The northern winds howled as Korgon's army reached the outskirts of Rimuru. The city loomed in the distance, its tall walls casting long shadows under the fading light of the day. Korgon surveyed the battlefield from atop his warhorse, his eyes narrowing as he measured the defenses of Rimuru. His army had marched swiftly, and now, they were ready to bring the fight to Padrino's doorstep. But unbeknownst to him, danger lurked not only ahead but within his own ranks.
The scent of betrayal hung thick in the air, and Dagmir and Thalos, the northern warlords plotting against Korgon, had begun to rally their most loyal men. They moved through the camp under the guise of preparing for the upcoming battle, but their whispered conversations carried the weight of impending treachery. The moment to strike was near, but the timing had to be perfect.
Within the Walls of Rimuru
Padrino stood atop the city's walls, watching the northern army amass on the horizon. The tension in the air was palpable, the calm before the storm. Behind him, Marko and Hinata discussed the final preparations, ensuring every detail was in place for what was to come. The city's defenses had been strengthened, and the elite units were positioned strategically, waiting for Padrino's command.
"We can't wait too long," Marko warned, his voice low as he studied the distant army. "Korgon's forces are too vast. If we don't act soon, they'll break through our defenses."
Padrino nodded, his gaze still fixed on the approaching enemy. "I know. But we need to time it right. Hinata, have we confirmed Dagmir and Thalos' plan?"
Hinata stepped forward, her face as calm as ever, but her eyes betrayed her concern. "Yes. They're waiting for Korgon to make the first move. Once the battle begins, they'll strike from within."
Padrino tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. The plan was risky, relying heavily on the northern warlords to turn against their leader in the heat of battle. But it was the only way to fracture Korgon's forces and turn the tide in their favor.
"What if they don't follow through?" Marko asked, voicing the fear that lingered in all their minds.
"They will," Padrino said, his voice steady. "They fear Korgon more than us, but they also know they can't win this war with him leading. The moment they sense weakness, they'll strike."
Marko nodded, though the doubt remained. "Then we wait for their signal."
The Battle Begins
At the break of dawn, Korgon's army launched their first assault on Rimuru. The ground trembled under the weight of thousands of soldiers charging toward the city walls, their war cries echoing through the air. Arrows flew from the battlements of Rimuru, meeting the advancing army with deadly precision. Padrino's forces were well-prepared, but the sheer numbers of Korgon's army threatened to overwhelm them.
Padrino stood among his soldiers, sword in hand, leading the defense. His presence alone bolstered the morale of those fighting beside him. He moved with precision, cutting down enemies as they reached the walls, but even he knew this battle was not one they could win by sheer force. They needed the betrayal to happen soon.
The Moment of Betrayal
Deep within the ranks of Korgon's army, Dagmir and Thalos gave the signal. A low whistle cut through the chaos of the battlefield, and their loyal men began to act. In the midst of the confusion, blades were drawn, but not against the forces of Rimuru. Instead, northern soldiers turned on their own, cutting down those still loyal to Korgon.
The betrayal spread quickly, sowing chaos among the northern army. Korgon, at the front of the battle, was unaware at first. His focus was on the city walls, on Padrino, the man who had defied him for so long. But as the cries of his men grew louder, as confusion rippled through his ranks, he realized something was terribly wrong.
"Korgon!" Thalos shouted as he approached the northern leader, his sword drawn. "Your reign ends today!"
Korgon turned just in time to see the blade coming for him. He barely raised his own sword in time to block the strike, but the force of the blow sent him staggering back. Around him, his soldiers were being cut down by their own allies, and the realization of betrayal dawned in his eyes.
"You dare!" Korgon roared, his voice thunderous. "You think you can take me down?"
Thalos smirked, stepping forward with his blade poised. "You're a fool, Korgon. This war is over."
But Korgon was not a man easily defeated. With a roar, he lunged at Thalos, his sword flashing through the air. Thalos parried the strike, but Korgon's strength was immense. The two clashed violently, steel against steel, as the battle raged around them.
The Turning Tide
From the walls of Rimuru, Padrino watched the chaos unfold within Korgon's army. The betrayal had begun, just as they had planned. Now was the time to strike.
"Marko, give the order!" Padrino shouted.
Marko nodded and signaled to the archers. A rain of arrows descended upon the northern army, targeting the soldiers who remained loyal to Korgon. At the same time, Rimuru's elite units surged forward, pushing back the disorganized northern forces.
Korgon's army was in disarray, torn apart from within and overwhelmed by the relentless assault from Rimuru. Padrino's forces pressed their advantage, cutting through the enemy lines with ruthless efficiency. Victory was within reach, but Padrino knew the battle wasn't over until Korgon was dealt with.
The Final Confrontation
Korgon's duel with Thalos had drawn a circle of attention, both from his own soldiers and from Padrino's forces. The once-mighty leader of the north was locked in a fierce battle, his strength slowly waning as Thalos pressed the attack. But Korgon was a beast of a man, and despite his injuries, he fought with the ferocity of a cornered animal.
Just as Thalos landed a critical blow, Korgon let out a deafening roar and struck back with a wild swing of his sword. The blade cut deep into Thalos' side, sending him crashing to the ground.
Korgon staggered, blood dripping from multiple wounds, but he was still standing. Barely. His eyes burned with rage as he looked around, seeing his army fall apart before him. He turned his gaze toward the city, toward Padrino, who stood watching from the walls.
With a snarl, Korgon started toward the city, his steps slow but determined. He had lost the battle, but he would not be denied his final revenge.
Padrino's Decision
As Korgon approached, Padrino knew that this was the moment everything had been building toward. He could end the war now, once and for all. But there was a choice to be made. Korgon was a dangerous man, but killing him in cold blood, after he had already been defeated, would send a message that Padrino wasn't sure he wanted to send.
"Hold your fire," Padrino ordered his men, as Korgon came closer.
Korgon collapsed before the gates of Rimuru, his body broken, but his spirit unbowed. He looked up at Padrino, hatred burning in his eyes.
"You think you've won," Korgon spat. "But you're just another tyrant, like me."
Padrino stood silently, watching the defeated warlord. The weight of the decision hung in the air.
And then, he made his choice.