"This is quite exiting. Fighting with you like we once did. I hope I do not hinder anyone. I feel as if it's going to be my first time in a while to fight," Charles said with glee while walking with Laruse, Cecil, and a few others in a dense forest.

"Mr. Charles, how are you going to fight? You're not carrying anything on you. Are you perhaps a mage?" Cecil asked as she looked at the cloak wearing man with curiosity, equipped with nothing but his small leather armor and metal shin greaves.

"Please, simply call me Charles. And worry not, Cecil. I've come armed with many surprises. I simply wish that I might utilize them effectively on the battlefield. But with it, I can protect many, as I always had in the past. So, fear not, I shall do my best to protect you and everyone here. But it seems that you won't need me with Laruse around. I can confidently say that you are away from harm as long as he protects you," he smiled with a side glance at her.

"Don't push all the work on me. I'm not that invincible. I'm still trying to get back to my old form. There's still ways to go with that, but eventually I'll get there. Besides, Cecil can handle herself... sometimes," said Laruse, focusing on the road in front of him as he spoke.

"What do you mean "sometimes"? I can handle myself rather well," Cecil retorted.

"I don't really want to rub it in you, but I remember a few times that you've been captured because you were too scared to act. Other than that, you're too terrifying to have as an enemy. I'm glad to have you covering my back," he ruffled her hair with a small grin.

"Ah, you didn't have to remind me. Well, fine. If you say it like that, then I'll just have to keep doing my best."

"Look at you two, quite like brother and sister with a strong bond. You both look almost inseparable at a glance," Charles interrupted in his amusement.

"Brother and sister, huh?" Cecil became silent, taking sneaking glances at Laruse after what Charles had said.

"Hmm? Something wrong? You became silent all of a sudden," Laruse said upon noticing her.

"Oh, nothing. It's nothing. Let's keep going, we might be late if we keep walking at our current pace," she said, waving off the suspicion from him, but piquing the interest of one cloaked man who looked at her with a cunning intrigue.

"We're close. Everyone keep a sharp eye out for any other presences in the area besides us," the one leading the skirmish unit said, cautiously peering through the trees.

The light pierced through the trees, providing them with a bit light to navigate the path without much difficulty.

The primary units stayed as they were, but another, smaller, unit consisting of only the quickest and skilled was created for the sole purpose taking down enemies with great efficiency, then retreating, hopefully reducing casualties by a great amount.

Ophelia had proposed a plan prior to them embarking on the arduous journey through the dense forest, following a road that would eventually lead them to a path near Kausten, one that the army is said to cross.

The first phase of their objective was to divide into three groups after having located the rear and rear-end flanks, then positioning themselves for a strategic attack.

"Captain, I think that's them. They're going to be passing us by," said one of the scouts silently, spectating the armed soldiers passing them by without notice.

They were small enough that each one of them could hide within the forest, escaping the gazes of the soldiers.

"Stay in position. We will wait for the rear to pass us by for five to ten steps. Then we assault and take down as many of them as we can within five minutes. Finally, retreat to the other side of the forest after I give the signal. Listen closely otherwise you'll be left behind," the leader faced the group, whispering.

Soon after a few moments of waiting, the rear and flanks of the passing army came into view, still not having a clue of the ambush lying in wait for them.

"On my signal, be ready to charge silently, then attack right away after Laruse's companion, Miss Cecil blows them up with her spell," they all placed their attentions to her, making her quite frantic about the pressure.

"Don't worry, you'll do fine. I'm confident," Laruse again ruffled her hair, standing up and readying himself.

"Go, move out now and get close enough behind them."

They started moving silently, not emerging from the shadows of the forest and into the roads, facing the backs of the marching soldiers.

Cecil placed both palms in front of her, pointing it towards the hapless group, creating a ball of light that emitted heat, releasing it to fire an immensely large ball of fire directly at the soldiers, containing a powerful amount of speed, enough to make a booming echo through the forest, knocking back even the farthest ones, but burning the ones they targeted.

Second was to charge them and create disorder within their ranks for a brief period of time, not longer than five minutes.

"Now!" they all charged attacking the rear as another group attacked from the sides, splitting and dividing the army.

In a skillful, swift motion, as if he were flowing like water; Laruse slashed and cut through his opposition without much resistance, immediately dying as he spared no expense at cutting through their armor deeply, rendering it almost useless.

