Melody of War

*Clank* *clank* *clank*

Tens of thousands of metallic boots arrived at the desired location of the battle to come. Almost simultaneously, they all came to a halt as the signal was given. They spread out and unloaded the carts that were equally distributed among battalions. Two hundred lines of smoke reached the sky almost simultaneously. Meals were served and chatter started. A rumor was spreading that the opposing army was larger and were substantially stronger than them. Along with this rumor, doubt increasingly took over the whole army. The sun heated their armors and they all became uncomfortable. They knew the fight wasn't going to start yet but in a few hours, and they wondered if they would be able to stand the heat until the battle started.

As the hours passed by, fear diminished little by little and the heat of the sun waned. The night was getting closer when the ground started to tremble.

*Clank* *clank* *clank*

Steps could be heard approaching like an upcoming storm. Suddenly, their attention was redirected to the loud voice of the commander, which was heard up to the last man in the back of the formation.

"Attention, soldiers!" he roared loudly and the chatter stopped. All heads turned forward. "We are all here together to take the first step toward our glory. We will fight, we will shed blood, but it will not be in vain. Our victory will bring prosperity and peace to everyone around us. May this battle not only be the first of many, but the best of all the ones we fight."

The morale of the army went right back up and screams of joy and anticipation could be heard all over the place. They had not forgotten their fears, but they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Besides, if they died, they'd just log back in the next day; no big deal. They cherished their equipment and their levels, but the rewards were worth it. A third of the army was made of NPCs gathered from various realms by the commander. They were also affected by his high leadership and their morale was even higher than that of the rest of the soldiers.

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Five minutes had passed when the charge-signalling horns were heard and the anxious soldiers ran toward the enemy troops. Arrows flew over the skies in all directions, fire spells too. Tornados sent soldiers flying everywhere they passed. The earth crumbled and rain started to pour. Some swords clanged against shields and helmets, and others cut limbs, heads and scarred torsos in the frontline.

Some soldiers started to notice certain rising sound that got stronger and stronger. It was still too low to discern, but it was starting to seem like music. It was rhythmic and melodious. Seconds passed and then minutes and it kept growing. Then the music was audible to both armies. And as it reached the point in which it could be heard clearly by each and every individual, even if they were in the middle of a gruesome sword encounter, or going around in circles inside a tornado, a voice rose above all sound that could be heard. It was hypnotizing, almost magical. It seemed as if it were made of pure war, strength and perseverance. As if it sang the tunes of victory, and the battle followed its rhythm.

The people who still had doubt in their hearts felt their bodies go lighter. Their hands and feet moved like the wind and their swords cut through all that stood in their way. Their attitudes changed completely. They started smiling and laughing as blood splashed everywhere. And their enemies weren't afraid. When they heard the music, they were left in awe of its beauty and perfection. Somehow they felt like they were destined to lose.

The victory was absolute. No one retreated and there weren't many deaths. The music had stopped and everyone wondered where it had come from. They looted the bodies and laughed, but still looked around for the source. No one seemed to know.