The morning sun cast a golden hue over the southern wall of Stonewatch. The training ground had once been a neglected courtyard just outside the southern gate — now it thundered with drills, shouted orders, and the rhythmic stomp of boots. Dust rose in hazy clouds as civilians, former guards, and scattered veterans assembled under the gaze of soul-bound officers. Amidst the rising cmor of progress, a new rhythm beat: the stamp of boots, the bark of commands, and the metallic cck-cck of bolt-action rifles.

  The training grounds were a recent addition, hastily erected but already showing signs of order and structure. Long rows of tents fnked a central parade square where civilians turned conscripts were assembled in ranks, their uniforms still stiff from the quartermaster’s crate. A row of firing ranges stretched out along the eastern edge of the field, the rhythmic crack of Karabiner 98 rifles echoing across sandbags and berms.

  A red-painted sign marked the entrance: ASHEN RESERVE TRAINING CORPS – SOUTHERN DISTRICT GARRISON

  Reinhard observed from a raised ptform, fnked by several officers from the Officer Academy, their crisp uniforms and decorated field caps a sharp contrast to the raw recruits. These men and women were the leadership backbone granted by the Officer Academy infrastructure — veterans from another world, fully trained in unit command and small-scale tactics.

  Recruits stood in silence as their ptoon leader — a grizzled Feldwebel — barked orders.

  “Rifles at the ready! Shoulder—arms!”

  The line of fresh soldiers snapped to attention, their Kar98s gleaming under the morning light. Some still bore uncertain expressions — faces of bakers, smiths, apprentices, and city guards — but their eyes carried something far more important than experience.

  Resolve.

  Reinhard crossed his arms, watching them take aim at the targets downrange. These were not soul-bound soldiers like his veterans. These were survivors. Soldiers. Refugees. Civilians who had lost everything and came not for glory, but vengeance.

  “Training’s progressing well, Commander,” said one of the attending officers, offering him a tablet-like datapad synced to the training node. “Ashen Reserve is projected to reach combat readiness within a fortnight. They’ll be best suited for defensive lines and reinforcing garrisons.”

  Reinhard nodded. “We’ll start integrating them with mechanized logistics and forward patrols once they’re qualified. Pair them with experienced squads for overwatch.”

  “Understood, sir.”

  Near the tents, reserve engineers began constructing more semi-permanent barracks — modur, prefab buildings ordered through the Logistics Hub. Supplies came in on the hour, escorted by armoured cars and squads of mechanized grenadiers.

  Reinhard turned his eyes eastward, toward the scars still etched into the skyline from the st assault. His mind was already moving. This army would grow. And soon, they would not just defend Stonewatch — they would march.

  The cng of hammers and grind of gears reverberated through the streets of Stonewatch, signaling a city in rapid metamorphosis. What had once been a broken, smoldering ruin now echoed with determination and industry. Reinhard strode down the main thoroughfare of the central district, Mars keeping close at his side, as he surveyed the city-wide effort.

  Dozens of construction crews—both soul-bound soldiers and civilian volunteers—worked tirelessly to reshape the battered skyline. Cranes lifted steel beams into pce, fresh concrete was poured, and scaffolding hugged buildings that seemed to rise from the ashes overnight. Soldiers moved methodically, reinforcing city walls and erecting new defensive empcements at critical choke points.

  Reinhard passed by a squad of engineers unloading crates from trucks freshly arrived from the Logistic Hub, stacking ammunition, medical supplies, and engineering tools into orderly piles. Each container bore distinctive marks from the newly upgraded Autofab Complex, signifying precision-crafted bullets, shells, and repcement parts that sustained their forces in the field.

  His attention shifted to recently constructed empcements on top of the walls on the side of the city’s eastern gatehouse. It housed MG42 nests positioned inside newly constructed pillboxes. The gatehouse entry was further reinforced by sandbags and barbed wire. Nearby, a squad of engineers directed a half-track carrying prefabricated steel beams towards the perimeter to extend the fortified trench network. The fortifications spiraled outward from Stonewatch, turning once-vulnerable approaches into killing fields.

  From atop a fortified watchtower, an officer saluted Reinhard as he approached.

