Real Mount and Blade Game

The Wood Elf Forest, once the edge of a deadly battlefield, is now being covered by a completely different kind of vitality.

More than a month has passed since that pyrrhic victory in the crevice between the Corpse Sands and the corruption of the Spirit Realm.

Although the lingering chill of death and the unsettling aura of impending doom still linger deep in the forest, and the direction of Long City to the west, the scene around the Allied Forces' newly named stronghold, "Elune's Fortress," is quite different.

Shen Mu stood on the newly reinforced city wall, which consisted of three layers of logs and inlaid with rough rune stones. His face was still pale from the recent recovery from his serious injuries. The backlash from absorbing the fragments of Yenogu's divinity clung to him like a leech, leaving indelible burn marks deep within his soul.

Although the remaining ash power was painstakingly contained, it constantly reminded him of the price of power and the gaze of the abyss. However, his eyes, sharp as an eagle's, swept over the tumultuous scene outside the city walls.

"Raise all defense levels! Watchtowers and observation posts must operate in three shifts, without a moment's slackening! The 'whirlpool' towards the Ancestral Tomb and the dark clouds over the Corruption Swamp must remain under constant surveillance!" Shen Mu's voice, though not loud, carried an undeniable penetrating power, clearly reaching the ears of the busy soldiers below. Alatan Khan immediately obeyed, and the patrol of Kujit riders scattered like arrows back into the forest's edge.

Having confirmed that defenses were in place, Shen Mu took a deep breath and immersed his mind in the profound rules of Mount & Blade. This time, he wasn't aiming for a combat boost, but rather for survival and establishing a foothold.

"Construction, begin."

The silent command was accompanied by the surge of the power of the rules. On the city wall, the originally simple wooden watchtower rose and was reinforced in a visible golden light. The observation platform on the top of the tower was expanded, the structure became more stable, and there was even a faint defensive energy glow flowing on the runes on the tower body.

This is not magic, but a supernatural power of "construction" bestowed by the rules. Under the influence of the rules, the city walls themselves were strengthened at key joints, the foundations were driven deeper into the earth, and some weak points were automatically filled and reinforced.

But this was just the beginning. Shen Mu's gaze turned to the land beyond the city walls, a land that had been eroded by the Corpse Sand Sea and briefly reclaimed by the purifying power of the Sacred Tree. He needed a more solid foothold, an outpost that could support the brigade deep into the ruins of Longcheng and face the threat of the abyss, and also a foundation to sustain this weary army.

"Farmland...ditches...windmills..."

With focused intent, the power of the rules, like an invisible giant hand, drew a blueprint on the earth. Outside the city walls, the land, which was originally uneven and still bore traces of grayish-white gravel and scorch marks, was transformed under the golden light, as if turned over and leveled by an invisible plow.

Fertile black soil miraculously replaced the barren surface, and a network of straight ditches instantly took shape, with clear water flowing into them from who-knows-where. Huge, ingeniously structured windmills rose from the ground in their designated locations, their massive blades beginning to turn slowly in the breeze, emitting a low hum.

In a very short time, a thousand acres!

A full thousand acres of neatly planned, crisscrossed, high-quality wheat fields, like a golden tapestry, stretch beyond the walls of Elune's Fortress, all the way to the edge of the forest, to that still desolate, untouched area.

Under the sunlight, the freshly turned soil exudes a moist scent, the ditches murmur with flowing water, and the windmills form a unique landscape.

This scene left the soldiers on the city wall and the people inside the fortress speechless, and they then erupted in cheers as if they had survived a disaster.

Food! It's the only hope for survival!
Shen Mu did not stop. He closed his eyes and summoned the spiritual power that had become somewhat mixed yet still powerful after being entangled with the fragments of Yenogu's divinity. This power was infused with the warriors' unwavering faith and the people's prayers for renewed hope—a faint but real "power of faith." He carefully guided this power toward the newly sprouted wheat field.

“Growth.”

No incantations were used, only the infusion of will. In an instant, it was as if time had been fast-forwarded. In the wheat field where the seeds had just been sown, tender green seedlings broke through the soil, sprouting, growing, and forming ears of wheat at a visible speed. Golden waves of wheat rippled in the wind, and the heavy ears of wheat bent the stalks. In just a few hours, thousands of acres of fertile land that would have required months of cultivation had been transformed into a golden sea soon to be harvested! The rich aroma of wheat filled the air, filling it with a comforting sense of abundance.

