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nThe sun rose high, casting golden rays of light upon Moonshadow City.

nThe sound of marching boots reverberated through the streets as the city’s inhabitants gathered along the roads, curious about the cause of such a commotion.

nWhat they saw was an army of a thousand men, clad in domineering crimson-red armor, marching in perfect unison.

nTheir steps were synchronized with military precision.

nFlags bearing the emblem of their lord, Maximus, fluttered in the gentle breeze.

nThe citizens, observing their striking march, felt their blood boil.

nTheir eyes were filled with admiration, and some parents even had their children cling to them, telling them that one day they would become great soldiers too.

nThe parents laughed with chests held high, knowing that such a formidable force would act as their shield against any impending threat.

nThe soldiers’ faces remained expressionless, but deep inside, they felt pride, showcasing the result of their rigorous training.

nThe clanking of armor and the steady beat of war drums echoed, creating a symphony of strength and unity.

nAs the army disappeared into the distance, the overwhelming display of power brought a sense of unity and reassurance, igniting a profound pride within the inhabitants.

n…

nOn the observation deck above Stonebrick City, two guards stood vigilantly, their eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of possible attacks.

nAs they looked over, they engaged in a conversation.

n“I heard the nobles called for a gathering,” one guard whispered, leaning against the rough stone wall.

n“Does it mean the war will resume?”

nThe other guard sighed, his gaze fixed on the distant field. “It’s hard to say,”

n“There was a ceasefire due to the deaths of a large number of nobles and there is a potential threat from the neighboring kingdom. But after a period of consolidation, it seems like the tension is rising again.”

nNodding solemnly, the first guard sighed, “The war left us with severe food shortages, and I’ve heard of many people dying from hunger. It’s truly an unfortunate predicament.”

nThe second guard’s expression mirrored the weight of their conversation. “I know, right?”

n“Fortunately, Aetheria Market was built as it somewhat alleviates the situation.”

nCuriosity flickered in the first guard’s eyes. “Aetheria Market? I’ve heard about it, but what exactly is it?”

nThe second guard’s voice carried a hint of mystery. “I don’t know much, but I’ve heard that it’s from another place, and they’ve opened the market here.”

n“Really? That sounds mysterious. What would they want in this poor place? Perhaps they’re searching for something?” the first guard replied.

n“Indeed, looking at their supplies, it seems like they are not short of money that they need to expand the market here.” the second guard explained.

nAs they were talking, their eyes suddenly caught sight of a dust cloud in the distance.

nTheir conversation abruptly stopped as they looked at each other’s faces.

n“Look, over there!” one guard exclaimed, pointing towards the approaching army.

n“We have an enemy approaching!”

nWithout hesitation, they both sprang into action.

nOne guard swiftly reached for the signal flare, a small cylindrical tube containing a colored smoke canister.

nHe ignited it, sending a plume of bright red smoke into the air.

nThe signal flare arced above the city walls, leaving a trail of red smoke, serving as a reminder of an enemy invasion.

n…

nThe commanding officer, a seasoned Tier 2 Great knight, approached the guards who had ignited the signal flare, his expression was stern.

nTaking a look at the guards’ anxious faces.

n“What happened?” His voice carried a tinge of annoyance.

nOne guard stepped forward, his voice shaky. “Sir, we spotted an approaching enemy.”

nThe commanding officer’s brow furrowed as he listened.

nHe retrieved a small device resembling a telescope, swiftly extending it to get a closer look at the situation.

n𝑜𝗏𝑳xt.𝗇t

nPeering through the device, he observed the approaching army.

nAfter a while, a wry smile appeared on his lips.

n“There are only about three hundred of them,”

n“This is nothing more than a mere bandit attack. There was no need for the needless panic.” He remarked with a smug tone.

nHis comment stung the guards, who exchanged glances, their faces showing a hint of embarrassment.

n“We apologize, sir. We acted instinctively with the city’s safety in mind,” one guard reasoned.

