Chapter 52: D-Day (Day Two)
As the sun began to rise over the horizon slowly, the brave defenders of Cardinal Peaks sprang into action. The town's skilled engineers and craftsmen worked tirelessly to reinforce the walls and repair any damaged structures, while also setting up additional defensive measures to protect the town from the impending attack.
Barricades were quickly erected, trenches were carefully dug, and traps were set to impede the enemy's advance and give the defenders the upper hand. Every detail was thought out and executed to perfection, as the defenders knew that the fate of their town rested on their shoulders.
Councilor Jengo had devised a clever strategy that exploited the agility of the Hoplite Units, which had proven to be a formidable challenge for the town's archers in the previous battle. He had prepared a creative countermeasure to handle the green-geared soldiers of the Sultanate, with the assistance of Lord Mormont Deveraux, the esteemed leader of the Marque de Ivory Guild.
Their collaboration resulted in a plan that not only neutralized the enemy's strength but also turned it against them. As the defenders waited for the enemy to arrive, they stood tall and resolute, ready to face whatever came their way.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Are they ready, Lord Mormont?"
Councilor Jengo asked, weariness clearly displayed on his face.
「 Lord Mormont 」
"All is ready, Councilor."
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Now we can only hope that Zanno is able to do his part."
「 Oswald Brodley 」
"If I may, Councilor?"
Oswald Brodley, leader of the Dreadnaught interrupted the conversion between the Councilor and Lord Mormont to voice his concern.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Of course, Mr. Oswald."
「 Oswald Brodley 」
"While the countermeasure against the Hoplite Units is commendable, we must also consider the Sultanate's other forces."
"Their siege weapons and heavy infantry pose significant threats to our defenses."
"Should we allocate additional resources to address these challenges?"
Councilor Jengo paused for a moment, considering Oswald's words. He knew that the Dreadnaught leader's concerns were valid, and the defense of Cardinal Peaks required a comprehensive strategy that accounted for all potential threats.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"You raise a valid point, Sir."
"Though our focus has been on countering the Hoplite Units, we surely cannot overlook the other forces..."
"We must ensure that our walls remain standing, and our troops have the means to hold their ground."
"Captain Arafat..."
"Please make sure the Barrier Mages are well protected."
"I'm sure their help will be needed again, today."
「 Guard Captain Arafat 」
"The town guards of Cardinal Peaks will protect them with our lives, Councilor!"
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Thank you, Captain."
Oswald and Captain Arafat nodded in agreement, acknowledging the councilor's decision. The defenders of Cardinal Peaks understood that their survival relied on their ability to adapt and address all challenges thrown their way.
As the sun continued to rise, casting its warm light upon the town, the defenders stood prepared, armed, and determined. The quiet anticipation filled the air as they awaited the enemy's approach.
Their hearts beat with courage, ready to defend their home once again and stand united against the forces that sought to conquer them. Cardinal Peaks would not fall easily, for its defenders were not just warriors, but a family bound by loyalty, honor, and an unyielding spirit.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"We have to hold."
"Until we see the entirety of what the army is capable of."
"Sending Zanno out now is too early, Councilor."
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"I agree, Master Raneeya."
"But we need to handle those jumping soldiers..."
"They are chipping away our numbers, bit by bit."
「 Master Raneeya 」
"The main reason they are here is him."
"Sending him out now is like..."
"Handing it to them on a silver platter."
「 Councilor Jengo (agitated) 」
"Don't you think I know that?"
"I am his father..."
"But what choice do I have, Master Raneeya."
"What choice do I have..."
Tears flowed down Councilor Jengo's face as the weight of his decision mulled heavily on him. The sacrifices he had to make for the greater good were taking a toll on his soul. The defenders of Cardinal Peaks could sense the councilor's anguish, their hearts filled with empathy and admiration for their leader.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"We fight for our loved ones, for our town, for our future."
"And sometimes, sacrifices must be made."
"But let's not dwell on that now."
"Let us focus on the present and the task at hand."
Councilor Jengo wiped away his tears, regaining his composure and displaying a resolute determination that inspired those around him.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"Everyone..."
"To your posts!"
"Defend Cardinal Peaks with everything you have."
"May our resolve be unbreakable, and our courage unwavering."
The sound of warhorns resonated through the air, announcing the commencement of the second day of the siege by the Qeddah Sultanate's army. The town was once again under heavy attack as fiery bolts and enchanted boulders rained down, causing havoc and destruction.
Amidst the chaos, the town's inhabitants cowered in fear, hoping that the walls would hold and the defenders would be able to repel the invaders. The Barrier Mages were busy deflecting the incoming boulders while being targeted by the Hoplites, but the guards, led by the unwavering Captain Arafat, ensured their safety.
Bounty hunters from the Marque de Ivory Guild, led by Lord Mormont himself were prepared this time, intercepting the Hoplites in their tracks. Netted arrows and bolas fired in successive sequences managed to catch some of them, bringing them crashing down and some even to their demise.
