Royal Army and Inquisitor Camp.
Priestess Isabella, General Cedric Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy and Priest Samuel gathered in the command tent, discussing their strategy for the impending siege of Oscana Barony. Maps and reports were spread across the table, detailing the topography of the region and potential challenges they might face.
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy, his gaze stern, addressed the group. "Our primary objective is to kill Lord Gareth and his devil teaching about anti mage or chaotic energy, we cannot allow such heresy to thrive. The Church of Light cannot coexist with those who defy the Divine Light."
General Cedric nodded in agreement. "So, what is the plan, should we rush to the city? or should we let some of our army test their strength?"
Priest Samuel interjected, "Inquisitor, General Cedric, we must exercise caution. Lord Gareth's forces have displayed a formidable mastery of chaotic energy, and their abilities are unpredictable. Rushing into the city might play into their hands. I suggest sending a small contingent of soldiers as a vanguard, testing the waters, while keeping the main force ready to respond based on the situation."
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy considered the suggestion, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "A cautious approach may indeed be wise. We cannot underestimate the power of chaotic energy. Send a vanguard to gauge their strength, and if necessary, we adjust our strategy accordingly."
General Cedric agreed with a nod. "I'll personally lead the vanguard, and we'll assess the situation before committing our main forces, Priestess Isabella please support us from behind."
they finalized their strategy, and General Cedric prepared to lead the vanguard towards Oscana Barony. The soldiers were organized, and the camp buzzed with activity as they readied themselves for the upcoming confrontation.
but suddenly there is fire in camp supply, chaos erupted in the Royal Army and Inquisitor camp. The sound of crackling flames and the smell of smoke filled the air. Panic ensued as soldiers rushed to contain the fire that had broken out in the supply area.
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy's eyes narrowed, his expression shifting from stern to alarmed. "What madness is this? How did the fire start?"
General Cedric, ready to lead the vanguard, redirected his attention to the unexpected crisis. "Secure the supplies! We cannot afford to lose our provisions before the siege."
Priest Samuel, sensing the urgency, began chanting a prayer to summon water to douse the flames. His eyes glowed with a divine light as he focused on extinguishing the fire.
"It seems that Lord Gareth will not let us attack them easily." Priestess Isabella remarked, her eyes narrowing as she observed the chaos unfolding in the camp.
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy clenched his fists, his expression growing more resolute. "Lord Gareth aims to disrupt our preparations. We cannot let this diversion sway us from our mission."
Amidst the chaos of the burning supply area, soldiers hurriedly formed lines to pass buckets of water and sandbags, attempting to control the spreading flames. The urgency to secure the supplies was heightened, as losing them could jeopardize the Royal Army and Inquisitor's ability to sustain their forces during the siege.
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy worked to restore order, a scout arrived, breathless and disheveled. "Sir, we've received reports that Lord Gareth's forces are launching sporadic attacks on our scouts. They seem to be exploiting the distraction caused by the fire to strike from the shadows."
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy's eyes flared with determination. "Lord Gareth is testing our defenses and aiming to divide our attention."
General Cedric, having redirected his focus to the unexpected chaos, spoke with a sense of urgency. "Secure the perimeter! Increase patrols and be vigilant for any sign of Lord Gareth's forces. We must not let them exploit this situation further."
The scout sends another urgent message that the corral has broken out and many horses have escaped.
The news of the broken corral and the fleeing horses added another layer of complexity to the chaos. General Cedric, now faced with multiple challenges, ordered, "Bring back the horses immediately! Our mobility is crucial to the siege ahead. Priests, reinforce the defensive spells around the camp.
Priestess Isabella, her eyes glowing with divine light, joined her fellow priests in reinforcing the protective spells around the camp. The spiritual energy radiating from their collective efforts formed a barrier against potential magical attacks.
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy, focused on maintaining order, issued additional orders. "Increase patrols on the outskirts of the camp and send a contingent to retrieve the horses. We cannot afford to be hampered in our mobility."
As the soldiers scrambled to address the fire, reinforce defenses, and retrieve the fleeing horses, the Royal Army and the Inquisitor faced a multi-front challenge. Lord Gareth's calculated disruptions were testing their preparedness and exposing vulnerabilities.
