Casadei’s First Arena of Honor: A Lone Cavalier’s Courage

Chapter 1: A New Arena, A New Challenge

As the time drew near, Casadei’s heart pounded with anticipation. This was her first Arena of Honor, a new event she had only read about in the stories of others, never imagining that one day she would face its intensity firsthand. The journey to this moment had been anything but simple. With only 500 million power and war commanders barely reaching two stars for army size, her forces were raw and her skills still growing. Her dragons were Elder, but not Ancient, and some of their abilities remained undiscovered. But here she was, standing at the threshold, ready to experience the Arena for herself.

In her hands was a deck stacked against her. As a Cavalry- player, Casadei had honed her troops for quick strikes, yet she knew that alone wouldn’t be enough. She brought along Infantry and Spear troops as well, hoping they could offer some reinforcement if she encountered worthy allies. But there was one challenge she couldn’t overcome alone: despite being a premade 10 player battle, she was entering as a lone wolf. All her friends fight in bigger alliances, and she knew she would have to rely on strangers; or on herself.

As she made her final preparations, her palms are sweaty, knees weak, she used a few buffs like Total Attack and Army Size; at the time not knowing Army Size doesn’t even work in AoH.

Chapter 2: The First Push and Early Setbacks

The moment Casadei stepped into the Arena, she was greeted by 7 enemy houses flooding the map with their forces. She scanned the field for familiar names, but none were found, leaving her only one indicator to assess her foes: power. Determined to give her house a fighting chance, she immediately instructed her allies to capture and reinforce the first line of buildings and turn the Outposts to some early Trade Centers, knowing that this popular tactic would give them the best odds of success. Yet, as she feared, her calls for reinforcements went mostly ignored. Most of her teammates were silent or absent, and with no one else stepping up, the buildings were taken late and upgrading lasted longer than expected.

Despite her best efforts, she found herself blocking troops in Outposts longer than planned, waiting for upgrades to complete. The lost time was costly; as the second line of buildings opened, the opposing teams were already well ahead, having claimed all their Outposts and racing for the first Altars. Within 15 minutes, the scoreboard told a grim tale; despite Casadei's efforts, her team was slipping fast into last place.

Chapter 3: Mid Game and a Valiant Effort Holding the Line at the Dragonpit

After a long time the 2 lines of initial Outposts were claimed and upgraded. Unfortunately there was a mix type of upgrades as some allies decided on a different strategy.

With mounting pressure, Casadei knew she couldn’t afford to lose heart. Rallying her Cavalry, she turned her focus to the Dragonpit, a crucial structure in the heart of the battlefield. After capturing the closes one she had to defend it. Here, she made her stand. Enemy troops stormed toward the Dragonpit, relentless and numerous, but Casadei was equally determined. One after another, solo attackers clashed against her defenses, only to be driven back. Her horses held their ground, repelling each new wave with remarkable resilience. The enemy sent several waves, solo attacks and even a rally, hoping to overwhelm her with sheer numbers, but Casadei and her troops stood firm, turning each attack away with grit and courage. 

Soon, the enemy forces were decimated and focused on other objectives on the battlefield. 

In that moment, she felt triumphant. Against the odds, she was holding the Dragonpit, carving out a small victory in a sea of struggles. Her confidence soared as she watched the enemy troops retreat. For the first time, she felt the spark of what victory in the Arena could feel like. This was her battle, and as long as she drew breath, she would fight.

Chapter 4: The Mines and Desperate Choices

As the game moved past its midpoint, the mines opened, presenting Casadei’s team with an opportunity to earn much-needed points. She immediately called out for allies to join her in a rally. Yet again, her voice was met with silence. She decided to try and hold only a single Altar of the Maiden, with her weakest army.

Undeterred, she recalled two of her other marches and secured the closest mines. Her main march could easily take a mine. Much to her surprise, her 2nd march was lucky to find an easy counter and was also triumphant.

But the enemy houses had been monitoring her movements, and in response, they launched counterattacks on both the Dragonpit and the most essential altars she’d painstakingly secured.

Alone in the fray, Casadei was forced into a difficult decision. Knowing she couldn’t defend everything, she made the calculated sacrifice to give up some territory in exchange for holding the mines and draining their points. Despite her best efforts, the losses hurt. She fought to retain control of the Dragon Pit and one Altar of the Maiden, moving from skirmish to skirmish, but the tide was turning, and the score reflected her team’s dwindling chances.

Chapter 5: The Final Push and the City of Glory

With only ten minutes remaining, Casadei’s stamina, and that of her horses, was wearing thin. Yet, with a fierce determination burning within her, she knew she had to make one last stand. Victory was slipping through her fingers, but if she could hold the City of Glory, her team might still end the game victorious. Summoning every last ounce of courage, she rallied her remaining forces, calling her team to join her in an assault on the ultimate fortress.

Only one ally responded, but together, they amassed a rally of one million troops, a fraction of the three million defenders standing guard over the City of Glory. As her troops marched toward the massive walls, anticipation and fear gripped her heart. This was it! All her training, all her efforts, had led her here. The fortress loomed before her like an immovable giant.

The clash was fierce but swift. Outnumbered, with a mix of lower tyer troops, and lacking proper reinforcements, her forces were quickly overpowered. The City of Glory remained unclaimed, untouched by her assault. Her troops limped home, decimated and demoralized, a mirror of the defeat she felt looming over her.

Chapter 6: Reflections of a Warrior

As Casadei looked at her returning troops, battered and worn, a deep sense of defeat mingled with an unexpected glimmer of pride. She had given her all, commanding her team, defending key points, and fighting with unwavering resolve.

Though she hadn’t claimed victory, she’d earned her place, rising to 4th in Total Elimination points and 5th in Total Healing points, a testament to her unyielding spirit.

Ultimately securing 4th place for her house, allowed her to avoid a loss of points, proving that her efforts had not been in vain.

This first taste of the Arena of Honor had been bitter yet invaluable, teaching her the thrill of holding the Dragonpit, the pressure of leading alone, and the resilience needed for a final stand. Today, the City of Glory had eluded her grasp, but her heart remained steady, her fire kindled. Someday, she would return stronger, more prepared, and claim the victory that awaited her.