As dawn broke over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow over the city of Sunset Breeze Pass, the sound of bootsteps echoed through the cobblestone streets.
The citizens stirred from their slumber, drawn to the open field where a sight beyond their wildest dreams unfolded.
There, 2,000 knights of the Blood Knights order, each standing tall and proud at a staggering 7 to 8 feet, formed an impeccable square formation. Their armor, gleaming under the early morning light, was a testament to the advanced smithing technology that had created them.
Each knight was a bastion of power, their very presence radiating a palpable aura that made the spectators' hearts race with excitement and a hint of fear.
As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the field, the 2,000 Blood Knights began to march in unison.
The citizens of Sunset Breeze Pass City watched, their eyes wide with amazement, as the massive metal trucks they had mistaken for horse-drawn carts followed the knights' every step. These behemoths of steel and might, each move without anything pulling them, rumbled with a low, rhythmic cadence that seemed to shake the very ground beneath them.
The sight of such power and discipline was unlike anything they had ever witnessed. It was clear to see that the Blood Wolf Knight Order was not an ordinary force.
Each knight, towering over the average man, was a walking fortress, their armor a blend of ancient craftsmanship and futuristic technology.
Both Hu Tao and Bi Lan couldn't help but stare at the Blood Wolf Knight Order as they marched with a precision that seemed almost inhuman. Each knight's movement was synchronized, a testament to their rigorous training and discipline.
Wu Rei, now a towering figure in his own right, watched his former fellow disciples with amusement. His smile grew wider as he noticed their astonishment.
"You guys look like you've seen a ghost," he teased, his voice booming through the armor that now encased his body.
Bi Lan managed to react to his voice first.
"Wu Rei, these knights... they're so powerful!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment.
Wu Rei chuckled, his eyes gleaming with pride.
"They are indeed formidable," he acknowledged, his gaze following the knights as they disappeared into the city's gates.
"Joshua has worked tirelessly to forge them into the unstoppable force they are today."
Wu Rei's words brought them out of their reverie, and they nodded in agreement.
"These Blood Knights are indeed a sight to behold," Bi Lan murmured, his eyes never leaving the towering figures.
"It's not just their size," Hu Tao added, her gaze sharp and thoughtful, "it's their unity, their discipline. It's as if they move as one entity."
Wu Rei nodded, his smile widening.
"So do you two want to join us?" Wu Rei's voice cut through the silence, his smile broader than ever as he looked down at his former companions.
Bi Lan's eyes snapped to him, his voice filled with incredulity.
"Well... we will decide after we talk with master first?" he sputtered.
"But I am shocked," Bi Lan said, his eyes still wide.
"These knights... they are so well-equipped and their discipline is impeccable. The Jo Empire's army is massive, outnumbering your knights 6-7 times, but each of your knights seems to be worth a hundred of their men and they seem to be at higher realms too."
Wu Rei chuckled, the sound echoing within his helmet.
"It seems with this speed we will reach the border cities in a month and few days base on my estimate." Hu Tao said, her eyes glancing over the long convoy of knights and metal supply trucks.
Wu Rei's smile grew wider under his helmet and refuted.
"You guys underestimate our capabilities," Wu Rei said with a knowing smile.
"This journey will only take at most 15 days, no more and no less."
Wu Rei's confidence was palpable, as he stood before them in his gleaming armor. Bi Lan couldn't help but cast a dubious look at the convoy of metal carts, each laden with supplies.
"Impossible, without horses, how can we cover the distance so swiftly? And I should point out that all of these knights are wearing heavy armor. Surely, they cannot maintain such a pace for long and what about those slow-moving metal carts that seems to be full of supplies dragging the speed of the march?" Bi Lan argued, his voice laced with skepticism.
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Wu Rei nodded understandingly but corrected him with a knowing smile.
"Bi Lan, you must understand that we are not mere mortal soldiers," he said, his deep voice resonating within the metal cage of his helmet.
"These knights have been enhanced in ways that surpass your comprehension, we could march for days without rest, and when the time calls for it, we can sprint like the wind."
Wu Rei's words hung in the air, leaving Bi Lan to ponder over the sheer might of the Blood Knights. How could human beings possess such endurance?
Wu Re pointed to the metal carts, which looked heavy and slow.
"Those things are not carts that needed horse to pull it and these things won't tire out like horses," Wu Rei said with a knowing smile.
"We are currently moving at a reduced pace to maintain the appearance of a standard military procession," Wu Rei clarified, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
"But once we're clear of the city and beyond the prying eyes of potential spies, we'll show you our true speed."
With that cryptic remark, Wu Rei nodded to the knights around him, and as if on cue, the metal-booted feet of the colossal warriors began to rise and fall in a rhythmic jog that sent tremors through the ground. The metal trucks lurched into a surprisingly swift pace, keeping up with the towering figures without breaking a sweat.
