Dawn barely pierced the dense forest, casting long shadows over Everwood.
Itsuki stood atop the wooden walls, surveying the approaching bandits with a steady gaze. His villagers were ready armed not just with spears and bows, but with the rifles and firearms he had created himself.
"Remember the plan!" Itsuki shouted. "Use the traps, cover each other, and hold the walls. Fire at will!"
Lyra nocked her arrows, while villagers aimed their rifles at the incoming silhouettes. Smoke and gunpowder soon filled the air. The first wave of bandits stumbled over hidden spikes and pits, while bullets and arrows struck with deadly precision.
Elara coordinated the militia at the wall's base, her shield line steady and disciplined.
"Don't break formation! Protect the weak spots!"
Even with traps and weapons, some bandits reached the walls, trying to climb. Itsuki, wielding his rifle in one hand and dagger in the other, struck them down with a mixture of gunfire and swift melee.
Selene dashed between barricades, handing ammunition to exhausted villagers, tending to minor injuries, and keeping the defense organized.
"Keep shooting! Don't let them get through!" she called.
Despite their inexperience, the villagers fought fiercely, inspired by Itsuki's leadership and the power of their newly forged weapons.
From the back of the bandit group, a tall man in reinforced armor watched. The mercenary captain's calculating gaze made it clear, this would not be an easy fight.
Itsuki clenched his teeth. "So it's him… I'll deal with him soon. For now, hold the line."
The bandits regrouped, preparing for a second, more coordinated wave. Arrows, bullets, and traps had slowed them, but the fight for village was far from over.