SK4 - Chapter 25 - The Proxy War

As the two armies neared one another, a rain of arrows and spells came from both sides of the battlefield. The monster kingdom had ranged attacks, from archers of their own and even shaman-type monsters launching spells. 

And thankfully, Nick’s aura drastically took much of the momentum out of them by slowing them down once they touched his dome-shaped dominion. The arrows, while slowed, flew true despite slowing down–and he thought it had to do with how they focused essence on the arrowheads and shafts themselves.

Both the ratfolk and the dwarves had similar front lines, with their frontline shield and polearm users having crossbows. Not that dangerous against a second-stratum cultivator normally, but it gave them means to contribute to the battle at range. 

Each used shields to protect their crossbow users while they fired, and the further back archers and casters launched attacks safely from range. It seemed the casters primarily used wind walls and similar protections to prevent their archers from being easily attacked.

It was a constant rain of arrows on the slowed and chilled monsters, thinning out the enemies and weakening them. Nick was pleased with the ratfolk’s ranged effectiveness. 

The monster army was noticeably much larger than Nick’s, and the swarm of hundreds of enemies running at them was intimidating. Nick’s Aura slowed them down and did start freezing them over, but he could not actually use his chains. Still, enemies that spent too long with his aura would actually die on their own.

If not for the flanking dwarves and jackalfolk in their own protective phalanx, Nick’s spearhead would quickly get surrounded. Instead, the diregators quickly trampled right over a bunch of goblins before crashing into some orcs, and the surrounding enemies quickly got flanked by dwarves, drakans, and jackalfolk as they were bombarded with arrows and crossbow bolts.

The two battle lines were met. The diregators with their riders and the drakan, along with many of Nick’s wives. Kaya, Shara, Fang, Luna, Sable, Rebecca, and Jasmine were all fighting near the front line, smashing and slicing the weaker enemies and stemming the tide of monstrous people. The flanking forces formed curved lines near the front of their arrowhead formation, handling the numerous diverted enemies.

And Jasper and Ishkara just went wild, attacking everything with frost, claws, maws, and talons. He just wanted them to moderate their essence expenditure, because this was an endurance battle when it came down to it.  

As Nick watched the Menu for the counter of monster kills though, they were not doing better or much better than the enemy. The enemy team’s numbers were simply higher, and so they were likely able to push forward safely. From what Nick could tell by the flashes of lightning, it appeared every time an enemy spawned on their side, the same happened on the other.

Leading the battle, Nick was able to watch and focus on all of his wives’ actions and how they thrived on the battlefield. And since he was standing close enough to them, they benefited from their special Traits.

Fang, Sable, and Luna all fought close together with their spears, the three using tactics in perfect coordination. Fang shield-slammed a goblin, sending it flying into a larger orc–only for both to be skewered by Sable through the chest. Meanwhile, Luna darted in and hamstringed another orc, allowing Fang to stab into its open thigh and then chest in rapid pumps of her spear.

Shara and Kaya worked together in a similar fashion, with Kaya dancing to the tune of drums in her mind. She was a whirling dervish of axe blades, her three tails whipping about as she spun and swung her larger axe, cleaving enemies in two, and cutting off limbs and more. And Shara followed her with graceful steps, swinging her heavy club and sending orcs and goblins alike flying with nearly every movement. 

Targeting one of the large ogres stomping toward the line, Kaya swung her axe powerfully into its shoulder, nearly sheering off its arm as she ran past it. It turned at her in anger with its club raised with its one working hand, ready to bring it down on her in retaliation.

With perfect timing, Shara had leaped up and then smashed it on the back of its unprotected head with a downward swing. The large monster toppled over to the ground, landing on a goblin, and the two women continued their path until they returned back to their diregator ally’s side. 

Rebecca fought near Jasmine, Nick finally getting to focus on watching the fighting nun in action. The ends of her staff, feet, and fists would light up as she struck out, Seraphara’s Wisdom enhancing her attacks. She moved fast and sent enemies flying with every swing of her staff or fist, controlling the enemies by stunning them, as well as ending them with deadly blows to their head. With the already slowed enemies from Nick’s Aura, she had no issues weaving in and out of the incoming enemies, retreating to Jasmine fighting in her armored petrasilk form. 

