Before the reinforcements arrived, Estia commanded a modest force: around fifty Awakened, seasoned fighters capable of exploiting their powers, surrounded by hundreds of laborers working on the construction of strategic roads. With the reinforcements, their numbers had doubled, temporarily bolstering their position. But this increase also brought significant logistical challenges.
The construction of the roads, essential for troop progression and resource transport, had to be halted. Aware of the urgency, Estia ordered the laborers to retreat to the fortress. A dozen soldiers were assigned to escort and protect them on their way. Estia remained on site, vigilantly observing the hole leading to the underground tunnel network, the core of their concerns.
During this time, she engaged in conversation with Captain Arkan, seeking to leverage his experience and observations.
