Chapter 51: D-Day (Day One)
The Qeddah Sultanate's mighty army had amassed near the gates of Cardinal Peaks. The battalion consisted of colossal war machines that stood ready to unleash their devastating power upon the town.
The town was well-protected by moats and trenches, which acted as a formidable barrier against the enemy's advance. However, the town's best chance of survival lay in its sturdy defensive walls, constructed using the toughest brown æsther ore mined in the town. The walls were designed to be the last line of defense and fortified to the highest standards to withstand the enemy's relentless attack.
Cardinal Peaks was situated in the rocky terrain of the Cliffs of Asphyr, and had limited resources, making it an easy target for the opposition. The townspeople knew that their only hope for survival lay in the hands of local guards and arena gladiators, who were up against impossible odds.
The enemy was fierce, and the town was outnumbered, facing 10,000 fully equipped soldiers. However, the locals were ready to fight to the death, fiercely determined to defend their homes and families. The stage was set for an epic battle between the forces of the capital of Star Groove and the small port town of Cardinal Peaks.
Councilor Jengo and the defenders of Cardinal Peaks stood at the ready, their spirits unwavering despite the imminent threat. The atmosphere in the town was apprehensive, as the townspeople made their final preparations.
Councilor Jengo addressed the defenders, his voice filled with conviction.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Brave defenders of Cardinal Peaks, today we face our greatest challenge yet."
"But we shall not falter, for we are united in purpose and bound by our love for this town and its people."
"Each one of you has a crucial role to play in our defense, and I have full faith in your abilities."
The defenders nodded, their expressions resolute.
「 Guard Captain Arafat 」
"We stand ready to protect our home, Councilor Jengo."
"Whatever comes our way, we will face it with courage."
「 Guard Faiz 」
"Our Gears are well-maintained, and our skills honed."
"We will not let Cardinal Peaks fall."
Councilor Jengo's eyes shone with pride as he surveyed the determined faces before him.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Together, we shall hold the line, withstand the onslaught, and defend our walls with all our might."
"Remember, the strength of our defense lies in our unity, our coordination, and our unwavering resolve."
"Trust in each other, trust in yourselves, and let the spirit of Cardinal Peaks guide us through this trial."
As the sun began to rise, casting an orange glow over the town, the distant sounds of the Qeddah Sultanate's army grew louder.
The defenders took their positions on the walls, their Gears gleaming in the rising dawn. The steam-powered ballista stood ready, manned by skilled engineers, prepared to unleash its fury upon the approaching enemy.
Councilor Jengo, standing tall amidst the defenders, raised his voice one final time.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Defenders of Cardinal Peaks, let us show our adversaries the strength of our town!"
"For our families, our homes, and our future..."
"We fight!"
"May our unity be unbreakable, and may our victory be resounding!"
With a resounding cheer, the defenders of Cardinal Peaks braced themselves for the onslaught, standing firm in their resolve to protect their beloved town. The siege was about to begin, and they were ready to face whatever challenges came their way, united in their determination to emerge victorious.
Positioned on the opposite side of the battlefield, Raf il-Cul was issuing directives to his commanders. The war machines, constructed from diverse combinations of æsther alloys, eventually advanced towards the frontline, anticipating the command from their leader to initiate the impending war.
「 Laksmana Ohma / Raf il-Cul 」
"Give them the order, commanders."
Raf il-Cul was sitting in the Command Tent, an evil grin etched on his face. His commanders immediately ordered the siege weapons, consisting of trebuchets and heavy ballistas, to open fire. Flames and magically enchanted boulders rained down upon the town of Cardinal Peaks.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"So it begins..."
Councilor Jengo, who was atop the overlook, watched as the war began with terror. He began issuing orders to prepare for the impending battle.
"Barrier Mages!"
"To your positions!"
"Concentrate on deflecting the boulders!"
「 Ms. Melor 」
"Leave them to us, Councilor."
Ms. Melor, Zanno's homeroom teacher was a highly skilled Barrier Mage and was assigned to defend the walls. She was well-known for her exceptional abilities in Barrier Magic, and together with her fellow Barrier Mages, they activated their dark brown Gears, which increased their magic and defense exponentially.
Their coordination and positioning were crucial in deflecting most of the boulders that were hurled toward them with their Shield spells. With their quick reflexes and unwavering focus, they stood firm in protecting the town from any incoming danger.
