Guards:
"No, my lord. It appears to be a human army."
Eldrin:
""The human army!? Has Elarion Cravendorne betrayed us? Or has a rebellion begun?"
Guard:
"My lord, the banners belong to the Chaos Empire."
Eldrin (laughing mockingly):
"Ha… ha… ha… ha… The Chaos Empire? Perhaps someone is attacking in their name. Either way, the only thing that ever concerned me was the demons. After the great kingdoms' council, the armies of four nations will be stationed here—so this will no longer be a concern."
Court nobles:
"The Chaos Empire has chosen to die by our hands rather than by the demons'. At least that is an honor for them."
Laughter spread throughout the palace.
Eldrin:
"My dear subjects, let us go and enjoy this spectacle. Who knows when we will witness something like this again? This is a gift from the gods. We will witness the complete destruction of the Chaos Empire."
Eldrin (thinking):
You became arrogant after killing the dragon general.. You sent these foolish and ignorant people here. The ground before Eryndor's walls will become the grave of the Chaos Empire's warriors!
Eldrin and the court nobles ascended a high tower and gazed down from the fortress walls at the Chaos forces.
At that same moment, watching them from atop a distant mountain was Nexella.
Nexella (smiling under her breath):
"This man is truly fascinating. How will you conquer walls that even dragons once couldn't overcome?"
The sun slowly began to set, bathing everything in a crimson hue. Eryndor Fortress was surrounded by impassable mountains. In front of it, far from the walls, the banners of the Empire of Chaos rose, and on the hills they could see cavalry.
Aeth moved to the front of the army.
Mounted upon his black horse, radiating an overwhelming aura, he turned his gaze toward the walls of Eryndor. Though the distance was great, even the enemy could sense that the general leading this army was fearless and seasoned by countless battles.
Aeth wore black battle armor befitting a king. A cloak draped from his shoulders and flowed behind him over the horse. At his left and right hung long swords, forged specifically for the Chaos Emperor.
With his right hand, Aeth raised the sword at his left side toward the sky. Then he pointed it at the fortress walls. As if issuing a command, he brought the sword down with force.
A few seconds later, a strong and violent sound echoed.
The sound was so overwhelming that everyone within the palace collapsed to the ground, clutching their ears in terror. When they rose to their feet, the front walls of Eryndor lay completely shattered, reduced to rubble.
One week earlier…
Aeth:
"We are not within the fortress's line of sight. The area behind these mountains is ideal. Have you selected a suitable location for the Mining Union to begin excavation?"
Tharic (newly appointed general of the cavalry division):
"Yes, my Emperor. The ground is suitable for digging, and the enemy will not sense a thing."
Aeth:
"Summon the leader of the Mining Union here."
Tharic:
"At once, my Emperor."
Soon after, Bren, the leader of the Mining Union, appeared before Aeth.
Bren (cowardly):
"You summoned me, my Emperor."
Aeth:
"Bren, how much time would ten thousand miners need to carve out a massive cavity beneath Eryndor's front walls?"
Bren:
"One week, my Emperor. In five days, we can reach beneath the walls completely. In two more days, we can create a vast hollow that encircles the entire foundation of the walls."
Aeth:
"Excellent. Once your work is complete, destroy the mine entirely—turn it upside down along with everything above it."
Bren:
"As you command, my Emperor. With a simple mechanism, we can destroy a single support and collapse the entire mine and everything resting upon it."
Aeth:
"Remember this—once our conquest is complete, everyone here will be recorded in history and personally rewarded by me. On the day of battle, bring the mine down at my signal."
Bren (excited and overjoyed):
"I will carry out your orders immediately, my Emperor!"
Aeth:
"Do not forget—I want no mistakes. I want no casualties. I want no failure during the battle. All of that responsibility rests on your shoulders. But remember—great responsibility brings great reward."
Bren:
"You can trust me, my Emperor!"
Aeth:
"Then begin at once. You may go."
Bren immediately departed to carry out his orders. Aeth then issued his next instructions to Tharic. Standing beside Tharic, his aide Skarn arrived to observe the battle plan.
NOTE: "If you enjoy the story, consider adding it to your library to support the author."
Happy New Year!