War between the two kingdoms was getting fought on various fronts.
As Armor Knight Kev Larson gazed upon the unfolding battlefield scenes, he was filled with shock, anger, and disbelief.
His meticulously crafted plan had completely fallen apart, and he now understood the grave mistake he had made.
A decade ago, Kev had struck a deal with the monster tribe residing in the strategic part of the Badlands. The tribe was then led by Bigua, and the agreement aimed to secure the tribe's support in preventing Layos forces from infiltrating Edinburgh's territory through the vital valley pass.
Given the unique nature of the Badlands, installing conventional security measures or stationing personnel on-site was practically impossible. The land was fraught with dangerous monsters, making it a perilous territory for either Layos or Edinburgh to occupy for extended periods without meticulous planning and elaborate procedures in place. Thus, both kingdoms faced significant hurdles when attempting to establish a firm foothold within the treacherous Badlands.
This location held immense strategic importance, as it was the only entry point for Layos forces that could avoid Edinburgh's trap array mechanisms. Consequently, due to the geographical nature of the region, it was only easy for Layos to infiltrate Edinburgh's soil and not vice versa.
However, soon after the deal was sealed, Kev learned that leadership had changed within the tribe. A powerful Ogre named Kaalmahen had taken over, having defeated Bigua. Despite the leadership shift, Kaalmahen had surprisingly respected the agreement between Edinburgh and the tribe, continuing to deter Layos forces from entering Edinburgh's domain. This seemingly smooth collaboration had lasted for years, greatly benefiting Edinburgh in its ongoing war with Layos.
Kev believed that Kaalmahen was solely supporting Edinburgh in exchange for the valuable resources provided by the kingdom. The Ogre's assistance had been instrumental in thwarting Layos' advances. However, the shocking reality now unraveled before Kev's eyes, revealing Kaalmahen's deceitful nature.
In a chilling revelation, Kev realized that Kaalmahen had been playing both sides all along, manipulating both Edinburgh and Layos for his own gain. Cunning and strategic, the monster had been orchestrating intermittent attacks on forces from both kingdoms to maintain his advantage. By appearing loyal to both sides, Kaalmahen reaped rewards from Edinburgh's resources for the slain elven forces and Layos' payments for killing Edinburgh's rankers.
Kev's trust in the monsters' allegiance had been misplaced, and the consequences were devastating. The very creature he had considered an ally had turned into a double-dealing puppet master, manipulating both Edinburgh and Layos to his advantage.
***
Upon receiving vital information from Kaalmaahen, Kev Larson skillfully intercepted Layos' forces attempting to infiltrate Edinburgh through the crucial geographical region within the treacherous Badlands. A fierce and gory battle ensued between the two kingdoms within Kaalmaahen's territory, with Edinburgh gaining the upper hand due to the element of surprise. They managed to eliminate more of Layos' Rankers than they lost.
Prior to the mission, Kev had been alerted by his intelligence unit about Layos' secret collaboration with the half-blood forces. Knowing that he had led numerous squads in the Blood Punisher Force, specialized in combating half-bloods with their unique abilities and artifacts, Kev had meticulously planned to confront Layos' forces within Kaalmaahen's territory.
To execute this operation, Kev was entrusted with three distinct squads. The first comprised seasoned soldiers from Edinburgh's army, while the second consisted of skilled mercenaries and guild members of various prominent guilds active within Edinburgh contracted by the kingdom. The third squad was composed of elite members of the Blood Punisher Force.
During the initial confrontation, Kev wisely deployed only the first and second squads to engage Layos' intruders, reserving the Blood Punisher Force members for the inevitable intervention of the half-bloods, keeping them away from sight. His strategic foresight proved accurate when the half-bloods from the Last Bloods Bastion unexpectedly joined the fray, launching a surprise attack on Edinburgh's forces, validating the intel unit's report of Layos' collaboration with them.
Kev's preparations didn't falter; he immediately summoned the waiting Blood Punisher Force members who were strategically positioned at a safe distance. These formidable warriors, adept at neutralizing half-blood adversaries, expertly dispatched the half-bloods who had allied themselves with Layos.
Amidst the chaos, Kev remained focused and vigilant, realizing that the apparent neutrality of Layos' forces was merely a façade, concealing a clandestine agreement with the half-bloods. With skillful leadership and the prowess of the Blood Punisher Force, Kev ensured that Edinburgh's defense remained steadfast in the face of this treacherous collaboration between Layos and the half-bloods.
***
True to Kev Larson's strategic calculations, he achieved a resounding victory against Layos' invading forces. The surviving remnants of Layos' side realized the futility of continuing the fight against Kev's formidable three-squad force and wisely opted to retreat.
Kev remained unperturbed by their escape, prioritizing the safety of his own troops over the pursuit. He trusted that Kaalmaahen and his tribe, stationed within the region, would handle the fleeing Layos members as they crossed back into Layos' territory.
All seemed under control until an unimaginable and horrifying turn of events unfolded, leaving both Edinburgh's forces and the surviving Layos members in disbelief and distress.
In an unprecedented act, Kaalmaahen's monstrous tribe encircled both sides of the conflict, launching a simultaneous attack on them. Caught off guard, the Layos' survivors were swiftly eradicated by the cunning monsters. Meanwhile, Edinburgh's forces, already fatigued from their earlier grueling battle with Layos, were at a disadvantage against the sudden onslaught.
Kaalmaahen's tribe effortlessly eliminated the Rankers from both sides, using minimal effort to wreak havoc on the battlefield and paint it red with the blood of their enemies.
Kev Larson was taken aback by the savage and treacherous intervention by the monster tribe. The relentless attack effectively brought the conflict to an abrupt and devastating end, leaving Kev both astonished and infuriated by Kaalmaahen's sinister maneuver.
The unexpected betrayal by the once-trusted ally cast a dark cloud over the victory that Kev had achieved against Layos. The one who was given the bona fide title of Armored Knight was now faced with the bitter reality that it was utterly foolish to trust the monsters of the Badlands.
AN: Kaalmahen was first introduced in chapter 692. Kev Larson was first introduced in chapter 720. The deal between Bigua and Kev was struck in chapter 721. Lastly, Kaalmaahen's takeover of Bigua's tribe was mentioned in chapter 901.