His awe-inspiring waltz kept the soldiers in a daze as they were unable to discern when or who he was going to attack, yet it also inspired his allies, motivating them to do as much as they could.

There were those that fought back, but were still met by a strong opposition, one that made quick work of them despite his lack of a proper weapon to combat blades.

Charles weaved left and right, avoiding their blades, not letting a single one of them scratch him.

One of them was nearly able to score him with his blade, but was unable due to Charles stopping it with his arm clad in a gauntlet, made of mysterious metal, that gleamed brightly despite the lack of light being reflected on it.

He then began smashing through those that approached him with his fists, knocking them out or far away as his left hand gauntlet seemed invincible, impregnable even, having met and broken the blades of numerous approaching soldiers seeking to fight back the sudden skirmishers.

"Hmm, it seems that I can still make it materialize rather easily."

"What is the situation here?! What is going on?" one of the soldiers had come up from the middle section of the army to inquire about the commotion, only to see the sight of an ambush, one that had wounded their rear flanks immensely.

"Fight them back, there's only a few of them," one had tried to maintain order and control on the unorganized soldiers, effectively forming them despite the chaos, showing that they were experienced enough to handle such things like an ambush.

"Charge them back!" they ordered, unleashing a rank of soldiers to move in waves, overpowering the skirmishers as they fought alone, or in groups of two to three.

"Everyone, retreat! " the captain of the group yelled out as he saw them slowly getting overpowered in such a short amount of time, rallying his allies to the direction that they should follow.

As the soldiers began approaching, it was finally time for them to escape, having only a minimal amount of casualties while still maintaining a substantial number of capable fighters.

The third part was to regroup with a scout unit a few ways ahead of them so that they could report their success.

They did not stop running, following the one who led them until they reached a small clearing where three-armed people looked to be waiting, holding their weapons out to the approaching group, nervous about being found out by the enemy soldiers.

"Are you scout unit one?" the leader said, catching his breath while looking back and making sure that they were not followed.

"Yes. How did the it go?"

"Well. Relay it quick to miss Ophelia while they’re still reeling from the attack. We don't have much time with the limit we've been given."

"Very well. Please wait here and rest till I get more orders from the main unit," she said, nodding to the two others in her group, then departing further into the forest leaving them by themselves for a while.

There in the city of Kausten Ophelia and a few members of the organization stood waiting anxiously for the results of the first, and most vital phase of the plan.

She was with the governor of the city-state, giving out orders to her own subordinates and the army of the city, which the governor had given her full control of seeing as how she could effectively use them.

"Is everything ready on the front?" she asked one of the adequately armed city soldiers.

"Yes, ma'am. All we're waiting for is for the enemy to arrive. Nothing unusual on the roads. The towers and those in charge of it are all prepared"

"Thank you. Then please, captain, return to your post and be ready to put the plan in effect right away. I will send someone over if there is any need to adjust it at all," she dismissed the soldier, allowing another to make his report.

"The citizens are all kept at a safe place. We've had them evacuate to a nearby safe retreat in the forest with a few of our most experienced soldiers. There is no need to worry about those in the city."

"Thank you. But still, I want to make sure. Please divide yourselves in two and search the city again, there might be children or elderly that was left behind. Have the rest go to their ranks and prepare for the enemy's arrival."

"As you wish, ma'am. If you'll excuse me," he left briskly, not wasting any time as he went to dashing towards the districts.

"I just really want to express my thanks for helping our city out. I don't think I could have done anything to defend the city against such a large army," a tall old man sporting a white beard came by, wearing his casual clothing, nervously moving about.

"Pease don't worry about that. I should be the one thanking you for helping us all this time despite being close to the capital of the revolution. You have great courage, uncle Caspian," she produced a gentle smile that warmed the old man's heart, making him heave a sigh.

"Your father would be so proud of you, Ophelia. I'm just not the man that I used to be. I'm used up and weak. I can't make a difference other than being myself. I had half a mind to simply not let you participate in this, and even in the organization. It was simply too dangerous to let someone as young as you do such a thing. Yet here you are, helping me out. I am proud of you, but not of myself," he cast his head down in sorrow, his body shivering slightly.

"Please, don't be like that. You were once a great warrior, one who even claimed to have fought alongside a hero of the past. Hold your head up high. You have done more than enough. Now leave this to me. I shall do all in my power to succeed, uncle. Now please go where the other citizens have gone while there is still time," she urged him, surprisingly lifting the old man's sorrow even for by a bit.