But despite the similarity to the previous day's events, the Qeddah Sultanate's army had a new surprise in store. A group of Geared units were mobilizing far away, near the army's camp. Around 300 soldiers wearing black Gears were getting ready for activation. The color of their Gears, a dark and pure black armor, suggested that they were designed to augment the magical energy of their wielders, making them a formidable force on the battlefield.
「 Laksmana Ohma / Raf il-Cul 」
"Black Unicorns, activate your Gears!"
As the command of Raf il-Cil echoed across the battlefield, the 300 soldiers of the Black Unicorns Unit moved in unison, their bodies clad in sleek black armor that shimmered with an otherworldly aura. The air crackled with anticipation as the soldiers prepared to unleash the true power of their Gears.
With swift and practiced movements, each soldier initiated the activation sequence of their Gear by inserting their Ki cards. The black plates began to shift and transform, intertwining with intricate mechanisms hidden beneath the surface. Like a symphony of metal, the armor pieces clicked and locked into place, forming a seamless whole.
As the transformation progressed, the soldiers' forms underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. The black armor expanded and elongated, forming sleek and streamlined contours that perfectly fit each soldier's physique. The surface of the armor seemed to come alive, pulsating with a faint, ethereal glow.
From the helmet to the boots, the armor exuded an aura of darkness and power. The helmet took on a menacing appearance, featuring a sleek visor that concealed the soldiers' faces, leaving only a narrow slit for their eyes. The visor was adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer with a faint, pulsating energy. A single horn protruded, mimicking the looks of a unicorn.
The soldiers' torsos were encased in a chest plate that accentuated their muscular forms while providing optimal protection. The black plates seamlessly melded together, forming a seamless exoskeleton that enhanced their strength and agility. Embedded within the armor were glowing runes, pulsating with a mysterious energy, indicating the augmentation of their magical abilities.
The soldiers' arms were covered in gauntlets that extended up to their elbows. The gauntlets featured articulated joints and reinforced plating, allowing for fluid movements and devastating attacks. Each finger was encased in a claw-like appendage, capable of delivering precise strikes or channeling magical energy.
The lower body was equally adorned with formidable armor. Thick, articulated greaves protected the soldiers' legs, while boots with spiked soles provided stability and traction on the battlefield. The greaves featured intricate engravings of arcane symbols, further amplifying their mystical properties.
As the transformation was completed, the soldiers stood tall and imposing, their black-armored forms radiating an aura of sheer power. The once-human warriors had become something more, blending seamlessly with their Gears to become avatars of darkness and destruction.
The Black Unicorns, now fully activated, emanated an ominous presence. Their dark armor seemed to absorb the surrounding light, creating an unsettling contrast against the backdrop of the battlefield. The soldiers moved with an eerie grace, their movements fluid and precise, showcasing the enhanced agility and strength granted by their Gears.
The air crackled with suppressed energy as the Black Unicorns prepared to unleash their power upon the battlefield. They were a force to be reckoned with, embodying the perfect fusion of magic and technology. The defenders of Cardinal Peaks would now face an even greater challenge, as these formidable opponents stood ready to unleash devastation upon their ranks.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"I sense a massive magical energy accumulation from the camp!"
"This is bad..."
"They are casting a strategic class spell!!!"
The revelation of a strategic class spell, a spell cast by pooling the magical energy through a single channel, was being cast by the Qeddah Sultanate's army and it sent a ripple of concern through the defenders of Cardinal Peaks. They knew that such spells had the potential to turn the tide of battle and wreak havoc on their defenses.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"We must prepare for the worst!"
"Master Raneeya, can you determine the nature of the spell?"
"We need to know its effects and how to counter it."
「 Master Raneeya 」
"I will do my best, Councilor."
"Give me a moment to focus and analyze the magical energy."
Master Raneeya closed her eyes, her face serene as she delved deep into her magical senses. The air around her seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow as she connected with the intricate web of magical energy that permeated the battlefield.
After a few moments, Master Raneeya opened her eyes, her expression grave but determined.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"It's a spell of elemental manipulation, Councilor."
"They are summoning a storm of pure lightning."
The defenders exchanged worried glances, knowing that a storm of pure lightning could be devastating, capable of causing widespread destruction and incapacitating their troops. The situation grew even more dire as dark clouds began to gather above the Qeddah Sultanate's camp, crackling with electric energy.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"We must protect our mages and find a way to counter this spell."
"Master Raneeya, can you devise a plan to neutralize or redirect the lightning storm?"
「 Master Raneeya 」
"It will not be easy, Councilor."
"But I believe we can channel the energy away from our walls and into a safe area."
"We must coordinate our Barrier Mages and create a protective barrier to shield our forces."
The defenders sprang into action, following the councilor's orders. The Barrier Mages, under the guidance of Master Raneeya, used their combined magical prowess to erect a powerful barrier around the town's defenses. The barrier crackled with energy, acting as a conduit to redirect the incoming lightning away from the vulnerable structures and forces.
