Inside the dim first-level cabin of the Luna II, the only light came from a few red indicator lamps on either side.
Six Dark Angels stood in the back of the cabin, holding their explosive projectile weapons, waiting patiently. To maintain their agility, none of them carried heavy explosive weapons or small-caliber plasma cannons that could impede their speed.
Their Titan V power armor was a newer model, distinct from the standard Mk. III armor worn by the mature Astartes. The armor's sharper contours and streamlined design gave it a sleek, less bulky look compared to the earlier Mk. I and Mk. II models. Even the helmets were redesigned, losing the characteristic "囧" or "▼皿▼" facial design in favor of a more refined look—no longer carrying that "oddly cute" appearance.
Their power packs included mechanical arms supporting shoulder-mounted 80mm plasma cannons, enhancing the firepower of these Dark Angels without compromising their combat flow. This Titan armor, the V series, was a prototype developed by the research department, incorporating significant upgrades beyond the Mk. IV's energy shield enhancements.
Combat data over the years had shown that while the early Mk. I and Mk. II Titan suits provided the necessary protection for Astartes, they were a bit cumbersome. In response, the research division developed the Mk. III to replace the outdated models entirely. The plan was to continue tailoring future models based on the combat style and physiology of each chapter of cadets, allowing the company to provide specific armor types suited to various needs.
The retired Mk. I and Mk. II suits would continue to be produced at the Akra facility, as they were perfectly suitable for adolescent cadets despite their bulkiness. They were also cheaper to manufacture, making them an economical choice for equipping new recruits after their transformation surgeries.
This Dark Angel squad's privilege to receive the experimental Titan V armor was thanks to Leon. The squad's captain, a "legendary" sergeant named Garan Krove, had distinguished himself with countless achievements across the Halo universe. His team, though numbering only six, had captured Covenant colonial leaders and defeated overwhelming forces of high-ranking Hunters, often against impossible odds.
As Leon's "descendants," Garan and his squad represented the highest ideals of Atlas and were rewarded with the Titan V armor as a testament to their merit. Leon also made sure the Dark Angels' impressive feats were widely publicized in the Doom universe and the main universe, underscoring the might of Astartes among humankind. This move by Leon subtly suggested that the Dark Angels were even stronger than the Ultramarines—an indirect boast meant to highlight his descendants' abilities to society.
Leon's actions conveyed a clear message: humanity, with the Astartes at its side, was powerful beyond measure. People could feel secure and proud, assured by the protection of their superior soldiers. At the same time, Leon's display served as a warning to those factions dissatisfied with Atlas or Samuel Young's rule. Atlas's transparency and widespread AI integration might not be universally appreciated across all universes, as some saw the company as excessively autocratic.
Atlas seemed to represent an almost feudal hierarchy: total obedience to one man, potentially establishing an empire. But this so-called "feudal" system had remarkably improved humanity's state, bringing a flourishing strength and vitality that was undeniable. The might of the Astartes and the strength of Samuel Young alone were enough to decimate an entire Covenant army; all gene-primarchs were, after all, Samuel's direct creations. Dissenters could grumble, but who would dare to challenge them openly?
For the average citizen, such debates mattered little. If the Astartes and Samuel's rule meant a safer, better life, then why question it?
Meanwhile, behind Garan stood a hundred clone soldiers awaiting orders, ready for the coming battle.
A loud thud resonated as the landing gear made contact with the ground. The rush of air swept through the cabin as the doors opened, and Garan's squad charged out of the Luna II, with the clone soldiers following closely behind.
Garan's enhanced helmet display instantly marked nearby Terminators and Hunters. Without needing any formal orders, his five brothers each chose their targets, while Garan moved toward an ODST squad under fire.
On the move, the Dark Angels unleashed a barrage of explosive rounds and plasma cannon fire, decimating the nearby mechanized forces.
The distinctive sound of their explosive rounds cut through the chaos of battle. An ODST sergeant, having depleted his last energy magazine, noted the arrival of the main forces and saw on his tactical display that the Astartes were behind them. With a surge of courage, he drew his 8mm AWMS submachine pistol and shock dagger, charging toward a T-600, shouting over the comms, "Guys! Don't let those giants think we're weak! Charge!"
"Die, you metal bastards!"
"Hu-ha!"
Bolstered by the sergeant's rallying cry, the ODST soldiers, even the wounded with overloaded shields, left their cover and charged the T-600s and T-800s, fighting them in close combat. Surprisingly, they gained the upper hand, reflecting their elite training and the Inquisitor serum that enhanced their resilience and combat skills.
Old-model T-600s struggled to counter the ODSTs' melee skills, though the T-800s put up a tougher fight, sometimes landing blows that fractured armor and shattered limbs.
Nearby, a veteran Sangheili rallied his fellow warriors: "Humans call us 'elites'! Show them the strength of our title!"
"Our allies need assistance!"
With a war cry, the Sangheili drew their dual-blade energy swords and charged into the fray, their prowess outmatching both T-600s and T-800s at close range.
As the battle intensified, Garan and his five Dark Angels joined the frontline. After emptying his first magazine, Garan reloaded quickly, then approached a T-800 that was strangling an ODST. With a powerful punch, Garan's fist collided with the T-800's metallic skull, shattering it in an explosion of sparks.
The ODST, freed from the T-800's grip, kicked the deactivated machine away, only to see that Garan had already rushed deeper into the enemy ranks.
Garan's left hand unleashed explosive rounds, while his right brandished an energy sword wrapped in a plasma field. The result was a one-sided slaughter. Though the T-800 units posed a theoretical threat, they could barely keep up with the Sangheili veterans, let alone a Dark Angel like Garan.
Within seconds, Garan and his team eliminated the threats in the area, securing the landing zone.
With the path clear, over four hundred clone soldiers and six hundred AECS special units began advancing toward SkyNet's core. Meanwhile, the ODSTs and Sangheili veterans retreated to the Luna transport ships for resupply and medical treatment. However, once they were rearmed, these "battle maniacs" and elite warriors hurried back to the front line, except for those with more severe injuries who had to remain under medical supervision.
Elsewhere, Qiang, Scarecrow, and Zero escorted Serene to the front of the landing zone.
Serene's violet eyes glowed faintly, as if scanning the massive pyramid that housed SkyNet's core, while four synthetics at her side analyzed its structure.
David, positioned on the flank, watched the battle between Atlas's forces and the mechanical army unfold. The Ghost, Shortsword, and Longsword squadrons continued their bombardment of any threats to the ground forces. Even if they ran out of metal-hydrogen bombs, they used their guns to suppress enemy fire. With the additional support of the heavily armed Vulture and Phantom gunships and orbital bombardments from the Paris-class frigate, the clones, AECS units, and Dark Angels advanced unimpeded.
The clones shattered David's preconceptions about "cannon fodder" troops. Operating in squads of six—four riflemen and two machine gunners, with additional demolition, sniper, or marksman roles as needed—each squad maintained a safe distance from one another and advanced steadily.
These clones displayed exceptional combat skills, akin to Atlas's seasoned veterans. They used terrain to minimize casualties, supported the AECS and Dark Angels by prioritizing high-threat targets, and pressed forward regardless of injuries.
Even if heavily damaged, they would play one last role: lying in wait as "dead" until a Terminator or Hunter drew close, then detonating their grenades to take their enemies with them.
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