Jasmine used her larger size to deadly effect, her front spider legs piercing out even as she swung her polearm. Nick saw where a powerful orc swung its club from her side, and she had just ignored it as her stone-covered armor rejected the attack outright. She finished her current swing and brought the polearm around to cut into the offending enemy. She was deadly and durable, her large presence drawing enemies in. Jasmine did not use her webbing very much, saving her essence.     

The girls were fighting conservatively, using limited amounts of essence and mana to accomplish their goals besides keeping their auras condensed. Those that fought in the front couldn’t stay up there forever. Mana and essence eventually needed to be restored. The new enemies were fresh and dangerous, full of essence and mana. Even fighting conservatively in a shield line, people would find themselves spent eventually. 

That included the diregators, even if they cycled which ones stood at the front. They needed a break from time to time, and so the quilboarfolk people, who looked a lot like some kind of mixture between a pig and a porcupine, rotated into the front lines and allowed them all a break. Nick retreated back as they rotated in, but he didn’t just let them cut through.

Instead, he lured the monsters into their formation, as if they were retreating and on the back foot. The monster people got excited as they extended deep into Nick and the dwarven and jackalfolk formations, only for Nick to spring his trap.

The mantisfolk came out of their grassy hiding spots, their devastating scythe blades cleaving through with terrifyingly sharp essence. Only Kaya’s sharp axes could compare; the orcs and goblins cut through like scissors through paper. The moon gnolls also charged in as they pushed out with their magic cutting a deep swath through the enemy’s formations. 

As Lord Quilbane’s people brought up the rear of the mayhem caused by their run, their spearhead formation pushed even deeper than they had been previously. 

Luna brought out her recovery totem, a soothing and calming energy encompassing much of their allies as they rotated to the middle of the formation. The soldiers ate essence fruit and water as they recovered, as well as received healing from the angels and shamans. The frogloks cheered as they fed their diregators many of the corpses collected, tending to their tamed beasts.

The flanks were not expending nearly as much essence, so they could mostly handle their own front-line management without help. With his men largely pulled back aside from their ranged efforts, Nick looked over his allies.

Nick wasn’t sure what Bronzebeard’s aura did, observing them from afar. It appeared to make his people stronger with a bronze-colored haze, and perhaps more sturdy, too.

Lord Quilbane’s Aura, Nick couldn’t tell what it did until his people had swapped places with his own. It was definitely a defensive aura, and it seemed to bring out an effect much like Jeffrey’s capabilities. Damage was reflected back to their attackers, and it appeared to occur even when they blocked attacks. 

Watching Lord Brightclaw’s Aura in action was interesting. With one of his hands glowing brightly and extended, the ratfolk all moved with eerie synchronicity and haste, reloading their weapons and firing them rapidly, almost like a lesser version of her Rapid Reload skill. It was as if he was a conductor or a puppet master that improved the speed of all those he influenced. He had an Aura like Nick’s, covering almost the entirety of his small force and making them even more effective. 

The rows of crossbowmen took turns firing and loading as their lines shifted and replaced one another, something that they would even be able to do if attacked in melee. The ratfolk were weaker in a melee than the dwarves, so they relied on a phalanx to defend while their archers rained hell down on the enemy.

Nick had been the one to teach Brightclaw of this strategy of how to best use his people’s advantages, and he implemented it with respectable efficiency with some help in gathering the necessary resources. Before, he had a rather weak-looking shield line to go with his archers, focusing on keeping his people mobile to take advantage of their speed. But Nick knew this would serve them much better going against the wide variety of people and monsters on Orion. Because unfortunately, while they had advantages in some areas, they were rather middling at best compared to their peers thanks to their size.  

The ratfolk were small and not that strong, even if they cultivated some means to increase their strength. They found more effectiveness as a whole to go along with their personal natures, seeking speed, tenacity, and sharpness as their common Concepts and Traits. Since they didn’t truly excel, Nick thought it best to invest a little more in their defenses, and go to with the densely-packed formation instead.

Shak’terra appeared in front of Nick, the spirit returning from her scouting. 

“What did you find out?”

“The enemy is pushing in a large wedge, using their superior numbers. It seems they’re a little faster than us. In all, I don’t think we have too much to worry about. Their subordinates are not better than yours, and they are not managing their endurance well.”

