How I Became the Strongest King

Chapter 5:Attack

After Gary told me to stay hidden in the house, I obeyed without question, retreating to the shadows of the kitchen. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the fear that clung to my mind. I trusted Gary—he was strong, powerful even—but the sight of so many men approaching our farm had shaken me. What if they overwhelmed him? What if, despite all his strength, he couldn't handle them alone? I felt a burning desire to help, to do something, but I knew deep down I would only be a hindrance. Gary had made that clear.

So, I stayed where I was, crouched low behind the wooden table, straining to hear any sounds from outside. The world seemed to hold its breath as the battle began.

Outside, Gary moved with purpose, his eyes locked on the advancing army. He had seen many battles in his time, but this was different. This wasn't a fight for glory or honor—it was a fight for survival. He reached the field where the army had gathered, his lone figure a stark contrast against the sea of armored soldiers.

Standing at the front of the army was a man in ornate armor, his presence commanding and cold. Steven, the King's personal bodyguard. Gary recognized him immediately, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

"Where are you running, old man?" Steven called out, his voice dripping with disdain. "There's nowhere to go. You're trapped here.

"Gary chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "Running? You misunderstand, son. I'm not running. I'm here to fight." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "My last fight was in the palace. Do you remember it, Steven? After that, I chose to live as a farmer. But don't think for a moment that I've forgotten my fighting skills. Today, I'll show you no mercy.

"Steven's eyes flashed with anger. "I've never forgotten that day," he spat. "You slaughtered my comrades. Today, I'll avenge them. And don't think for a second you're stronger than me now, old man. Time hasn't been kind to you.

"Gary's smile faded, his gaze turning steely. "Are you here to talk, or are you here to fight? If it's the latter, then come at me.

"The air grew tense, the moment stretching into eternity. Then, Steven barked an order to his men. "Bring me that man's head!

"The knights charged toward Gary, a wave of armor and steel. Gary stood his ground, unflinching, as the hundred soldiers bore down on him. Then, in a swift, fluid motion, he raised his hands and summoned his power. "Fireblast!" he roared, and from his outstretched palms, a torrent of fire erupted, consuming everything in its path.

The front line of soldiers had no chance. They were incinerated instantly, their screams drowned out by the roar of the flames. The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves through the ranks, and the remaining soldiers stumbled back in horror. Half their numbers were gone in a heartbeat, reduced to ashes.

"What was that?" one soldier gasped, eyes wide with terror. "It wiped out half our men!"

Gary stood amidst the charred remains, his face calm, almost serene. He tilted his head, eyeing the soldiers who had stopped in their tracks. "Why are you hesitating? Are you truly the King's knights? In my time, the King's knights were stronger than this. Perhaps your King hasn't given you proper training.

"Steven's face twisted in rage. "Don't just stand there, you morons! Attack him!" he shouted. The soldiers exchanged fearful glances but knew they had no choice. To disobey Steven was a death sentence in itself.

Reluctantly, they advanced again, this time over two hundred strong. Gary watched them come, a faint smile on his lips. "A good warm-up," he muttered. Raising his hand, he unleashed his next move. "Fire Tornado!"

A swirling column of flame burst from the ground, roaring to life as it tore through the advancing soldiers. Screams filled the air as the inferno raged, consuming fifty men in an instant. Yet, despite the carnage, the rest pressed on, their fear overridden by Steven's threats and their own desperate resolve.

Gary's eyes narrowed. "So, you're not cowards after all." He reached into his cloak, drawing forth his weapon—his secret weapon. The Fire Sword, a blade that glowed with an inner light, its edge wreathed in flames. He gripped the hilt, feeling the familiar warmth flow through him, and moved forward.

With a single swing of the blade, the air itself seemed to ignite. Each time the sword made contact with a soldier, they burst into flames, disintegrating into ashes before they could even scream. The other soldiers hesitated, fear seizing their limbs.

"Don't go near him!" one cried out. "If he touches you, you're toast!"

But there was no stopping Gary. He moved through them like a storm, his blade cutting a path of destruction. The field was filled with the scent of smoke and the sound of crackling flames. Within minutes, he had reduced the once formidable force to a scattering of terrified men.

He approached Steven, his face a mask of calm rage. "Come on, old man," Steven taunted, though his voice shook. "I have a surprise for you."

Gary didn't respond. He simply raised his sword, the fire reflecting in his eyes, and prepared for whatever Steven had planned.

Next Chapter The Wish.....Stay tuned