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Chapter 20 - Pyrrhic Victory

It was already 8 a.m. when the siege resumed. There was something different in the goblin ranks, but Kiros didn't know what it was yet. Probably due to his power level, he could sense a certain danger in today's battle.

"Sir! I have terrible news!" said Narek, nervously.

"What is it, comrade? Speak," said Kiros with a bad feeling.

"Mickey von Maus and his gang of rats fled through the tunnels, abandoning the defense of the city and creating a breach in the defensive line at the north wall. We need help, sir, otherwise, we won't be able to contain the enemy's advance."

Kiros knew he had to act. After ordering Narek to wait outside the house used as HQ, he quickly donned his combat gear, consisting of an old, heavily marked runic armor, a medium runic shield, a runic falcata, and a runic musket.

Wolferos had already requested support from the city council, but it seemed they were under the illusion that if Kiros's forces perished in battle, they could survive on their own.

More than 60% of the walls were being protected by Kiros's forces, which made them spread too thin, leaving the defensive line thin and without reserves, with Wolferos and 250 men serving as support wherever the situation was most critical.

Kiros advanced to the critical point on the wall and, along with a detachment of warriors, advanced towards the enemy after firing a volley of runic bullets at the enemy. Each of his strikes eliminated an enemy, sometimes cutting through two or three enemies at once.

He had participated in small skirmishes when he had one power level, but now with two, it seemed like his enemies were made of paper. Seeing their leader fighting greatly boosted the morale of the troops around, who, despite being exhausted, began to attack the enemy lines with renewed vigor, which began to diminish at an alarming rate.

As the battle progressed, Kiros observed an imposing figure emerging from the goblin ranks. It was a colossal goblin, clearly the commander of the enemy troops. His evil eyes glowed with a wicked intelligence as he roared orders to his subordinates.

Kiros knew this would be the real test. He prepared himself, adjusting his shield and gripping the falcata with determination. He advanced towards the goblin commander, cutting a path through the hordes of smaller goblins that tried to stop him.

The fight between Kiros and the goblin commander was fierce. The colossal goblin wielded a massive spiked club, delivering devastating blows that Kiros barely managed to dodge. But Kiros was agile and fearless, dodging attacks and counterattacking with deadly precision. Each strike from Kiros's runic falcata made the goblin retreat, and the clang of metal echoed across the battlefield.

Finally, after a series of quick and precise attacks, Kiros managed to bring down the goblin commander. With one last powerful strike, he decapitated the monster, holding the commander's head as a trophy. The sight of their leader being defeated demoralized the goblins, who began to retreat in disarray.

Kiros's troops, inspired by the victory, redoubled their efforts, pushing the goblins back and reclaiming lost ground. The battle was turning in favor of the defenders, but Kiros knew the war was far from over. There would be more battles, more sacrifices, but at that moment, they had achieved a crucial victory.

Back at the HQ, Kiros gathered with his military leaders to discuss the next steps. Narek was there, still nervous but relieved by the victory. Wolferos also attended, bringing news from other fronts.

"Sir, the forces of Kidonia have been resisting bravely, but they are running out of resources. We need to send reinforcements to help them," said Wolferos.

"I agree," replied Kiros. "We cannot let Kidonia fall. Organize a detachment to depart immediately. And as for our own situation, we need to reinforce our defenses and prepare the city for a prolonged siege. The goblins may be retreating now, but they will return, and we need to be ready."

Kiros's advisors began planning logistics and strategy. Reinforcing the walls, training more soldiers, stockpiling supplies – all of this was essential for long-term survival. Kiros knew that the key to winning this war was not just brute strength, but also preparation and resilience.

As the preparations continued, Kiros took a moment to rest in his headquarters. He thought of his parents, whom he never knew, his friends, and everything that was at stake. The fight against the goblins was a battle for the survival of all humanity, and he was determined not to fail.

Later that night, Kiros climbed to the top of the north wall. He looked out at the horizon, where the goblins' campfires still glowed in the distance. The war was far from over, but he was ready to face any challenge that came. Today's victory was just the beginning of a long and arduous journey.

The night winds blew cold, but Kiros felt a warmth within him – the flame of determination, courage, and perseverance. And so, with a steadfast heart and a clear mind, Kiros prepared for the dark days ahead, ready to fight to the end for the life and future of his people.