“Are they moving toward us at all?”

“They are holding off, for now, perhaps scouting us out. When your team keeps its pace and surpasses them in kills, they are likely to get desperate though.” 

Nick nodded. “What are their auras?”

“Not much different from our allies, Boss, but most are rather close-ranged. Lord Tagron’s is like a short-range aura that presses down on enemies, making them easier to be slain. If I had to guess his Concept, it’s likely some kind of superiority. It almost reaches half as far as your frozen will.”

That meant it was likely that it wasn’t an aura normally, but something that was probably much more like Nick’s Heroic Salvation and Redemption and merely tuned to influence an area thanks to the banner. 

“Alright. I have a plan for getting a flag, but head back there and see what you can learn about people with powerful ranged skills or abilities. I don’t want our team getting blindsided.”

“Aye aye, Young Lord. I’ll get back to watching the enemy. I’ll come back if I see anything dangerous.”

The battle continued through several cycles for a time, and Nick had Sable switch to cutting down enemy scouts rather than fighting alongside her pack. The only real change among the monsters was that enemies had monsters on their side at some point. 

Larger creatures like the diregators fought alongside their monstrous allies, making it a special challenge to take them down without losing soldiers. His wives showed their worth here, focusing and killing them with little loss.   

The battle handling the Monster Kingdom was going well, and Shak’terra’s prediction had come true. Their enemy’s pace had slowed, and they eventually surpassed them on kills. His strategies for the battlefield eventually allowed them to get ahead and stay there, making use of his people’s advantages and having effective tactics. 

Shak’terra appeared in front of him once more. “Young Lord, there is a contingent of enemies that broke off from fighting the monsters moving near. They definitely appear to be the more stealthy kind, with their camouflaged cloaks and grass-covered gear. I may not be able to fully track them in real time when they conceal themselves in earnest, at least not without Winny’s help.”

He asked, “Where are they headed?” 

“If they continue their heading, it looks to be on our right flank–Lord Bronzebeard.”

“What about what I asked? Anyone with dangerous sets of skills?”

“There are some decent archers among them, but none at the level we need to truly fear. As for mages…some of those elves are talented. But they are mostly busy with dealing with the Monster Kingdom’s larger monsters. They are relying on them pretty heavily, especially now that they cannot keep up with the rate that we are spawning them. I recommend hitting the allied armies toward your left flank. They seem to be positioning themselves to help those stealthers on the right flank.” 

“It looks like it’s time then,” Nick said, looking near the sun in the sky and the shadow it cast. It was nearly noon. “Ready to fly, Jas? You’re going to need to get nearly right on top of them for Sable.”

Jasmine covered herself in her large blanket as she transformed into her caster form, her spider portion shrinking as her elf-like features increased, two additional arms and her human legs sprouting out of her torso. 

Her parachute unfurled as Luna jumped onto her back, her wind totem blowing into the wind sail. Jeffrey and Rebecca joined them, flying into the air and grabbing threads. The two were meant for support in case shit really hit the fan, both uniquely suited to protect and heal allies and able to stay in the air long enough to escape.

Jasmine’s feet dug a furrow in the ground as everyone got into position before she leaped into the air. “I’ll be right back with that flag, Master!” 

“I’m expecting a big reward if I pull this off, Boss,” Sable said as she leaped into the shadow cast by the parachute. 

Jasper and Ishkara both head in the same direction, meant to help them retreat safely.

Nick laughed. “You got it. Just stay safe.” He looked over to Winny. “Take the mantisfolk and take care of the sneaks. I doubt that’s the only threat, so…be on the lookout for allies as well.” 

Winny chuckled. “I doubt they’ll get very far with the flag, but that might not be their real goal.”

“Real goal? Hm. Good point.” Something nagged at Nick, so he waved someone down to come speak with him–and made sure he kept his eyes high as he arrived. “Hey, Frederick.”

The handsome, angelic man wore little more than a nearly see-through kilt and bangles on his wrists. The Adonis of an angel actually smiled at Nick as he landed from his short flight. “Lord Noblefrost. To what do I owe the pleasure? Did you wish to discuss the slippery slope of justifications for resistance?”

