Behind the Spearman, the line up wasn't as strict anymore. Keeping a bit of space for maneuvers and to allow the Supporters to attend to those that requested or required it, the rest of the 3 groups were placed in a loose form of mass.

Still at their center stood the most important group, the ranged damage dealers (the 'Bowmen') that Aiden was placing most of his expectations on.

[Group: Bowmen

Efficiency: 95% (

Power: 89.7 (94.5)

Toughness: 30

Quality: Tier 1 (+5% Equipment Power Bonus)

Composition:

Soldier (Power Level 3): 30

Group Skills:

Archery (Level 5),

Short Bow Mastery: Advanced (Level 2),

Long Bow Mastery: Advanced (Level 3),

Crossbow Mastery: Basic (Level 3),

Precise Aim (Level 2),

Headhunter (Level 5),

Draconic Skink Tenacity (Level -),

Basic Regeneration (Level 2),

Active Effects:

Loyal to the Cause (Level -)]

Apart from the self-explanatory skills, they were gifted with a few extras that made these select 30 soldiers excellent ranged force. Besides the obvious ranged weapon mastery skills they had, there were two extra incredible ones that set them apart.

Precise Aim, was one of these, that just as the skill name suggested, increased the precision while they aimed. The longer they had their eyes on the sight, the longer they kept up their aim, the better their shot became, the closer they hit the mark even if it was hundreds of yards away. This skill, which was the foundation to become a full-fledged sniper, was simply incredible.

Their second unique ability, headhunter, was most likely an evolved, upgraded version of the Hunter skill-line, carrying knowledge about the vital points of most humanoid targets, allowing the soldiers to know which parts they should aim for to maximize the lethality of their shots.

The whole reason Aiden had decided to place so much hope in this small group was mostly because of the combination of these two skills. Though he had hoped that they could end the battle without too much blood being spilled, if that wouldn't be a feasible approach anymore these bowmen would play a vital role then.

Surrounding them were the rest of the 25 Soldiers, armed with mostly swords and one-handed small maces and smaller round shields. Garbed in mostly studded leather armor, they were the Infantry.

[Group: Infantry

Efficiency: 90%

Power: 70.8 (78.75)

Toughness: 25

Quality: Tier 1 (+5% Equipment Power Bonus)

Composition:

Soldier (Power Level: 3): 25

Group Skills:

Sword and Board (Level 3),

Sword Mastery: Basic (Level 9),

Mace Mastery: Basic (Level 5),

Axe Mastery: Basic (Level 3),

Spear Mastery: Basic (Level 3),

Sword and Board (Level 3),

Draconic Skink Tenacity (Level -),

Basic Regeneration (Level 3)

Active Effects:

Loyal to the Cause (Level -)]

Their role and task were mainly to protect the Bowmen, with providing a replacement for the Spearmen Militia if the need would arise. They had to keep the incoming waves engaged and not let them reach the bowmen, their last line of hope at all costs.

Lastly, there was the so-called Support Squad, the largest mostly, non-combatant group of the bunch. Captained by Pyre, the hidden powerhouse, and the humble housewife of Captain Eori.

[Group: Support Squad

Efficiency: 100%

Power: 154

Toughness: 77

Quality: Tier 1

Composition:

Militia (Power Level 2): 77

Group Skills:

First Aid (Level 2),

Cooking (Level 8),

Farming (Level 7),

Animal Rearing: Livestock (Level 6),

Tilling (Level 4),

Labor: Advanced (Level 5),

.historical

.

.

Light Magic Proficiency (Level 1),

Mana Manipulation (Level 1)

Light Magic: Lesser Warming Light (Level 1)

Active Effects:

Loyal to the Cause (Level -)]

Like the rest, the group also had an incredibly long list of skills, but unlike with them, they weren't filtered by the system, mostly due to the fact that they had no specific role set. They were just a mixture, the 'rest', thus the System did not hide anything, showing a seemingly endless list of skills that had nothing to do with the actual combat.

Yet it was because of this, that they were perfect for the supporting task. This group mostly consisting of worried wives, young adult maidens, and the healthier part of the elderly population, were weak, despite their quite generous Power numbers. They should not be used for direct confrontation but to make sure that the rest of the defense force would be kept up, standing.

Also, surprisingly, most of the elders had some affinity towards Light Magic and they could even reliably cast a spell called 'Lesser Warming Light'. This spell could envelop a set area bathing it with a bright colorless pillar of light similar to the ray of Eora's sun, providing increased regeneration of one's vitality and stamina.

Though because it would not be capable of distinguishing between a friend or foe, Aiden assigned an empty area by the side that would be used as the target of the spell. Those that would need, would be taken to that spot and be attended both by the use of First Aid, and the constant cast of the Light Magic Spell.

This setup is made up of Aiden's defense. Their goal wasn't to beat and kill their opponent but to keep up with their assault and retain the front line for as long as possible, whilst the 6th group that was already traversing the maze-like cavern tunnels would arrive at flank the backline of officers. Their task would be to ambush their command and bring down as much as possible, thus wreaking havoc on the enemy morale.

At the same time, Aiden himself would launch into action. He assigned the hardest as well as the most important task of them all. Once the enemy leader would be located and the opportunity would come, he would jump into action and take him or her down..

Although he had now made his preparations, Aiden was still worried about what was to come. This battle would be his very first that he had actively commanded, he didn't know how would he react if these poor people he have pledged and vowed to serve would end up being hurt, or worse: Dead.

..

Whilst Aiden was busy giving out commands with the assistance of his System and setting up his defenses, at the other side of the vast underground plain, A large, bulky golden-brown thick scaled creature was sitting on a throne-like chair that was carried by 8 malnourished, ragged clothed and collared skinks.

The man, who acted as if he was a king, was enjoying a plate of food as he leaned back against his chair. His glowing deep honey-colored eyes were loosely gazing at the distant line of a run-down, dilapidated line of walls.

Despite the vast distance, his enhanced eyesight could clearly make out the lonesome figure standing on top of it, gazing below the mass of ants below him. The large figure kept his bored gaze on the distant figure whilst he continued to enjoy the exotic bowl of fruits whilst they marched forward.

In the end, he simply scoffed with boredom, not too bothered by what was to come.

---

AN: Hey there Readers!

Just a friendly reminder, that from wherever you are reading , you can reach out to me using any of the below methods!

For you, sailors of the seventh sea (non-WN readers), be a bro/gal and throw me a cup of joe, show your appreciation!

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/shaele