Chapter 12: Battle of Crimson Black
The Niröhès horde collided with the defensive line of the House of Sakura, bringing with them the devouring hue of crimson-black. The soldiers stood resolute, executing their well-practiced formations as chaos unfolded. Archers and mages unleashed waves of spells, their combined attacks forming a dazzling array of fire, lightning, and wind. Shield bearers braced against the relentless push of the horde, creating a temporary barrier that held the horrors at bay.
"HOooLDddd…" the commanders bellowed as the frontline quaked under the sheer weight of the Niröhès assault.
Spearmen surged forward, taking advantage of the brief reprieve granted by the shield bearers. Their piercing strikes skewered shadowy forms, black ichor spraying across the battlefield. But the Niröhès were unrelenting. Stepping over their fallen kin, the monstrous entities pressed on, clawing and gnashing at the defenders with ravenous hunger.
Behind the frontline, array masters worked frantically, weaving their intricate spells into the ground. The air shimmered with energy as they completed their traps.
"FORMATIONS! SPLIT!" Commander Kaine roared.
The shield bearers pivoted, opening gaps in the line to form triangular formations. The pathways they created funneled the Niröhès into bottlenecks, where they were met with a deadly gauntlet of spears, swords, and magic. Each formation worked as a cohesive unit: shield bearers at the outer layer, spearmen in the middle, mages and close combatants covering the center, and healers safeguarding the tacticians.
The battlefield transformed into a kaleidoscope of combat, the soldiers' precision and discipline shining through even as the Niröhès swarmed them. Yet, the strain was beginning to show. Injuries mounted, fatigue crept in, and cracks began to form in their defenses.
The array masters' trap finally activated, triggering a series of explosions across the battlefield. Sonic booms and firestorms tore through the Niröhès ranks, scattering their forces and buying precious time for the soldiers to regroup.
"Retreat to the second line!" Kaine commanded.
The soldiers fell back in an organized retreat, shields raised to fend off pursuing Niröhès. But not all made it.
One brave soldier, Gibbs, turned back to buy time for his comrades. Spearing one Niröhè after another, he fought valiantly, even as the creatures overwhelmed him. Claws and fangs tore into his flesh, ripping him apart piece by piece. His comrades watched in horror as his body crumbled, his blood and flesh consumed by the Niröhès.
The sight of his sacrifice left a heavy weight on their hearts, but it also ignited a fierce resolve. They would fight to honor his memory.
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On the frontlines, the commanders knew the battle had reached a critical point.
"This is it," Kaine said grimly. "We have to step in now."
He and the other commanders—Pazel, Nashiya, Yami, and Dior—leapt into action. They formed a spearhead formation, unleashing their full power against the oncoming Niröhès. Kaine's spear glowed with golden light as he pierced through the creatures, while Pazel's glaive erupted in flames, cleaving through the horde. Nashiya's frost-covered blades slowed the enemy, Yami's life energy rejuvenated their allies, and Dior's Desfor core pulsed with mana, enhancing their attacks.
The spectacle of the commanders in action was a rare sight, inspiring awe and hope among the soldiers. But even their combined might was not enough to fully stem the tide.
The battle reached its climax when the Guardian appeared.
A vortex of crimson and black energy spiraled into existence, and from it emerged a towering figure clad in obsidian armor inscribed with glowing runes. Its massive blade dripped with corrosive ichor, and its faceless helmet exuded an aura of dread.
The Guardian slammed its blade into the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked the commanders back.
"So it shows itself," Kaine muttered, steadying himself.
The commanders regrouped, their weapons at the ready. Dior's voice echoed in their minds through their telepathic link: "The runes on its chest—focus your attacks there. It's the only way to bring it down."
The commanders launched a coordinated assault, targeting the Guardian's runic core. Kaine's spear strikes, Nashiya's frost attacks, and Pazel's fiery slashes converged on the chest plate, creating cracks in the armor. Yami and Dior supported them with suppressive magic and mana reinforcement.
But the Guardian fought back with terrifying power, summoning shadow constructs to swarm the battlefield. The soldiers struggled to hold their ground, and the commanders were pushed to their limits.
Just when hope seemed lost, like a brilliant light piercing the darkness. From the heavens descended a figure clad in radiant armor—a Celestial Vanguard of the House of Sakura. Their presence alone dispelled the oppressive aura of the Guardian, lifting the morale of the weary defenders.
The Vanguard raised their sword, which shimmered with divine energy. Their voice rang out across the battlefield:
"Warriors of Sakura, your bravery has brought us to this moment. Stand down and witness the end of this nightmare."
The soldiers and commanders retreated to safety, their hearts filled with hope as the Vanguard faced the Guardian.
The final clash was about to begin.
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