Leon had successfully seized vast territories of Eldenia. The Strongson cavalry swept through multiple towns, with Eldenia's defenses offering little substantial resistance. Within weeks, several eastern cities fell, and Strongson's banners flew high over Eldenia lands. Leon's name echoed across enemy territories as a symbol of both fear and reverence.
Yet, this was only part of Leon's strategy. Although the western lands of Eldenia were conquered, he refrained from advancing into the heartland. Instead, he focused on regrouping and redeploying his forces. Every soldier's equipment and supplies were meticulously inspected, and every gap in the defensive lines was carefully reinforced. Leon knew that Eldenia's resistance would not surrender so easily—especially when the king and his loyal forces began their counterattack. The battles ahead would only grow fiercer.
Standing in a temporary command post in the east, Leon gazed out over his newly occupied lands. The plains outside were vast, now adorned with Strongson's banners, appearing as though they had always belonged to him. His aide handed him an intelligence report. Leon, after a moment of contemplation, issued a quiet command:
"Concentrate all forces on the eastern front. We must keep moving forward and leave Eldenia no room to escape."
Meanwhile, the King of Eldenia, along with his most loyal forces and the Silver Wolf Tribe's leaders, Arthur and Zack, had successfully led their people and troops to retreat toward the capital, Whitehold, as Leon pressed eastward. Along the way, many civilians and soldiers joined their ranks, swelling their numbers into a formidable force. Arthur and Zack's reputations extended beyond Eldenia; they became beacons of hope for the people, embodying strength and resilience.
Traversing the ruins, they finally reached Whitehold, whose walls bore the scars of time, standing like an eternal sentinel over the land. Though much of their territory had fallen and enemy forces loomed on the surrounding lands, Arthur and Zack rallied the people to establish new defensive lines around the capital. Unlike the hasty lines of the past, these defenses were reinforced with the kingdom's strongest soldiers and resources.
On Whitehold's ancient walls, Arthur inspected the newly fortified positions. He and Zack worked tirelessly to plan the layout of the defenses, ensuring that every inch of the land could be protected during an attack. Though the people of Eldenia were exhausted, Arthur's call to action inspired them to work without hesitation. Under the king's command, soldiers wielded hammers and nails, repairing damaged battlements and arrow towers. Everyone knew that this time, there could be no retreat.
"We must hold the line here and preserve our last chance for survival," Arthur declared, his gaze unwavering as he surveyed the battlefield. He understood the ferocity of Leon's assault, but he believed Whitehold's fortifications were strong enough to exact a heavy toll on the enemy.
Zack approached, speaking in a low voice. "We need more time and more reinforcements. Leon's army is formidable, but the warriors of Eldenia have never yielded easily. We will face them in a decisive battle here."
"Yes," Arthur replied. "Eldenia will not fall easily. Whitehold will not fall." He paused before adding, "But we must also prepare for a longer-term plan. Leon will continue his assault, but we can't rely solely on defense. We must create problems for him—disrupt his rhythm wherever we can."
At that moment, the king joined them. Though his face was etched with weariness, his eyes still burned with determination. "No matter what, we must hold this city. We must hold the heart of Eldenia. Then, we will plan our counterattack."
Arthur and Zack exchanged a determined glance and nodded. In the days to come, they would leverage Whitehold's formidable defenses to brace for Leon's assault, while also preparing for strategic countermeasures to weaken Strongson's forces as much as possible.
As the storm loomed, the forces of both sides quietly gathered. The fate of Eldenia would be decided upon the walls of Whitehold, and Leon's army would face a challenge unlike any they had encountered before.