Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 286 Battle of Sunset
As Su Mu returned to Graystone City, Wayne had already identified the commander of the enemy's rearguard.

"This time, it didn't cost too much. Meiji transformed into a mare to graze and seduced a centaur leader. She stayed on the outskirts of Cloud Mist City for a while and confirmed that the heroes left behind were João and the elven ranger Yuna Greenleaf."

My thieves, after extensive investigation, confirmed that Leven and his men had already led their troops out of the city, leaving these two as the heroes behind.

João is a stronghold hero; he cannot be the commander-in-chief, but can only serve as an assistant. Levin would not entrust such an important matter to a foreign race.

His skills and shamanic abilities are powerful, but they have side effects, and siege warfare doesn't require stronghold troops as the main force, so he was left behind.

On the other hand, the strongholds did not completely trust Isildur; they needed their own people to guard the rear and leave a way out, which was a logical arrangement.

"Who is this Yuna Greenleaf? Do you have any information about her?"

"There is no relevant information yet. All we know is that he is a hero from Isildur's homeland. He should be a powerful ranger with abilities that lean towards combat and reconnaissance, and his magical abilities are average."

Su Mu nodded. Wayne had done an excellent job of finding out about Cloud Mist City's defenses in just a few days, and they couldn't ask for too much more.

Levin pushed Yuna out at the crucial moment, which must have been well thought out and prepared in advance. It seems that she is very suitable for fighting in the Magic Cloud territory.

However, this hero was unknown, and I had never heard of her.

"Tell the Knight Commander about the situation in Cloud Mist City, and inform him that Leven's army has already set out and could attack Sunset Fortress at any time."

In fact, the kingdom must have known about the movements of such a large army long ago. They are currently fighting on Elton's land, and with the boundary markers' perception, Levin could not possibly have escaped the kingdom's detection unless he had a high level of disguise.

Wait, advanced camouflage!
"Wait a moment!"

Su Mu called Wayne back, and Wayne stared at the sand table map for a long time. He realized that Cloud Mist City's location was indeed quite special; it was not only a necessary route for retreat but also a fortress for support. If troops could be stationed there, they could immediately aid the army at the front.

The kingdom's current strategy is to have the Knight Commander lead a large army in a surprise attack from the rear, joining forces with the checkpoint garrison to annihilate Isildur's forces in one fell swoop.

This requires the level to have extremely strong defensive capabilities. Currently, the defending general seems quite confident, believing that withstanding an initial wave of attacks is not a problem. As long as the battle is in full swing, the Knight Commander can launch a surprise attack from the rear, inflicting heavy casualties and creating an opportunity to turn the tide of battle.

This strategy is essentially an open secret; after all, Leven either won't fight at all, or he'll have to bear the threat from his rear. If he can use this force to threaten Isildur's army and prevent them from attacking, the effect will be even better. As long as enough time is spent, humanity's manpower will increase.

Time is on their side.

But what if the Knights' army suddenly attacks Leven from behind, and Cloud Mist City immediately sends troops to cut off his retreat, causing Isildur to abandon the attack on the pass and instead engage in a major battle on the plains?

At that time, the human legion would be surrounded from both sides, and the situation would be extremely dangerous.

However, there are some difficulties. Cloud Mist City is quite a distance from Sunset Fortress, making it virtually impossible for ordinary troops to encircle cavalry. Furthermore, since Leven has made up his mind to attack the city, would he really leave elite troops in Cloud Mist City? This could very well lead to a rout at the front.

With a week to spare, the Knight Commander has amassed nearly 6 troops, though these are a mixed force of disorganized soldiers with varying combat capabilities. But how many troops would be needed to surround such a large army in Cloud Mist City? At least 3. Could any fewer really stop the Knight Commander?

In legion warfare, the biggest fear is indecisiveness; sometimes, complex actions can actually lead to failure.

Logically, if Isildur could simply seize Sunset Fortress in one fell swoop, all would be over. Even if the Knight Commander led his troops there, it would be too late to turn the tide. Hesitating and looking back would only lead to a crushing defeat.

This strategy is a very risky move.

Has anyone seen Yuna Greenleaf?

