Chapter 67 - 66: Broken Bonds
"Commander down! All Iron-fang units fall back to secondary positions!"
Damian’s voice cut through the chaos as Guild Director Voss’s body disappeared beneath the crystalline golem’s massive fist. Blood pooled around crushed stone where moments before their leader had stood coordinating the defense.
Damian stumbled through the medical district, his mangled arm hanging useless at his side. The demon’s claws had torn through muscle and bone, leaving damage that even emergency healing couldn’t fully repair. But Iron-fang survivors needed direction, and their command structure was collapsing faster than buildings under golem assault.
"Sergeant Morrison, take third squad through the eastern corridor," Damian ordered while pressing his back against a wall to catch his breath. "Civilians are trapped in the medical center’s lower levels."
Morrison stared at Damian’s junior rank insignia. "Sir, with respect, you’re not authorized for field command."
"Director Voss is dead. Captain Henrik is missing. Lieutenant Torres fell to aerial demons twenty minutes ago." Damian’s voice carried authority that had nothing to do with rank. "I’m what’s left."
The sergeant nodded grimly and moved to relay orders. Command fell to whoever could think clearly under pressure, regardless of official hierarchy.
Damian’s enhanced sword technique adapted to one-handed combat out of necessity. His father had drilled basic forms into him since childhood, but desperation taught lessons no training manual could provide. He adjusted his stance, compensating for lost balance and reduced reach.
A crystalline golem rounded the corner ahead of them. Thirty feet tall with faceted armor that reflected magical attacks. Its footsteps cracked foundation stones while debris rained from buildings struggling to support its weight.
"Spread formation!" Damian commanded. "Hit the joints where crystal segments connect!"
Iron-fang survivors rallied around his desperate leadership. Veterans twice his age followed orders from someone barely out of academy training because he was the only one thinking tactically instead of panicking.