Caelum turned his attention to Lyra and her team. His eyes narrowed in concentration as he discreetly activated his Observe skill, assessing each member's class and level.
[System Message: Observe: Lyra
Name: Lyra
Class: Blade Dancer (Level 7)]
Lyra, with her fiery red hair and commanding presence, moved with a grace that belied her combat prowess. Her agility and swordsmanship were renowned, making her a formidable leader of the Silver Shields.
[System Message: Observe: Darius
Name: Darius
Class: Shield Bearer (Level 5)]
Beside Lyra stood Darius, a sturdy man clad in heavy armor, his demeanor stoic and resolute. He carried a large shield, his role clearly that of a protector, ready to defend his team against any onslaught.
[System Message: Observe: Mira
Name: Mira
Class: Elemental Enchanter (Level 6)]
Mira, adorned in robes etched with arcane symbols, had a serene yet focused look. Her expertise in weaving enchantments was evident, a valuable asset in augmenting the team's abilities and defenses.
[System Message: Observe: Tavin
Name: Tavin
Class: Swift Archer (Level 5)]
Tavin, the final member of the team, wore lighter gear, optimized for mobility. He was armed with a longbow, his posture relaxed yet alert, ready to unleash a volley of arrows with deadly precision.
Caelum shared his observations with Elara in a low tone. "Lyra's team is diverse and skilled. Each brings a unique strength to the group."
Elara nodded, her gaze shifting across the square. "They look ready for whatever's coming. Do we join them?"
Caelum shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes as he surveyed the chaotic scene unfolding in Lighthaven's town square. "Let's wait for now," he said, his voice steady, projecting a calm amidst the growing storm.
At that moment, Brennan, the Gold Rank adventurer and a respected figure in Lighthaven, stepped forward. His presence commanded attention, and the other adventurers instinctively hushed as he addressed them. "Adventurers, we face a threat unlike any before. Our roles are crucial in supporting the defense," he proclaimed, his tone imbued with both authority and a sense of urgency.
Around them, other leaders began to address their factions, each rallying their members and preparing for the imminent battle. The air was thick with anticipation and a growing sense of camaraderie among the diverse groups.
General Tarnis, the master strategist, was deep in thought, his eyes scanning the monstrous horde approaching the town. His ability to analyze and strategize was evident, even without Caelum's Observe skill. The general's class, Grand Warlord, an evolution of the Strategist Commander when he reached level 10, had granted him exceptional command over the battlefield. His gaze was like that of a chess master, calculating moves and countermoves in a game of life and death.
Even Lord Alistair Redthorn, a man of significant influence and power, deferred to General Tarnis's expertise in these critical moments. The unity of command was paramount, and Tarnis's skills were the town's best hope.
Caelum watched quietly, his mind racing. His past life as Eclipse had honed his instincts for combat and strategy, and he couldn't help but analyze the situation himself. Beside him, Elara's expression was a mix of fear and determination, her hand gripping the hilt of her dagger tightly.
"Look at them," Elara whispered, her gaze moving across the square. "So many different people, all coming together."
Caelum nodded, "Strength lies in unity, especially in times like these." His eyes didn't miss the slightest movement in the crowd, always alert and assessing.
As they waited, Caelum's thoughts drifted to the strategy. "The River Leviathan leading the monsters... It's an unusual attack. They're exploiting the river defenses," he mused in his mind.
Finishing his assessment, General Tarnis turned to the gathered forces, his voice cutting through the tension in the square. The crowd hushed, their attention riveted on the seasoned warrior as he outlined his plan.
"Adventurers, citizens of Lighthaven, and allies," Tarnis began, his tone commanding yet infused with a hint of solidarity. "We face an unprecedented threat. The River Leviathan and its horde are not mere beasts; they are a coordinated force. Our strategy must be multifaceted."
"The Leviathan will be our primary target," Tarnis continued, pointing towards the roiling waters where the monstrous creature lurked. "Its defeat will demoralize the lesser creatures. However, engaging it directly is suicide for most. We need a distraction."
Lyra, standing beside Caelum, nodded in agreement. "A frontal assault is out of the question. We'll need to outmaneuver them."
Tarnis's gaze swept across the assembled warriors. "The militia and armored fighters will form the first line of defense. Your task is to hold the line and protect the town. Do not engage the Leviathan directly."
Ironhand, gripping his hammer, grunted in acknowledgment. His group of blacksmiths, sturdy and resolute, prepared to lend their strength to the frontline.
"Mages, conjurers, and enchanters," Tarnis continued, his eyes settling on Mage Elendra and her cohort, "you will support the frontlines. Erect barriers, heal the wounded, and use your long-range spells to harry the enemy."
Elendra, her robes shimmering with latent power, nodded solemnly. She began murmuring instructions to her fellow mages, their hands weaving patterns in the air as they prepared their spells.
"Archers, scouts, and agile fighters," Tarnis addressed the next group, which included Tavin and others like him, "you are our eyes and ears. Flank the enemy, target the smaller creatures, and provide critical intelligence."
Tavin, nocking an arrow to his bow, exchanged a glance with his companions. They melted into the shadows, their movements swift and silent.
"Adventurers and volunteers," Tarnis's voice grew softer, yet no less intense. "You are our wild cards. Use your unique skills to create opportunities. Disrupt, distract, and do whatever it takes to tilt the battle in our favor."
Caelum pulled Elara aside, his eyes scanning the river that cut through Lighthaven like a masterfully wielded blade. The gathered forces had fortified the land abutting the river, but to Caelum's strategic eye, a glaring oversight was apparent.
"This is a bait," he murmured, his voice low but intense. Elara, surprised by his sudden movement, followed his gaze. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Caelum's gaze didn't waver from the river. "The Leviathan and its horde are more than just wild beasts. They're a coordinated force, and this... this is a trap," he explained, his tone betraying a hint of urgency.
Elara, her brows furrowed in confusion, tried to follow his train of thought. "But the town's defenses are focused here. Isn't this where we should be?"
Caelum shook his head slightly. "Look closer, Elara. All our forces are concentrated here, leaving other areas vulnerable. If I were leading an assault, I'd use the Leviathan as a distraction, draw the town's defenders to one point, then strike where they're weakest."
Elara's eyes widened as she grasped the gravity of Caelum's words. "So, we should—"
"We need to find where they aren't looking," Caelum cut her off, his mind already racing with possibilities. "We need to be where we can do the most good."