A New Morning
A new sun rose… a new day began.
Suleiman had long stopped counting the days. He was no longer in the world he once knew. This was a new realm—a world he had to adapt to, blend into, not isolate himself from like a foreign piece on a broken board.
After sharing breakfast with the others, Suleiman headed out for the daily summoning ritual.
Today's summoning wasn't much different, except for the appearance of two skilled physicians—both ranked at Class C. As for Mount Olympus and the Royal Pyramid… no new summons from either.
Thirty archers from Tiba, and fifty warriors from Sparta joined instead.
Suleiman's current village force had now grown to 350 soldiers, with 70 of them stationed at the quarry. Among them: 150 Spartan warriors, 90 Tiba archers, and 10 regular troops. He gave the command to mobilize the 70 soldiers from the quarry.
> "Ariston, Zaher—prepare the troops. We're moving toward Jackal's Village. It's seven kilometers out."
Without uttering a word, Ariston and Zaher nodded and moved out swiftly.
> "Harry, you'll stay here with the ten soldiers and defend the village. From now on, let hunting be done solely by the hunters."
> "As you command, my Lord," Harry replied quickly, then hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
"Forgive me, my Lord, but… I wish to accompany you into battle. I can recommend someone else to guard the village in my place."
Suleiman looked at him, his tone calm but resolute.
> "Harry… I know your strength. And that's exactly why you should stay here."
> "Understood, my Lord… allow me to take my leave."
Harry bowed his head and walked away in silence.
Suleiman then gathered the available physicians—only three. A small number, but the circumstances wouldn't allow for more. He trusted his soldiers' abilities, but… a weapon has no eyes.
Once Ariston and Zaher had assembled the troops, 340 soldiers stood ready, lined behind Suleiman. Athena stood close behind him. Meanwhile, Harry remained behind with the others, standing tall as they bid farewell to the departing army.
Just as they began their march, Luna arrived—breathing slightly heavy—holding a handkerchief embroidered with a sun so detailed it almost seemed to glow with life.
> "Lord Suleiman… please, take this," she said softly, extending it to him.
"They say it brings good fortune… and that it ensures a safe and victorious return."
Suleiman looked at the handkerchief. His eyes softened. He never imagined someone would wait for him to return… someone would care.
He wasn't naïve. He'd watched enough series, read enough novels—he knew how Luna felt. After all, he was the one who saved her from the goblins. Feelings… they naturally followed.
But he also knew the world he was in. Conspiracies loomed. Death could arrive at any moment—for his village, for him.
Still… he couldn't reject her.
> "Thank you… Miss Luna," he said, tying the handkerchief gently around his wrist before turning and marching onward.
As Luna watched him disappear into the distance, her eyes followed him until he was completely out of sight.
> "Our future brother-in-law looks dashing, doesn't he, my Lady?"
Lina chuckled playfully beside her.
Luna didn't reply. Her gaze remained fixed on the path he had taken.
> "He really is… something else."
Lina and Martha exchanged glances. This time, Luna hadn't denied it. It seemed their talk with her the night before had made her consider things more seriously.
---
In the Twilight Forest…
A unit of soldiers moved silently through the woods, their steps in unison. As they neared Jackal's Village, Frank appeared from the shadows.
> "My Lord," he bowed slightly.
> "What's the situation?" Suleiman asked.
> "We've been watching them closely. They haven't made any moves. It's like they're waiting for us… confident we'll attack. They've fortified themselves within the village. Around 600 men capable of fighting."
> "Got it."
Suleiman quickly gathered Zaher, Ariston, Athena, and Frank and relayed the information.
> "Is there any terrain advantage we can exploit?" Zaher asked.
Everyone's eyes turned to Frank. If there was even a sliver of advantage, the battle could tilt in their favor.
> "No," Frank said bluntly.
"The village sits on flat, open ground. No cover."
> "And they've got food reserves. We can't starve them out."
> "And we don't have time for a siege," Suleiman added grimly.
Athena stayed silent for a moment, then stepped forward.
> "There is… a way. But it depends on the soldiers' discipline."
Suleiman turned to her, then looked to Ariston and Zaher.
> "Our men only have one thing to rely on—their skill in battle," Zaher said firmly.
> "Very well. Share your plan, Athena."
> "We form a square formation—Spartan soldiers surrounding the Tiba archers. We also place some Spartan troops inside. From within, the archers unleash a rain of arrows. When the enemy attacks and pressure builds on the square, we open a small gap. Those who rush through… will be cut down swiftly. Meanwhile, the archers keep firing. We minimize casualties this way."
Suleiman paused, thinking it through.
> "Thoughts?" he asked, glancing toward Zaher and Ariston.
> "Our troops can handle it," Ariston replied.
> "Good. Then it's settled. I'll remain outside the square. If a high-level enemy appears… I'll take them down myself."
Zaher and Ariston moved out to position the troops.
Athena looked on.
> "One day, we'll need a real general," she said under her breath.
> "You're right," Suleiman replied.
"Ariston and Zaher are capable—but more fit for leading battalions or guarding flanks. Me? I'm just a beginner. And you haven't seen much warfare either."
> "Now's not the time to think about generals," Athena replied.
"Every battle we win must be quick. Because if we stop for even a second—Cobra will catch up… and devour us whole."
Suleiman's eyes narrowed, fixed on the forming battle lines.
The real war had only just begun.
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