CHAPTER 105: FINAL PREPARATIONS

Marcus spent the entire day in the modern world researching electrical systems and crude battery designs. He searched internet resources forums, discords, diy battery videos to understand how he could possibly power Celestine's mind protection device. All he could find were primitive versions of batteries, and none seemed compatible with the original design specifications.

The technical challenges were overwhelming. The device was designed to be light enough to wear around the ear or attach to glasses or a hat, but creating the necessary power source with medieval materials would require significant modifications.

He burried himself to work like a zombie interacted no one and secretley studied.

When he returned to Valdris, Marcus found Temir already hard at work on the mechanical components of the protection device. The craftsman had studied the designs thoroughly and was making impressive progress with the metalwork.

"Marcus, I've been thinking about the power problem," Temir said without looking up from his intricate work. "The original design assumes power sources we don't have."

"I know. I spent all day researching alternatives. After much consideration, I came up with a solution, but it's not elegant."

Marcus spread out his modified plans on the workbench. "Normally the machine would be light enough to wear discreetly, but to power it with our available materials, I'll have to create a crude battery and wire that attaches to the machine. That way I can carry a larger battery and keep the device connected to its power source."

"So instead of a small, hidden device, you'd be wearing a energy source as backpack?"

"Exactly. The theory is sound, but it makes the whole system much more obvious and cumbersome."

Marcus started working immediately on the battery construction. He needed zinc and copper plates. Both of them easy to find in a mining metropol like Drakmoor. Using copper and zinc plates with acid solutions, Marcus began building what he hoped would generate enough electrical current to power the protection device. The work was painstaking and required constant testing to ensure the chemical reactions would produce stable power.

Temir continued crafting the mechanical housing and wiring systems with his characteristic precision. Despite the unusual nature of the project, he approached it with the same meticulous attention to detail he brought to traditional metalwork.

Their concentration was interrupted when Sister Korra arrived at the workshop. She looked around at their strange project with obvious curiosity but didn't ask questions about the technical details.

"Marcus, I need you to come to a meeting with the King immediately. We're finalizing the war plans before sending Commander Cain's party to set traps."

Marcus reluctantly set aside his battery work. "Temir, continue with the construction. I'll be back as soon as possible."

At the palace, Marcus found the old advisors waiting at the edge of the King's court, obviously demoted from their previous positions of influence. The King's investigation had clearly identified their failures and reduced their authority accordingly.

The meeting was efficient and focused. King Aldwin, General Garop, Commander Cain, and Sister Korra reviewed the coordination between official and irregular forces one final time.

"Commander Cain, you'll set up the plan to disrupt Malachar's advancement through the Sorga Valley," the King ordered. "Use everything we discussed about terrain advantages and strategic positioning."

"Yes, my King. My men are ready to move out at dawn."

General Garop, the old commander of the royal army, immediately stepped forward in protest. "My King, you know Malachar’s spies have infiltrated even the highest ranks. Even the level of royal advisors. Our only true advantage is the element of surprise. If both sides know the full plan, then Malachar will know it as well. Bringing them here alert them. Were this any other enemy, I would refuse to fight alongside irregular forces at all. But against him, we have no choice."

The King remained silent for a few long seconds, his jaw set as he weighed the argument. Finally, he gave a slow nod.

"Very well," the King declared. "Send your party to cut them from behind as we planned. When they approach the city, General Garop will attack with everything we have before Malachar and his elites can take hold of the battle."

General Garop nodded grimly. "The remaining rangers will be positioned on top of the walls to protect the city from there. It's our best chance of preventing him from using mind control on our defenders."

"The timing will be crucial," Sister Korra added. "If Malachar reaches the walls before we weaken his forces, his magical abilities could turn our own soldiers against us."

Marcus felt the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. The success of their entire defense strategy depended on the Defenders successfully harassing Malachar's supply lines while Commander Cain's forces delayed the main army.

"My people understand their role. We'll target their food supplies, ammunition, and communication lines. By the time they reach Drakmoor, they should be weakened and demoralized."

"Good. Remember, this isn't about heroic stands or glorious victories. It's about survival and protecting our people," the King said with authority that Marcus hadn't heard in their previous meetings.

The plan was reviewed once more: Commander Cain would engage in the valley with hit and run tactics, the Defenders would attack supply lines from behind, and the royal army would strike before Malachar could establish siege positions. Rangers on the walls would provide defensive fire while avoiding direct exposure to mind control.

"If this works, we save the kingdom," General Garop summarized. "If it fails, we buy time for evacuation and pray that Lord Satr and Lord Karmond can organize effective resistance."

"It will work," Marcus said with more confidence than he felt. "We have capabilities Malachar doesn't expect and coordination he's never faced before."

As the meeting concluded, Marcus felt the enormous pressure of the approaching siege. In less than a week, everything they'd planned would be tested against the reality of Malachar's overwhelming force and magical abilities.

Returning to the workshop, Marcus found Temir had made significant progress on the device housing. The metalwork was precise and elegant despite the crude power requirements.

"How much more time do we need?" Marcus asked, examining the components.

"Two days for the mechanical assembly, then testing to ensure the electrical connections work properly."

"That's cutting it close, but it should be enough."

From that point on, the two of them worked with laser focus, scarcely speaking except to exchange instructions or check a measurement. Marcus forgot about the modern world entirely his job, his coworkers, the half finished course waiting back home. None of it mattered compared to the device before him. The stakes here were higher, sharper, and far more real.

For several days they pushed themselves past exhaustion, driven by urgency and the knowledge that failure might mean not just their own deaths but the collapse of everything they'd built together. The protection device was their only defense against Malachar's most dangerous magic.

As Marcus finally set aside his tools for the evening, he reflected on how far they'd come from his early days as a refugee with wild ideas about soap production. Now he was coordinating military resistance, building advanced technology, and preparing to infiltrate enemy facilities.

The approaching siege would determine whether all their preparation and sacrifice had been worthwhile. But for the first time since learning about Malachar's army, Marcus felt like they had a genuine chance for success.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges and the final countdown to battle. But tonight, Marcus allowed himself a moment of cautious optimism about their prospects for survival.