Chapter 68
“Everyone, do you understand the strategy?”
I turned to face my team members, who seemed fewer in number compared to when we had captured the Wind’s Stronghold.
Even though this was an important battle, not all 400 members were present here.
This was because it would be problematic if we lost the remaining strongholds while attacking the Thousand Origins Stronghold.
Agatha’s White faction would also likely hold back some of their members, looking for opportunities to claim any undefended strongholds.
Thus, we couldn’t bring everyone to the Thousand Origins Stronghold.
Some members had to stay behind for diversion tactics, while others, who were unwell, remained at the base to recover.
“Let’s do our best, everyone!”
“Yes, Captain!”
“Of course!”
“Leave it to us!”
Placing the megaphone I received from Sylvester to my lips, I smiled at their spirited responses and nodded.
“Well then.”
[You have entered the Thousand Origins Stronghold, the Ruined Temple.]
‘I hope everything ends well.’
***
As soon as we entered Thousand Origins Stronghold, a golden notification appeared to welcome us.
[The Black faction has entered the Thousand Origins Stronghold.]
The notification welcoming us was followed by a detailed explanation of how to capture the stronghold.
I carefully read through the instructions.
[From now on, secure the Core Stone in the center of the stronghold within the time limit!]
[There are two ways to secure the stone:]
[First, Peaceful Occupation:]
[If the opposing faction does not enter the central battlefield, occupation begins automatically. However, if the opposing faction reaches the battlefield, the occupation will be canceled.]
[Second, Central Domination:]
[During the battle, the faction with the upper hand will increase its dominance percentage. The first team to reach 100% wins.]
Although there were two options, the first method—Peaceful Occupation—was essentially impossible.
There was no way Agatha would let us secure the Thousand Origins Stronghold without resistance.
‘That leaves the second option.’
The explanation, while long, boiled down to a simple truth:
The better fighters win.
[Time limit: 120 minutes.]
The hourglass had begun, with its sand trickling down steadily.
I quickly turned to my team before too much time passed.
“Does everyone understand?”
Fortunately, the stronghold’s mechanics were described in the original work.
Thousand Origins Stronghold was a vast area featuring a ruined temple as its centerpiece. It had a flat terrain with no stairs, offering no significant obstacles.
Compared to other strongholds, it was almost dull in its simplicity.
But there was one major issue.
[Beware of lurking Beasts on the pathways inside the stronghold.]
The Beasts.
Even as Agatha’s faction would eventually head toward the central battlefield to claim the Core Stone, the beasts lurking in the area would attack us along the way.
It was a two-front battle: facing Agatha’s faction while also dealing with the beasts.
A scenario ripe for casualties.
Even in the original Three Lives Chronicle, many lost their lives or sustained severe injuries at this point.
But I wouldn’t let that happen.
After all, the purpose of knowing the original was to rewrite its tragedies.
“We’re going to craft the strategy most advantageous for claiming the Core Stone.”
In the original story, Agatha had implemented a defensive strategy called the Layered Circular Formation.
Agatha’s formation, specifically designed for defense, consisted of two concentric circles:
- The outer circle, comprising weaker members, acted as a shield to absorb attacks from beasts and enemies.
- The inner circle, housing Agatha and his Apostles, conserved their strength for the final confrontation.
It was an effective strategy, allowing Agatha’s Apostles to unleash their full power after conserving their energy.
However, it came at a cost: the sacrifices of the weaker members in the outer circle.
“As I mentioned before…”
Some might call my insistence on an alternative strategy stubbornness.
“Our formation will be the Pursuit Breakthrough Formation.”
I despised Agatha’s strategy.
His mindset of sacrificing others without hesitation for his own benefit was something I could never accept.
“We will break through faster than anyone else, without anyone getting hurt or killed.”
That’s why I chose the Pursuit Breakthrough Formation.
A triangular formation with the strongest members at the forefront and outer edges, designed to push forward with speed and power.
