The defenders of the castle stood battered but resolute, their faces streaked with sweat and grime. The southern wall held—for now—but the distant rumble of Dominion siege engines promised that the reprieve would be short-lived. Morrath stood atop the ramparts, his crimson eyes fixed on the horizon, where the shadow of the next wave loomed.
[System Update: Current Rank Progression: 82%. Elite enemies remaining: High Threat.]
Morrath read the notification, his jaw tightening. "No time for rest," he muttered under his breath. His gaze shifted to Vivienne as she ascended the steps, her stride purposeful and her expression sharp.
"They're regrouping," she said, pointing to the map she carried. "Their main force will hit the southern wall again. This time, they're bringing siege towers."
Morrath's fingers drummed against the hilt of his Shadow Blade. "And their fallback?"
Vivienne's lips thinned. "Flanking units at the western ridge. If the towers breach the walls, they'll funnel in from both sides. They're not leaving us much room to maneuver."
"Then we'll make room," Morrath said coldly, turning to Klara, who arrived moments later with her armor streaked in blood and dust. "Klara, keep the western ridge contained. Hit them before they have a chance to reinforce."
Klara grinned, twirling one of her twin blades. "Got it, boss. Don't worry—I'll make it messy."
Morrath nodded, his attention returning to Vivienne. "Deploy the reserves to the southern wall. We'll need every able fighter holding the line." He paused, his voice hardening. "I'll handle the siege towers."
Kaela sat slumped against a pillar in the central chamber, the remnants of her earlier exertion weighing heavily on her. She watched as Morrath entered, his armored form casting a long shadow across the room.
"You should rest," Morrath said, his tone more gentle than Kaela had expected.
"I'll rest when this is over," she replied, forcing herself to stand. Her legs wobbled, but she steadied herself with her staff. "You can't take on everything alone."
Morrath tilted his head slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing. "I don't plan to." He extended a gauntleted hand, a faint green glow emanating from his palm. "Lesser Healing Aura," he muttered, the magic washing over Kaela like a soothing wave.
She blinked, surprised by the spell's effect. "You can heal?"
"Not well," Morrath admitted with a faint smirk. "But it's enough to keep you standing."
Kaela managed a small smile, her weariness easing slightly. "You're full of surprises, Frank," she said quietly.
Morrath's smirk faded as he straightened. "Stay here and prepare more wards. We'll need them before this is over."
Kaela nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "I'll do my best."
The first of the siege towers appeared on the horizon, their towering forms silhouetted against the setting sun. Morrath stood at the base of the southern wall, his blackened armor absorbing the dim light as his forces scrambled to prepare.
[System Update: Incoming threat analysis. Siege Tower Defense: Critical Objective. Recommended Action: Disrupt and Delay.]
Morrath's grip tightened on the Shadow Blade. "Disrupt and delay," he repeated under his breath. "Let's see how they like this."
He raised his free hand, summoning a surge of dark energy. "Eldritch Blast," he intoned, sending a bolt of green fire streaking toward the nearest tower. The blast struck its base, igniting the wooden frame and halting its advance.
The Dominion forces scrambled to contain the fire as their siege line faltered. Morrath wasted no time, using Shadow Veil to slip through the chaos and strike at their flanks. His blade tore through armor and flesh, each movement precise and unrelenting.
"Boss!" Klara's voice rang out from the western ridge. She appeared moments later, her grin wide despite the blood staining her cheek. "Western flank's a mess. You're welcome."
"Good work," Morrath replied, his gaze fixed on the battlefield. "Keep them off balance."
"Don't have to tell me twice," Klara said with a wink, disappearing back into the fray.
On the ramparts, Vivienne coordinated the archers, her voice sharp and commanding. "Focus fire on the second tower! Aim for the axles—slow it down!" Her precise orders kept the defenders steady despite the chaos below.
Morrath reappeared on the southern wall, his presence a rallying force for the troops. "Hold your ground!" he bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. "The towers won't breach as long as we stand!"
The system chimed again.
[Rank Progression: 88%. Siege Tower Eliminated: Significant Enemy Forces Neutralized.]
Vivienne glanced at Morrath, her eyes betraying a flicker of respect. "They're hesitating," she said. "You've shaken their morale."
"They'll regroup," Morrath said, his tone matter-of-fact. "But so will we."
Kaela's hands glowed faintly as she wove another defensive ward. Sweat beaded on her forehead, but her focus never wavered. She could feel the weight of the battle pressing against her, each pulse of magic a reminder of what was at stake.
The door to the chamber creaked open, and Sir Durak entered, his armor dented but his resolve unshaken. "The lines are holding, thanks to him," Durak said, nodding toward the distant ramparts. "But it's clear they won't stop until we're broken."
Kaela looked up, her expression determined. "Then we won't break."
Durak studied her for a moment before nodding. "He believes in you," he said simply. "So do I."
The final siege tower burned brightly as Morrath plunged his blade into its magical energy core. The flames roared around him, casting long shadows across the battlefield as the Dominion forces began their retreat.
[System Update: Rank Progression: 95%. Milestone Achieved: Tactical Dominance. Spells Enhanced: Eldritch Blast, Shadow Veil.]
Morrath stood amidst the wreckage, his breath steady despite the toll of the fight. His crimson eyes scanned the retreating enemy, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Let them run," he muttered. "They'll remember this day."
As the defenders cheered from the walls, Morrath climbed the ramparts once again. The night air was cool against his skin, the distant glow of fires fading as the battle came to an end.
Vivienne approached, her tone uncharacteristically light. "You did it," she said. "The wall held."
"We all did," Morrath corrected, his gaze distant. "This was just the beginning."
Kaela appeared moments later, her face pale but her eyes bright with resolve. "Frank," she said softly. "What's next?"
Morrath turned, his voice calm but firm. "We rebuild. And we prepare for what's coming."
The defenders stood together on the ramparts, their silhouettes framed by the rising moon. In the distance, the Dominion's camp smoldered, a reminder of the battle they had won, but not yet ended.