The settlement buzzed with activity as preparations for the impending battle continued. Walls were being reinforced with stone and timber, and the newly constructed ballista towers loomed high above the perimeter, their mechanisms tested daily by skilled engineers.
Leon walked through the settlement, his presence a source of reassurance to the settlers. He paused by the training grounds where Garrick was leading drills.
"Hold that shield wall tighter!" Garrick bellowed, pacing between the lines of recruits. "An enemy spear won't ask you to hold still. Keep it up!"
The clanging of wooden weapons and the grunts of effort filled the air. Leon nodded in approval and approached Garrick.
"How are they shaping up?" Leon asked.
Garrick wiped sweat from his brow and crossed his arms. "Better than I expected. They're green, but they've got heart. With a bit more training, they'll hold their own."
Leon clasped Garrick's shoulder. "We'll need every ounce of that effort when the time comes. Keep at it."
Fortifications and Strategy
In the council hall, Fenrick and Myra were hunched over a map of the settlement. Small wooden figurines represented defensive positions, including the newly added ballista towers and choke points.
Fenrick pointed to the northern gate. "This will likely be their main point of attack. It's the most direct route. We've reinforced it, but it'll still be the first line to fall if they bring their siege weapons."
Myra traced a line to the southern edge. "If we bait them into focusing on the northern gate, we could send a flanking force out from here. It's heavily wooded, so our troops could move unseen and strike their siege weapons from behind."
Leon listened, nodding thoughtfully. "It's a risk, but it could turn the tide if done correctly. We'll need our best fighters for that task."
"I'll lead the flanking force," Selene said, stepping into the room. "My scouts know the terrain better than anyone. If anyone can get through unseen, it's us."
Leon hesitated, then nodded. "Agreed. But be careful. The success of this strategy depends on precision, not brute force."
The System's Aid
That evening, Leon accessed the system to review their progress.
[System Notification: Settlement Defense Status – 80% Completion]
• Walls Reinforced: 100%
• Ballista Towers: 4/4 Operational
• Militia Training: 85% Completed
• Resource Stockpile: Adequate
[System Suggestion: Upgrade Ballista Ammunition]
• Upgrade Options:
1. Explosive Bolts – High damage, limited quantity.
2. Piercing Bolts – Effective against heavy armor.
3. Volley Mechanism – Fire multiple bolts in rapid succession.
Leon deliberated. "We'll go with Piercing Bolts. If they have armored units, we'll need to take them out quickly."
[System Notification: Piercing Bolts Upgrade Initiated]
Rallying the Army
On the eve of the battle, Leon called the militia to the training grounds. Hundreds of settlers and soldiers gathered, their faces a mix of apprehension and determination.
Leon stood atop a wooden platform, his voice ringing out over the crowd.
"Tomorrow, we face an enemy that seeks to take everything from us—our homes, our families, our future. But we are not weak. We are not cowards. We are a united people, and we will show them that this land is ours!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their fear replaced by fiery resolve.
"You have trained hard. You have built this settlement with your own hands. Now, we will defend it together. Stand with me, and we will not fall!"
The cheers grew louder, the sound reverberating through the settlement.
Rallying the Army
On the eve of the battle, Leon called the militia to the training grounds. Hundreds of settlers and soldiers gathered, their faces a mix of apprehension and determination.
Leon stood atop a wooden platform, his voice ringing out over the crowd.
"Tomorrow, we face an enemy that seeks to take everything from us—our homes, our families, our future. But we are not weak. We are not cowards. We are a united people, and we will show them that this land is ours!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their fear replaced by fiery resolve.
"You have trained hard. You have built this settlement with your own hands. Now, we will defend it together. Stand with me, and we will not fall!"
The cheers grew louder, the sound reverberating through the settlement.
The Enemy Arrives
Just before dawn, a scout burst into the gates, breathless and pale.
"They're coming," he gasped. "The mercenaries are on the move!"
The settlement sprang into action. Soldiers donned their armor, the ballistae were manned, and the gates were barred.
Leon stood atop the wall, his heart pounding as the enemy army emerged from the forest. Rows of armored mercenaries marched in unison, their banners fluttering in the early light. Siege engines rumbled behind them, and their numbers seemed endless.
Garrick joined him, a grim smile on his face. "Well, this is it. Let's show them what we're made of."
Leon took a deep breath and raised his sword. "Prepare for battle! Today, we fight for our home!"
The clash was imminent, the fate of the settlement hanging in the balance.