Magic Beast Tide

After a long, grueling march, the soldiers of the army were utterly exhausted.

As the outline of the Celestoria Mountains became more distinct, the pressure of the journey grew heavier.

Seeing this, the five priests decided to hold a brief meeting to discuss the next steps for their march.

In a makeshift tent, they gathered around, the atmosphere tense and serious.

Thomas was the first to speak, his brows furrowed.

"If we continue pushing at this pace, we'll reach the Celestoria Mountains with no strength left to fight.

The chance of a beast attack will only increase."

Raphael nodded steadily, his eyes scanning the map of the mountains.

"Thomas is right. The Celestoria Mountains are treacherous.

If we approach in a state of exhaustion, the consequences will be disastrous."

Carsey thought carefully for a moment before adding, "The logistics team is struggling as well.

The pace of transporting food and supplies has slowed.

Without time to rest, we might reach the mountains without sufficient provisions, putting the entire army at risk."

Phillips agreed and added, "It's not just the supply issue.

The soldiers have been on high alert for so long; the fatigue is evident.

We cannot face the beasts in such a weakened state.

A rest is necessary."

Weiss also spoke up.

"The rear guard is particularly exhausted.

If we continue this forced march, their combat effectiveness will be severely compromised.

The key now is to preserve the soldiers' strength and ensure stable supplies so we can face the dangers ahead."

The five priests quickly came to a consensus.

Although each had different responsibilities, they all realized that, with the Celestoria

Mountains in sight, maintaining the soldiers' strength and combat readiness was paramount.

Raphael quickly made the decision and gave the command. 

"Notify the entire army: one hour of rest.

Have all units halt and recuperate. We resume the march once everyone has regained their strength."

The various units gradually relaxed, soldiers pulling out their rations and water.

Exhausted troops sat down on the ground, leaning against their horses with eyes closed, making the most of the brief pause to restore their energy. 

The logistics team also started distributing supplies, ensuring that each part of the army received food, water, and other necessary provisions.

The beast-like mules, burdened with heavy supply carts, plodded forward steadily as the soldiers responsible for them remained dutiful and accustomed to the weight of their responsibilities.

For a short while, the army settled into a peaceful lull, while ominous clouds gathered above. The distant Celestoria Mountains loomed in silence, as if waiting for their arrival.

But just as the rest period ended and the army was preparing to move again, a sharp, piercing sound cut through the sky—a warning of an impending storm.

The soldiers froze, their ears pricked up at the unnatural noise.

The clouds overhead swirled violently, and several swift, dark shapes tore through the sky from the horizon, approaching the army with terrifying speed.

The wind howled, ripped apart by the shrill cries of the airborne beasts, their voices so loud they made the very air tremble.

A low, ominous roar reverberated across the land, heralding imminent death.

"Enemy attack! Flying magic beasts!" 

The front-line soldiers reacted immediately, drawing their weapons and looking to the skies, locking onto the rapidly approaching flying monsters. 

As the magic beasts came closer, their forms grew clearer: grotesque, jet-black creatures with massive wings like blades, each flap sending gusts of wind across the battlefield.

Their eyes glowed with a cold, red light, fixed on the soldiers below, preparing to strike.

The creatures' beaks and talons gleamed menacingly, radiating a bloodthirsty aura that permeated the air, unsettling even the most seasoned of warriors.

The tension in the ranks tightened, as the soldiers braced for the oncoming assault.

At the same time, a deep, rumbling growl emanated from the ground, as though the very earth itself was releasing the fury and savagery of the magic beasts. It sent a shiver down the spine of every soldier present.

With a sudden rush of sand and dust, a horde of swift-moving magic beasts appeared from all directions, rapidly closing in on the army.

These creatures were nimble, their strong limbs propelling them forward with alarming speed.

They cunningly used the dust and shadows for cover, exploiting the terrain as they edged closer to the army's defensive lines.

Though small in size, these magic beasts possessed remarkable power, constantly darting in and out, probing and harassing the army with their swift movements.

"Stay alert!"

Raphael was the first to react, quickly issuing a command. 

"All units, form defensive positions! Prepare for an attack!"

Carsey, sensing the rising danger, immediately followed suit. 

"Logistics, hold the line! Don't panic. Keep the supply carts in place and fortify the defenses!"

deacon rushed out to relay orders to the various troops.

But the sudden assault from the magic beasts threw the army into disarray.

Flying magic beasts rained down from the skies while ground creatures surged in from all directions, giving the soldiers no time to recover.

Though the archers responded quickly, their arrows struggled to hit their marks as the overwhelming number of flying creatures continued to bear down on them.

Several volleys later, the threat from the skies still loomed large.

The ground magic beasts proved even trickier, with their swift, agile movements allowing them to bypass the shield walls.

Spotting gaps in the soldiers' defenses, they pounced. In a matter of moments, several soldiers were dragged down, their armor torn apart by the sharp claws of the beasts, blood spraying across the battlefield.

The army tried to reform its lines, but the relentless assault from the magic beasts kept coming like an unstoppable flood, leaving no room for an organized defense.

Phillips narrowed his eyes, realizing that the situation was spiraling out of control. He raised his right hand, preparing to unleash a powerful spell.

A radiant light began to gather in his palm, its intensity growing.

But before he could cast the spell, Raphael swiftly stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Phillips' shoulder and whispering softly. 

"Hold your magic. Save your energy for the real threat." 

The gravity of Raphael's words hung heavy in the air, signaling that something far worse was yet to come.

Phillips hesitated briefly, his brow furrowed as he looked back at Raphael, voice low with frustration.

"But these magic beasts are already tearing through our ranks. If we don't act now, more of our soldiers will die!"

Raphael's expression remained calm, his brown eyes unflinching, devoid of panic, as though he had anticipated this chaos all along.

"This is merely a probing attack," Raphael said, his voice steady.

"The real magic beast tide hasn't arrived. If we waste our magic now, we'll be powerless when the true battle begins."

Phillips felt the unease gnawing at him but paused, locking eyes with Raphael.

The unyielding certainty in his gaze made it clear that now wasn't the time for impulsive action.

"I understand," Phillips finally conceded.

Raphael then turned his attention to the battlefield, his voice sharp and composed as he issued orders to bring order to the chaotic scene.

"All units, hold your positions! Shields up! Spears in formation! Stabilize the front lines!"

His commands echoed across the ranks.

The soldiers, still rattled by the surprise attack, began to regroup.

Shields were raised, creating a wall of defense, while long spears thrust forward, forming an impenetrable barrier against the advancing ground magic beasts. 

The once disorganized army started to regain its footing, their movements syncing with Raphael's clear-headed strategy.

Though the air remained thick with tension, the soldiers began to realize that they had a chance to withstand the coming storm.