"Hey, Ophelia. Everything's ready on my side. Something else you... need? Caspian? You're still here?" Cedric came up to them with a surprised expression.

"Cedric. You both have grown splendidly. I have never imagined you two to be involved in atrocities against man, forgive me. I know I trained you in some of the things I have knowledge on, and things I have learned about, so I will depend on you, Cedric, to keep Ophelia, and everyone else safe."

"You can depend on me. I won't allow harm to come to her. Now, go while you still can. You're starting to worry even me," Cedric urged Caspian away.

"How's everything coming along?" he asked Ophelia.

"Everything has been put into motion. I have faith that what my father had taught me over the years about strategy and tactics will pay off. Yet I cannot help but feel anxious about all of this. It feels unnatural."

"It is because you say it is. Have a bit more faith in yourself. You don't see it, but I do. You're capable of making things happen the way you want it, that's why I'm going to give this my all as well so you don't get all the burden," he smiled at her, reassuring her.

"Thank you, Cedric. At any moment, they should be arriving about now, so please tell everyone to be ready. All we need to wait for is the scout unit I've sent to wait for the skirmisher unit."

Just as she said who she was waiting for, a three-person group car from the vicinity, running as fast as their legs could take them.

"Leader! The skirmisher unit is successful! The army had been halted briefly, but they are wary from another attack coming from behind them, prepared even, as if then attack didn't hinder them at all," the leader of the three saluted to Ophelia, carrying a formal tone.

"Thank you for your hard work. What we need to do now is wait for them and outlast the main assault while having the skirmisher unit attack their flanks. We will use Kausten's natural flora to our advantage. Please wait here until the enemy arrives. Then return to the skirmisher unit and tell them to attack the flanks at the given intervals."

"Very well."

Meanwhile, the sound of constant and orderly marching emerged from the horizon, carrying intimidation and a strong presence with them, not looking perturbed or disturbed at all.

There stood a tall, robust man with a neat, dark, combed-back hair, wearing dark steel armor with a dark tunic beneath it. His youthful face was dignified and brimming with energy, yet not uptight, as if always in anticipation and never hesitating.

"Halt position!" he yelled out, his men stopping in place like a well-tuned veteran army.

He looked over the defense of the city, grinning as he held his chin with one hand.

"Impressive. It seems that they have a rather skilled tactician. It's as if the entire city has been prepared for the battle, which should not have been leaked at all. That means that their intel is solid. This is rather tricky. What can you make of this, general Marcia?" he asked in a carefree way, not worrying at all.

The one he asked; however, did not respond, keeping a keen eye on the battlefield instead, stern and quiet in her disposition.

She was long, dark haired, wearing light, dark armor, similar to the robust man, but fitted for her slim body. She wielded a simple longsword that was sheathed by her waist.

*sigh* "Always so uptight and mysterious. I'm an old man now, so I can't really understand what you kids are thinking being all moody like that. I wonder if my daughter grows up like that. Anyway, I think a simple spearhead will do, then we fill the farthest flanks to the center most positon, then concentrate charging from there. What do you think?" he tried ignoring her atmosphere, trying to get her to speak up so that the attack could begin.

Before he could open his mouth, she spoke, startling him.

"No, general Gilford. Please focus your eyes to the sides, near the entrance of the city. The trees could be used as concealment for another ambush. Going for a spearhead like yours would cost us greatly once we cycle the soldiers to the center. Your plan would cost us greatly," she bluntly said, expressionless like a harsh critic. Yet he listened to her, paying attention to detail.

"Oh, well what do you know. You're right. Haha, I guess I got a little too drunk last night. So, what do you suggest we do?"

"Create two columns on both sides, only one layer each, and have them positioned near the forest with their shields facing the that way as well. Then you can order the remaining platoons as you like. I will merely provide advice if I can."

"Alright, you hear the young lady, commanders! Positions, two platoons, one near each side of the forest. The rest of you will form up on me. Move!"

They all performed in unison, arranging themselves within minutes before the anxious defending army, then marching all at once.

"Keep your pace with the columns and be ready to attack when I say so!"

As the defending army of Kausten say them fearlessly charge, they raised their shields and braced for an imminent impact.

