Sanctuary: Safe Haven

The gathering continued with an air of anticipation and excitement, the atmosphere buzzing with the energy of warriors ready to face a great challenge. The clearing was alive with the clinking of glasses and the chatter of thousands of voices as everyone grabbed food and drinks.

Once everyone was settled back into the clearing with their meals, Vorgrim stepped forward again, his presence commanding the attention of all those present.

Vorgrim began to speak, his deep voice cutting through the noise, "Our strategy is a complex one, but it is designed to maximize our strengths and minimize our losses. We will be using a formation of ten lines, each with a specific role. The first line will be composed of our strongest combatants, the elite of our forces.

They will face the brunt of the enemy's advance, taking on the orcs' most powerful warriors head-on. The ninth and eighth lines will also be strong, positioned to handle any powerful orcs that manage to break through. These lines will act as a funnel, directing the weaker orcs deeper into our formation."

He paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in, then continued, "The strategy is simple: we allow the weaker orcs to pass through the initial rows, letting them think they are advancing to us.

By the time they reach the fifth row, they will be facing our younger fighters—the children—who will be trained to deal with the orcs that have been weakened or injured by the time they make it this far. The goal is to ensure that by the time these weaker enemies reach the children, they will be no match for them.

It's a tactic of attrition, wearing down the enemy through a series of grueling confrontations."

Vorgrim's eyes swept over the crowd, gauging their reactions. He could see the determination on their faces, the resolve that had been forged through countless battles and training sessions. He continued, "The tenth row will be composed of Mortem's Great Calamities—over 200 of them. These undead warriors are formidable and will provide a strong defensive line.

At the very end of the rows, we will have a portal leading back to the Sanctuary. This is our fallback point. If any part of our strategy fails or if we are overwhelmed, we will retreat through the portal, where Sylvanar and Kael will be waiting, along with the other non-combatants, ready to defend our home."

He could see nods of understanding, a flicker of respect in the eyes of those around him. They were grasping the plan, understanding its brilliance. "Now, on the orc side, we know there are five True-Calamity rank leaders. Facing these will be our three legendary beings—Lumivyre, Terrorfang, and Aurelis—alongside Grimruk.

These four will engage the True Calamities, keeping them occupied and away from the main battlefront. Meanwhile, I will lead the tenth row myself, using my titles and skills to maintain our defensive line. Stormtusk and Nyx will be positioned at the flanks to create a protective barrier, preventing the enemy from surrounding us on either side."

He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the assembled warriors. "The biggest challenge we face is their numbers—1.5 million strong. This is where Mortem's abilities will truly shine. For every orc that falls, Mortem can raise them as a new undead minion. Those that are reanimated will be used strategically, detonating in corpse explosions to disrupt enemy lines and cause chaos.

Additionally, my liege's Harbinger abilities will be fully unleashed, adding another layer of devastation to our enemies."

The crowd murmured in agreement, some nodding, others whispering to their neighbors. The plan was solid, but the reality of the coming battle was sinking in. They were up against an overwhelming force, and the stakes had never been higher.

Vorgrim continued, his voice unwavering, "The leader of the green orcs, Grakthar the Ravager, is a force unlike any we've faced before. He is a Disaster rank, a level beyond True Calamity. My liege and Flora will face him directly.

My liege will engage him in combat, using his abilities to withstand the brunt of Grakthar's attacks, while Flora will provide support with her healing abilities, keeping him in the fight for as long as possible."

Finally, Vorgrim turned to Elandra. "Elandra, your role will be to guard the portal. You will be stationed at the last row, ensuring that no enemy breaks through to the Sanctuary. Your watchful eye will also protect the children and ensure our escape route remains secure."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The plan was audacious, risky even, but it was the best chance they had. Vorgrim's speech had pumped their blood, filling them with a renewed sense of purpose.

Canna, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "You've all heard the plan. It's a bold one, and it will require every ounce of strength, skill, and courage we possess. But I believe in each and every one of you. We've trained for this. We've faced down impossible odds before, and we've emerged stronger each time.

This is no different."

He looked around at the faces of his warriors, seeing the fire in their eyes. "Remember, this is a voluntary decision. There will be no repercussions for those who choose not to participate. Your safety and your choice are paramount. But for those who are ready, for those who want to take this opportunity to grow stronger, to grow more in our Sanctuary, this is your chance."

A wave of determination rippled through the crowd. Some nodded in agreement, while others clenched their fists, ready for the challenge. They were a formidable force, bound together by a shared purpose and a leader who believed in them.

The gathering continued, the warriors discussing the strategy among themselves, sharing their thoughts and insights. The camaraderie was palpable, a united front against the looming threat.

Canna looked at Vorgrim and Mortem. "Let's make sure everyone is prepared. We have three months to get ready. Let's make every moment count." Read new chapters at empire

Vorgrim nodded, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "We will be ready, my liege. We will show them the strength of our Sanctuary."

As the crowd dispersed, Canna felt a surge of pride. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead, together.