Chapter 169 The Valkyries Intercept

[A few minutes before intercepting Halton's forces.]

Benihime, commander of the valkyries, had stationed her forces in the middle of the vast canyon that led to the right side of the battlefield.

The valkyries, fierce and skilled warriors all, had set up camp in a strategic location that provided them with a clear view of the canyon below.

From their vantage point, it would take at least fifteen minutes for the enemy troops to reach the forest, and another twenty minutes to arrive at Sato's village.

Benihime knew that this gave her forces a crucial advantage, as they could intercept the enemy before they could reach their destination.

As she looked out over the canyon, Benihime felt a surge of confidence. Her valkyries were some of the finest warriors in the land, and they were more than capable of defending their position against any enemy that dared to approach.

But even as she felt this surge of confidence, Benihime knew that the battle ahead would not be easy. The enemy forces were unpredictable, but at the same time familiar since she had met most of them before.

Benihime sat perched on a large rock, the scorching sun beating down on her as she watched her valkyries prepare themselves for battle. In her hands, she held a leather bottle of water, taking small sips to quench her thirst as she surveyed the scene before her.

As she drank, one of her soldiers, Isla, approached her, her armor clinking softly with each step. "Lady Hime," Isla called out, coming to a stop in front of Benihime.

Benihime looked up at Isla, her expression calm and collected. "Is something the matter?" she asked, taking another sip of water and tossing the bottle aside.

Isla stood before Benihime, her expression hesitant and uncertain. "My Lady," she said softly, "The other girls are growing restless. They believe we should be on the battlefield with the main forces."

Benihime let out a chuckle before she gave her reply. "I can understand their impatience," she said, "We've been planning our revenge on Fiona for some time now. They want to be a part of it."

Hina, another one of Benihime's soldiers, approached with her spear in hand. "But why are we still camping here?" She asked, her tone curious. "I can't even see any signs of the main forces from here."

Benihime looked up at the towering canyon walls that surrounded them. "We're strategically positioned here, Sato believes the enemy will try to use this route to enter the forest" She explained.

"Our plan is to wait until the right moment and then strike at Fiona's flank. It's risky, but it could turn the tide of the battle in our favor."

Isla and Hina exchanged a look, their expressions still uncertain. "I trust in Sato's plan," Benihime continued, "But if any of you wish to join the main forces on the battlefield, you are free to do so. I will not hold it against you".

The two soldiers nodded, their determination renewed. "We will stay with you, Lady Hime," Isla said, "We trust in your leadership."

Benihime smiled, grateful for their loyalty. "Thank you," she said. "Now, let's continue to prepare. Our time to strike will come soon enough".

A sudden cry reverberated from the top of the canyon, signaling the arrival of the enemy. "The enemy is approaching! They are more numerous than we had anticipated!" the warning echoed.

Benihime rose from her resting spot on a rock, her lips curling into a smile. "He was right," she murmured to herself, before assuming a stern expression and readying herself to issue her command.

"Alright, ladies, take your positions," Benihime ordered, her voice carrying the authority of a leader. "We will not allow a single enemy to pass this border!" As she spoke, she strode forward with purpose, her fellow Valkyries hurrying to get ready and intercept the approaching enemy.

The valkyries sprang into action, quickly gathering their weapons and armor, and preparing for battle. Some grabbed swords, spears, and shields, while others took up bows and arrows.

They checked their gear and made sure everything was in order, knowing that even the smallest mistake could cost them their lives.

As they moved out, some of the valkyries took a different path and began to climb the cliffs to reach the top of the canyon. Their bows and arrows would be their weapons of choice in this battle.

The climb was steep and dangerous, but the valkyries were trained for this, and they made their way up the rocky terrain with skill and precision.

[Main time]

Benihime, the leader of her valkyries, stood tall and poised as she faced off against the imposing demon General Halton. The two warriors locked eyes, their mutual strength palpable and adding to the already intense atmosphere.

Neither of them wasted time exchanging words, for they knew that their weapons would do the talking for them.

Without warning, Benihime bellowed her command, "Fire!" In an instant, the valkyries positioned at the top of the canyon let loose a volley of arrows, raining down on the oncoming demon horde. The sky darkened with the flurry of deadly projectiles.

However, General Halton was not one to go down without a fight. He raised his massive hammer high and bellowed, "Attack! Kill every last one!" His demonic minions charged forward, intent on breaking through the valkyrie line.

The intense standoff between Benihime and General Halton was disrupted by sudden explosions as the demons charged forward. They had accidentally triggered the landmines laid out by Benihime's clever strategists, causing chaos and confusion amongst the demon ranks.

Despite being bombarded by arrows raining down from the valkyries, some demons still tried to press forward. However, fear had taken hold of them, and they hesitated with each step, not knowing where the next explosion would come from.

Benihime kept a watchful eye on the battlefield, carefully counting the explosions. Once the seventh landmine was triggered, she knew it was time to strike.

"That was the last one, Valkyries… attack!" she shouted, the command ringing out loud and clear. The valkyries moved forward as one, their weapons at the ready, and charged into battle.

The clash was fierce, with metal clanging against metal and the sound of battle cries filling the air.