Patricia fixed her gaze firmly on Enzo, saying, "Enzo, you are our leader. Whatever you decide, we shall follow!"


    Enzo took a deep breath, swiftly regaining hisposure.


    Panic would serve no purpose now. Only through calmness could they uncover a path forward.


    "Everyone, listen to me." Enzo spoke gravely, "Since the Umbra Corps has acted prematurely, we can no longer adhere to our original n. We must immediately consolidate all our forces and take the initiative, striking them when they least expect it!"


    The group nodded in agreement upon hearing his words.


    Patricia inquired, "What shall we do specifically?"


    Enzo pondered for a moment, recalling the military strategies he had studied in the past, and began to formte their approach based on that knowledge.


    "Patricia." Enzo instructed, "lead a contingent of warriors to lie in ambush along the likely routes of the Umbra Corps. Once they enter the kill zone,unch an immediate attack to catch them off guard."


    Patricia nodded, "Understood, I will prepare at once."


    "Matilda." Enzo turned to her, "you will be in charge of coordinating with the various resource and energy bases, ensuring their defensive measures are in ce and ready to support us."


    Matilda nodded, "Very well, I will arrange everything promptly."


    "Flora." Enzo addressed her, "you will apany me to the front lines. We need someone well-versed in the ways of the Umbra Corps to aid us in devising our tactics."


    Flora smiled slightly, "No problem.I am always ready."


    Finally, Enzo looked at the remaining warriors, "The rest of you, follow me to the front lines. We will confront the Umbra Corps head-on, demonstrating our resolve and strength."


    The group responded eagerly, springing into action.


    Patricia led a contingent of warriors to the predetermined ambush site.Matilda utilized themunication crystals to liaise with various bases, ensuring their safety.Flora remained close by Enzo''s side, ever prepared to offer intelligence and tactical advice.


    Enzo led the remaining warriors onward, marching resolutely towards the direction from which the Umbra Corps mightunch their assault. Along the way, they set up a series of obstacles and traps toplicate the march of the Umbra Corps.


    As he advanced, Enzo maintained constantmunication with Matilda through a crystal, seeking updates on the defensive preparations at each base.


    "Matilda, have all the bases fortified their defenses?" Enzo inquired.


    "Indeed, all bases have strengthened their defenses and are prepared for support." Matilda''s voice resonated clearly and firmly through the crystal.


    Enzo nodded, feeling a measure of reassurance. He understood that only with a secure rear could they fight on the front lines without concern.


    As the group pressed further, Enzo distinctly sensed the escting tension in the air. The warriors wore solemn expressions, gripping their weapons tightly, ever ready to face the imminent battle.


    "Remain vignt, everyone. The Umbra Corps may appear at any moment." Enzo cautioned hisrades.


    The warriors nodded in agreement, heightening their vignce as they scanned their surroundings.


    At that moment, Flora spoke up suddenly, "Enzo, there''s something amiss."


    Immediately alert, Enzo asked, "What is it?"


    Flora pointed toward a valley ahead, saying, "I see Umbra moving. They are likely the advance forces of the Umbra Corps."


    Enzo squinted, carefully observing the valley''s direction. Indeed, he spotted a group of Umbra stealthily approaching.


    Enzoresolvedto employ a strategy of patience against these advance troops.


    Enzo contemted briefly beforemanding, "upy the high ground on either side of the valley swiftly. Utilize the terrain to our advantage for defense."


    The warriors sprang into action, swiftly securing advantageous positions on the nks of the valley as per Enzo''s directives.


    They took cover behind the surrounding rocks and trees, quietly awaiting the arrival of the Umbra Corps.


    Not long after, the vanguard of Umbra Corps entered the valley.


    They seemed unaware of Enzo and hispanions'' ambush, advancing cautiously.


    "Wait until they draw closer." Enzomanded softly through themunication crystal.


    The warriors held their breath, patiently awaiting the optimal moment to strike.


    As the Umbra Corpspletely entered the ambush zone, Enzo abruptly issued the attack order, "Now!"


    At hismand, the warriors surged forth from their cover,unching a ferocious assault upon the Umbra Corps.


    Arrows, spells, and elemental energy rained down upon them, catching the Umbra Corpspletely off guard.


    The vanguard of Umbra Corps was instantly thrown into disarray.


    They attempted to mount a defense, but in the face of Enzo''s relentless onught, they found themselves overwhelmed.


    "Do not linger in battle. Our objective is to hold them back and buy time for the reinforcements." Enzo continued to direct through themunication crystal.


    The warriors obeyed the order, refraining from pursuing too deeply, opting instead to harass and exhaust the enemy from a safe distance.


    Gradually, under the constant harassment from Enzo and hisrades, the vanguard of Umbra Corps began to lose their fighting spirit.


    They sought to retreat and regroup, but Enzo and his allies had already sealed the valley''s exit.


