Break Through The Wall!

"It seems like we're late to the party."

Yielya examined the chaos unfurling at the city. Players attacking the walls, attempting to break through. NPCs fighting from within, causing fires and disruption.

Nimin walked up next to her, "You're not lying, it's only been a couple of hours since I made that post."

"Well we can't make it look like we're lying. Especially not after the event announcement."

"You speak the truth, let's get moving then. What's the plan?"

"With such an opportunity as this, we're gonna attack a weak spot along the wall. If we blast it with enough magic we should be able to break down a wide enough hole to get through. From there we'll make our approach towards Perina's Castle."

"Sounds basic for a master strategist."

"Overcomplicating things leads to more issues. I'll manage the finer details, they just have to follow orders."

"What about the Second Star individuals?"

"Jarvis will support us with his tames, wide scale battles are more suited for him after all. Your squad will be joining Akiol and pushing ahead directly to Perina. The faster we kill her the sooner we finish this."

"I can probably drop us in from above."

"No, announcing your arrival is not the greatest of plans. Stick with us until the wall breaks, don't stand out too much though."

"Alright."

"Let's get moving people!"

~ ~ ~

"Charge brothers! The gate is finally showing signs of damage!"

War cries rang across the battlefield and hundreds of players charged forth. Spells and arrows began to fly from both sides, knocking down soldiers and players alike.

A Berserker threw away a foot soldier, "These NPCs are strong! But our will is stronger! Push!"

A Defender lifted their shield and blocked an incoming cannon shell. It cracked their shield and sent them crashing into the dirt. A few players who witnessed this shouted, "Their using War Weapons! Watch out!"

The few who attempted to coordinate found their orders being mostly ignored. It seemed like everyone defaulted to kamikaze attacks.

Yet this method was effective, for more players were joining in the battle compared to those dying. It was a constant flow of fearless soldiers. Such a sight was terrifying.

~ ~ ~

"Sir! Permission to report!"

"Go on."

"We managed to subdue to citizens in sector A! However the pressure from the Eternal Ones is growing to be too much! Requesting backup!"

"We can't spare anymore soldiers, tell them to fall back. Our priority is the castle."

"Sir?"

"Orders from above, no point in questioning it. No matter what do not let any civilian into the castle, we don't need to be pincer attacked again."

"Sir! I'll relay this command immediately!"

"Good. Someone give me a report on our casualties!"

Another soldier appeared and saluted, "Reporting Sir!"

"What are we looking like?"

"Currently we have estimated roughly a hundred-fifty deaths, and over three-hundred injured!"

"Tch, that's more than double what it was an hour ago. Those Eternal Ones are wiping through our numbers despite their weak strength."

"We have estimated the enemy has lost around six-hundred in total."

"It certainly doesn't seem like it. How close are they to getting through the gates?"

"The reinforcement reserves are still strong."

"Good, start to slowly retreat back to the castle. Remember! Slowly!"

"I'll relay the message Sir!"

The commander grabbed a bottle of mead and chugged it on the spot. Anything to calm his nerves. He could tell this battle was as good as lost, their opponents were those who couldn't die. How was that fair?

The commander tossed the empty bottle and sighed within his heart, "Damn everything. Why did it have to come to this?"

~ ~ ~

Yielya nodded in satisfaction, "Sorcerers, break down this wall! Defenders, ready up into position! Warriors and Berserkers, prepare to deal with any stragglers! Archers, keep an eye on the walls, if you spot anyone shoot them down immediately!"

As the squad began to obey orders Yielya was approached by two small figures. She immediately recognized one of them, "What are you doing here Givale?"

"Akiol said to follow your orders."

"Man sent me a bunch of kids?"

Givale immediately frowned and was ready to defend herself but was cut off by Yielya, "It was a joke, I trust his judgment. However I'm unaware of who you are."

It was a kid with blood-red hair and eyes. They held a massive greataxe, yet seemed to have no problem with it. Their outfit was simple, nothing worth noting. They smiled and introduced, "My name is Mira! I am the student of Sensei Akiol!"

Yielya murmured, "He's going to make a kindergarten at this rate."

She then asked, "Did Akiol say why he wanted you here?"

"Sensei said that my assistance was a trump card."

Givale nodded, "He said that since he's going to be fighting against Perina, we're supposed to help out here."

"Interesting, so what exactly can you do?"

Mira lifted his arm and flexed it, "I am very strong! Sensei taught me how to fight."

Givale shrugged, "I can shoot arrows with my element."

"Alright I have a general idea, Mira you're next to me. Refrain from fighting until I need you to."

"Okay!"

"Givale assist the Archers and Sorcerers. So for now shoot at that wall."

Givale looked towards the wall. Despite it being assaulted by constant spells it seemed relatively unharmed. She frowned at it, "That's a tough wall."

"Kan'na said it was reinforced by some enchantment. As long as we deal enough damage we should break past and damage the wall directly."

Understanding the order Givale raised a hand and formed a bow made of mana. Yielya was quite impressed at the level of control Givale had.

'Akiol has a knack of picking up talents. As expected of a Dragon.'

Drawing back the string a dark blue arrow formed and shot forward. The moment it touched the wall it exploded, erasing several of the nearby spells.

