"This news came too suddenly, everyone don't panic!" Istra steadied the situation and looked at Sofia: "Sofia, do you think our current defenses are sufficient to deal with an attack of this scale?"
Sofia frowned: "As it stands, it's clearly not enough. We need to strengthen our defenses immediately and contact our allies in the surrounding area as soon as possible to request reinforcements."
“Okay, Ms. Leah, would you be willing to help us pass this request for help on to other villages or cities?” Istra asked politely.
Leah nodded: "Of course, I'll leave here now to seek more help." With that, she quickly turned and walked out of the square.
Max stood up. "I think we should take some proactive measures now." Everyone around him looked at him. "If we can take the initiative and strike a part of their forces before they are fully prepared, wouldn't that help us resist the main force's attack later?"
A buzz of discussion arose among the crowd. An elderly man exclaimed in surprise, "This young man is so bold..."
“That’s certainly brave,” Ares agreed. “But it’s also quite risky.” He then turned to look at Istra: “What do you think?”
Istra thought for a few seconds, then finally nodded in agreement. "You're right, Max. If we can weaken the enemy, it might actually put us in a better position. But this is something we absolutely cannot decide hastily. Are you sure you want to lead the team to make such an attempt?"
“Yes, as long as there are people willing to believe in me and charge forward with me, I am confident that I can do it!” Max said firmly.
Lina quickly followed suit, declaring, "Count me in! I'll follow you wherever you go!"
Upon hearing this, many people present began to express their willingness to join the operation.
Just then, the veteran Karl, who had been silent all along, stepped forward: "Since everyone is so enthusiastic, I can't fall behind." He shouted in his aged but powerful voice: "I was a soldier when I was young! Although I've been retired for many years, my combat experience is still there. I can serve as an advisor and give you suggestions!"
Caroline clapped her hands in praise, "Great! This gives us a chance to gain the upper hand!"
Just as everyone was filled with enthusiasm, a villager rushed in from outside, shouting, "It's terrible! We just received an urgent report from the forward reconnaissance team that they've spotted the enemy rapidly mobilizing their troops, seemingly heading this way... They probably won't arrive here for at most half a day!"
The entire square fell silent instantly, followed by chaos and noise. "Make a decision quickly!" someone shouted.
Faced with this unexpected new situation, Istra immediately summoned several key figures to discuss countermeasures. While they engaged in heated discussion, the villagers anxiously awaited further instructions. Everyone knew that whether they chose to confront the enemy head-on or seek an alternative escape route, every second counted!
Finally, after a heated debate, Istra stood once again on the makeshift platform. "Listen up, warriors! The plan is as follows..."
"Listen up, warriors! We've decided to take Max's advice and launch a preemptive strike to weaken the enemy before they arrive. Meanwhile, Sofia will continue to strengthen our village's defenses to ensure we have a strong backup even if the attack fails." Istra's words echoed through the air, stirring up a commotion among the crowd.
A young man in the crowd exclaimed in surprise, "They're actually going to attack them... That's insane!" His friend next to him retorted, "This might be the only way out. Do you want to just sit here and wait for the enemy to slaughter us all?"
As the villagers discussed the matter, Max stepped onto the stage. "I know you're all worried, but we don't have many options. Believe me, if we can break through part of the enemy's forces, we might be able to change the situation, or at least buy ourselves more time to prepare." His tone was full of determination and confidence, which seemed to inspire many of those who were still hesitant.
Carl also stepped forward and declared, "I'm willing to join Captain Max's team. Guiding the younger generation with my rich combat experience might increase our chances of success!" The veteran's words undoubtedly put those who were initially worried about the low success rate of the operation at ease.
At this critical moment, Caroline, who had been quietly listening to everyone's discussion, suddenly asked, "But there's still a big risk, isn't there? What if the people we send fail?" Her eyes revealed obvious unease.
In response, Istra replied, "Of course there are risks. But if we do nothing, we will likely face annihilation. We must seize every possible opportunity. Furthermore, Sofia will strengthen the defenses here, so even if we are unfortunately defeated, at least we can hold out for a while."
Sofia nodded in support and immediately began detailed planning. "I will set traps along the main passages and mobilize all available manpower to reinforce the city walls. In addition, I will arrange a rapid response team to quickly support the front lines or retreat into the village if necessary."
Just when everyone thought everything was ready, a voice interrupted them. "Excuse me... can I help?" It was Joshua, the village's most unassuming baker, who raised his hand to speak. Usually, he was always focused on making bread and never participated in village affairs, but now he looked serious and earnest. "Although I have no combat experience, I am familiar with the surrounding forest terrain, and I might be able to find a safe route for your march."
This proposal immediately attracted widespread attention. Some thought it was simply a pipe dream, while others felt it was worth a try. "Alright," Istra said after thinking for a moment, "in that case, you'll come with us. But you must absolutely obey orders and not act on your own."
With the final team roster finalized, preparations for departure were in full swing. "Everyone must bring plenty of food and water, as well as any tools you think might be useful," Max instructed. "Remember, we aim for the greatest victory with the least cost."
Just as the warriors were preparing to set off, a little girl ran over and hugged her father tightly—a father who had volunteered for the assault force. "Daddy, come back safely!" Her innocent voice almost brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Seeing this, another mother couldn't help but comfort the little girl, saying, "Don't worry, little girl, your father and the other uncles and aunts are heroes. They will bring us hope." At that moment, everyone probably secretly made up their minds: for their families and for the future of the entire village, they must do everything in their power to win this battle!
As the setting sun bathed the village in its golden light, Max led his brave warriors on a firm march. "Let's go!" With this resounding command, the group disappeared over the distant horizon…
However, no one noticed two people lurking in the shadows nearby, quietly following behind. "I didn't expect them to actually decide on such an aggressive strategy..." one of them muttered. "That's right. Things probably won't be that simple from now on..." the other replied. Who are they? What are their goals? Everything remains to be seen...
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