Ranking System

A few days later, the time had come for us to embark on our war campaign. My soldiers were prepared to storm Gontz, joined by the people of Etellia in our joint endeavor.

I had successfully persuaded them that, following the defeat of the two other cities, we would equitably divide the mine between us.

Currently, the war continues with unrelenting intensity. The conflict, which involved the three nations and the active participation of nearby nations, was in full swing.

None of the nations had suffered significant losses thus far, but my participation in the conflict would likely alter that outcome.

You might be wondering why I didn't choose to wait until the very end, swooping in to claim everything for myself. However, such a move would only tarnish my reputation. I would be labeled a conniving opportunist, which would counter my ultimate goal.

"Everyone, today marks the day our nation will etch its name in the annals of history! The world around us may be in turmoil and fraught with dangers, but that doesn't mean we'll sit idly by, waiting for fate to strike. Instead, we see it as a rare and precious opportunity that comes once in a lifetime!"

"You've undoubtedly heard the recent news of an impending war on the horizon. A neighboring nation has stumbled upon a Luminite mine of immense proportions, one that could sustain an empire for a century! In the name of our people's well-being, we're embarking on a war against the nation of Gontz!"

"These barbarians have dared to underestimate us when a golden opportunity beckons. It's time for us to seize it! Victory in this battle will ensure a prosperous life for the people of Chrome for generations to come. Your families won't have to worry about where their next meal comes from or the shelter over their heads. Once we emerge victorious, a brighter and more secure future awaits us all!"

"My comrades, onward to war!" With these words, our forces surged forward in the direction of Gontz.

Their battle cries echoed through the streets of Chrome. With nearly ten thousand soldiers at our disposal, the time had come to lay siege to the city of Gontz.

Accompanying me were my commander, two vice-commanders, and the pawns who stood beside me. As we prepared to engage the people of Gontz in battle, I expected them all to prove their worth. This would serve as an evaluation on my part.

The conventional journey to Gontz would have taken us around ten hours, but I was not one to adhere strictly to the norm. Leveraging my formidable strength, I tore through space and created a wormhole that transported us to a point just one hour away from Gontz.

The sight of my unconventional mode of transportation left my people in awe. Initially skeptical, their hesitation vanished as I led the way.

I had already dispatched a messenger to inform the people of Etellia about our planned attack, providing them with a precise time frame. If all went according to plan, the battle would commence in just one hour.

~

[Third-Person POV]

In the city of Gontz, a group of vigilant soldiers guarding their base suddenly spotted the sight of ten thousand men approaching.

"Someone! Alert our lord! We're under attack!" The sentinel on the tower's gate urgently shouted, immediately informing those around.

"We're under attack! Everyone, prepare the cannons! And load up any projectiles we have!" With an invading force on the horizon, the people of Gontz sprang into action, doing their utmost to ready a defense.

The presence of this massive army of ten thousand men had sent a wave of fear through the guards stationed to protect the city's entrance.

The sudden attack, especially with Gontz already engaged in a conflict, had left them severely depleted in terms of manpower. Even if they were to emerge victorious in this battle, their city would be left crippled and vulnerable, incapable of mounting a strong defense against any subsequent attacks.

Recognizing that the invaders' primary objective was the Luminite Mine, the people of Gontz comprehended that their city would inevitably fall prey to the ambitions of other power-hungry nations seeking to seize control of the valuable resource. This dire situation meant that the very survival of their city was hanging by a thread.

"My lord! The people of Chrome are on the way to invade!" Without warning, a soldier rushed in to deliver the urgent news, interrupting the proceedings.

"Chrome?! Those treacherous scoundrels!" The Lord of Gontz bellowed in anger, slamming his desk in frustration.

"How many of them are there?" The Lord of Gontz inquired, seeking to gauge the scale of the impending threat.

"Approximately ten thousand! Sir!" Upon hearing this alarming number, a somber atmosphere enveloped everyone in the room, realizing the daunting odds they faced.

His secretary, overwhelmed by panic and the gravity of the situation, implored, "My lord, what should we do? Engaging in this battle doesn't seem to hold any benefit for us." They sought guidance from their lord, unsure of the best course of action in the face of such a dire threat.

"What other options do we have?" The Lord of Gontz pondered the dire circumstances before issuing his orders.

"Assemble a group of men and organize the evacuation of our people. As for the remaining forces, they must be sent to the battlefield. We have no choice but to defend our city!"

Despite the grim situation, the lord understood that fleeing wasn't viable. If the people of Gontz were to abandon their city, they would be left with nothing, a fate he couldn't bear.

"To all, prepare for battle. This may be our last stand. For the sake of our people, we shall stand our ground!" He rallied his troops, determined to face the impending challenge with unwavering resolve.

Inspired by their leader's impassioned speech, the soldiers' morale received a temporary boost. Nevertheless, as they witnessed the enemy forces advancing towards them, a sense of dread and despair swept over them, causing their morale to plummet significantly. The daunting reality of the situation weighed heavily upon their hearts.