  “Sir, the fortifications are ahead of schedule. Ammunition and material deliveries from the logistics node are steady. Our soldiers have everything they need—ammo, repcement barrels, and spare parts. The Autofab Complex is a lifesaver. We won't run dry anytime soon.”

  “Good,” Reinhard replied. “Prioritize positions near the cathedral and the residential districts. Those must never fall again.”

  “Understood, Commander.”

  He turned, continuing his inspection. Under the Cathedral, the Soul Reactor Core hummed gently in its heavily guarded containment structure, pulsing with an eerie blue glow through reinforced windows. Thick cables radiated outward, powering streetmps, communications arrays and floodlights mounted atop the walls.

  Reinhard’s tactical overy updated as he surveyed each district:

  [Stonewatch Central Node – Status Report]Ammo Fabrication Node: Operational (100% capacity) – Producing infantry ammo, mortar rounds, artillery shells, spare barrels, and spare vehicle components.Logistic Hub: Operational – Distributing ammunition, equipment, spare parts, fuel, rations. Facilitates rapid troop resupply and frontline support.Autofab Complex (Light Upgrade): Fully Operational – Allows rapid production and modification of complex mechanical components, weapon parts, and precision-engineered items.Medical Wing: Active – Capable of emergency surgery, stabilization, recovery, and limited prosthetics fitting. Casualty survival rate significantly improved.Field HQ Tactical Map: Online – Real-time battlefield intelligence gathering and strategic overview avaible at command stations.Soul Reactor Core: Active – Stable power to all structures in the operational radius, enabling sustained industry and defense.He paused, taking in the transformation unfolding before him. Stonewatch was not only rising from the ashes—it was becoming something entirely new. A machine of war and progress, powered by his pain and resolve. A fortress city that would stand against the tides of darkness.

  And yet, something else stirred within him. A dark hunger. The knowledge that these fortifications, this power, these troops—they were not meant merely to hold.

  They were made to strike back.

  Mars gnced up at him, sensing his mood. Reinhard met his companion’s gaze and nodded once, a silent agreement.

  The time for vengeance was coming.

  *******************************************************

  The command center in the cathedral square pulsed with quiet, controlled urgency. Warm amber lights illuminated the steel-lined walls, while the low hum of the newly installed equipment resonated softly beneath the heavy floor pting. A rge, tactical overview map hovered in ethereal blue above a polished metal table, delineating troop movements, fortified positions, and areas of ongoing construction.

  Reinhard stood at the table’s edge, eyes narrowed in deep contemption. He wore a freshly issued officer's uniform, devoid of insignias—only the iron-gray Steel Legion colors marked him as their commander. Margrave Halderan stood opposite him, arms folded, gazing intently at the map with a strategist’s critical eye. Beside them, Sabine Kael of the Intelligence Coprs traced a finger along the dispy, following the marked path of the mysterious tunnel.

  “The scouts and drones confirm it,” Kael began, adjusting her gsses as he spoke. “The tunnel system we secured during the st operation extends far deeper than we initially believed. Beyond our checkpoints, it descends sharply toward the northeast, likely beneath the northern hills toward the Ironspine Mountains.”

  Margrave Halderan’s brow furrowed. “You’re certain of this?”

  “Quite certain,” Erich who stood at his side affirmed. “The architecture changes drastically, growing older, more precise. Clearly dwarven in nature. The drones’ recordings match old schematics from Grimstone's historical records.”

  Reinhard’s gaze drifted toward the map’s northern edge, where the tunnel abruptly ended in a blurred, unexplored region. “An ancient dwarven Hold in the mountains of our territory—and overrun by Verminthar at that. Khazurin’s (Khazurin == Dwarves) abandonment of their Holds centuries ago must have allowed those rats to quietly infiltrate and settle.”

  Margrave Halderan nodded grimly. “If the Verminthar have established themselves in force beneath the mountains, they have a stable staging ground. That would expin how quickly they massed their attacks here.”

  “They used these old dwarven tunnels as arteries,” Reinhard concluded. His jaw tightened. “It’s time we seize this strategic advantage. Securing this tunnel not only removes a threat beneath us but grants us a foothold to attack them from within.”

  Margrave Halderan exchanged a thoughtful look with Erich before speaking. “That’s a bold maneuver, Reinhard. Attacking in enclosed tunnels against entrenched Verminthar—especially a potential undercity—is no trivial task.”

