Noah had always wanted to lead an army. Well, more accurately, he had always thought that he wanted to lead an army. Specifically, he had fantasized about being a master tactician or strategist, finding the perfect maneuver to defeat an overwhelming enemy with a small force. He had always loved old war movies, particularly those depicting ancient battles where generals and teditions argued over the best troop movements. As he looked down at the map, he couldn't help the small amount of glee that rose up in him as he saw the opportunity to flank the incoming forces. While the battle would be fought on an open plane, with Jelene’s forces stationed at the top of a small incline, the area was surrounded by dense forest on one side. If his men were willing to run for an extra day, they could circle around the far side of the approaching army and strike at their rear. This, of course, would only work if Jelene managed to hold their forces for the extra day required. Alternatively, he could simply rush to Jelene's position and reinforce her actions there, though he was doubtful that the help they could provide what amount too much from their position.

  Un’Dal joined him in the room and studied the map for a moment before speaking his mind.

  “I think you may be right, No’Ah. If the forces are as numerous as we are led to believe, then a straightforward approach want to accomplish much. As far as your plan to encircle the enemy, my concern is that we will also be isolated from reinforcements. should we become overwhelmed, we won't have the opportunity to withdraw,” Un’Dal advised. Noah nodded in contemplation.

  “You’re right. Would you suggest a different course of action?” he asked. Un’Dal shook his head.

  “I believe that is likely the most effective course of action available to us. I only wanted to share the potential downfall,” he replied.

  “Let’s get moving then, there’s no time to waste.” Recter added.

  “I agree. Tell the others, we leave at once,” Noah announced.

  Less than an hour after their arrival, the party was on the move again. With hurried steps, they exited the city and began to make distance from the battlefield. With the enhanced senses of everyone present in the battle, they had to be sure that they would go unseen. This meant a whole lot of extra running, a task that they were, thankfully, well equipped for. they didn't stop to rest, but after a day of travel they entered the forest that butted the battlefield. The greenery was thick enough that they could neither see nor hear what happened in the adjoining planes, but Noah could have sworn that he felt the bloodlust in the air. They slowed their pace as the sun set and darkness enveloped them. They continued to travel through the night, and they were soon nearing their intended position. As dawn broke over the horizon, Noah could make out the edge of the forest. He called his men to stop, and they slowly made their way forward. Sure enough, they could see a massive collection of beasts moving throughout the plains. They were far enough away that he wasn't concerned about immediately being spotted; he was, however, more concerned about the sheer quantity of beasts before him. From this Vantage, he couldn't make out Jelene's forces in the distance, and he wondered if there was any point in attacking.

  Before him was what appeared to be thousands of beasts, more than he had ever seen in one place. Whoever was attacking was likely closing in on Bronze if they hadn't already. While he technically had nearly 5,000 citizens in his kingdom, only a small fraction of those could be deployed in battle. To have so many warriors was unnerving and telling about their leader's strength. Beside him, his men squirmed in discomfort and anticipation as they looked out over the masses. Noah couldn't fault them, as he felt much the same. He took a deep breath and considered his options. if he let Jolene fail, this army would soon be upon him. If you joined the fight, however, there was a very high chance that most of them would die. He supposed then that the question he faced was of timing; would he risk death now or face the certainty of a later? When he was given the same question earlier, in regards to helping Jelene or not, he had chosen possibility over certainty, and in that moment, he felt inclined to choose the same.

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  He turned to his men, taking a moment to look at each and every one of them in the eyes.

  “We have a decision to make,” he started, getting everyone’s attention. “If we fight, it is likely that most, if not all of us will die. If we do not, we could retreat down the mountain for a time but will soon be faced with the same enemies again, though they will have amassed XP and experience while we gained nothing. I will not make this decision for you, so take a moment to consider your choice,” Noah commanded.

  He watched as his warriors considered his words, many of them getting a faraway expression in their eyes as they considered their likely fate. He considered his own, knowing that if he were to fall, that would likely lead to the fall of every other human, orc, elf, and drakon. The pressure mounted at that time, but he knew that in the same token, he would need to grow stronger by leaps and bounds if they wanted any real chance as the real enemies began to move. Noah sighed deeply, allowing the fear and anxiety to come and to leave. He already knew his choice, and as he looked into the eyes of his men, it was clear that they knew theirs as well. He smiled at them then and took a moment to commit each of their faces to heart. one way or another, he would see to it that they were added to the legend.

  “If you haven’t already, level and apply your stats. You don’t want to die knowing you held back an advantage,” he commented. He did the same, pulling up his status and leveling. After the last fight, he had gained 250,000 XP, a massive influx amounting to 25 levels worth, bringing his level to 292. Making him wonder if he was about to reach the next threshold. He had 75 free points to distribute and was tempted to put them all in constitution. He paused, though, and tried to consider what would serve him best in the coming fight. As much as he hated to admit it, with his new armor, it was unlikely that the extra constitution would do much to increase his odds of survival. Wisdom or willpower, however, may be exactly what he needed. He sighed in defeat as he assigned 50 points to wisdom and 25 to willpower, bracing himself for the coming headache. He pulled up the final tallies to review.

  Status

  Name: Noah Denter

  Race: Human

  Grade: C

  Domain: Proximal

  Caste: Copper

  Gate: 3

  Path: Adept

  Level: 292

  Strength: 1844

  Dexterity:1844

  Constitution: 608

  Intelligence:60

  Wisdom: 160

  Willpower: 85

  XP: 3,000/10,000

  Essence: 0/10,000,000

  Stat points available: 0

  The totals were starting to become staggering, and he wondered if he was truly able to make full use of their potential. He wasn't sure if it was the increased wisdom, but he felt that it was likely that a large percentage of his stats went to waste. Perhaps one day, considering that he survived through all of this, he would learn how to make the most of his improved body. Once his headache had resided, and the others were ready, he made a final address.

  “Are you ready?” he asked. His men nodded, their eyes filled with mettle. “Today, many of us will become legend. Let’s make sure that it's one that people will sing of for generations to come,” he stated. He was sure that his men would have shouted in agreement if they weren’t about to ambush the enemy. Instead, they grinned and grasped their weapons with white knuckles. They would unleash a fear-inducing warcry as they broke free from the trees. He gave them a final grin before turning to the enemy.

  “On my count, we charge. ”