The sun rose over the hills of Rimuru, casting a crimson glow across the land. The air was tense, filled with the distant echoes of clanging steel and the distant murmur of thousands of soldiers preparing for battle. The final war against Galdros had begun.
Padrino Penduko stood atop the walls of Rimuru, his eyes scanning the horizon where the enemy forces gathered like a dark storm. His heart pounded, but his face remained calm, masking the inner turmoil. This was the moment they had all been preparing for—the culmination of years of bloodshed, loss, and sacrifice. His kingdom, now a beacon of hope for so many, was about to face its greatest test.
Beside him, Hinata adjusted the grip on her staff, her light magic radiating a faint glow as she mentally prepared for what was to come. Marko, ever the strategist, stood to Padrino's right, his brow furrowed as he scanned the battlefield, making mental calculations for the imminent clash.
"We're outnumbered," Marko muttered, his tone laced with concern. "But if we hold the line and force them into the valley, we can minimize their advantage."
Padrino nodded, his gaze still fixed on the approaching army. "We've faced worse odds before. This time, we fight for everything—our people, our future, and the freedom of Xandros."
As the gates below opened, Rimuru's army marched forward, organized into disciplined units, each soldier bearing the sigil of their kingdom proudly. The citizens of Rimuru, who had once been humble villagers, were now seasoned warriors, ready to defend their home at any cost. Behind them were the reinforcements from the Alliance of Iron and Fire, a coalition of allied forces that had pledged their support in this final battle.
A horn sounded from the Galdros camp, and the enemy army began its advance. Thousands of soldiers clad in dark armor, led by General Viktor, a ruthless warrior known for his brutal tactics, marched toward Rimuru with relentless determination.
"Here they come," Hinata whispered, her hands glowing with magic.
Padrino clenched his sword tightly. "Prepare the archers. We strike first."
Marko raised his hand, signaling the archers who stood atop the walls. Moments later, a volley of arrows soared through the air, raining down on the advancing Galdros army. The front lines staggered, but the enemy continued forward, their sheer numbers pushing them onward.
"They're not slowing down," Marko noted, his voice grim. "They're committed."
Padrino turned to him, his eyes cold. "Then so are we."
With a wave of his hand, Padrino signaled the cavalry. The ground shook as mounted knights charged from the flanks, aiming to disrupt the enemy's formation. But Galdros had anticipated this move. Their infantry split, revealing rows of spearmen ready to meet the charge.
The clash was brutal. Swords met shields, and the air was filled with the sounds of war—shouts of command, the screams of the wounded, and the clang of steel on steel. For every Galdros soldier that fell, two more seemed to take their place.
Padrino watched from the walls, his mind racing as he analyzed the battlefield. He knew this war wouldn't be won through brute force alone. They needed to outthink the enemy, to find a weakness in their strategy.
"Send the second wave to the eastern front," Padrino commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos below. "We'll draw them in closer to the valley."
Marko nodded and relayed the orders. Rimuru's forces shifted, executing Padrino's plan with precision. As the Galdros army pressed forward, they were funneled into the valley, where the terrain would limit their movements.
"Now," Padrino whispered to himself, watching as the enemy fell into his trap.
Hinata stepped forward, her magic intensifying. She raised her staff to the sky, calling upon the power of light. A blinding flash erupted from her hands, illuminating the battlefield. Galdros soldiers faltered, momentarily blinded by the brilliant light. Rimuru's forces seized the opportunity, launching a devastating counterattack.
Despite the chaos, General Viktor remained unfazed. He rallied his troops, pushing them to press harder. His eyes, cold and calculating, scanned the battlefield until they landed on Padrino, standing atop the walls. Viktor's lips curled into a smile.
"He's mine," Viktor muttered, mounting his horse and charging toward the walls of Rimuru.
Padrino saw the approaching figure and recognized Viktor immediately. His grip tightened on his sword. This was the man responsible for the fall of Earlshide, the man who had orchestrated the assassination of the royal family. Now, he was coming for Padrino.
"Marko, take command here," Padrino said, his voice firm. "I'm going down."
Marko glanced at him, concern flashing in his eyes. "Padrino, are you sure—?"
"Trust me," Padrino interrupted, already descending the stairs from the wall. He moved with purpose, his heart pounding with both anticipation and a thirst for justice.
As he reached the ground, Padrino mounted his horse and rode out to meet Viktor. The battlefield seemed to part around them as the two leaders faced off. For a moment, the sounds of war faded into the background, and all that remained was the intensity of their gaze.
"Penduko," Viktor sneered, drawing his sword. "It's about time we ended this."
Padrino's eyes narrowed. "Agreed."
The two warriors charged at each other, their swords clashing in a burst of sparks. Viktor was strong, his strikes heavy and deliberate, but Padrino was faster, dodging and countering with precision. Their battle became a whirlwind of steel, each strike echoing with the weight of their respective kingdoms.
Around them, the battle raged on, but neither leader paid it any mind. This was personal. Viktor was the embodiment of everything Padrino had fought against—the tyranny, the destruction of his homeland, and the oppression of his people.
"You've lost!" Viktor shouted, swinging his sword in a wide arc. "Galdros will crush you and your pathetic kingdom!"
Padrino parried the strike, his face calm. "Not today."
With a swift movement, Padrino knocked Viktor's sword from his hand, sending it clattering to the ground. Before Viktor could react, Padrino delivered a decisive blow, cutting deep into the enemy general's armor. Viktor staggered, blood pouring from the wound, and collapsed to the ground.
Padrino stood over him, breathing heavily. "This is for Earlshide," he said softly, before delivering the final strike.
The battle was far from over, but the death of Viktor sent shockwaves through the Galdros ranks. Their morale shattered, and for the first time, they began to retreat.
Padrino turned his gaze to the horizon, knowing that this victory was just the beginning. The true war for the future of Rimuru and Xandros had only just begun.