The sun was beginning to set behind the mountains as the first signs of the enemy reached Lu Ming's ears. Through the dense forests surrounding his territory, an imposing force was approaching. Thirty thousand soldiers, a combination of agile elves and sturdy dwarves, marched with determination, led by their kings, ready to unleash their fury upon the Abyssal Dragon Empire.
The elves advanced quickly, barely making a sound as they moved between the trees like living shadows. With their bows drawn and swords at the ready, they were the vanguard of the army. Behind them, the dwarves, marched in their heavy armor, carrying gigantic axes and hammers, ready to crush any opposition. This union of forces, despite the differences between them, moved with an eerie synchronicity, driven by hatred towards a common enemy: Lu Ming.
Meanwhile, in Lu Ming's camp, the tension was palpable. The Draconic Super Soldiers, imposing in their dark armor, stood alert, sensing the imminence of combat. Despite their power, they knew they faced a tide of enemies, a horde that greatly outnumbered their numbers.
The Draconic Priest moved through the ranks, murmuring prayers and casting protective spells on the soldiers. His staff glowed with a soft light, instilling courage in the hearts of the troops. "Fear not," he told them in a calm but firm voice. "Our master is with us, and with his power, we will not know defeat."
Lu Ming, watching from atop a hill, assessed the situation. He knew the numerical difference was overwhelming, but he was also confident in the strength of his soldiers and his own abilities. However, he did not underestimate his enemies. The elves and dwarves would not have come without a plan, and he had to anticipate it.
"Prepare the ambush," Lu Ming ordered, his voice ringing with authority. The draconic soldiers quickly scattered, hiding in the shadows of the forest, while he and the Draconic Priest prepared to lead a frontal attack. The strategy was simple but effective: lure the enemy into a trap and then surround them.
It didn't take long for the enemy army to arrive at the clearing where Lu Ming and the Draconic Priest were waiting for them. The elves, with their keen senses, were the first to notice the presence of the draconic army, and without hesitation, they launched a volley of arrows at them. But just at that moment, Lu Ming's soldiers, who had been waiting silently, emerged from the forest, closing the circle around the enemy forces.
Chaos broke out. The Super Draconic Soldiers, with their sharp claws and enhanced strength, charged at the elves, who responded deftly, dodging the attacks and counterattacking swiftly. The dwarves, for their part, clashed against the ranks of draconic soldiers, in a fight of brute force and endurance. The sound of steel clashing against steel and war cries filled the air.
Lu Ming watched from the rear, gauging the enemy's every move. When he saw some of his soldiers beginning to retreat under the pressure of the dwarves, he decided it was time to intervene. With an earth-shaking roar, Lu Ming transformed into his draconic form.
His body expanded, reaching 50 meters in length, his scales shining like obsidian under the twilight light. Wings unfurled, covering the sky as his eyes, flaming like embers, locked onto the enemy.
The elves and dwarves, seeing Lu Ming's gigantic figure, hesitated for a moment. But that moment of hesitation was enough for the draconic army to counterattack with renewed fury. Lu Ming, now in his dragon form, released a breath of fire that swept through the enemy lines, forcing them back.
The Draconic Priest at his side invoked a powerful storm spell, unleashing a gale of lightning that rained down on the elven archers, breaking their formation and wreaking havoc on their ranks. The combination of Lu Ming's devastating power and the Priest's magic was an unstoppable force.
Seeing that the terrain was no longer in their favor and that the battle was leaning in Lu Ming's favor, the leaders of the allied army ordered a strategic retreat. Despite the retreat, Lu Ming did not pursue them. He knew that they had tested the strength of his empire and that it would not be the last time they would face each other.
As the enemy forces retreated under the cover of night, Lu Ming returned to his human form and looked at his army. Although they had won the first skirmish, the war was only just beginning.
"This is just the beginning," he said quietly, his eyes shining with determination. "We will prepare for whatever comes. We will not let anyone threaten our territory."
And so, as the as the remnants of the enemy army disappeared into the darkness, Lu Ming began to plan the next step in his defense, knowing that the real battle was yet to come.