Rodensky, Emmanuel, and Izabella convened in the village's only intact building a small storage shed that now served as their command center. A crude map of the village was spread across a wooden table, with candles flickering to illuminate their faces.
"We're outnumbered," Rodensky said, tracing the map with his finger. "And from the look of them, they've brought more than just numbers. Their leader alone will be a problem."
"We can't face them head-on," Izabella said firmly. "If we try, they'll overpower us in minutes. We need to use the village layout to our advantage."
"Agreed," Emmanuel added, leaning on his sword. "If we can divide their forces, we might stand a chance."
---
The Plan
Rodensky outlined a strategy that took full advantage of the village's terrain and their unique abilities:
1. Rokura and Abaddon's Intimidation Tactics
Emmanuel and Abaddon would create a diversion at the broken main gate, using the dragon's flames to scare and scatter the enemy's frontlines. Rokura, with its imposing size and glowing crystalline wings, would provide aerial support, giving the illusion that the village was heavily guarded.
2. Defensive Chokepoints
Izabella would lead a small group of capable villagers to fortify key chokepoints. Her divine magic would act as a deterrent to the weaker members of the Black Snake Guild, especially those susceptible to holy power. She would also ensure the safety of the remaining villagers.
3. Stealth and Precision
Rodensky, using his agility and experience, would infiltrate the enemy ranks, aiming to sow confusion and eliminate key targets, particularly their mages and archers. His skill Eye of Truth would help him identify weaknesses in their ranks once its cooldown ended.
4. Fallback Points
If the main gate was breached, they would retreat to the village square, where Emmanuel and Izabella would hold the line while Rodensky coordinated another counterattack.
5. Final Confrontation
The trio would face the guild leader together. The goal was not just to survive but to defeat him decisively and demoralize the rest of the guild.
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Setting the Stage
The villagers worked tirelessly under Izabella's direction, barricading streets and setting up traps made from anything they could salvage. Pits were dug and covered with loose planks and leaves, while jars of oil were placed strategically for fire traps.
"They'll underestimate us," Izabella said, watching the preparations. "That's our biggest advantage."
Rodensky stood on the village wall, scanning the horizon. "They're coming," he said, his voice low but firm.
Emmanuel grinned, his hand resting on Abaddon's scaly neck. "Then let's give them a warm welcome."
---
The First Wave
As expected, the Black Snake Guild attacked in waves. Emmanuel and Abaddon unleashed a barrage of fire, forcing the enemy to scatter. Rokura swooped down from above, its crystalline wings reflecting the moonlight like a celestial blade, slashing through the enemy ranks.
At the chokepoints, Izabella's divine aura shone brilliantly, her shield repelling incoming attacks as she led the villagers in a disciplined defense. Her holy smite spells caused chaos among the weaker guild members, forcing them to retreat or regroup.
Meanwhile, Rodensky moved like a shadow through the chaos, picking off key targets with surgical precision. A mage attempted to cast a spell, only for Rodensky to disable him with a swift strike to the back of the neck. An archer tried to line up a shot, but Rodensky's blade was faster.
"Their formation is breaking!" he called out, signaling to Emmanuel.
---
The Fallback Point
Despite their efforts, the guild's leader had yet to make his move. Rodensky knew this meant the real battle was still to come.
When the first wave retreated and regrouped, the defenders fell back to the village square. Emmanuel and Izabella stood shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to face the second wave, while Rodensky used the brief respite to reassess their position.
"The traps worked better than expected," Izabella said, wiping sweat from her brow. "But they're adapting."
"Let them come," Emmanuel replied, gripping his sword tightly. "We're ready."
Rodensky nodded, his mind already calculating their next move. The final battle was approaching, and with it, the ultimate test of their strategy.