The other side.
On the road away from the city-state of Sparta.
Here, the road winds through the valley, with steep rock walls and dense bushes on both sides.
At this moment, a group of ragged and depressed Greek soldiers were struggling forward.
Some of them were leaning on broken weapons, some were supporting each other, and some were wrapped in simple bandages, the blood that had seeped out had completely dyed the cloth red.
These remnants of the coalition forces from various city-states had recently suffered a devastating defeat in a battle with the Persian advance troops.
Simply put, they were also an army in Greece composed of many city-states.
However, they were all the most remote city-states in Greece, and none of them was as influential as Sparta or Athens.
As they dragged their tired steps forward, they suddenly raised their heads.
That's because they heard the sound of neat and powerful footsteps coming from afar.
"Boom, boom, boom..."
The sound was like the pulse of the earth, as if something heavy was hitting the earth regularly.
"What, what's that sound?"
"Could it be the Persians? They actually chased us here?"
The remaining soldiers of the coalition stopped in surprise and looked in the direction of the sound.
As long as they turn the corner ahead, they will be able to come into direct contact with the enemy.
"Prepare for battle!"
One of the soldiers lowered his voice because it was impossible for them to go back the same way.
Moreover, they had no time to turn around and escape.
This was a battle of encounter, they had no choice.
So they began to take up their positions, shields raised, weapons drawn.
Just as they held their breath and prepared to go around the bend in the mountain and launch a surprise attack on the enemy, a loud "bang" sound came from the shield of the person at the front of the line.
The man fell to the ground almost immediately. When the others wanted to go up to support him, several spears were immediately aimed at their necks.
"Don't move."
After these words were spoken, even the coalition soldiers behind them widened their eyes and dared not move.
Because they recognized each other's armor and knew what the red color on their bodies represented.
"You, who are you?"
"Spartans?"
The allied soldier who was speaking raised his head and saw that the Spartan soldiers holding shields and spears were lined up in an orderly manner at the back like statues.
That's right, the two Greek armies met on a narrow mountain road.
"I am Leonidas of Sparta."
The warrior who had just kicked the shield of the coalition soldier away spoke.
As soon as these words were spoken, the allied soldiers' eyes widened.
After all, the name of Leonidas is known to everyone in Greece.
"You, you are Leonidas?"
At this time, the commander of the remaining coalition forces barely straightened up and saluted Leonidas.
"Ah, respected King of Sparta, I salute you on behalf of the coalition forces here."
Leonidas, on the other hand, had a stern expression on his face and simply nodded.
It was hard for him not to notice the miserable state of the Allied soldiers.
"Persian?"
Leonidas could tell by their armor and attire that they were Greeks from another commonwealth.
The commander of the coalition forces gave a wry smile when he heard Leonidas' words.
"As you said, King of Sparta."
"Persians."
After these words were spoken, many soldiers behind the commander lowered their heads slightly.
After all, although they were all Greeks, they came from different city-states and federations.
Defeat was also a shame for them.
"The Persian vanguard is much stronger than we imagined."
"They are numerous, well-trained and well-equipped."
"We deployed our troops according to traditional tactics, but were completely routed by their cavalry and archers."
The commander of the coalition forces paused here, as if he suddenly fell into some terrible memory.
His eyes darkened and his voice grew frustrated.
"Our right flank was completely destroyed and the center was breached."
"If it hadn't been dark, the casualties would have been even greater."
Leonidas' expression did not change after hearing this.
"Where is the Persian army?"
He asked, and the coalition commander's expression became a little nervous.
"It's only about a day's journey away, but their scouts may be closer."
After the commander finished speaking, his eyes suddenly gleamed as he looked at Leonidas.
Because, among all the city-states in Greece, Sparta was the most militarily powerful city-state.
Every Greek knew that from birth, a Spartan would embark on the difficult journey of becoming a warrior.
The Spartans seemed terrible to them.
But now is the time to fight against foreign enemies, so the once terrible Spartans are now one of the most powerful forces in Greece.
So, the coalition commander couldn't help but ask.
"However, it is wonderful to see you leading your army to fight against these Persians!"
"It is our honor to fight alongside the Spartan warriors!"
"Then how many troops did you bring to support the defense line?"
Leonidas raised his chin, signaling the team behind him.
"That's all."
"Three hundred Spartans."
The coalition commander was stunned and blinked in disbelief.
He even thought that the Spartan king was joking with him.
But after seeing Leonidas' eyes and the only three hundred soldiers behind him, he immediately understood that it was no joke.
As a result, the coalition commander's expression became a little complicated, like a wry smile, but also like helplessness.
Of course, there was also the natural fear of Sparta.
"No, it is not, King."
"Three hundred people, you brought three hundred people?"
"You only have 300 men, and you think you can resist the Persian army of hundreds of thousands?"
He couldn't help but burst out laughing, because this seemed too ridiculous to him.
But soon, he realized his rudeness and quickly restrained his expression.
"Forgive me for the offense, King of Sparta."
"But I must say that with your limited forces, facing the Persian army is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot."
"According to our initial observations, the Persian vanguard reconnaissance force alone has over ten thousand people, not counting the vassal troops and auxiliary forces."
"If you count those, the regular vanguard troops alone would already exceed 100,000."
But when Leonidas heard what the other party said, he actually raised the corner of his mouth.
It was a scornful smile.
Then he raised his hand and pointed at someone behind the commander.
"What does he do?"
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