The leader collapsed, his expression frozen in surprise as the arrow struck true.
Time seemed to stand still. The sudden death of their leader sent ripples of uncertainty through their ranks. Realization dawned like a shadow, plunging them into chaos.
Without hesitation, they began to scatter, running in every direction, chaotic and disorganized. If they'd been a proper army, perhaps they might have stood a chance...
On the village walls, the defenders stood silently for just a moment, processing the scene before them.
Then, like a wave breaking, a thunderous roar erupted from the crowd. Relief and joy replaced the weight of despair that had burdened them for so long.
Keel stood below the wall, moving swiftly to meet the returning heroes. Seeing Darius clutching his chest, his face pale, Keel's heart sank.
Throwing Darius's arm over his shoulder, Keel helped him toward the makeshift infirmary. He worked quickly, bandaging him as best he could before calling out for Lara.
When Lara arrived, her presence steadied Keel's nerves, but it wasn't long before relief was replaced by a simmering anger.
"Not once, but twice they've hurt him… and both times, I was too weak to stop it," Keel muttered, his voice low and trembling with frustration.
Leaving the infirmary, he sought out Felix. "Prepare the troops. We're marching."
Felix hesitated. "My Lord, the soldiers are exhausted. Shouldn't we wait until morning?"
"If we go now, we can catch them off guard!" Keel's impatience was evident, and Felix sighed, recognizing the futility of arguing.
With twenty militia at the front and ten archers bringing up the rear, the group set out, following the bandits' trail through the forest.
The sounds of crackling fires eventually reached them. Keel's eyes lit up with determination. He ordered his forces to encircle the enemy's makeshift camp, intending to launch a pincer attack.
As they crept closer, the bandits became aware of their presence. War cries shattered the quiet as both sides engaged.
The greenhorn militia, inexperienced and untested, struggled. Casualties loomed despite their numerical advantage. Yet, after a tense skirmish, the bandits were overrun.
Keel pressed them onward, urging caution as they advanced. Tension gripped the air, every sound a potential threat.
Then it came, a sudden "swish," followed by arrows slicing through the air. Bandits sprang from the bushes, ambushing Keel's forces with precision.
Screams erupted around him. Keel froze for a moment, his mind racing.
Felix's voice loudly cut through the chaos.
"Fall back! Drag the wounded if you have to!"
Keel snapped out of his daze, realizing the weight of his earlier blunder. He'd led his troops into a trap.
Just as despair threatened to consume him, a cold, mechanical voice resonated in his mind:
[New Skill Unlocked: Tactical Command]
Keel didn't need to check the description. He felt its effects instantly, a flood of clarity and purpose.
He sprang into action, utilizing his class-specific interface to erect walls, shielding his retreating soldiers. Their escape, though not without loss, was secured.
Breathing heavily, Keel paused to take stock. The loss of life stung him deeply. This wasn't the time for pity, but the weight of their sacrifice bore down on him.
Calling Felix aside, Keel spoke in a measured tone. "They'll think we're retreating for good. We can use that. Position the archers to flank them. On your signal, we'll close in."
Felix nodded, leading the archers into position. Meanwhile, Keel addressed the remaining militia.
"Stay low. Stay quiet. We'll cut off their escape. This ends tonight."
The plan unfolded with precision. On Felix's signal, a sharp tone, like that of a bird sounded, signaling the first volley of arrows soon coming down, catching the bandits off guard.
Keel charged with the militia, his newfound skill guiding their efforts. This time, the tables turned completely.
As the battle cries faded and the remaining bandits scattered into the forest, Keel stood amidst the aftermath, the weight of command heavy on his shoulders. Though victorious, the cost was undeniable.
Quickly gathering his soldiers, Keel had a decision to make. Follow them to their main settlement or return without securing the decisive victory he'd envisioned.
His instinct screamed to chase, to finish the threat once and for all. However the pain of losing his fellow villagers was like a fresh wound. It had been a wake up call...
For a moment Keel had allowed the weight of that betrayal follow him to the past. He had allowed the pain, the fury, his aching hearth. To fuel his decisions, his reasoning had been clouded.
Clenching his fists, Keel exhaled slowly
"We return to the village" he announced, his voice firm, but tinged with regret.
"Are you sure my Lord?" Felix brows furrowed "This might be our best chance of ending this"
"I'm sure, we might of won the battle, but we are not ready for a war. I will not allow myself to make the same mistake twice"
With this triumph, morale was slightly higher. No longer struggling with their resolve, the greenhorns, now veterans would be the backbone of his future army.
There was no time to revel in this fake victory. Keel made his decision, it was time for expansion!
Getting back to the village, the villagers for restlessly waiting, hoping for a victorious return.
They quickly noticed something was amiss, there seemed to be people missing?
The previous excitement, died down as the absence of familiar faces, served as a reminder of the cost of war.
Once Keel was within the walls, he once more stood atop the elevated platform, once more, reminded of the weight of leadership
"We might have won this time. But the cost was heavy"
Keel paused, his hands clenched on his sides, as he steadied his voice
"Today we lost three great men. Heroes who gave their lives, to ensure we could survive"
The crowd looked on, a murmur went around as the weight of his words settled
Keel's jaw tightened, his sorrow evident on his face "We will honor these brave soldiers, their sacrifice. To their families, we will provide their salaries.
And those without families, their legacy will live on. Orphans of this village, will inherit their name and carry on their heritage!"
The crowd now stood in silence, grief mingled as newfound respect for the man before them surfaced.
As Keel stepped down, he was once more reminded of his new objective
[Mission (Repeatable): Deliver the Heads of Evildoers]
"It is time to visit that place again" Keel murmured
"I wonder what it will show me this time"
Space warped as Keel's surroundings started to shift
"I hope I survive"