The morning sun had just begun to rise over the hills of Sulland when General Yuvan's forces started forming ranks before the first fortress of the Kingdom of Livasol. A thin mist still blanketed the battlefield, but the synchronized footsteps of fifty thousand Korasium soldiers thundered like a storm from the heavens. The stone fortress of Livasol loomed cold and defiant, its sea-blue banners fluttering atop the watchtowers.
General Yuvan stood tall atop his lightly armored horse. His sharp gaze scrutinized the fortress that was about to become their primary target. Beside him, unit commanders awaited his signal. "We begin with the stone hurlers. Smash their outer walls and break their spirit!" he shouted.
The signal was given, and the creaking sounds of massive catapults tore through the air. Huge boulders launched across the sky, crashing into the fortress walls with immense force. One impact after another rang out, sending shards of stone flying. Some sections of the wall cracked, but still held firm. Archers atop the fortress retaliated with volleys of arrows, but the range and speed of the attack prevented them from stopping the destruction.
After the initial barrage, the Korasium troops began to advance. Rows of soldiers carrying tall wooden ladders ran forward through a rain of enemy arrows, preparing to scale the fortress walls. War cries and battle shouts echoed. Some ladders reached the walls, and the first wave of climbers swiftly began their ascent.
Behind the frontline, siege engines began rolling onto the battlefield. Wheeled siege towers moved forward slowly, protected by large shields that obscured the enemy's view. Flames were hurled from above, but the Korasium soldiers swiftly extinguished them before they could spread. Korasium ballistae, fired from afar, struck key defensive points on the watchtowers and main gate, applying constant pressure on the enemy.
The Livasol troops, numbering only fifteen thousand, fought valiantly. They held the ladders, dropped stones, and pushed back the climbers. But the overwhelming numbers and relentless assault began to wear down their morale. The pounding sound from the main gate grew louder. A massive battering ram reinforced with metal pounded against the gate. Some wooden sections began to splinter.
Elsewhere, dozens of Korasium soldiers had scaled the walls and were engaged in close combat atop the fortress. The clash of swords and spears resounded. The well-trained and coordinated Korasium troops pushed forward, securing tower after tower.
Finally, by midday, a loud crash echoed as the main gate collapsed. The battering ram had done its job. Korasium's main infantry surged through the gate, attacking from the front and from atop the walls simultaneously. The Livasol troops tried to hold their ground, but they were surrounded from all directions.
General Salvius, who had been observing the battle from within the command tower, finally issued the order to his subordinates. "We cannot hold this fortress any longer. Fall back to the hills! We will regroup and await reinforcements from the alliance. Do not let our forces be annihilated here."
The Livasol troops began a coordinated retreat northward, heading toward the hills where they would regroup while waiting for reinforcements from Rutor and Gargantos. Some wounded soldiers were left behind for the sake of the others' survival. Korasium secured the fortress with relatively light casualties, and a roar of victory erupted across the battlefield.
General Yuvan, now walking through the shattered main gate, raised his sword high. "This fortress now belongs to Korasium. Set up camp, prepare logistics, and tend to the wounded. We won't stay long, but we must be ready if the enemy strikes back."
The troops quickly set up tents within and around the fortress. Engineers began assessing the damage and reinforcing key positions. Meanwhile, Yuvan received reports on casualties and structural conditions. "More than enough to call this a great victory. But do not let your guard down. I'm certain this is only the beginning. Salvius is no ordinary general."
Night fell upon the fortress now under Korasium's control. Campfires flickered in every corner, and soldiers ate heartily while recounting the day's battle. In the distance, the hills lay cloaked in darkness, but General Yuvan knew the enemy still lurked there, and a greater battle might be coming soon.
But for now, victory had been achieved. Livasol's first fortress had fallen into Korasium's hands, and the great war in Sulland had truly begun.