It was the exact opposite of Agatha’s Layered Circular Formation.
“Darwin, I’m counting on you.”
“Haha! Leave it to me!”
Darwin, with his immense strength and stamina, led at the very front.
Behind him, the strongest combatants—Caltain, Xenon, and Winfred—followed closely.
At the center of the formation were the ranged attackers, led by Eltein, Nia, and Eden, who supported the vanguard.
Lyria used her area-control abilities to shield the ranged attackers.
In the rear, Yeriel and Javier, along with other healers and buff specialists, poured their energy into healing and enhancing the team during crucial moments.
Specialists like Chrissy, with their unique abilities, were deployed wherever needed to maintain balance in the battle.
Sylvester and Celestine assisted me as sub-commanders, ensuring the strategy could be executed fluidly.
“Well then, everyone.”
This swift and decisive formation was particularly effective against the mobility weaknesses of Agatha’s strategy.
With this, we could win.
“Advance.”
With my command, the sound of footsteps grew louder.
“Waaaah!”
Everyone began to charge forward in perfect unison.
I would defeat Agatha.
But in a completely different way.
***
The breakthrough was going smoothly.
Darwin, receiving an abundance of healing and buffs, bulldozed through the Beasts at the forefront.
Those trying to evade Darwin’s strength couldn’t escape Xenon and Winfred’s swords or Caltain’s fists.
Many were sniped by the ranged attackers before they could even get close.
Thus, without any pauses or delays, we tore through the ruins.
“Huff, huff…”
At last, we arrived at the center of Thousand Origins Stronghold.
The Core Stone, radiating a brilliant light, floated above the crumbled altar.
A notification appeared as we reached it.
[The Black faction has reached the center of Thousand Origins Stronghold. Peaceful Occupation has begun. 1%, 2%, 3%…]
“Phew, good work, everyone!”
As the occupation gauge began to rise steadily, I caught my breath after the mad dash.
The rising gauge filled my teammates with excitement, as if we had already won.
“It’s not over yet! The White faction will definitely advance here. Take this time to rest and recover your strength!”
Though Agatha’s Layered Circular Formation was less mobile, it was certain they were advancing methodically.
If we could complete the peaceful occupation before Agatha arrived, ending this black-and-white war anticlimactically, it would be ideal.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
‘As expected.’
The faint sound of heavy footsteps in the distance extinguished my fleeting hope.
[The White faction has reached the center of Thousand Origins Stronghold. Peaceful Occupation is temporarily suspended.]
A formation that moved like a colossal tank.
The synchronized steps of Agatha’s faction had an intimidating presence, reminiscent of a giant advancing.
[To resume occupation, repel or annihilate the opposing faction.]
With that notification, Agatha’s formation halted just outside the safety zone.
The arrival of Agatha’s faction signaled the end of any chance for a peaceful occupation.
Soon, the tightly sealed wall of shields parted, and Agatha emerged with a leisurely smile.
“Wendy, are you there?”
Despite the considerable distance, his voice rang clear, as if amplified by some trick.
I slowly raised my head and stepped forward.
“Sister!”
“It’s okay, Lyria.”
I gently reassured Lyria, who tried to stop me, and moved ahead.
Keeping a slight distance, I locked eyes with Agatha.
“You are, as always, clever—attempting to occupy the stronghold preemptively instead of engaging in a straightforward fight.”
“Ha, there’s no room for latecomers.”
The exchange began, predictably, with some light provocations.
Watching Agatha’s smirk and murmurs, I felt my temper rise.
For someone who was late because he prioritized himself, he sure talked a lot.
“If you want, I could step aside.”
But his response was something I hadn’t expected.
“…What?”
“I’ll step aside if you promise to become my Apostle after this war ends.”
What was he scheming now?
Narrowing my eyes, I scrutinized him closely.
“For me, having you is worth far more than the grand rewards of this victory.”
—
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