Nick coughed. “Maybe later. I was hoping you could help me out. I believe there will soon be chaos here in the coalition, even more than the threats we face from the monsters. There’s a strong chance a tragedy is about to occur with many people hurt, and I think that you and your brethren can bring order.”

Frederick looked concerned, a gentle look in his eyes as he replied, “Chaos? Tell me how we can help.”

Nick’s eye twitched. Was it that easy? He had noticed that the male angels, as few of them as there were, were just a little bit more amiable for some reason. But he hadn’t thought this much, even if he did phrase his request in a way that might make them more accepting of the possibility. It was for this reason he brought all male angels into this Proxy War, and it looked like this was paying off. 

He shared his suspicions, and Frederick guided his allies to take up position and watch over the armies he most expected for there to be a threat. As Frederick was about to leave, he just had to say something. “It’s really bothering me. You seem so…helpful. But the others…”

Frederick chuckled. “Ah, well, I’m in a bit of a good mood. You see, you got those bitches out of our hair for a few hours, and we could finally have what could be considered a pleasant discussion. And I do very much look forward to our talk later, Milord–I enjoy discussing your choices. While I do not always agree with your actions, I understand and respect your efforts to do the best thing for your Kingdom and what you believe is righteous. Do take care, and worry not. We will bring order to the chaos.”

Nick was left speechless, nearly dropping the flag from his hands as Frederick looked him up and down with…what seemed to be obvious interest before turning and flying over to his brethren.

The battle continued, and Nick watched Jasmine and his team through her eyes. She was able to get her altitude high enough that while they tried to hit her with dangerous fireballs or blasts of cutting winds, she was able to handle them mostly on her own by creating her luminous stonelight curtains. 

And none seemed to be aware of the threat of the shadow cast by the large parachute-sized sail, allowing Sable to leap from the shadows, strike the Lord, and snatch the flag. She then skated on the windsail’s shadow to run away, which only picked up speed after she confirmed grabbing it.  

They had tested this during their ten minutes of free time with the flag, that while they wouldn’t be harmed, they would still be ragdolled by the effect. And while Nick could hang onto the flag well, it would almost slip out of his hands when grabbed with enough force. 

If a lord got surrounded, even if they were strong, fast, and skilled, losing the flag was inevitable–all it took was tackling them to the ground and wrestling the almost slippery thing from their hands. He could potentially take it back easily enough thanks to his speed, thankfully, but it was actually difficult without hitting the carrier, which he was not allowed to do–it was like the barrier stopped him from doing so.

And Jasmine released a burst of light just when it happened, blinding nearly everyone who looked up. They hadn’t realized what had even happened before they picked up speed, the Lord’s aura disappearing. Only some faster cultivators could even keep up, and Jasmine and Rebecca each launched beams of light down at her pursuers as they flew toward their army.

Jasper and Ishkara were also ready. They created a dense field of ice and a misty haze, making it difficult to chase and appear even more dangerous than it actually was. This field was no problem for Sable to traverse at all, but once again, only strong cultivators capable of managing running across slippery ice could quickly pass. They fled toward the left flank of the army toward Lord Regios, their theft a success.

Winny and the mantisfolk hit the enemy stealthers on the other side of the right flank at the same time. She sent out an arrow sparkling stardust overhead, which caught onto the moving stealthers she could see with her Soul Sense. The scything blades of the mantisfolk cleaved right through some unsuspecting elves and beastfolk using Sneak, the mantis women leaping with their fluttering wings and cutting through them with incredible speed.

They really stood little chance. The counter-ambush was successful, and they raced on to meet with Sable and the rest fleeing. But it seemed someone was waiting for this chaos.

Within Bronzebeard’s formation, a group of men had gathered, nearly thirty strong, and started moving toward Bronzebeard. Loyal men moved to defend the lord, but it was definitely not enough to match. Their forces were much fewer to begin with. So many were busy facing the monsters at the front, and the crossbowman and few mages hesitated to attack those on their way.

Bronzebeard was clearly angry by the tone of his voice. “What’s the meaning of this, Son?”

“We’ll be taking that flag, Father. Lord Tagron promised me a Cornerstone if I get it.”

His men knocked several of the loyal dwarves aside, as Bronzebeard only backed up, trying to stay away from them.

“Why, Son? You’ve been given slots in the Ordeal, and nothing says you won’t inherit. What could you have to gain?”

