The once-expanding gap between the Barlian forces and the advancing Ryntum army had dwindled to an uncomfortably close distance. Barlia's soldiers frantically tried to increase the gap, desperately seeking breathing room in the confined space.
However, their options were limited, and their backs were soon pressed against the formidable city wall.
The realization of their predicament sent a ripple of panic through the Barlian ranks. They were trapped, with no room to retreat and regroup. The city wall, once a symbol of protection, now acted as a confining barrier that restricted their movements.
Meanwhile, the Ryntum soldiers, sensing the advantage, pressed forward with renewed determination. Their relentless assault continued, driving the Barlian forces closer to the wall with each passing moment. The air was thick with tension and the sounds of battle, as both sides fought fiercely for control.
"Don't slow down! Push forward and pin them against the wall!" Levi shouted. His commanding voice cut through the chaos.
He saw the desperation in the eyes of the trapped Barlian soldiers and recognized the opportunity to deliver a decisive blow.
The soldiers, fueled by Levi's words and their own determination, took his command to heart.
They pressed forward with relentless force, their guns and cannons unleashing a barrage of fire and destruction upon the trapped Barlian soldiers.
The air resonated with the thunderous booms of cannons, the crackling of gunfire, and the cries of the wounded.
Barlia's soldiers were cornered and outnumbered but fought back with a tenacity born out of desperation. Despite the city gate being wide open, they found it useless to run inside now.
Once they turn their back, their line of defence would be broken in a matter of seconds. If they are going down, they might as well take as many enemies as they can and leave the rest to their comrades in Eikadir to handle.
Minutes passed and Barlia's resistance began to crumble, their lines faltering under relentless pressure.
At the same time, the Ryntum army gained ground, inching closer to their city. The space between the Ryntum army and the trapped Barlian forces grew increasingly narrow.
And with that, the casualties keep piling up. The attack from Ryntum become deadlier than ever. If they get hit by Ryntum's bombardment, it is guaranteed that their bodies won't be left intact.
The once-clean exterior of the city wall was now a macabre canvas, its surface painted with grotesque streaks of crimson. The thick, metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, mingling with the putrid stench of torn flesh and shattered bones. Limbs, disembodied and twisted, lay strewn about like discarded playthings, while unrecognizable masses of organs and entrails created a gruesome scene on the ground.
It was a horrendous scene that served as a grim backdrop to the ferocious battle. The sight was enough to turn even the most hardened of soldiers' stomachs.
Even Levi found himself perturbed by it. For the sake of his sanity, he decided to stop this already useless battle.
In a resolute voice that cut through the silence, Levi raised his voice to address the remaining Barlian soldiers. "Barlians, surrender, and we will spare your lives," he declared, his words echoing across the battlefield. "As you can see, plastered to the wall were the remains of your comrade. If you want to end up just like them, we can continue this fight. However, allow me to remind you that the outcome of this battle has been decided. No matter what you do, you are going to lose horribly."
His voice carried a weight of finality, a sombre acknowledgement that further resistance would only bring further destruction and loss.
The silence following Levi's words was deafening, broken only by the distant moans of the wounded and the lingering echoes of the battlefield.
The remaining Barlian soldiers, their spirits broken and their bodies battered, found themselves at a crossroads. They had fought valiantly, but the horrors they had witnessed and the overwhelming force that now stood before them left little room for hope.
Slowly, one by one, the Barlian soldiers dropped their weapons, their defeated and weary faces reflecting a mixture of resignation and relief.
Levi watched as the last of the Barlian soldiers laid down their arms, their surrender signalling the end of the battle. With a firm command, he ordered his soldiers to apprehend the surrendering troops, ensuring they were disarmed and restrained.
The dust settled and the cries of battle subsided, the once-bloody battlefield fell into an eerie stillness. His eyes swept across the now-silent battlefield, taking in the aftermath of the brutal clash.
He had been through several wars and witnessed countless battles, but the bloodshed and devastation of this particular conflict seemed unparalleled. The image of the bloodied battlefield would be forever etched in his memory.
Levi approached the restrained Barlian soldiers and directed his question towards one of them, "Where is your superior called Nolan? It seems peculiar to have defeated you so swiftly."
The Barlian soldier, his expression wearied and defeated, responded with a touch of resignation. "Major Nolan is at Eikadir City, sir. The majority of our forces were concentrated there."
"I see," he replied, his tone measured.
The Ryntum soldiers then entered the city of Balkes. However, their arrival was met with a peculiar sight.
The streets were filled with the inhabitants of Balkes, clumped together in a state of trepidation and uncertainty. Fear lingered in the air, etched upon their faces as they cautiously watched the approaching soldiers. The once bustling streets now wore a cloak of tension and unease.
"Good people of Balkes, I offer you a choice. You can either stay and fight us, reclaiming your city or you can take your belongings and make your way to Eikadir."
The words hung heavy in the air, and soon a sense of urgency permeated the streets.
Families hastily packed their belongings, as they know that they stand no chance of fighting the professional soldiers. Soon, the city of Balkes became deserted and fall entirely in the possession of Ryntum.
[A/N: Map]
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