Eclipsed

Chapter 72

Ren stood among the assembled forces, his heart pounding as Yoruzen addressed the group.

"Are you ready? This is going to be a blast!" Yoruzen's voice rang out, filled with anticipation.

Iris, Kaiser, and Doulos responded with enthusiastic affirmations, their faces alight with excitement.

Ren, however, kept his response subdued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, sure." He forced a smile, trying to blend in, though his mind was elsewhere.

The shadow soldiers, mounted on horseback, began their march toward the kingdom of Kagestu.

Iris approached Ren, her eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and affection.

"Ren," she began, her tone soft yet commanding. "Why don't you ride with me?"

Ren hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the ranks of shadow soldiers. "No, I'll travel with the shadow soldiers."

Iris raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Whatever you say, Ren."

Doulos mounted a large, crow-like creature, its wings unfurled and ready for flight.

Yoruzen and Kaiser climbed onto a formidable flying beast, its horns curving menacingly as it prepared to take off.

As they made their way toward Kagestu, Ren's thoughts were consumed with his plan.

I have to do this as soon as they are about to attack, and then escape immediately.

He gripped the reins of his horse tightly, the leather biting into his palms.

The landscape blurred as they rode closer to Kagestu at astonishing speeds.

Ren's mind raced, calculating the timing, the risks, and the potential consequences.

If I succeed, I'll be targeted by Yoruzen and no longer considered an ally or his son. I'll be hunted down to be killed.

If I fail, I die.

The weight of the decision pressed down on him, but there was no turning back now.

He had to act.

As they neared the kingdom, Ren's resolve hardened.

This is it.

For Kagestu.

For everyone who would suffer if I fail.

I have no choice.

He spurred his horse forward, the sound of hooves pounding against the earth a steady rhythm in his ears.

The kingdom of Kagestu loomed ahead, its walls and towers silhouetted against the setting sun.

The air was thick with tension as the sun dipped lower, casting a crimson glow over the battlefield. A young soldier, breathless and wide-eyed, rushed to the higher-ups. His voice trembled as he spoke, "The shadow soldiers... they're here!"

Miyako, standing among the higher-ranking officers, turned sharply toward him. "What!?..." Her voice faltered for just a moment, disbelief flashing across her face. She quickly recovered and added, "And Ren is there? I didn't expect this... Yoruzen escaping from his seal..." Her mind raced as she processed the situation.

The messenger continued, panic evident in his voice, "Their army is 100,000 men, while we only have 30,000 currently. What should we do?"

The commander, a tall and grizzled man, frowned deeply. "We cannot evacuate without causing widespread panic, which will be detrimental to our cause. We need to stand our ground."