Hu Tao and Bi Lan exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of astonishment and skepticism. Yet, as the hours ticked by, the knights and their strange metal trucks didn't falter.
The sun climbed high into the sky, beating down upon them, and still, the march continued—now a jog that seemed to never end. The dusty road stretched on, a blur of motion behind the unflagging warriors.
Hu Tao and Bi Lan exchanged glances full of doubt. Could humans truly possess such endurance? Yet, as the hours ticked by, their skepticism began to waver.
The knights didn't falter, their strides long and powerful, their breaths even and steady. The metal supply carts clattered along behind them, a testament to their speed and resilience.
As the sun dipped towards the horizon, the pace didn't slow. The knights' armor, which gleamed in the harsh sunlight, now threw off an eerie sheen in the twilight. The air grew cooler, but their march didn't falter. It wasn't until the stars began to peek out that the column finally came to a halt.
The knights formed a precise perimeter around the camp, the carts folded into defensive structures with a speed and precision that left the onlookers stunned.
Fires were lit, food distributed, and tents set up in a half hour that felt more like a blink of an eye.
The camp was a well-oiled machine, each man moving with the grace of a dancer and the efficiency of a well-trained soldier.
"Remarkable," Bi Lan murmured, his eyes scanning the scene before him.
"They must be exhausted, yet there isn't a single complaint."
"No, they seem... inexhaustible," Hu Tao murmured to Bi Lan, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames of the campfires.
Both exchanged looks, and now they started to believe what Wu Re said.
Wu Rei chuckled at their amazement to many time now from their amazement.
---
Inside the tent at the center of the temporary camp, the light from the bulbs cast shadows across the faces of the gathered men and women.
The atmosphere was tense, thick with the weight of the impending battle and the gravity of their mission.
Wang Lichen, the dependable Grand Master of the Blood Wolf Knights, stood at the center of the tent, his eyes sweeping over the five knight commanders seated before him. Xie Jie, Zhang Jin, and Peng Lihua, all seasoned warriors with the scars of countless battles etched into their faces, nodded solemnly as they listened to his instructions.
The two new Knight Commanders, their expressions a mix of excitement and trepidation, clench their fist tightly, eager to prove themselves in the upcoming battles.
"Each of you will be responsible for your respective towns and cities," said Grand Master Lichen, his gaze intense.
"Your swiftness and surprise will be your greatest assets. Do not underestimate the enemy, for they are prepared for any counter attack of the Su Empire or are preparing to launch invasions again. The towns have at least 500 militia and soldiers while some of there cities have 1500-2000 Jo Empire's soldiers."
The five Knight Commanders nodded in unison, the gravity of their task etched in their expressions. They each have only have a company composed of 6 Knight Banneret consisting of 16 Sergeant Knights split into combat companies, support company, and a Headquarters company, commanded by the Knight Commanders.
Combat companies are the main fighting units, typically consisting 6 platoons or 120 Knight Bachelor units. Each platoon is further divided into squads, with each squad having a specific role depending their Blood Knight types, Fighter or Tank.
For Support companies on the other hand provides crucial support functions to the Combat companies. It may include platoons for anti-armor, heavy machine guns, snipers handle by Knight Bachelors while reconnaissance and mortars are handled by Squires.
And for Headquarters companies handles the battalion's administrative, logistical, and communications needs. It may include platoons for administration, logistics, communications, transportation and medical support.
Xie Jie spoke up first, her voice firm and steady.
"Understood, Grand Master Lichen. We will divide our forces accordingly and strike with precision. Each of these places will fall swiftly under our command. Especially these cities."
While Wang Lichen told them that he will lead the main assault on the Fortress that is the Jo Empire's headquarters, the Knight Commanders nodded in understanding.
They knew that this would be a formidable challenge, but also the most critical victory in their campaign. As taking out the headquarter would lead to destroying or disabling the central command of the enemy.
But the Fortress is guarded by 3000 elite group of soldiers, and the fortress is located and position on top of a hill with thicker walls and many arrow towers compared to any towns and cities. Fortunately and unfortunately there is no moat as even if they build it, the winter would have freeze the moat turning it to another area to invade.
The is also a Grandmaster Martial Artist stationed there was rumored to be a man of great cunning and skill, he is a decorated general named Deng Zhili.
"Very well," Grand Master Lichen said, his eyes unwavering as he studied the map laid out before them.
"You are dismissed to prepare your forces. Remember, speed and surprise are our greatest weapons. Stay vigilant and do not underestimate the enemy," Grand Master Lichen said, his voice echoing with authority as the knight commanders filed out of the tent, their footsteps muffled by the thick rugs underfoot.
