The morning after the night of strategy, Raka and Ayra walked together to the castle's main hall to inform the royal advisors of the attack plan they had learned about. Although fatigue was evident on their faces, determination and courage shone clearly in their eyes.
Raka watched Ayra, amazed by her strength. In a short time, he had learned a lot about Ayra: a princess who was not only gentle and wise, but also brave and ready to do anything to protect her people. He could not help but feel the admiration that grew in his heart.
When they arrived at the main hall, they were greeted by the royal advisors who were already waiting. Ayra looked at them sternly, beginning the meeting that would determine the fate of Ayurea.
"Our kingdom is in great danger," Ayra said, opening the conversation in a serious tone. "Sir Galen, one of our own, has turned out to be a traitor and has been working with the enemy to destroy this kingdom."
A small commotion immediately broke out among the advisors. Some of them looked shocked, while others looked in disbelief. An elderly advisor, Sir Armand, shook his head with a disappointed expression.
"Are you certain of this accusation, Princess Ayra?" Sir Armand asked in a concerned tone. "Sir Galen is one of our finest knights…"
In response, Ayra activated the recording crystal that Raka had given her. Sir Galen's voice speaking of a major attack filled the room, creating a tense silence between them all. There was no longer any doubt: the betrayal was real.
Sir Armand lowered his head, his eyes filled with sadness. "We must prepare. This major attack is not something we can take lightly."
Ayra nodded. "We have two nights to strengthen the defenses and ensure that every corner of the castle is protected. Raka will help us map out additional defense strategies."
The advisors nodded, showing their agreement and respect for Raka. Despite being a stranger to this world, Raka had managed to gain their trust.
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That day and the next, the entire castle was surrounded by activity. Soldiers trained relentlessly, scouts were sent to every corner, and special traps were set up along weak points on the defense map. Raka moved relentlessly, working with Ayra and the soldiers to ensure that the castle's defenses would not be easily breached.
In between their busy schedules, Ayra and Raka took the time to have a brief chat on the castle balcony. Raka could sense the fatigue in Ayra's eyes, but beneath it was an unquenchable determination.
"Ayra, what if… we can't hold off this attack?" Raka asked, his voice a whisper but full of anxiety.
Ayra took a deep breath, looking at the horizon with eyes full of feeling. "I will fight to the end, Raka. As the princess of the kingdom, I have a responsibility to protect my people… even if it means sacrificing my life."
Raka felt his chest tighten at that answer. He felt a strange fear, something he had never felt before in the real world. Ayra, the figure he had known only as a character in a game, had now become someone important to him—someone he didn't want to lose.
"I will fight with you too," Raka finally answered, his gaze filled with sincerity. "I won't let them hurt you or your people."
Ayra smiled slightly, and unconsciously her hand reached out, holding Raka's hand. Both of them were silent, feeling the warmth from that grip, as if all their anxiety and fear had disappeared in an instant. However, they knew that this peace was only temporary; a great battle was coming soon.
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When night fell, the atmosphere of the castle turned silent. The soldiers were on standby at their respective posts, weapons ready in hand, while Raka and Ayra were in the main room, with the advisors and generals to give final instructions.
Not long after, the sound of the warning trumpet was heard throughout the castle. The guards in the tower saw a large group approaching from a distance, torches burning in the hands of the seemingly countless enemy troops. This was a sign that the attack had begun.
"Ayra, they're coming," Raka whispered, his voice tense.
Ayra nodded, her eyes sharp and full of courage. "Prepare all soldiers. We must defend."
Raka also prepared on the front lines with the other soldiers. Even though he had never fought in real life, his instincts and experience from the game gave him enough confidence. He knew that he had to protect Ayra and this kingdom, no matter what.
The enemy troops began to approach, their silhouettes becoming clearer in the moonlight. Suddenly, from the middle of the enemy ranks, a figure everyone recognized—Sir Galen emerged. With a gaze filled with hatred, he led the enemy troops closer to the castle.
Raka felt anger burning in his chest at the sight of the traitor. "Galen!" he shouted, his voice filled with emotion.
Sir Galen laughed, his gaze full of sarcasm. "You shouldn't have interfered, brat. This world doesn't need a coward from another dimension."
Ayra, who stood beside Raka, raised her sword. "Sir Galen, you have broken our trust. Today, you will pay for all your betrayal."
Sir Galen smiled coldly. "We'll see, Ayra. Today, Ayurea will fall, and everyone you love will experience true suffering."
With Sir Galen's signal, the enemy troops began to storm the castle. Battle broke out, the sound of clashing swords and screams filled the air. Raka fought with all his might, fighting off the enemies that came one after another. Even though fatigue was starting to set in, he continued to fight, remembering the promise he had made to protect Ayra.
Ayra herself was in the middle of the battle, leading the troops with incredible courage. The soldiers drew strength from her presence, and they fought with a burning passion. Amidst the chaos, Ayra and Raka's eyes met, and the two exchanged determined smiles.
However, in the midst of the fierce battle, Sir Galen suddenly appeared before Ayra, looking at her with a sly smile. "Ayra, it's time to finish this."
Ayra raised her sword, ready to face the former knight she had once trusted. Raka, who saw this, immediately ran towards them, determined to protect Ayra from harm. He knew that this was a defining moment, where he had to give his all.
As Sir Galen launched an attack towards Ayra, Raka jumped between them, blocking the attack with all his might. The clang of metal rang out as their swords clashed, and Raka felt pain in his arm. However, he did not back down.
"I won't let you hurt Ayra!" he shouted, his eyes filled with courage.
Sir Galen smiled sarcastically. "Then prepare to die, boy."
The battle between Raka and Sir Galen began, amidst the din of a great battle all around them. Raka knew that this was his greatest test—and he would not give up. For Ayra, for Ayurea, and for the love he now realized had grown in his heart.