The Second Encounter

The evening sun bathed the sky in red, casting a somber hue over the battlefield. Distant mountains formed a natural barrier, separating Organization and Nation. Fierce winds, heralding winter's approach, swept across the barren plains, carrying dust and the lingering scent of blood from past battles.

From Nation's camp, Stratos stood on a high mound, his eyes fixed on the northwestern horizon. He still wore his dark blue ceremonial attire with silver trimmings, its faint glow blending with the cold air, fresh from his return from the capital's councils.

"Report the situation!" Stratos commanded, his voice deep and authoritative, causing the surrounding officers to snap to attention.

"Sir, the Organization's forces have advanced near the Sangunie stream. They're amassing troops, but their progress is slow, as if waiting for something," an officer reported.

"At this pace, they're not weak. It could be a full-scale assault," Stratos murmured to himself. His battlefield experience told him something was amiss, especially since Lunamaria and her 4th Legion had suffered a significant defeat just two weeks prior.

Unfolding the battlefield simulation map, Stratos scrutinized each sector in the west and northwest. But no clues emerged. He knew Lunamaria was no ordinary commander. Launching a second all-out offensive after a previous failure was something only a fool would do, and she was certainly not that.

His mind raced, and suddenly, an idea struck him. He shifted the map to the north, where the 12th Legion—those "clowns" he had crushed on the field nearly two years ago—might be quietly stationed near the west-northwestern border.

"Immediately send scouts to inspect the west-northwestern regions. We'll raid them," Stratos ordered his deputy commander.

The deputy left at once. Stratos turned to his troops, the Nation's soldiers standing ready in defensive formation. Though he knew the enemy was formidable, he remained calm.

Not far away, Lunamaria stood on a small hill, from which she could oversee the entire area. Her silver tactical armor reflected the dim light, making her appear like a majestic phantom among her soldiers.

"Report! The 12th Legion is advancing toward us and will be ready to assemble in 67 hours," an officer reported.

"Everything is prepared for the next offensive. With the 12th Legion's support, we can launch the second all-out assault," the officer continued.

However, Lunamaria only glanced at the officer, a faint smile on her lips that couldn't hide her contempt. She didn't bother to explain; a few cold words were enough to clarify: a second attack after a failure would be suicide. Then, she focused on the massive screen marking the positions of defensive strongholds stretching from west to west-northwest along Nation's border. She knew each point was not just a watchpost but a crucial link in the enemy's information network. As she looked at each point, a plan formed. When those links were cut, Nation's entire communication and coordination system would be temporarily disrupted, giving her army a chance to strike. With the 12th Legion, she and her comrades would seize the moment and launch a surprise attack on Nation's frontier. Every plan had to be carefully calculated, and she knew she was ready for the next move. Her eyes shone not only with cold calculation but also with the belief that victory would be in her hands.

While she was meticulously adjusting her strategy, a scout suddenly burst in, panicked.

"Alert! Enemy are going to raid us!"

The news of Stratos's surprise raid caused nearly all present to tense up. But she, unlike the panicked officers, remained strangely calm.

"It seems the intelligence network is still working efficiently," Lunamaria thought with a smirk.

Her eyes scanned the terrain simulation screen, where roads, hills, and small streams were clearly displayed. She circled the areas that could be attacked. After analyzing the situation and the distribution of defensive forces in each area, she quickly identified the southern trail—the legion's main ammunition supply route—as the most suitable choice for a swift attack. Though these paths were discreetly camouflaged, their exploitation by the enemy was inevitable.

In her mind, a plan gradually took shape. She decided to use the terrain to turn that trail into a deadly trap. The main force of the legion would pretend to concentrate near the northwestern base, creating the impression that the defensive line had shifted there, while another unit held its position, appearing vulnerable. Additionally, she would command a small team to deploy hidden along the high points and branches of the southern trail, ready to ambush Stratos's raiding party.

She didn't need much time to issue orders. With just a few gestures on the tactical screen, defensive and offensive positions were adjusted, and forces quickly split and moved into place. In her mind, this was not only an opportunity to counterattack but also a test of her strategic command abilities against a formidable opponent. With her sharp mind and superior calculation skills, she was ready to face the challenge.

"Stratos, do you think you're the only one who understands tactics? Unfortunately, I understand you too."

After the officers left to convey her orders, she glanced at a box in the corner of the tent, her eyes reflecting confidence. She opened the box and took out a spear. This was a gift from her father after the recent meeting, a spear refined to suit her combat style and possessing a nuclear core that powered this weapon, representing the most advanced technology the Organization had ever developed. With it, she was ready to face any challenge.

As planned, one night, Stratos and eight soldiers quickly approached the 4th Legion's encampment under the guise of a supply vehicle. From the driver's seat, he observed the surrounding area and noticed no signals from the legion's logistics crew.

"Something's wrong," Stratos informed his team.

"They might not have anticipated our presence here," a soldier suggested. Stratos nodded slightly, a brief smile crossing his lips before fading.

When they were only 500 meters from the field camp, he ordered everyone to jump out of the vehicle. After landing safely, the truck continued another 100 meters and then exploded. The entire area ahead had been set with traps to eliminate him and his men.

"We've been ambushed!" Stratos announced to his troops in an indifferent tone, preparing to retreat.

Before he could escape, a barrage of energy rounds from the 4th Legion appeared from both sides of the gorge. Energy rifles from above fired continuously, raining down on Stratos's formation like a storm, while a group of close-combat troops charged from behind, encircling Nation's forces.

"Focus! Maintain the defensive formation!" Stratos gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with determination as he activated his energy shield.

