Tatsuo, his expression grim and resolute, assembled his forces for the expedition into the western forests. He understood the urgency of the System's warning, the chilling prospect of demonic consumption hanging heavy in the air. He would not allow the female Hobgoblin settlement to fall prey to such a fate.
He gathered three brigades, a formidable army capable of overwhelming any resistance. First was the Elite Brigade, led by the veteran 1st Class Clash Commander Baron Rota Uno. Under his command were the elite Rare Commanders: 1st Class Rare Commander Alaric Stoneheart, leading his Tall Lion Cavalry Battalion, a force of heavy cavalry renowned for their devastating charges; 1st Class Rare Commander Edald and Rudy, both leading Drake Guard Battalions, their scaled armor and powerful weaponry making them an impenetrable wall of steel; and 1st Class Rare Commander Damien Blackrose, leading the swift and deadly Blackrose Cavalry Battalion.
Next was the Hobgoblin Brigade, led by the newly promoted 2nd Class Clash Commander Baron Kael Elmsworth. Under his command were the Hobgoblin Rare Commanders, the Solidcrest family: 1st Class Rare Commander Jiasraal Solidcrest, leading the powerful Hobgoblin Cavalry Battalion; 2nd Class Rare Commander Tramurx Solidcrest, commanding the frenzied Berserker Hobgoblin Battalion; 2nd Class Rare Commander Jaastort Solidcrest, leading the heavily armored Heavy Infantry Battalion; and 2nd Class Rare Commander Ehdeec Solidcrest, leading the agile Scouts and Hunter Battalion.
Finally, Tatsuo assembled his direct brigade, a force composed of his most trusted and skilled warriors. 1st Class Rare Commander Anya led the Gunner Battalion, their ranged firepower capable of decimating enemy formations. The Prince Guard Battalion, temporarily under Tatsuo's command, served as his personal guard and elite shock troops. The Elven Battalion, led by 2nd Class Rare Commander Sir Gust Farstrike, brought their unparalleled archery skills and tactical precision. 2nd Class Rare Commander Sir Gustod Crestbearer led the Sword and Shield Battalion, a disciplined force of heavily armored infantry.
He left the Brigade of Ragnar to guard the Elven town and Hollowtree town, protecting the borders against the threats emanating from the Untouchable Forest. The Blackrose Brigade remained in Dragonsden City, a defensive force against any potential attack from the Skylance Kingdom. Reeldos Umbra and his brigade were tasked with defending the rest of the County.
With his forces assembled, Tatsuo led them into the western forests. He pressed forward with relentless determination, his army carving a path through the dense vegetation. He ordered his forces to flatten any trees in their path, leaving a wide trail behind them. This display of raw power served as a warning, a declaration of his intent.
The journey was arduous, the terrain treacherous, but Tatsuo's forces pressed on, their discipline and determination unwavering. The Hobgoblins, driven by the promise of female companions, were particularly eager, their enthusiasm bordering on frenzy.
As they approached the Hobgoblin settlement, Tatsuo ordered his forces to prepare for battle. He knew that the female Hobgoblins were skilled warriors, their society structured around combat and survival. He would not underestimate them.
He also had a feeling that the Seer Shiozza was connected to Zedes, and that they will be a very powerful foe, and he will need to be prepared. He also instructed his forces to capture as many of the females alive as possible. He knew that their knowledge and skill would be valuable.
Tatsuo's army emerged from the flattened forest, a spectacle of disciplined might and raw power. The female Hobgoblin settlement, nestled within a secluded valley, came into view, its inhabitants immediately alerted to the approaching force. The old Matriarch Moifsai, her eyes wide with shock, stood at the forefront of her warriors, her expression a mixture of disbelief and apprehension.
The sight of Tatsuo's army was indeed overwhelming. The disciplined ranks of human soldiers, the graceful Elven archers, and the imposing Hobgoblin warriors presented a formidable display of martial prowess. The Tall Lion Cavalry, their warhorses massive and powerful, pawed at the ground, eager for the charge. The Drake Guards, their scaled armor gleaming, formed an impenetrable wall of steel. The Blackrose Cavalry, their black steeds restless, exuded an aura of deadly precision. And the Hobgoblin battalions, their diverse forms and weaponry, added a unique and terrifying element to the army.
The female Hobgoblins, though skilled warriors in their own right, had never faced such a massive and diverse force. Their society, structured around combat and survival, had prepared them for skirmishes and tribal warfare, not for a full-scale invasion.
Matriarch Moifsai, despite her shock, maintained her composure. She was an elder, a leader of wisdom and strategic acumen. She understood the gravity of the situation. This was not a mere raiding party; this was an army, intent on conquest.
She turned to Commander Lish, her voice firm. "Prepare the defenses," she commanded. "We will not yield without a fight."
Commander Lish, a skilled warrior and tactician, barked orders, her voice ringing across the settlement. The female Hobgoblins, their movements swift and coordinated, took their positions, forming defensive lines along the settlement's perimeter.
Seer Shiozza, her eyes glowing with an otherworldly light, approached Matriarch Moifsai. "They are not here for plunder," she warned, her voice laced with a chilling premonition. "They are here to conquer us."
Matriarch Moifsai nodded, her expression grim. "I know," she replied. "We will defend our home, but we must also understand their intentions."
She then raised her voice, addressing Tatsuo's army. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice echoing across the valley. "And what do you want?"
Tatsuo, his expression resolute, stepped forward. "I am Tatsuo," he announced, his voice clear and commanding. "And I have come to claim this settlement."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "Your people," he continued, "will join my domain. You will become part of my army, and your unique skills will serve a greater purpose."
Matriarch Moifsai's eyes narrowed. She understood the implication of his words. This was not a negotiation; this was an ultimatum.
"We are warriors," she declared, her voice ringing with defiance. "We will not be subjugated."
Tatsuo's expression remained unchanged. "Then you will be destroyed," he stated, his voice cold and unwavering.
He raised his hand, signaling the advance. The army began to move, their disciplined formations a stark contrast to the female Hobgoblins' defensive lines. The battle was about to begin.