Today marks my 100th day on this island. As I rose from my bed, the first order of business was to inspect the walls and check for any sign of movement from the enemy camp.
To my relief, there was no immediate indication of an impending attack. I gathered materials and worked on adding several ballistas using the Heavenly Blueprint. I strategically positioned atop the walls, ready to repel any potential assault.
With the last of the blue antler powder at my disposal, I made wooden spears for the ballistas, each one inscribed with Ancient runes and infused with my mana. Once completed, I asked the men to transport the spears to their designated positions.
Finally, Apton made their move.
We rallied all able-bodied fighters at the gate, and with Eogan's blessing, I assumed command. Though I had led squads and platoons in battles back in my world, those conflicts were waged with modern weaponry, not swords and sorcery.
I directed those skilled in archery to take their positions along the walls and man the ballistas, while the remaining fighters prepared for close-quarters combat at the gate.
I commanded the hounds to hide in the woods until I gave the order.
I asked Lucia to stay with Eogan in his home and not to go out no matter what. She understood and quickly took Eogan back to his house.
As the army of Apton began its advance toward our village, it became apparent that they numbered close to a thousand. Following in their wake, identifiable by their distinctive robes and staffs, were several mages.
A palpable fear gripped the men stationed with me atop the wall. Sensing their unease, I raised my voice to bolster their spirits.
"Listen, everyone! I understand your fear, but we cannot allow these tyrants to undo all that we've worked so hard to build here. Remember, you're not just fighting for yourselves; you're fighting for your families, friends, and neighbors. And they're fighting for you too. Together, let's drive these invaders off our island!"
Though I'd never been known for my speeches, judging by the change in their demeanor, it seemed my words had struck a chord. While I had hoped for a resounding cheer in response, the silence that followed felt equally reassuring.
The enemy army continued its march until halting just beyond the range of our arrows. Behind them, their mages began an ominous incantation.
"Egil, they're preparing a massive spell! You must disrupt their chant!" Theo's urgent shout cut through the tension.
Taking control of one of the ballistas, I aimed at the mages and unleashed a shot. Though it didn't land directly, the ensuing explosion from the mana-infused spear caught the spellcasters off guard.
Caught in disarray, the enemy soldiers began to scatter. Seizing the opportunity, I ordered our men to unleash the full force of the ballistas.
Explosions erupted across the battlefield, decimating the once-formidable army and sending the survivors fleeing back to their camp.
It was less a battle and more a one-sided rout.
As the cheers of victory echoed through the village, I couldn't shake the grim reality of the scene before us. No matter the outcome, the aftermath of conflict always left a haunting imprint on the landscape.
While the immediate threat had been repelled, I knew in my heart that this was not the end. The Aptonians would undoubtedly return, and next time, they would come prepared.
We seized the opportunity to share a meal and recuperate. I then made my way to Eogan's house where I brought Lucia and his father with food and reassurance, assuring them that our defenses had held and no one had been harmed in the skirmish.
However, our brief respite was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a guard, his breath ragged with urgency.
"Commander, come quickly to the wall! There's something you need to see!" he exclaimed, barely able to catch his breath.
With a sense of foreboding, I hastened to the wall to assess the situation. As I gazed out across the field, my eyes fell upon a lone figure astride a horse. Clad in full black armor emblazoned with the unmistakable crest of Apton, it was clear that this was no ordinary visitor. Perhaps a messenger seeking parley or a commander to negotiate terms.
Refusing to risk the safety of our men, I opted to confront the visitor myself, descending from the wall and ordering the gates to be opened. Whatever this envoy had to say, I would hear it firsthand.
The walk I took to meet the stranger felt like forever, each step laden with the weight of anticipation and apprehension. With every footfall, I remained vigilant, wary of any potential ambush lying in wait.
As I drew nearer, the figure spoke, his voice betraying a hint of amusement. "So, everything was your doing?" he inquired, his tone dripping with mockery.
"Are you here to negotiate?" I countered, my voice edged with caution.
His response was a raucous laugh that echoed across the field. "Thank you for the entertainment," he chuckled, wiping away an imaginary tear. "But I'm afraid I'm not here for diplomacy."
Frustration welled within me as his taunts continued. "If you've come to jest, then I suggest you return to Apton," I retorted, my patience wearing thin.
"Make me," he challenged, his words laced with defiance.
Unable to endure his mockery any longer, I lunged forward, delivering a swift punch that sent his helmet sailing through the air, revealing his face beneath.
He bore a youthful countenance, his fiery red hair and sinister grin reminiscent of troublemakers from my past. Yet, despite his seemingly youthful appearance, there was a formidable strength emanating from him.
Dismissing his horse and adopting a combative stance, he beckoned me forth with a wave of his hand, his grin widening in anticipation of our confrontation.
Intent on ending the encounter swiftly, I channeled mana into my fist, aiming for another strike. Yet, to my astonishment, he effortlessly halted my attack with a single hand, his gaze unwavering.
Drawing my knife, I prepared for my next move, but he surprised me by unsheathing his sword, its blade aglow. Is that Mana Arts?
Realization dawned upon me as he raised his weapon, his attention diverted toward the village. In a split second, a blinding flash of light erupted from his sword, wreaking havoc upon the settlement below.
As the dust settled, I gazed upon the devastation, my heart sinking at the sight of the village reduced to ruins.
"My apologies," he chuckled, his laughter ringing hollow amidst the destruction. "Seems I missed my mark."
My strength faltered, and I crumbled to my knees, overwhelmed by defeat.
"I'm sorry, Lucia, to all of you," I whispered, my voice laden with regret. "I failed to protect everyone. If there is an afterlife, I pray for the chance to seek your forgiveness."
In the grasp of my adversary, I felt a cruel tug on my hair as he spoke with a chilling calmness. "Your resistance was admirable, albeit futile. Remember my name as you join your friends: Olvir Zol Barna, the hero of Apton."
With a final, merciless motion, my head fell to the ground, severed from my body.