At dawn, the sound of marching boots echoed down the winding mountain road. The elite battalion, two hundred strong, approached Mont Verdain with disciplined precision. These were the best-trained and best-equipped soldiers on the island, personally organized under Bruno's command. They were clad in durable uniforms with reinforced leather padding. Slung across their shoulders were semi-bolt action rifles, a weapon designed and produced under Bruno's industrial reforms.
Leading the battalion was Captain Auguste Vallier, a battle-hardened officer with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. He raised his hand, signaling the column to halt as they reached the main gate. A sentry on the wall gave a confirming shout.
"Open the gates!"
