Chapter 130: Arrive At The Border City (part 2)

Words : 1042 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

In the fortified war room of Ordeya's central keep, five generals convene around a large wooden table strewn with maps and strategic plans. The air is thick with the gravity of the impending siege. General Tesorn of Ordeya, a seasoned leader with graying temples, breaks the silence. "Our defenses are prepared," he states, his voice steady. "The magic cannons are positioned along the eastern and southern walls, and our archers are stationed at every vantage point." Beside him, General Albruck of Valgros, known for his tactical acumen, nods in agreement. "Our combined forces are as ready as they can be," he adds. "However, we must acknowledge the strength of the approaching army. Despite our preparations, there's a significant chance we won't be able to halt their advance entirely." General Medel of Ordeya, leans forward, his brow furrowed. "Our primary objective, then, is to diminish their numbers substantially," he asserts. "If we can reduce their forces by half, we'll not only weaken their immediate assault but also hinder their capacity for future offensives." General Jherin of Valgros, her eyes sharp and calculating, interjects. "Agreed," she says. "We should focus on targeted strikes, utilizing the magic cannons to break their formations and create chaos within their ranks." General Rostin, the last of Ordeya's representatives, strokes his beard thoughtfully. "Additionally," he suggests, "Marshal Medren will be on standby if that Tier 5 monster decides to move." As the sun sets over Ordeya, casting long shadows across the city walls, a weary soldier named Dorel stands atop the watchtower. His eyes scan the horizon where the enemy's encampment sprawls, fires flickering like malevolent stars. A knot of fear tightens in his stomach; every man in the city knows their grim fate—they are mere cannon fodder in this impending siege. The presence of their families within the city's walls, a strategy devised by the Valgros generals to ensure unwavering defense, only deepens the weight on their hearts. Dorel's thoughts drift to his wife and young son, asleep in their modest home. Lost in his turmoil, Dorel's attention snaps back to the present as a dark silhouette materializes just beyond the city's protective barrier. The figure, draped in a black robe, exudes an aura of menace and purpose. Dorel's hand instinctively grips the hilt of his sword, but before he can sound the alarm, the figure's voice cuts through the tense air—calm, yet laced with an unsettling confidence. "Relax, human," the stranger intones. "I come not as an enemy tonight, but with a proposition." Dorel's heart pounds in his chest. The figure before him is undoubtedly one that can kill him instantly, a Tier 4 assassin, a rank signifying lethal skill and unmatched cunning. "What... what do you want?" Dorel manages, his voice barely above a whisper, wary of waking the city to this ominous visitor. "We are aware," the assassin continues, "that your families are held within these walls, a tether binding your will to fight. It is a cruel manipulation." Dorel's grip on his sword tightens, knuckles whitening. The truth in the assassin's words stings. "We offer you a way out," the figure says, stepping closer but stopping just at the barrier's edge. "Tomorrow, amidst the chaos, open the gate for us. In return, we give you our word—the civilians will remain unharmed. No blood needs to be shed among the innocent." Conflicted emotions surge within Dorel—hope, guilt, fear. "And if I refuse?" The assassin's voice remains steady, devoid of threat yet heavy with implication. "Then the siege will proceed as planned. And in the chaos of battle, we cannot guarantee the safety of anyone within these walls." Dorel's mind races. Betray his comrades to save his family? Or uphold his duty and risk losing everything he holds dear? The weight of the decision threatens to crush him. "Consider my offer," the assassin says, sensing the turmoil. "When the first light touches the horizon, choose where your loyalties lie—with those who see you as expendable, or with the lives of those you love." With that, the figure dissolves into the shadows, leaving Aldric alone atop the watchtower, the distant murmur of the enemy camp and the weight of an impossible choice his only companions. In the dimly lit command tent, Sorin, Nyssara, Thurn, and Veltha pore over a map spread across a sturdy wooden table, strategizing for the impending siege. Without warning, the shadows in the corner of the tent coalesce, forming the silhouette of the Tier 4 assassin. His sudden appearance causes Nyssara to instinctively reach for her daggers, but she relaxes upon recognizing the familiar figure. The assassin inclines his head slightly toward Sorin. "Commander Sorin," he begins, his voice a low murmur, "I have delivered the message to one of their soldiers as instructed." Sorin meets his gaze, her expression one of measured appreciation. "Thank you for your swift action," she replies, acknowledging their equal standing within the ranks. The assassin's lips curve into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "Think nothing of it," he responds. "It is all in service to His Majesty's cause." With a final nod, the assassin's form dissolves back into the shadows, leaving the commanders to their preparations. As dawn breaks over the battlefield, a vast army assembles before the fortified city of Ordeya. Seventy thousand monstrous soldiers stand alongside ten thousand human troops, their ranks a testament to the alliance forged under General Varkas's command. Despite the formidable force at his disposal, Varkas remains stationary, his gaze fixed skyward. He senses a concealed presence—a powerful aura lurking above. Moving now would provoke the hidden adversary, a confrontation he seeks to avoid to conserve his strength for the decisive moment. The four commanders—Sorin, Nyssara, Thurn, and Veltha—stand at the forefront of their respective units, each embodying unique strengths poised for the assault. As the signal to advance is given, the battlefield erupts into chaos. Nyssara's shield wall leads the charge, a moving fortress that absorbs volleys of arrows and withstands the onslaught of Ordeya's defenders. The interlocked shields form an impenetrable barrier, reminiscent of ancient formations designed to endure both spells and projectiles.

Chapter 130: Arrive At The Border City (part 2)

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