As the barrage of projectiles continued, the defenders of Cardinal Peaks fought back with determination. The steam-powered ballista, manned by skilled engineers, unleashed a volley of bolts towards the enemy war machines. The powerful projectiles whistled through the air, finding their mark at long range, thanks to the technological and magical upgrades made, and causing significant damage to the Sultanate's siege weapons.
The ground shook as the Qeddah Sultanate's forces advanced, their ranks were seemingly endless. Cardinal Peaks' defenders, armed with a variety of weapons stood their ground on the walls and in strategic positions throughout the town.
「 Laksmana Ohma / Raf il-Cul 」
"Hmm... Order the Hoplites to move in."
The Hoplite Unit, a division of the Qeddah Sultanate's army utilized unique green-colored Gears. It was a top-secret division that only answered to the Laksmana's command. After receiving Raf il-Cul's order, the unit began activating their Gears.
In preparation for battle, the Hoplite Unit's Gears underwent a transformation that added an element of agility and mobility to their already formidable arsenal. As the activation process neared completion, the Gears sprouted long, slender legs reminiscent of a grasshopper's, which extended outward, providing the Hoplites with enhanced maneuverability on the battlefield. These unique appendages allowed them to easily traverse difficult terrain, leaping over obstacles and swiftly closing the distance between themselves and their targets.
With their newly activated grasshopper-like legs, the Hoplites became a force to be reckoned with, capable of launching lightning-fast assaults and executing precise strikes against the defenders of Cardinal Peaks. The sight of these agile Gears instilled a sense of unease among the townspeople, realizing that they were facing a highly adaptable and dangerous enemy.
The specialized units were equipped with two bow guns each, making them formidable in guerilla warfare. Their tactics involved hit-and-run maneuvers as they swiftly struck the enemy and created chaos within their ranks, using their agility and stealth to gain the upper hand in battles. Their strategic approach allowed them to effectively disrupt the enemy's operations and hinder their progress towards victory.
Meanwhile, Councilor Jengo assessed the situation and quickly devised a counterstrategy. He ordered his archers and skirmishers to focus their fire on the Hoplite Unit, aiming to disrupt their movements and exploit any weaknesses in their defenses. The defenders rallied behind Councilor Jengo's command, unleashing a barrage of arrows, bolts, and spells towards the advancing Hoplites.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Archers... Ready!"
The battle raged on, with the defenders of Cardinal Peaks using every ounce of their skill, bravery, and resourcefulness to hold the line. The clash between the Sultanate's forces and the determined defenders intensified, each side unleashing their most devastating attacks and employing cunning tactics.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the defenders of Cardinal Peaks fought valiantly, their determination unwavering. The Hoplites, with their grasshopper-like Gears, leaped and dodged with remarkable agility, attempting to break through the town's defenses. But the defenders, led by Councilor Jengo, showed no signs of yielding, employing their own unique strategies to counter the enemy's advancements.
As the sun began to set, the defenders stationed at Cardinal Peaks witnessed the retreat of the Hoplite Units. The sound of a war horn emanating from the Sultanate's camp had been heard, signaling the end of the day's battle. Although they had survived the initial conflict, the defenders remained uncertain about what lay ahead.
Following the conflict, both sides tended to the casualties while the night sky loomed above. This period offered an opportunity for both sides to recuperate and recharge, making every available moment valuable.
During the lull in battle, the defenders of Cardinal Peaks took advantage of the night to regroup, tend to the wounded, and reinforce their defenses. Councilor Jengo convened a war council, gathering the key leaders and strategists to discuss their next course of action.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"We have repelled their initial assault, but we cannot afford to become complacent."
"The Qeddah Sultanate's forces are formidable, and they will undoubtedly regroup and plan their next move."
"We must use this time wisely to fortify our defenses and strategize for the battles to come."
The war council deliberated late into the night, mapping out plans to bolster the town's defenses, allocate resources, and coordinate their forces. They recognized the need to exploit any weaknesses in the enemy's ranks and employ tactics that would maximize their limited resources.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"Looks like they have Gears we have never seen before."
「 Oswald Brodley 」
"Those green soldiers were too fast for our archers."
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Yes... They were..."
"Unexpected."
"But I believe I have an idea of how to take care of them."
"Lord Mormont. Looks like I will be needing your help once again."
「 Lord Mormont 」
"Just say the word, Councilor..."
"Just say the word."
The night was calm but tinged with anticipation as the defenders prepared for the next phase of the battle.
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Babazam Edit: 23 Nov 23
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