The High Elf Forest was known as a peaceful and sacred place. The trees of the forest were green and lush, and ancient secrets were hidden in its depths. However, this peace was shattered in an instant by Sadril's plot.
To execute his plan, Sadril mobilized a large-scale force. Under his tactical command, the battle preparations to attack the High Elf Forest were complete. Sadril intended to use ancient golems, mages, and mechanical soldiers to break the defenses of the High Elf Forest. In particular, the giant golem hidden in the forest would play a crucial role in his plan.
Sadril gave the order to all his soldiers.
"Set the High Elf Forest ablaze! For our glory!"
With Sadril's shout, his forces commenced their attack on the High Elf Forest. The High Elf forces moved immediately to respond to the invaders' assault. As the battle began, the High Elf warriors reacted quickly, beginning to push back Sadril's troops. However, Sadril's face was still brimming with confidence.
"The time has come. Execute Operation Darkroth!"
"As you command."
Following Sadril's order, Darkroth summoned the giant golem that had been hidden in the depths of the forest. The golem awoke with a tremor that shook the earth and advanced into the woods. Its giant footsteps began to crush the trees and buildings of the forest as it marched forward. The golem's body was as intimidating as a mountain, and it broke through the High Elf defensive line, charging into the city's interior.
Trees and buildings were smashed to pieces under the giant golem's feet, and the forest's border collapsed. The golem swung its massive fists, destroying the High Elf city walls, attacking the heart of the forest and creating chaos. The High Elf warriors fought desperately, but they seemed powerless before its size and strength. Queen Elissar commanded the battle, struggling to stop the golem's attack.
Queen Elissar, with a strong resolve, gave an order to her warriors.
"Reinforce the forest's defenses! A giant golem is attacking us! All warriors, prepare for battle!"
Following the queen's command, the High Elf warriors regrouped the forest's defenses and began to fight back against the golem's assault. However, the golem had already destroyed key areas of the forest and was breaking through their defenses. A tragic expression crossed Elissar's face as she felt the gravity of the situation and commanded the battle.
When news of the attack on the High Elf Forest reached Altechna, the kingdom swiftly prepared a response. Altechna decided to send military support, rapidly reorganizing its troops and dispatching them to the High Elf Forest. The Altechnan army, composed of powerful warriors and mages, was prepared to do its utmost to strengthen the forest's defenses.
The Altechnan commander spoke in a tense voice.
"We have received the request from the High Elf Forest, and we will respond swiftly. We will rebuild this forest's defenses and fight back against Sadril's invasion."
The Altechnan forces headed for the High Elf Forest, striving to reinforce its defenses and repair the damage. With their arrival, the High Elves were able to regroup their defenses and prepare for Sadril's next attack.
Sadril, after confirming that the invasion of the High Elf Forest was proceeding successfully as planned, contacted Mericis and gave the order for the next stage of the operation.
Sadril spoke in a cold voice.
"Mericis, the invasion of the High Elf Forest was a success. Now, attack Altechna and break their defenses. Let us use their internal chaos to achieve our objective."
Upon receiving Sadril's command, Mericis immediately began preparations for an attack on Altechna. He effectively mobilized the Noktus's forces and resources, formulating a plan to bring down Altechna's defenses.
Mericis spoke with a cool expression.
"Sadril, preparations to break Altechna's defenses are complete. We will use a deception operation to throw their defenses into chaos."
Mericis's deceptive tactics had a great effect within Altechna. Since Altechna had responded to the invasion of the High Elf Forest by sending some of its troops as support, Mericis used the gap created by this loss of forces to throw their defenses into disarray. Though Altechna was a mighty nation, it struggled to respond due to its internal power divisions and the external attack.
The attack on the High Elf Forest and the deceptive tactics against Altechna were sufficiently effective. However, the Noktus's main objective was the Gnome Kingdom. Leaving 60% of their forces in reserve, the Noktus were preparing for a massive invasion of the Gnome Kingdom.
In the cave at Hope Cape, Rian and his companions were discussing their battle plan. A war map was spread out on the table, and necessary resources were scattered around. Rian's gaze was resolute, and his companions were sharing their opinions.
Rian pointed at the map and spoke firmly.
"What we have to do is clear. Sadril and Mericis are planning to throw the High Elf Forest and Altechna into chaos, while their real plan is to attack the Gnome Kingdom. If we don't defend the Gnome Kingdom, the entire continent will be in danger."
Ria countered in a calm voice.
"Rian, the High Elf Forest and Altechna have already suffered great damage, and they are in a difficult position to respond due to internal chaos. We also need to consider providing support to these two regions."
Marielle stepped in to mediate, speaking in a gentle voice.
"Rian, I understand what Ria is saying, too. While it's important for us to defend the Gnome Kingdom, we can't ignore the situation in the High Elf Forest and Altechna. Ignoring these regions could have a major impact on our other allies. I think it would be good to plan for at least a minimum level of support that we can provide from here."
Brunok added his opinion from a practical standpoint.