“You’re the one who taught me to seek profits. I’m taking the most I can get my hands on!”

The men shoved forward until the larger group of men surrounded Lord Bronzebeard.

Bronzebeard shook his head. “But what about honor? A dwarf’s gold is only as bright as his honor. I taught you this–you know better than this.”

“Honor doesn’t line our pockets or revive us when we’re killed by Lord Tagron! Now, give me that!”

A barrier of light surrounded Bronzebeard, rejecting anyone trying to push in. They struck it with their weapons, but it held solid.  

“What…what the hell is this?”

Frederick and another male angel floated above them, looking imperiously down on them. “Cool your heads, and think calmly. Don’t you think it is wrong to betray your father like this, killing and causing the deaths of your brethren, your allies? Let us discuss the morals of acting for personal interest and find a way for both parties to get what they want ethically.” 

Bronzebeard’s son looked at him like he was crazy. “What…what  the hell are you on about? I don’t care about morals, and you’re not going to convince me otherwise. I’m taking this flag!”

Frederick examined his nails. “Those with weak values and lacking a strong, moral compass are merely instruments of chaos. We shall not allow those who do not understand or properly justify the implications of their actions to cause it. Set down your weapons, or you will be made to set them down.”

Bronzebeard’s son laughed. “Make us? You two fairies? How?”

“You lack imagination.” He gestured with his hands, and bindings of light wrapped around them like ropes.” Frederick then added, “Please, friends, do only restrain your brothers. We would not want to cause unnecessary harm.” 

The dwarves and humans nearby quickly restrained the group of men, and some of the Quilboar people had arrived to assist. They surrounded and restrained the enemies and had the light bindings replaced with real ones. 

It was at this time that Sable returned, handing Nick the other Battle Standard. It disappeared into motes of light, and rushed inside his own.    

[Flag Captured. Radius doubled and empowerment increased. Lord Anders and his army have been ported out of the Event.]

With Nick’s radius increasing to nearly a football field’s length and his wives returning, the monsters became even more manageable, despite their strength increasing as they went. The many goblins and orcs became easy to deal with, and Nick’s team began spearheading the formation even more. 

The diregators chomped down on the frozen targets and tossed them aside, and the enemies were easily flanked by the trustworthy members of the jackalfolk army and dwarven armsmen, supported at range by the ratfolk and boarfolk. 

Thanks to one army being eliminated and the effectiveness of his wives and Nick’s Aura, they took an even larger lead over the other coalition’s army. The creatures only continued to spawn faster and faster as they dealt with them, their lead broadening.

They somewhat expected that the enemy might try assaulting them, but it seemed they continued fighting on their side. From what Shak’terra told Nick, it became extremely difficult to break away, as because Nick was pushing this side, the spawns increased on the other before they could deal with them. This amounted to losses on the other side, and so Nick was glad that his force was never very far behind. Being routed was possible and dangerous for his people. 

Their plots had failed, and now only suicide missions had any real chance of turning things around. As they reached the center and pushed further toward the portals, the enemies got bigger and more deadly, but their size only made them bigger targets for the rain of arrows and spells. Eventually, they had cleared their side of enemies and closed their portals and started working on their enemy’s side, sealing the victory.

[Conflict: Proxy War - Complete – Finish off the monster armies to complete the challenge, you now may no longer attack the enemy coalition’s armies. The Victor: The Broken Chain Coalition. Reward to be placed at Coalition’s choice location within 1 week.]

They retreated to rest and waited for Lord Tagron’s armies to either win against the spawned monsters or flee.

Shak’terra appeared in front of Nick, laughing. “That Lord Tagron sure is pissed. They actually lost a fair amount of people to the monsters once the mages ran out of mana and you just kept pushing.” 

The armies were eventually ported out of the challenge, arriving back at their camp. Nick had expected there to potentially be a fight when they got out of some kind, but he was more shocked by what he was seeing. First, he checked his prompt.

[Floor 19 Complete. Floor 20 is encounter-based. Proceed in your nation's or coalition’s best interest, and remain vigilant. Lord Tagron and his coalition are not likely to accept their defeat lying down.]

[Rewards upgraded, pending Ordeal Exit.] 

