Among the various nations on the continent, Marquez and Nasda are well-known, ancient rivals. Centuries of hatred have led to countless deaths, yet even to this day, both nations endure, and the bloodshed continues.
The southern part of the continent is entirely divided between these two great powers. However, perhaps due to the whims of the earth god, Reed, only a corridor known as the "Cangyun Corridor," fifty miles wide and two hundred miles long, exists along the border between the two nations. To the south of this corridor lies the Dragon Mountain Range, soaring into the clouds and extending to the southernmost sea. To the north lies the largest wasteland on the continent, the "Half-Orc Wasteland." This wasteland is devoid of civilization, green vegetation, or water sources, consisting only of endless sand and its distinctive sandstorms. When a sandstorm arrives, the sky and sun are obscured by swirling yellow sand, and those caught in its embrace find themselves either lifted helplessly by the unforgiving winds to fall lifelessly to the ground or suffocated beneath the grains. In reality, only the weakest half-orcs inhabit this harsh environment. They are forced to live in these dire conditions, with a total population of fewer than four hundred thousand, not even half that of the Marquez royal cavalry, leaving them incapable of enjoying fertile pastures.
This continent, after all, is a world where the weak are devoured by the strong.
Historically, both Marquez and Nasda have repeatedly attempted to cross the Half-Orc Wasteland to invade enemy territory, but their fates met the same end: death by sandstorm, thirst, or the searing heat. Although an ancient legend speaks of a beautiful river flowing somewhere in this vast wasteland, nurturing expansive oases, neither humans nor half-orcs have dared hope for such a thing over thousands of years of countless failures and losses. Thus, humans ceased to enter this wasteland while the weak half-orcs struggled to survive within its confines.
Given this geographical situation, it is evident that the Cangyun Corridor, known today as the site of "Cangyun City" within the territory of the Nasda Empire, became one of the most strategically significant locations on the continent.
Unlike the Marquez Kingdom, which promotes a harmonious balance of civil and military governance, the Nasda Empire is a warlike and aggressive nation. In terms of combat capability, Nasda surpasses Marquez. Yet, throughout three hundred years of warfare, the once powerful Nasda Empire has consistently been at a disadvantage. The reason is simple: the Marquez Kingdom has controlled the Cangyun Corridor.
Due to the Dragon Mountain Range, the landscape in the southern part of the continent presents a nearly uniform shape, with the center elevated and the sides lower. Whoever controls the Cangyun Corridor holds a tactical advantage; be it Marquez or Nasda, both would have clear access to the broad plains ahead, opening up opportunities to advance or retreat at will.
At the two exits of the Cangyun Corridor stand two great cities: "Cangyun City" and "Kerton City." Historically, the Marquez Kingdom had sole dominion over these two cities, using Cangyun as a stronghold while Kerton served as a logistical support point. They could launch military expeditions or retreat behind fortified defenses, freely toggling between offense and defense. There were even times when their forces managed to threaten the capital directly, but they always fell short. However, when the Nasda army retaliated, the Marquez troops found safety whenever they retreated to Cangyun City. Thanks to its fortified position and towering walls, Cangyun City was drenched with the blood of countless brave soldiers from the Nasda Empire.
Throughout the surreal three hundred years, every emperor of the Nasda Empire—whether foolish or wise, tyrant or benevolent—left a testament to their successors that contained a singular decree: seize Cangyun, capture Kerton.
As endless time slipped by, and the stones of the wall facing the Nasda Empire soaked in blood turned a deep crimson, the tide of history began to shift.
A fortress that had demanded over one million lives from the Nasda Empire over the past three hundred years had fallen six years ago without a single soldier lost.
In the year 1070, the Marquez Kingdom's Eastern General and commander of the border army, Lord Raman, defected to the Nasda Empire, surrendering Cangyun City.
It is said that when Emperor Baz of the Nasda Empire climbed the once-unassailable walls and touched the dark red stones, at the age of fifty-five, he, typically stoic and resolute, laughed heartily to the heavens while shedding tears.
