Chapter 17: The War Within has Begun

Across Mezolith, war was fully set into motion. In the coming hours, blood would soak the streets, banners would burn, and the fate of Woodsaw would be rewritten.

Three major forces now stood poised for battle, each with their own ambitions, each prepared to carve their legacy into history.

Jeffrey Maxim's Forces – The Defenders of Yore

10,000 soldiers composed of trained warriors, city guards, and loyalist militias.The Royal Guard reinforcements had yet to arrive. Until then, Yore stood alone.Their fortifications were strong, but their numbers were far fewer than their enemies.

The Children of Woodsaw – The Revolution's Might

18,000 revolutionaries, some trained, but most were desperate civilians turned warriors.Led by Carous Gelheim, with his top commanders Daniel Gustav (Tank Class, Hand of God: King's Presence, AWL – B Gold) and Dante Viel (Spear Fighter, Hand of God: Time Manipulation, AWL – B Gold, stationed at the fort).They marched under banners of rebellion, eager to burn the old world and build anew.

The Resistance in the Squatters' District

55 civilians turned fighters, led by Roland Vask and the Grimknights.Poorly equipped, most wielding makeshift weapons, they stood against impossible odds.Their goal: Strike the revolutionaries' fort while Carous' main army marched to Yore.The Revolutionaries Begin Their March – Carous' War Speech

The dawn air was thick with the sound of boots marching in unison. The Children of Woodsaw, an army of thousands, moved like a single body, banners of revolution waving high above their heads. The city of Yore stood ahead of them, its towering walls lined with archers and defenders.

At the center of the revolutionary army, Carous Gelheim rode atop a warhorse, his presence undeniable. He stopped, turning to face his men.

"Brothers! Sisters!" His voice echoed over the battlefield. "We were born in the fires of oppression! For years, we have lived in chains, our homes stolen, our voices silenced!"

The army roared in agreement, their spirits burning with righteous fury.

"Today!" Carous continued. "We burn down those chains! We take back what is ours! The streets of Yore will belong to the people once more!"

He lifted his sword high, the sun reflecting off the blade like fire.

"ONWARD!"

The earth trembled beneath their charge.

The Resistance Makes Their Move

Far from the battlefield at Yore, Roland Vask and his 55 resistance fighters slipped through the ruins of the Squatters' District. They moved in silence, guided by moonlight and desperation.

The Grimknights were spread throughout the resistance force, each leading small squads.

Henry walked at the front, his tower shield on his back. "Stay close. Stay low. We hit hard and fast," he whispered.

Espada grinned, drawing her scimitar. "Let's hope they're asleep when we get there."

Elric clenched his flail, scanning their surroundings. "They won't be."

Bjorn remained silent as always, but his axes gleamed, eager for battle.

Kaiser, walking beside Henry, kept his head low. The name Dante Viel still echoed in his mind.

As they approached the fort, Roland raised his hand. "There it is."

The fortress loomed in the distance, dark and still. If they moved fast, they could breach the walls before the enemy even noticed.

Or so they thought.

Jeffrey Maxim Prepares His City for War

Back in Yore, Jeffrey Maxim stood before his assembled army. The city gates were shut, barricades reinforced, archers positioned on every tower. They were outnumbered, but they had the advantage of defense.

Maxim's voice rang clear:

"We do not fight for ambition. We do not fight for power. We fight for our families, our homes, and the legacy of Woodsaw!"

The army responded with a cheer, but beneath the bravado, many knew the truth—this would be a battle of survival.

Jeffrey turned to Commander Enzo and the other leaders of Yore's forces.

"Are the Royal Guard reinforcements on the way?" he asked.

Enzo hesitated. "No word yet, my lord."

Jeffrey sighed but nodded. Then we fight alone.

The Revolutionaries Inside Yore Are Captured

While Yore's forces prepared for battle, the last of the revolutionaries hiding within the city were rounded up.

Dozens of traitors were dragged through the streets, weapons confiscated, wrists bound.

By the time the battle outside the city began, the revolution's ability to sabotage from within had been completely eliminated.

For now, the city was secure.

The Army on the Horizon

Then came the first true moment of fear.

A lookout on Yore's tallest tower sounded the alarm.

The soldiers on the walls rushed forward, looking out toward the horizon.

A thick mist of dust rolled over the land, filling the skyline. It wasn't a storm.

It was Carous Gelheim's army.

Like an endless wave, 18,000 revolutionaries approached the city gates.

The defenders tightened their grips on their weapons. The moment had arrived.

The Final War Speech – "Charge!"

Carous rode ahead of his men, standing tall in the saddle. He took one last look at Yore.

Then he lifted his sword and roared:

"NO MORE WAITING! NO MORE SUFFERING! TAKE YORE AND MAKE IT OURS! CHARGE!"

The army surged forward, their battle cries shaking the very ground beneath them.

The siege of Yore had begun.

The Resistance's Attack on the Fort

Meanwhile, back in the Squatters' District, Roland and his warriors crept closer to the revolutionaries' fortress.

Henry raised his hand. "Steady. We breach the gate in three… two…"

Then—the unthinkable happened.

The gates suddenly swung open.

The resistance fighters froze in confusion.

A single figure stood waiting.

Dante Viel – The Trap is Sprung

Laughter echoed from the entrance.

Standing in the gateway, calm and grinning, was Dante Viel.

His spear rested casually over his shoulder. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes gleamed with dangerous amusement.

"Oh?" he said, chuckling. "You thought you could take us by surprise?"

Henry's grip tightened on his shield. "Damn it… It's a trap!"

Dante grinned wider.

"No, no…" He spun his spear once in his hands. "We've been expecting you."

Behind him, shadows moved. More revolutionaries. Fully armed. Prepared.

Roland cursed under his breath. "Hold your ground! Form up!"

Dante sighed, shaking his head. "Hold your ground?"

Then, in an instant, his entire body flickered—vanishing for a split second.

When he reappeared, he was already in the middle of the resistance forces.

"Too late," he whispered.

Then, Dante Viel attacked.

The Siege of Yore had begun.And in the Squatters' District, the true battle was just starting.