Days flashed by in the blink of an eye. Zegi and Thawed yawned while Ferals chirped. The fresh morning dew decorated the grass a crystal green color.
Families got up, readying themselves for their daily duties inside Krugi. Outside, the quiet sunrise brought out the hidden tranquility every Variant tucked away inside their hearts.
When outside of conflict, Koroth was a beauty. A marvel for every single creature to call home. Regardless of their stance in reality.
Water ran down the inside of metal buckets. It was the Thawed ritual for flowing water doing it's job. In seconds, blessed buckets filled up until it was impossible to continue without it overflowing.
Some Variants placed their buckets over their fireplaces to heat it up. Turning cold water into warm water. While the rare few continued until the water was boiling.
Regardless of their preference, every Variant washed their bodies. Pulling themselves out of their drowsiness. Making them feel active once again.
Armor plates slid onto armor frames, locking the Eteni wool in place. Straps designed to keep different portions of armor together tightened.
While those that weren't participating in any conflict covered their naked bodies with outfits designed for the everyday life inside a Legion's protection.
Husbands and wives prepared rich breakfasts for their mates, their method of conveying their emotions towards each other. Yet there was an underlying side to these voiceless words.
At times, when families could afford it, they would make their partner's favorite meals for breakfast. Not just to show their love, but to also spend their final morning together before conflict.
Steaming meats, vegetables, and soups get placed on the table. Drinks were also distributed. Wine and juices were the favored choices. The few who didn't want either enjoyed glacier cold water.
Once everyone's bellies were full, they stepped outside. Variants walked up to their neighbors and waved them good morning and good luck.
Friends hugged each other as a sign of good hope. Tender hearts left unchanged by Imbushko's unrelenting conflict, except for the Ophus ones.
Ophus warriors and elites rose from their sleeps and carried out their morning routines as usual. But instead of exiting their homes after their meal, they bowed in front of their fireplaces.
Knees bent, holding their weight as they submitted to no one. Their heads between their hands, the soothing vibrations in their throats as they enunciated an honor.
Some honored their families, others the great march, some even honored their beasts of war. Everything they could think of, they honored.
Their positions submissive in appearance to represent their gratitude towards their honors. In their branch of the Infinus Legion, it was everything.
Being originally part of the Ophus Legion meant having a heart meant to endure. Being softhearted meant seeing reflections of those they care for within those they fight against.
Having a heavy heart meant they would get injured, slaughtered, tortured. But regardless of what happened to them, they would have the courage to push through until its impossible.
Just to protect those who are not in danger. If they go down, then their legacy gets honored by the rest of the Legion.
A tradition Enoptes continues long after the death of their former leader.
Rough voices greet each other, asking their neighbor if they are prepared for a brutal walk through Imbushko and up to Digon.
Some played a game engraved into Zegus tradition called Sjulsor. Where one Variant would hold an object big enough to carry in their arms, while tackling and fighting others off the object.
Ukaley watched their game rage on from afar. Her eyes noted down every little detail. Kick, punch, shove, push, everything became embedded into her fresh memory.
Distracting her from another Thawed elite named Reveria. She planted her longbow beside Ukaley, making sure to stand still and silent beside her.
The two awkwardly stood in silence. Keeping their minds off it by watching the game continue, until it abruptly ended. One shirtless Zegus emerged the victor.
His arms spread like a Sky Beast's wings, showing off his unrivaled strength. The others got back up and bowed their heads, showing their respect and honorable defeat.
In return, the victor bowed his head too. Showing no shame in losing, while remaining humble himself.
Ukaley turned her head to the side, catching a glimpse of Reveria. Which caused her to flinch away, not wanting to make eye contact with her.
Sensing the discomfort in her actions, Reveria got closer to her. Wrapping Ukaley inside one of her arms, keeping the shamed elite in a loving grasp.
Understanding it was too late to walk away, Ukaley embraced it. She planted her head on Reveria's shoulder plates, showing a sense of trust and comfort.
