Sorythia's encampment on its shared borders with the Ashtral nation bustled as orders were barked and men ran around frantically in preparation. Those who weren't already moving were being informed by current commander Kaelen of the strength force, in charge of defensive operations alongside the border.
"According to current intelligence from the stealth force, an attack is inbound about 2 hours from now. This force is expected to be larger and more committed to breaking through compared to all their previous attempts. Our choice in strategy is to put up an initial line before trying to reel them into our lands, thinning their supplies. After we reel them in, we will create a strong force to stop them from continuing forward while two separate forces attack from the sides and thin them down. Given the fact that we are numbered in our forces compared to them and we are surrounded by dense forest, we believe this will be our best course of action. You lot in particular will be front and center when stopping their advance. May God have mercy on you all."
The last words by the commander seemed to spark conversation between the group of 70-something men he was informing in that little clearing in the forest, he could see the fear in their eyes at the thought of their own demise. "I understand your fears, but you all will be the only thing standing between that army and your families. Some of you may die, I may die, but our fair capital will stand to see another day, and those who wish to harm us will not succeed in so."
His speech seemed to bring some confidence to the group in front of them if looks were what to go about. He was sure that some still harbored doubt internally, but he wasn't sure anything could solve that.
"Oh, hey Kaelen, been a while hasn't it." Kaelen turned around before his eyes went wide in surprise. "W-w-WELT! What the hell are you doing here!?" Come to the voice of the previously composed commander, unable to hold his surprise. Welt simply gave a small smile, "I thought the defense wasn't looking too hot, so I came to even the playing field"
If any doubt was in the troops before it was now erased as laughs and cries of relief could be heard amongst the crowd. The commander quickly composed himself while sighing, "Just follow me to the tents, we need to discuss strategy."
The duo walked through the encampment, passing by the bustling soldiers who would sometimes stop and stare at the man who was widely considered the strongest S rank alive. "You know, last time I saw you I was assigning you dominion over this operation." Came the almost carefree voice of Welt." "And last time I saw you I wasn't so sure I was gonna be coming home this time." Came the voice of Kaelen, clearly more wary of the situation than some of his subordinates.
"Well looks like Christmas came early for you huh? You'll be making it home after all." Kaelen raised an eyebrow at this. "Pardon me for asking but how can you be so sure?" Welt turned his head to his chosen commander before smiling. "Cause I'm here of course." Kaelen couldn't help but roll his eyes at this, "That confidence is gonna get you killed one day you know." Welt's smile never faltered at this, but very subtle sarcasm could be heard from Welt's cheerful voice, "I'm sure it will!"
Kaelen and Welt stopped in front of a particularly large tent before entering and walking towards a table that held a map along with written plans and strategies. Neither of them spoke as Welt walked over to the table and read over the current strategy as well as some contingencies. "Impressive work commander," came the serious voice of Welt, "it seems I was correct in giving you command over this operation."
Kaelen gave a slight smile at the praise before his face straightened out once more. "What will you have as of now on account of your arrival?" Welt looked from the plans and up at Kaelen, "on account of their much larger force, I believe that decisively crushing them is our best option. Whittling them down like what was previously planned was indeed the best idea at the time, but now that I'm here we should try to put an end to these attempts all together, or at least make them think twice about it."
