The next day was a flurry of activity, resembling the surge of activity Aurelius had seen the day before Alerial’s city battle. Soldiers moved with purpose, gathering materials and assembling the siege engines under the guidance of skilled engineers. Aurelius, Valen, the Headmaster, and Instructor Donovan split their time between overseeing the preparations and making their own arrangements for the upcoming battle.
Aurelius dedicated as much of his time as possible to creating his mana bombs. He was able to create another four with the magical crystals he had on hand. The 8 mana bombs he now had should be more than enough to deal with a fair number of the large crowds of the possessed. After all, the mana bombs were realistically Aurelius’ only crowd control method, besides perhaps his mana blade skill and Aurelius wanted to kill as many possessed as possible for the essence reward.
When not engaged in his own preparations, Aurelius worked closely with the soldiers and engineers, ensuring that everyone was aware of the battle plans and their roles in the coming siege. He provided his experience from his previous battles with the possessed, sharing tactics that had proven effective in fighting the mindless opponents.
Valen and the Headmaster, meanwhile, coordinated with the mages, ensuring they were ready to provide support when the time came. Instructor Donovan also worked tirelessly with the soldiers, drilling them on combat techniques, describing his experience fighting the possessed, and keeping morale high with his no-nonsense encouragement.
The day passed quickly and as the sun began to set, Aurelius took a moment to survey the scene. The siege catapults were nearing completion, their imposing structures a testament to the work that had been done today.
As Aurelius looked over the Fourth Army, he felt an odd sense of preparedness come over him. From the hectic past couple of weeks, he hadn’t really been used to having time like this to prepare for combat. It oddly felt both reassuring and anxiety-inducing, like the calm before a storm. It was knowing that, despite all their efforts, the battle had too many variables for the outcome to be certain.
He turned to Valen, who was standing nearby, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"How are you feeling about all this?" Aurelius asked, gesturing to the camp.
Valen shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nervous, I suppose. But also ready. We've come a long way and besides," he added, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve."
That evening, Aurelius called a final meeting with the key leaders of the Fourth Army. They gathered in the command tent, the atmosphere charged with a mix of anticipation and resolve. To his surprise, Aurelius stood at the head of the table, his expression serious but composed. They discussed the upcoming battle for what felt like the thousandth time.
General Alaric, who stood next to him, spread out a detailed map of Silverhaven, marked with key points of interest and potential weak spots in the possessed defenses. "Our scouts have identified several locations where the possessed seem to be concentrated," he began, pointing to various spots on the map. "These will be our primary targets for the siege catapults. Once we've weakened their forces, we'll move in for a ground assault."
General Alaric continued, his tone firm but calm. "Our primary objective is to breach Silverhaven's defenses and reclaim the city. Like I said earlier, the catapults will initiate the assault, targeting key fortifications and clusters of possessed. Our infantry will follow, supported by mages and archers. We must be prepared for a prolonged engagement; the possessed won't give up easily."
knowing that despite all their efforts, the battle's outcome was still uncertain. Yet, seeing the soldiers, engineers, and mages working in unison, Aurelius felt a flicker of hope. They were prepared, as much as they could be, and that would have to be enough.
That evening, they held a final meeting in the command tent. General Alaric, Aurelius, Valen, the Headmaster, and Instructor Donovan gathered around the map-covered table, discussing the final details of their plan.
General Alaric began, his tone firm but calm. "Our primary objective is to breach Silverhaven's defenses and reclaim the city. The catapults will initiate the assault, targeting key fortifications and clusters of possessed. Our infantry will follow, supported by mages and archers. We must be prepared for a prolonged engagement; the possessed won't give up easily."
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Aurelius nodded, his gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders. "We need to maintain coordination between our forces. Communication will be crucial. We can’t have our siege units accidentally throw rocks at our infantry during the ground assault."
Aurelius received a chorus of nods throughout the tent.
