Chapter LXX
Confrontation of Forces
While they deepened into the woods once more, Adriaas was reminded of Elchome’s significance within the Silver camp’s intricate structure.
Jebara, the new leader of their group drew nearer, matching their stride, while the man who carried her spoke into the night air, "Quite a night, isn’t it?"
"Furkan week, we warned them, but they refused to listen. Now, we must rebuild from scratch. Countless theories circulate regarding the identity of the traitor who leaked our plans and location. Personally, I suspect Kynuris. He vanished days ago, just as he was supposed to lead a squadron. Unacceptable behavior for someone in his position."
"Or perhaps he was captured and tortured by the Elkrachets," Elchome countered, skeptical of Kynuris’ betrayal. "I concur with your assessment. If Turnilius had only listened, our circumstances would be vastly different. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Indictur, Pemula, and Vulnic lost their lives."
Jebara’s angered reaction revealed their proximity. "An earlier alliance from the Council of Factions could have prevented this tragedy. Instead, we pick up the shattered fragments. I am truly sorry for your loss. Your brother and friends were valuable members of our community."
The sincerity and grief in Jebara’s words were palpable, resonating within Adriaas. "We will avenge them. Forgive me for sounding primal, but I will make Sabina pay for their lives," Elchome exhibited an unwavering determination.
As if triggered by his resolute words, an alarming voice pierced the air from a nearby area. "They’re coming! The Elkrachets!"
In that fraction of a second, everything changed. "Maintain your positions and create a defensive barrier!" Jebara commanded the silver group. "Arm yourselves and defend your lives. There is only one outcome."
"Lower me to the ground," Adriaas directed Elchome. "If anyone has a spare weapon, I can lend my aid."
Less than twelve hours had passed since her rescue, but thanks to the care of Gruvin and Elchome, Adriaas felt stronger than she had in ages. In the month preceding her capture by the empress's guards, she had undergone rigorous jujutsu training with Gidit, Banturi and Hyldia. Relentless dedication had prepared her for this moment—an opportunity to prove herself.
Elchome agreed and knelt down. "I'll be back," he assured her without divulging further details.
Raxae, Gruvin, and Jebara readied their unfolded weapons—a diverse assortment of swords, including a katana and a shashka. Their expertise in swift and lethal combat techniques far surpassed Adriaas' own.
Soon enough, Elchome returned, bringing with him a weapon intended for her. Adriaas smiled for the first time in months, grateful for the upgrade. With both hands, Elchome offered her a Dao—a symbol of his trust in her.
Initially, Adriaas had trained with a unique Chinese weapon called a bang, but through progress and determination, she had earned the right to wield a Dao. As she studied the intricate details of this weapon—a Jiuhuandao—she felt a surge of confidence, bolstered by the gleam in Elchome’s eyes.
Jebara issued orders, preparing the group for the imminent confrontation. Though outnumbered, Adriaas couldn’t help but feel a surge of fierce resolution. They must have appeared formidable, each member spread out strategically, ready to face as many enemies as necessary to survive. She approached the situation with the same mindset when in fear since living in Imperia. Trying to view everything as a Virtualis experience, a new level to overcome.
The silver-clad group had precisely seven minutes and thirty-seven seconds to complete their preparations. When the first signs of the approaching Elkrachet soldiers became visible, screams of surprise came to their ears.
Specialized archers targeted the stealthy adversaries attempting to ambush them. The resounding twangs of their bows meant success. Jebara had provided bows equipped with night vision and laser targeting. Each arrow possessed various effects, ranging from exploding shrapnel, smoke bombs, and poison. These tools were employed to impede the advance of the enemy brigade. The Elkrachets were wholly committed to obliterating the rebellion they represented. A non-option for Capahuento.
With determined hearts and focused minds, the silver group of Kapas stood united, prepared to confront their enemies head-on. The future of their cause hinged on the outcome of the upcoming battle.
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Faced with adversity, their strategy proved effective. The archers neutralized the initial waves of enemies, granting them a fleeting advantage.
“Kapas! This challenge may not be what we expected. We are all weary, and I understand your fatigue. However, we must rectify the damage caused by others and learn from their mistakes,” Jebara motivated the assembled crowd. “Remember, we have freed all the prisoners, our loved ones and allies while also giving peace to those condemned to death by Sabina’s decree. Some of them stand among us now, ready to embrace a new dawn and ignite the flames of their unbreakable resolve!” With those words, she raised two swords high, charging towards the Empress’ soldiers, ready to confront the imminent clash.