From that moment on, the power dynamics shifted dramatically. An empire that had gained Cangyun City ensured its homeland would no longer suffer from the ravages of war and swiftly grew in strength. For the next six years , the empire engaged in annual military campaigns, setting its sights firmly on the last bastion of Marquez, Kerton City.
Naturally, the Marquez Kingdom recognized this fact. After cursing the despicable traitor Raman numerous times, King Edward IV appointed his closest friend, Duke Toran, as the lord of Kerton City and the commander of the border army. In several bloody encounters along the Cangyun Corridor, casualties mounted, leading both sides' soldiers to refer to it as the "Bloody Corridor." Yet, over time, despite Toran's valor in battle, the Marquez Kingdom gradually found itself at a disadvantage. Compounding their woes, the internal political situation within the Marquez Kingdom began to destabilize. King Edward IV, now aged and ailing, faced intense power struggles among court officials; the kingdom's strength visibly waned, rendering even the disbursement of military pay increasingly difficult—a source of great distress for Toran.
In contrast, the Nasda Empire thrived in its strongest condition in three centuries, under the firm leadership of the powerful Emperor Baz, continually bolstering their forces around Cangyun City. Their combined military presence near Cangyun City amounted to nearly three hundred thousand soldiers, establishing a historic 3:1 ratio against the Marquez border army.
Toran understood the implications of this disparity. He had repeatedly sought reinforcements from the capital, only to receive the following responses:
"The general is well aware of military strategy. He commands a hundred thousand elite troops and the tactical advantages of Kerton City. It is improbable for it to fall. We implore you to understand this period of national weakness, and refrain from further urging."
When Toran read this reply, he let out a deep sigh, his expression pallid. Although he wielded significant authority over the border army, he felt powerless regarding internal affairs. Consequently, he focused on strengthening defenses and rigorously training his soldiers, though he did not succumb to despair. For three hundred years, the formidable soldiers of the Nasda Empire had proven ineffective against Cangyun City. Today, with Kerton City equally fortified, the possibility of holding it was not altogether lost.
***
"Jade Mountain City lies to the south of Kerton City, approximately two hundred miles away, while from our location here, it is roughly two hundred and fifty miles." Jeff stated, surveying the room full of people. Present were him, Charmion, Roderick, Wesley, Village Chief Tewey, his son Jim, and Jeff's cavalry deputy, Harry. Among them, these seven were now the leaders of the rebellious villagers.
Jeff continued, "In accordance with Lord Charmion's suggestion, I have pondered this for a while and believe that Jade Mountain City is the most suitable target. First, it is two hundred miles from Kerton City, giving us ample time to respond to the movements of its garrison. Naturally, we need to place additional scouts along the route. Second, Jade Mountain City is a medium-sized city located in a remote area, with only about a thousand soldiers stationed there. Moreover, its walls are not particularly high. Third, it is near the Nasda borders. However, that's merely a geographical advantage, as a formidable mountain range—the Dragon Mountains—separates Jade Mountain City from Nasda, making it difficult for large forces to cross. Only a few agile scouts might manage it."
At this point, Jeff glanced at Charmion. Charmion nodded, signaling him to take a seat before stating, "Although Jade Mountain City doesn't meet the third criterion perfectly, perfection is a rare commodity. Otherwise, Marquez and Nasda wouldn't be at such odds over the Cangyun Corridor. Therefore, I believe Jade Mountain City is a reasonable target. Does anyone have any objections?"
Most nodded in agreement, except for Harry, who had a trim appearance and a serious demeanor. He asked, "Lord Charmion, I have no objections to targeting Jade Mountain City, but I'm puzzled as to why we should approach Nasda."
Charmion smiled slightly and replied, "Given our current situation, we cannot afford to overlook any opportunity that may benefit us. Right now, the Marquez border army is our greatest enemy, while the enemy's enemy, Nasda, harbors deep-seated animosity towards Marquez. My intention in proposing this is to take advantage of the discord between the two. If necessary, I am prepared to seek refuge with Nasda." He regarded the group and continued, "To survive, sometimes one must resort to any means necessary."