The Headmaster spoke up, his voice measured. "Remember, our goal is not just to defeat the possessed but to minimize our own casualties. We must balance aggression with caution. Every life saved is a victory in itself."
With the plan finalized, they dispersed to get some rest before the impending battle. Aurelius found a quiet spot near the edge of the camp, where he could see the stars. The night was clear, the constellations shining brightly above, a stark contrast to what felt like the turmoil of his world. For a brief moment, he wondered about the universe outside the world, or the game, he was trapped within. Augustus’ conversation had been weighing on Aurelius a lot lately — he felt as if there were still so many unknowns. With a sigh, he closed his eyes, drawing strength from the calmness of the night.
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The morning dawned crisp and clear, the air tinged with the scent of dew and the distant hum of preparation. Aurelius rose early, his mind clear and focused. He performed his morning rituals mechanically, preparing himself mentally and physically. Soon, he quickly geared up in his armor and weapons.
Outside, the camp was a hive of activity. Soldiers were already forming into ranks, checking weapons and armor, their faces a mix of determination and nerves. Engineers made final adjustments to the siege catapults, ensuring they were ready for action. Mages gathered in clusters, murmuring incantations and preparing spells that would soon be put to use
Aurelius joined Valen, the Headmaster, and Instructor Donovan near the command tent. They exchanged brief nods and General Alaric soon approached them, his expression stoic but resolute.
"It's time," General Alaric announced, his voice carrying authority. "Our scouts report minimal movement from the possessed overnight. We'll move out as planned."
Aurelius only nodded.
With a final nod from General Alaric, the order was given. The Fourth Army mobilized with precision, moving towards Silverhaven in disciplined formation just as the sun began to rise above the horizon. Aurelius rode at the forefront, flanked by General Alaric.
Although the journey to the city was short but intense, Aurelius could feel the anticipation building in every step. It took a bit longer with the catapults, but they reached the city early in the evening. As he looked out, he could see the looming silhouette of Silverhaven growing larger with each passing moment. As they neared the outskirts, the eerie silence of the abandoned city was broken only by the distant calls of birds and the rustle of leaves in the wind. The possessed forces within had made no effort to conceal their presence, their dark forms visible on the ramparts and in the shadows of the ruined buildings.
As they neared Silverhaven, Aurelius glanced at the city's imposing walls. The once bustling streets now stood silent, a stark reminder of the fight that had ravaged this place. Smoke still rose from scattered fires, and the occasional distant shout echoed through the air.
General Alaric signaled for a brief halt just outside the range of any potential defensive measures the possessed might have. The soldiers formed ranks, siege engines were positioned, and mages began to prepare their spells. Aurelius took a moment to survey the scene, the tension palpable among the troops. From his vantage point, Aurelius could see the possessed forces moving atop the walls, their figures shadowy against the early evening sky.
"This is it," Valen muttered beside Aurelius, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aurelius nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the city ahead. "We've prepared as much as we can. Now, we execute the plan."
General Alaric stepped forward, his voice carrying across the ranks. "Prepare the catapults! Archers, stand ready!"
The order was given and the siege catapults were wheeled into position. The soldiers moved with practiced efficiency, securing the massive siege engines and loading them with ammunition.
"The catapults are ready," General Alaric announced quietly. "Prepare for the assault. Archers, prepare to cover our advance. Mages, be ready to support as needed."
Aurelius glanced at the sky, noting the position of the sun sinking towards the horizon. They would need to move swiftly once the assault began to maximize their advantage. Despite his experience he had accumulated so far, he felt a surge of nervous energy, a mix of anticipation and apprehension, but he pushed it aside, focusing on the city before him
"All units, stand ready!" General Alaric’s command echoed through the ranks. The soldiers braced themselves, weapons at the ready, eyes trained on the walls of Silverhaven.
"Fire!" General Alaric's voice rang out, and the first volley of boulders soared through the air, crashing into the walls of Silverhaven with thunderous impact. Dust and debris filled the air as the boulders collided with their targets. The siege had begun.