"Harvest!" Shen Mu decisively gave the order.

Soldiers and able-bodied men from within the stronghold, already prepared, wielding sickles, surged into the wheat fields like a golden tide. Their efficiency was remarkable; bundles of ripe wheat were harvested and swiftly transported back to the granaries within the stronghold. The windmills hummed, grinding the first harvested wheat into flour. A steady stream of grain was produced and stored, filling the granaries of Elune's Stronghold at an astonishing rate. The soldiers' weariness seemed to be somewhat alleviated by the joy of the harvest, their morale boosted.

As the granaries gradually filled and the golden sea outside the city was replaced by neat rows of wheat stubble, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Shen Mu's eyes, but more so a sense of urgency. In the Wood Elf Forest, defenses had been reinforced, the alarm system was operating flawlessly, and the most critical issue of food supplies had been improved to an unprecedented degree, enough to sustain the troop and the people they depended on for a considerable period. With Alatan Khan in command, and in conjunction with the Wood Elf elder Isera's natural senses, they were well-equipped to handle routine alerts and small-scale conflicts.

“The foundation here is solid; it’s time.” Shen Mu turned to Alatan Khan and several core captains standing to the side and said in a deep voice with an undeniable determination, “Alatan Khan.”

"Yes, my lord!" Altan Khan bowed, placing his hand on his chest.

"Illun Fortress is yours." Shen Mu's gaze swept over the loyal and brave Khergit leader. "Hold fast, stockpile provisions, and be on guard. The 'whirlpool' of the Ancestral Tomb, the dark clouds of the Corruption Swamp, and any unusual movements in the forest are all targets you need to keep a close eye on. Do not launch any attacks unless absolutely necessary; preserving your strength is the top priority."

"Yes, sir! I swear by the wolf spirit of the Khergit, as long as I, Altan Khan, have a breath left, the fortress will never fall again!" Altan Khan solemnly promised, his eyes burning with the flame of protection.

Shen Mu nodded, his gaze shifting to the core of the team, fully prepared and ready for battle within the fortress. "Holy Tree Knights, assemble!"

Two hundred knights, clad in gleaming silver armor and with the Holy Tree emblem shining brightly on their chests, quickly formed ranks. This was the core of the Holy Tree Knights, rebuilt after the reinforcements from Uxhauer. Though not as powerful as in their heyday, their faith and purifying power remained pure. They were Shen Mu's sharpest sword and his strongest shield.

"Follow me." Shen Mu mounted his horse, but a slight, barely perceptible sluggishness could still be seen in his movements, proof that his soul wounds had not yet healed.

"My lord, your injuries..." Alatan Khan couldn't help but whisper, his eyes filled with worry. The backlash from Shen Mu absorbing the divine fragments and the aftereffects of detonating the curse rules were far from over.

“It’s alright.” Shen Mu waved his hand, his gaze turning eastward. “If we linger too long in the Wood Elf Forest, the situation elsewhere will only be worse than we imagine. We must obtain intelligence on Deherim as soon as possible, and before that…” He paused, his eyes becoming unusually sharp, as if piercing the distance between the forest and the plains, “…Balihe Street… our easternmost outpost is being watched closely by three hungry wolves. The skeleton cavalry of the Second Necromancer Dynasty of ‘Ghostlight,’ the undead archers of the ‘Seventh Black Arrow Tower,’ and those nameless, greedy minions from Purgatory… They won’t stop their covetous advance just because of our victory in the forest. We must go there, reconfirm our defenses, and deter those restless shadows!”

When Shen Mu mentioned "Balihe Street" and the names of those three hostile forces that felt like thorns in his side, his voice carried a chilling coldness. That was the front line, a crucial stronghold east of Longcheng and on the outskirts of Deherim. If it were lost, the entire eastern defense line would be wide open.

"drive!"

Without another word, Shen Mu spurred his horse and charged out of the newly fortified east gate. Two hundred Holy Tree Knights followed closely behind like a flowing silver torrent, their heavy hooves striking the earth and raising a cloud of golden dust—dust from the bountiful wheat fields, symbolizing new life and hope, and foreshadowing the perilous and unknown journey they were about to embark on.

The golden sunset cast long shadows of the knights across the freshly harvested, vibrant fields before quickly fading into the deepening twilight of the forest ahead. Elune's ramparts receded behind them, the outlines of the walls and watchtowers appearing even more solid in the setting sun. Altan Khan stood atop the ramparts, watching the tall figure, burdened with heavy wounds and responsibility, disappear into the distance until the last glimmer of silver armor vanished at the end of the forest path.

