บท 92: Forged In The Battlefield
"Hi! Sorry, I can only speak English. I am Ines and I'm new here." Ines worked up the courage to introduce herself. She was used to sneaking around, after all. Introducing herself out in the open in a setting like this that wasn't a formal party was new to her.
She looked around as she waited for a response. While a lot of the island needed repairs still, Iloilo City and Bacolod City, the two main cities in Panay and Negros Occidental were fixed up to be even more beautiful than before.
It looked as if Nature had taken over, yet sculpted by man to complement the buildings and houses. This setting gave one a peaceful feeling. Especially Ines who wasn't used to it. The main cities in the Void, the one she saw as beautiful paled in comparison to this small city she now saw.
"How wonderful it would be to be able to live in a place like this," she thought.
Just then, a young boy came up to her.
"Hi! My name is Josh. If you're new to the area, I could show you around.. maybe?" The young man asked as he blushed. This was normal for young men, especially towards a person of the opposite sex that they found attractive.
"Sure!" Ines herself was happily agreed. She had absolutely no idea that the young man developed a huge crush on her the moment he laid eyes on her. Alas, the young Princess had never considered such things in her mind.
"Finally, I can see what this world is all about," the young Princess of the Void thought to herself as she followed the boy's lead.
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"Bro, Elder Jax has volunteered to be the ambassador to the mutant beasts. What do you think?" Boni asked.
"Alright. Make sure he has enough support with him. Take the long route as well, go through water, not land. It's best to take the Snake with you, it can traverse-" Just as Luna was about to continue, he was interrupted by Maxene who was in comms as well with the other officials. This included Jose Rizal and his wife Josie who. The former proved his capabilities and especially his character and was trusted by Luna to play a key role in the <Sovereign Nation>. Josie who was a very capable fighter was assigned to shadow Apple along with another elite to ensure the Lightning General's safety. With the two protecting her flanks at all times, Apple's safety was secured.
"Father, the name is 'Sneaky Snake,' it's better to call him that." Maxene interrupted as she wore an adorable smile on her face.
"Y-yes. What Maxene said," Luna continued as he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Maxene may have been young, and in other circumstances, interrupting would have caused the ire of the other officials but disregarding her status as Luna's only daughter, she was also the <Sovereign Nation>'s <Supreme Beast Master> even if one took away the factor of taming mutant beasts, she had strength that was second only to Luna and Sura.
Nobody dared to challenge her or question her authority. As a little girl, this would definitely spoil her, but fortunately, Luna and Sura were always quick to reprimand her. Maxene who adored her parents would always listen to what they said, thus, ensuring that she wouldn't grow up to be a despotic brat despite her power.
"I won't disappoint you, Lord Luna. Regarding the beasts to our East, it appears they have formed tribes of their own. They have the disadvantage of being next to us, but the advantage of having Roaches defending for them further East. Those who are willing to submit will be taken in, those who aren't, well, we're always in need of food," Elder Jax grinned.
"Proceed as planned, Elder Jax. Remember to go by water when you proceed towards the Roach Nation's territory. Visit the other human Nation in the vicinity as well. If they're struggling, extend our offer to them again. They should be suffering from attacks on both sides as we speak. Even if they still don't agree to our terms, lend them a bit of a helping hand. You should have enough men to do so."
"Understood, Lord Luna." Elder Jax acknowledged his orders as he swiftly prepared to carry them out.
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Back in Void army's western camp, he was getting more and more anxious.
"Withdraw for now! Damn it! At this point, we're just making them stronger! We've made no progress despite our heavy losses," General Vizicsacsi was massaging his forehead as neither he nor his officers could come up with a plan.
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"Lord Luna, the Void army seems to be retreating," Paco reported.
"Let's give our men some combat experience then. Mobilize the troops!" Luna commanded. In war, there were always risks. As long as they stayed here, they could defend as long as someone attacked. They would gain EXP and level up, but without any real combat experience, his men would still be considered weak.
They needed to be forged in the battlefield.
The <Sovereign Nation>'s soldiers were high enough level right now that their chances of survival were quite high as long as they didn't get too cocky and do something stupid.
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Vizicsacsi's camp.
"General, they've mobilized their troops. They're coming straight at us!" A Scout reported.
"Good! Now, let's see how well they fare without those damnable walls! Don't worry about formations! Swarm them! Overwhelm them with our numbers!" General Vizicsacsi seized his chance. His army thus far had faced nothing but obliteration from the endless barrage of the <Sovereign Nation>'s Mages.
This opportunity finally presented him with a means of venting his frustration.
On Vizicsacsi's command, the Void army charged forward. The more aware Soldier-class beings were especially excited. They finally had an opportunity for revenge.
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"So they've decided to bank on pure numbers with no regard for much else, it seems," Elder Aran thought out loud.
"Good. The more savage they are, the better. Let's see if our new recruits can withstand their battle aura," Luna replied. He was well aware that no matter how strong these men and women were on paper, none of that would do them any good if they would get intimidated to the point where they can't even move or if their battle capabilities were somewhat impaired.
Paco proceeded to relay Luna's orders.
"There will be no fancy tactics or formations used for this battle. Work with your squad to survive! The enemy before you will be as easy as it gets. It can only get harder from here. Take from this battle all that you can! You may be higher in levels, but when it comes to experience in the battlefield, most of you newbies are lacking! Keep in mind the goal of this battle is to acclimate yourselves when we battle much stronger beings in the future!"
Luna wasn't too worried as of right now, especially since their equipment was more advanced than the current Void army. The advanced armor gave them a huge increase in survival, but it could only do so much. They might not get infected, but they could still be bludgeoned to death.
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Meanwhile, in Iloilo City, in Jaro Plaza.
"You should see the festival they hold in Bacolod City! They hold the MassKara Festival where people wear all sorts of colorful masks!" Josh explained.
"Ohh! I'd love to see it! When is it?" Ines, genuinely curious at just about everything she discovered, expressed her interest.
"Should have been last week, but it's been postponed, but after we win the battle against the Void army, it'll start right away!" Seeing Ines' eyes brighten at the thought of going to the festival, the young man thought it would be a good opportunity for him as well.
"What makes you think that yo--- err, we'll defeat the Void army?" Ines asked. She was wondering where this confidence came from.
"All because of Lord Luna, of course," the young man confidently replied.
Ines took a seat on an empty bench before asking, "Tell me more about him!"
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