Kan'na saw this and narrowed her eyes, it seemed like magic was something that could just be erased these days.

Givale was disappointed with the result, for the wall was still standing. Yielya patted her shoulder and comforted, "This is quite the city. I'm sure their defenses aren't anything simple. Just keep firing, don't use too much of your energy though. If you feel like you can't much more don't hesitate to stop."

Givale shook her head, "I can fire hundreds of these."

"Well then fire away."

~ ~ ~

"The wall's supply is diminishing at a rapid rate Sir!"

"That's fine, the majority of our forces have fully retreated to the castle anyway. Have the Priests heal up the wounded, get ready for a last stand."

"Sir!"

~ ~ ~

The ground rumbled as the City's defensive magic barrier finally was put out of commission. The wall was rapidly deconstructed just moments afterwards.

Now that the city was breached Yielya gave out new orders, "Main squad, push towards the castle! Thieves, activate stealth and split into three squads. Your mission is to get those gates open! Sorcerers focus on replenishing your MP. Archers conserve your ammo. It's time for the close combat folks to shine."

~ ~ ~

Perina watched in amusement, "Have they finally broken through?"

Grimwald kneeled, "Yes, the soldiers have fully retreated to the castle and are prepared to defend it."

A smirk formed on her lips, "Excellent, let them rush in. In the meantime let's move on to phase two of our plan."

"Is it time already?"

"Indeed, while there is more here than I expected, it does not matter. They will all die and find out pointless it was to go against me."

"I'll execute it right away."

~ ~ ~ 

"The gates are opening?!"

The gates to the wall creaked open, an ear-piercing screech formed as they moved. Many players stood still, dumbfounded and confused.

A Thief appeared, "We're apart of Nimin's group! The army retreated to the castle, so rush towards that!"

"Part of Nimin's group?"

The players began to murmur, much to the dissatisfaction of the Thieves, "No time! Get to the castle!"

Similar situations occurred across the wall. Creating more openings for players to rush in. The citizens of the city soon realized that they weren't alone in their fight and bolstered their efforts in revolting.

The inflow of players was slowing, yet tens of thousands were inside the city. All heading towards the castle.

Tilia lifted a hand and blocked several projectiles. With a frown she said, "There's a lot of Second Stage fighters among them Yielya!"

"I know! The others should be on it, but getting past these defenses is certainly no easy task!"

Mira asked, "Do you want me to take care of it?"

"Akiol would be quite displeased with me if I let anything happen to you."

"But they aren't strong?"

"What?"

Yielya rapidly sent a message to the group chat.

Yielya: Akiol, what's with Mira underestimating the Second Stage folks?

Akiol: He's not, his strength is absurd. I saw him easily take care of a Second Stage fighter. Even with my strength I can't compete with his.

Yielya: You mean to tell me this is actually our trump card?!

Akiol: I wouldn't lie about something like that! Just don't let him go overboard, I'm afraid he'll lose it.

Yielya: That's not comforting at all!

Closing the group chat Yielya shouted, "Tilia! Who's the more troublesome you're facing right now?"

"That spellcaster at the tower!"

A Second Stage Sorcerer was releasing waves of spells across the battlefield. If it wasn't for Tilia's efforts, they would have long been wiped out.

Yielya spotted the Sorcerer and pointed at it, "Mira, think you can take that guy down?"

Following her finger Mira spotted the enemy and tilted his head, "A bit high. . . I can do it."

"Alright, go take 'em down and come right back okay?"

"What if people try to stop me?"

"Take them down too, just prioritize them."

"Okay!"

The ground cracked underneath Mira's feet as he leapt across the waves of players. The distance he jumped was phenomenal, catching the eye of many.

Murmuring under her breath Yielya said, "Akiol can't go a few months without adding some overpowered child to the team!"

Tapping her staff she healed a player on the brink of death. Simultaneously she observed their current situation.

Her team along with hundreds of players were all rushing the castle walls. A proving to be pointless task, for their defenses remained strong.

Despite the difficulties presented, Yielya couldn't help but shake a feeling that it was too easy. The soldiers retreated far too soon. Even if they were facing against the NPC citizens simultaneously, their strength was nothing small.

As she healed a handful more players she reviewed the process again in her head. After breaking through the wall she had a set of Thieves open the gates. She received a report of all the gates being open, and a flood of players were running towards the caste.

She frowned again, was there something she missed? The city was defenseless, players rushing towards the castle. . .

These two facts ran through her head three times before she paused, "Wait, running into the city?"

She slammed her staff into the ground, "I underestimated this! Tilia!"

Tilia frowned and looked at her. After a quick glance she was able to gauge the severity of the situation. She immediately began to give the order of retreat. Of course this confused the squad, but months of discipline training wasn't proving to be worthless.

They slowly moved back, as they did Tilia moved closer to Yielya to obtain more information, "What's wrong?"

"We're being baited. They're guiding us into the city for some reason. I need to get a higher view."

"I can lift you up with my shield."

"That works."

Yielya hopped on top of a semi-translucent bronze kite shield and was pushed upwards. Once she gained a decent amount of height she looked around beyond the city walls. The sight she was presented made her heart skip a beat.

There wasn't anymore players rushing into the gates. Instead the city was surrounded by an approaching army!