Despite the fact that Kaylessa's team managed to decrease the intensity of the enemy's assault on the town, they were still not ready to confront it directly and were counting on the town guard for assistance when they arrived.
"Grandfather Turtle, could you assist us once more in luring additional monsters?"
"Humph, because you asked me so nicely, I will do it one more time."
Once more, Kaylessa commanded her soldiers to maintain their positions as the tiny snapping turtle boldly advanced towards the enemy, displaying surprising arrogance for its size. As it reached the range to use its provocation ability, it uttered many censured words and drew away some of the monstrous beings.
Grandpa Turtle Taunt managed to attract a larger group of enemies this time compared to the previous encounter, setting the stage for a battle between 50 and 60 opponents.
"Archers aim!."
"Release!."
Ayaka gave the orders to the archer squad to fire the enemies, injuring once again the nightmerish creatures and reducing the goblins head count. Contrary to the first time, the archers could fire two more times before the enemy came near the shield wall.
Once more, a chaotic battle ensued as Kaylessa strategically positioned herself to attack the enemies from the side, while the archers provided covering fire and the mages cast powerful spells to defeat the orcs.
The conflict dragged on for nearly 40 minutes, during which members of Kay's squad sustained serious injuries that required urgent medical attention. The mages wasted no time tending to the wounded soldiers, carefully wrapping bandages around them as they lay on a large cloth.
"Ayaka, prepare the soldiers; the enemy numbers have decreased enough for us to advance towards the barrier section with fewer beings."
While gazing from the edge of the cliff, Kaylessa made that statement, grateful for the concealment it provided from any potential threats in the area.
After completing the reorganization of the troops, Ayaka made the decision to allow the severely injured soldiers to retreat into the forest, as they were no longer capable of participating in battle. Forcing them to run and fight simultaneously would be reckless and likely result in their deaths.
This time around, the plan involved a gamble: if the barrier wasn't brought down by the town guards, Kay's squad had only a slim chance of survival; either they would all perish or they would manage to survive the initial battle but succumb to their injuries later on.
In other words, without the assistance of the 40 town guards, the odds were stacked against them; however, if the guards did lend a hand, the fight would become more evenly matched.
Once preparations were complete, Kaylessa instructed the team to abandon the wagons and advance quickly towards the barrier. As they drew near the enemy, the troll caught sight of them and let out a deafening roar, causing all the other creatures to turn their attention towards the Kaylessa squad.
"Quickly! Gather in a circular formation. Shield Warriors create a protective barrier!"
The protective barrier was a unique phenomenon that happened when at least 5 shield warriors formed a circular formation and created a barrier resembling a dome, sharing their Ether.
The group found themselves encircled by menacing beings that launched continuous attacks on their protective shield. Despite the archers and mages fighting back, the creatures relentlessly advanced, gradually weakening the barrier.
"Town guards! We have arrived from the frontlines, and I am the leader of this group. I seek support from the town guards to overcome our enemies."
Kaylessa shouted loudly so that the town guards, who were nearby, could hear her, in the hope that they would come to their aid.
After moments that seemed to stretch into eternity, the protective barrier surrounding the town began to crumble, leading to a barrage of arrows raining down from the town walls onto the nightmarish creatures. The accuracy of the shots was quite poor, almost pitiful, but with such a vast sea of enemies, precision was not a necessity.
Kaylessa felt immense joy upon realizing that the town guards were willing to assist them. She excitedly pulled Ayaka close and planted a kiss on her cheek, surprising everyone in the vicinity. Kaylessa then directed the soldiers to advance towards the entrance of the wall.
Gradually and consistently, they advanced towards the primary gateway of the town, with the wall archers providing covering fire. As they neared the entrance, Kaylessa commanded the shield warriors to create a semicircle to block the enemy from entering the town when the gateway was unsealed.
After opening the door, Ayaka ordered the archers and mages in her group to enter and take their positions on the walls. Kaylessa then, assisted by the town guards, created a larger shield wall and prepared the warriors for an attack.
The left flank will be led by her, while the town captain will lead the charge on the right side, with assistance from the thunder militia. At Kaylessa's command, they will charge forward and enter into close combat. When Ayaka sounds the town's horn, they will fall back to rest behind the shield walls before charging once more and repeating the process.
Ayaka, positioned atop the fortifications, had a significant edge in terms of both distance and visibility over the battlefield, targeting her arrows towards the areas that required more assistance. At that moment, she noticed a massive troll heading towards Kaylessa's flank team.
Ayaka promptly began shooting at the troll [9,934/10,000], but her arrows merely produced a dull thud upon impact and failed to impede its progress in any way.
The troll was positioned beyond the reach of the wizards, making it difficult for Kaylessa's squad to withdraw once the horn was blown. Ayaka's heart nearly stopped as she witnessed the troll brutally attacking Kaylessa's team with its massive club, causing some to be flung through the air and others to be killed instantaneously.
The majority of casualties in the altercation were town guards, while the soldiers of Kaylessa were flung away, along with Kay herself.