"I've seen many troops in the city, and she has already taken over command of the remaining troops as the commander-in-chief, so there will be a buffer period. Rumor has it that she also carries the dragon's treasure and carries the dragon's might, which has improved her control over the fortified troops."

When a general takes command of a new unit, there will inevitably be a period of familiarization. Although the combat skills of the extraordinary troops are very high, they are not troops trained in their own territory, so there will still be some impact on their performance on the battlefield.

The simplest issue is morale. Many poorly integrated units will experience a hidden decline in morale. Therefore, in large-scale battles, small units are often assembled and led by their original lords, who in turn are under the command of the commander-in-chief or senior generals.

However, since Yuna possesses the Dragon Treasure, commanding the Bulwark Legion should be quite easy for her.

Since many people have seen Yuna, it's basically impossible to fake it.

However, he felt something was amiss, so to be on the safe side, he informed the Knight Commander: "Isildur may have set up an ambush in Cloudmist City, and after the main army launches a surprise attack, they will turn around and surround the city. Knight Commander, please be careful."

If it were an incompetent commander, Su Mu wouldn't have voiced his suspicions, lest it disrupt morale. Conrad would have his own judgment, and he must have considered the risks of a surprise attack, but circumstances dictate that if they didn't act, Sunset Fortress would fall, and everything would be over.

War is about taking risks; it's just a matter of whether it's worth it.

"Let's go, let's head towards Cloudmist City. We haven't settled the score with the psychic shaman from last time. If he's really guarding the rear, we'll make sure he doesn't return!"

……

As the setting sun casts its golden rays upon the city walls, dozens of arrow towers shimmer with golden light, converging together at the fortress's highest defensive tower, shining like the sun across the land.

This is the permanent magic circle of the fortress, capable of absorbing the sunlight of the day and condensing it into a giant eye of fire that illuminates a ten-mile radius. At the same time, it can be used as a powerful chain fireball spell to continuously attack, which is why it is called Sunset Fortress.

The previously calm Eye of Fire suddenly opened, shining towards the horizon of the eastern hilly region.

An extraordinary army ascended the hill, their white fur tinged golden by the setting sun. 100, 1000, 10000! More and more centaurs charged up the slope, sounding the horn of nature.

Countless silver winged horses weaved through the clouds, brandishing their silver scimitars; sturdy dwarves on the ground began laying fortifications, pushing dozens of giant catapults toward the front lines; the archetype troops stood in formation on both sides, caressing their beloved longbows.

The roots of the Frost Treeman spread across the earth, as if a forest were migrating; the Unicorn gathered magical power, and a dazzling light shone from its head, so bright that people couldn't open their eyes.

To the south, another orc legion advanced, with wolf riders and orcs leading the way. Cyclopes, each carrying a colossal boulder, slowly approached. Each of them was a human catapult, numbering over 1000. The allied heroes also appeared on the battlefield: Leven Farrell commanded the main force from the center; Isabel, with her holy unicorn, stood proudly above the rest; the elven dragon knight Orlando soared through the air, his phantom beasts roaring with dragonic might; and Nid Stormrage, the Eye of the Storm, directed the archel forces to seek cover. At least ten other heroes also participated, commanding smaller units.

At the outpost, Gregor led the charge, fearlessly striking his shield and spear; Mogo lifted an unprecedented boulder, placed it in the catapult, and began to gather magical power.

The boulder grew larger and larger, surrounded by flames and hurricanes, causing the entire hill to tremble.

Mogo had never made a move before, actually conserving his strength and waiting for this long-awaited siege battle.

Mogo Farrell Hardstone (Cyclops King): Attack 10, Defense 8, Spell Power 4, Knowledge 5
Earth element.

Features: Giant's Eye, Barbarian King, Divine Strength.

Advanced Cyclops Trajectory: Utilizes the Cyclops talent to enhance the ability to launch boulders, increasing the damage of Cyclops (including upgraded units) and catapults to walls, and can learn the special magic Celestial Meteor.

Advanced Barbarian Bloodline: The troops you command can inherit twice the attack power attribute, and for every 4 points of attack power your hero has, the troops you command will gain 1 point of increased damage.

