Elian stood on a raised platform, overlooking the assembled army. The setting sun cast long shadows across the Starlit Plains, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Before him, rows of Valorian soldiers stood at attention, their armor glinting, mixed with the stout figures of dwarven warriors from the Crystalline Peaks, their rune-etched gear humming with Aether.
Elian raised his hand, and silence fell. "Soldiers of Valoria, and allies from the Peaks," he began, his voice carrying across the field. "Today, we stand united against a common foe. Ironhold seeks to take our lands, our Aether, our freedom. But we will not yield!"
A cheer rose from the ranks, but Elian continued. "With courage and Aether's blessing, we shall prevail. Let this banner be a symbol of our resolve!" He gestured, and a standard-bearer stepped forward, unfurling a magnificent banner. It was deep blue, emblazoned with Valoria's emblem—a silver star encircled by a dragon—and it glowed with a soft Aether light, casting a reassuring aura over the troops.
The soldiers' eyes widened, and a murmur of awe spread. Elian had prepared this Rare Banner of Valor in advance, claiming it was crafted by Valoria's finest, but its sudden presentation still drew whispers. He felt the Faith System pulse, confirming the 500 BP cost.
[Current BP: 1,800]
After the speech, Elian retired to the war tent, where his advisors awaited. General Korran, Lady Seraphine, Veyra, and Captain Gromm, the dwarven commander with a fiery red beard, stood around a table with maps of Dawn Pass.
"Dawn Pass is a choke point," Korran said, pointing to the map. "The cliffs are steep, and the path narrow. We can hold them there with fewer numbers."
Gromm nodded. "My cannons will rain Aether fire from above. Your knights can hold the line below."
Veyra, the lean Shadow Rogue, leaned in. "My rogues secured the water sources, but Syndicate agents may still lurk. I'll set traps along the flanks."
Elian listened, his strategist's mind racing. "Position the cannons on the high ground, Gromm. Korran, your knights will form the vanguard. Seraphine, keep the clerics ready for healing."
As they finalized plans, Elian slipped to his private tent, ensuring no eyes followed. "Show me options for 1,800 BP," he thought.
[Gold: 180,000 gold coins]
[Aether Crystals: 180 crystals]
[Rare Aether Cannon Core: 2,000 BP]
Not enough for the core, but crystals could help. "Convert 1,000 BP to Aether Crystals," he decided. A pile of glowing crystals materialized, and he had a trusted aide deliver them to the artillery, claiming they were from the kingdom's reserves.
[Current BP: 800]
Back at Dawn Pass, the army set up under the moon's pale light. The pass was a narrow canyon, its walls sheer, perfect for ambushes. Dwarven engineers hauled cannons into position, while Valorian soldiers dug trenches and built barricades. The air was thick with anticipation, the soldiers' murmurs a mix of resolve and fear.
As night deepened, a scout rushed in, armor clanking. "Sire, Ironhold's scouts—dozens of them, approaching fast!"
Elian drew his Aetherforged Blade, its blue glow illuminating his face. "To arms!" he roared, leading a charge. The skirmish was brief but fierce—arrows flew, swords clashed, and Aether Slash tore through enemy ranks. The scouts retreated, but Elian's gut twisted. "This was a feint," he muttered, scanning the shadows.
A second scout confirmed his fears. "Sire, the main force—5,000 strong, led by Ironhold's knights—is coming from the eastern ridge, a hidden path! They'll flank us by dawn!"
Elian's blood ran cold. The battle was upon them, and every choice now was a gamble.