  Reinhard met his gaze steadily, determination bzing quietly behind his eyes. “I have the tools, the technology, and the men suited exactly for this kind of operation. We strike decisively and without dey. If we succeed, we can bring the fight to them, occupy a new foothold in the mountains whilst securing Stonewatch from below as well as above.”

  Erich hesitated briefly before offering his support. “If we commit now, we can surprise them. But Verminthar tunnels are notoriously perilous—traps, ambush points, narrow chokepoints. They'll have every advantage, at least initially.”

  “That’s why we’ll rely on our new capabilities,” Reinhard countered calmly. “The Combat Engineers are equipped with fmethrowers and explosives—ideal for clearing close-quarter resistance. Grenadier ptoons have trained specifically for subterranean combat. Together, supported by drones and heavy weapons at the tunnel’s exit point, we’ll seize momentum.”

  Margrave Halderan studied Reinhard’s face carefully, then slowly nodded in agreement. “It is risky—but I trust your judgment. If you’re confident, Reinhard, then you have my full support.”

  Reinhard pced a hand on the table, tapping lightly on the glowing icon marking the tunnel. The tactical overy responded immediately, updating troop movements.

  “Then it’s decided,” Reinhard decred. “We mobilize by nightfall.” He looked to his intelligence officer: “Kael, prepare the engineers, grenadiers, and support teams. The city’s surface defenses must hold firm while we take the fight beneath the earth. Send word to the company commanders— the armoured vehicles and panzers are to protect the city- hold the line . This is our first step toward reciming the lost territory of the Ironspine Mountains.”

  He turned away from the map, meeting each man's gaze in turn, his voice firm with conviction.

  “Let’s move.”

  *******************************************************************

  In front of the subterranean tunnel entrance, the gathered troops stood at disciplined attention. Harsh floodlights illuminated the massive dwarven stonework that towered over them, their beams cutting into the looming darkness ahead. The tunnel was an ancient marvel, sturdy stone walls engraved with faded runes, chiseled arches hinting at a past grandeur.

  Reinhard stepped forward, rifle slung across his chest. Mars moved quietly at his side, ears perked forward, ever alert. Facing Reinhard were captain Sch?ffer of Eisendorn and captain Helvig of Schattenkreuz companies, and one ptoon of combat engineers Sturmklingen led by lieutenant Hartmann. Captain Sch?ffer saluted sharply, his face impassive behind a gasmask and dust-streaked uniform.

  “All units assembled and ready, Commander,” Sch?ffer reported. “Combat engineers have been equipped and briefed. Fmethrower teams and demolition experts are at your disposal.”

  “Good,” Reinhard replied, his voice calm but commanding. He gnced down the ranks of men, noting their steely resolve. “We’ll be entering enemy territory. Expect ambushes, traps, and narrow fighting spaces. Trust your training and keep your comrades close. If it moves and isn’t ours—shoot it.”

  Sch?ffer nodded, eyes resolute. “Understood, sir.”

  With a curt nod, Reinhard raised his voice, echoing through the stone passageway. “Advance in staggered columns. Drones first, grenadier second and fmethrower teams are to reinforce the front, demolition teams at the rear. Infantry provide overpping fire. Remember, we seize ground and fortify as we move.”

  A sharp chorus of affirmations rang out, boots cttering in disciplined unison as they began their advance. Grenadier fireteams moved cautiously forward, the ominous silhouettes of their weapons glowing faintly beneath the pale gre of the lights.

  Minutes stretched into cautious hours as they descended deeper into the earth. The temperature dropped, air growing damp and heavy, thick with mildew and the pungent odor of decay. Grenadiers advanced steadily, rifles poised, eyes scanning for the slightest hint of movement.

  Then came the first sign of Verminthar resistance—a soft scraping echoed along the tunnel walls. Reinhard’s raised fist halted the advance instantly, silence settling thickly over the formation.

  “Drones,” Reinhard murmured into his comms, “scout ahead.”

  Three drones quietly darted forward, weaving along the ceiling, sending back thermal images to Reinhard’s HUD. He grimaced at what the feed revealed: rge clusters of Verminthar cnrats crouched behind crude barricades crossbows at the ready, backed by hulking Ratogres and several Stormvermin elite soldiers as well as warlock engineers busily working their foul machinery.

