Ragnar, Savra, and Lucius stepped out to meet the Empire's armies. They didn't cower despite the overwhelming numbers arrayed before them.
At the head of the Empire's forces stood King Astorius. He narrowed his eye as he glanced at Ragnar, who stood confidently in front of him.
Beside him, Karion stood with a faint smirk as he glanced at the Ragnar, knowing the fate of Volcaria later on in this war today.
Ragnar was the first to speak as he stepped forward and mocked the king. "So, is this your answer, Astorius? To think that you are so afraid of us."
The air grew heavier as the Volcaria patriarch deliberately called the king name. Astorius immediately frowned as he took a step forward.
"How dare you, Volcaria! To dare address the king by name. Are you looking for death?
Ragnar smirked as he crossed his arms. "The moment you brought those armies to our gates, you ceased being our king. You made your choice, Astorius, long before this."
