The anticipation in the Valerian camp was palpable, every soldier brimming with a mix of anxiety and focus. The stakes were high, but Lukas's calm demeanor seemed to steady those around him. Armed with the knowledge from the strategy tome, he had confidence in his plan, but now was the time to test its effectiveness.
As he made his way to the command tent, Lukas noticed the familiar tension among the troops. Word had spread about the growing Drevyn forces and the pressure was mounting. But Lukas had a plan—a bold one—and this was the time to see if his newfound knowledge would truly set him apart.
Inside the command tent, Kalen and Captain Thorn were in deep discussion over the enemy's positioning and the overwhelming numbers the Drevyns had amassed. Lukas was silently analyzing their approach. His mind was alive with possibilities, and the strategies he had learned began to fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
Kalen shook his head as he stared at the map. "If we meet them head-on, it will be a massacre. Our forces are too scattered, and they're too strong."
Captain Thorn grunted in agreement. "They have the numbers, and their formation is tight. We need to split them up, but how?"
Lukas stood at the entrance, observing the discussion. He wasn't expected to contribute, but the lessons from the strategy tome burned in his mind. This was his chance to see if the system's knowledge would give him the edge he needed.
Lukas hesitated, then stepped forward. "There might be another way."
Both men turned to look at him, surprised by his interruption. It wasn't usual for Lukas to insert himself into strategy discussions, but his presence wasn't unwelcome.
Kalen raised an eyebrow. "What do you have in mind?"
Lukas approached the map. "We can't engage them directly. But if we make them believe we're retreating, they'll chase us. We can bait them into the ravine here." He pointed to a narrow series of passages cutting through the mountains. "They'll be forced to break their formation. With their numbers confined, we can strike from the high ground and annihilate them in waves."
Captain Thorn studied the map for a moment, his brow furrowing. "You're suggesting we lead a portion of our forces into a trap, knowing we'll be outnumbered?"
"Exactly," Lukas replied. "A small, fast-moving group to lure them in. Once they're inside the ravine, their numbers will count for nothing. Our archers and soldiers on the cliffs will have the advantage. We'll surround them."
There was a brief silence as both Kalen and Thorn considered the idea. Kalen finally nodded. "It's risky, but it's the best plan we have."
---
The preparations were swift. The Valerian soldiers readied their weapons, but there was a quiet tension in the air. Lukas had volunteered to lead the bait force—a dangerous task that would place him at the front of the trap.
As he checked his equipment, Aurelia appeared at his side, her rapier hanging at her hip. "I'm coming with you."
Lukas looked up in surprise. "You don't have to. It's going to be dangerous."
Aurelia smirked. "I'm aware. But if you think I'm sitting on the sidelines while you lead a suicide mission, think again. Besides, I'd rather be up front where the real action is."
Lukas couldn't argue with that. Aurelia was as fierce as she was skilled, and having her by his side would be an asset.
---
As dusk settled over the battlefield, Lukas and his small group of soldiers, including Aurelia, moved into position at the entrance of the ravine. The Drevyn army was approaching, their heavy footsteps echoing through the valley like the approach of a great storm.
Lukas's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind remained calm. This was the moment. The plan hinged on their ability to lure the enemy into the trap without giving away their true intentions.
The first wave of Drevyn soldiers came into view, their armor glinting in the fading light. Lukas gave the signal, and his group began to retreat, moving quickly down the narrow ravine as though fleeing in panic. The Drevyns, eager for an easy victory, charged after them.
Aurelia kept pace beside Lukas, her expression hard as they ran. "They're taking the bait," she muttered.
"They think we're retreating," Lukas replied, his eyes scanning the cliffs above where the Valerian archers lay in wait. "Let's make sure they keep thinking that."
As the Drevyns poured into the ravine, their numbers overwhelming the narrow passage, Lukas glanced back and saw the mass of bodies filling the space. The trap had been sprung. He gave the signal to the archers above.
The first volley of arrows rained down from the cliffs, striking the Drevyn soldiers below with deadly accuracy. Cries of pain echoed through the ravine as the enemy faltered, their tightly packed formation becoming a liability.
Lukas didn't hesitate. He turned to his men, shouting over the din of battle. "Now! We strike!"
Aurelia was the first to leap into action, her rapier flashing as she engaged the Drevyn soldiers at the front of their ranks. Lukas followed, his saber cutting through the disoriented enemy. The narrow confines of the ravine worked in their favor—the Drevyns couldn't maneuver properly, and their numbers became a hindrance rather than a strength.
Lukas's heart raced as he fought, every move precise and calculated. The knowledge from the tome flowed through him naturally, guiding his strikes and positioning. His body moved almost on its own, each step a perfect balance of defense and offense.
Aurelia fought at his side, her movements graceful and deadly. Together, they carved through the enemy forces, their smaller, more agile group easily outmaneuvering the larger, clumsier Drevyns.
From above, the archers continued their assault, raining death on the enemy. The Drevyns tried to push forward, but the narrow ravine left them vulnerable. The bottleneck trapped them, and their superior numbers became a disadvantage as they couldn't break through the Valerian forces on the cliffs.
Zane, fighting a short distance away, let out a shout of triumph as another wave of Drevyn soldiers fell to the ground. "They're crumbling!"
Lukas could see it too—the Drevyn army was in disarray, their lines broken, their morale shattered. The trap had worked. What had begun as an overwhelming enemy force had been reduced to scattered, confused soldiers, easy prey for the Valerian fighters.
"Keep pushing!" Lukas called out, his voice rising above the clamor of battle. "Don't let them regroup!"
Aurelia slashed through another enemy, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of combat. "We've got them, Lukas! They're finished!"
The battle raged for what felt like hours, but in reality, it was over in a fraction of that time. The Drevyns, caught in the bottleneck, had no chance to recover. With their numbers confined and their formation broken, they were easy pickings for the Valerian forces.
By the time the sun had fully set, the battlefield was littered with the bodies of fallen Drevyn soldiers, and the Valerians stood victorious.
Lukas wiped the sweat from his brow, his chest heaving from exertion. His plan had worked, and the Drevyn forces had been crushed. But as he looked out over the battlefield, he knew this was only the beginning.
He had proven his ability to lead, to strategize. And now, with the war far from over, it was time to build something even greater.