**Olympus Front**
Alex stood atop a great hill overlooking a sea of tents that divided the forces. His first legion surrounded the main tent, and behind him, over fifty Imperial Guards stood watch, gripping their spears, while others held rifles at the ready. The scene before him was tense, but Alex's mind was already racing ahead, focused on the challenge at hand: penetrating the great forest defenses. The trees were impossibly thick, even a full-powered slash from him couldn't fell one.
Overhead, bombers and support aircraft launched attacks as part of their regular sorties. It had been three months since the offensive was halted, and now different commanders and generals were working tirelessly on crafting an endgame plan. Resources were being pulled from across the empire, and simulations ran nonstop.
"What's the status of the enemy's army?" Alex asked Axe, who stood beside him.
"Over five million titans and mercenaries are guarding that forest. From what my men gathered, the other half is setting up traps, while five million more are stationed at the capital. The forest itself is filled with elves, dwarves, and many human mercenaries equipped with rare weapons and blessed by the gods of Tyrell," Axe explained, his gaze fixed forward. "They're trying to drain our manpower, but they don't realize they can level the playing field unless they adopt gunpowder tech."
"Yes, they could adapt anytime," Alex agreed. "But they're too prideful to use the weapons of man. They prefer magic, and their pantheon of gods enforces that preference. However, the reign of man is coming." With that, Alex turned and made his way toward the HQ, seeking progress on the war plan.
---
**Olympus Front HQ**
Inside the command tent, generals used magic projectors to communicate, while the marshals of the Draconian Empire and Grand Marshal Dimitri awaited Alex's arrival. When he entered, they all stood and greeted him with a bow.
"Your Majesty," they addressed him in unison.
Alex nodded, motioning for them to proceed. "I know everyone's tired, so let's get to the point. What's the progress?"
Dimitri stepped forward with the war plan, outlining the resources and units allocated for the operation. "The first phase will be shelling and carpet bombing to clear some of the more immediate threats to our troops. This will commence at 2 PM tomorrow," he explained.
Alex nodded, his eyes scanning the projections of the battlefield.
"The navy will begin a naval invasion from the north. The 1st Marine Corps will land on the beaches and establish a beachhead, dividing the enemy's forces. Meanwhile, we'll launch a night assault. Infantry and tanks will advance while the Imperial Forbidden Cavalry will charge ahead to break through the enemy defenses. Once they breach the lines, they'll dismount and support the infantry assault with mounted weapons," Dimitri continued, gesturing toward the holographic map.
"What legions and units are assigned to the assault?" Alex asked.
"For the Olympus front, we have the 1st Legion, the 1st Armored, 3rd Mechanized Divisions, and the 1st Army of Olympus. The enemy vanguard consists of selected knight groups under various gods. As for the Draconian front, the 4th Legion will be deployed, including their 3rd Armored, 2nd Mechanized Divisions, and the 7th Legion's 1st Infantry Division," Dimitri explained. "For the Cossack front, the 8th Legion will lead the offensive with the 5th Armored Division, 2nd Mechanized Division, and the 5th Corps of the Muscovy Army. The cavalry units assigned are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Corps."
Alex nodded in approval. "Proceed."
Dimitri continued, "The third phase will commence at 2 AM. Once the enemy fortifications are secured, combat engineers will clear a path for the armored vehicles. The infantry will push forward and secure the area. At 6 AM, artillery and naval bombardments will begin, targeting any remaining enemy strongholds, while the marines will force the enemy to retreat toward the city. Finally, at 8 AM, a full-scale combined arms offensive will be launched. You, Your Majesty, will face Chronos and other gods. Our soldiers will handle the titans."
"Estimated casualties?" Alex asked solemnly.
"Over two million soldiers will be involved, with expected dead and injured around 300,000," Dimitri responded, the room growing heavy with tension. Even though they expected the number, hearing it aloud made it all too real.
"I see," Alex replied, his grip tightening on the chair until it cracked slightly. After a moment of reflection, he continued, "Have our men train for the next few months leading up to the operation. Every soldier, down to the squad level, must understand the plan. Tell them they have three months to prepare, to write letters to their loved ones, and to enjoy what little moments remain. For some, the next time they are seen, it will be in a coffin. For others, they may return alive but broken, missing limbs."
The ominous words hung in the air, and the commanders silently nodded. They knew what was at stake.
As the meeting concluded, Alex exited the tent, knowing that a new training regimen would begin tomorrow. He gazed out toward the great forest. Though he could easily break through it with his powers, he needed to demonstrate that the empire's strength wasn't just in its ruler but in its well-trained and capable army. The world needed to see that Draconia had both fangs and wings—forces that would fly and strike hard even when he wasn't there.
Looking up at the sky, he inhaled the familiar scent of gunpowder, blood, and death. This war had tested him and his empire in ways that forced him to choose calculated strategy over sheer power. He was building a legacy, proving that the children of Draconia could stand as pillars of strength, even when he wasn't directly fighting.
---
**Atlantis - High Kingdom of Olympus**
In the city of Atlantis, on the east side governed by Poseidon, the 1st Marine Corps of Draconia was stationed on standby. Inside the command tent, Major General Walker read a newly delivered set of orders. He burned the document after reading it and immediately called for his commanders.
A few minutes later, company, battalion, and divisional commanders gathered.
"We've received new orders," Walker began. "In three months, we will begin the final operation to end this war. I want our men battle-ready with enhanced close combat training, rapid reaction drills, and mobile tactics. We are the 1st Marine Corps, and we will set the standard for the rest of the corps. The estimated death toll for the entire force is 300,000. We will make sure that number does not include any of our own."
"Yes, sir!" the commanders responded in unison, determination burning in their eyes.
The first fleet was ordered to send a squadron to assist in transporting the 1st Marine Corps, and soon preparations for the final offensive were underway.
**To be continued...**