Alexander stepped out of his tent just as the first light of dawn broke across the horizon.
Snowflakes lazily drifted down, a few landing on his armour. Around him, the camp was bustling with movement. Soldiers made last-minute preparations with the atmosphere tense.
Adjusting his crimson cloak, Alexander's hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword.
He knew his plan was risky... maybe reckless... but that was the only one he could come up with that would lessen the casualties... at least.
It was a strategy he–Prince Ivan, had come across in an old war manual.
Thinking back, he murmured to himself with a faint frown. "Maybe I should have paid more attention to that book."
"You look... different," Ren said, appearing beside him.
Alexander gave a faint, wry smile. "I am different."
As both discussed on the battle plan, Captain Dylan approached with a respectful bow. "My prince. The army is ready."
"Good." A strange flicker flashed in his eyes for a brief moment but was gone before anyone could notice.
"We proceed as planned. We make use of Kodor plain."
The Kodor Plain was a valley known too well by the people of Valeria. The windy routes, layered hills, and natural formations made the valley a perfect place for ambush and manoeuvring.
Alexander gazed forward, his eyes scanning through the tensed yet determined soldiers.
"Now is the time for a speech, right?" he thought, rubbing his palms.
"Alright. This is it..."
He stepped forward, his eyes calm and his voice clear and firm.
"We fight today, not for conquest but to protect our loved ones... and those waiting behind those walls. I urge you all to give your best... to fight like lions protecting their pride!
Drawing out his sword in a fluid motion, he raised it high and shouted.
"For Valeria!"
"For Valeria!"
The army roared in response, their voices echoing across the camp. Their morale surged as they thumped their fist on their shield.
Who would've thought the prince would march with them? Heck! They all thought he would probably stay back hiding behind their backs.
Also, they felt something, his words were simple yet powerful.
"That was a nice speech," Ren muttered with a smile. "Your horse is ready."
With a final glance, Prince Ivan walked away and followed Ren. The scouts had brought with them vital information. The Drakarhold force had crossed the river and was advancing.
Alexander's unit would take one of the labyrinth routes through the Kodor Plain, positioning behind the Drakarhold army.
Mounting his horse, he gripped the amulet around his neck softly, as they finally rode out to war.
...
In the centre of the Kodor Plain, a vast force of warriors stood with bolstering confidence. Their dark green armour shimmered under the pale sky as they banged weapons against shields.
Leading them was a massive figure. A large hammer was strapped across his back with relative ease.
His glowing eyes were fixed on the distant red and yellow armour of Valeria and Eternal Dynasty. His face was covered in a wide grin as he stroked the beast he rode and finally gave out the signal.
"Troops. Advance!"
Meanwhile, Commander Varick watched grimly from his position.
"Archers! Ready... hold."
"Hold..."
"Release!"
A storm of arrows, some infused in flames and others with magical energy tore through the sky and rained upon the charging enemy.
A few had been killed from the initial wave, especially the mundane warriors, and a second round was already upon them.
"Activate the barrier!" Their leader, Jaron, shouted as he grabbed an arrow, tossing it back with monstrous strength.
The arrow flew with astonishing speed and struck a few warriors.
A small explosion occurred with flesh raining down.
Just with an arrow, over ten Valerian soldiers had met their end.
"Dammit! Warriors! Prepare for battle!"
"Long-range warriors give them hell!"
More volley of arrows along with spells–large spiked boulders, bolts of lightning, and several more... rained down on the approaching tide.
Before the barrier could fully form, the magical projectiles were already upon them, causing havoc in the ranks of their enemy.
Commander Varick's task was simple: to cause havoc and disorganise the Drakarhold force, drawing them forward.
More magical projectiles soon covered the pale sky, ready to descend on the figures charging forward.
"Dammit!" Jaron exclaimed furiously. Gripping his warhammer, he leapt from the giant wolf, into the sky, and, with a yell, swung his weapon upward.
The air seemed to tremble as a pulse of energy surged forward, destroying half of the attacks. At the same time a shimmering barrier materialised blocking the remaining attacks.
Landing on the wolf with ease, his lips stretched into a menacing grin as he charged forward, hammer raised high.
"Advance! Kill them all!"
His voice, loud and guttural, echoed over the battlefield as they broke through, finally crashing into the Valerian warriors.
Chaos ensued as steel clashed against steel, and magical energy flared under the pale sky. The snow–streaked ground quickly turned crimson as the battle raged.
Jaron charged forward, leaving a bloody path in his way. Soldiers were turned into mangled flesh with each swing of his hammer.
Commander Varick gripped his spear tightly as Jaron charged towards him. Flames engulfed his blade, which he swung instantly, clashing with the hammer.
Their weapons collided with a searing shockwave that knocked soldiers off their feet.
They quickly backed away, not wanting to interfere in a battle between Tier 5 magical warriors.
Meanwhile, across the battlefield, the Valerian warriors fought valiantly. They were more on the defensive. Hence, a defensive formation which they held only by sheer resolve.
One of the captains was locked in battle against one of the Drakarhold captains. Their battle took place in another part of the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the last captain was in charge of the forces, ensuring the enemies didn't break through.
Even with a few elite forces from the Eternal Dynasty, the defence was beginning to crack.
They were outnumbered by the enemy force.
In the chaos, an enemy warrior had finally brought a Valerian soldier down and was about to deliver the last blow.
But before the strike could land, a red sword pierced through his throat.
He collapsed with a thud, blood spurting from the wound.
Before the warrior on the ground could fully take in his saviour, the figure had dissipated into red mist.
The figure appeared before another warrior again, delivering a brutal slash to the foe instantly eliminating him.
High atop a distant cliff, a figure stood calmly, his crimson cloak billowing gently in the wind. White strands of his ponytail danced loosely in the breeze.
Beside him, an advanced man with brown short hair stood in silence.
As if contemplating something, he finally spoke. "That red figure... It's yours, right?" Ren asked, staring at him.
Alexander finally turned to his direction, his cool grey eyes gleaming. Touching his lips, he finally answered.
"Yes. He's one of the several soldiers under my command." His lips parted into a slight smile as he focused back on the battle.
Through the summon vision, he was able to watch the battle unfold. And he could tell time was running out.
"I think it's time... for phase two…"