  “Enemies entrenched. Fmethrowers forward,” Reinhard ordered quietly, signaling Hartmann to advance. The engineers moved up silently, hoses and nozzles steady in their grip.

  “On my command—now!”

  In an instant, searing gouts of fme lit the tunnel, illuminating screams and shrieks as Verminthar burst from hiding, their fur alight. Grenadiers unleashed disciplined volleys of fire, picking off those who scrambled from cover, while combat engineers methodically destroyed makeshift fortifications with controlled explosions.

  A Verminthar Ratogre charged forward, roaring defiantly, but was cut down swiftly under concentrated MG fire. Another burst of fme seared the air, driving back the enemy’s remaining ranks into chaotic retreat.

  “Push forward! No hesitation!” Reinhard barked, rallying his men. “Secure each chamber and colpse their access tunnels behind us.”

  The troops surged ahead, systematically neutralizing pockets of resistance with ruthless precision. Mars lunged into the fray, felling cnrats with swift, powerful movements, clearing the path alongside the advancing soldiers.

  After several hours of tense and violent engagements, the Steel Legion emerged into a massive underground gallery, a remnant of dwarven grandeur now defiled by Verminthar filth. Amid the ruined columns and carved stone facades y a hastily abandoned Verminthar outpost—burning crates, scattered weapons, and makeshift barricades now deserted.

  Lieutenant Hartmann stepped to Reinhard’s side, surveying their conquest. “Commander, preliminary resistance neutralized. Enemy casualties significant. Tunnel access points secured.”

  Reinhard gnced around the enormous dwarven hall, “We'll fortify this gallery as our FOB,” Reinhard ordered firmly. “Sandbags, barbed wire, barricades, firing positions. Hartmann, perimeter security is your priority.”

  “Jawohl, Herr Kommandant,” Hartmann confirmed, quickly directing squads to positions, their disciplined movements transforming the ancient hall into a formidable defensive hub within minutes.

  As defenses solidified, the drone scouts returned visual feeds, revealing something that made Reinhard pause, expression tightening into grim resolve.

  The hall opened up on one side, carved out of solid rock, with its edge opening up like a viewing ptform, providing a strategic overview. Below them stretched an enormous subterranean city—majestic halls, expansive forges, and once-grand avenues—now twisted and desecrated. Netherstone veins radiated sickly light, illuminating a sprawling Verminthar undercity. Countless Verminthar cnrats, Stormvermin elites, Chemrat alchemists, and towering ratogres scurried through darkened streets, guarding corrupted workshops, breeding pits, and fortifications. Reinforced barricades of twisted metal and crude siege engine empcements marked the enemy's strength and organization clearly.

  “My God,” Hartmann breathed. “They’ve turned Khazad Varum into a nightmare.”

  “An active stronghold and undercity,” Reinhard muttered darkly. “Not just tunnels and outposts — but a fully functioning Verminthar undercity beneath our feet.”

  He keyed his radio sharply. “HQ, confirm discovery: Khazad Varum is compromised. Active enemy presence, their numbers are in the thousands, heavy fortifications. Request reinforcements, entrenchment materials and heavy weapons’ ammunition for full assault preparations. We need to get as many units down here and set up an effective supply line, or risk being overrun”.

  “Acknowledged, Commander,” replied Kael from HQ calmly. “Reinforcements mobilizing. Hold your position and secure intel until arrival.”

  Reinhard turned to Sch?ffer and Helvig, resolute. “We’re the vanguard. Scout enemy concentrations and movements discreetly. No direct engagements until supported. Engineers, strengthen our defenses further; I want this ridge fortified.”

  “Yes, sir,” they replied in unison, signaling their squads swiftly.

  Soldiers dispersed quietly, mapping out tactical positions and fortifying the hall. Sandbags were stacked, MG nests pced strategically, barbed wire coils secured choke points, and ammunition caches were positioned methodically.

  Reinhard approached the hall’s edge, staring down at Khazad Varum. Its corrupted heart pulsed with sinister promise, a direct threat lurking dangerously close beneath Stonewatch and the Imperial fnk.

  “We'll retake it,” Reinhard vowed quietly, eyes narrowed. “And every rat that took this pce will pay in blood.”