The vast human army marched, the rhythmic sound of their boots echoing across the land. Banners waved in the wind, and the horizon was filled with a sea of helmets, spears, and shields. Among them, Amukelo, Eliss, and Kael moved with a silent unease, a tension that had little to do with the upcoming battle.
Amukelo's senses had always been sharp, honed from his years of training. The air felt off, the mana currents strange and discordant. It wasn't the natural flux of energy; this was something different, something... tainted.
He glanced around, observing the landscape. Everything appeared normal on the surface, but his gut told him otherwise. The uncanny precision of the human army's movements, the convenient absence of attacks on their homeland, and the seemingly premature gathering of forces at the borders. These weren't mere coincidences.
Walking closer to Eliss and Kael, he whispered, "Something's not right."
Eliss looked over, her brows furrowing, "What do you mean?"
"There's a weird mana resonance in the air, can't you feel it? Plus, consider everything that's happened. Why were the humans spared from the undead attack? Why were they ready at the borders, almost expecting this?"
Kael, rubbing his chin, added, "I did find it strange that the humans, among all races, were prepared well in advance. It's as if they knew of the impending doom."
Eliss seemed thoughtful, "You think there's a mole? "
Amukelo hesitated, then said, "I fear it's bigger than that. I suspect the human king might be corrupt, maybe even cooperating with Valarian."
Eliss looked shocked, "That's a grave accusation, Amukelo. We need evidence."
"I know, but it's more than a hunch. It's the little things that don't add up," he replied, looking ahead.
Kael added, "If this is true, we could be walking into a trap. The army, us... we'd be lambs for the slaughter."
Eliss took a deep breath, "Alright. Say this is true, what's our move?"
Amukelo looked determined, "We need to be vigilant, gather evidence, and most importantly, be prepared for any surprises. If the king is under Valarian's influence, the ramifications could be catastrophic."
Kael nodded, "For now, we march. But eyes wide open, and watch each other's backs."
The trio made their way through the vast sea of soldiers, seeking out General Aldric. They found him on horseback, leading the front line, his posture one of authority and readiness. As they approached, Aldric's keen eyes took note of them.
"Ah, the champions," Aldric greeted with a nod, his voice carrying a hint of respect. "What can I do for you?"
Amukelo wasted no time, "General, we have some concerns regarding the upcoming assault. There are certain anomalies that don't add up."
Aldric's sharp gaze settled on him. "Go on."
Briefly, Amukelo relayed their suspicions, pointing out the oddities that had caught his attention. The human army's timely preparation, the selective attacks on other capitals but not on the humans, the strange mana in the air – all of it hinted at something amiss.
Aldric listened intently, his face giving away no emotion, but his eyes reflecting deep thought. When Amukelo finished, the general sighed heavily, "You echo the very concerns that have been gnawing at me.
The king's orders seemed hasty, and the lack of an undead attack on our homeland is indeed suspicious."
Eliss intervened, "Then we should reconsider this attack. If our suspicions hold any weight, we might be marching to our doom."
The general looked torn. "I've served this kingdom loyally for decades. My duty is to follow the king's command. But without concrete evidence, I cannot and will not defy a direct order. The repercussions for such an act would be severe, not just for me, but for the entire army."
Kael nodded, understanding the general's predicament. "We're not asking you to defy the king, but perhaps there's a way to be cautious while following orders."
Aldric nodded slowly, "We will march, as commanded. But I promise this: at the first sign of treachery, the first hint that this is a trap, we will retreat. I won't lead my men into a massacre."
Amukelo met the general's gaze, appreciating the weight of responsibility Aldric bore. "Thank you, General. That's all we ask."
With a mutual understanding, the group parted ways. The vast army continued its march, but now with many more eyes vigilant for any hint of deception or danger. The future was uncertain, but they were united in their resolve to face whatever lay ahead.