"Right, supporting the High Elf Forest and Altechna is important, but we need to consider if sending direct support is efficient in the current situation. Especially since Altechna is in a state of chaos due to internal power divisions, it would be good to confirm to what extent they can respond without our support."
Rian spoke again with a resolute voice.
"I think defending the Gnome Kingdom is the more urgent priority, even though the High Elf Forest and Altechna are important. Sadril's current operation is a deception, using tactics to divert the attention of the High Elf Forest and Altechna, while his real target is the invasion of the Gnome Kingdom. If we defend the Gnome Kingdom, we'll be able to respond to the other regions as well."
Ria added her opinion with a cool analysis.
"In that case, it would be better for us to help the High Elf Forest and Altechna by providing intelligence or subsequent support, rather than sending direct aid. But I understand Rian's argument that preparing for the defense of the Gnome Kingdom comes first."
Marielle agreed with Rian's decision.
"Yes, Rian is right. If it's difficult for us to directly support the High Elf Forest and Altechna, let's do our best to help by providing intelligence or resource support. For now, it's important to strengthen the defense of the Gnome Kingdom and to formulate a follow-up response plan."
Brunok summarized the opinions practically.
"Following Rian's plan, let's make the defense of the Gnome Kingdom our top priority and consider support for the High Elf Forest and Altechna according to the situation. Let's allocate our resources efficiently to have the most effective response."
Rian, accepting his companions' opinions, decided to prioritize the defense of the Gnome Kingdom while monitoring the situation in the High Elf Forest and Altechna and providing support when necessary. They each clarified their roles and finished their preparations for battle.
Rian and his companions completed their preparations for the new development of the battle and readied themselves to face Sadril's attack, preparing for a fight that would decide the fate of the continent.
***
Episode : The Road to the Gnome Kingdom
Rian's party hurried on their way to the Gnome Kingdom. Having confirmed that Sadril's main attack target was the Gnome Kingdom, Rian had decided that its defense must be their top priority, regardless of how the situations in the High Elf Forest and Altechna unfolded. Rian knew he had to respond swiftly, having obtained information that 60% of the Noktus forces were heading there.
They stopped in a small village they had reached to gather information and spoke with the residents. The villagers knew the story of Merslin and his companions passing through this forest on their way to the Gnome Kingdom, and the legend about them had been passed down in the village.
Rian approached a middle-aged man in the village square and asked.
"Hello. We've heard about Merslin's party, who passed through here a long time ago. We need help finding their path."
The man listened to Rian, his interest visibly piqued. He recalled the stories of Merslin and said.
"Ah, Merslin! He was a truly great man. The legendary hero who defeated the Titans. He and his companions left many stories behind when they passed through this forest."
Rian asked with anticipation.
"Is there any specific information or anything that could help us regarding the path they took?"
The man thought for a moment, then took out a map.
"This map shows the path they took. It might be hard to find, as it's hidden between the old trees, but this should help."
Rian took the map and nodded.
"Thank you so much. Do you happen to know anything about the magical traces they left behind?"
The man smiled and replied.
"Their path was related to magical signals in the forest. In the old days, magical traces would even guide the way. If you look carefully, they should still be there."
Rian and his companions listened to the man's advice and decided to head into the forest, using the map they had obtained from the village.
As they entered the woods, Rian and Ria felt a strange sensation, recalling that their father and his companions had passed this way in the past.
"To think that Father and his companions passed through this very path, it's really amazing," Rian said with a smile.
Ria replied calmly. "It is. When we walk this path, it feels like we're following in their footsteps. But for now, this is an important road for us to reach our goal, the Gnome Kingdom, so we must be vigilant."
Marielle advised in a gentle voice. "The atmosphere of the forest seems peaceful, but there could be unexpected dangers, so let's proceed with caution. If we are careful, we will be able to reach our destination safely."
Brunok added his opinion from a practical standpoint. "Let's make good use of the map and the villager's information. It's important to minimize our movement in the forest and to approach the Gnome Kingdom as safely as possible. It would be best to be thoroughly prepared for any danger."
Eris quietly admired the forest's atmosphere and said. "The forest is harmoniously connected with nature, and the magical traces hidden within it are also important. We need to sense the magical energy left on our path and understand the flow of nature."
Rian listened to his companions' opinions and continued deeper into the forest, carefully surveying his surroundings. They cautiously found their way, passing hidden magical devices and traps in the woods. Thanks to their friendly relations with the Gnome Kingdom, the party confirmed that the Gnomish magical devices did not react to them. However, the Noktus forces following behind them would be troubled by these devices.
"It's a relief these devices aren't blocking our way. But it'll be a big problem if the Noktus soldiers pass through," Rian added.
Brunok looked around and replied. "There are many traps and magical devices on the path we're taking now, and the Noktus soldiers will suffer great damage. Let's keep moving, carefully."
In the forest, the party avoided the magical devices and traps, continuing on their way to the Gnome Kingdom. As their steps grew more and more cautious, their journey to the Gnome Kingdom began in earnest amidst the mystical atmosphere of the woods.