Inside the council chamber, Leonard and Karin unfolded a map and explained in detail the enemy's deployment and their planned raid route. Max, Sophia, and the other core members sat around the table, listening attentively.

“According to our reconnaissance, the enemy has three main directions of attack: west, south, and north,” Leonard said, pointing to several marks on the map. “But there’s a small path to the east that has been overlooked. We can use this path to outflank the enemy and launch an attack from behind.”

Lina examined the map carefully, her brow furrowed. "This path, though hidden, is also very rugged and difficult to traverse. We need to ensure the team reaches the target location within the allotted time."

Max nodded and looked at Carl: "Do you think this plan is feasible?"

Karl thought for a moment and then slowly said, "If we time it right, it's possible to succeed. But we must act quickly, otherwise, once the enemy becomes aware of it, this opportunity will be gone."

At this moment, a villager couldn't help but interject, "Captain, if we can successfully launch a surprise attack behind enemy lines, won't that buy us more time to prepare?"

Max smiled slightly and encouraged, "You're right. This is our only breakthrough point right now. Do you all understand? We need to work together to overcome this crisis."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere in the meeting room gradually became serious.

Just as everyone was discussing nervously, a commotion came from outside the door. A young scout rushed in, panting, and said, "Captain, a small group of enemy troops has appeared on the outskirts of the village! They seem to be testing our defenses."

Ares immediately stood up, looking firmly at Sophia: "I'll lead the team to meet the enemy. You all continue your discussion and finalize the plan as soon as possible."

Sofia nodded, her eyes filled with worry and trust. "Be careful."

As Ares led his band of warriors out of the council chamber, the atmosphere inside grew even more tense. Everyone felt immense pressure, but it also fueled their fighting spirit.

Looking at everyone's expressions, Karin felt a surge of warmth in her heart. "Everyone, we will definitely get through this. Believe in us."

Lina looked up at her, her doubts lessening slightly. "I hope so."

Max clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "In that case, let's proceed as Leonard suggested. I'll take a group ahead and get behind enemy lines as quickly as possible."

Karl added, "I and another group of soldiers stayed behind in the village to hold out until you return."

Sofia looked around, her gaze firm yet warm: "Everyone must be careful, and always look out for each other, no matter when or where."

The night was deep, and torches illuminated the road ahead. Max led his men away from the village quietly, embarking on a treacherous path.

Meanwhile, Ares and his men were already clashing with the enemy at the village entrance. The sounds of clashing swords filled the air as the villagers watched nervously from the city walls.

A young recruit stood on the wall, watching the fierce battle below, and said in a trembling voice, "They...they're so strong..."

The veteran next to him patted him on the shoulder, his tone full of comfort: "Don't be afraid, stick with the captain, and persevere to the end. We will win."

Outside the battlefield, Leonard and Karin were still busy in the council chamber. Karin was studying the map, making marks from time to time.

Suddenly, she looked up at Leonard: "I've found a spot here that might be suitable for an ambush, which could inflict greater damage on the enemy."

Leonard smiled and nodded: "Your observation is very keen. Let's refine the plan together."

At that very moment, a series of hurried footsteps sounded again—a small squad had returned, their faces filled with anxiety and worry.

"Captain, the enemy's main force is already assembling!" the team member reported. "They should be able to reach the outskirts of the village in a few hours."

The atmosphere instantly became more tense. Everyone realized that the real test was about to begin.

Sofia took a deep breath, her gaze resolute: "No matter what, we must protect our home. For our loved ones and for this land."

Lina gently took Sofia's hand and whispered, "We will succeed. We will definitely defeat the forces of darkness."

Max moved silently through the darkness, his eyes burning with determination. This battle was destined to be difficult, but as long as everyone worked together, dawn would eventually break...

“We’re at a crucial intersection ahead,” Max whispered. “Everyone stay alert. Everything will be alright.”

Everyone nodded, their steps growing ever more resolute. A new chapter was about to unfold, and the wheel of fate continued to turn…

**(End of dialogue, suspense to be continued)**

As Max's squad ventured deeper into the rugged mountain path, the surroundings became increasingly treacherous. Every sound in the darkness sent shivers down their spines. Suddenly, a young scout spoke up nervously: "Captain, this road is too dangerous. What if we encounter an ambush..."

Max gently patted the young man on the shoulder, his eyes sharp. "Don't worry, our movements are discreet enough. Even if we encounter the enemy, we can respond quickly." His tone was full of confidence and courage, as if it could dispel all anxiety.

“Yes,” an experienced veteran in the group joined the conversation, “I’ve followed the captain for so many years and I’ve never seen a better commander. As long as everyone follows him closely, everything will fall into place.”

At that moment, faint footsteps approached from afar, particularly clear in the silent night. "Stop!" Max quickly raised his arm, signaling everyone to halt. The entire squad instantly entered combat readiness, as if perfectly trained. A tense atmosphere filled the air; everyone held their breath, awaiting the order. After a moment, Max slowly stood up: "It's nothing, just a few startled rabbits." These simple words effectively calmed the team's nerves.

Meanwhile, on the front lines outside the village, Ares's battle with the enemy had reached a fever pitch. Amidst the clashing of swords, a rookie soldier named Kevin suddenly cried out in alarm, "It's bad! The enemy numbers are much greater than expected!"

A comrade beside him immediately comforted him, saying, "Relax, young man. Ares is here; he'll protect us and keep us safe." But even so, the ever-increasing pressure under such a severe situation made everyone present feel an unprecedented sense of crisis.

Just as the situation on the battlefield became increasingly tense, Karin finally completed a more detailed plan for the raid route. Turning excitedly to Leonard, who was discussing the strategic details, she said, "I've found a perfect location to set a trap! If we can launch the attack from there..."

Before Karin could finish speaking, Leonard immediately agreed, "That's great. Without further ado, please go and prepare the necessary supplies and inform the soldiers remaining behind to proceed according to the latest plan." He then turned to his assistant and asked, "How is the situation over there? How long will it take for Ares and the others to return for rest?" The assistant hurriedly reported the latest intelligence, "Reporting, sir, it will probably be a while longer."

Just as everyone was fully focused on their respective tasks, someone suddenly shouted, "Watch out from above!" A dark shadow swept across the night sky, followed by a barrage of arrows raining down on the densely packed villagers. The sudden attack caught everyone off guard, but fortunately, they reacted quickly and managed to stabilize the situation after losing a few soldiers.

As everything gradually returned to calm, an elderly man said with deep emotion, "I never thought I'd still be alive... It's all thanks to these brave heroes protecting us..." Those around him nodded in agreement. Despite facing numerous difficulties and trials, they chose to persevere.

As night deepened, Max's squad arrived at a fork in the road not far from their destination. The surroundings were eerily quiet. "Listen up, everyone, this is the crucial moment," Max whispered. "We must remain silent and reach the designated position as quickly as possible to launch the attack." Just as he was about to continue, a young, adoring face peeked out from the bushes—it was Mary, the little girl from the village responsible for transporting supplies. "Go for it! Uncles and aunties, you can definitely defeat the bad guys!" Hearing this, a gentle smile appeared on Max's face. "Thank you for your encouragement, little girl." He then led his team quietly into the depths of the jungle…

As the first rays of sunlight shone upon this ancient land, a great battle destined to be recorded in history officially began—

Max stopped and looked ahead at the enemy camp hidden behind the thin mist. "Today, we will fight for freedom; today, we face death together..."

Sofia stood on the city wall, gazing into the distance, and whispered, "May light forever illuminate the path ahead..."