“For Capahuento!” She chanted, followed by sixty voices.
With the archers providing cover, the rest of the group advanced, prepared for the battle. Adriaas felt a surge of exhilaration, her feet steady and strong, no longer trembling with fear. Her body pulsed with a mix of anger and guilt, the remnants of the grudges she held against Sabina and her Elkrachet’s her driving force.
With her newfound resolve, Adriaas tightened her grip on her blade and prepared to engage in combat with the approaching army of Elkrachets. The clash of metal filled the air as she focused her attention on Elchome and Miveria, who fearlessly led their pack into the fray. The archers provided exceptional support, expertly picking off targets without missing a beat.
As expected, Elchome and Miveria were among the first to engage the empress’s army. Adriaas shifted her focus to a soldier charging at her with impressive speed. She stood her ground, anticipating his every move. The three pills Gruvin had given her had given temporary strength, allowing her to move and evade the attacks of their adversaries with grace. Her Jiuhuandao—a formidable weapon combining a blade and a saw—deflected a series of strikes meant to kill Adriaas. To her surprise, her strength and intuition repelled the attacks and responded, striking from every direction. Her commanding muscles caused the soldier to falter under her relentless assault. Up close, she observed the red paint on his face meant to intimidate, resembling the ferocious mouth of a rabid wolf.
Aware that everyone was giving their all, Adriaas pushed herself to match their energy. She attacked soldier after soldier with the agility and precision honed through those early trainings with her roommates. A number of soldiers, impressed by her tenacity, acknowledged her bravery by focusing on them and prepared to strike after their fellow solider fell on the ground.
Despite their intentions to act, Elchome got in front of them, delivering powerful punches with a special pair of gloves that shattered jaws and ribs in consequence, leaving them incapacitated before they could reach her.
The rising sun illuminated the battlefield, exposing the enemy forces. Adriaas’s friend continued to fight off any who approached, breaking bones with each impactful blow.
Though Adriaas wasn’t sure if she appreciated the interruption, a fire burned within her, fueling her thirst for vengeance. Setting her sights on another opponent—a woman with orange hair wielding a flail—Adriaas engaged in a duel. Despite her opponent’s agility, Adriaas skillfully evaded the swings of the spiked ball. Seizing an opportunity, she maneuvered behind the soldier, slicing the tendons in the back of her quadriceps. The agonized scream confirmed the defeat of Sabina’s follower, who would likely be incapacitated for a long period after that fight.
A voice in Adriaas’s mind whispered that her actions were morally ambiguous, but she refused to risk her life amid battle for such considerations. Casting a quick glance around, she spotted Raxae fighting off two soldiers while Gruvin tended to the wounded. Elchome fought back-to-back alongside Jebara and Miveria. They showcased exceptional swordsmanship, dispatching one guard after another. Feeling a sense of equilibrium against the relentless Elkrachet forces, they held their ground. However, one archer had fallen, and the remaining few struggled to keep up with the increasing numbers.
Adriaas became so consumed by the violence unfolding around her that a primal instinct took over. With the rising sun at her back, she and her comrades fought with resilience, some to the point of death, while others sustained grievous injuries. In a matter of minutes, Adriaas dispatched five adversaries with her blade. She moved her Dao with the grace and expertise of a seasoned martial artist.
When no more enemies approached her, she lowered her weapon. Her breathing was rapid, her sweat-soaked clothes clinging to her body, and her blade stained with blood. Though she did not intend to kill, she hoped surviving enemies would receive medical attention from the Elkrachets.
After an hour, they defended the silver faction with success, albeit with heavy casualties. Their leader, Jebara, had fallen victim to six guards who had resorted to a desperate and dishonorable act to bring her down. Twenty others had lost their lives in the battle, a cruel injustice. Jebara died a hero, but they couldn’t afford to dwell on their grief. They had to reach the new camp.
With their numbers reduced and exhaustion weighing upon them, the silver group pressed on, now under the leadership of Elchome, leaving hundreds of Elkrachet bodies behind. Walking beside him, Adriaas witnessed the internal turmoil he harbored, having lost so many comrades. Yet, he marched forward, his head held high, resolute to reach their target.
Inspired by Elchome’s resolve, Adriaas marched, trying to leave her guilts behind but unable to stop wondering if she had killed anyone that night.
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Thank you for reading! See you in Chapter LXXI - "Some Good Apples".
Next chapter is due for a flashback. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on the latest arc of Adriaas' life in Imperia?
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Aequitas and much love,
Indigo Sapiens.
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