On the territory of Eldenia, the people were hastily retreating under the direction of soldiers. The carts were loaded with a small amount of food and supplies, and the sound of crying mixed with the chaotic footsteps. Warriors from the Silver Wolf Tribe escorted the sides of the retreating column, vigilantly watching the surroundings. On the distant horizon, Leon's army flag was slowly approaching.
Grave, leading a few warriors, climbed a nearby hill. He pointed towards a narrow valley ahead and said, "This can become our defensive line. As long as the enemy enters the valley, we can use the terrain to block their movement."
The soldiers nodded, "Good, here it is. Immediately set traps and turn this gorge into their tomb."
Archers from the Duchy of Mathur had already taken position on both sides of the valley. Under Grave's command, they placed large rocks on the high ground, waiting for the enemy to enter the ambush range. Meanwhile, Grave's soldiers set up spikes and oil traps at the valley entrance to counter the advance of Strongson's vanguard.
Soon, Leon's army surged into the valley like a tidal wave. Their iron armor gleamed under the sun, and the sound of war drums was deafening. Grave raised his hand, signaling the Mathur warriors to act. In the next instant, huge rocks rolled down from the mountaintop like thunder, crashing into the valley below, splitting the enemy's formation into two.
"Charge!" Grave shouted loudly, and the warriors rushed towards the enemy in the valley with battle cries. In the clash of swords and axes, a bloody battle broke out. The defenses at the valley entrance were tight, and the enemy's heavy infantry could not break through quickly. Grave and his warriors continued to harass and disrupt, weakening the enemy's momentum.
However, Leon's command abilities also became evident. He quickly mobilized rear forces and used crossbows and artillery to suppress the valley. After several rounds of intense bombardment, Grave's forces had to gradually retreat.
"Retreat!" Grave's voice echoed across the battlefield as he waved his sword, leading the rear-guard soldiers to fight desperately. The enemy's crossbows and artillery fired relentlessly, explosions and screams mixed together. Grave's armor was soaked in blood, but he stood at the frontlines, using his courage to inspire the soldiers around him.
Strongson's heavy infantry slowly advanced, their swords and shields gleaming in the firelight. Grave knew that he and these warriors might not survive, but their mission was to buy time for the main forces and to give Eldenia's future a glimmer of hope.
"Follow me!" Grave shouted, charging towards the enemy. His longsword cleaved through the oncoming enemies with such force that it shattered their shields. Around him, the soldiers gritted their teeth and held the line. They knew that if they held for just a little longer, the rear-guard would be able to escape.
However, the enemy's assault was unrelenting, like an endless tide. A Strongson knight wielded a spear and thrust it toward Grave's chest. Grave dodged and countered with a sword strike that severed the enemy's helmet. But at that moment, an enemy crossbow bolt pierced his side, and blood gushed out.
Grave staggered but remained standing, still shouting orders.
"Don't stop! Hold them off!"
The soldiers saw their commander wounded yet still fighting, and they felt their blood boil. They charged toward the enemy, using their bodies to block the advance.
Eventually, Strongson's army called in more firepower. Several cannons fired at once, shattering Grave's defenses. Rocks collapsed, and flames shot into the sky as Grave's forces were completely surrounded. Grave knelt on one knee, leaning on his longsword, and looked up at the sky. His vision blurred, but he heard the distant cheer of soldiers—signals that the retreating forces had successfully left the valley.
He let out a tired but satisfied smile and whispered, "Mission accomplished…"
Before he could finish his words, an enemy spear pierced his chest. He did not struggle and fell straight to the ground.
Later, as Arthur and the retreating forces stood on the high ground far from the valley, they looked back and saw the valley consumed by fire, with the enemy occupying the entire gorge. Zack whispered, "Grave... he didn't make it."
Arthur's gaze grew heavy. After a moment, he lowered his head in silent mourning and said in a low, firm voice, "He sacrificed himself to give us a chance. We cannot let his efforts be in vain."
They regrouped their forces and, filled with sorrow and determination for the future, continued their march toward Eldenia's capital. In the valley, Grave's figure gradually disappeared into the smoke and the enemy's ranks, but his bravery and sacrifice would forever be etched in the hearts of the survivors.
Later that evening, at Kane's residence, Altu approached Kane and brought some uplifting news. He spoke in a low voice, "Lord Kane, Wolf has sent word that Leon's army won a great victory, and the allied forces were completely routed. The remaining Eldenian forces have abandoned their eastern territories and are retreating toward the capital."
A cold smile flashed across Kane's eyes, and his fingers gently tapped the table as he looked thoughtfully at Altu. "Everything is proceeding as expected," he said softly. "Wolf has done well."
At this, Altu showed a pleased smile. "Lord Kane, it seems the situation will unfold as we envisioned." He was filled with admiration for Kane and confident in their forthcoming victory.
Kane sat in his chair, his gaze deep and still, like an abyss. Though the plan was progressing smoothly, he knew that unexpected events could occur at any moment, and behind it all lay more unpredictable risks. Finally, he lifted his head, looking at Altu with a calm tone. "We are still far from ultimate victory, but this is a crucial step we've taken."