21: Clash with Egypt

The morning's transformation of his troops into elite forces filled Fabas with immense elation.

Just as he prepared to extend gratitude to Rhodes and Sig, he glimpsed a distant black line on the horizon.

Drawing closer, the black line gradually expanded. Instinct warned him—an approaching enormous army.

It dawned on him: Rhodes had foreseen this, hence his training initiative.

"Master Rhodes!" Fobas hastened to Rhodes, who inspected troops by the city wall. "They've come—Egyptian forces!"

Rhodes patted his shoulder, offering assurance. "No need to panic; it's all accounted for."

While Fabas remained perplexed, Sig raised his spear and addressed Athens' soldiers. "After morning's training, it's time to show results!"

After exhaustive training, the soldiers felt weary, yet brimmed with zeal. The power of Sig's tactics reverberated within, fueling their eagerness to employ it against the enemy.

Fueling their motivation was the loss of family and friends due to the plague. Their resentment surged, adding fervor to their efforts.

"For Athens!"

"For love!"

"For freedom!"

Raising their spears, they shouted with fervor, marching out of the city gate in an orderly formation, eyes fixed on the distant horizon where the approaching darkness loomed.

On the city wall, thousands of archers readied themselves. Logistics teams positioned bags of arrows beside them.

Under the scorching sun, the air wavered as the dark mass neared, distorting the view.

When the figures grew distinct, Fobas gulped nervously.

The enemy numbered more than expected—roughly 30,000, whereas he commanded 8,000 elite soldiers and 1,000 archers.

Moreover, the enemy appeared fierce and imposing—the core of Egypt's elite. On his side, he counted some recovering soldiers, even recruits.

The plague had decimated their ranks. If not for Rhodes' intervention, Athens would have fallen.

He felt indebted to Rhodes for enabling him to field a fighting force—even death on the battlefield held honor for an officer.

Rhodes and Sig descended the city wall, standing before the troops. Soldiers, anxious due to numerical disparity, found solace in their presence.

Rhodes reassured a trembling soldier. Though the weather scorched, his hands were icy.

"Fear not. Your role isn't direct confrontation; merely safeguard yourselves. Chief Sig trained you, yes?"

"Mmm... Mmm!" The soldier swallowed, nodding, his tension easing.

The distant army blocked the horizon, the figures commanding attention as they assumed formation.

Two figures stood out on horseback—the men on the white and red steeds, their gazes trained upon the distance.

Plague halted his horse, scrutinizing Athens' army with an archer's precision.

"Impossible! They seem healthy?" He marveled.

War smirked. "Merely putting on a façade. Look, less than 10,000 defenders, the capital of Greece's meager force. They're a group of ailing remnants."

Plague's suspicions lingered. However, numerical advantage was on their side. He dispelled his misgivings, urging the Egyptian forces forward.

"Ha!" War sneered, shouldering his large sword. A mischievous grin played on his lips. "No need for caution. Against this puny army, I'm barely a participant."

With a flick of his whip, he spurred his red steed toward the enemy ranks.

Despite Plague's reservations, numerical superiority bolstered his confidence. He too smiled, dismissing his concerns. He rejoined the Egyptian ranks, awaiting the spectacle with War.

An officer with a scarred face assumed command. He raised his spear, rallying the Egyptian forces. "Advance the formation! Charge!"

The army of 30,000 surged toward Athens, a cloud of dust trailing in their wake.

On the city wall, thousands of archers readied their bows. The archers' logistics team replenished their quivers.

Beneath the blistering sun, the air wavered, and the approaching figures gradually assumed clarity.

As the enemy neared, Fobas' pulse quickened.

Rhodes tapped his shoulder. "Calm down. Everything's accounted for."

Though still perplexed, Fabas regained his composure.

Rhodes left for the city wall, delegating command to Sig. He ignited a solar fireball, unleashing it into the sky.

The flames merged with the sun, evading the Egyptian army's notice.

"Everyone!" Sig raised his spear. "Swallowtail Formation!"

Soldiers complied, bifurcating into two wings, like swallows' tails intersecting.

The Egyptian army approached, both sides locked in a tense standoff, eyes brimming with fury and murderous intent.

The air pulsed with bloodlust, gripping every warrior, eyes bloodshot and grips tight.

"Charge!" An Egyptian warrior bellowed, shield and spear readied.

They rushed forward, shields advanced and spears poised.