The sun was setting over Red Hollow, and the dense night mist was beginning to spread over the battlefield beyond the magical barriers of the base. The air carried the metallic scent of blood mixed with damp earth, and the deep voices of soldiers blended with the heavy sound of boots against the ground.
Lian walked through the courtyard, feeling the accumulated fatigue of the past few days' training weigh on his shoulders. His body was still covered in bruises and cuts from the intense training with Viktor, but he had no time to rest. With each passing day, he felt his body growing stronger, his endurance increasing, yet his spirit remained heavy.
Then he saw it.
The large entrance to the base swung open with a bang, revealing a group of soldiers returning from patrol.
Lian felt a chill run down his spine when he saw their condition.
