War Of The Four Kingdoms (Shou)

The signal arrived sooner than anticipated. Despite the recent departure of the Ryuu, we mobilized a full rebel unit to the signal's origin. Its coded language made it difficult for the enemy to intercept. Time was of the essence and we couldn't wait for the Ryuu to return, so we proceeded, hoping they would join us in battle.

Princess Yeli knew the roads best, so we followed her all the way and encountered no enemy soldiers. Those aware of our movements were likely preparing for battle. Upon reaching the south, we were met by a vast army emerging from the hidden forest. It seemed as though the entire third kingdom had assembled. In addition, several descendants had allied with the kings and their armies to support our cause. This was the kings' surprise: descendants who would fight alongside us in war.

The first and second kingdoms also brought many soldiers for our battle. We had become such a large army that it was almost impossible to see some of the soldiers left behind from here.

Our army was vast and diverse, Knights, merfolk, winged people, dwarves, and wizards, We had a very large and crowded staff. Despite our strength in numbers, I remained cautious of the enemy's capabilities. For the safety of their kingdoms and to prevent total destruction, the heads of the lineages could not join the war. However, the kings were proud to fight alongside us. Princess Yeli greeted them with excitement and joy.

"My kings, it is an honor to have you with us in this war."

The third king, being the eldest, addressed Princess Yeli first.

"Princess Yeli, how you have grown."

After equipping her men with armor and weapons, Princess Yeli was asked by the Third King about Ryuu and the others.

"Young warrior and Rose, where are they?"

Hiroshi replied, "Don't worry. They're seeking a solution to our problem. I'm sure they'll return before the war begins. Until then, we must prepare for battle."

The king agreed. "With or without them, this war is inevitable."

As we advanced towards the battlefield, everyone readied themselves for combat. Princess Yeli and Hiroshi conferred with the kings about Ryuu's role in defeating the monster and our battle strategy. My thoughts were consumed by one thing: revenge against my former brother. Despite years of attempts to attack him, his impenetrable army and powerful alliances had kept him out of reach. He was like a ghost. But now I had a chance to face him; he would be my sole target during the battle.

After all these years, I couldn't miss this opportunity. Every time I picked up my master's sword, I knew what I was here for and I spoke in a voice no one could hear. "I'm coming for you, brother," I murmured.

After several hours of travel, our army arrived at a vast, flat expanse of land near the sea. The rocky terrain was hard and the sea water lapped against the shore. The area was barren except for a few scattered rocks. Beyond the land, we saw an uncountable number of enemies lined up and waiting for us. We were taken aback by their numbers; there were far more soldiers than we had anticipated.

The enemy army was as diverse as our own, comprising orcs, giants, common soldiers, elite soldiers, and samurai. Despite our strength, we were outnumbered.

The opposing army had arrived earlier than expected and it was unlikely that the Ryuu would return before the battle began. Given the size of the enemy force and the absence of the Ryuu, the kings invoked their right to parley with Yores' son one last time before the battle.

According to tradition, hostilities could not commence until the parley had concluded. It was an opportunity to discuss terms and buy time. It seemed like a logical course of action for the moment.

Although it was unlikely that the fourth epic could be swayed, the kings were determined to negotiate in order to minimize casualties. When the fourth epic agreed to parley, we met in the middle of the battlefield, away from our armies.

On one side stood the fourth king and his elite troops; on the other, our kings and us. Princess Yeli remained behind with our army, ready to issue orders in case of aggression.

"Brother and nephew," said one of the kings. "There is no point in fighting this war. Many will die if we do."

The fourth epic replied with a single demand. "If you wish to avoid war, you will accept my offer."

"We cannot do that," said another king. "The people of the kingdoms are our people."

"Then you choose war."

The youngest of the kings spoke up. "Is that what you truly want, nephew? To follow in your father's footsteps? You will find no happiness in killing and oppressing others without cause."

"You do not understand," said the fourth epic. "I am trying to save you and your kingdoms from a great calamity in the future."

"By instilling fear?"

"Every good deed has its price. The parley is over. Prepare your armies, we will fight."

As the fourth king and his elite soldiers left with the epic, we returned to our own armies. I wanted to attack Kai, one of the elite soldiers, but it would have been suicide. I decided to save our confrontation for the battle.

Upon reaching the head of our armies, we saw that the fourth epic had already ordered his vast army to attack. At the kings' command, we charged towards the enemy to meet them in battle.

As the two massive armies clashed, chaos engulfed the battlefield. Friends and foes were indistinguishable in the melee of thousands. Soon after the battle began, we were scattered across the field, some engaging clear enemies while others aided their comrades.

Like us, the enemy had brought heavy weapons such as catapults and artillery. Though we were outmatched in terms of armaments, we had the advantage of diversity. Winged soldiers attacked from the air while dwarves set traps on the ground to repel the enemy.

The giants inflicted heavy damage, blocking our catapults and cannons. The ogres fought brutally to gain the upper hand. I focused on a single target but engaged any enemy that crossed my path.

Our immediate goal was to neutralize as many enemies as possible. However, their numbers were overwhelming and they kept coming, giving us no respite. For a brief moment, we advanced as a team and pushed back the enemy vanguard.

Though our progress was limited, it opened a path for us to counterattack. We seized the opportunity and charged forward with all our might.

Wedan and I led the charge, clearing a path for Hiroshi, Mila, and Lezlie who followed close behind. As we advanced, they ensured that our flanks were secure. We were a stronger team than ever before and the enemy stood little chance against us.

Wedan froze an entire group of enemies, encasing them in a massive structure of ice. The fourth epic was displeased when he saw us making quick work of his soldiers. He struck the ground with his spear, causing the earth to shake as if he were summoning something formidable.

As the spear touched the ground, a monstrous creature emerged from the sea. It seemed that the fourth epic had unleashed his monster to stop us. The beast lumbered onto land, tearing up the ground beneath its feet and spreading fear.

After letting out a deafening roar, it lifted its head and spewed blue fire into the sky. Moments later, burning meteors rained down upon us. The meteors not only separated us but also hindered our ability to attack.

I knew that if this continued, we would not emerge victorious. The monster's power had inflicted heavy damage on our army and severely limited our capabilities. But I refused to give up in despair. I would not die without avenging my master.

Once again, I had failed to reach Kai. Perhaps this was the end. If our army suffered another meteor shower, the gap would be insurmountable. As the beast prepared to unleash its second volley, another roar echoed through the sky.

At first, no one understood what was happening. But then we saw Ryuu and the others approaching us on a dragon. Ryuu had found a way to defeat the beast. The fourth epic was displeased by this development. Everyone got off the dragon except Ryuu. Apparently, Ryuu had brought some people from the dragon bloodline.

Hope was rekindled. Ryuu took to the air on his dragon, drawing the monster's attention while we regrouped and tried to turn the tide of battle. With Ryuu's arrival, the battle seemed to regain some semblance of order. And most importantly, there were no longer any obstacles preventing me from facing Kai.