Is this really a Game?!

Reign leaned forward, studying the map with a focused expression. "Our advantage lies in unpredictability. They won't expect us to be proactive, and we need to exploit that. Theron, any information on the otherworlders? Their abilities, strengths, weaknesses?"

Theron, tapping into the database once again, retrieved the available information. "Limited details, thankfully, we captured plenty of people from this base, including some of their higher-ups."

"They know more since they fought together with those guys, from what they were able to tell us, they're a diverse group."

"One with dual blades, a mage with formidable arcane abilities, a skilled sniper, a heavily armored warrior with a greatsword, a trickster with illusionary skills, and more. Each of them is a peak Tier V combatant with unique strengths."

Reign nodded, absorbing the information. "We can't afford to underestimate them. Theron, work on gathering more intel as we proceed. Our primary objective is to fortify this base and make sure they don't catch us off guard."

"We are certain that it won't be only that one group attacking us, so, until we have a clearer picture of the situation, we need to be careful."

The Irason forward base commander, who had been observing the discussion, interjected. "Reign, we've reinforced the defenses and stationed our troops strategically. If we can weather the upcoming assault, we'll be in a strong position to counterattack."

Reign acknowledged the commander's assessment. "Good. Let's be prepared for anything. Theron, keep an eye on incoming messages. I want to know the moment they get close to us and make a move."

As Theron continued monitoring the magical communication channels, the atmosphere in the base became tense. Reign's team, now fully integrated with the Irason forces, awaited the impending clash with the otherworlders and the Elais reinforcements.

Back in the mysterious team's camp, they rendezvoused with the 40 Tier V combatants assigned to assist them. The commanding officer of the Elais forces addressed the combined group. "Our objective is to reclaim the forward base. We'll provide support for you guys and fight alongside you, but be cautious, we're dealing with highly skilled adversaries."

"We will follow your lead, with our strength, as well as some potential luck, we shall bring this base back under Elais control."

The hooded leader of the mysterious team nodded in acknowledgment. "We'll move swiftly and decisively. Let's proceed."

The joint force, a mix of mysterious warriors and Elais Tier V combatants advanced toward the captured Irason forward base. The journey was fraught with tension as they navigated through the darkened terrain. Each step brought them closer to a confrontation that would test their mettle.

As the combined force approached the captured Irason forward base, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation. The mysterious team, now joined by the Elais reinforcements, moved with purpose, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of the enemy.

Reign and his team, within the secured base, received continuous updates from Theron. "They're on the move, approaching from the northeast. It seems like they're taking a cautious approach, probably aware that we might have fortified our defenses."

Theron had placed many small magical wards around the base, as well as deeper in enemy territory, each one capable of viewing everything in a 500-meter radius around it.

With all of those in place, he was able to uncover the enemy forces without any issues, and thanks to the fact the wards were tiny and barely had any mana signature, they were able to be hidden easily as well.

Reign nodded, his mind already calculating potential scenarios. "Hold the line, everyone. We need to make them believe they have the upper hand until the perfect moment."

The Irason forward base commander, standing beside Reign, addressed the group. "Theron reports a significant force, and among them, the otherworlders are leading. We've bolstered the defenses, but we'll need to rely on strategy and coordination."

"After all, a total of 50 Tier Vs is not a group we can take lightly, even with all the reinforcements the kingdom had sent us as well."

After they had managed to take the base down in such a spectacular way, with barely any casualties on their side, the kingdom had immediately sent a total of 26 new Tier Vs to bolster their forces, as well as hundreds of lower-ranked combatants as well.

With those numbers, they were close to the number of enemy combatants, and thanks to the fact they were the defending party, with plenty of arrays and defenses in place, they were slightly above the enemy force in strength.

As the enemy force neared, the tension within the base grew. Theron continued to relay information, monitoring the enemy's movements with magical precision. "They're setting up a perimeter. The Elais forces are preparing for a coordinated assault."

Reign assessed the situation and addressed his team, "Remember, they believe they are in control. Let's play along until the right moment."

Outside, the joint force of mysterious warriors and Elais Tier V combatants positioned themselves strategically, ready for the impending clash. The night air crackled with magic and anticipation as the two sides prepared for battle.

The hooded leader of the mysterious team spoke to the Elais commanding officer, "We'll engage in the front. Coordinate your forces to strike from the flanks. If they have any surprises waiting, it's better we uncover them early."

The Elais officer nodded in agreement, signaling to his troops to follow the plan. The mysterious team, with the Elais team at their side, advanced toward the fortified entrance of the Irason base.

Reign, standing calmly, observed their approach. Theron relayed, "They're about to breach the outer defenses. Get ready."

The Irason forward base commander nodded to his troops, signaling them to hold their ground. The tension reached its peak as the enemy forces closed in, their determined expressions visible even in the dim light.

As the first wave of attackers reached the outer defenses, a magical barrier flickered to life, momentarily slowing their advance. The Elais forces, skilled and experienced, pressed forward, expecting minimal resistance.

Reign, seizing the opportunity, shouted from within the base, "Hold! Let them come closer!"

The mysterious team, now engaged in close combat at the forefront, faced the Irason defenders. The clash of magic and steel echoed through the night as both sides fought with all their might.

Theron, continuously monitoring the situation, reported, "The enemy's focus is on the front. The Elais forces are pushing hard, they believe they have the advantage."

Reign, with a confident demeanor, continued to play his role. "We've got them right where we want them. Maintain the defense!"

Outside, the mysterious team showcased their combat prowess. The agile figure with dual blades danced through the battlefield, swiftly taking down opponents. The mage unleashed powerful spells, creating bursts of arcane energy. The heavily armored warrior stood firm, deflecting attacks with the massive greatsword.

One of the swordsmen was efficiently killing all enemies with a single stab or slash while the other one was seemingly dancing through the soldiers.

One utilized a weird power that allowed him to become seemingly invisible at moments, while the other one used ice. Reign quickly noticed that and started comparing the combatant with Mia as she also used a sword and had ice powers.

Of course, it wasn't Mia.

Even though they were all disguised and none could see what any of them looked like, he could see that it was a man, and the way he fought, although a bit similar to Mia, was still different as there was a kind of ferocity in his attacks compared to Mia's gentle and seemingly dance-like fighting style.

The spearman caused a sonic boom each time he stabbed forward, killing multiple enemies with one single stab.

The Elais forces who were attacking from the flanks, though facing resistance, fought with determination. The sniper, concealed in the shadows, took precise shots, targeting key Irason defenders. The trickster weaved illusions, adding a layer of confusion to the chaotic battlefield.

As the skirmish continued, Theron reported, "The Elais forces are pressing on the flanks. They're fighting quite well, but none of them are truly going all out, they're saving their strength."

"We won't be able to continue like this for much longer, they're close enough anyway, shall we?"

Reign, assessing the situation, nodded. "It's time to reveal our hand. Theron, initiate the plan."

Suddenly, the soldiers that were fighting against the Elais forces and the mysterious team all stopped moving, as if they were puppets whose strings were cut off.

The mysterious team, sensing the shift in dynamics, withdrew strategically. The Irason forward base commander, understanding the cue, signaled his troops to get ready as Reign and the others appeared.

The Elais forces, as well as the mysterious team, were suddenly staring at the enemies that had appeared in front of them, but also from behind them as an underground array was activated, transporting half of them behind the enemy lines.

"Tch, a short-scale teleportation array, they have a good array master with them." One of the enemy combatants said as he glanced behind them before staring at the soldiers they had fought against who suddenly dropped to the ground, lifeless.

"Puppets?"