Advanced Fire Elemental Mastery, Intermediate Air Elemental Mastery, Advanced Earth Elemental Mastery, Advanced Offensive Techniques.

【Celestial Meteor Fall (Special Magic): Gathers the boulders of the Cyclops onto the catapult, transforming them into celestial meteors for a combined attack. Depending on the number and quality of the Cyclops (10 giants for a level 1 city), it will always cause devastating damage to cities below a certain level and will also inflict devastating damage on the towers of the city walls.】

No one would have imagined that the Cyclops King Mogo would be a hero proficient in multiple elements, a rarity in the stronghold. But it is precisely because of his unique talent that he became the commander-in-chief of this expedition.

Even Sunset Fortress would have a hard time withstanding the relentless bombardment of thousands of Cyclopes.

If Su Mu hadn't intercepted them midway, they would have had an even greater advantage now.

Mogo will vindicate the Cyclops today, and the collapsed Sunset Fortress will be the footnote to their legend.

……

Banners fluttered atop the city walls, bearing the flags of griffins, swordsmen, knights, and even angels—the white feather banner of the royal family, Finaxia.

The garrison currently numbers nearly 10 soldiers, comprising the elite troops of Elton.

Originally, there weren't this many troops stationed there, but because Leven hadn't been able to attack, Congress urgently transferred nearby soldiers and nobles to Sunset Fortress to supplement the defensive forces.

Although many of them were low-ranking halberdiers and spearmen, it was better than nothing, as they were able to defend some necessary passages.

A burly man, clad in black armor and as strong as an ox, stood motionless on the city wall, showing no sign of panic even as he looked at the vast army of fortified camps covering the mountains and plains.

Isaiah Green, the Rock Armor, is hailed as the kingdom's strongest defensive warrior. He has a history of single-handedly taking on a hundred enemies, and he never gave up even in the most desperate sieges. As long as Isaiah stands within the city walls, he is like a pillar of strength.

He gazed at the bastion army, and finally fixed his gaze on the Giant King.

Clearly, the first wave of the bastion's attack will be led by Cyclopes, who will launch a devastating attack on the walls.

Without the Green Dragon, the Silver Pegasus alone could not get past the layers of defenses at Sunset Fortress, so they set their sights on the Cyclopes at the outpost.

Indeed, given the animosity between humans and orcs, the Savage Stronghold would be happy to take advantage of their weakness. But Isildur has no goodwill towards orcs; can the two sides truly coexist peacefully? It's doubtful.

Regardless of the circumstances, the two sides have reached a temporary cooperation agreement. Isaiah's task is to block the enemy's first attack.

In most cases, the initial attack is the most threatening. Once you can withstand the difficult first assault, it's a test of willpower.

The frustration and despair brought about by the various battle losses, and the sight of the battlefield strewn with corpses, would instill fear even in extraordinary soldiers.

Seeing one vibrant life after another fall before your eyes, it's hard for anyone, except perhaps the spirits of the dead, to remain unmoved.

At this point, Isaiah firmly believed that they would be the ultimate victors.

The distant hills trembled violently, the mountains shook, and a boulder as large as a hill rose into the sky, crashing into the clouds and creating a huge gash.

Soon, a terrifying hurricane sound came from above the fortress, a black hole was torn open in the dome, and countless pieces of rock fell down.

Everyone looked up and saw a huge meteor falling from the sky, casting a shadow over the entire fortress.

The wind howled and flames surged, a scene reminiscent of the end of the world.

How many Cyclopes must have gathered on this celestial body? It's truly awe-inspiring!
But Sunset Fortress is not without its merits.

The Eye of Fire stared at the sky, and endless crimson flames ignited around it, gathering all the sunset energy accumulated over the decades and emitting a vast beam of light that reached the heavens and the earth, shooting straight towards the stars.

"Om..."

The extremely dull sound suppressed all other sounds on the battlefield, leaving the soldiers completely deaf.

At the moment of impact, all matter in space instantly vaporized, and the intense heat turned the atmosphere purple. A fiery ring stretching tens of miles from the point of impact formed, illuminating the entire world.

Like millions of prisms focusing at once, everyone loses their vision.

In the ultimate brightness, in the ultimate darkness.

The Battle of Sunset begins!
(End of this chapter)