He gripped the scimitar at his waist, turned, and his gaze, once again resolute and wary, turned westward toward the still ominous city of Long. Peace was merely an illusion; Lord Shen Mu was right. The real war had perhaps only just begun. And he would firmly guard this hard-won, newly built bulwark, rooted in ashes.

Meanwhile, Shen Mu, galloping along the gradually darkening forest road, felt a dull pain deep in his soul from the jolting. His brows furrowed slightly, but he did not slow down at all.

The situation in Balihe Street, the files of Deherim, and the looming crisis of the Abyss Corruption, like a sword hanging over one's head... Time has never been so urgent.

He must piece together the broken pieces of the puzzle before the next storm arrives, forging a path to survival for the Ashbringer Brigade and for this ravaged land.

As night fell, the whispers of the forest seemed to take on a somber tone.

……

The afterglow of the setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the newly formed "Elune's Fortress" on the edge of the Wood Elf Forest, but the armor worn by Shen Mu, who was riding eastward, and the two hundred core members of the Holy Tree Knights reflected a cold, sharp light.

Altan Khan stood on the reinforced city wall, his gaze solemn as they disappeared into the deepening twilight, until the last sound of horses' hooves was swallowed up by the wind in the forest.

Shen Mu knew that Alatan Khan would guard this hard-won respite like a rock, and be wary of the chilling silence in the direction of the ruins of Western Longcheng.

Their target was the perilous Balihe Street, the choke point of the eastern defense line.

However, the road to there was not easy; it required passing through a crucial stronghold—New Uxhall. This outpost, built on the vast ruins of the former diesel company, was like a wedge forged with steely resolve, driven deep into the edge of a plain where threats might emerge.

After several days of cautious marching, a distinctive outline appeared on the horizon. It was no longer a temporary fortified camp or a fortified wall built against the forest, but a sturdy castle rising abruptly from the ground, bearing a distinct Rhodok style.

It sits atop a massive earthen mound made of countless broken concrete, rusted steel beams, and rammed earth, which itself is a natural base transformed from the foundations of old-era industrial relics.

The castle's stone walls are thick and angular, with towering arrow towers, exuding the unique Rhodok spirit of unwavering resolve in the face of overwhelming odds. This is the New Uxhauer Fortress, garrisoned by the reliable veteran Bandak.

Shen Mu reined in his warhorse, and the Holy Tree Knights behind him came to a stop in perfect unison, their murderous aura temporarily subsiding.

On the castle, the lookout soldiers had clearly spotted them long ago, and the heavy iron-clad oak gates slowly opened with the creaking of winches.

A suit of Rhodok scales, washed white yet meticulously maintained, appeared behind the doorway, and Bandak's signature serious face emerged.

He strode down the steps, clenched his right fist and pounded it heavily on his left chest in a standard Rhodok salute, his voice loud and steady: "Commander! Everything is normal in New Uxhauer, vigilance remains high!"

"Bandak, you've worked hard." Shen Mu dismounted, handed the reins to his guard, and his sharp gaze swept over every defensive detail of the castle. "Take us to see if our 'rock' is strong enough."

Rock-solid fortress: Rhodok's steadfast defense

Upon entering the castle, Shen Mu immediately sensed a defensive philosophy completely different from that of Elune's Fortress.

If the Forest Fortress combines the natural protection of the Wood Elves with the multi-unit coordination of the Allied Forces, then New Uxhauer is purely a war machine in which the Rhodok take the concept of "defense" to its extreme.

Bandak meticulously reported and guided Shen Mu on his inspection tour:
The outer defensive perimeter, relying on the massive foundations and edges of the earthen mounds remaining from the former diesel company site, featured deep and wide trenches. The trenches were riddled with sharpened wooden stakes and rusted, still deadly, metal fragments. Along the outer edge of the trenches were numerous chevaux-de-frise, their sharp tips pointing outwards. Further away, on the open plain, were carefully camouflaged pitfalls and tripwire traps, monitored and triggered by patrolling Khergit scout squads. The earthen mound ramp, the only path leading to the castle gate, was wide yet treacherous. Along both sides of the ramp, following the natural slope of the mound, several tiered firing platforms were constructed. Each platform was equipped with repaired or newly built Rhodok heavy ballistae, along with numerous experienced Rhodok crossbowmen wielding powerful crossbows and clad in heavy armor. Their firing arc covered the entire ramp and the open ground in front, forming a deadly crossfire network. Bandak pointed to the quiver of specially made heavy crossbow bolts and poisoned arrowheads piled up next to the ballista: "Ammunition plentiful, Commander. Enough to turn any enemy who dares to charge into a sieve."

