With Valkyria Chronicles 4 coming out in the US soon, I had a thought to revisit an old fanfic plot I'd been kicking around in my head for some time. Just wanted to see if there was any other interest in it...

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The Imperial invasion of Gallia has begun. Not even 72 hours have passed since the first scouts crossed the border, but the Gallian Army is standing ready while the militia mobilizes. While clashes overtake the central plains, the people of the fortress city of Habenstopp have so far seen little in the way of combat, sheltered by the modern fortress on the city's east side. The streets are filled with people going on about their business, and only the Darcsen enclave has shown some anxiety.

You'd be hard pressed to know a war is even going on. Until tonight.

In the shadow of darkness, cannons begin pounding the fortress from beyond the range of its guns, shells detonating with the force of small earthquakes and rendering the fortification to nothing but slag and rubble. An entire armored division is massing to overrun whatever remains come the dawn; it is headed by General Markus "The Jackal" Gudroon, a man with the fervor of a bloodhound, eager to show the Imperial Court his skill and potential. The order comes in from high command: All military units must evacuate to the west, via the old coast road. In one week's time the small Gallian navy will leave its port with the survivors and transport them to Randgriz to continue the fight. You have seven days to travel the Royal Road on foot (or by tread), a journey that would normally take nine days.

The old Royal Road along the coast is a dangerous path in peacetime. Ruinous, lined with cliffs and forests. A region rife with criminals, smugglers and Darcsen rebels. Now with the war on, Imperial ambushes will be added to that list.

Fail, and you'll have the honor of dying for your country. Succeed, and the war will continue for you.

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