Both elites remained this way for some time. Elite held elite, Thawed braced a Thawed. It was their little moment - a little treat for the other.
A third elite made his way out the door, seeing the unfamiliar display of two elites from different backgrounds embracing each other. This was Ideo, an elite who was in charge of Sernatacus' equipment.
The relatively peaceful and soothing Krugi slowed down his heartbeats. Causing his muscles to loosen up, it was the sign of him being comfortable inside a foreign place for the first time.
Slow paces of waking Variants and the singled out sounds across the city played a strange symphony that only those being there could understand. It was Krugi waking up.
Now, more and more Variants were waking up. Getting ready to rally outside the gates where the great march to Digon was going to take place.
Infinus elites began making their way out the door. Armors bearing the mystic blues and illusive blacks got washed by the sun's rays.
Although a new conflict was upon them, each elite did not seem bothered. In fact, they saw each other and jokingly commented on their situation.
"Going to get frozen alive, again?" Jakery joked. "Just don't face plant onto Light's pavements."
Certain elites, such as Risk and Valentine, took a moment to examine their groups. Suth offered Valentine a handful of Thawed in exchange for his services.
Seeing the opportunity to further educate more Thawed in his teachings, he accepted. Exchanging his assets as a blood manipulator for a group of loyal mountain-men.
Unlike him, Risk had no one to bring for the conflict. Only a singular Feral was going, that being him. Noticing his plan got implemented into the second siege, this was the chance to prove his crave for stunts worked.
Krugi's outskirts housed the various warriors and elites, doing last minute preparations before embarking on their journey to Digon's foot for another round.
Every warrior felt confident. As if they were sure Frosticus' corpse would be theirs once again, along with the mountain.
Ukaley and Reveria noticed their confidence. Instantly associating it to Enoptes' various armies, each warrior sharp and strong. Unrelenting and vicious. Confidence matched their power.
"Ophus, ready," Ideo notified Ether.
In response, his plated head nodded. He turned to face Encur's side. Rows of well decorated armors formed the right side of the march.
Tinzor approached, hand placed on the hilt of a sword he had sheathed. "Encur, ready."
With them prepared for the conflict, all they waited for was Valentine's word on their warriors and beasts.
Behind the main body of the march, Cemtrin and Sky Beasts supported the battalions. Heavy crates full of large explosives anchored each Cemtras in place.
Their massive frames cast shadows on everyone below them. Making the several large Thawed seem like regular Zegus. Each beast bowed, lowering themselves enough to allow their masters to climb aboard.
Sky Beasts screeched at one another. Giving out directions in a language designed from the blueprints of senseless sounds and obvious body movements.
Just like the Cemtrin, the Sky Beasts lowered their top wings. Giving each rider an easy time climbing on. They waited for their beasts to settle themselves down.
Some of the riders held onto their beasts as they pushed a selected one to the front. After they stopped, it and its rider looked around. While the rider was confused, the beast felt honored.
It was them selecting one of their own as 'the flight master.' Their own fancy term for temporary leader.
Valentine emerged from the sea of armor plates and beasts, followed by his group of Thawed. They stood behind him, weapons tied to their backs.
"Here it is. The words you've been waiting for, 'Infinus, ready,'" Valentine placed his hand on Ether's shoulder. "What you're leading right now is roughly the size of Solice's battalion."
"I'd rather not talk about him," Ether replied. "You might see him in me. But my reflection tells me I am someone else. I am not meant to continue his legacy, only the Coros lineage."
His Sherpa laughed. "If he heard those words coming out of your mouth, he would be proud. I'm not sure if you remember him, but he was rather keen on molding you into your own man."
Ether stepped aside, getting into sight of every other warrior while keeping his eyes on Valentine. "I guess he succeeded. If only he was here to witness my growth."
Warriors stepped forward, elites did too. They eagerly waited to hear what the tip of the arrow was going to say.
"Alright. We're here. The great march is about to begin. Regardless of the outcome, just know you are winners. Whether you fall or survive," Ether crossed his arms. "Digon awaits."