The city walls and arrow towers are magnificent. The thick stone walls reach nearly ten meters in height, with wide tops for soldiers to pass through and fight. The crenellations are cleverly designed, providing both cover and allowing crossbowmen to unleash a barrage of fire. The arrow towers at the four corners and on either side of the city gates are even higher, with their top platforms housing the longest-range and most powerful ballistae, operated by the most experienced ballista commanders, responsible for sniping important enemy targets or large monsters. The towers also contain staircases and multiple firing ports, forming a three-dimensional defense.

The city gate's defensive system consisted of a heavy cast-iron gate behind an iron-clad oak main gate, topped with massive hardwood pillars. Above the gate opening was a "killing hole," which could be used to pour boiling oil, incendiary materials, or arrows in an emergency. The spacious interior of the gate tower housed a squad of elite Rhodok veteran spearmen, ready to plug any breaches that might be breached.

Within the inner city, the castle's internal structure is compact and clearly defined in terms of functional zones. Supply warehouses are located deep underground, constructed of thick stone; barracks are situated close to the inner wall for easy ascent; the command post is located within the most fortified stone fortress, offering excellent visibility and communication capabilities. The central open space is designated as an assembly and wounded treatment area.

Bandak's forces were primarily composed of Rhodok warriors, supplemented by a small number of Khergit horse archers responsible for perimeter reconnaissance and mobile harassment. Patrols were conducted at fixed times and locations, with lookout posts rotating every twelve hours, leaving no blind spots. On the city walls, the soldiers' armor, though old, was polished to a gleaming shine, their weapons gripped tightly, their eyes vigilantly scanning the twilight-shrouded plains in the distance. That silent focus and discipline were key to the Rhodok's survival on the most brutal battlefields. Bandak provided a detailed report on personnel organization, weapon losses, food reserves, and water availability, the data accurate to the single digit, reflecting his rigorous and pragmatic approach.

Shen Mu carefully inspected each fortification, tapping on the thick stone walls, checking the mechanisms of the ballistae, and inquiring about the details of the sentries' shifts. He was very satisfied with Bandark's arrangements. This castle, like Bandark himself, was steady, sturdy, and efficient, making full use of the Rhodok people's defensive talents, greatly relieving the pressure on Elune's Fortress, and providing a reliable rear support point for the eastward advance.

“Well done, Bandak.” Shen Mu stood atop the highest arrow tower, gazing at the vast and perilous plain. “New Uxhall, truly, is our ‘new home’ and fortress in the East. Maintain this vigilance; it will be a crucial anchor point in the storms to come.”

Bandak straightened his back and said in a deep voice, "As long as I am here, the fortress stands, Commander!"

After a brief inspection and exchange, darkness had completely fallen. Torches and bonfires were lit inside the castle. Shen Mu was in no hurry to rest; a thought was becoming increasingly clear in his mind. This war fortress, constructed of cold steel and hard rock, needed a glimmer of life, a sweet symbol of hope and the future. He needed to leave some solace for these soldiers whose nerves were constantly on edge, and for the people who might gather here in the future.

He turned his gaze to the back of the earthen mound castle, to a relatively flat area near the base of the inner wall, which had previously been overgrown with weeds. The area was sunny and sheltered from the wind; although the soil had been contaminated, it had been partially restored after Bandak organized a deep tilling operation.

"Bandak, clear that open space," Shen Mu pointed in that direction.

Bandak had no questions and immediately carried out the order. Soon, a team of Rhodok soldiers, armed with tools, swiftly and efficiently cleared away the rubble and debris in the area, deeply tilled the soil, and leveled the land.

Shen Mu walked to the center of the open space, took a deep breath, and suppressed the hidden pain caused by the backlash from divinity and the burning sensation deep in his soul.

He closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into the depths of the shattered yet newly empowered spiritual network of [Tallinn], simultaneously connecting with the profound [Mount & Blade] rules. The ash mark in his palm was slightly warm.

He slowly raised his hands, palms down, towards the newly turned earth.

An invisible force emanated from him.

