With his magic depleted, Metri absorbed aluneth's magic, opened a portal, brought in reinforcements, and held the fortress.
Although the demons were repelled, the Kaldorei suffered heavy losses. Alpha Squad lost 54 warriors. Although Carlos selected strong individuals from the warriors to replenish the ranks, it still severely impacted morale, requiring at least a few days of rest before they could rejoin the battle sequence.
Seven Mages also died from exhaustion due to depleted magic, and over twenty more suffered from chaotic magic due to physical weakness. Even the Druids couldn't cure them; only powerful Arcane Energy could slowly untangle the magic within their bodies.
Even so, their future achievements would be affected; one could say they had overdrawn their future.
Fortunately, Gale arrived with his army just a few days later.
He used the powerful Arcane Energy within the eternal holy grail to heal these Mages, allowing them to rest assured and not rush back into battle.
Metri confessed to Gale, "This time the fortress was breached because I was careless and didn't take the demons seriously."
Carlos quickly interjected, "This isn't Metri's fault. I thought Alpha Squad alone could defend the fortress. If I had called for help earlier and had you send a team of Rangers to assist, things would have been much better."
Gale's face was grim. "I once said that you must use all your strength against any enemy, let alone demons, who are no ordinary foes. Your mistakes led to the sacrifice of so many of our kin. If I don't punish you, how will I warn others? From now on, your titles are stripped, and your ranks are reduced to soldiers."
"Yes, sir!"
Metri and Carlos had no complaints; they had indeed been careless, never imagining that the demons would have large engineering units like Hellfire.
Others wanted to plead for them. One was Gale's cousin, and the other was the Mage Gale admired most. Such a punishment seemed a bit too severe.
Gale didn't wait for them to speak, directly waving his hand to stop them: "No one is allowed to plead for them!"
He looked at everyone. "I am punishing them, but I am also warning you all: you must not be careless when dealing with demons. Spread this news throughout the entire army and ensure everyone remains vigilant. The Mage Corps will temporarily be divided into three parts, led by Mejia, Lunden, and Antaria, respectively. The warrior commander will be succeeded by Lieutenant Draksa."
The Temple of the Moon's fortress was rebuilt, and Marmotius was in no hurry to attack. He reported the arrival of the Elven reinforcements to Sin'dorei, who immediately dispatched an army of over ten thousand to support him.
This number was several times that of Gale's combined army, and Marmotius was also skilled in military strategy. He divided his army into five parts, occupying crucial strategic points near the fortress, completely surrounding it.
Upon learning this, Gale scoffed, "The demons truly don't put us in their eyes."
He ascended to the platform atop the Mage Tower, carefully observing the five camps. One of the camps was even placed by the river, where the demons used fel energy to pollute the river water, attempting to cut off the fortress's water supply.
The plan was good, but it also gave Gale an opportunity to break the stalemate.
Those who could fight with their backs to the river were always elite soldiers and fierce generals. However, the demon camp by the river consisted of Destroyer Witch, Succubi, and Satyr. While these demons might possess powerful magical abilities, their resilience was far too lacking.
Gale immediately issued orders: "Navoli, Draksa, you two lead your people to attack the demon camp by the river. Antaria, you lead your team as the accompanying Mages, providing magical protection for the assault team."
"Lunden, Salador, you two ascend the city walls to provide fire support for the assault team."
"Gaddana, Hu'en, you lead your respective units to intercept demon reinforcements from both sides for the assault team."
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone took their orders and went to prepare. An hour later, the fortress gates opened, and the assault team and covering forces exited the city one after another.
The demons, monitoring the fortress from all directions, immediately received news that the Kaldorei had left the city to engage in battle. Marmotius watched the projection on the magical map, his expression becoming playful. "It seems the commander of this Elven army is not simple! He actually saw through this trap. I wonder how he plans to disrupt my scheme?"
"Order Camp 1 and Camp 3 to send troops to reinforce Camp 2. Camps 4 and 5 begin the siege, forcing the Elves to return to the city to defend."
Gale watched the other four camps spring into action, then sneered, "Do they think they can play military strategy just because they've gained a bit of intelligence? How ridiculous!"
With a wave of his hand, he threw a magical signal flare into the air. Lunden immediately led the Mages to launch a magical attack on the river camp. A rain of fire descended from the sky, completely engulfing the river camp.
The Satyr, transformed from Kaldorei Mages, hastily warned: "The enemy is trying to tie us down. This is Gale's usual trick."
The Destroyer Witch Matron said disdainfully, "It's merely the magic of mortals. What can it do to me?"
The Destructive Witches cast spells one after another, raising shield after shield, blocking the rain of fire. They were all powerful Witches, and they disdained such a wide-range, low-power spell like Fire Rain.
The Succubi licked their lips, watching the approaching Kaldorei as if they were desired prey.
"Wait until they get closer before attacking."
The Matron reminded these loose women, "If you scare the enemy away, I'll execute you!"
The Succubi reined themselves in slightly, but the fervor in their eyes remained undiminished. These low-ranking demons loved to toy with their enemies, and even a death warning could only temporarily suppress their impulses.
The assault team entered the range of the spells, then slowly began their charge. The Matron, seeing all the Kaldorei enter the range of magical attack, finally gave the order: "Leave them all behind!"
The long-waiting Succubi were the first to rush out. They used their charm on the Kaldorei, then cracked their leather whips.
The sound of whips echoed continuously, but the Kaldorei suffered little damage.
The Satyr quickly warned: "Pay attention to the armor on them; those are epic artifacts."
Unfortunately, it was too late. Navoli suddenly accelerated, charging into the midst of the Succubi. His Swiftblade cut a strange path, beheading every Succubus in its wake.
The Satyr quickly cast spells, attempting to save the Succubi.
Antaria and the others immediately activated their magical shields, blocking their magic.
The Destroyer Witch Matron, seeing the melee engagement fail, became furious: "A bunch of useless creatures! Why would Marmotius assign you to me? Witches, now we can only rely on ourselves."
The Destroyer Witch raised her six hands, performing three actions at once: casting Mind Blast, Psychic Control, and Fear.
Instantly, the assault team's formation was broken. Mages were hit by Mind Blast, collapsing in pain and unable to continue casting protective spells. Rangers were mind-controlled, charging at their comrades. Warriors were terrified by Fear, losing their courage, and many unconsciously turned and fled.
Marmotius curled his lips, "Elves, it seems I overestimated you."
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