Amidst the chaos, the scout who brought the news hesitated before addressing Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy again. "Sir, there's another development. Lord Gareth's forces have launched a small-scale assault on the outskirts of our camp. It seems they're capitalizing on the distractions to strike at our defenses."
"These Bastard!" Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy's jaw tightened at the news of the additional assault.
"They seek to exploit any weakness. General Cedric, prepare the troops. We should pursue them."
General Cedric, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation, he shakes his head. "This is what the enemy wanted, we need to calm down."
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy took a deep breath, his fists still clenched, but he nodded in agreement with General Cedric's caution. "You're right, General. We cannot let anger cloud our judgment."
The chaotic scene intensified as the Royal Army and the Inquisitor faced a barrage of challenges. Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy, though seething with frustration, recognized the need for strategic thinking amid the tumult.
"General Cedric, fortify our defenses. We won't give Lord Gareth the satisfaction of drawing us into a reckless pursuit. Let the patrols deal with the small assault; we must maintain our focus on the imminent siege."
General Cedric, a seasoned leader, nodded in agreement. "We need a coordinated response. Priests, maintain the protective spells. Scouts, gather intelligence on Lord Gareth's movements. We must anticipate his next move."
As the soldiers worked tirelessly to address the various crises, Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy turned to the scout who had brought the latest news. "Keep me informed of any changes, and ensure our patrols are aware of the enemy's tactics. We'll thwart Lord Gareth's attempts without playing into his hands."
___
Oscana Camp.
"Looks like they didn't come after us, too bad." Ren shakes his head and sighs.
Within the confines of Oscana Camp, Ren watched the distant chaos with a mixture of disappointment and relief. The flames in the supply area, the efforts to control the fire, and the multiple fronts of the Royal Army's response were visible even from a distance.
"But at least I have killed a few of them already, I think tomorrow they will have low morale and be tired from the night's attack."
"Milord, what shall we do next?" Elara asks for the next command.
"Go rest, all of you, for tonight I am the one who will attack their scout alone."
Elara voiced her worry, "Milord, it's too dangerous to go alone. We should accompany you and ensure your safety."
Ren waved away her concerns with a confident smile. "No need to worry, Elara. I move better alone, and I believe that tomorrow we will have our biggest fight since the battle in the city, all of you will save your strength for tomorrow's battle."
Acknowledging his determination, Elara reluctantly nodded, though her concern lingered. "As you wish, Milord. We shall await your return but do be cautious."
The night was filled with the distant sounds of the Royal Army's efforts to regain control of the chaotic situation.
"Let's do it." Ren prepares to use his Blood Pact skill.
He concentrates his mana in his thumb and recites the spell. "By The blood god, I offer my blood and mana. Grant me the strength to surpass my limits." Ren bites his thumb.
[Level: 8] (25% Exp)
[HP: 3000/3000] (HP Regen 40/second.)
[Chaotic Energy: 500/1000] (Chaotic Energy Regen 10/second.)
[Attribute
Strength: 150 (+150 Blood Pact) (1 Hour)
Agility: 100 (+100 Blood Pact) (1 Hour)
Intelligence: 100]
[Skills: Resurrection Level 5, Aura Health regeneration Level 3, Aura Chaotic Energy Regeneration Level 2]
Ren's steps were silent, and his form seemed to meld with the darkness, using his stealth and agility, Ren positioned himself strategically to observe the enemy scouts without being detected.
Ren, hidden in the shadows, carefully aimed his bow at the enemy scouts.
"Pssst!" Arrow guided by Ren's precise aim, soared through the night air and found its mark with deadly accuracy. the enemy scout fell silently.
[Level: 8] (30% Exp)
"Heh, I have to kill fourteen people to level up."
As Ren continued his solo mission to disrupt the enemy scouts, Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy was now fully aware that his scouts hadn't sent him a single message - something was obviously wrong.
Inquisitor Ardian Kennedy's instincts are heightened, he senses that the lack of reports from his scouts means they have been attacked, he takes his divine artifact and leaves the camp to see the scouts.