Unlike the grand and vibrant natural power he wielded when ripening wheat fields in Elune's Fortress, the power he summoned now carried a deeper, more primal quality, even with a hint of lingering warmth from ashes—it was a fusion of his remaining spiritual imprint, the materialization of Mount & Blade's rules, and that dangerous yet initially tamed "power of ashes."

With a slight thought, straight furrows appeared on the leveled ground, each about a foot deep and evenly spaced, as if drawn with the most precise ruler and compass. These were planting ditches reserved for apple trees.

Shen Mu's thoughts shifted again. The water from the castle's deep well was guided by an unseen force, transforming into a fine yet abundant stream that precisely flowed into the bottom of every ditch, nourishing the parched soil. Simultaneously, he mobilized the power of the rules, forcibly stripping away and annihilating the remaining harmful pollutants (trace amounts of necromantic aura and metallic toxins) from the surrounding land. The turned soil visibly became darker, softer, and more vibrant, even faintly radiating a healthy glow.

Shen Mu's consciousness penetrated deep into the rules. In the void, specks of emerald green light converged, as if woven by an invisible hand. The light condensed, stretched, and shaped. In the blink of an eye, apple saplings, each about a person tall, appeared out of thin air beside the ravine, their roots full, their branches upright, their leaves tender and vibrant green, radiating vitality. These were no ordinary saplings; their original imprints had been slightly adjusted by Shen Mu using the power of the rules, making them more suitable for the environment here, and containing a trace of extremely weak natural resistance to the pollution of the abyss.

The saplings were lifted by an invisible force, their roots stretching out and precisely falling into the moist ditch. The surrounding soil seemed to come alive, automatically backfilling and gently but tightly wrapping and compacting the roots, ensuring that each sapling was firmly rooted.

Shen Mu did not immediately allow it to flower and bear fruit. The light from the ash mark on his palm flowed, and a gentle yet powerful energy stream, like a golden mist, slowly enveloped the entire nascent apple orchard. Under the influence of this power, the saplings trembled slightly, their branches grew at a visible speed, becoming thicker and stronger, their canopies expanded, their leaves became more lush and deep green, and their roots penetrated deeper into the purified fertile soil. In a short time, this barren land had transformed into a lush, neatly arranged grove of young apple trees, filled with a reassuring greenery.

The entire process was silent, devoid of any earth-shattering noise, only the subtle hum of energy and the sounds of earth churning and water flowing. The surrounding Rhodok soldiers and Holy Tree Knights held their breath, their eyes filled with awe and wonder. They witnessed their commander, with power beyond the reach of ordinary mortals, create a hopeful oasis within the cold, war-torn fortress. A flicker of emotion crossed Bandak's stern face; he knew that the apple grove's significance far exceeded its intrinsic value—it was a symbol of resilient life, a sweet ray of dawn in the darkness.

After doing all this, Shen Mu's breathing became slightly rapid, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

The searing pain in his soul from the divine backlash seemed to have become clearer. But as he looked at the vibrant apple orchard before him, bathed in the twilight and the firelight of the castle, a hint of satisfaction shone through his weary eyes.

He didn't stop.

Walking to the most robust-looking apple tree, Shen Mu reached out again and gently pressed his hand against the trunk. This time, the light from the ash mark on his palm was even more concentrated, like flowing liquid gold, seeping down along the bark's veins. He wasn't forcibly forcing growth, but rather guiding the power of the rules, precisely stimulating the tree's inherent life potential, accelerating its natural process of flowering and fruiting.

Visible changes have occurred.

Among the branches and leaves, tiny flower buds quickly swelled and bloomed! Clusters of pure white or pink flowers emerged, like clouds spreading out in an instant. The rich and sweet fragrance of the flowers instantly filled the air, overpowering the usual smell of steel, sweat, and fireworks in the castle, and invigorating everyone.

The flowers withered at an alarming rate, and the tiny green fruits quickly took shape and swelled.

The green quickly faded, replaced by a rich, alluring blush. The apples' skin became smooth and firm, reflecting an enticing sheen in the torchlight, their shapes perfectly round. In just the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the apple tree was laden with fruit, bending its branches low!
Shen Mu withdrew his hand, a faint golden light still lingering on his fingertips. He picked the apple that was closest to him, the one that was the reddest and plumpest.

The fruit felt heavy in my hand, carrying the warmth of the sun (though it was nighttime, this was an illusion bestowed by divine power) and the vibrant energy of life. Its skin was smooth and firm, its color an alluring blend of deep red and golden yellow.

