Battles Won, Battles Lost
They say war changes a person. It hardens them, makes them see the world in shades of gray rather than black and white. I've seen my fair share of battles, fought on both sides of the conflict. But now that I find myself among the ranks of Rhodes Island, it's time to reflect on all those battles won and lost.
A Life as a Mercenary
Being a mercenary was never an easy path to walk. You have no allegiance but to yourself and your comrades-in-arms. Money talks louder than any sense of duty or honor when you're out there fighting for survival. And survive I did - countless times.
I remember one particular battle against Rhodes Island during their early days. We clashed in the streets, our bullets tearing through flesh and bone indiscriminately. The chaos was exhilarating; it made me feel alive like nothing else ever could.
But even then, something nagged at the back of my mind - doubts about who we were really fighting against and what we were truly fighting for.
Joining R.I.: Tying Up Loose Ends
When Chernobog-Lungmen crisis struck like thunder from above, everything changed for me once again. Reunion had gone too far this time; they had become monsters hell-bent on destruction without cause or reason.
It was then that I decided to approach Rhodes Island "for old times' sake" as well as tie up loose ends from my past life as a mercenary with Reunion.
Mistrust & Suspicion: Old Wounds Run Deep
Joining Rhodes Island wasn't met with open arms by everyone within its ranks though - far from it. The scars left behind by those battles fought alongside Reunion ran deep within many members' hearts.
Ascalon: My Watchdog
To keep me in check (as if anyone could), Ascalon was assigned to monitor my every move. He's a stickler for rules and regulations, always watching me like a hawk.
But I don't mind his constant presence; he thinks it's necessary to keep an eye on someone like me. Someone who has seen both sides of the war, someone who knows what destruction looks like up close and personal.
A Mercenary's Perspective
You see, being a mercenary gives you a unique perspective on life. You learn not to trust anyone except your own instincts and survival skills. Loyalty is earned through bloodshed rather than blind faith in some higher cause.
So when I look at Rhodes Island now, with their lofty ideals of saving lives and making the world a better place, forgive me if I'm skeptical. I've seen too much suffering caused by both sides of this conflict to believe that one organization can truly make a difference.
Battles Won: Explosions & Destruction
But despite my reservations about Rhodes Island, there is one thing they got right - recognizing my skills as an explosives expert. Years spent honing my craft have made me deadly efficient in using mass destructive explosives against any enemy foolish enough to stand in our way.
The Battle at Lungmen
One battle stands out among all others - the Battle at Lungmen during the Chernobog-Lungmen crisis. As explosions rocked the cityscape around us, chaos reigned supreme. It was here that Reunion revealed their true colors as destroyers rather than liberators.
Taking Down Wraiths
In those moments of madness, I found myself face-to-face with Wraiths - twisted beings created by Reunion's experiments gone wrong. They were once innocent people turned into monsters against their will; victims just like everyone else caught up in this conflict.
My Duty: Ending Their Suffering
It pained me deep within when realizing that these creatures had no chance for redemption. They were doomed to a life of agony and despair. So I did what had to be done - I ended their suffering with explosions that tore them asunder.
The Battle at Chernobog
Another battle etched into my memory is the Battle at Chernobog, where Reunion's forces made their final stand against Rhodes Island. Explosions echoed through the air, drowning out everything else as we fought tooth and nail for our survival.
Facing My Past: Former Comrades
And there they were - my former comrades from Reunion. Men and women who once fought alongside me without question or hesitation.
But this time was different; this time, it was personal.
A Bittersweet Victory
As explosion after explosion rocked the battlefield, bodies fell on both sides. It wasn't just about winning anymore; it was about proving that I had made the right choice by joining Rhodes Island.
When victory finally came, however bittersweet it might have been, all doubts were cast aside like ashes in the wind.
Reflections
Now here I am, writing these words while sitting alone in a dimly lit room. Battles won and battles lost fill my thoughts like ghosts from another lifetime. I've seen firsthand how war can change people - turn them into monsters or heroes depending on which side you're fighting for.
Looking Ahead
Rhodes Island may not trust me completely yet – nor should they – but perhaps one day they'll see that even an old mercenary like myself can contribute something worthwhile to their cause. For now though, I will continue fighting battles with explosives as my weapon of choice, hoping that each detonation brings us closer to peace... if such a thing even exists in this world consumed by conflict.