Chapter 36: Valentia's Resolve

The grand fortress city of Cloudwhale Kingdom stands tall and proud, a symbol of strength and resilience. Its towering walls, constructed with intricate stonework, enclose a bustling cityscape bustling with life and energy. Magnificent spires reach towards the sky, adorned with vibrant banners that flutter in the wind, proudly displaying the kingdom's crest.

In the heart of the city lies the grand fortress, a formidable structure that serves as both a residence for the royal family and a bastion of defense. Its towering gates, guarded by dedicated knights, open to reveal sprawling courtyards adorned with meticulously manicured gardens and elegant fountains. The interior is a testament to the Cloudwhale Kingdom's rich history, with grand halls adorned with tapestries depicting heroic tales and ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow upon marble floors.

Inside one of the large rooms of the grand fortress, Valentia Cloudwhale, the confident and formidable princess of Cloudwhale Kingdom, paces back and forth with a furrowed brow. Her vibrant pink hair cascades down her shoulders, and her striking yellow eyes hold a glimmer of uncertainty.

Princess Valentia, known for her assertiveness and a touch of arrogance befitting her royal status, is caught in a moment of doubt. The information given by the Goddess Apostle about the sudden attack of the 4th colossal biomachine monster on the grand fortress city of Cloudwhale Kingdom weighs heavily on her mind.

As she contemplates the situation, a female knight enters the room. She bows respectfully before Valentia and speaks with a concerned tone. "Your Highness, we must exercise caution. We have just received a report that the large commercial city of Dustmoon Kingdom was attacked by the 3rd colossal biomachine monster, just as the Goddess Apostle predicted."

Valentia narrows her eyes, a mix of worry and determination crossing her face. "So, the Goddess Apostle might now be at the large commercial city of Dustmoon Kingdom, engaged in battle with the 3rd colossal biomachine monster," Valentia says, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

The female knight nods, acknowledging Valentia's deduction. "Yes, Your Highness. It is likely that they are currently locked in a fierce struggle. We must be prepared for the potential arrival of the 4th colossal biomachine monster here in Cloudwhale Kingdom."

Valentia clenches her fists with unwavering determination. "I refuse to allow our city to crumble beneath the onslaught of these 4th colossal biomachine monsters! As the princess of Cloudwhale Kingdom, it is my sacred duty to fight and protect our people. I will defend the honor and pride of our kingdom and safeguard this grand fortress city with every ounce of my being!"

Valentia's eyes scanned the room, her brows furrowing as she pondered the predicament. "But even with my authority," she said, frustration evident in her voice, "I can't force all of the citizens here to evacuate. We don't have a nearby town that can accommodate everyone from this grand fortress city. What should I do?" Her fingers instinctively ran through her pink hair, a gesture of both concern and determination. She was determined to find a solution to this pressing challenge, but the weight of responsibility weighed heavily on her young shoulders.

The female knight bows once more, her admiration evident. "Your Highness, your courage and strength inspire us all. As for what we should do, I believe we should at least allow the children to escape to the ancient ruin in the nearby mountain. If we inform the citizens that the Goddess Apostle's prediction has already come true in Dustmoon Kingdom, many people will surely cooperate."

Valentia turns her attention to the female knight, her eyes filled with hope. "Tell me more about this ancient ruin." The female knight proceeds to provide Valentia with details about the ancient ruin, its location, and its potential as a temporary shelter. She also mentions that she has found an adventurer who is familiar with the ancient ruin. "I will select the best guard soldiers, and we need to send food and necessary supplies to the ancient ruin as well."

Valentia nods, accepting the advice of the female knight. She takes a moment to write a letter to trusted merchants and individuals, requesting their assistance in managing the supply distribution for those seeking refuge in the ancient ruin.

As the female knight prepares to carry out Valentia's orders, the princess gazes at the army camping in the fortress courtyard. "Look at this, my father has sent us two battalions as reinforcements. With so many strong soldiers and the high-pressure magic cannons lent to us by the Goddess Apostle, we will not be defeated."

Valentia's sidetail sways gently as she speaks with unwavering determination. "Let it be known that Cloudwhale Kingdom will not yield. We will rise above any challenge and protect our realm with unwavering determination. This is my decree as the princess," she declares, raising her fist in a symbol of defiance and resilience. Little does she know that the threat they face this time is beyond what she and the army of Cloudwhale Kingdom can handle alone.

