losing* (852) (4940)

*Achievements* (1726)

*Total* (852) (6666)

*Modification Research* (852)

*Vehicle Research* (852)

*Convertible RP* (852)

*Returning to hangar* "This time the enemy has proven stronger, withdraw." "Oh shit." My visions goes dark just like at the end of a match.