Leon wasted no time after his return to the settlement. With Callista now on his side, he was determined to prepare for the inevitable confrontation with Lord Thane. The first order of business was fortifying Riverwatch, the outpost on the southern border.
He stood at the settlement's war table, surrounded by his council and Callista, who observed silently. The map of their territory spread out before them bore new markings: potential enemy routes, defensive positions, and areas to expand their influence.
"Selene, how is Riverwatch holding up?" Leon asked.
Selene stepped forward, her expression grim. "The fortifications are underway, but we're stretched thin on manpower. The terrain works in our favor, but if Thane's forces come with those creatures…" She trailed off, casting a glance at Callista.
"They'll overwhelm us," Callista finished. "Dark magic isn't just about brute force—it's designed to exploit fear and confusion. If Riverwatch falls, your settlement won't stand for long."
Leon nodded. "Then we need more than walls and soldiers. We need a plan to stop Thane before he reaches us."
[System Notification: New Quest – Southern Fortifications]
• Objectives:
1. Fortify Riverwatch with magical and physical defenses.
2. Train soldiers to combat dark magic.
3. Scout enemy movements beyond the southern border.
• Reward: Enhanced defensive capabilities and an increase in kingdom morale.
Accept Quest?
Leon selected Accept, and the system responded with a flurry of new options:
[Available Upgrades]
1. Enchanted Defensive Runes – Enhance fort walls with magic to repel creatures.
2. Ballistae Construction – Add long-range weaponry to Riverwatch.
3. Specialized Training Programs – Teach soldiers anti-magic combat techniques.
He quickly allocated resources: Callista would oversee the installation of the runes, Garrick would handle the ballistae construction, and Selene would train elite units capable of fighting Thane's monstrous creations.
Callista's Magic at Work
The next day, Leon and Callista rode to Riverwatch to oversee the upgrades. The fort, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the river, was already a formidable structure, but it lacked the magical enhancements needed to withstand Thane's forces.
Callista walked the perimeter, muttering incantations under her breath as she placed rune stones along the walls. Each stone glowed faintly with a bluish hue, a sign of the enchantments taking hold.
"These runes will repel lesser creatures," she explained. "But they won't hold forever against concentrated attacks. Your soldiers will need to be ready for close combat."
Leon nodded. "They'll be ready. How long until the runes are fully activated?"
"Two days," Callista said. "After that, the fort will be as prepared as magic can make it."
Training the Vanguard
Meanwhile, Selene took charge of training a new elite unit, dubbed The Vanguard. These soldiers were handpicked for their discipline, strength, and adaptability. Callista assisted by teaching them basic anti-magic techniques, such as recognizing and resisting enchantments.
During one session, Selene demonstrated a sparring technique against a Vanguard recruit. The clash of swords echoed through the training grounds as she disarmed the recruit with swift precision.
"Remember," she said, addressing the group. "These creatures don't fight like humans. They're faster, stronger, and far more vicious. If you hesitate, you're dead. But if you stay calm and work together, you can bring them down."
The recruits nodded, their faces set with determination.
Scouting the South
Leon dispatched a team of scouts to gather intelligence on Thane's movements. Among them was Kai, eager to prove himself.
The scouts returned three days later, bringing grim news.
"Thane's forces are on the move," Kai reported. "A small vanguard of his creatures is already testing the southern borders. They're probing for weaknesses."
Leon's jaw tightened. "How far are they from Riverwatch?"
"Two days, maybe less," Kai said.
The First Encounter
That night, Leon called an emergency meeting.
"We can't let Thane gain a foothold this close to us," he said. "If his vanguard reaches Riverwatch, we'll lose the advantage."
Selene stepped forward. "Then we strike first. Meet them on the field before they reach the fort."
Leon turned to Callista. "Can the runes hold without you?"
"They'll activate on their own," she said. "But I'll need to be there to ensure they function properly during the battle."
Leon made his decision. "We'll divide our forces. Garrick and Myra will stay at the settlement to oversee defenses. The rest of us will lead the charge against Thane's vanguard."
The Battle at Dawn
The next morning, Leon's forces marched south, meeting Thane's vanguard in a barren field just beyond Riverwatch. The enemy was unlike anything they had faced before: twisted creatures with leathery skin, glowing eyes, and unnerving speed.
Leon stood at the front, sword in hand, with Selene and Callista by his side.
"Hold the line!" he shouted as the creatures charged.
The clash was chaotic. Leon's soldiers fought valiantly, their training paying off as they coordinated to take down the creatures. Selene moved like a whirlwind, her blades cutting through the enemy with lethal precision.
Callista stood behind the front lines, casting defensive spells to shield the soldiers. When one of the creatures broke through, she raised her hand, sending a bolt of energy that reduced it to ash.
Leon himself faced off against a towering beast, its claws swiping dangerously close. He dodged, countered, and finally drove his blade into its heart, the system chiming in triumph:
[System Notification: Enemy Eliminated – Vanguard Beast]
• Reward: +5 Kingdom Strength, +10 Soldier Morale.
Victory and Reflection
After hours of fierce combat, the battlefield fell silent. Thane's vanguard was defeated, but the cost was heavy—several soldiers had fallen, and the survivors were exhausted.
As the sun set, Leon stood among his troops, his armor stained with blood.
"This was just the beginning," he said. "Thane will come at us with everything he has. But today, we've shown that we can stand against him. Rest now, for tomorrow, we build on this victory."
The soldiers cheered weakly, their spirits bolstered by his words.
As Leon returned to Riverwatch, the system chimed once more:
[System Notification: Quest Complete – Southern Fortifications]
• Reward: Fortifications Upgraded, Vanguard Established, +15 Kingdom Morale.
Leon stared out over the river, determination hardening his resolve. The path ahead was treacherous, but he knew one thing for certain: his kingdom would endure.