Chapter 103: The Strategy for War
Scene: The throne room of the South Nation's castle, late afternoon. The room is grand and imposing, with high ceilings and intricate tapestries adorning the walls. The knights and heroes enter the room in silence, their expressions serious and respectful as they bow to King Alden. The atmosphere is heavy with the weight of the impending battle.
Narrator: The knights and heroes have been summoned for a final strategy meeting, where the fate of the South Nation will be decided. King Alden, his expression grave, prepares to address his warriors, filling them in on the vital information gathered during the commanders' secret mission to the East Nation.
King Alden steps forward, his gaze sweeping across the assembled warriors. There is a heavy silence in the room as everyone waits for him to speak.
King Alden: (seriously) My brave knights and heroes, you have been summoned here today because the time has come for us to face our greatest threat. Our commanders, under the leadership of Thalanor, undertook a secret mission to the East Nation to rescue King Ragnar and gather information about our enemy. I regret to inform you that King Ragnar remains imprisoned, bound by Zarek's powerful mana. However, we have learned that Zarek plans to launch a full-scale attack on the South Nation in one week's time.
The knights and heroes exchange concerned glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Eren, standing among the heroes, feels a surge of determination—he knows that they must be ready for what's to come.
King Alden: (continuing) We have little time to prepare, but with the right strategy, we can stand strong against this threat. I have asked Thalanor to devise a plan that will give us the best chance of victory. Thalanor, the floor is yours.
Thalanor steps forward, his presence commanding and filled with authority. He surveys the room, meeting the eyes of each knight and hero before he begins to speak.
Thalanor: (firmly) Our enemy is powerful, but we are not without our strengths. The key to victory will be preparation and coordination. I have devised a strategy that I believe will give us the best chance of success. Listen carefully.
The room is silent as everyone focuses on Thalanor, ready to follow his commands.
Thalanor: (commandingly) First, the safety of our citizens is paramount. I am ordering all knights to begin evacuating the citizens of the South Nation to the village of Elaria. Elaria is well-hidden, deep within the South Nation, and it should be difficult for the enemy to find. Protect the villagers at all costs—our people must survive this.
The knights nod in agreement, understanding the importance of securing the safety of the citizens. They know that this is a crucial part of their defense strategy.
Thalanor: (continuing) Second, Commander Elara, you and your scout unit will be responsible for watching the borders. You must remain vigilant and alert us to any signs of the enemy's approach. We cannot afford to be caught off guard. You will be our eyes and ears on the battlefield.
Commander Elara bows, accepting the responsibility with a fierce determination in her eyes.
Elara: (seriously) We won't let you down, Thalanor. We'll keep watch and ensure that no enemy gets past us unnoticed.
Thalanor: (nodding) I know you will. Lastly, the rest of the commanders and heroes will form the first line of defense. You will face the enemy head-on, with the knights providing support from the rear. Healers will be integrated into our ranks—every life is precious, and we cannot afford casualties. We fight together, and we protect each other.
The heroes and commanders nod in agreement, their expressions resolute. They understand the gravity of the situation, and they are ready to stand united against the coming threat.
Eren: (determined) We'll fight with everything we have. We won't let Zarek take our home.
Rylan: (grinning) This is what we've been training for. We'll be ready.
Aria: (calmly) We'll stand strong together. No one fights alone.
Asher: (seriously) We'll protect the South Nation with our lives.
Thalanor looks around the room, seeing the determination in the eyes of the warriors before him. He knows that they are ready to face whatever comes, but there is one more surprise in store for them.
Narrator: Thalanor's strategy has been laid out, and the warriors are ready to follow it. But before they leave to prepare, King Alden steps forward with a final statement—one that will inspire them all and reveal a part of himself that few have seen.
King Alden steps forward again, his expression filled with a mix of pride and resolve. He looks out over the knights and heroes, knowing that the time has come for him to reveal his true strength.
King Alden: (commandingly) Before you go to prepare, there is something you all should know. I will be fighting alongside you on the front lines. The time has come for me to take up arms and protect my people.
The knights and heroes exchange surprised glances, but there is also a sense of pride in knowing that their king will stand with them in battle. King Alden raises his hand, and a flame ignites in his palm, flickering with a fierce intensity.
King Alden: (proudly) For those who do not know, I am skilled in the use of Flame Mana. It is a power I have honed over many years, and it is a power I once taught to Commander Elara when she was just a child. I will use this power to fight against Zarek and his forces, to protect our home and our people.
Commander Elara's eyes widen in surprise, but also in pride. She has always respected the King, but now she feels a deeper connection to him, knowing that they share a bond through their mastery of Flame Mana.
Elara: (softly) Your Majesty… I will fight by your side, with the strength you once taught me.
The room is filled with a renewed sense of resolve. The warriors know that with the King leading them, they have a powerful ally on their side. They bow deeply to King Alden, their hearts filled with respect and determination.
Narrator: With King Alden's revelation, the knights and heroes are more determined than ever. They know that the battle ahead will be fierce, but with their King leading them, they believe that victory is within reach.
The chapter ends with the knights, heroes, and commanders bowing to King Alden, their resolve strengthened by his words. They leave the throne room, ready to prepare for the final battle against Zarek—a battle that will determine the fate of the South Nation.