The next morning dawns upon the grand fortress city of Cloudwhale Kingdom, shrouding it in an air of dread. A disaster unimaginable unfolds before their eyes as the 4th colossal biomachine monster manifests in the skies above the city. Resembling a hawk with its four legs, four wings, and four long tails, it launches a merciless assault without warning, raining destruction upon buildings and people alike.

The energy beams emitted from the jewels on its tails strike with deadly accuracy, reducing structures to ashes and toppling others into ruins. The powerful storm generated by its wings sweeps through the city, leaving no one unscathed. The devastation is swift, leaving screams and bloody corpses in its wake, transforming the once-proud grand fortress city into a hellish ruin in an instant.

"Why?! Why is this happening?!" Valentia's voice echoes through the chaos, a mixture of anger and anguish resonating in her words. Tears well up in her eyes as the weight of the tragedy, the loss of innocent lives, and the destruction of her proud city bear down heavily upon her heart.

Amidst the crumbling structures and swirling chaos, the valiant army of 3,000 stationed in the grand fortress city fights desperately. Their high-pressure magic cannons unleash powerful bursts of energy, aimed at countering the 4th colossal biomachine monster's onslaught. However, their efforts prove futile as they are swept away by the relentless storm generated by the monstrous creature. Soldiers armed with magical bows release their arrows, hoping to pierce the soaring monster, only to see their shots fall tragically short.

The scene is a cacophony of clashing building, thunderous roars, and desperate cries. The once-ordered formations dissolve into disarray as soldiers scramble to defend themselves and their fallen comrades. Their valiant hearts burn with unwavering courage, but it becomes increasingly apparent that this formidable enemy surpasses anything they have faced before.

Screams fill the air, mixing with the acrid stench of death that permeates the city. Valentia stands as a witness to the gruesome massacre unfolding before her eyes. Overwhelmed by grief and the shattered remnants of her once unyielding confidence and pride, she crumbles to her knees, her spirit crushed under the weight of the devastating carnage surrounding her.

In the midst of this nightmarish scene, the female knight emerges, her eyes filled with unwavering determination. With urgency in her voice and a firm grip on Valentia's arm, she pulls the princess towards a hidden escape route. There is no time for hesitation as they navigate through the crumbling corridors of the grand fortress city. Every step they take is a race against time, a desperate effort to ensure Valentia's survival amidst the unimaginable destruction.

Valentia's tears blend with the dust and debris, but her resolve begins to flicker with a glimmer of hope. Though her city may be crumbling, her people suffering, she clings to the belief that her survival is not in vain. And she will do whatever it takes to rebuild, to rise from the ashes and protect her realm once more.

With each passing moment, Valentia's pain transforms into determination. As she follows the female knight through the labyrinthine corridors, she draws upon the strength she thought she had lost. A fire ignites within her, a fierce resolve to protect the future of her people.

Amidst the chaos, they encounter pockets of survivors, huddled together in fear. Valentia's presence offers them a glimmer of hope, a symbol of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. She reaches out to them, offering words of comfort and assurance, promising that they will rebuild and restore their shattered lives.

Outside the crumbling grand fortress city, they emerge into a desolate landscape. Smoke billows into the sky, a haunting reminder of what once stood proud and majestic. Valentia takes a final look back, her gaze lingering on the destruction. But in her heart, a flicker of determination burns brighter than ever before.

"The grand fortress city will rise again," she vows, her voice filled with a newfound resolve. Valentia raises her clenched fist high in the air, a gesture of determination that resonates with her people. "We will rebuild, stronger than ever. This is not the end. We will overcome."

With those words hanging in the air, Valentia and the surviving remnants of her people embark on a journey, determined to reclaim what was lost. The path ahead is arduous and filled with challenges, but with the princess leading the way, they march forward, driven by hope and a shared vision of a brighter future.

The grand fortress city may have fallen, but the spirit of the city's citizens remains unbroken. Their heads held high, they stand tall and resolute, mirroring the unwavering determination of their princess. And as long as that spirit endures, there is a glimmer of hope, a testament to the indomitable will of Princess Valentia and her people.