The Hidden Fortress had fallen, yet Ryunosuke remained elusive. His Shadow Army, though fractured and demoralized, had slipped westward through narrow mountain passes and dense forests. The Crescent Empire could not allow the enemy to regroup; the pursuit was now essential to secure lasting control over the western provinces.
**[System Alert]:] Enemy detected: Ryunosuke's remaining forces. Estimated strength: 1,500–2,000. Terrain: mountainous valleys, dense forests, narrow passes. Recommended action: mobile pursuit, ambush strategy, intelligence-driven engagement.
Eugene studied maps and reports, tracing every known route through the western valleys. Narrow passes, steep ridges, and river crossings provided natural bottlenecks, perfect for trapping an enemy reliant on mobility.
Hiroshi stretched, gripping his axe. "Finally! Some proper hunting. Let's flush them out!"
Eugene's calm gaze swept across the troops. "Patience. This is not a hunt of speed alone—it is a battle of foresight, strategy, and anticipation. Ryunosuke's forces must be forced into disadvantageous terrain."
Aiko, reviewing intelligence gathered from captured soldiers and loyal villagers, added, "He is desperate. Morale is low, supply lines disrupted, and command fractured. This pursuit will not only catch them—it will break them psychologically."
**[System Advisory]:] Probability of successful encirclement: 74%. Optimal strategy: divide forces, control terrain, monitor escape routes.
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Coordinated Pursuit
Crescent forces moved swiftly but strategically. Small scouting units, disguised as travelers and hunters, penetrated forests and passes, relaying enemy movements back to Eugene. Cavalry units remained mobile, ready to strike from the flanks, while Spears secured key chokepoints.
**[System Log]:] Enemy mobility detected: reduced by 28%. Supply status: precarious. Probability of engagement success with current deployment: 81%.
Eugene's eyes tracked the valley network. "Ryunosuke believes the western valleys provide escape. We will turn every pass into a trap. Every river crossing, ridge, and forest path will be under observation."
Hiroshi grinned. "So, we box them in and hit them hard?"
Eugene nodded faintly. "Exactly. Every move will be calculated. Speed without precision is useless. Control the battlefield, control the enemy."
Aiko added, "And every intercepted supply, every skirmish, and every psychological pressure strengthens our authority. The valleys themselves become part of Crescent influence."
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First Contact
After two days of tracking, Crescent scouts reported a small enemy contingent attempting to raid a supply caravan. The saboteurs, unaware of Crescent observation, moved cautiously along a forested pass.
**[System Advisory]:] Probability of successful interception: 88%. Recommended action: ambush and containment.
Eugene's command was quiet, precise. "Allow them to commit fully. Once they are engaged, surround them from multiple directions. Control, not chaos, will determine success."
Cavalry struck from ridges, Spears blocked the exit, and archers concealed in trees created confusion. Ryunosuke's soldiers, trained for stealth and mobility, found themselves trapped in a controlled engagement.
Hiroshi roared, cleaving through a fleeing enemy. "Finally! Real action!"
Eugene, calm and analytical, adjusted formations. "Focus on coordination. Every move is part of a larger strategy. Collapse the enemy without wasting resources."
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Psychological Impact
The intercepted contingent revealed critical intelligence: Ryunosuke's remaining forces were gathering at the valley forks, planning a final regrouping. Internal distrust and low morale had already begun to fragment the Shadow Army.
**[System Advisory]:] Enemy cohesion: critically weakened. Probability of desertion or surrender: 57%.
Eugene's eyes gleamed. "The psychological advantage is ours. Every failure, every interception, every pressure applied weakens their resolve. Now we force them into terrain that magnifies these weaknesses."
Aiko observed, "And this controlled pursuit demonstrates Crescent authority to the surrounding provinces. Civilians see power and order, reducing potential rebellion."
Hiroshi spat on the ground. "Let's give them a reason to run for good this time."
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Tactical Deployment
Eugene divided his forces into three coordinated groups:
Northern Ridge Cavalry: Positioned to flank any retreat from the valley forks.
Central Spear Units: Holding the main valley pass, controlling movement and preventing enemy consolidation.
Southern Archers and Light Infantry: Concealed along riverbanks and forest edges, ready to harass and disrupt enemy formations.