A heavy silence settled over the room. Except for the wandering Roderick and Wesley, who harbored little sense of national identity, the others had grown up in Marquez, lifelong citizens of their homeland. Although they had risen in rebellion, they found it difficult to shift loyalties at once.
After a long pause, Jeff solemnly stated, "As for me, Marquez is no longer my concern. If there are still ties, they are surely severed. The moment I resolved to resist, I accepted my fate: either die by the sword of the Marquez army or overthrow them."
Roderick and Wesley exchanged responsive glances, turning toward Charmion. He looked deeply at Jeff before shifting his gaze to the others.
They all nodded in agreement.
Charmion said, "Then it is decided. After this meeting, we will first arrange for the elderly and women to be safely sent to surrounding villages. Then, we will mobilize the two thousand capable fighters, ensuring they are equipped with rations and clean water, and set out late tonight."
The group was taken aback, and Roderick exclaimed, "Set out at midnight?"
Charmion replied coolly, "Jade Mountain City is two hundred fifty miles away from here, and the Marquez border army in Kerton City is actively searching for our hiding spots. Nighttime travel will minimize our chances of encountering their forces."
Understanding dawned among them, as they listened to the dark sorcerer continue, "Nevertheless, even at night, this journey is fraught with danger; we shall see if the gods look kindly upon us." He lowered his head and quietly muttered, "May the dark god Dars grant us protection."
The others exchanged glances, sensing the inappropriateness of Charmion's prayer to the god of death and destruction, yet they could find no words of reproach, simply murmuring their own silent wishes.
In that moment, the small room echoed with prayers. Jeff and Harry prayed to the goddess of light, Roderick to the water god, Wesley to the earth god, Jim to the wind god, and the eldest, Tewey, prayed to the fire god. With the heartfelt wishes of the people, the power of justice seemed to overshadow that of the malevolent dark god.
Charmion revealed a faint, bitter smile before rising and stepping outside.
The dark-robed man distanced himself from the bustling crowd, finding a remote, uninhabited corner where he stood quietly for a moment and retrieved a black book from within his cloak.
The cover of the book bore four ancient characters, four in total.
A complex light flickered in Charmion's eyes as he gently caressed the book. This tome was the source of his power, yet aside from him, no one knew what else it might bring.
Though it was imbued with the formidable strength granted by the dark god Dars, it also carried the side effects of its dark nature.
***
Among the six gods of the continent—five embodiments of justice and one of evil—at least for now, it appeared they still had some regard for this small army.
As Charmion led the two thousand soldiers safely to the outskirts of Jade Mountain City, dawn was still some time away. The city, built against the mountains, had low walls, and the moat was shallow enough to see the bottom; the autumn wind howled, bringing a chill, and the soldiers on duty atop the walls were nowhere in sight, likely having taken the opportunity to nap. Clearly, the city was unguarded.
In the darkness, the two thousand moved toward the city like a silent swarm of ants.
No one spoke, nor were there the sounds of horses. Cavalry were useless in a siege, so the mounts were left far behind.
Though for most, it was their first experience on the battlefield and their first assault on a castle; despite the nervousness, excitement, and even the fear reflected in the faint starlight on their faces, no one faltered.
An air of deadly intent filled the atmosphere.
Before long, they reached the foot of the city. Charmion stepped forward, moving under the weight of the gaze from his two thousand companions as he approached the towering gate, which stood three men high.
Those eyes behind him held an invisible but heavy pressure. Standing amidst the crowd, he felt an acute sense of isolation. There was no one to rely on, for everyone depended on him.
Oh, great god of the underworld, how shall you treat your sole believer in this world?
"Who are you?" The mere existence of two thousand people was impossible to conceal; the oppressive weight alone was enough to awaken the soldiers upon the walls.
In the silent darkness, Charmion reached out and placed his hand upon the gate. As the light from the dark staff flared to life like the sun, he shouted:
"Kill!"
It felt like an instant, yet it also seemed to stretch on for eternity as the ancient, sturdy gate finally groaned in reluctant response.
The wooden beams of the gate were shattered by the immense force of dark energy.
"Kill!!!" With a fervent roar, the crowd surged past the weary dark sorcerer, breaking into the city.