### Chapter 13: Preparing for Battle
As Kyle retreated, Allen realized that this victory was only temporary. Kael's dark menace and mastery of the void loomed over Ellaria. He gathered his closest friends, determined to strengthen their defenses and prepare for the next battle.
"We must not be complacent," Allen said sternly. "Kyle will be back, and we need to prepare for him."
Leora nodded, her eyes determined. "Our soldiers are ready, Allen. We've worked hard, but we need more. Kyle's soldiers are no ordinary troops."
"I agree," Seraphina added. "I've been researching new spells and talismans, but we need more magical support. We need to find mages from other regions who might be willing to join us."
Elara, always understanding, looked worried. "We have to keep the people on our side. If Kyle tries to turn them against us, it will cause a lot of damage."
"Then we must act quickly," Allen said. "Kira, continue your intelligence work and find as much information as possible about Kyle's movements. Seraphina, begin reaching out to potential allies in the magical world. Elara, continue to support the morale of our people."
Their meeting was interrupted by the arrival of Aric, a seasoned warrior with silver hair and piercing blue eyes.
"Welcome, Aric," Allen greeted him. "We need your help to protect our kingdom."
Aric bowed slightly. "I've heard of your power, Allen. We'll do our best to help you." New shields and defenses were developed to make them stronger against attacks.
One night, as the sun was setting over Relis, Kira returned with a warning. "Kyle's forces are gathering," she said. "They'll be ready to strike at dawn."
Allen quickly called his friends. "We must be prepared. It's going to be tough, but we can't let Kyle gain any ground."
At dawn, Allen's army stood ready at the edge of the forest. Shadows swirled around them, faintly pulsating with dark energy.
"Ready to attack!" Allen shouted, his battle cry echoing through the ranks, bolstering their resolve.
The conflict was direct and brutal. Allen led the charge, his sword cutting through the enemy ranks with precision and power. Leora fought by his side; her strength and skill in cutting down enemy soldiers were unmatched.
Seraphina and Aric stood behind, their magic searing through the battlefield. Seraphina's fire exploded in waves, engulfing the void creatures; Aric's freeze spells immobilized advancing enemies.
Kyle moved through the chaos, his mastery of the void making him nearly unstoppable. He struck with deadly precision, draining the life force of those he touched. Allen saw this and braced himself, his mind racing with ideas to counter Kyle's terrifying power.
The two leaders clashed in a storm of iron and shadow. Kyle's void energy swirled around him, making him hard to hit. However, Allen used quick thinking to predict Kyle's movements and counterattack with calculated precision.
"Your reign ends here, Kyle," Allen shouted, his eyes shining with determination.
Kyle laughed, his voice cold and mocking. "You can't defeat the void, Allen. It consumes everything"
With a powerful blow, Allen broke through Kyle's defenses, and the dark wizard staggered.
But defeating Kyle was not easy. He called upon the void, casting a shadow over the battlefield. Allen felt the coldness of the void but fought with unwavering strength and determination.
"We have to stop this now," Seraphina shouted, her voice barely audible amid the battle.
Aric nodded, his eyes focused. "We need to combine our magic. It's the only way to counter Kyle's power."
The allies united their magical forces, directing a concentrated burst of energy at Kyle. The void energy dispersed, and Kyle's strength faltered.
Kyle fell to the ground, exhausted. "This… isn't over yet," he gasped, his voice weak.
"It's over for now," Allen replied coldly. "Leave and don't come back."
Seeing their leader defeated, Kyle's army began to disperse. The battle was won, but Allen knew that the war was far from over.
After the dust settled, Allen looked around at his friends. They were tired but victorious. "We won this battle," he said, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "But we must remain vigilant. Kyle will return, and we have to be ready."