**[System Log]:] Deployment complete. Probability of successful envelopment: 82%. Operational readiness: optimal.
Eugene instructed his generals, "Coordination is key. Every unit must act as one, but remain flexible. Ryunosuke's desperation may provoke reckless movements. We will exploit them fully."
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The Trap is Set
As Ryunosuke's forces entered the valley forks, Crescent scouts transmitted signals to coordinate attacks. False retreats and misdirection lured enemy units into the narrowest points, where cavalry and archers awaited in hidden positions.
**[System Advisory]:] Probability of decisive engagement success: 79%. Casualties (Crescent): minimal.
The Shadow Army, expecting a vulnerable retreat, instead encountered a perfectly orchestrated ambush. Flanks were closed, archers rained arrows from concealed positions, and Spears blocked retreat paths. Panic spread quickly among Ryunosuke's soldiers, breaking their formations.
Hiroshi laughed with exhilaration. "Look at them scramble! This is what I call fun!"
Eugene's calm voice cut across the chaos. "Control the battlefield. Every move they make confirms our predictions. The valley is ours. Collapse must be complete."
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Enemy Fragmentation
Desperation caused Ryunosuke's forces to fragment further. Small units attempted to break through flanking positions but were intercepted efficiently. Desertion increased, and internal mistrust among commanders surfaced. The Shadow Army's cohesion disintegrated under pressure.
**[System Update]:] Enemy cohesion critically compromised. Probability of surrender: high.
Aiko noted, "The psychological effect is profound. Even elite soldiers lose confidence when leadership appears ineffective. Every failed maneuver reinforces Crescent dominance."
Eugene nodded. "Precisely. Victory comes not just from steel, but from anticipation, control, and exploitation of weakness."
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Ryunosuke's Flight
With his remaining forces trapped and morale shattered, Ryunosuke ordered a tactical withdrawal toward the western highlands. Crescent units allowed a controlled retreat, focusing on cutting off supply lines and capturing key lieutenants to prevent regrouping.
**[System Advisory]:] Enemy retreat detected. Casualties: moderate. Probability of future resistance: low but persistent.
Eugene analyzed the situation. "We have forced Ryunosuke into a corner. His forces are fragmented, supplies cut, and morale shattered. Continued pressure will ensure full western integration."
Hiroshi grinned. "I say we chase him into the mountains and finish this once and for all."
Eugene's eyes gleamed. "Patience. Pursuit is as much about anticipation as it is about speed. We will corner him, but every action must remain calculated."
Securing the Western Valleys
Crescent forces moved to secure villages, roads, and river crossings in the western valleys. Supply lines were reinforced, loyal commanders installed, and surveillance units monitored any remaining Shadow Army remnants.
**[System Update]:] Western valleys secured. Enemy forces: fractured. Probability of total western unification: increasing.
Aiko remarked, "This pursuit strengthens both morale and loyalty. The provinces now witness not just military strength, but strategic brilliance."
Eugene nodded. "Every action reinforces authority. Every victory teaches both enemy and allies that Crescent control is inevitable."
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Foreshadowing the Final Confrontation
Intelligence confirmed Ryunosuke's remaining forces were concentrating in the western highlands, seeking allies among distant clans. Crescent forces had taken the initiative, controlling terrain, morale, and supply lines.
**[System Advisory]:] Enemy consolidation probability: moderate. Recommended action: reconnaissance, strategic engagement, preparation for decisive battle.
Eugene addressed his council. "The western valleys are secure. Ryunosuke's forces are cornered, weakened, and desperate. The final engagement approaches. Every province, every unit, and every plan must be prepared for the decisive confrontation that will determine the fate of the Rising Sun Empire."
Hiroshi flexed his arms. "I've been waiting for this. Let's finish him!"
Eugene's eyes glimmered with calculation. "And we will. Patience, preparation, and precision will ensure victory. Ryunosuke cannot escape the Rising Sun."
**[System Log]:] Western valleys secured. Enemy morale: critically low. Crescent Empire strategic advantage: decisive. Next operation: decisive engagement with Ryunosuke in western highlands.
The sun set over the valleys, casting long shadows over the secured territory. Crescent banners waved proudly, signaling order, authority, and inevitability. The Rising Sun Empire had cornered its enemy, and Eugene's brilliance would guide the final steps toward complete western unification.