Arc XI Chapter 13
<strong><b>X</b></strong><strong><b>I</b></strong>
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<strong><b>Arc</b></strong><strong><b></b></strong><strong><b>X</b></strong><strong><b>I </b></strong><strong><b>Chapter</b></strong><strong><b>13</b></strong>
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It was morning when the alliance of cute and fluffy animals, at least Yuki called them such,reassembled for a new war council in themand tent. Every n was determined to fight the enemy, and though the snakendidn’t scare them, they all knew that they had to fight. A tough battle awaited them. There was no escape. It was now a matter of standing together or falling together. Their situationstrengthenedtheiralliance, although doubtand uncertainty gued everyone’s mind.There was fear and anxiety in everyone’seyes.
The uing battle wouldn’t be an easy one. The forces of the snake n were infamousfor their mercilessness and brutality. It would take more than just courage and foolhardy bravery to defeat them. Luckily, Yuki had a n. It was time to capitalise on her lessons in strategy and tactics. Nee-san would be certainly proud of her. She wouldput Nee-san''ssses to good use.
The red panda raised his voice, him being the representative of his n and improptumander of the allied forces. “I am d that everyone here is resolved to fight. Today, we will stand and fight together asrades. Nevertheless, we must now discusshow to confront the enemy. Our scouts report that the enemy significantly outnumbers us. We will receive reinforcementssoon, but even then our numbers are far from favourable. The enemy is strong, yet we cannot allow the enemy to take the mountain pass without a fight. Thepass is a strategically important. It would allowourenemy to invade ournds unopposed. That is why we mustdefendthe passno matter the cost. That is why we have no choice, we must stand our ground.”
Everyone in the tent nodded. So did Yuki. The pass was important. That much is clear.
The red panda continued, “Fortunately, the mountains stand with usin theing battle. The terrain willfavourus and provide us a with a strong defensive position. We will have the high ground, which will allow us to counter the enemy numbers.”
“...”The other nssaid nothing. Their representatives appearedto agreewith the proposed strategy. After all, it was a sensible one. Still ...
Yuki stepped forwards, entering the middle of the tent. She was a girl with a purpose.
Katsuki watched her from the sides, confused. “Yuki, what are you doing?”
Yukiresponded with a motivated smile. “Watch and learn. I have an idea.”
Yuki raised her hand, calling for attention. “Excuse me! Iknow that it is not my ce to speak,but I want to propose a different strategy.”
The red panda narrowed his eyes at her, scrutinisingher. “Human, you are with the nekon, unless I am mistaken.”
Yuki nodded. “Correct.I act as a representative of the neko n.”
The red panda crossed his arms. “I see. You may speak then. Tell us, what strategy do you propose instead?”
Yuki beamed positively. “Listen, what if we ...”
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An open in stretched out before the mountain pass. It was afternoon.Two armies stood assembled on the vast in, forming rows and formations, closing ranks and battle lines. Armed to the teethwithweapons of war, d in armour and steel,the two alliances prepared to meet each other in battle. The day of battle had arrived. The two forceswould face each other now on the fields of glory.
“Ssssss, how foolisssh of them”,the snake general hissed, amused by the utter foolishnessof their enemy. “To forsssake their defensssive position only tomeet us on open ground. Are they tired of living? Thisssbattle will be easssy. We will crussshthisss feeble alliance under the weight of our superior forces.”
“Indeed, General”, the snake emissary seconded his opinion. “Our attempt to bribe the neko n might have failed, but the fate of the aince isss sssealed regardlesss. The moment we break their morale, their forcesss will flee and ssshatter. Theirndsss will then be oursss for the taking. They will be unable to oppossse usss.”
“Exactly”,the general flicked histongue with gleebefore addressing a nearby officer. “Soldier, give ourtroops the orders to advance and engage the enemy. The time hase to annihte our enemy.”
“Underssstood, General.” The officer slithered off to transmit the orders. The battle was about to begin.
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A red panda officer gulpedat the sight of the enemy numerical superiority, his nerves getting the better of him. Their superiority was considerable, to say the least, “Do you think thatwas a good idea, General, to follow her n?”
“Don’t waver, soldier”, the red panda general replied, his voice firm. “The girl''s n was a sound n, and I support it. Now that we stand here, we must be ready to face the enemy.”
The officer remained unsure. “Still...”
A stern re from the general silenced hisint, his paw raised.“We need to steel our hearts and showcourage...”
The general paused, all of his attention now focused on the enemy. The snake troops began to move. “The enemy is advancing.Orderthe troops to prepare and receive the enemy. Everyoneshall act as nned.”
“Understood, General.” The officer hurried off to alert the troops, his heart pounding with anticipation.
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Meanwhile, Yuki and Katsuki were lying in wait, hiding among the woods together with a detachment of fearsome, nimble neko warriorsand other alliance soldiers. They had taken a little detour and taken the long route around the mountain, all for the sake of one goal. They were biding their time, preparing for a sneak attack on the enemy camp. They would ambush the camp after the snake main force was sessfully lured into the mountainpass. The n was to stage a feigned retreat before the armies sh. The alliance army would abandon their positions and withdraw, inviting the enemy to pursue them. Once lured in, the alliance troops would block the pass behind them with rocks and stone and that way trap the entirety of the enemy forces. Unable to escape, the enemy would be then be exposed to attacks from all sides. Arrows, javelins, rocks will rain down on the enemy from above without mercy.
“Are you sure your n will work, Yuki?” Katsuki asked, hervoiceced with doubt.
Yuki nodded, supremely convinced.How could she?“Quite sure. My confidence in Nee-san is unshakeable.After all, this isone of Nee-san’s brilliant stratagems. We discussedthis manoeuvrein our mountain warfare ss!”
“If you think so...” Katsuki trailed off, still unsure butwilling to trust Yuki.
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