XXXIII: Battle for Eternity.

As Lakthor's forces closed in, encircling Giorgos and his dwindling band of Athanatoi, a solemn determination settled over them. Giorgos, standing at the forefront of the square formation, raised his voice once more, his words echoing through the chaos of the battlefield.

"King of Kings, help our souls! Mercy, mercy, God of Heaven!" His voice resonated with unwavering faith, his plea carrying the weight of their dire circumstances. The chant spread through the ranks of the Athanatoi, their voices rising in unison, a resolute chorus defying the darkness that surrounded them.

Their unified chant became a battle hymn, a declaration of their unyielding spirit and their unwavering devotion to their cause. It echoed across the battlefield, reaching the heavens themselves, a plea for divine intervention and a cry for salvation.

Within the square formation, the Athanatoi braced themselves, their long spears forming an impenetrable wall of resistance. Their resolve was unbreakable, their minds unclouded by fear or doubt. They stood as a beacon of hope, their chants a testament to their unwavering faith.

Giorgos, his eyes ablaze with determination, unleashed the Pyrean Torrent once more. Flames erupted from the weapon, engulfing the enemy forces in a torrent of searing heat and destructive power. Lakthor's minions faltered in the face of the inferno, their ranks disrupted and their advance halted.

The chant grew louder, its power reverberating through the very fabric of the battlefield. It became a rallying cry, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Athanatoi and their leader. The enemy forces, momentarily stunned by the fervor of their resistance, hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.

In that brief respite, Giorgos seized the opportunity. With a roar that echoed through the chaos, he charged forward, his axe swinging with deadly precision. Each strike was fueled by the collective will of his men, their faith and determination coursing through his veins.

The battle raged on, the square formation of the Athanatoi holding strong against the relentless onslaught. They fought with a fierce resolve, their spears piercing the enemy ranks, their fiery weapons striking fear into the hearts of Lakthor's forces.

But as the battle wore on, the odds became increasingly insurmountable. Giorgos and his Athanatoi fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered and outmatched. Their bodies bore the scars of countless wounds, their strength waning with each passing moment.

Yet, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, they refused to yield. Their chants grew louder, a symphony of defiance that reverberated through the battlefield. They fought not for their own lives, but for the future of Yaegrafane and the hope that still burned within their hearts.

In their final moments, Giorgos and his Athanatoi fought with a fervor that defied mortal limits. Their sacrifice would not be forgotten, their bravery etched into the annals of history. The Battle for Eternity raged on, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refused to bow before the forces of darkness.

As the enemy forces closed in, overwhelming the square formation, Giorgos locked eyes with his loyal Athanatoi. They shared a silent understanding, a bond forged through blood and battle. Together, they faced their fate with unwavering resolve, ready to embrace whatever came next.

In the midst of the chaos, Giorgos raised his voice one final time, his chant a proclamation of defiance that echoed through the ages. "Mercy, mercy, God of Heaven!" he cried, his voice carrying the hopes and prayers of his fallen comrades.

And in that moment, as Lakthor's forces descended upon them, the heavens seemed to stir. A brilliant light pierced through the darkened sky, casting a radiant glow upon the battlefield. It was a sign, a glimpse of divine intervention that filled Giorgos and his Athanatoi with renewed strength.

As Giorgos and his remaining Athanatoi fought valiantly, their bodies weary and their spirits tested, a sudden shift in the battlefield occurred. A thunderous rumble filled the air as the ground shook beneath their feet. To their astonishment, a company of dark knights mounted on majestic unicorns charged into the fray.

Clad in black armor adorned with intricate designs, these knights were a sight to behold. Their presence alone instilled a sense of dread in Lakthor's forces. With precision and ferocity, they carved through the enemy ranks, their swords and lances striking true.

Giorgos and his Athanatoi, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten, found renewed hope as they witnessed the Dark Knights of Matterhorn turn the tide of battle. With each swing of their weapons and each trample of their unicorn steeds, the forces of Lakthor were pushed back.

The Dark Knights fought with a grace and skill that surpassed anything Giorgos had seen before. Their unity and coordination were unmatched, as if they were an extension of each other. Their arrival was a beacon of salvation in the darkest hour, a reinforcement sent by fate itself.

After the battle, as the dust settled and the cries of victory filled the air, Giorgos approached the leader of the Dark Knights. The knight, his armor resplendent in its dark glory, dismounted his unicorn and removed his helm. It was then that Giorgos saw the face of a warrior who had witnessed countless battles.

Introducing themselves as the Dark Knights of Matterhorn, the elite force of the Geraion Empire, they explained that they were on a mission to aid Empress Irene. Impressed by Giorgos' leadership and the bravery of his Athanatoi, they had decided to lend their strength in the Battle for Eternity.

Grateful for their assistance, Giorgos expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Dark Knights. He saw in them kindred spirits, warriors bound by duty and honor. Together, they made their way to the city of Orencia, where Irene awaited their return.