Despite the difficult situation, his quick thinking proved effective. He led his men, breaking through the enemy's close-combat lines, fighting back while seeking a way to escape. But at that moment, a familiar figure appeared before him.

"Finally, you're in my hands, Stratos," Lunamaria observed from above, her energy rifle on her shoulder and her refined spear in hand, her cold eyes fixed on him.

"Whieblod," Stratos whispered, gripping his sword as he broke through the enemy lines. And their one-on-one duel was about to begin.

As Nation's troops just escaped the encirclement, Lunamaria appeared, leading an elite group of soldiers straight into the center of Stratos's formation.

"Stratos, you won't escape!" She shouted loudly, her voice echoing across the battlefield.

Taking advantage of her position, she took the initiative to attack first, raising her gun and aiming directly at him. A small explosion rang out, and a bright blue bullet sped towards him with blinding speed. He twisted his body to dodge, the energy bolts slamming into the ground behind him, creating a small explosion that sent dust flying. Without giving him a chance to breathe, she continued firing rapidly, each shot aimed at the weak points in his armor. With his sword, he deflected the incoming bullets. The blade trembled and glowed as it absorbed the energy from the attacks.

Seeing that her shots weren't creating enough pressure, she lowered her rifle and grabbed her refined spear from behind with both hands. The spear tip emitted a red light as if it wanted to devour its enemy, the nuclear core inside humming with each movement, producing a sound like shattering glass.

"You won't easily leave here, Stratos," she spun the spear and charged straight at him with astonishing speed.

He barely had time to raise his sword to block the attack. The sound of metal clashing rang out sharply, the force from the spear tip pushing him back a few steps. The new weapon in her hands surprised him; he hadn't expected her to bring such a deadly weapon to deal with him.

"A nuclear-core weapon? You brought that too?"

"You're worthy of it," Lunamaria spun the spear in her hand and continued to charge.

The battle now became a dramatic one-on-one duel. Her spear was fast and strong, each thrust aimed at the weak points in his armor. Though overpowered, he used his skilled techniques to parry each attack. He relied not only on his twin swords but also on his absolute defensive abilities to keep a safe distance. A sweeping arc from her forced him back, and of course, she didn't let him escape easily.

"Just defending?" Lunamaria snarled, her spear sweeping in a circle before thrusting straight at his chest.

He blocked the attack and deflected it with his sword blade, but the spear still grazed his shoulder armor, leaving a deep gash.

"Fast, but not enough," Stratos replied as if taunting her.

Lunamaria laughed, launching herself at him with a series of rapid strikes. At that moment, what she wanted was to eliminate him, completely removing the threat to the Organization. Taking advantage of the weapon's flexibility, she continuously changed the direction of her spear thrusts, forcing him deeper into the trap she had set.

"You're exactly where I want you, Stratos," Lunamaria smirked.

But just as she thought she had won, he suddenly moved in the opposite direction, spinning around and delivering a crossing slash with both swords. The sword blades struck the shaft of her spear, sending sparks flying. She only had time to retreat, her eyes flashing with surprise as she saw him switch from defense to counterattack.

"Too simplistic, Whieblod," he said in an icy tone, his gaze unwavering as he looked at her.

Yet she still held the advantage. The new destructive weapon continued to give her superior speed and strength, putting him in a difficult position. The duel dragged on amid the sound of clashing weapons and heavy breathing. Her spear was fast and precise, each thrust as if it wanted to end his life. In this battle, she was not only powerful but also extremely sharp, each attack with a clear purpose. Yes, she showed no mercy towards him.

Then, she unleashed a powerful sweeping strike that threw him off balance. Seizing the opportunity, she swung her spear straight at his right-hand sword. The sound of metal shattering rang out, the sword flying from his hand and embedding itself in the ground. He immediately retreated, switching to a defensive stance with only his remaining sword.

"Do you think you still have a chance, Stratos?" Lunamaria said coldly, her eyes fixed on him struggling with only one sword left.

He clenched his teeth, not answering. He put all his strength into one final counterattack, but she reacted faster. She spun around, using the butt of her rifle to strike his hand, knocking his remaining sword to the ground. Before he could retrieve his weapon, she spun her spear and struck his legs, bringing him to his knees. She quickly approached, pressing the tip of her spear against his throat.

"You've lost, Stratos," she declared, her gaze cold and unwavering.

He breathed heavily, sweat beading on his forehead. Despite being completely at a disadvantage, his eyes showed no sign of weakness. Then, a cunning smile spread across his lips.

She raised her spear high, the bright red light from the nuclear core making the weapon even more deadly. One thrust, and this battle would end with her victory.

But at that moment, a loud sound echoed from afar—the signal of artillery fire. She frowned and turned; it was the alarm from the 12th Legion in the distance. It seemed they were being unexpectedly attacked.

"Could it be..." Lunamaria muttered, her eyes flashing with disappointment mixed with admiration.

He took advantage of this opportunity, twisting his body to escape from under her spear. He retreated a few steps, picking up the nearest fallen sword, his eyes never leaving her.

"The battlefield is not just where strength is decided. Strategy is just as important," Stratos taunted.

"You won because of luck, not because of strategy," Lunamaria stood up, not continuing the attack. She knew both were exhausted after the battle, and continuing would only lead to worse outcomes.

"Believe that if it makes you feel better," Stratos replied, his voice still calm despite his weariness after the battle.

"Don't think you'll be so lucky next time," Lunamaria smirked, turning to withdraw towards her troops.

He signaled for his remaining men to retreat, gripping his sword tightly, silently grateful that everything was still under control. Because he also knew she was a dangerous opponent, meaning their next encounter would not be as easy as this one.