As the storm of lightning descended upon Cardinal Peaks, the barrier shimmered and absorbed the immense power. The lightning danced across its surface, guided away from the town's vital areas. The defenders watched in awe and relief as the lightning struck the ground harmlessly beyond their defenses, dissipating into the earth.
The defenders, though relieved, knew that the battle was far from over. The Black Unicorns and the Qeddah Sultanate's forces would continue their relentless assault. But the successful diversion of the strategic spell gave them a glimmer of hope, a renewed determination to stand strong and protect their beloved Cardinal Peaks.
As the defenders braced themselves for the ongoing onslaught, Councilor Jengo's voice rang out, filled with unwavering resolve.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"We have weathered the storm, my friends!"
"Let us stand united, for our town, for our loved ones!"
"Defend Cardinal Peaks with everything you have!"
"Together, we shall emerge victorious!"
「 Master Raneeya 」
"Oh no..."
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"What is it, Master Raneeya?"
「 Master Raneeya 」
"They are casting it again..."
"No interval?"
"How could this be?"
The realization that the Qeddah Sultanate's army was casting the lightning storm spell once again without any interval filled the defenders with a sense of dread. The situation grew more dire as the dark clouds above the enemy camp crackled with renewed electric energy, ready to unleash another devastating assault.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"This is unprecedented..."
"We must find a way to counter it, Master Raneeya."
"Think... We cannot let our defenses crumble under the weight of this relentless assault."
Master Raneeya furrowed her brow, her mind racing to find a solution amidst the urgency of the situation.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"There must be a way... We cannot let the lightning storm breach our defenses."
"Wait! I have an idea, but it will require precise coordination and immense magical power."
The councilor and the defenders turned their attention to Master Raneeya, their hopes hinging on her expertise and ingenuity.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"We will channel our own magic into a strategic class counter-spell."
"We must create a barrier of our own, one that can neutralize the lightning storm before it reaches our town."
The defenders listened intently, their hearts filled with both anticipation and trepidation.
"Barrier Mages, gather your strength and focus on weaving a powerful counter-spell through me."
"We will intercept the lightning storm and redirect its energy away from Cardinal Peaks."
The Barrier Mages, driven by their unshakable resolve, united with Master Raneeya at the forefront of the battle. Together, they exerted their internal reserves of magic, their hands moving in intricate patterns as they channeled their collective energy into a formidable spell.
As the lightning storm descended once more upon Cardinal Peaks, the defenders' counter-spell materialized. A shimmering barrier, pulsating with a vibrant mix of elemental forces, formed a protective dome over the town's defenses. The barrier crackled with power, meeting the incoming lightning head-on.
The clash of energies was fierce. The lightning storm strained against the defenders' barrier, its ferocity and intensity threatening to overwhelm the defenders' efforts. But the defenders stood resolute, pouring their magic into the counter-spell with unwavering determination.
Despite the defenders' best efforts, the barrier began to falter under the weight of the storm's onslaught. The Barrier Mages, recognizing the danger, intensified their efforts, weaving their magic more intricately and with greater speed. Sweat dripped down their faces as they struggled to maintain the spell, their energy reserves rapidly depleting.
Gradually, the barrier held strong, pushing back against the onslaught of the lightning storm. The clash of forces created a dazzling display of light and power, illuminating the battlefield with an otherworldly radiance. The defenders watched with bated breath as the barrier successfully redirected the lightning, guiding it harmlessly away from Cardinal Peaks.
Exhausted yet triumphant, the defenders of Cardinal Peaks marveled at their success. The lightning storm dissipated into the distance, leaving behind a sense of relief and renewed hope. However, dread was etched on Master Raneeya's face as she slowly looked over at the army's camp, panting.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"AGAIN?!"
The defenders' hearts sank as Master Raneeya's exclamation echoed through the battlefield. The realization that the Qeddah Sultanate's army was attempting to cast the lightning storm spell for the third time in quick succession filled them with a mixture of disbelief and despair.
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"This cannot be happening!"
"They are relentless in their assault."
"But we cannot lose hope. We must find a way to overcome this."
Master Raneeya, though fatigued, refused to succumb to despair. Her mind raced once again, seeking a solution that could save Cardinal Peaks from the impending disaster.
「 Master Raneeya 」
"We have to disrupt their casting."
"We need to target their spellcasters directly."
"If we can disable their ability to channel the lightning storm, we might have a chance."
As the dire circumstances escalated, a piercing cry was heard amidst the panicking defenders of Cardinal Peaks.
「 Zanno 」
"Stay calm everyone!"
"I will try and handle this."
"And please take care of the injured."
[ Charity Experience Point: +1 ]
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Babazam
Babazam Edit: 23 Nov 23
- Spelling
Note: New Chapters starting on 1 Dec 23
See you then :)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone