The figures in dark armor slowly advanced from the shadows, their presence looming like a nightmare on the battlefield. Hikaru's instincts kicked in. Every player in this world had their own unique strategies, and Raven was no exception. Known for ambushes and swift raids, Raven's soldiers specialized in hit-and-run tactics, making them a dangerous foe.
Hikaru quickly assessed the situation. Raven's Shadow Knights were clad in black, almost blending into the surroundings. Their heavy armor was likely to be resistant to ordinary attacks, but their agility was a concern. The Archers positioned themselves at the back, aiming their bows, ready to fire.
"Blake, form a defensive line! Elite Swordsmen in front, Crossbowmen behind them," Hikaru barked, his mind racing as he readied his Command Grid.
Blake, always quick to respond, relayed the orders to the troops. The Elite Swordsmen immediately formed up, their shining blades at the ready, while the Crossbowmen took their positions behind, lining up their weapons. The Spearmen tightened their formation, their long pikes pointed outward, prepared for any encroachment.
Hikaru's Tactical Options:
Tactic: Shield Wall
+20% Defense to Frontline Units
Tactic: Precision Fire
+25% Accuracy for Archers and Crossbowmen
Tactic: Flank Guard
Spearmen will cover the flanks, preventing any sneaky movements.
Hikaru activated all three tactics, determined to minimize the risk of surprise. He knew Raven's forces would test their defenses with trickery, and he had to be prepared for that.
Raven's voice broke the silence. "So, you are the one who managed to take Wrex down. Interesting. I thought I would get to you first."
Hikaru's eyes narrowed. "If you want Ashenhold, you're going to have to fight for it."
Raven's laughter echoed through the air, chilling Hikaru to the bone. "How naive. You're just a small player in a much larger game. But... I admire your courage. Let's see how long it lasts."
Without warning, Raven's Shadow Knights lunged forward, their swords gleaming under the dim light of the rising sun. The ground seemed to shake with the force of their charge. Hikaru's heart skipped a beat as the battle began.
The Elite Swordsmen held their ground, their swords flashing as they met the charge of the Shadow Knights. Steel rang against steel, sparks flying as the two sides collided. The Shadow Knights were faster than expected, their movements fluid and precise. They didn't rely on brute strength; instead, they used agility and speed, dodging attacks with uncanny reflexes.
Blake was at the forefront, his sword flashing as he blocked an incoming strike from one of the Shadow Knights. The force of the blow sent him stumbling back, but he quickly recovered, thrusting his sword into the knight's side. The enemy knight grunted in pain but didn't fall. It was clear that these soldiers were no pushovers.
Hikaru watched, calculating his next move. His Swordsmen were struggling to keep up with the relentless assault of Raven's forces. The Crossbowmen fired volley after volley, but the Shadow Knights were dodging with ease, their armor seemingly more lightweight than it appeared.
"Focus on the Archers!" Hikaru shouted to the Crossbowmen. "Take them out first!"
The Crossbowmen immediately adjusted their aim, focusing their fire on Raven's Archers. The two Archers took cover behind the Shadow Knights, trying to stay out of range, but it was too late. One of the Crossbowmen's bolts struck true, piercing the chest of one of Raven's Archers. The enemy archer staggered, dropping to the ground with a heavy thud.
Raven, seeing one of his archers fall, gritted his teeth and barked orders. "Take down their crossbowmen! Move in!"
The Shadow Knights adjusted their tactics, one of them charging toward the Crossbowmen, his sword raised high. Another dashed to the left, aiming to flank the Spearmen on the outer perimeter.
Warning: Enemy Forces Attempting to Flank!
Spearmen, Defend Left Flank!
The Spearmen, following Hikaru's orders, pivoted quickly, forming a line to meet the charging knight. The Spearman in the front thrust his spear toward the knight, but the Shadow Knight dodged with a swift roll, coming up behind him. With a quick, practiced strike, the knight took down the Spearman. Another fell as the knights cut through their ranks, each blow precise and calculated.
Hikaru felt the weight of the situation. Their forces were strong, but they couldn't keep up with Raven's speed and overwhelming strategy. The Shadow Knights were slicing through his troops like hot knives through butter.
"Rally!" Hikaru shouted, his voice carrying through the chaos. "Rally and stand your ground!"
His words seemed to have an effect. The troops, though battered, gathered their strength, their morale boosted by Hikaru's call. The Elite Swordsmen pushed forward, their swords cutting down one of the Shadow Knights, and the Crossbowmen fired another volley, this time striking down one of the other knights.
But Raven wasn't finished yet.
The battlefield seemed to shift in an instant. Raven's Shadow Knights were fast, but they were also becoming worn down. The numbers were starting to show—despite their skill, they couldn't keep up with the constant barrage of arrows and crossbow bolts.
Hikaru's Elite Swordsmen pressed the attack, their swords flashing with renewed strength, cutting through the remaining Shadow Knights. The Crossbowmen, now free from immediate danger, aimed at the last of the enemy's forces.
One of the Shadow Knights broke off from the main group, attempting to flee. But Hikaru was already thinking ahead.
"Blake, intercept!" he ordered.
Blake dashed forward, his sword raised high. With a single, swift motion, he cut down the fleeing knight, the heavy armor of the enemy crumpling under the weight of his strike.
Victory: Raven's Forces Defeated!
The battle was over. The Shadow Knights were either dead or in full retreat, and the enemy Archers had been eliminated. Hikaru's troops, though injured, had managed to hold their ground.
Blake walked over to Hikaru, wiping the blood from his sword. "We did it. We actually pulled through."
Hikaru nodded, though his expression was grave. "This battle was won, but it's not over. Raven won't stop. There are other players like him, and we need to be ready for what's next."
He turned to the battlefield, scanning the fallen bodies of Raven's forces. The victory had come at a cost, but it had also brought valuable experience and insight. They were getting stronger, but so were their enemies.
"We need to expand, recruit more troops, and reinforce our defenses," Hikaru said. "We can't afford to sit back and wait for the next attack. We take the fight to them now."
Blake nodded. "What's the next step?"
"We push forward," Hikaru replied, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "We take control of more territory, build our army, and grow. Ashenhold will become a fortress."1