nThe commanding officer dismissed their apology with a wave of his hand. “It’s okay. What we need to do is deal with it swiftly. Prepare the troops for a skirmish. This should be an easy victory for us.”

nHe turned away from the guards, his confidence seeming to calm them as they began to prepare for the city’s defense.

n…

nLieutenant General Lith halted their march, his gaze fixed on Stonebrick City ahead.

nThe red smoke dancing in the air caught his attention as if welcoming their arrival.

nWith a calm expression, he turned to his troops. “It seems they have already spotted us,” he murmured.

n“Form the array formation!” Lith ordered, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

n“Take your positions, lock shields, and hold the line!”

nThe soldiers responded immediately as if they had performed this maneuver countless times before.

nThey moved into their designated positions, aligning their shields to create an impenetrable barrier.

nThe Titan array formation took shape, satisfying Lith.

nThe knights’ shields became infused with earth magic, forming an impervious barrier capable of withstanding powerful assaults from the front.

nWith this formation, there were no enemies that could harm them.

nPhalanx of the Titan (Tier 1): This formation arranges the knights tightly, creating an impenetrable formation reminiscent of ancient titans flexing their muscles. The knights’ shields are infused with earth magic, forming an impervious barrier. Price: 1500 gold

n“Remember, soldiers, we fight not only for victory but for the unity of our kingdom,” Lith declared, projecting an inspiring aura.

n“Stay focused, trust in your training, and let our array formation be the shield that protects us.”

nWith each soldier locked in their position, the array formation stood as a formidable sight.

nThe troops awaited further orders as they slowly marched toward the city wall.

n…

nAs the city guards watched the approaching enemy force, a wave of fear washed over them, causing their hands to tremble and their hearts to race.

nThe aura emanating from the oncoming troops felt like an overwhelming shield ready to crush them.

nThe Tier 2 knight commander in charge of the battle couldn’t help but feel a shiver down his spine.

nAlthough he was not considered very strong in this continent, his strength granted him superiority over most opponents.

n“These soldiers… they felt like a giant monster,” one guard whispered.

n“How is this possible? Are they all knights?” His voice filled with disbelief.

nThe commanding officer swallowed hard, his eyes locked on the advancing enemy.

nAlthough, their number is small but combined with their strength, made him question his initial assumptions.

nTheir formation appeared to be tightly coordinated, like hungry wolves deprived of prey for weeks.

nThough he outranked them by a tier, he still couldn’t shake the feeling that he and his guards were nothing more than ants facing an elephant.

nThe realization sent a chill through his veins.

n“Pre..prepare yourselves!” the commanding officer called out, his voice cracking, betraying his lack of confidence.

n“Hold your ground and fight with all your might! Those who retreat will be killed without mercy!”

nThe city guards exchanged nervous glances, their faces pale with fear.

nThey were acutely aware of the danger they were about to face, but they had been given a death order that they could not refuse.

nThey unleashed a barrage of arrows upon the advancing enemy, hoping to inflict some damage or at least delay them.

nHowever, as the arrows met the enemy, it seemed as if they encountered an invisible barrier, leaving the enemy unscathed.

nTheir futile efforts only served to deepen their sense of helplessness.

nLieutenant General Lith, leading the charge from the front, paid no attention to the raining arrows.

nThey were like mere toothpicks, bouncing harmlessly off an impervious shield.

nHis eyes locked onto the closed gates of the city as he commanded the army in formation. “Charge!” Lith’s voice thundered.

nThe soldiers, upon hearing this order, charged with all their might.

nBANG!

nWith a deafening sound, the gate flew while still attach the wall.

nThe combined strength of over three hundred knights was so powerful that it blasted the gate, flying.

nSeeing this, the guards felt their hearts sink.

nSome were already looking for opportunities to retreat.

nHowever, upon seeing their commanding officer, they held their ground.

nLittle did they know that their so-called commander was already planning his own escape, intending to use them as a delay tactic.

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