Mana Shield

though the Ruin was on lock down normal activities continued, even merchant did not stop to arrive in hope they benefit from this war. Merchants who are brave enough stayed while others move out from the ruin. The ruin did not stop their decisions but was cautioned that it would not be the ruin's responsibility if something happened to them. A week after the start of the march, news of it spread wide. It peaked the curiousness of the neighboring cities, and they themselves gathered their officials to discuss the upcoming event. Events like these if decided quickly could mean benefits or loss for them if they decided to intervene. It was like betting on a game, and for these politicians it's a matter of national interest.

One in particular was Gregor Melroy II: Ruler of Baltik City was among the persons who is very interested.

"This is rather peculiar move from the sultans, why would they attack a defenseless settlement that is bound to fail if left inside the dark forest. They even deployed the full force, and spend much this resources." Gregor was fascinated, it was because he did not care anymore of the Snow Fort citizens after Rygorn's death and waste his spies into a secluded area.

"Send scouts and observe the event, immediately report any progress. This is a priority command." Gregor Shouted to one of the guard then the guard quickly responded and run outside. He was curious of the Sultans move, after all he still has grudge because of the last event.

Ruin

Two weeks pass by and it was finally the day of war.

"Nobles, Soldiers and Citizens, we outnumber your city three to one. We request you to surrender now and bring me the head of your young lord before the sun would set, or we will burn this settlement to the ground and enslave all of you." A Sultan wearing his lightweight armor made of leather bearing only two short swords both his waist side. It was more than a threat than a request.

"Sultans, and warriors, you came a long way into this forgotten lands to harvest our peoples hardship and effort. We offered alliance and given compensation of your losses and even more. If this is your answer then we will not hesitate to defend ourselves to the death. Even if we fall down, we will take half of you." Commander Rygorn, Shouted the last sentence and amplified his speech for everyone to hear. And it slightly shook the morale of the warriors and some sultans.

"Inconsiderate being, sacrificing your own people to feed your pride. You will pay for your empty words and lies." The sultan messenger turned back riding his deer like mount as big as a horse.

Surrounding the Ruin from all sides are ferocious warriors ready to engage. Ten thousand strong on all four side. The Ruin was fortified all around with a simple wooden wall that would be negligible in this encounter. But the most fascinating are soldiers with metallic suit that are scattered all around the Ruin. They claws were sharp and long and the body including the head are fully covered in black streamlined design to maximize agility over protection. Aside from occasional light glowing blue like veins from parts of the armor, it was simply colored back and some part dark gray. Its eyes glow red like a predator at night while it stood motionless aside from the occasional breathing movement.

"Sultan Amir, these armors seems peculiar. How do we engage.?" An officer warrior beside the Commander of the consolidated army Amir asked.

"These armored men seem to be close combat assets, but the metal armor will most likely slow them. Engage the arrows and deploy the elementals as soon as they are in range....Also..." Before the commander could finish his commands, half of the MKP 1 surrounding the Ruin initiated the attack first charging towards them.

"Hahahahahaha...What is this?" Commander Amir, was amused and confused at the same time. "Cavalry, engage the attackers." Command Amir. then a loud series of horns and flag signs were raised and the cavalry mounting a winged deer were deployed. Though deers have wings, it was short and only used to leap and balance during fast movements.

Inside one of the helmets of the MKP I a voice can be heard instructing. "Units one and two from all sides. Attack and Engage". It was Rygorn's voice they are hearing. The MKP I is equipped with state of the arts communication system that would allow unhindered flow of communication, Mapping system, night vision, X-ray and other more used to aide in battle.

On top of one of the wooden towers was Rygorn with the same MKP I suit but his helmet has five golden stripes at the side and in shoulder indicating his rank, it was also visible to other officers but with less stripes and others have different design overall.

He can see all the flow of the battle in a hologram that was projected from a ball on the ground. even the Majors have there own hologram on each side of the Ruin.

The clash of the sultans cavalry and the MKP I has ended instantly, most of the mounts were killed while the riders were injured unable to fight yet very few deaths among them. It was as if it was deliberate not to kill them.

"DEPLOY ALL MEN....ATTAAAAAACK" Commander Amir panicked as he saw the cavalry fell down one by one. A loud prolonged horn was sounded and at the same time all me charged. While the MKP I that was deployed did not back down and in contrary advanced further into the main Army of the sultans.

"Units 4 remain, Units 3 attack" In a calm but serious commanded Rygorn. and another quarter of the MKP I was deployed.

Volleys of fireballs and even ice spears were launched at the MKP I by the few Elementalist of the Sultans. Though few, they are well trained to disrupt melee combatants and distract them. But the armor could not be penetrated by the projectile as if throwing eggs into a steel.

"Medics, Deploy" From inside the Ruin emerged white light armored light units equipped with backpack that was connected to every limb of the suit. It help's carry damaged unmoving MKP I, and has the capability to apply first aid to wounded. These medics not only help evacuate MKP I but also enemies that might die from the clash. Their backpack was a source of extra energy to be used from frequent movement in and out of the battlefield.

"IGNORE THE FRONT AND GO FOR THE RUIN" Shouted Amir as he saw the slow collapse of his army.

And in response the Commander acted. "Deploy the Shield." Surrounding the Ruin was columns of steel structure as tall as 10 feet and as thick as a human. It vibrated slightly at the command then it howled and produced a kind of transparent shield connecting all columns and deflecting any intruder attempting to enter the Ruin. Only those with suits can enter inn and out of the shield.

"Is that a Mana Shield." Amir was shocked as Mana shield was very rare and only a few can create it, and even if someone is able to do it. The capacity to surround the whole Ruin with such thick Mana shield would be a huge endeavor and will require lots of mana.

"PERSEVERE...AFTER THEIR SHIELD IS DEPLETED WE WILL SWARM THE RUIN." Amir amplified his voice for everyone to here, not to loose hope and for the enemy to hear also hoping they will surrender.

Minutes pass by but the shield did not deplete. And every minute his Amir's army dwindled while the MKP I were continuously repaired and deployed. It was as if it was unlimited in energy.