The man named Gilford ran alongside his men, leading it even as he drew his massive bastard sword from his back, yelling and inciting morale from his allies, who in return yelled out as well, having been brought out by their leader's energy.

He cleaved forward, slamming his sword down and decimating the defensive line without much problem, cracking their shields, or killing them instantly.

Upon creating an opening, the rest flooded in, completely breaking the line of defense of the soldiers who had not anticipated such a strong offensive force.

He had a large grin on his face as he fought, relishing the moment, but not like a maniac, rather much more of a person who enjoys the thrill of battle.

They could seldom approach him, those who would were swept away, beaten down, or cut, hardly becoming much of a challenge for him as he forced his raw strength to overpower his enemies.

"Break through! We're almost there!" he said upon emerging triumphant against a pile of corpses around him, spilling blood all over the stone pavement.

"The plan's falling apart. What do we do, Ophelia?" Cedric said alarmingly as he glanced back at the defensive line that was currently falling apart, unable to do anything as they were being overpowered by one man, filling the air with their screams of pain and agony.

She looked in horror at the massacre, unable to speak clearly and think about their next steps as her mind began wandering, occupied by something else.

"Ophelia! What's wrong? Ophelia!" Cedric tried getting her back to the present but was unable to, running out of time as the enemy slowly started to break through the line, one by one.

"Get a hold of yourself!" he said, drawing his sword to counter the oncoming soldiers.

"Get close to me and don't break formation. Let's hold on here. Shit! hey, you! Get the skirmisher unit here, now! Our line's collapsing, and all that's left is to hold them out," he called out to the scout unit awaiting orders.

"Right away!" she said, running with her two other companions into another exit of the city, somewhere that they could not be seen, yet be led into the forest.

"Leader! The ambush unit's been discovered, and they're fighting with the enemy. I doubt they'll be able to hold on long enough for support," a distressed man camp up with sweat forming on his forehead, perspiring and panting.

Ophelia did not respond, still seemingly lost in her own thoughts.

"Tell them to retreat into the forest and regroup if they can. Tell them to rest and enter through the back of the city. We need them on the front as well. The enemy's going to overtake us!" he took charge, only knowing that he should concentrate on strengthening the main line, and abandoning any type of strategy.

"Hey, Ophelia! Wake up already. We need you here!" he shook her, finally able to return her.

"Our initial and only plan has been broken. What can I do? That was the only plan I could depend on," she mumbled to herself hopelessly.

"Think! It's you. You can come up with something, I know it!" he tried his best to motivate her, also wary of the growing threat.

"... Yes... You're right, Cedric. I can't fail right now. Forgive me. Please, everyone, allow me to take charge once more," she called out to those from the organization and the city of Kasuten around her, convincing them despite her recent lapse.

With the situation growing dire by the second, they listened closely.

While this transpired, the scout unit in charge of calling the skirmisher unit was on their way, managing through the forest as fast as they could, not worrying about fatigue.

"Come, we still have a few ways to go. We must not fail. If anyone can turn the tide, then it is Laruse and the skirmisher unit," the female leader said, encouraging them.

"Laruse? You mean that guy who was said to have defeated a disciple during their mission to Harrick?" one of them said in bewilderment.

"Yes. He is the one. He and his partner, a mage, can turn the tide, possibly."

"You believe that story? I don't think it makes sense. Someone like that here? I just can't believe it. Only the hero can defeat the demons. There's no one out there that can do something like that. He's strong, sure, but he probably made that all up just to get close to miss Ophelia," the third said, full of doubt.

"If that is what you believe, then so be it. I will stand firm that he can make the change. After all, there's no one left in this continent to believe in. Might as well believe in someone that can, or says that they can."

"I see someone over there!" a voice yelled out from a distance, alerting the scouting unit immediately as they stopped in their tracks to check.

"It's them, they're part of Kausten's forces! Get them!" numerous fully armed and clad soldiers appeared from the forest, spotting them and quickly charging them without hesitation.

"Captain, what do we do? They're blocking the path in front of us."

"Draw your weapons. There's no going around it. We fight through. Keep this in mind. It is up to us if we want to win this war. Though it may be only I that believes that they could do it, still, it's better than nothing. So give this your all!" she drew her sword, charging forward and meeting the soldiers without any more arguments.

Her two subordinates followed as well, drawing their weapons as they could do nothing but believe in her words.