(3 dayster)


    For the three days after Rocky''s return to Earth, he was lucky enough to see the mobilization of the entirety of Earth''s Climbers near ground zero.


    Almost every climber belonging to Earth, regardless of what guild they belonged to or what important mission they were a part of within the tower, returned home for this monster wave.


    Traps were set up, supplies were distributed, front lines were in position and at the ready, while medic camps were set up at strategic locations across the battlefield, ensuring swift medical attention could be given to the wounded. .


    The skies were monitored round the clock by teams of scouts, their eyes sharp for any sign of the advancing wave. Communication lines were established, utilizing both modern technology and arcane methods, to ensure seamless coordination across the vast battlefield.


    Earth''s mages, regardless of their guild affiliation gathered, pooling their magical resources to erect barriers and enchantments that shimmered with potent energy, ready to repulse the monstrous tide.


    Artisans and engineers worked tirelessly, creating single use weapons such as arrowheads and bombs, while also reinforcing defensive structures that would serve as the first line of defense.


    The air buzzed with a mixture of apprehension and determination. Every able bodied climber had been enlisted to lend their strength in one way or another and despite the increased difficulty of the monster wave this time around, morale seemed high.


    Training camps sprang up overnight, where experienced fighters shared their knowledge and skills with the neers, ensuring everyone was prepared for the battle ahead.


    Especially first timers and students who had no idea what to expect in this war were given some critical survival tips, on how to hold formations, how to listen to their superiors orders, how to protect themselves from death and what not to do when surrounded by enemies.


    Rocky, who was also a newbie in this regard was coached about the same issues, however, unlike the others he was coached privately by Pope Cole.


    "Rocky, fighting a war is very different from fighting a single opponent, as in a war you can be attacked at any time from any angle," Pope Cole began as he began jabbing a sword against imaginary shadow opponents as demonstration.


    "You must be perpetually aware of your surroundings, always ready to change your stance and adapt your strategy at a moment''s notice." Pope Cole said as he quickly shifted his stances a couple of times, to show Rocky how such moves could be executed.


    "In a war, there is nothing such as an absolute win. You maye off scratchless when facing 5 opponents, however, lose your focus on the sixth and you lose your life.


    It''s not a single duel to death, so never stretch yourself thin, never execute moves that will make you run out of mana and always fight at a constant pace that you can maintain" Pope Cole said, as Rocky nodded at his words.


    "The most dangerous spot to be in any battlefield is the front lines. Those who fight there have my utmost respect, but it''s also where the most casualties happen.


    I''m sure someday, you can be the guy who will open up enemy lines and cut them in half, however, for your first war I''m not letting you go nowhere near the front line" Pope Cole said, as Rocky scratched his nose at these words.


    As a child, he always wanted to feel the rush of fighting at the front lines, however, he also understood that he was nowhere near ready to do so now.


    "You will fight alongside a pdin unit and under amander that will keep you safe, so let''s only focus on your role there" Pope Cole said, as he signaled for a few other pdins to join his demonstration as he jumped into formation with them.


    "In battle, holding your line is paramount. You and yourrades form a barrier against the enemy. Stand shoulder to shoulder, never allow gaps to form in your ranks. An enemy will exploit even the smallest opening."


    He gestured for Rocky to adjust his stance to mirror his behind him, "When wielding dual swords, your ability to adapt is key. Use one for defense, parrying and blocking, while the other strikes. This way, you maintain a bnce between offense and defense, essential for holding your line."


    "As for charging," Pope Cole continued, "it''s a powerful tactic but risky. Never charge too far ahead of your allies. A warrior alone is easily surrounded and overwhelmed. Charge as one, a unified force that can break through enemy lines without bing isted."


    He looked directly at Rocky, ensuring his next words were clearly understood. "Retreat is not a sign of cowardice, but a strategic necessity. Learn to read the battle. If the line begins to falter, or if you see an overwhelming force approaching, signal a retreat. It''s better to regroup and strategize than to be ughtered in disarray."


    "Lastly," he added, munication is your lifeline. Keep in constant contact with your unit. A well-timed call to advance or retreat can turn the tide of battle. And always listen to yourmanders; their perspective of the battlefield is broader than what you see in the fray."


    Rocky absorbed Pope Cole''s advice, recognizing the depth of experience behind each word.


    These were not just lessons in warfare, but survival tactics honed through countless battles. He nodded and silently vowed to put all this advice to use.


    "Remember Rocky, while winning is important in the war, your survival is even more important.


    No matter what, you must survive alright? Because, if the Champion of Gemini dies, but Earth survives, then I for one will not be able to live with myself" Pope Cole said, as Rocky grasped the seriousness behind those words.


    He did not explicitly say it, however, Pope Cole vowed to kill himself if Rocky did not survive this war.


    "Don''t worry Pope Cole, while I''m not a seasoned fighter, I''m more than capable of holding my own" Rocky said, as he assured that he wasn''t intending on losing his life in this next monster tide.


    *************


    ( Meanwhile On Floor 92 )


    "Rocky, Paper, Scissors Shoot!"


    "Hahaha, that''s 1 each now brother. I win this one" Ravan said, as Shakuni frowned at the oue of losing the second round.


    The two brothers were ying Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide which one of them was going to have an image of themselves descend on Earth in theing monster tide, however, with both gods wanting to personally go down, they decided to settle the matter using a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.


    "You''re not even a double sword wielder brother, I feel like you''re being stubborn with this one, I''m clearly the better choice to go down" Shakuniined, however, Ravan shook his head and refused to heed to his brother''s words.


    "They call me the God Of War though, brother, also, while I agree that my swordsmanship is not as good as you, it''s more than enough to teach Rocky how to fight" Ravan countered, as he insisted on settling the matter with the final round of Rock, Paper, Scissors.


    "Rock, Paper, Scissors….Shoot"


    ----------


    /// A/N - Yes, one of our two resident gods will finally sort of return to action soon- ///