The angels of Litiana had shielded off an army of bandits, preventing their advance. Each attempt to breach the barrier was deterred by the many archers from his coalition firing at them. Their arrival broke the deadlock, Nick’s elite party rushing out.

Shara laughed as her horns sparkled starlight and she kept pace with Nick. He sliced through bandits and heavily armored mercenaries left and right, and her club swung out with her steps, crushing and sending them flying through the air.

“Haha, too weak! Try again in your next lives!” The woman was vicious, having a hatred for the lawless bandits.

Kaya was once again a whirlwind of axes as her tails flicked and she spun, cutting enemies down and without even slowing. The party and the reinforcements launching countless arrows through the air must have cut down more than a hundred in just a short period, but they continued to flee.

Nick knew that Orion’s penalty for attacking them at the Conflict location would only be if they could prove he was somehow responsible for the attack. And that its protection would only truly be for most of the day at most, and much of the valley they participated in the event. It was best for them to hurry back to their keep, which may already be under attack. Still, he had Jasper and Ishkara grab a few bandits so he could attempt to question them. 

“Noblefrost Army, halt the chase! We must prioritize heading back to our keep. The battle is not yet over. Follow Lord Brightclaw’s army.”

Nick turned to his side and saw Lord Tagron watching from the other side of the river, seething. Orion had set things up where someone would truly have to go out of their way to pursue, and would penalize them for doing so besides. 

He dashed back to Eirwen, “Winny. We need Shak’terra to–”

“She’s already on it, Hubby. I’ll even have her check the keep after doing a quick survey of our paths.”

“That spirit has certainly proved useful. I feel a little strange having her do most things.”

“Hehe, that’s why I was happy to pick her! She’s an experienced and capable subordinate. Many of us can achieve the same things, but she’s just faster and more effective at them.”

It was true. While Shak’terra was like a Swiss Army knife, a tool that solved all his issues, Sable and Eirwen had long since been able to accomplish many of the same things. She was just a bit faster thanks to having a spiritual body for travel and was more capable at speaking to the spirits and more.

“Well, I appreciate both her and you. She fills in a number of areas we were lacking, just like you planned. You’re awesome, Winny.” 

Rebecca nodded with a smile. “Winny’s Class and her capabilities are amazing. When we reach the third stratum and increase our wisdom, we should be able to match Shak’terra’s capabilities a bit better, but she does have curses and other magics we likely can never be skilled with. She’s an amazing addition.”

“Hehe, thanks! I’m glad I can help us all in a big way now.”

They continued their march out of the valley, making sure to make haste. Eventually, Shak’terra appeared.

“Bad news. The keep is under siege by Prince Tagron and a few of the minor nobles of the coalition kingdoms, but that is not their real plot. They have been sieging nearly since we began the Proxy War this morning, and what they are doing is carving a path through the terrain. Using earth mages, they are building a land bridge that will get them over the mountain and bypass the keep.”

“That doesn’t seem so bad. We just need to stop the mages and collapse the bridge right?”

“That’s not all. It looks like they plan on hitting this army. Lord Tagron has a contingent of strong knights and his best subordinates on powerful mounts, and his army is moving to intercept us on our way back despite needing to move further through our territory. Then, the monsters have been stirred up, and it seems our journey back would be even more challenging than our way here. If we planned on taking the original path back, he’d surely catch us long before we could arrive.”

Nick chuckled. “Rough. They’re pulling out all the stops to kill us. I didn’t think they’d go this far, but I think it’s well within our plans.” 

It seemed this facsimile world had much more powerful mounts than what was present on his shard. Though, a several-hour charge was very different from months of travel.

Their march continued until they crested over a hill, arriving at a forest adjacent to a river. There were also hundreds of stumps present; the area had every tree cut down. Numerous large makeshift rafts awaited, made of a dozen logs and tied together with rope. There were many spare logs just waiting to be turned into rafts, as they weren’t completed.

This was part of why his family was so exhausted the night before. His party had moved ahead, and his crazy red panda lumberjack really went to town on all the trees with many of the others, enabling them to quickly build out a fair number of the rafts using rope or Jasmine’s petrasilk thread. They could build out the last of them as they loaded the army onto them.  

Nick smiled at his preparations. “Now everyone. It’s time for our army to disappear.”