    "Think you can escape? Not so easily!"


    Enzo sneered.


    He personally led a contingent of warriors down into the valley, engaging in closebat with the Umbra Corps.


    The warriors, infused with high morale, fought fiercely in a brutal melee.


    After a fierce battle, the vanguard of Umbra Corps was utterly routed.


    They abandoned their weapons and gear, fleeing in panic.


    Enzo surveyed the multitude of captives and spoils, his heart swelling with the joy of victory.


    Though merely a modest triumph, it was sufficient to uplift spirits andy a strong foundation for the battles.


    "Magnificent work!"


    Enzo conveyed his congrattions to all the warriors through themunication crystal, "Remain vignt. The main force of the Umbra Corps may arrive at any moment."


    As he spoke, he pondered once more on how to confront the primary forces of the Umbra Corps.


    After all, the failure of the vanguard would undoubtedly incite a furious counterattack from them.


    Only by utterly annihting the Umbra Corps'' main forces could they be extinguished, thereby resolving the crisis on Alfa.


    While Enzo was deep in thought, a messenger hurriedly approached, saying, "Lord Enzo, there''s an old cksmith outside seeking an audience. He ims to bring you what you desire."


    "Please, let him in at once." Enzo eximed with delight. The old cksmith must be delivering weapons, an event of great significance.


    Before long, the old cksmith entered, apanied by a soldier. His face glowed with a triumphant smile, cradling a meticulously wrapped box.


    "Enzo, behold what I have for you." The cksmith said with a mysterious grin as he presented the box.


    Eagerly, Enzo opened it to reveal a sword thaty within, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. The de was crystalline, seemingly infused with boundless power.


    Enzo marveled."Is this the weapon forged from Starry Stone, Congenial Wood, and Soul Stone?"


    The cksmith nodded affirmatively, "Indeed, this sword is not only exquisitely sharp but also imbued with formidable magical energy. With it in your grasp, your strength shall surely amplify."


    Gratefully, Enzo gazed at the cksmith, "I cannot thank you enough, esteemed cksmith. With this sword, our resolve against the Umbra Corps grows stronger."


    The cksmith waved his hand dismissively, "No need for thanks.I am merely contributing to the peace of Alfa. By the way, I''ve heard that the main force of the Umbra Corps is drawing near. How prepared are you?"


    Enzo solemnly dered, "We have made all the necessary arrangements. Patricia is leading a contingent of warriors in an ambush ahead, poised to strike at the vanguard of the enemy. Flora and I willmand the main force to deliver a decisive blow as their main contingent arrives."


    The old cksmith nodded in approval, "Excellent. With both courage and strategy, you are certain to defeat the Umbra Corps. However, remain vignt. After all, the Umbra Corps is not to be underestimated."


    At that moment, themunication crystal suddenly chimed. Enzo took it in hand, and Patricia''s voice echoed forth: "Enzo, the vanguard of the Umbra Corps has entered our ambush zone. Everything is proceeding ording to n."


    Enzo instructed,"Good, Patricia, exercise caution and ensure they are dyed, granting us the precious time we require."


    After ending themunication, Enzo turned to the old cksmith, saying, "Rest here for a while. Once the battle concludes, we shall celebrate in earnest."


    The old cksmith smiled and nodded, "Very well. Go forth.I will await your triumphant news."


    With that, Enzo and Flora, apanied by the main force, hastened towards the direction from which the Umbra Corps was anticipated to arrive. Along their path, they set further traps and obstacles to impede the enemy''s advance.


    Before long, a scout approached with urgent news: "Lord Enzo, the main body of the Umbra Corps hase into view, less than ten miles from our position."


    A glint of cold determination flickered in Enzo''s eyes: "Atst they arrive. Ry the orders—prepare all warriors for battle. We will impart an unforgettable lesson to the Umbra Corps here!"


    Just then, the old cksmith reappeared.


    He addressed Enzo,"Upon reflection, I believe waiting is unwise. I have a n that warrants consideration."


    "What is this n?" Enzo inquired.


    The cksmith pondered for a moment before slowly articting, "We can exploit the terrain to construct aplex maze, causing the Umbra Corps'' main forces to lose their way within it, thereby sapping their strength and morale. Simultaneously, we shall position ambushes at critical junctures of the maze and deliver a decisive blow when they find themselves exhausted and in disarray."


    Enzo''s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm, recognizing the merit of this strategy: "A brilliant idea! The maze will significantly diminish theirbat effectiveness. Seizing the opportunity to strike, we are bound to secure victory!"


    The cksmith nodded in agreement."However, the construction of the maze will require some time. We must act swiftly."


    Enzo immediately dispatched orders, directing a contingent of soldiers to apany the cksmith in setting up the maze, while another group followed him and Flora to establish ambushes at the maze''s pivotal locations.


    The crowd sprang into action, and soon, the valley was abuzz with activity.