"Knights—hold the line! Don't let them push any further!"
The command cut through the chaos, sharp and steady.
"Mages, fall back and focus on disruption! You don't need to kill them—just slow them down!"
He turned slightly, already issuing the next order without pause.
"Guards, return to the inner districts and protect the citizens! Make sure evacuation routes stay open—no one gets left behind!"
His eyes found a familiar figure among the scattered fighters.
"Jacob!"
The leader of the Lapstone mercenaries snapped his head toward him.
"Take your men and assist the guards. Prioritize the civilians—get as many out as you can!"
There was a brief pause before Roverick added, his voice firm—
"Don't worry. The reward stands. That castle I promised you will be yours."
For a moment, something shifted.
The panic didn't disappear.
The fear didn't vanish.
But the chaos—
It lessened.
Just enough.
