A Steeled Resolve
The allied camp buzzed with the organized chaos of an army preparing for war. Soldiers sharpened their weapons, leaders barked commands, and supplies were loaded onto carts. The morning air was heavy with anticipation, the knowledge of what lay ahead casting a shadow over the army's collective resolve.
Leon stood at the forefront, dressed in his battle armor. His expression was calm but determined as he watched the preparations unfold. Bjorn and Nathan flanked him, their presence a steadying force.
"Are we ready?" Leon asked, his voice steady.
Bjorn nodded. "The troops are mobilized. The Eastern prince has taken point with his spirit animals, and the Arabic forces are securing the flanks."
Nathan added, "The princess is as impatient as ever, but she's on board. The plan's in motion."
Leon exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting toward the horizon where Fleur's capital loomed in the distance. "Then it's time."
---
Lyara's Warning
As the army began its march, Lyara rode alongside Leon, her crimson robes stark against the muted tones of the allied forces. The glowing crystal hung from her neck, pulsing faintly with each step.
"You need to understand something, Mondell," she said, her tone serious. "The closer we get to the relic, the more unstable it will become. Its energy will disrupt everything—your troops, your communication, even your own powers."
Leon glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "And yet you're asking us to march straight into its reach."
Lyara's lips pressed into a thin line. "Because there's no other choice. If we hesitate, Fleur will unleash it before we can stop them."
Leon's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "Then we don't hesitate."
---
Atlas's Quiet Observations
Further back in the procession, Atlas rode silently, his eyes scanning the surrounding terrain. His presence had sparked whispers among the soldiers—some grateful for his return, others wary of his motives. He ignored them, his focus entirely on Leon.
He couldn't help but notice the way Leon carried himself now—more confident, more commanding. It was a stark contrast to the sheltered, sickly young man he had once known. Atlas felt a pang of guilt, mixed with a grudging admiration.
"You're watching him again," Bjorn said, riding up beside him.
Atlas tensed, but he didn't deny it. "He's changed."
Bjorn's expression hardened. "He had to. You weren't here."
Atlas flinched at the words, but he didn't respond. Bjorn's glare lingered a moment longer before he rode ahead, leaving Atlas alone with his thoughts.
---
The Eastern Vanguard
At the front of the army, the Eastern prince led his forces with quiet efficiency. His tiger spirit animal padded alongside him, its luminous form a source of reassurance for his troops. The terrain grew rockier as they approached Fleur's border, the shadows of the capital's towering walls visible in the distance.
One of his lieutenants approached, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, scouts report movement near the northern ridge. It could be a Fleurian ambush."
The prince nodded, his expression calm. "Dispatch the spirit scouts. If they find anything, alert the main force immediately."
The lieutenant saluted and rode off, leaving the prince to contemplate the path ahead. He glanced back at the allied forces, his gaze lingering on Leon.
"Let's see if you truly have what it takes, Mondell," he murmured to himself.
---
Tension at the Border
As the allied army reached Fleur's border, the landscape shifted dramatically. The once-dense forests gave way to open plains, their golden grasses swaying in the wind. In the distance, Fleur's capital loomed like a dark monolith, its spires piercing the sky.
Leon signaled for the army to halt, his hand raised high. The soldiers stopped in unison, their silence heavy with anticipation. He dismounted and walked to the war table that had been hastily set up by the commanders.
"We're within striking distance," Leon announced, his voice carrying over the gathered leaders. "This is our last chance to adjust the plan. If anyone has concerns, speak now."
The Arabic princess stepped forward, her arms crossed. "My forces are ready, but the closer we get to that relic, the more we'll need your Guides to stabilize the energy."
Leon nodded. "Nathan, ensure the Guides are positioned strategically. They'll be our anchors."
The Eastern prince spoke next, his tiger's luminous eyes fixed on the map. "The northern ridge is a vulnerability. If Fleur sets an ambush there, we'll be exposed."
"Then we'll secure it," Leon said. "Bjorn, take a squad and reinforce the ridge."
Bjorn saluted. "Consider it done."
Lyara hesitated before speaking, her voice cutting through the tension. "Once we're in the relic's range, everything changes. The closer we are, the more unstable it will become. Be prepared for anything."
---
A Moment of Quiet
As night fell, the allied camp settled into an uneasy calm. Soldiers huddled around campfires, their conversations quiet and subdued. Leon sat by one such fire, Eli asleep in his lap. He gently stroked his son's hair, his mind racing with the weight of what was to come.
Atlas watched from a distance, his heart aching at the sight. He wanted to approach, to offer comfort, but he knew his presence would only complicate things.
Instead, he turned his gaze toward the capital, its dark silhouette ominous against the starry sky. "Tomorrow," he whispered to himself. "Tomorrow, I'll prove I'm still worthy."