Arthur led tens of thousands of soldiers toward the southern gate's main road, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield torn apart by the fires of war. The western gate of Whitehold had been completely breached, but with Arthur's command, the allied forces had torn through the Leon army's blockade. On the battlefield, the flags of the allied forces fluttered in the smoke and dust, igniting a glimmer of hope among the soldiers.
Arthur's voice rang out clearly amidst the chaos: "Everyone, gather at the southern gate! Push forward, don't look back!" His order was concise and forceful, and the soldiers, with no time to hesitate, quickly reformed their ranks and began retreating toward the southern gate.
Although the breakthrough had been successful, Arthur knew that Leon's main forces would not give up so easily. Wielding his sword, he personally led the rear guard to cover the army's retreat. Under his command, the cavalry and infantry alternated in providing cover, utilizing the narrow terrain to delay the advancing pursuit.
As the allied forces drew closer to the southern gate, urgent sounds of hooves and war drums came from the distance. Horace and Chak's reinforcements appeared on the horizon, their flags flying in the wind, and the battle cries of their soldiers rang out. Zack's Silver Wolf Tribe was the first to charge into the battlefield, engaging Leon's pursuing troops. Like a hunting wolf pack, they swiftly tore through the Leon army's vanguard, buying precious time for Arthur and the allied forces.
"We made it just in time!" Zack rode up beside Arthur, a hint of tension in his eyes. "How's the city?"
Arthur wiped the blood from his face and responded calmly, "It's fallen, but we saved everyone we could. Now we need to reach Horace and regroup. If we wait any longer, the allied forces will be in dire straits."
Arthur organized the orderly retreat of the entire army, his plans precise in every detail. He ensured the soldiers withdrew quickly while minimizing casualties. However, Leon's main pursuit force rapidly closed in, their massive shadow looming like an overwhelming wave, threatening the retreating allied forces' rear.
Horace's troops played a crucial role at this moment. They quickly set up a defensive line, using the terrain near the southern gate to engage the Leon forces in close combat, slowing their pursuit. Meanwhile, Zack's Silver Wolf Tribe used guerrilla tactics to harass Leon's flanks, buying even more time for the allied forces.
Arthur eventually led his army to Horace's position, successfully regrouping with the main force. He stood on a high ground, watching Whitehold engulfed in flames, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
"Leon won't give up," said Horace's chief commander, Gregory Fane, his brow furrowed. "We can't retreat any further. We must counterattack next, or they'll think we only know how to run."
Gregory Fane was an experienced and loyal commander, skilled in both siege warfare and defensive tactics. He had helped stabilize Horace's forces during critical moments.
Arthur pondered for a moment before nodding. "That's true. But for a counterattack, we need time to rally our morale and find the right moment. We'll hold our position here in Horace's territory, and then we'll decide how to confront Leon's next assault."