He wiped it with his hand, and without hesitation, took a bite.

"Crack!"

The crisp cracking sound was especially clear in the quiet night. All eyes were on him.

The flesh was a translucent, milky white; instantly, its abundant juice filled his mouth, a trickle running down the corner of his lips. The taste—

Fresh! Like the first drop of dew that condenses in the morning, carrying the purest vitality of life.

Tender! The flesh is delicate and without any residue, melting in your mouth like a tender bud in early spring.

Juicy! Every sip is like sucking on a sweet spring, the abundant juice instantly quenching thirst and soothing tired spirits.

Sweet! Pure and natural sweetness, without the slightest hint of cloying sweetness, as if it were the concentrated essence of sunshine. This sweetness also carries an extremely subtle, indescribable refreshing fruity acidity, perfectly balancing the taste and making it even more vibrant.

Fragrance! The rich aroma of apples bursts in your mouth as you chew, and lingers in your nasal cavity with every breath. That fresh and sweet scent even temporarily dispels the smoke of battle and the gloom deep in your soul.

An indescribable sense of satisfaction spread from his taste buds to every part of his body. Shen Mu closed his eyes, savoring this brief but incredibly precious sweetness.

This was more than just the taste of an apple; it was a miracle of life he had created with his own hands, a tiny but real and sweet hope that he had fought hard to protect and create in a world ravaged and fraught with danger. A warm current accompanied this taste, seemingly soothing the burning pain in his soul caused by the curse of Yenogu and the backlash from divinity.

He opened his eyes and handed the remaining half of the apple to a young Rhodok soldier beside him, who was watching eagerly, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily. The soldier accepted it with a flattered expression, took a small bite, and his eyes widened instantly, his face bursting with unbelievable surprise and pure joy.

“Try it all,” Shen Mu said to Bandak and the surrounding warriors with a rare gentleness in his voice. “This is the first harvest of New Uxhall, belonging to every one of you who have held this place. Remember this taste, remember why we fought—for the land, for new life, and for the future when we can taste this sweetness again.”

The soldiers cheered and, at Bandak's nod, carefully picked the ripe apples, sharing this miraculous fruit brought by their commander. The sweet aroma and satisfying chewing sounds filled the castle, temporarily dispelling the shadow of war, and long-lost, heartfelt smiles appeared on the soldiers' faces. Hope and strength seemed to flow into everyone's hearts along with these juicy apples.

After resting overnight at the castle, Shen Mu listened to a more detailed report from Bandak on the surrounding situation.

At dawn, he once again assembled the Holy Tree Knights.

Standing before the sturdy gates of New Uxhall, Shen Mu took one last look at the apple orchard, its green leaves swaying in the morning light, with a few scattered red fruits remaining. Bandak stood solemnly to the side, saying in a deep voice, "Commander, rest assured, I will have people carefully tend to the apple orchard. New Uxhall will stand firm as a rock!"

Shen Mu nodded and mounted his horse. He circulated his internal energy, absorbing the gentle vitality from the apple he had tasted the night before, which transformed into the resilience that supported him to continue his journey.

But the emptiness and burning pain in his soul caused by the Yenogu curse and the backlash of divinity, like a deep-seated carbuncle, still lingered in his heart, reminding him of the price of power and the perilous road ahead.

"Depart!" Shen Mu's voice shattered the morning silence. The heavy city gates opened again, and two hundred Holy Tree Knights filed out, their armor clanging, like a silver stream leaving the secure harbor and flowing back into the perilous wilderness. The golden morning light outlined their resolute eastward journey.

Bandak stood atop the towering arrow tower, watching the procession depart and eventually disappear into the undulating horizon of the plains.

He took a deep breath; a faint, sweet apple scent seemed to linger in the air. He turned, his gaze returning to the newly sprouted orchard, his eyes growing even more resolute. This verdant and sweet land, nurtured by the commander's divine power, was a symbol of the fortress, and more importantly, a seed of the future they had to protect.

At the very front of the departing procession, Shen Mu had a plump, red apple hidden inside his sleeve.

This was not only his emergency rations, but also a small beacon of hope that could remind him "why he was fighting" in moments of despair.

The streets of Balihe ahead were shrouded in dark clouds and fraught with danger, but the rock-solid solidity of New Uxhall and the fresh, sweet taste of apples had transformed into a heavy responsibility to protect and the strength to keep going.

On the eastern horizon, an unknown storm is brewing. (End of Chapter)