Chapter57: "The Strategem of Deception"

They all retreated to the northwest of the kingdom, welcomed by the dukes who shared their concern about the formidable Jagud Invaders' vast army.

"This is truly a serious war. I can hardly believe the scale of the Jagud Invaders' forces," a commander remarked.

"As I ordered, our other borders must be intact with heightened security. Our lack of planning contributed to this defeat," the general explained.

"The Jagud Invaders' leader has taken over the North Archduke's castle, and the dukes in the north are under his captivity. We'll attack the castle from two directions," Prince Rogba revealed.

"How?" they inquired.

"Through both the northwest and northeast. We'll deceive them with an early attack from the northwest, followed by an assault from the northeast," he elaborated, gaining some support while others remained skeptical. Ultimately, the general gave the order to prepare and fortify themselves, harnessing their magic for the battles to come.

Meanwhile, the third prince's condition was a concern.

"How is his wound?" Prince Rogba asked the physician.

"It's a serious wound, and he's losing a lot of blood. He might not be fit for battle if..." the physician began, but the third prince interrupted firmly, "I will fight alongside everyone. Nothing will stop me."

"Brother, you don't need to. Your courage is evident, and everyone admires it," Prince Rogba replied, attempting to persuade him. However, the third prince insisted on joining the upcoming battle.

As the sun rose on the new day, the army prepared for the assault, receiving fresh reinforcements and marching towards the north. They were a formidable force, comprising swordsmen, light cavalry, archers, and elite magic users, advancing toward the secret passage in the north.

They halted as they noticed the enemy prepared for the impending battle—the leader of the invaders atop the castle wall.

"I see you are truly committed to this war," the leader shouted.

"Arun, what drives you to waste your army like this? I advise you to retreat and never return," the general shouted in response, attempting diplomacy.

"Have you forgotten my name is Àrùn? Wherever I am, I turn it to chaos. I turn entire families into ghosts, striking fear into both old and young," Arun boasted.

"Arun, I understand there's a reason behind your sudden attack. Tell your armies to cease, and let's negotiate what you want," Prince Rogba called out, attempting to reason with their foe.

"Can you see how wise their prince is?" Arun mocked, signaling his archers. They fired, but the elite magic users swiftly created barriers. The unexpected move surprised the invaders. In the ensuing clash, strategic minds and magical prowess clashed. The general then signaled to the archers, instructing them to ignite their arrows. They shot once more, catching some arrows on fire. Simultaneously, the opponent's elite magic user emerged from the top of the castle wall, creating barriers. They were equally astonished, for Jagud Invaders typically lacked access to elite magic users. Was there support from another kingdom aiding their cause?"